I bought the PERFECT brand 3.0x viewfinder. Pretty amazing.

Check out www.CreativeLive.com. Hundreds of classes on photography and post processing. Many are free. I have one laptop running that site full time daily. I recommend Matt Kosloski on landscape and Ben Willmore on photoshop/Lightroom. Also... Carry a tripod, or... Carry a better tripod.

Ansel Adams sais something to the effect, "If you had 12 great shots this year, it was a good year."

Afford? If you have a cell phone and talent you can shoot anything.

I used 100-400 zoom from atop an RV at Pocono many times. Lots of elbow room and could shoot the 3rd and 4th turns pretty well. For several years a shot of Sterling Marlin on the Kodak car was my business card.

http://www.airgas.com/product/Safety-Products/Head%2C-Eye-%26-Face-Protection/Welding-Lens/Welding-Lens---Passive/p/RAD64005028

Here's a 4 1/2" x 5 1/2" lens for $3.25 at your local welding store. I'll pick one up tomorrow and see how I can duct tape it to my lens hood.

I've been watching your forum for some time. Always interesting. I've had a camera in my hand since 1955 when dad bought me a Tower darkroom. Great experiences.

My career(s) weren't photography but I've been published a few times and had some interesting paid assignments. Did a lot of horse photography when my daughter was competing. Now I mostly do travel and stock photos.

Avid Canon patron.

Thanks for adding me into the mix.

Jeff
www.PhotoKurtz.com