You said, "I did have the lens extended all the way out." Do you mean you had it at 500mm? You may have "over-zoomed" to the point just beyond where the lens could focus.

I don't make a shot list, however I do research the area to which I am going. During that process, I do see photos that others have taken and many are "just another point and shoot." There are a lot of similar pictures out there. Try to take something different - from another point of view . . . in other words, a photograph.

RE: "Technically, mama took your Kodachrome processing away." I invite your attention to
http://rockymountainfilm.com/oldfilm.htm

I have had a Kodak AZ652 which has a 65X zoom from 24mm to 1650mm. I gave that to my grandson when I purchased the Kodak AZ901 which has a 90X zoom from 22mm to 1980mm. Both cameras have similar functions with the 901 being a bit larger. I especially like the "Smart Ring" feature which can be programmed to quickly change a given setting. I use it primarily to change the exposure setting - usually somewhere between -1 to +1 depending upon the lighting.

Kodak is coming out with the AZ1000 with, I believe, 102X zoom from 19.5mm to 1989mm. I know nothing more about that camera such as price, etc. but it is supposed to be like the two cameras discussed above.

Here's a link to the AZ901: https://kodakpixpro.com/cameras/astro-zoom/az901

Good morning, Steve. I have a Kodak Pixpro AZ901 and I love it. It has everything from Auto to Manual to Special Settings. I've zoomed to take a photo of a Great Blue Heron across a pond and then, feeling a tickle on my left hand, was quickly able to take a closeup of a dragonfly resting on my index finger. It is a Bridge Camera. No changing lenses of a DSLR. Look for the camera here: https://kodakpixpro.com/cameras/astro-zoom/az901. Note the "Smart Ring" that can be programmed to change a selected setting quickly. No matter the camera you purchase, don't get suckered into buying accessories with the camera purchase. I did from someplace in Long Island, NY. I got a cheap and crummy tripod that was worthless among other things. (This was NOT with the currently described camera which I purchased directly from the link above.)

I visited those areas back in the good old days of 35mm cameras (1971). I had with me two of them: one with a 28mm lens; the other with an 85-205mm zoom. Now, I would take my trusty bridge camera (Kodak PIXPRO AZ901) from macro and 22mm to 1980mm optical. None of the hassle of changing lenses.

Have fun on your trip!

Take a look at the Kodak PIXPRO AZ901. The manual with specs is on line. It as a 90X optical zoom up to 1980mm (35mm equiv.) and WiFi. Cost is a bit under $500.

Rather than buying yet another lens for macro, I have a Fujifilm Finepix S9200 camera with a "super-macro" setting. I have taken a photo of an insect on the exterior side of a pane of glass in my front door while the camera lens was touching the interior side of the pane of glass. One cannot get much closer than that!

Has anybody suggested a good bridge camera? Perhaps your grandson would like to carry a camera and take a wide assortment of photos rather than having to carry a camera and three or more lenses to take the same assortment. With a bridge camera, like the Kodak PIXPRO AZ652 or AZ901 for example, he could take a closeup of a butterfly and then zoom in to an eagle in a distant tree - all without the hassle of changing lenses. The AZ's have a lot of different settings from Auto to Manual and many different features. They're worth a look and serious consideration.

"I have this XYZ Camera with 10 lenses. What lens should I buy?" or "Which is better? The ABC Camera or the DEF Camera?" Sound familiar? I have the AZ901 which has recently updated firmware to allow for quicker focusing. I can go from macro to 1290mm in a couple seconds. No changing lenses, no bulky bag(s) to carry. Just me and my camera.

Anybody else have this particular camera? What are your thoughts?

Is it just me or do other people find the noise from a digital camera annoying? I have muted my camera. Animals and birds are no longer startled when I take their photos. I can take photos at a wedding - even during the "I do" - and there is just the "I do" with no loud, distracting and annoying "Ka-Lunk!" (I also use natural lighting; not flash.) The birds and animals continue what they do naturally rather than stare at the camera or leave the scene. Even my ancient 35mm cameras didn't make as much noise as some of the digital cameras that are used these days.

Shhhh. I enjoy the silence.

Members here have commented about not using a flash, staying out of the pro's way, respecting the bride's wishes etc. I didn't see a comment about "silencing one's camera." I don't know about other members, but I find it annoying whenever I hear a digital camera do its "ka-lunk!" when it takes a picture. I would like to see this discussed . . . briefly. Thanks.

I read a story once about a photographer who had his photos on display in a high end gallery. A woman, who was a renown chef, commented on his works with, "What wonderful photos! What kind of camera do you have?"
The woman wanted to impress some friends so she invited the photographer to supper that evening. "A small, intimate affair." After the meal, the photographer leaned back in his chair and said, "Mrs. Adams, that was a wonderful meal! What kind of stove do you use?"

I'd suggest the Kodak PIXPRO AZ901. It has the viewfinder, manual focus, a "smart ring" which you can program to change settings quickly, among other things. Zoom from 22mm to 1980mm - optical. You can find the manual on line with specs. When I first started shooting 35mm about 50 years ago, I had two cameras - one with a spot focus only and one which had both spot and average. I had three lenses: 28mm, 55mm and zoom from 80 - 260mm. At the time, I thought that was great. Now, why would anybody spend money on several lenses when one lens can do so much? I'd rather spend that extra money on another trip with my camera in hand.

I shall look into the mat (non-glare) finish the next time I order. Thanks for the post.