I use the Microsoft surface book i7 516GB with 16GB RAM and it can run PS/Lightroom for edits while it is doing stacking on Zerene at the same time. Moreover it runs all the standard software I need for my real job and life in general and I am familiar with the OS - win10 is sooo much better than even Win7

Apple computer products have a strong fan base but a relatively small presence in the real world - I am sure they can and do work fine and owners are obviously very happy with them. However, if you already use windows and have the associated software and experience, it means work to learn a new OS so be prepared to invest some time if you move to macs

I use the Microsoft surface book i7 516GB with 16GB RAM and it can run PS/Lightroom for edits while it is doing stacking on Zerene at the same time. Moreover it runs all the standard software I need for my real job and life in general and I am familiar with the OS - win10 is soo much better than even Win7

Apple computer products have a strong fan base but a relatively small presence in the real world - I am sure they can and do work fine and owners ar eobviously very happy with them. However, if you already use windows and have the software and experience, it means work to learn a new OS so be prepared to invest some time if you move to macs

I agree that entry level trial makes sense and the Huion 610 pro works well for me (77 USD)

I invested in the Huion 610PRO which has had good reviews and was 77 USD approx. on amazon. It had a bit of a klearning curve but for doing edges and using a "brush" the pen is sooo much better than either my touch ball or regular mice.

So regular mice can be beaten by options cheaper than 300 USD - maybe in time, I will learn that I should have spent more on a tablet but I would be interested to hear if folks who have used cheaper and more expensive units FOR PHOTO PP see a big difference?

Those of you who use the PEAK capture system might be interested in this variant that has just been added to their Kickstarter messenger bag program

see the BOTTOM of the scrolling are (looong way down!) at this site

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/peak-design/the-everyday-messenger-a-bag-for-cameras-and-essen

I find the Peak system really convenient for a "belt and braces" safety attachment to ensure my camera/lens cannot hit the deck if it slips from my tripods as well as a belt carrying option

Only thing to bear in mind is that with the NEEWER mount you need to be very careful always to tighten the clamp since there is little to stop the camera falling. this SHOULD be simple but I am not someone who always remembers to follow a process and so am unduly nervous about dropping my expensive toys

This Sirui monopod head offers a few advantages AS WELL as having a locking pin inside the head. I have Sirui tripod and ball head and their quality is excellent.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JZ7QZC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_5&smid=A3H8TVLP6KGHD6

Surely this is the point - there was a "guidance" that was a best guess for Mr. or Ms. Average to use for starters. However (not living in Lake Wobegon) many of us may be below average at the hand holding stillness trick and so, particularly if we combine that with a cropped body more responsive to camera shake, we need to come up with the personal variant of the average rule.

It is a bit like "how much Worcestershire sauce should I put in a bloody Mary?". There is a recipe but we all know how to tweak it to suit.

Interesting comment GrandmaG, I saw those reports in some of the detailed reviews and the effect did seem quite dramatic in the examples but I was quite swayed by one of the earlier commenters to this post who implied that perhaps this FL range lens might spend more time on centrally focused subjects than full landscapes (especially on my cropped body where 24 mm is not that wide).

I have the Tamron now and am still in at least 1.5 minds about it! From the preliminary run, it certainly will not be my sharpest lens but it is a lot better than the kit lens it would replace and, with the money saved, I can get my coveted MP-E 65 mm supermacro as well

General reply to all on this post - again, I really appreciate the quick and wide ranging input - Got it out of the box yesterday so will post something when I have had a play

Bill - I appreciate your taking time to reply and you have piqued my curiosity and revealed yet another area of ignorance. While I have heard about micro adjustments to focusing to "mate" a particular lens to a particular individual camera body, I had not heard of "tuning to specs" in a generic way. Does this mean it became less effective on the 6d FF after the tuning?. Do many people do this and does it apply to all lens FLs ??

thanks

That was actually what started me looking - the Tamron got 5 stars! The magazine is PhotoPlus and is helpful in a lot of ways but still an "ad-fest"

thanks sonic,

I pressed the go button last night so we shall see later today what the lens really looks like - with amazon, at least it can go back easily if all is not well.

to others who responded, many thanks for the helpful input. The driver in the end that made me decide on trying the Tamron was the VC and the fact the Sigma did not do as well as the other three in the head to head run by nikonguy (the utube sessions) and, given the UK pricing, the Sigma's advantage over the Tamron goes away.

good point!! I am assuming much "less so" but the Utube reviews were strictly FF focused.

Jethro - yes, this pricing is why I am amazed is is so cheap in the UK - equivalent to 892 USD

OOPS - I did not clarify - my response was to jerryc41 for suggesting the series at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV9ju8LmRfU