Hi, do you use both Tokina lenses on tripod only? I am interested in the Tokina 100mm F/2.8 macro lens and the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR micro lense. I do plan to use whichever lens I get for more than just macro/micro photography like portraits. I mostly shoot w/a Nikon 18-300mm 3.5-6.3. It's not pro glass like the Nikon 18-300 mm 3.5-5.6, however, I make a lot of people really happy just the same.

I am concerned that my ego may be directing more towards the Nikon 105mm micro. I have used the Tokina and the macro shots while using a tripod were great. I did not find the lens useful for anything else. The Nikon 105mm micro I tried in a local camera shop. It took really nice macro shots done in the store environment with a flash or tripod. It also took some great portrait shots and is some great glass with a very high price tag for someone who shoots more for fun than for money.

It makes me think I should stick with what I have and leave macro for those that can afford a single purpose specialty lens or those who earn enough to justify the business expense of the Nikkor 105mm micro lens.

For the time being, I'm just doing some research which hasn't cost me anything, so far.

Please ignore my questions. After I posted, I realized how stupid they sounded. This forum does not allow for editing your own posts so I could not delete it once it posted. If the monitors or admins are there and theye can delete me post, please do so. Thank you.

Hi, can you tell me does Topaz Studio allow for such edits and image straightening or cropping or any other basic editing? I have never used Topaz, but I was considering Clarity in Studio. I currently use LR6, PSE 15 and when I do some HDR, I use Photomatix. I also have some presets from Trey Ratcliff, which I think are pretty nice.

I am curious about Topaz as a possible solution to enhance or pop some flat raw files. Darn try as I might, some images are just flat and they require some boost in contrast, brightness or a slight kick in clarity. I've heard I'm not alone according to the Topaz rep that directed me to a sales page. ;o)

I also heard MacPhun is coming out with Aurora HDR for Windows and a possible asset management - LR replacement called Luminar for Windows. These are to release sometime this fall. Any thoughts?

Is anyone use a program called On1 ? If so, can you share your thoughts on that one?

Should I just stick with what I am using?

In advance, thank you.

-Greg

You got it. Thank you.

Will they eventually ban the use of cameras in the US? Many of the lakes and public water areas ban photo - taking as a precaution. They don't want anyone having photos that can be used to cripple or poison water supplies. Areas where power lines or telephone equipment is operational are also off limits. Photo-taking at airports or boat docks has also been discouraged. Pretty soon, we will be only able to do selfies against a neutral background while being monitored. A form of terrorism at its finest. The more freedoms we lose, the more terrorism wins. Terror-ism.

That said (sliding my soapbox under the desk), I don't disagree with taking precautions. I do agree with intelligent response. I disagree with fear-based reaction. Locking all the doors and windows and sealing up all access gives the wolf time to plan while those inside suffocate. Which is what the wolf wanted in the first place.

I apologize for my rant. I get frustrated looking back and seeing all the freedom we have lost or given away. Some due to incredible greed, some due to closed-minded stupidity, and loads more due to fear.

It's Memorial Day, here in the states. I am very grateful to all those who have served, sacrificed and given their lives so that we who live in this already great country can be free. Thank you for your service!!!

-Greg

Thanks. When it's time for license renewal, I will be reconsidering value vs frustration and cost. There could be some changes.

These shots are great! Nicely done.

I always hesitate when changing software. Photoshop became, at a time, more expensive than I was willing to invest in a hobby. I went with the baby version Elements for years. Along the way, I went back to hunt out Paintshop Pro, the old JASC program and found it was now owned by Corel Software. Corel has always had poor support, however, Paintshop pro is still a very decent editor.

I recently read some of UHH post regarding this Affinity Photo product by Serif. Again, Serif has always lacked when it comes to support and most of their products have had that "cheap alternative" feel and performance.

From what I've been reading, I'm beginning to think that Affinity Photo may be an alternative to PhotoShop, PhotoShop Elements and PaintShop Pro. I understand Affinity Photo does not support cataloging and Elements and PaintShop pro do, I just don't use it in favor of Lightroom.

I'm not making much money with my photography and would prefer to put money into glass and not licenses and subscriptions. I'm also becoming more of the mindset of keep it simple.

For the moment, I have no plans of buying another software package and my experience with Serif has not been good. I do hope users of Affinity Photo will continue to post their experience with the product. After thirty-eight years as an IT engineer, I know there is no perfect software program or package that fits all needs and there probably never will be. I like when new platforms emerge bringing a fresh metaphor and clean code. The one downside for Adobe has been maintaining development on a twenty plus year old platform. At some point adding and fitting modules complicates the product and support, slows performance and development, and adds a chunk of overhead requiring market leading cost of ownership. I guess that is why Adobe is providing software as a service so people can lease (not own) the software. It also extends their hold on customers because as soon as you stop paying, the software stops working. I'm old fashion in my desire to own and hold the product (DVD) or licensed downloads which continue to work while I'm not.

So, I hope all the Affinity Photo users will continue to share their experience with the product and any other platform that will help those of us who need affordable tools but have no photographically generated income. I have seen some great results from photographers who "PhotoShop" but do so using something else. I wonder who LightRooms using something else? lol

Thanks to all for providing this forum and your contributions which make UHH a very valuable resource for me.

-Greg

Thanks, John. I could spend all day taking photos along the shore, docks, beaches, seawalls, lighthouses, etc. I spend most of my camera my time along the Connecticut and Rhode Island shoreline. I really do need to focus my photographic energy on other topics such as more people, architecture and subjects that might help me pay for my camera and lenses. I have made a few dollars taking photos of people's boats for insurance or so they can show-off with a print for their office. Those were just luck as I had the camera and they had the boat and destiny brought us together at the right moment. I dream of making a retirement income with the camera, I just haven't found a way that keeps the fun in it.

Thanks, again, for the great shot!

Very, very nice. I really like the setting, the colors, the location. Where was this picture taken? Thank you.

Doesn't seem like it was a good idea. Oh, well.

NOt too many funny jokes these days. Thanks! This one made me chuckle. Now, I want a cheeseburger. ;o)

Nicely done. You got the dogs looking friendly, cute and ready to be adopted. Hopefully, your pictures will help them find good homes. Thanks for sharing your inspiring work.

Beautiful! Great shot.

Nice shot. We love the Cape. This photo brings back memories. I need to plan a visit to the Cape. Thanks.