Thanks Hank. Just read and I may need to get an 85mm down the road.

They do BebuLamar. They make two 18-200mm f3.5 and FE 24-240mm f3.5 but wouldn't these be pretty heavy?

OK Rook 2c4...the only lens I have is an FE 90mm f2.8 Macro G OSS. It was an open box ( used) lens from Best Buy which was not used at all by previous owner and was 40% off retail. Thats the only reason I purchased it first, the price and I knew it was a decent lens and I love macro shots. This is a really stupid question, can I use a macro lens for nonmacro shooting? Like I would an 85mm? If so I don't need to buy an 85mm in the future.

Thanks Jackpi. Thats sort of my thinking too..

I got some wonderful feedback from fellow members several months ago when I needed advise on buying a camera. I purchased a new Sony A7RII mirrorless after much deliberation. Knew this brand would have a steep and daunting learning curve but was going to have that anyway, not being a seasoned photographer, so decided to go for it. I now would like some advise on smart lens choices. I read somewhere that zooms are great when you can't use your legs, for what ever reason, to get to the best vantage point. Primes require your legs become the zoom to achieve the best vantage point. My thinking is since I love landscapes and they can be pretty far away and inaccessable, a zoom lets say 16-35mm, would be a great choice, and it wouldn't be crazy heavy. But to use nothing but zooms would make my less weighty camera pretty heavy and I want to avoid that as much as possible. I'm thinking of buying a couple of primes, let's say 50 or 55mm and an 85mm, for shooting things around me that I can walk to easily. I'm thinking this would keep the camera light and manageable and give me access to better quality lenses (good used lenses are what I look for first and foremost if I can't find those I'll buy new). Not interested in shooting birds or wildlife at this point so I don't need a long range zoom like 35-200mm. What say you my photography gurus?

Bravo Catmarley....that color is scrumptious for being impromptu... And to the guy who said we got hijacked...hehe...that we did...but maybe we know a little more about each other now and that's a good thing. And Bill, thanks for all the tips...I have to look them over again because there is so much there. Been thinking, I may not go FX...have kind of reconsidered....do I really need that much camera? The main goal is to enjoy the learning process and have fun. Sony is the way to go for FX mirrorless... Been looking at the Sony a7R ii and Fuji XT2, both have nice specs, one is full frame and the other crop... Have a feeling the Fuji system might be easier to learn. What say you Catmarley?

I, to some extent, agree with you berchman and Bill, they are compositions where she has complete control of the subject matter. Its all probably formulaic for her by now as all her shots pretty much say the same thing and evoke a common response from the viewer. They are still quite lovely.

I personally am more moved by, and find more gratifying, candid shots made where the photographer captures an honest reaction from a subject without interference from the photographer and has to think quickly on their feet to get the shot. But thats my taste. Guess thats why I admire photojournalists and nature photographers so much. To me, they have the opportunity to change the collective mindset of the world, one photograph at a time.

I applaud anyone who dreams, has a vision, finds a way to execute that vision, overcomes all obsticals, and does it beautifully. I want to do that someday through photography.

DeanS.. Read my reply to Haydon...its back at you Babe... She's ....I have no words left..

Thank you Haydon for that most beautiful experience of beyond the beyond...Elena Shumilova can bend time and fold light...extraordinary..

Berchman, thats great news about the lens..and checks another box for Fuji mirrorless..gosh.. this is a hard decision..where will DSLRs be 10 yrs from now, will they be pass?...will they be on the cutting edge anymore or will mirrorless be the best ? Everything is going digital..digital... and mirrorless seems to have a huge stake in making their product work to perfection..part of me wants to be a part of owning a DSLR, FX, with great AF capabilities, and some gorgeous lenses and love taking wonderful shots. I need to know more about mirrorless and what's in their future?

Thanks mrbob....that's a step in this process...inspecting image quality between between Canon, Nikon comparables and Fuji and Sony com parables...you right all the other stuff dont mean squat if you dont like the picture.

Thanks Okphotog, Fuji is looking good right now.

Steve, your now preaching to a member of the choir... I've pretty much decided to go mirrorless.. So its a Fuji XT2 or a Sony A6500 ...just need to put my hands on both of them and get a feel for the camera and see which system will be easiest and fun for me to learn...then I'm going to lift a Canon EOS SD Mark IV with 85mm lens attached and a Nikon D 810 with 85mm lens attached and see who feels like home...hehe.

Thanks berchman, you and catmarley...are selling me on Fuji....now I just need to zero in on the best body...XT2...but I still want to see the Sony A6500.