BackroadsTraveler

You have just reiterated my greatest concern over buying from EBay. The seller can make any claim about warranty, but where are they if something breaks in 4 months? I can say that I've bought both...

That looks almost identical to the Embraer turbo props I fly frequently, but with a jet engine instead of a turboprop. Overhead storage on one side only, probably pretty shallow and not as deep as...

I can ship my big Sigma, in the case and with plenty of packing material about half way across US for $17, insured. Rate is based on weight, distance and combined girth measurements of package, I...

I've no experience with Sony or Canon. But I can say that the 18-105 Nikon kit lens is an over-achiever.  If this is the lens you're being offered it would be a good place to start for a while.  I...

I have shipped my big Sigma 150-500 separately, and also have shipped assorted lenses, (all without issue) but never a camera body or my entire traveling bag.  I commute often on Delta's Embraer...

If it's bright and sunny, you should be able to keep the Sigma 150-500 at or near f8 and shutter speeds at 1/500 or faster. (Remember that the sweet spot of this lens is around f8. Try to avoid...

Thanks again, MarkInSF. I, too, was there in April, suffered through the high winds (and power outage at Stovepipe Wells).  I was overwhelmed, didn't have a good plan, wondered aimlessly and wasted...

Thanks, Kulay!! Most appropriate. I'm having a look now.

Definitely the 150-500. Even though you appear to be 'close', the 85 would likely leave you with shots which appear to be from a 'point and shoot'.  You probably don't need the full 500mm zoom for...

I can second that the Tokina 100 is a good lens. I have that and a Nikon 85 Micro. The Tokina is significantly less expensive, and every bit as good if not better. Difference between 85 and 100 for...

Thanks so much for the detailed advice. I've been to the park before, but never really thought about or planned the best times to be at the attractions. I'm printing your response, and will sit...

I'm traveling to Death Valley this weekend. Short, family vacation, but like to make plenty of photo stops whenever I travel. Never been there in mid summer. It's been 115-120 F for last week, more...

'Both' is a good choice. I use a monopod most of the time, and really like it. A monopod really won't allow you to do night landscapes, however. And be aware that there is a 'learning curve' and...

My 7000 rear screen gets and stays oily from contact with my face while shooting. Consequently, I clean often with the same solvents, tissue and microfiber I use for lenses.  I am not so careful...

Fun stuff for sure. As a Yankee fan, I look at the schedule before the season and try to find some games I can attend. This series was top of my list, but alack and alas, I had other commitments....

Brand is probably the least consideration. You'll be dealing with large files and intense graphics.  You should get as much memory (RAM) as you can afford. Get the fastest processor you can afford...

I grew up in the area, and remember them being a rare sight. Now they are plentiful along the Gulf Coast from High Island to Galveston, and especially in Galveston Bay and the canal.  I don't know...

Recent trip to Bolivar, TX Pelican and Gull Dance  Pelican at Galveston Ferry

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 18-105 Kit lens-it offers a lot of bang for the buck, and has good IQ, especially for the price range.   However, I just bought a 16-85 and absolutely...

To Monty Python they're all 'bleedin' seabirds'.