Africa!!

[Judy G. Russell]

I can hardly believe it, but I'm really going to Africa -- a week in South Africa, followed by another week in Botswana, ending up at Victoria Falls.Has anybody been on a safari? What can I expect? (We're going at the beginning of June.)

I am sooooo excited...

[ndebord]

I can hardly believe it, but I'm really going to Africa -- a week in South Africa, followed by another week in Botswana, ending up at Victoria Falls.Has anybody been on a safari? What can I expect? (We're going at the beginning of June.)

I am sooooo excited...

Judy,

I'm sooo jealous. <g> Never been, will reread Hemingway right away.

Capetown, according to a friend, is a must.

[Judy G. Russell]

Capetown, according to a friend, is a must.Doesn't look like Capetown is in the cards for this trip and, as nice as I have heard it is, it's still a city. Not exactly a high priority for a trip to Africa, IMO.

[ndebord]

Doesn't look like Capetown is in the cards for this trip and, as nice as I have heard it is, it's still a city. Not exactly a high priority for a trip to Africa, IMO.

Judy,

If you do not go, you will regret it, this from a cousin who lives there.

[Mike]

I'm really going to Africa
<envy>

Our assistant system administrator is a native of South Africa. Shall I ask him for advice on what to see/where to go/etc.?

[davidh]

I assume you will take more than one camera. Or at least some backup media.

David H.

And batteries ?

Do you need a power converter too ?

[Judy G. Russell]

If you do not go, you will regret it, this from a cousin who lives there.I'm sure your cousin believes that. And if I had unlimited time and resources, I would certainly go. But time will be short, much shorter than I'd like, and I don't expect to get to the west coast at all.

[Judy G. Russell]

Our assistant system administrator is a native of South Africa. Shall I ask him for advice on what to see/where to go/etc.?Please. Particularly in Johannesburg. We're going to have at least one and possibly two days there.

[Judy G. Russell]

I assume you will take more than one camera. Or at least some backup media. And batteries ? Do you need a power converter too?I'm pretty well decided on buying a Canon DSLR for this trip (probably the new Rebel Xsi (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=16303)) and one long lens (either the 70-300 IS (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=150&modelid=11922) or the pricier but much smaller 70-300 DO IS (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=150&modelid=9996)). I may not keep it afterwards; I may end up eBay-ing it (I really don't like lugging the weight around). But I really think I will regret it if I don't have one for the trip. So I'm probably going to bring the Canon DSLR plus the Canon S5.

Both take SD cards; I have 4Gb in SD cards now and will at least double that. Then I'm pretty much convinced that I should get a portable storage unit like the Archos 605 (http://www.archos.com/products/gen_5/archos_605wifi/tech_specs.html?country=global&lang=en).

Batteries will need recharging no matter what, and I will bring a small international power strip and chargers for the batteries and Archos plus any kind of car charger I think might reasonably work out in the bush.

[ndebord]

I'm sure your cousin believes that. And if I had unlimited time and resources, I would certainly go. But time will be short, much shorter than I'd like, and I don't expect to get to the west coast at all.

Judy,

Well, take lots of shots with your new camera that we can oooohhh and aaahh over!

<g>

[Judy G. Russell]

Well, take lots of shots with your new camera that we can oooohhh and aaahh over! <g>I certainly hope to do just that very thing...

[Mike]

I'll see what I can find out.

[Judy G. Russell]

I'll see what I can find out.Great, thanks!

[Mike]

Great, thanks!
Yer welcome.

Here's what James had to say...

First, he recommends against Jo'burg (the local name for it). He says Capetown is much nicer and fun to see, and safer. He also likes the countryside.

If you must go to Jo'burg, then try your damnedest not to look like tourists. He says don't carry fancy, expensive cameras, because they'll make you a target. With the low wages and the favorable exchange rate, items that can easily be taken, carried, and fenced are very popular for thieves and muggers.

He also suggests that passports not be carried, but checked with the U.S. embassy, who will issue a "travel document" that's valid within SA.

That being said, any specific questions about SA or Jo'burg?

[Judy G. Russell]

...any specific questions about SA or Jo'burg?Yes. We'll be staying in Randburg -- is there anything in that area we should try to see? (We'll only have a day or two in J'Burg, probably none in Cape Town, and lots of time out in the countryside in the Kwazulu Natal region.) Thanks!

[Mike]

Checking...

[ndebord]

Yes. We'll be staying in Randburg -- is there anything in that area we should try to see? (We'll only have a day or two in J'Burg, probably none in Cape Town, and lots of time out in the countryside in the Kwazulu Natal region.) Thanks!

Judy,

With just a cursory search, this came up.

http://www.southafricaguide.eu/johannesburg


"By the late 1990s, Johannesburg was rated as one of the most dangerous cities in the world."

[Judy G. Russell]

With just a cursory search, this came up: "By the late 1990s, Johannesburg was rated as one of the most dangerous cities in the world."Yeah, which is why we're not really looking to do a whole lot in the city itself. But there are some things in the area that seem like they'd be quite nice.

[ndebord]

Yeah, which is why we're not really looking to do a whole lot in the city itself. But there are some things in the area that seem like they'd be quite nice.

Judy,

I'm done with the advice. Enjoy the whole enchilada! I'm still sooo jealous!

We require pics.... lots and lots!

<VBG>

[ndebord]

Yeah, which is why we're not really looking to do a whole lot in the city itself. But there are some things in the area that seem like they'd be quite nice.

Judy,

FYI.

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct=us/1-1-0&fp=4832f6a990e6f9b7&ei=VS4ySJWiFJi4qwOhmNibDg&url=http%3A//www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSL19102501._CH_.2400&cid=1214075383&npp=POP&usg=AFrqEzcl4FqnvxZtJcv1CukaC3KJ02atEg

Violence against foreigners escalating.

[Judy G. Russell]

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct=us/1-1-0&fp=4832f6a990e6f9b7&ei=VS4ySJWiFJi4qwOhmNibDg&url=http%3A//www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSL19102501._CH_.2400&cid=1214075383&npp=POP&usg=AFrqEzcl4FqnvxZtJcv1CukaC3KJ02atEg
Violence against foreigners escalating.Yeah I've been monitoring the news as well. At the moment the problems are mostly in the townships and we won't be near those.

[ndebord]

Yeah I've been monitoring the news as well. At the moment the problems are mostly in the townships and we won't be near those.

Judy,

I figured you had been, but just in case...

<wry grin>

[Judy G. Russell]

I figured you had been, but just in case...<wry grin>I appreciate it. I'm also monitoring the situation in Zimbabwe. Right now, we're scheduled to stay in Victoria Falls, which is in Zimbabwe, for two nights at the end of our trip. If things don't settle down, we'll move across into Zambia for those two nights instead.

[Mike]

Finally! I poked my co-worker with a sharp stick, and today, he gave me the list of sites that he recommends for travel in South Africa.

-------- Forwarded Message --------
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:19 AM
To: Mike King
Subject: Websites From: James Nghishakenwa

Hi Mike,

Most websites can be found via Google but here are some I would recommend:

http://www.southafricatravel.com/
http://www.sa-venues.com/
http://www.southafrica.com/

Here are some official Government websites
http://www.gov.za/
http://www.info.gov.za/

I also suggest that for up-to-date information on current situation a look at the local newspaper website gives a good idea of the daily situation and what is generally going that you won’t see on marketing websites!

http://www.mg.co.za/
http://www.thestar.co.za/
http://www.thetimes.co.za/

I hope this helps!

Regards

James

[Judy G. Russell]

Finally! I poked my co-worker with a sharp stick, and today, he gave me the list of sites that he recommends for travel in South Africa.Please pass on my thanks to James! I'm off to check those sites now.

[Mike]

Please pass on my thanks to James! I'm off to check those sites now.I will, and you're welcome!

[MollyM/CA]

Has anybody been on a safari? What can I expect?

Dunno how much 35 years ago counts -- and we were in Kenya. You'll be about the same latitude as Tijuana, not right on the equator. Sun is huge there but temperatures may be about the same -- what could be worse than New Jersey anyway.

Safari is kind of a broad term for any kind of trip. If it's for wildlife, you'll most likely be driving dirt roads in Land Rovers or the like. Lots of dust -- should be some great sunset shots. But think about protecting camera and laptop. I'd take a Rocket Blower for getting dust off lens (viewscreen, viewfinder). You won't be encouraged, even if allowed, to get out of the vehicles, but you may be able to make the driver turn the engine off for pictures. (Maybe not if it's rhinos or elephants) The SLR/Telephoto carriers with you will do the shouting for you, assuming there are one or more. If it's running try to remember not to brace your arms on the windowsill!

http://mollym.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p28250427-2.jpg

Safari picture-- it's the dust! (scan from one of my husband's horribly filthy slides, house dust on slide adding to effect)

My old Powershot had great zoom and your camera probably has much more -- I don't suppose there's a telephoto attachment these days, but it might be worth looking into.

You can't have too long a telephoto --S. McGinnis, from vast experience of photographing west end of wildlife leaving eastward ("Don't leave vehicle" rule prevents this in Africa)

Are you taking a laptop? Does it have a CD drive? Do you have a good viewing/editing program like ThumbsPlus? Every time I take a trip with good photo ops I dump cards to the laptop about every day, and if it's much of a trip, copy to CDs for insurance when I get close to a CD full. You have more control of the space this way -- you can weed out the obvious duds quickly with the slideshow (in TP you can delete files in show without discombobulating the slideshow module). It's hard to tell how fuzzy a picture is in the camera's viewscreen.

You might try practicing with the camera settings -- I'd guess you might want to use the one for glare conditions often. If you can unload the pics from the card (safely, to HD then to CD frinstance) and want to take the time to do it more often, and if there's time when taking the pic, you can bracket with two or three setting for the same picture. If you have good wildlife viewing you'll regret every missed picture.

We had to take anti-malaria pills (which no longer work even as well as they did then) and sleep under nets -- we weren't in tse-tse fly areas. They'll probably tell you what to do if you are. If I remember, you have to start the atabrine some time before you go to where malaria mosquitoes are. Maybe some Jungle Juice too (straight DEET from REI)? Homeopathic sting-stop beads work well for me on many kinds of bites and itches (apis mellifera, health food store should have a couple brands -- Boiron and Hy-lond (?) make it).

We had a lot of fun, relatively speaking, on our trips to the parks and you should have more. I expect South Africa knows how to keep the ecotourist dollars coming at least as well as Kenya did -- the guides even then talked to each other somehow and knew where to go for good wildlife viewing, and the accomodations were very comfortable. Sometimes the food was even good. Drinking friends found the accommodations very congenial!

We were glad of sweatshirts -- it gets cold at night in deserty country. Long sleeved white shirts can be cooler than tank tops in the day. A hat with a skirt for the back of your neck might be a good idea -- does wonders here, hot days hot sun.

[MollyM/CA]

After reading about the cities/towns, I thought I'd pass on a couple titbits gleaned from my son's Trinidad trips. You may not need such dire precautions. He went regularly for some years, to play steel drum in the Panorama festival. The AZ music dep't head decided to take a group of percussion students, independently, arrived in full tourist mode, and had an interesting time of it from doing things he could have told them not to.

Money (at least some emergency bills) under insoles in shoes (that you're wearing). Backpacks can be slit and so can pockets, not that you'd be dumb enough to carry a wallet in a back pocket like some administrators. So can purse and camera straps be slit -- Trinidad doesn't run to the more violent kinds of snatching but it might be worth giving a bit of thought to. I think Ross kept his credit card in a shoe also. Lace-up shoes, obviously. (Given my age and build, I feel that minor items are quite secure in my bra)

Might be a good time to finally do what they tell us and scan everything you carry in your billfold/purse -- all the ID and credit/ bank cards-- and your passport, and keep the printout somewhere safe (wonder if giving a copy to someone who could fax it would be any use).

Sounds like you'll have someone to watch retrieved bags while you watch the carousel, when you get back. (A friend all but lost a bag with all the photos and data from six long months on some stinking little blob of sand in the Pacific once -- fast feet and a heavy purse saved it--)

I hope the idea of charging for the FIRST bag isn't retroactive, or that your airline(s) don't think of it before you're back!

You've been places, I know -- I haven't, and the whole feel of a colonial country was interesting and unsettling. South Africa's maybe not so far from it as Kenya was then.

[Mike]

James alerted me today: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/05/22/southafrica.riots/index.html

He reiterated that you must not look like tourists. Don't carry camera bags. Don't carry your passport. Dress like everyone else.

[Dan in Saint Louis]

Dress like everyone else.
Go for it, Judy!

http://www.mccullagh.org/db9/10d-17/native-african-dancers.jpg

[Judy G. Russell]

think about protecting camera and laptop. I'd take a Rocket Blower for getting dust off lens (viewscreen, viewfinder).Yep, a Rocket Blower and even a sensor cleaner for dire situations if need be are on the packing list, and I'm taking several rain sleeves which can be used for dust too.

you may be able to make the driver turn the engine off for pictures. (Maybe not if it's rhinos or elephants) Got that on the list. Don't know how cooperative they'll be in South Africa, but it won't be a problem in Botswana: the safari guide is himself a photographer!

You can't have too long a telephoto --S. McGinnisI bought a Canon Rebel 450D for the trip and am renting a 100-400mm zoom lens. Anything longer and I wouldn't be able to heft it!

Are you taking a laptop?No, but I am taking a storage unit -- 250Gb and a decent 3" screen. I'll back up daily and try to keep the best of the best on an SDHC card used only for that purpose.

if there's time when taking the pic, you can bracket with two or three setting for the same picture. If you have good wildlife viewing you'll regret every missed picture.Yes, and I just bought an HDR program as well so bracketing is something I really want to try.

We had to take anti-malaria pills and sleep under nets... Maybe some Jungle Juice too (straight DEET from REI)? Homeopathic sting-stop beads work well for me on many kinds of bites and itches (apis mellifera, health food store should have a couple brands -- Boiron and Hy-lond (?) make it).Yes, anti-malarial pills here, plus DEET and permethrin, and netting. Some we're taking with us, some the safari operator wants us to buy locally.

We were glad of sweatshirts -- it gets cold at night in deserty country. Long sleeved white shirts can be cooler than tank tops in the day. A hat with a skirt for the back of your neck might be a good idea -- does wonders here, hot days hot sun.One zipped hoodie, one jacket, two long-sleeved khaki shirts, a boonie hat... I think I'm ready! Now to figure out how to pack everything so as to stay under the weight limit!!!

I am soooo excited!!

[Judy G. Russell]

Money (at least some emergency bills) under insoles in shoes (that you're wearing).Money belt here, under clothes, too.

Might be a good time to finally do what they tell us and scan everything you carry in your billfold/purse -- all the ID and credit/ bank cards-- and your passport, and keep the printout somewhere safe (wonder if giving a copy to someone who could fax it would be any use). One copy of mine will be available online if I need it... (and not where anyone else can download it, either!)

I hope the idea of charging for the FIRST bag isn't retroactive, or that your airline(s) don't think of it before you're back!Not yet at any rate!

You've been places, I know -- I haven't, and the whole feel of a colonial country was interesting and unsettling. South Africa's maybe not so far from it as Kenya was then.I suspect that, to those of us raised in plenty, the third-world-colonial feel will be unsettling no matter how many times we experience it.

[Judy G. Russell]

James alerted me today: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/05/22/southafrica.riots/index.html
He reiterated that you must not look like tourists. Don't carry camera bags. Don't carry your passport. Dress like everyone else.Give James our thanks. We've been monitoring this situation very closely and will continue to do so. We are not scheduled to be anywhere near where the violence has been occurring, but will be careful and watchful nonetheless.

[Judy G. Russell]

Go for it, Judy!Uh... no. It's winter there now and it might be a little... chilly...

[MollyM/CA]

Do you have time to practice with the 400mm? I had an awful time with the 200, took me forever to learn to brace it -- the focusing surface is at the end of that long lever of the lens tube. Something pillowlike on the car window helps. I couldn't live without my Canon monopod -- helps with long lens, and a good walking stick too. My camera is heavy -- about three shots and my arms start to shake. Monopod is very light, folds up short.

You'll have a great time.

The 400 comes with a UV or clear filter, right? Great idea, renting one.

[MollyM/CA]

It was the stratification of the society that bothered me in Kenya. Mind, we probably just don't notice things we see all the time here.

[Mike]

Give James our thanks.
I'll be sure to pass them along.

He was giving me the "do not look like tourists" warnings even before the violence started.

[ndebord]

Yep, a Rocket Blower and even a sensor cleaner for dire situations if need be are on the packing list, and I'm taking several rain sleeves which can be used for dust too.



One zipped hoodie, one jacket, two long-sleeved khaki shirts, a boonie hat... I think I'm ready! Now to figure out how to pack everything so as to stay under the weight limit!!!

I am soooo excited!!

Judy,

One other thing. SA uses GSM phones, so T-Mobile perhaps and buy local prepaid SIMS when you're there if you wish to stay in communication.

One such ad on the web:

http://www.telestial.com/view_product.php?PRODUCT_ID=LSIM-ZA01

Nick

[Dan in Saint Louis]

SA uses GSM phones, so T-Mobile perhaps and buy local prepaid SIMS
If you try that be sure you know how to unlock your phone (AT&T calls it "subsidiary unlocking code"), unless yours already is (or you plan to buy a disposable on once you get there).

This is not the same as "unlocking a SIM" -- it has to unlock the phone equivalent of a BIOS.

[earler]

With gsm sims there is nothing lockable. It is the phone that can be locked or unlocked.

[Dan in Saint Louis]

With gsm sims there is nothing lockable. It is the phone that can be locked or unlocked.
Earl, AT&T uses the phrase "locked SIM" (http://tinyurl.com/6zezdj) to mean nobody else can use it without a password. Computer folks might call it "password-protected." French usage may vary...

[earler]

The password of a sim is seldom implemented in the states, though it is usual in europe. Without the password you can't use the sim. But, that would apply on any phone. Therefore, a user must know the password, which he can then dispense with if he prefers. Gsm phones in the states are locked, not the sims. And, usually, it is easy to find someone who can unlock the phone. Here in france the carrier must provide the code after 6 months though your contract may be for a year or longer. But, lots of stores will do the job for a few dollars.

Mind you, there were lots of thefts of phones, even if password-protected. I suppose the thieves had a way of finding the password. So, the imsei (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity) was used. This is a unique number assigned to every gsm phone. The carriers were jawboned into setting a block on every stolen phone whose imsei was communicated to them. The result is there are few gsm phones stolen nowadays.

[ndebord]

The password of a sim is seldom implemented in the states, though it is usual in europe. Without the password you can't use the sim. But, that would apply on any phone. Therefore, a user must know the password, which he can then dispense with if he prefers. Gsm phones in the states are locked, not the sims. And, usually, it is easy to find someone who can unlock the phone. Here in france the carrier must provide the code after 6 months though your contract may be for a year or longer. But, lots of stores will do the job for a few dollars.

Mind you, there were lots of thefts of phones, even if password-protected. I suppose the thieves had a way of finding the password. So, the imsei (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity) was used. This is a unique number assigned to every gsm phone. The carriers were jawboned into setting a block on every stolen phone whose imsei was communicated to them. The result is there are few gsm phones stolen nowadays.

Earle,

I have a few T-Mobile phones. One is unlocked and is quad band for international use. As T-Mobile is in the process of rolling out its American 3G, I'll be in the market for a new phone whenver they can get the manufacturers to introduce new handsets (and data cards) for the new spectrum.

Wouldn't know for sure what Judy should use in SA, perhaps one of the people who is in contact with locals can recommend something in GSM.

[Judy G. Russell]

Do you have time to practice with the 400mm?Not as much as I'd like, but it should be enough. I'm also taking my 70-300IS which I'm more familiar with.

Something pillowlike on the car window helps. I couldn't live without my Canon monopodBeanbag and monopod already packed! (120 hours to go before I'm on my way...)

[Judy G. Russell]

One other thing. SA uses GSM phones, so T-Mobile perhaps and buy local prepaid SIMS when you're there if you wish to stay in communication.Not even gonna bother. Most of the time we'll be out where the best available will be the satellite phone the guide will have!

[earler]

A quad band phone is the best choice. A triband phone sold in europe would also work in south africa. I assume phones sold in south africa are either triband (european variety) or quad band. Quad band phones are the same be they sold in outer mongolia, little rock or bucarest.

[Jeff]

Not as much as I'd like, but it should be enough. I'm also taking my 70-300IS which I'm more familiar with.

Beanbag and monopod already packed! (120 hours to go before I'm on my way...)

I once had a window mount tripod. A small thing with a padded vise like affair to grab the top of an open car window and a three directionally mobile camera mount just on top of that. It made more than a few shots, but then I was usually alone in the car and was not acting like a crowd in the back seat. But I thought the new(er) digitals had vibration damping.

- Jeff

[Judy G. Russell]

I once had a window mount tripod. A small thing with a padded vise like affair to grab the top of an open car window and a three directionally mobile camera mount just on top of that. It made more than a few shots, but then I was usually alone in the car and was not acting like a crowd in the back seat. No windows on the vehicles we'll be using! Completely open sides and only a canvas roof. Even the beanbag won't have much to wrap itself around! (I'm counting on the monopod most of all.)

I thought the new(er) digitals had vibration damping.They do, but long lenses are heavy and hard to hand hold. If you're doing any low light stuff at all, you really want (a) a tripod, (b) a monopod or (c) a beanbag of some sort.

[ndebord]

Not even gonna bother. Most of the time we'll be out where the best available will be the satellite phone the guide will have!

Judy,


Still, you may not want to "trust" the guide and a prepaid gsm phone may come in handy in a foreign land.

[Judy G. Russell]

Still, you may not want to "trust" the guide and a prepaid gsm phone may come in handy in a foreign land.I checked this guy's references six ways from Sunday. If I'm gonna trust anybody, it will be him.

[Jeff]

They do, but long lenses are heavy and hard to hand hold. If you're doing any low light stuff at all, you really want (a) a tripod, (b) a monopod or (c) a beanbag of some sort.

So play news photog; get closer. Don't shoot 'til you can see the whites of its eyes. <g,d&ring----------------->

[Judy G. Russell]

So play news photog; get closer. Don't shoot 'til you can see the whites of its eyes. <g,d&ring----------------->You're baaaaaaaad. I got the 100-400 lens in today (it's a rental) and let me tell you... from 15 stories up and a full long city block away I can read the license plates on vehicles with this thing. I can almost read the inspection stickers!

[ktinkel]

I can hardly believe it, but I'm really going to AfricaI know it is nearly time for you to go. Have a fabulous trip, and I look forward to seeing your photos when you get back!

[MollyM/CA]

It's a bit late, but the telephoto extenders have worked fine with my 70-200. I'm not convinced the 2x actually doubles, but the AF and metering seem fine with it, doesn't seem to suck too much light. Or maybe you already have one.

I've used the monopod to help brace the 70-200 inside the car. Other passengers may not be pleased...

[ndebord]

I checked this guy's references six ways from Sunday. If I'm gonna trust anybody, it will be him.

Judy,

Sounds good. Go! Shoot many, many great pictures and tell us all about your Safari when you get back!

[Judy G. Russell]

I know it is nearly time for you to go. Have a fabulous trip, and I look forward to seeing your photos when you get back!Thanks, Kathleen! 28 hours and counting!

[Judy G. Russell]

It's a bit late, but the telephoto extenders have worked fine with my 70-200. I'm not convinced the 2x actually doubles, but the AF and metering seem fine with it, doesn't seem to suck too much light. Or maybe you already have one. I've used the monopod to help brace the 70-200 inside the car. Other passengers may not be pleased...I considered a teleconverter, but the 70-200 is actually bigger and heavier than the 100-400, so I'll just stick with the 100-400. It's a fabulous lens...

[Judy G. Russell]

Go! Shoot many, many great pictures and tell us all about your Safari when you get back!Thanks, Nick! I'm soooooooo excited...

[Jeff]

You're baaaaaaaad. I got the 100-400 lens in today (it's a rental) and let me tell you... from 15 stories up and a full long city block away I can read the license plates on vehicles with this thing. I can almost read the inspection stickers!

Yes, and it's fun. Who made that bunch of glass? Impossible to do that with any company's lens, even fixed much less a zoom, 30 years ago. I clearly remember what was not possible, and sand is still sand.

- Jeff

[Judy G. Russell]

Yes, and it's fun. Who made that bunch of glass? Impossible to do that with any company's lens, even fixed much less a zoom, 30 years ago. I clearly remember what was not possible, and sand is still sand.Back when I was last using an SLR, I had one 50mm lens and one short zoom (maybe to 135mm?). Now I can zoom to 450mm or more with a point and shoot digital (Canon S5). But the dSLR stuff is just amazing. This lens is a Canon make, and it's just astounding. Expensive (c $1300-1400!) but amazing.

[Mike]

You may be gone by the time I get this posted, but Happy Vacation!

Don't worry about those of us stuck back at home.

;-)

Seriously, enjoy! ...hugs!

[Judy G. Russell]

You may be gone by the time I get this posted, but Happy Vacation! Don't worry about those of us stuck back at home. ;-) Seriously, enjoy! ...hugs!Thanks, Mike! I'll be signing off at the end of this session. I'll try to post as I can if we run into an Internet cafe out there somewhere, but figure I'll be back online around the 22nd of June!