Red-Ringed Tupperware Party with (ineffective) Tin Foil Hats

[Woolburr]

My name isn't Earl...but I believe in Karma too. Still, there is something wonderfully satisfying about telling off some arrogant pig-headed jacka$$.

[Woolburr]

nite nite kids....

[saravrose]

And yet, kharma has left you with frozen Peanut butter instead of Haagen Dazs coffee Ice Cream. Kharma in flux.

and i'm going to start crying again... this is not the end of the world.. not even the worst thing that's ever happned to me and certainly not the last time this will happen.. Seriously, i'm a good person. I really am. I'm wellbehaved I don't treat anyone badly I do my job, pay my bills and all that good stuff... Truly I don't know what the heck i've done lately to deserve this?.. I am really on a pity party trip tonight i'll read this tomorrow and feel really annoyed at myself..

[saravrose]

My name isn't Earl...but I believe in Karma too. Still, there is something wonderfully satisfying about telling off some arrogant pig-headed jacka$$.

someday. I don't think i've ever told anyone off.. I plan them.. I practice in the mirror and by the time i'm done saying everything out loud i'm over it and don't bother...

[Woolburr]

and i'm going to start crying again... this is not the end of the world.. not even the worst thing that's ever happned to me and certainly not the last time this will happen.. Seriously, i'm a good person. I really am. I'm wellbehaved I don't treat anyone badly I do my job, pay my bills and all that good stuff... Truly I don't know what the heck i've done lately to deserve this?.. I am really on a pity party trip tonight i'll read this tomorrow and feel really annoyed at myself..

And tomorrow your peanut butter will be thawed...For now, let loose!

[saravrose]

And tomorrow your peanut butter will be thawed...For now, let loose!

well thanks. I have two courses of action.. either I can go next door and have a beer with my buddy or I can crawl in bed and pretend to sleep..

[Woolburr]

Beer wins...hands down....go.

[saravrose]

Beer wins...hands down....go.

except I really am bawling like a baby and it's embarrassing..

[Woolburr]

A splash of cold water on the ole face...A dab or two with the towel and you are good to go...If we are talking a real buddy here...they will understand completely. Go have a beer...really...

[saravrose]

ok. i'm going.. goodnight all...

[Woolburr]

ok. i'm going.. goodnight all...

Night kiddo....hope things look brighter come morning!

[tommykjensen]

tommy no offense but I got absolutely nothing out of it... I was kind of annoyed it sounded like a good movie.. and I 'looked' at it for awhile..

No problem. I know danish is hard to learn. Even people that have lived in Denmark for more than 30 years have a hard time learning.

[theflyingkiwi]

No problem. I know danish is hard to learn. Even people that have lived in Denmark for more than 30 years have a hard time learning.

Not that english is any good either. I have been speaking it for 32 years and sometimes I get it completely wrong. Most of the time is just my grammar when typing things out.

[Claire]

Ok, why was Sari sad?

[tommykjensen]

Ok, why was Sari sad?

Because she has to work on christmas.

[Digital_Duck]

... hmmm ...

working on Christmas = more $$ AND ...

"Someone Else Doing The Cooking AND CLEAN UP on Christmas Day!"

.... it could have a good end result!

[puddlepirate44]

Man, just woke up... weird and wild dreams of huge, rampaging crickets tearing up the town... Wow...

[Lightstream]

Sari.. I really hope things get better for you, I really do.

The reason why I am no longer keen on so much adventure is that I have seen my share of things go wrong.. horrifyingly wrong. Any more wrong and today, you might be talking to someone else on this thread, instead of me. Simple as that... no I will not be drawn on the details.. those days are gone forever; may they stay gone. Usually, when work takes me far from home, it involves a lot of sacrifice.

I've been home two days. This is not my first time.. I have been gone many years before.. but I am totally amazed by how grateful I am to be home. It's never been like this before. I STILL at times cannot quite believe I am home..

Anyway sleep and you'll probably feel better. There is nothing wrong with keeping a stash of strong drink around.

I had a pretty rough journey too. Last leg I'm exhausted, tired, annoyed and plotting where a complaints email will do the most damage. The flight crew sympathized with me and poured me quite a lot of drink...

No email was ever sent to the parties involved ;)

[Lightstream]

Man, just woke up... weird and wild dreams of huge, rampaging crickets tearing up the town... Wow...

tis its way of saying it loves you :)

[puddlepirate44]

tis its way of saying it loves you :)

Oh. Well then, I guess it's OK.

Any word from Sari?

[Lightstream]

Nope. Hope she had a good nights sleep though.

[Permagrin]

Morning all...

[Belmondo]

Morning all...Howdy.

[Permagrin]

Doesn't look like much tupperware action today :lol: :lol:

[Claire]

I've been out xmas shopping. Now dinner time. :) Have to shop more tomorrow.

Ended up with gifts to myself! Way too cheap DVDs now... I bought a Robbie Williams at Knebworth (ok, expensive), a Batman Begins, Willy Wonka, Strictly Ballroom, Cry Baby & 1000 & 1 Night.

[saravrose]

Okay, I drank, ranted next door, curled up on the sofa and watched a movie, fell asleep until about four walked the three steps to my front door made it to my bed and slept some more. I woke up feeling slightly better and productive. So, I think i'll clean up a bit, bake something, go grocery shopping do a little bit of laundry and get packed to go home tonight..

sari

[puddlepirate44]

Okay, I drank, ranted next door, curled up on the sofa and watched a movie, fell asleep until about four walked the three steps to my front door made it to my bed and slept some more. I woke up feeling slightly better and productive. So, I think i'll clean up a bit, bake something, go grocery shopping do a little bit of laundry and get packed to go home tonight..

sari

Yay! Sari's bouncing back!! :D

[Claire]

Sari, how many days do you work over the holidays? My friend is working from 2nd day after Xmas & over New Year's.

[Permagrin]

Sari, I'm glad to hear you are feeling better today! And all without spending...I'm so proud :D

Morning (evening) Claire. Congrats on your raise! I think puddle only gets an occasional 2% raise...and he's been with his company 17 1/2 years....so 5% in this economy is pretty good.

Sounds like you had fun Christmas shopping too. :)

[saravrose]

Sari, how many days do you work over the holidays? My friend is working from 2nd day after Xmas & over New Year's.

umm.. I have this sunday off the thursday before Christmas off and nothing else off until after New years.. atleast by the schedule I have now..

[Claire]

Perma, I guess 5% is good as such, but we're low-paid to start with at my company. I tried for a 2000kr (10%) raise, but no such luck. Oh well, better than nothing. :) And I admit I liked when he said he found me very well prepared & a tough (in a non-Petkal-aggressive way) negotiator. He said it was good, but that it also slightly scared him. hehe

Sari, that's a shame. :( Well, last year I was ordered into the office by my boss even though he gave me time off. NOT fun. That's why I this year applied for time off early on.

[Claire]

Sari, I'm watching the Robbie DVD now. It's the concert you told me about & when I saw him bring the fan on stage & make out with her I remembered you telling me about it.:) I'm slightly impressed he managed to make out with her & still keep up with the song...lol

[theflyingkiwi]

Sari, I'm watching the Robbie DVD now. It's the concert you told me about & when I saw him bring the fan on stage & make out with her I remembered you telling me about it.:) I'm slightly impressed he managed to make out with her & still keep up with the song...lol

and who says men can't multi-task :)

[Claire]

and who says men can't multi-task :)

LOL @ Mark.

He's singing "Barbie Girl" now in the DVD! haha

[theflyingkiwi]

LOL @ Mark.

He's singing "Barbie Girl" now in the DVD! haha

gee girl get it right, I only listen to ABBA. ;)

[puddlepirate44]

gee girl get it right, I only listen to ABBA. ;)

I'm not sure I'd ever admit to that.... :shock:

[theflyingkiwi]

I'm not sure I'd ever admit to that.... :shock:

sssh, don't tell her this, but I am only saying that I listen to ABBA, after all they are Swedish band and she is from Sweden

[puddlepirate44]

sssh, don't tell her this, but I am only saying that I listen to ABBA, after all they are Swedish band and she is from Sweden

I think, maybe, she might have heard you....

[Claire]

They're starting an ABBA museum in Stockholm soon I heard. :)

Hey, at least Sweden's got ABBA!

Denmark's got Aqua, Norway has A-Ha & Finland has Lordi. :rolleyes:

[puddlepirate44]

They're starting an ABBA museum in Stockholm soon I heard. :)

Hey, at least Sweden's got ABBA!

Denmark's got Aqua, Norway has A-Ha & Finland has Lordi. :rolleyes:

Would that include the Hall of Sequins?

[Claire]

Would that include the Hall of Sequins?

I don't know. :p

[Woolburr]

Howdy gang...not much luck on the crocigator and alidile hunt...did get a couple...but the weather didn't play nice...no sun...and cool...so they stayed in the water.

[puddlepirate44]

Howdy gang...not much luck on the crocigator and alidile hunt...did get a couple...but the weather didn't play nice...no sun...and cool...so they stayed in the water.

So you got skunked in the hunt. That's a bummer. So what are you going to have for dinner now?

[wu_wei0]

Howdy gang...not much luck on the crocigator and alidile hunt...did get a couple...but the weather didn't play nice...no sun...and cool...so they stayed in the water.

No giant crickets, either??

So you got skunked in the hunt. That's a bummer. So what are you going to have for dinner now?

Perhaps, giant crickets!

[puddlepirate44]

No giant crickets, either??



Perhaps, giant crickets!

Actually, giant crickets are no challenge because they're so big and noisy. Alidiles are sneaky little devils that lack the ability to do anything imperially.

[wu_wei0]

Actually, giant crickets are no challenge because they're so big and noisy. Alidiles are sneaky little devils that lack the ability to do anything imperially.

That explains why Wool didn't become the Giant Cricket's dinner Or perhaps the giant crickets just are not in that part of Florida.

What's Wool having for supper if there are no crickets alidales or crocigators??
Wool will starve!!

[puddlepirate44]

That explains why Wool didn't become the Giant Cricket's dinner Or perhaps the giant crickets just are not in that part of Florida.

What's Wool having for supper if there are no crickets alidales or crocigators??
Wool will starve!!

Let him eat cookie.

[Permagrin]

YAY!

Sugarplums are dancing in the oven...no bakes are finished and put away...it's been a productive day! Now where are yooooooooou all? Hulloooooo? I've got goodies....

[wu_wei0]

I'll take a no bake!!

[Permagrin]

I'll take a no bake!!

Hullo sis...your's and Puddle's endangered species converse has amused me greatly whilst I worked! :lol: :lol:

[wu_wei0]

It was nice being able to discuss the finer points of that with someone wh had familiarity with such an archane topic. I quite enjoyed it myself. :)

[Permagrin]

It was nice being able to discuss the finer points of that with someone wh had familiarity with such an archane topic. I quite enjoyed it myself. :)

Yeah, you'll find he's quite familiar with all things arcane.....I'll say no more :lol: :lol:

[wu_wei0]

Yeah, you'll find he's quite familiar with all things arcane.....I'll say no more :lol: :lol:

maybe why we get along so well. Some sisters' husbands are quite unpleasant, it seems.

[Permagrin]

maybe why we get along so well. Some sisters' husbands are quite unpleasant, it seems.

so that's your cue not to marry/date/have relationship with anyone unpleasant okay? ;)

[puddlepirate44]

maybe why we get along so well. Some sisters' husbands are quite unpleasant, it seems.

Hey, I can be unpleasant. Really. I can, just give me a chance, I'll prove it! C'mon coach, let me be unpleasant....

[Woolburr]

I dare not share any hunt photos...Permie will kill me. I didn't find any Imperial crickets either....I did see the little famous cricket...but didn't converse with him.

[puddlepirate44]

I dare not share any hunt photos...Permie will kill me. I didn't find any Imperial crickets either....I did see the little famous cricket...but didn't converse with him.

He's been different ever since that Senate Inquiry into Pinocchio-gate. That whole "wish upon a star" defense really set him back. He's become, well, reclusive.

[Permagrin]

Woolly, go ahead and post your photos...I'm sure they were just for documentary purposes and you don't actually advocate "the hunt"....

[wu_wei0]

Woolly, go ahead and post your photos...I'm sure they were just for documentary purposes and you don't actually advocate "the hunt"....
Besides; she makes sugar plum cakes and you know what's in them!!

[Permagrin]

Besides; she makes sugar plum cakes and yo uknow what's in them!!

hmmmm....you know we agreed to stop discussing this in public...when in India, one eats what the Indians eat...when AU, one eats...well, whatever....when in my house, we eat sugar plum faeries and we LIKE it! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: but they are always served tastefully and with optional Starbucks.

[puddlepirate44]

hmmmm....you know we agreed to stop discussing this in public...when in India, one eats what the Indians eat...when AU, one eats...well, whatever....when in my house, we eat sugar plum faeries and we LIKE it! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: but they are always served tastefully and with optional Starbucks.

Optional? OPTIONAL?

[Permagrin]

Optional? OPTIONAL?

I put in the "optional" part for Wool's benefit! (*ssshhhh*)

[wu_wei0]

I do like it. Honestly. AS I said to Puddles, I thing the old ways are the best ways and I do enjoy a good sugar plum cake, I just can make it myself. That's why I want you to have the cordialed faeries recipe. IF it stays with me it may be lost to the world at my passing.

[liza]

I think I'm gaining weight just reading these last few entries! I know I've put on at least five pounds since Thanksgiving. :(

[wu_wei0]

so that's your cue not to marry/date/have relationship with anyone unpleasant okay? ;)

Rest assured. I doubt you will ever have to face that problem.

[Permagrin]

I do like it. Honestly. AS I said to Puddles, I thing the old ways are the best ways and I do enjoy a good sugar plum cake, I just can make it myself. That's why I want you to have the cordialed faeries recipe. IF it stays with me it may be lost to the world at my passing.

okay send it to me...but don't think that I'm going to look after Aunt Edna at the next reunion....

[puddlepirate44]

okay send it to me...but don't think that I'm going to look after Aunt Edna at the next reunion....

Oh, man. Aunt Edna needs to shave more often.

[Permagrin]

I think I'm gaining weight just reading these last few entries! I know I've put on at least five pounds since Thanksgiving. :(

So far, I haven't eaten anything I've baked so I'm good...but I've only lost 3lbs since the diet and I keep fighting to keep IT off!

[Woolburr]

Not a target in Asheville....
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/71749072.jpg

[liza]

Oh, it's so cute! What is it?

[puddlepirate44]

Not a target in Asheville....


DON'T JUMP, BIRD! IT'S NOT THAT BAD! LIFE WILL GET BETTER! THIS, TOO, SHALL PASS! SUICIDE'S NOT THE ANSWER!

Actually, it's a pretty bird....

[Woolburr]

Tis a Snowy Egret.

[puddlepirate44]

Tis a Snowy Egret.

How do they taste? Like chicken?

[Digital_Duck]

... more like a robin

a bit more stringy than sparrow

[wu_wei0]

okay send it to me...but don't think that I'm going to look after Aunt Edna at the next reunion....
OK. I get it. You know, I am really doing you a favor here. A revered and ancient family recipe-- that could die with me. My kids are not all that keen on old traditions and also would have problems using the recipe. . . however, I might be able to get Josh to hold on to it.
Oh, man. Aunt Edna needs to shave more often.
I know, man. But there is just no gentle way to tell her-- and you KNOW what she can be like!!
Tis a Snowy Egret.

He has purty yellow tootsies.

[Woolburr]

OK...going out in the swamp in the ole war canoe.
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/71749801.jpg

[Permagrin]

Tis a Snowy Egret.

It's a pretty, fluffy sort of bird. All this time I thought (I'm NOT a bird person and so I just assume things and it appears I'm quite wrong in this case) this
was a snowy egret...wonder what the heck it is...:
http://LC-images.smugmug.com/photos/104128788-M.jpg

[puddlepirate44]

OK...going out in the swamp in the ole war canoe.


In the USCG, we'd say, "Termination due to unsafe manifest."

[puddlepirate44]

... more like a robin

a bit more stringy than sparrow


:lol: :lol: :lol:

[liza]

Tis a Snowy Egret.


He has purty yellow tootsies.

That he (or she) does. A very delicate looking bird.

[Woolburr]

Permie that bird appears to be the same as this guy...some kind of heron...
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/71749943.jpg
Or maybe even a Crane of some sorts.

[wu_wei0]

No pretty toes on that one. :(

[Permagrin]

Permie that bird appears to be the same as this guy...some kind of heron...
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/71749943.jpg
Or maybe even a Crane of some sorts.

Yes, it looks exactly like him...how'd you find out where we were? WAIT, were you the one who kept yelling "commmere cricket...woo hoo...cricket..."? The guy in the plaid?

[Woolburr]

No pretty toes on that one. :(

Nope...this guy is about 15 inches taller...and has black feet instead of the fancy yeller ones.

[wu_wei0]

Nope...this guy is about 15 inches taller...and has black feet instead of the fancy yeller ones.

He's a handsome fellow, but you know, I have this little thing about fancy footwear.

[Woolburr]

Yes, it looks exactly like him...how'd you find out where we were? WAIT, were you the one who kept yelling "commmere cricket...woo hoo...cricket..."? The guy in the plaid?
Fat guys don't do plaid....rofl

[wu_wei0]

Fat guys don't do plaid....rofl

but, there was a rumor floating around. . . something about santa hats and fancy footwear. I can't quite recall what it was.

[Woolburr]

He's a handsome fellow, but you know, I have this little thing about fancy footwear.

Zack Lee why I shared him.

[Permagrin]

Fat guys don't do plaid....rofl

I never said you were fat! It was a pinkish blue plaid...are you SURE it wasn't you? That dsmkII looked awfully familiar....

[Woolburr]

OK...you have seen the 3 shots from today that I have edited so far....back in a bit...when I have something more to share.

[Lightstream]

DON'T JUMP, BIRD! THIS, TOO, SHALL PASS!

How do they taste? Like chicken?

And the bird transcends one mortal plane into another.. except the new plane happens to be the surface of puddle's dinner plate ;)

In the USCG, we'd say, "Termination due to unsafe manifest."


Wait.. manifest as in, the payload? So Wool and his cargo of 1-series Canons are going to overload it? I always knew there was a reason I liked the lighter lenses ;)

[Woolburr]

I never said you were fat! It was a pinkish blue plaid...are you SURE it wasn't you? That dsmkII looked awfully familiar....

If it was a mkII it must have been Dante....us paupers only can afford the Ds.

[Permagrin]

If it was a mkII it must have been Dante....us paupers only can afford the Ds.

Now Dante, I CAN see in PLAID!!! You must be right!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[puddlepirate44]

And the bird transcends one mortal plane into another.. except the new plane happens to be the surface of puddle's dinner plate ;)




Wait.. manifest as in, the payload? So Wool and his cargo of 1-series Canons are going to overload it? I always knew there was a reason I liked the lighter lenses ;)

Well, if it's true and he was wearing a pinkish blue plaid, then I would seriously consider that unsafe manifest. :shock:

[liza]

GUYS!!! Guess what! "Shy Guy" just sent me a PM and asked me to go to the movies. Ain't it cool? :cool:

[Belmondo]

GUYS!!! Guess what! "Shy Guy" just sent me a PM and asked me to go to the movies. Ain't it cool? :cool:Depends on what movie.

[liza]

Depends on what movie.

"We Are Marshall"

Did you really think I'd watch anything but a sports movie? :)

[PetKal]

It's a pretty, fluffy sort of bird. All this time I thought (I'm NOT a bird person and so I just assume things and it appears I'm quite wrong in this case) this
was a snowy egret...wonder what the heck it is...:

Way too distant, but a valiant try.
Some call it (Great) White Heron. More commonly just Egret, not Snowy, nor Cattle Egrets. If you are really interested I'll look up the scientific name for it.

[puddlepirate44]

GUYS!!! Guess what! "Shy Guy" just sent me a PM and asked me to go to the movies. Ain't it cool? :cool:

That is good news. However, if he insists on sitting in different sections and only wishes to converse via your PDA, it might be reduced to "weird news".

[liza]

That is good news. However, if he insists on sitting in different sections and only wishes to converse via your PDA, it might be reduced to "weird news".

If he wants to converse via PDA, he's out of luck. And I'll make sure we're in the same section. ;)

[Lightstream]

Congratulations Liza! :D

[Permagrin]

Way too distant, but a valiant try.
Some call it (Great) White Heron. More commonly just Egret, not Snowy, nor Cattle Egrets. If you are really interested I'll look up the scientific name for it.

These things are not quiet...if you get anywhere near them, they start shrieking, stir up the whole pond and you end up having to clean your gear (and self) once the air is empty of fowl...:lol: :lol: and their blue brothers are even worse...so believe it or not, that's the CLOSEST I've ever been to one :lol: :lol: (I like my gear) :lol: . Thanks for telling me what it is...we see them all the time...

[Permagrin]

If he wants to converse via PDA, he's out of luck. And I'll make sure we're in the same section. ;)

When's the big date?

[Lightstream]

Well, if it's true and he was wearing a pinkish blue plaid, then I would seriously consider that unsafe manifest. :shock:

Pink and blue plaid.. sounds like a manifesTATION, not a manifest ;)

PG: I like your new title that puddle has given you.. TMS indeed...

It's therapeutic when you KNOW you need that stuff and you made the right decision.. few things are worse than the wrong decision.

And Sari.... 100-400 please, none of this Bigma stuff ;)

The Bigma's for PG.... :D

[Permagrin]

Pink and blue plaid.. sounds like a manifesTATION, not a manifest ;)

PG: I like your new title that puddle has given you.. TMS indeed...

It's therapeutic when you KNOW you need that stuff and you made the right decision.. few things are worse than the wrong decision.

And Sari.... 100-400 please, none of this Bigma stuff ;)

The Bigma's for PG.... :D

No bigma for me...none. It'll be the 400 5.6 next and that's it. I've decided against the 50. The 50 1.2 looks very nice but not TONS better than the 1.4 for that I have now...so it's a no-go.

[PetKal]

No bigma for me...none. It'll be the 400 5.6 next and that's it. I've decided against the 50. The 50 1.2 looks very nice but not TONS better than the 1.4 for that I have now...so it's a no-go.
Noooooooo. You/ve got 400 f/5.6 already + it's image stabilized .:rolleyes:

[liza]

When's the big date?

Sometime over the holiday break. We're going to go to a neighboring city and see that movie. It's kind of weird, but that (Marshall) is the name of our town.

[Lightstream]

No bigma for me...none. It'll be the 400 5.6 next and that's it. I've decided against the 50. The 50 1.2 looks very nice but not TONS better than the 1.4 for that I have now...so it's a no-go.

:D


BTW if you buy the 400, the collar is free, and exchangeable with the 724 IS and non IS, and classic 300/4 NON-IS only. (newer 300/4ISL is much fatter and uses the 1-4/7-2 2.8 collars)

[Permagrin]

Noooooooo. You/ve got 400 f/5.6 already + it's image stabilized .:rolleyes:

(Peter, I sold my 100-400L...she says cringing and waiting for a serious flogging....)

[Lightstream]

(Peter, I sold my 100-400L...she says cringing and waiting for a serious flogging....)


*cracks open Campbell's chicken noodle soup can to get wet noodle*

REPENT! REPENT!! While you still can!!

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/img/crackup.gif

[PetKal]

(Peter, I sold my 100-400L...she says cringing and waiting for a serious flogging....)


Ahhh....I see....not a good news, Permian, not a good news at all. :( The 400 f/5.6 is not a substitute, it's a very narrow niche lens, generally not significantly sharper than the 100-400 either.

If you must have a longer prime, get the 300 f/4 IS....my definite recommendation.....not the 400 f/5.6.

[Lightstream]

Ahhh....I see....not a good news, Permian, not a good news at all. :( The 400 f/5.6 is not a substitute, it's a very narrow niche lens, generally not significantly sharper than the 100-400 either.

If you must have a longer prime, get the 300 f/4 IS....my definite recommendation.....not the 400 f/5.6.

Nice lens but legacy IS and needs an extra stop to perform at its best with a teleconverter... she needs 400mm for woodland animals in the shade.

Ideally I would want a 400/DO but the DO is so Damned Obscenely expensive ;)

[Permagrin]

Ahhh....I see....not a good news, Permian, not a good news at all. :( The 400 f/5.6 is not a substitute, it's a very narrow niche lens, generally not significantly sharper than the 100-400 either.

If you must have a longer prime, get the 300 f/4 IS....my definite recommendation.....not the 400 f/5.6.

That is an option I hadn't thought about.
I just hated the 1-4...hated the dust issues (that only happened with it), hated the trombone zoom and the irregular results I got with it...I will look into the 300 f4 IS. I'm not buying anything else until spring (since I just bought the 724ISL)...I was hoping to keep the "zoom" by buying the 724ISL and buying the 400 solely for birding (and hoped to get the sharpness of a prime that I felt was lacking at 400 on the 1-4). Why do you think the 300 F4 IS is better? (I'm picking up a 1.4 tc so I could still have the 400 range with it..I'm just wondering what your thoughts are.)

[Belmondo]

Ahhh....I see....not a good news, Permian, not a good news at all. :( The 400 f/5.6 is not a substitute, it's a very narrow niche lens, generally not significantly sharper than the 100-400 either.

If you must have a longer prime, get the 300 f/4 IS....my definite recommendation.....not the 400 f/5.6.

The 400 f/5.6 is an amazingly sharp lens....decidely sharper than my 100-400 at the long end, and my 100-400 is very acceptable. I think Peter's problem might be that at his latitude, light bends more.

[Permagrin]

The 400 f/5.6 is an amazingly sharp lens....decidely sharper than my 100-400 at the long end, and my 100-400 is very acceptable. I think Peter's problem might be that at his latitude, light bends more.

Puddle said that he thought the 1-4 was just too big for me (I'm not a large person...well frame wise anyway :lol: :lol: )...that a lot of the problem I was having was user error because of the weight of the lens. So in a way, I suppose I was "bending" things myself...all the wrong things :lol: :lol: Calico said that the 400 is lighter than the 1-4...and faster focusing.

[PetKal]

That is an option I hadn't thought about.
I just hated the 1-4...hated the dust issues (that only happened with it), hated the trombone zoom and the irregular results I got with it...I will look into the 300 f4 IS. I'm not buying anything else until spring (since I just bought the 724ISL)...I was hoping to keep the "zoom" by buying the 724ISL and buying the 400 solely for birding (and hoped to get the sharpness of a prime that I felt was lacking at 400 on the 1-4). Why do you think the 300 F4 IS is better? (I'm picking up a 1.4 tc so I could still have the 400 range with it..I'm just wondering what your thoughts are.)

Why ? Because I shoot with both all the time.:rolleyes:

[Lightstream]

That is an option I hadn't thought about.
I just hated the 1-4...hated the dust issues (that only happened with it), hated the trombone zoom and the irregular results I got with it...I will look into the 300 f4 IS. I'm not buying anything else until spring (since I just bought the 724ISL)...I was hoping to keep the "zoom" by buying the 724ISL and buying the 400 solely for birding (and hoped to get the sharpness of a prime that I felt was lacking at 400 on the 1-4). Why do you think the 300 F4 IS is better? (I'm picking up a 1.4 tc so I could still have the 400 range with it..I'm just wondering what your thoughts are.)

Get the official Canon TC please..

When you run the 300/4 as a bare lens, performance is outstanding. I had a very marginal TC so don't take my comments as authoritative. f/4 is sharp, f/4.5 (1/3rd stop down) it becomes ULTRAsharp, the likes of which I very seldom see and only in the greatest of lenses.

Weight is light, almost 200gm lighter than the 1-4. It is noticeable.

Basically it's the only way to get a 420mm f/5.6 IS at the moment..

Bear in mind TC's hurt AF performance too.. quite badly. Canon's figures are 60-75% of the original speed.

[PetKal]

The 400 f/5.6 is an amazingly sharp lens....decidely sharper than my 100-400 at the long end, and my 100-400 is very acceptable. I think Peter's problem might be that at his latitude, light bends more.

So is 500 f/4, but you got rid of it because it was not suitable. See the point here, Tommy ? Suitability and versatility is the game I am suggesting here to Permian.
Besides, handheld shots with the 100-400 tend to be generally better than handheld shots with the 400 f/5.6 most of the time.

[Permagrin]

Why ? Because I shoot with both all the time.:rolleyes:

;) I meant "better for me" :lol:

[PetKal]

Puddle said that he thought the 1-4 was just too big for me (I'm not a large person...well frame wise anyway :lol: :lol: )...that a lot of the problem I was having was user error because of the weight of the lens. So in a way, I suppose I was "bending" things myself...all the wrong things :lol: :lol: Calico said that the 400 is lighter than the 1-4...and faster focusing.


Not by much, not by much at all.:rolleyes:

[Belmondo]

Funnny (strange, not ha ha), but I had a 300 f/4 IS, and was completely unimpressed with it. I sold it when I bought the 300 f/2.8, and never looked back. I also had a 400 f/5.6, and in a weak moment, sold it to a POTN member. I knew right away I'd made a mistake, and bought another copy less than a year later. (who do I sound like?)

[liza]

When you run the 300/4 as a bare lens, performance is outstanding. I had a very marginal TC so don't take my comments as authoritative. f/4 is sharp, f/4.5 (1/3rd stop down) it becomes ULTRAsharp, the likes of which I very seldom see and only in the greatest of lenses.

Basically it's the only way to get a 420mm f/5.6 IS at the moment..



Now you're making ME want that lens.

[liza]

I also had a 400 f/5.6, and in a weak moment, sold it to a POTN member. I knew right away I'd made a mistake, and bought another copy less than a year later. (who do I sound like?)


Ummm....Ronald? :lol:

[Lightstream]

Now you're making ME want that lens.

:mrgreen:

As a friend remarked.. all of us serve to corrupt each other into buying more gear than we really need ;)

Some sports shooters who don't invest in 300/2.8's use the 300/4 and ram ISO to the max. I can see why, given the 2.8's price tag. Also, if you do not need IS, the old version is reputed to be absolutely magnificent as well.

It's a pity because as I said, I had a Condition 10 copy up on ebay some time back and I would have really loved to have sold it to fellow RRTP (Red-Ringed Tupperware Party) shooters.

RRTP.. that's gonna be our official group name now, yeah? :D

Moorhen doing a Trinity in the opening sequence of the Matrix:
http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=41&g2_serialNumber=2

In the ribs, yeah, where it hurts:
http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1636&g2_serialNumber=2

The birds can actually 'run' across the surface of the water, making a big splash where they hit..
http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=35&g2_serialNumber=2

300/4 ISL on 5D..

[Permagrin]

Well at the time, I never thought I'd want a 300mm...I LOVE these shots Yoda. They are so funny. I think you should print the 3 of them out and put them all in one of those single frames...

[Lightstream]

Well at the time, I never thought I'd want a 300mm...I LOVE these shots Yoda. They are so funny. I think you should print the 3 of them out and put them all in one of those single frames...

Thanks :)

That was my 300/4 ISL's shakedown.. ie. the first day I actually take it out for a proper shoot instead of pointing it at white walls and lens boxes. In the hands of an operator who has never worked a long tele prime before, it delivers.. those are great keepers.

Great suggestion too. I am going to do it up nicely in portrait orientation.. imagine my standard format rotated to portrait, with the three images in sequence.

I don't have my IP6600D at the moment, hmm... never mind, it can be done next year. My printer now is a Xerox Phaser 3116, which is an outstanding 12ppm black and white laser, but does not print very nice photos at all.. not even B&W (lasers don't have the tonal gradations that B&W needs - they simulate it using halftoning)

[liza]

I'm gonna have to hold out for that big Sigma zoom. To me, it's the ultimate lens for night football. I can't afford a 300 f/2.8, so the Siggy will have to do.

[Permagrin]

I'm gonna have to hold out for that big Sigma zoom. To me, it's the ultimate lens for night football. I can't afford a 300 f/2.8, so the Siggy will have to do.

which one? Bigma? Sigmonster or the 120-300?

[Lightstream]

I'm gonna have to hold out for that big Sigma zoom. To me, it's the ultimate lens for night football. I can't afford a 300 f/2.8, so the Siggy will have to do.

Actually, that reminds me.. - wait for the 120-300. Don't make a stopover in 300/4 territory or you will be running maxed ISO all the time and sometimes it may not be enough. Your applications need the 2.8 aperture.. I would do the same.

Would you like me to help you keep a lookout on B&H? I trawl their used lens section daily even though I don't intend to buy stuff... yeah.. I'm like that ;)

PG... Liza needs the speed, so Bigma (f/6.3.. YUCK) and Sigmonster (5.6) are definite no-go..

[Permagrin]

keep a lookout on B&H? I trawl their used lens section daily even though I don't intend to buy stuff... yeah.. I'm like that ;)



:lol: :lol: :lol: Me too...look every day!

[puddlepirate44]

:lol: :lol: :lol: Me too...look every day!

B&H? Oh. All this time I've been perusing the L.L. Bean catalogue.

[Lightstream]

:lol: :lol: :lol: Me too...look every day!

Hey High Priestess, wanna recommend that Condition 9 $179 50 Compact Macro to our poor traumatized bartender? :p

She wanted to play with macro.. the 50CM is a good solution and not that expensive. An EF25 II tube will already run ~$100. It's an affordable and SHARP entry into the macro world although it lacks 1:1 reproduction (just 1:2) and the whole acronym soup of goodies I like about the EF-S 60. Then again the EF-S 60 is 2X the price straight up.

B&H? Oh. All this time I've been perusing the L.L. Bean catalogue.

:D

Lisa stole your copy of the B&H catalog too, right? ;)

[liza]

which one? Bigma? Sigmonster or the 120-300?

120-300. It's the only one with a constant f/2.8 aperture.

Actually, that reminds me.. - wait for the 120-300. Don't make a stopover in 300/4 territory or you will be running maxed ISO all the time and sometimes it may not be enough. Your applications need the 2.8 aperture.. I would do the same.

Would you like me to help you keep a lookout on B&H? I trawl their used lens section daily even though I don't intend to buy stuff... yeah.. I'm like that ;)

PG... Liza needs the speed, so Bigma (f/6.3.. YUCK) and Sigmonster (5.6) are definite no-go..

Oh, that purchase isn't going to occur unless I can start booking weddings. Too many other bills to pay right now. I'm looking at possibly spring of 2008 right now. Crashoran offered me his Sigma at a fair price but I couldn't swing it. I'm trying to concentrate on beefing up my wedding equipment at the moment, so the Siggy must take a back seat for the time being. But thanks for offering to look for me. I appreciate it.

[PetKal]

Funnny (strange, not ha ha), but I had a 300 f/4 IS, and was completely unimpressed with it. I sold it when I bought the 300 f/2.8, and never looked back. I also had a 400 f/5.6, and in a weak moment, sold it to a POTN member. I knew right away I'd made a mistake, and bought another copy less than a year later. (who do I sound like?)

Ronald Sr. Jr. ? Me ?:rolleyes: :lol:

[liza]

She wanted to play with macro.. the 50CM is a good solution and not that expensive. An EF25 II tube will already run ~$100. It's an affordable and SHARP entry into the macro world although it lacks 1:1 reproduction (just 1:2) and the whole acronym soup of goodies I like about the EF-S 60. Then again the EF-S 60 is 2X the price straight up

I'd save my money for the Canon 100mm macro lens. It's a superb lens for the price.

[Lightstream]

120-300. It's the only one with a constant f/2.8 aperture.



Oh, that purchase isn't going to occur unless I can start booking weddings. Too many other bills to pay right now. I'm looking at possibly spring of 2008 right now. Crashoran offered me his Sigma at a fair price but I couldn't swing it. I'm trying to concentrate on beefing up my wedding equipment at the moment, so the Siggy must take a back seat for the time being. But thanks for offering to look for me. I appreciate it.

Cool, I hope your weddings work out for you..

What lenses are you looking at for weddings? The bread-n-butter 24-70/2.8? (so called because it's the money earner for most pros.. and rightfully so)

[saravrose]

well all i'm home.. feeling slightly better than earlier all packed up and now just waiting for my car to defrost before I head down the mountain.. My sister has promised to not push me about our mother so i'm looking forward to spending some time with her tomorrow.. I'm going to be taking a couple of kid christmas portraits while i'm home and hopefully finish my shopping...

[liza]

Cool, I hope your weddings work out for you..

What lenses are you looking at for weddings? The bread-n-butter 24-70/2.8? (so called because it's the money earner for most pros.. and rightfully so)

The 24-70 is my next scheduled acquisition as is a 430EX. Then I'll add another 20D and finally the 70-200 f/2.8 IS. I know I should consider the 30D, but the 20D is still a capable camera at a much more pleasing price point. KEH had three of them for around $750 each.

[Lightstream]

well all i'm home.. feeling slightly better than earlier all packed up and now just waiting for my car to defrost before I head down the mountain.. My sister has promised to not push me about our mother so i'm looking forward to spending some time with her tomorrow.. I'm going to be taking a couple of kid christmas portraits while i'm home and hopefully finish my shopping...

Good to hear you're doing better..

The 24-70 is my next scheduled acquisition as is a 430EX. Then I'll add another 20D and finally the 70-200 f/2.8 IS. I know I should consider the 30D, but the 20D is still a capable camera at a much more pleasing price point. KEH had three of them for around $750 each.

Sounds good. The 430EX is a surprisingly powerful flash, I use this for events coverage all the time and I seldom if ever operate at maximum power. Usually, if I do, I am doing something wrong, such as trying to bounce off a target that is not as reflective or does not yield the results I want. While the flash recharges (3 seconds on NiMH) I fix the problem. I may add another 580EX as time goes by, but that day is still far.

The 20D is still a good camera.. and that is a pretty compelling price!


I loaned a 70-200/2.8 ISL from someone I know (it's nice to be at home - I can get all kinds of stuff done!), it's a magnificent zoom but like you said, it is a heck of a brick. At 200gm (nearly half a pound) heavier than the Sigma, it's noticeable especially when you hook up the whole rig with Speedlite and everything.

[Woolburr]

Ali J. Crocigator
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/71757898.jpg

[theflyingkiwi]

hey everyone, how is everyone? doing well.

well I did some more testing to day and come up with a confused state of afaires.

check this out. this is a test between the sigma 100-300 F4 and the canon 100macro.

http://www.cuthbert.net.nz/potn/IMG_0081.jpg

I am starting to think that there is a communication issues between the lens and the camera. I have found in my testing that at 300mm it's dead on. but at 100mm it's slighty back focusing. however with the canon macro attached it's fine. My brother got the 400D which is the same auto focus as the 30D and I even got better results with the same lens than I did with my camera.

Time to upgrade to a 1 series me thinks :)

I like the sigma glass and I just wish it was working fine with the camera but it's not. :( it's doing fine for now. I am planning on upgrading the 10D next year to the replacement for the 30D. I am going to keep everything status quo till then. It's not like I am getting bad shots from the sigma. I just notice that close subjects seems to be it's down fall. The target in this case is only 4 meters away. I got the macro for close up work and the 28-135 for that range.

[Lightstream]

hey everyone, how is everyone? doing well.

well I did some more testing to day and come up with a confused state of afaires.

check this out. this is a test between the sigma 100-300 F4 and the canon 100macro.

http://www.cuthbert.net.nz/potn/IMG_0081.jpg

I am starting to think that there is a communication issues between the lens and the camera. I have found in my testing that at 300mm it's dead on. but at 100mm it's slighty back focusing. however with the canon macro attached it's fine. My brother got the 400D which is the same auto focus as the 30D and I even got better results with the same lens than I did with my camera.

Time to upgrade to a 1 series me thinks :)


The 1-series has special super-precision sensors that operate all the way down to f/4, instead of f/2.8.. :D

The 5D, 20D, 30D, and 400D have this sensor, but it is only good at 2.8. Also, the sensors only take into account the max aperture of the lens (since AF is always done wide open), it does not matter what you or the camera instruct the lens to stop down to.

The 10D and 350D don't have either. I find the better AF really makes a difference, stepping up from my 350D to the 5D and beyond. If you can swing a used 1D, it really is awesome.

[PetKal]

Filling a special order by Permian.

[PetKal]

Couple of close ups.

[theflyingkiwi]

The 1-series has special super-precision sensors that operate all the way down to f/4, instead of f/2.8.. :D

The 5D, 20D, 30D, and 400D have this sensor, but it is only good at 2.8. Also, the sensors only take into account the max aperture of the lens (since AF is always done wide open), it does not matter what you or the camera instruct the lens to stop down to.

The 10D and 350D don't have either. I find the better AF really makes a difference, stepping up from my 350D to the 5D and beyond. If you can swing a used 1D, it really is awesome.

ok I am going to play the dumb photographer again :) what ya talking about with this sensors that operate all the way down to F4? have ya got any web links?

If I really wonted to I could get a 1 series. but I don't wont to spend that that much money on something that's just a hobby. It falls in to the category of yea it would be nice but I could use the money on other stuff.

[saravrose]

So, my car is stuck. Literally. my car is stuck in the parking lot surrounded by two feet of ice. It ain't moving.. four chefs couldn't get it unstuck so it's staying there until the morning when I can get a shovel and get it moved.

sari

[saravrose]

I really think i'm going back to the theory that I need to go shopping.. retail therapy is looking better and better..

[Lightstream]

I really think i'm going back to the theory that I need to go shopping.. retail therapy is looking better and better..

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=3018&A=details&Q=&sku=800503667&is=USE&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

[saravrose]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=3018&A=details&Q=&sku=800503667&is=USE&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

devils advocate.. I don't like fifty as a focal length.. it's just akward to me... what about something shorter as a macro?..

[Lightstream]

devils advocate.. I don't like fifty as a focal length.. it's just akward to me... what about something shorter as a macro?..

Sorry.. nothing shorter available. Macros tend to start at 50 and get longer, such as the 60, 90, 100, 105, 150, 180 lengths.