Sony Lounge Thread MKIII (All Sony cameras welcome)

David Arbogast wrote in post #18423736
Thanks and thanks! Wherever I live it will be my goal to make my region look appealing. My biggest frustration with my new Georgia home is that, apart from lakes and streams, it's very difficult to get landscape photos of open spaces like y'all have out west, or like I had back in KC. This region is pretty densely forested.

The whole thing has got me in a dilemma that I haven't been able to put to rest: To gain more views I would love to gain some mobility on the water. A "fishing" kayak would be great for maximum stability and comfort. It would open up a lot more landscape vantage points than I currently have near my home. But that would come at high cost - would cost me at least my Batis 135mm. It's not just the cost of the boat, but for the Thule or Yakima rack and rollers for my Prius as well as I'd need to build a shed to house it. Would it be worth it? I'm wrestling hard on it.

The other thought - as Gene suggested the other day - maybe I should grab a FE 100-400mm GM to gain yet more reach. It wouldn't get me more locations, but it could provide even more compositions as well as the occasional bird, snake, beaver, etc. I'm not a fan of the big telephotos for most of my areas of photography interest, but for outings on the lake it might be very useful.

I think it depends on if you would like kayaking in general or only for photography. The costs can add up as you've mentioned. There are also used options on Craigslist if you do some research. I use a native ultimate, which I got used for $700. My paddle was $400, but it's a high end werner and I got it as a long term investment because I enjoy kayaking. You can get a good paddle for less than $200, but don't be too stingy.

There really is something about being on eye level with wildlife or exploring difficult to reach areas by kayak though. Exploring the Everglades by water and not seeing a single person in a whole day, or paddling down a river at sunrise with the mist on the water, always bring a smile to my face.

The local VFW bar...

uljens wrote in post #18423897
Batis 85mm found new owner today
Instead B85 will add FE 55mm to FE28, gaining even less weight and size for weddings and travel.

Those are both great lenses. I'm a prime person right now and I love that combo.

David Arbogast wrote in post #18423736
Thanks and thanks! Wherever I live it will be my goal to make my region look appealing. My biggest frustration with my new Georgia home is that, apart from lakes and streams, it's very difficult to get landscape photos of open spaces like y'all have out west, or like I had back in KC. This region is pretty densely forested.

The whole thing has got me in a dilemma that I haven't been able to put to rest: To gain more views I would love to gain some mobility on the water. A "fishing" kayak would be great for maximum stability and comfort. It would open up a lot more landscape vantage points than I currently have near my home. But that would come at high cost - would cost me at least my Batis 135mm. It's not just the cost of the boat, but for the Thule or Yakima rack and rollers for my Prius as well as I'd need to build a shed to house it. Would it be worth it? I'm wrestling hard on it.

The other thought - as Gene suggested the other day - maybe I should grab a FE 100-400mm GM to gain yet more reach. It wouldn't get me more locations, but it could provide even more compositions as well as the occasional bird, snake, beaver, etc. I'm not a fan of the big telephotos for most of my areas of photography interest, but for outings on the lake it might be very useful.

Hi David

Funny you should bring up the discussion of Kayak. I tried river Kayaking for the first time last year when I was on vacation in Central Portugal and it was an amazing experience. I enjoyed it so much that I am actively researched different Kayak solutions. One thing I've been looking at is an inflatable Kayak solution, these are highend inflatable versions that can be packed down to the size of a small suitcase and would be easier to manage than using a rigid kayak and rooftop carrier system, it would also allow me to travel with it when I go overseas.

KayakPhotos wrote in post #18423900
I think it depends on if you would like kayaking in general or only for photography. The costs can add up as you've mentioned. There are also used options on Craigslist if you do some research. I use a native ultimate, which I got used for $700. My paddle was $400, but it's a high end werner and I got it as a long term investment because I enjoy kayaking. You can get a good paddle for less than $200, but don't be too stingy.

There really is something about being on eye level with wildlife or exploring difficult to reach areas by kayak though. Exploring the Everglades by water and not seeing a single person in a whole day, or paddling down a river at sunrise with the mist on the water, always bring a smile to my face.

Thanks Daniel. I hadn't even thought about the paddle expense...so many things to account for! I had looked at Native; happy with yours? Buying used is a great idea.

To be honest, my kayak GAS is fueled in great part just from a simple desire to get out on the water...it's beautiful out there. If it weren't such a high expense and a challenge for transport and storage, I'd have one already. Can't have everything though.

Miranda1 wrote in post #18423967
Hi David

Funny you should bring up the discussion of Kayak. I tried river Kayaking for the first time last year when I was on vacation in Central Portugal and it was an amazing experience. I enjoyed it so much that I am actively researched different Kayak solutions. One thing I've been looking at is an inflatable Kayak solution, these are highend inflatable versions that can be packed down to the size of a small suitcase and would be easier to manage than using a rigid kayak and rooftop carrier system, it would also allow me to travel with it when I go overseas.

Inflatable could be a consideration. Might be OK on the river, but I'm not sure how well they would track on a lake. I'll research. Also, the Oru folding kayaks look intriguing; certainly an appealing consideration for ease of transport/storage. I don't think you can beat a fishing sit-on-top for comfort, safety, or stability. They are indeed very heavy though. I'd want the Yakima "SweetRoll" or similar to assist with sliding it on my car.

David Arbogast wrote in post #18423990
Thanks Daniel. I hadn't even thought about the paddle expense...so many things to account for! I had looked at Native; happy with yours? Buying used is a great idea.

To be honest, my kayak GAS is fueled in great part just from a simple desire to get out on the water...it's beautiful out there. If it weren't such a high expense and a challenge for transport and storage, I'd have one already. Can't have everything though.

Inflatable could be a consideration. Might be OK on the river, but I'm not sure how well they would track on a lake. I'll research. Also, the Oru folding kayaks look intriguing; certainly an appealing consideration for ease of transport/storage. I don't think you can beat a fishing sit-on-top for comfort, safety, or stability. They are indeed very heavy though. I'd want the Yakima "SweetRoll" or similar to assist with sliding it on my car.

Portability for me is the primary consideration, especially with Air Travel, I've been looking at the Sea Eagle Razorlite and Advanced Elements inflateables, the reviews are pretty good so I will likely go with one of those two options.

Charlie wrote in post #18423713
anyone see the deal on the SY 35mm? 299 in cart, already 100 off the MSRP, and the way it should be.

https://www.buydig.com …liate&utm_conte​nt=4485850

It shows as $349.00 for me.

invi2003 wrote in post #18423999
It shows as $349.00 for me.

deal = dead, sorry

EDIT: looks like BH has it for that price.

To buy or not to buy

I checked with GT for the price of the 12-24, and it's under 1600, not quite a 10% savings, but better than nothing.

Grrr forgot how much I hate selling crap. I dont mind negotiations I just hate when peeps are plain rude.

On another note.

Those of you that have the 100-400GM and the 1.4x...... do you think I need a 1.4x for the eclipse? I do expect Adorama to send me the lens just before I leave but debating on renting or buying the 1.4x

eriet30 wrote in post #18424059
Grrr forgot how much I hate selling crap. I dont mind negotiations I just hate when peeps are plain rude.

On another note.

Those of you that have the 100-400GM and the 1.4x...... do you think I need a 1.4x for the eclipse? I do expect Adorama to send me the lens just before I leave but debating on renting or buying the 1.4x

Where are you headed for the eclipse? I forgot.

Going by memory of moonshots @ 400mm I think you'd definitely want the 1.4x. Have one already? If I get the 100-400GM (seriously considering it), I'll get the 1.4x for sure. Thing is tiny.

ordered the Zhiyun-Tech Crane V2 gimbal. can't wait. i wanna shoot some weddings. lots to learn.

David Arbogast wrote in post #18424063
Where are you headed for the eclipse? I forgot.

Going by memory of moonshots @ 400mm I think you'd definitely want the 1.4x. Have one already? If I get the 100-400GM (seriously considering it), I'll get the 1.4x for sure. Thing is tiny.

Jackson Hole WY..... have a National Parks friend that is getting a cabin and has some vip access.....town is going to be packed!!!!

David, Danile brings up a good point eye level via kayak. This one with one hand holding the limb, the other
holding the camera...in about a 3 knot current Roanoke River NC

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/pPCc​8U