POTN Safari around South/West Africa - we are baaack :-)

condyk wrote in post #2886545
Ergorest® MultiTripod

This Ergorest® thing looks a great buy at the price I paid as can be used to mount lenses steady on the Bakkie window, for using as a mini tripod for Macro style shots, or on desks and walls, etc. I will try it when it arrives ...
Man, I love a bargain

Dave, good buy, I hope (as I haven't got one - yet - but this Ergorest is used by many Finnish nature photographers), and as a bonus, made in Finland. Let us know your first experiences. You like to say how much did you pay? The lowest price I've seen in Finland is 89€.

Olli wrote in post #2889417
Dave, good buy, I hope (as I haven't got one - yet - but this Ergorest is used by many Finnish nature photographers), and as a bonus, made in Finland. Let us know your first experiences. You like to say how much did you pay? The lowest price I've seen in Finland is 89€.

I know you like precision in some things and so the figure I paid in €'s is 62.7161 Standard price here is €86.0523.

The fact that it was made in your homeland convinced me of its design excellence and build quality.

condyk wrote in post #2889561
I paid in €'s is 62.7161 Standard price here is €86.0523.

Great deal! Is this 86€ a normal camera shop price? I'll be London in April, and might get it with that price, as I have to pay p&p on top of that 89€ here in F-land.

See here chief ... it is an internet only shop

Once you know your arrangements then let me know as we could meet up for dinner if you have any free time during your spying mission. Happy to buy you one. PM me nearer the time.

I'll let you know Dave, when I come.

If I remember right, you have discussed about the carry-on lugage policy already. Here's my experience from last week in Heathrow: On Monday when I was on transfer in London and moving from terminal 1 to 4, I was firmly guided to take only one case in the cabin, and asked to squeeze my small camera bag (Tamrac Velocity 7) into my trolley. Luckily I was able to do that. On Thursday on my return transfer, the same happened again. This time I asked can I carry my camera without bag. Then the lady in charge said that if that is a camera case I can carry that separately. - Obviously there is some flexibility, but I wouldn't count on that.

Yes, I think the 'rules' change depending on person, what side of the bed they got out of and 'victim'. On my last flight my carry on case was perfect size but I saw many with larger, and a few with two. I would only ever take a single carry on case anyway. I use my cloth Gap bag for walkaround and that just folds up and goes anywhere. I use my Crumpler December Quarter for carry on. I won't carry more that it will hold. I'd rather make do that have any hassle.

ooops I just won another hat on eBay. Forgot I had set up an automatic last seconds bid. Nice Akubra Snowy River at decent price. Now I need to grow a second head

Just keep that extra Snowy River in the closet like I do. I have been waiting 22 years trying to wear out the first one.

Az2Africa wrote in post #2896849
Just keep that extra Snowy River in the closet like I do. I have been waiting 22 years trying to wear out the first one.

I don't think I'll outlive an Akubra hat somehow, tho' entirely possible that I may lose one

Hopefully one will fit and I'll sell the other. If both or neither fit then ... I'll sell or keep both.

You need to model both of them for us, Dave, and we will help you decide!

BeccaNH wrote in post #2903154
You need to model both of them for us, Dave, and we will help you decide!

Ah yes ... but then y'all will see my terrible affliction and cancel the trip

So it's like Christmas in Dave Town at the mo'. Both hats fit perfectly. Went walkabout today (a day off!!) in the Akubra and love it. Kept my bonce warm. No one bothered about a strange hat wearing bloke. The other hat is softer and feels great too. Not sure which to keep. I might keep the softer one as it'll fold into my case easily.

Also my 70-300mm IS arrived. Seems a sweet lens. Very good IS and very decent IQ too in a small and discrete package. Should work well with my 400mm L.

Safari vest I also picked up and perfect fit even over my hunchback Pockets everywhere. Very well made too. Just needs a wash to soften it and give it some lived-in feel.

condyk wrote in post #2908583
Ah yes ... but then y'all will see my terrible affliction and cancel the trip

So it's like Christmas in Dave Town at the mo'. Both hats fit perfectly. Went walkabout today (a day off!!) in the Akubra and love it. Kept my bonce warm. No one bothered about a strange hat wearing bloke. The other hat is softer and feels great too. Not sure which to keep. I might keep the softer one as it'll fold into my case easily.

Also my 70-300mm IS arrived. Seems a sweet lens. Very good IS and very decent IQ too in a small and discrete package. Should work well with my 400mm L.

Safari vest I also picked up and perfect fit even over my hunchback Pockets everywhere. Very well made too. Just needs a wash to soften it and give it some lived-in feel.

Wow, you have been doing some shopping! Congrats on the new lens! One of my friends from work just got a new XTi that came with a 17-85 IS lens (nice option from the kit lens!). I had never played around with an IS lens before, but it seemed to really make a difference. I guess I'll have to rely on my beanbag or tripod for a while yet!

My Sigma 17-70 got here today, too. I think I'm going to love this lens. I've only taken a few snaps here in my apartment, but I'm hoping to get out this weekend and take it for a walk.

I also made arrangements to go get my international drivers license and some travel insurance at the nearest AAA office. I think those are the last two big things I need to arrange. Just need a hat but I'll pick that up this summer.

Yup ... IS is cool and makes a big difference hand held but not as good as a tripod or beanbag IMO. For handholding only. Sigma is great build for the price. The 70-300mm IS is only OK. Typical cheap Canon rubbish. I keep meaning to get my International too. Keep not having the time

Is there still room left on this trip?

Sorry, been full a LOOOOOOOOOOONG time now.

damoneboston wrote in post #2909162
Is there still room left on this trip?

unfortunately our plane tickets were booked way back last fall so were all filled up. But, there's bound to be another trip next year... I'm thinking Belize or Greece...