The Monkey

Well, I think I can be counted on for moral support, at least.

Thanks Cankin. Looking back at my shots, that's definitely the problem. Shutter was way too slow.

Thanks Gene and Dan. Dan, I'll shoot you a PM. Maybe we can work out a trade. I used the 70-200 vr2 at my son's b-day party today and had a lot of trouble freezing the action shots. The party was at a gymnastics facility so the kids were flying all over the place. I wanted to get them in midair, but I missed almost 100%--they blurred. I want to try to get out of full auto (a) because it's time to actually learn how to do this stuff and ( I prefer to tell the camera where to focus. But I think I forgot to think about shutter speed and got a lot of blurred shots. The facility is huge and indoors, but well lit. However, I probably should have used some flash. I don't know. I still have lots to learn, but pretty disappointed in myself for not being able to get those shots. Any advice for future action shooting would be much appreciated. I'm definitely not a natural at this.

Can you guys recommend a decent monopod that won't break the bank?

So I've got the 70-200 vr2 and the 14-24 for the weekend. These are serious lenses. And not small. So far I love them both. I'll purchase a 70-200, just need to decide whether I want the vr2 or save some money on the older version and use the savings for a teleconverter because I'd like the extra reach.

Also consider keeping your eye on Amazon for the Image x10, which periodically goes on sale. iirc, you had them once before, right? You can sometimes get them for less than $100, which I think is a great deal.

That sucks Mike. Are you going to try UE again?

Simple, but elegant leather portfolio is probably best for that.

Yeah, the 50 seems pretty big. You might like the 40.

You big cynic! But yes...

That's pretty great.

Shelly, what's your verdict on the ThinkTank bags?

I'm in for 4 pro.

I love mine.

It depends on a lot of things, but let's start with the easiest: are you over 40 and how old is the new hire?

Rented both for the weekend.

I chanted what I always do in such situations: "Potvin Sucks!"

Just saw this: I was a chaperone on my son's class trip to the park, which is right on the water. It just coincidentally coincided with the shuttle's trip up the Hudson. The kids went bananas. They spontaneously started chanting U-S-A U-S-A! Pretty cute.

I may just do that Jeff. Coulda used it today for the shuttle.

Thanks guys. I am teh stupid. I read the compatibility chart wrong. But jesus this stuff ain't cheap.

FIOS continues to be pretty solid for me for the Internetz. FIOS TV is a different story.

I wish the 70-200 could take a teleconverter.

does anyone have experience with the Nikon 70-200 2.8 vr1 or 2? Is it worth it? Also considering the 80-200 2.8 w/o VR. Also, need a wide angle but don't want to break the bank. Any thoughts? The 18-200 VRII is nice, but slow. Want to move to better glass but it's so expensive...

Blimey! We're en route to the Bronx Zoo.

Looks like I'm not going to make it. Not feeling well and lots of family stuff to deal with (mom has surgery on Monday, boy's birthday, etc.). I hope you all have a great time.