Iron_Dreamer

Yeah! I wish I had gotten that Rok 35 1.4 that cheaply, but it's been in use for a good six months now, so that's almost worth it. These days I sport the 14-24, 45 PC-E, 24-120 f/4, and 70-300VR from Nikon, along with the Rok 35, Sigma 150 macro non-OS, and a Tokina 17 f/3.5 that I keep around mostly for times when I need a filter on an ultrawide. Though that lens is probably going away now that a more reasonable, readily available filter solution for the 14-24 is out: http://www.fotodiox.com/product_info.php?products_id=1492

Did you buy the 14-24 used? It is not uncommon for the zoom to get somewhat off-track or misaligned, most commonly during shipping. I bought my used copy through a local transaction in the Bay Area so that there was no shipping and I could evaluate it in person. Both zoom and focus rings operate as smoothly as I'd expect on my copy, even after hauling it along for 200+ miles of wilderness hiking last year alone. The zoom should feel moderately stiff and take a bit of force to move (likely because you are moving the massive front element group) but it should move smoothly with no hitches or hiccups. If you want an f/2.8 telephoto, I'd get either the 80-200 AF-D (two-ring) or 70-200 VR II. The 80-200 AF-S has a first-gen silent wave focus motor that fails relatively frequently (as do those in the 17-35 AFS and 28-70 AFS), and the 70-200 VR I was essentially designed for crop cameras, as it has issues with vignetting and corner sharpness on full-frame that even stoping down doesn't fix. Pretty much all of Nikon's recent lenses (especially any of the Nano-coated lenses) very good optically. You're more likely to encounter optical issues with some of the older AF lenses (18/2.8, 18-35, 28-200, older 24-120VR). Some folks prefer the more dreamy look of the old 85/1.4 AF-D to the newer 85/1.4 AF-S (sharper, but bokeh is a bit different). Nikon also has the 105 and 135 DC (defocus control) lenses for some unique bokeh effects. Check out the forum at NikonCafe.com, lots of sample shots from different lenses (well-organized), and a pretty friendly overall environment with good knowledge.

Yeah, well, I don't have to tell you how tough it is to evaluate open headphones in that environment

Thanks...if you need more Nikon gear advice, I'm your man. How are you liking that 14-24? My copy took the photo I just posted above. It's not a lens I use all the time, but when I do, it is invaluable and unique.

Here's a favorite from my recent Sierra/Death Valley/CES/Zion trip:

I spent some time at the show with the HD700. Listening-wise, even using my own gear, I was less than thrilled, but it was very loud in and around the Sennheiser booth, even in their "high-end" listening booth. However, what really shocked me about the HD700 was how cheap the plastic looked and felt. I was shocked by the lack of quality feel in a $1000 headphone. Even the HD580 is a more pleasing tactile experience. Of course, some would argue that the low weight achieved by the cheap plastic build is more comfortable than many other heavier headphones. And while the HD700 might be extremely comfortable (I couldn't try it long enough to find out), it just doesn't look or feel like a $1000 item. Furthermore, I really dislike how Sennheiser copied the general look of the HD800 when building the HD700, but took out the high-grade materials, and the ring-radiator driver. Like or lump the HD800, at least it represented Sennheiser using their muscle to leverage a new headphone technology. The HD700 on the other hand, might as well be an HD595 in drag. I actually had a better listening experience with the Beyer T70, but that might just have been the combination of the closed headphones and lower noise levels near the Beyer booth. I didn't get any of the tizziness I've heard in the past with Beyer Tesla headphones, though.

Happy belated, Mike!

Have a great one, Dom!

And just a few minutes later if you're just about anywhere else

All ready to pop some corks!

Happy Birthday Steve, see you soon!

Well, as long as he has enough Drink Me bottles around to keep things balanced

3 Floyds / Brewdog Bitch Please... Woody, peaty, and delicious!

I don't think she got arrested, but I did get this nice liquidy care package from deep in the heart o' Texas the other afternoon: Thanks Shelly!

Have a great one, Ken!

What a one-two punch there Doug!

LOL...indeed, guilty as charged, had a set of those Klipsch at 17

Any Bay Area folk trekking to Russian River for Beatification Batch 4 next Monday?

Glad to hear you're back on your feet, Shelly!

Yeah, I was none too pleased with that bottle, way too sweet, nowhere near sour enough.

And another: http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2011/12/06/user-report-using-the-sony-nex-5n-with-contax-g-lenses-by-jae-yoon/

Here's a thread that should be right up your alley: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1053384

Can't wait for semi-stable ICS for my Nook Color. That thing needs a serious performance boot up the butt.

Whew...that looks bark-a-licious!

Yeah, the bit with Oz was pretty damn funny, one of the best bits of Man Lab thus far, for sure. Somehow I've had all three episodes for a couple weeks though