Thanks for the welcome back everyone!
I think I may just start with the 55-300 as suggested. This is why I asked here and am receiving sound advice just like I knew I would.
Will also look hard at the KP and KS-2.
Originally posted by BigMackCam Hi Stan, and welcome back!
I can relate to the health problems, as I've been dealing with early-onset RA for the last four-and-a-half years. On a personal note, might I ask what meds you're getting benefit from? I'm on hydroxychloroquin, plus various pain killers, and steroid injections every three-to-six months. They all help, but often not as much as I'd hoped
Regarding your camera and lens choice, those sound just fine to me. I will ask, though, how much do you really need the constant f/4 of the DA*60-250? I own this lens, and it's one of my favourites. But in recent months I find myself using the (non-PLM) HD DA55-300 more often. Stopped down a little, I find I'm more than happy with the image quality, and it doesn't suffer from severe focus breathing. Plus, it's much lighter - and with a health condition like RA, that can make a huge difference for an afternoon's shooting. Lastly, it's considerably more affordable
For the RA - I didn't do what one is supposed to - I didn't see a specialist until it was way too late. I was stubborn and just kept working. Got to the point where I could barely walk - using a walker a lot of days - also couldn't lift a coffee mug to my lips using 2 hands.
Rheumatologist diagnosed me right away when I finally went - my RF factor and inflammation tests were just about off the charts. Started me on Methotrexate. That took a solid 6 weeks before any results - then suddenly it was like I had no disease. I kept working at that point. Then the effect of the Methotrexate slowly wore off over the next 6 months - to the point then where I couldn't even walk.
Then started on Humira along with the Methotrexate. The Humia took a solid 6 months to do anything but took away 25% of my issues. It then took over 3 years with that combination to get to my present 50% of my old self.
Aboout 2 years ago I started getting really sick from the Methotrexate. Was told it became toxic to my system after taking it for so long. They switched that out for Avara which I am still taking along with the Humira.
All along those 5-6 years I've been also taking 5mg of Prednisone daily and also a daily regimen of pain medication (which I won't divulge in an open forum). The combination of all said here allows me to do light yard work around the house for 1-2 hours each morning - then I am done for the day and back in my chair for the rest of the day.
For me the Humira has been a wonder drug of sorts. It's amazingly expensive but luckily I have insurance that covers it with a very minimal copay.
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OK - off to look at those cameras and the PLM lens - that is new to me.