Originally posted by HoustonBob Given my age (67) - trying to carry that 500mm around is like trying to use a sword to cut a steak; it possible, but its not real practical. Even that 300 feels heavy after a mile or so of walking. I'm afraid both of those lenses are more for show than go now.
If you have a working ES - that is impressive. Even having one SMC Takumar puts somebody in that rare class of people who love mechanical works of art.
Hey Bob, I'm five years your junior, but I have a bad back that makes me feel about 20 years older than I am, so I don't much care for lugging stuff around either, anymore. I still do it, though, but these days I try to pack as much stuff around on wheels as I can, whenever possible. Right now, that means my motorcycle but I know that there are some places where I either can't bring it or I'm not allowed to, so in those cases I'll be hoofing it.
Recently, I bought a piece of luggage used as an airline carry-on from a thrift store for about $8. It has the wheels with the telescoping handle. I'm still working on designs for the interior. Basically, what I'll be doing is using some of this hard styrofoam insulation you can buy at the big box stores in 4x8 sheets, and then I'll cut this insulation into shapes that I'll use to make compartments for cameras and lenses, etc. I can have more than one set of compartments depending upon what sort of gear load-out I want to take with me. Sure beats paying $200+ for one of the pre-made ones from a camera shop.
By the way, I don't own an ES or ESII -- yet, but I do own a Spotmatic F, so I'm able to put to use a couple of SMC Taks I own -- a 55mm f/1.8 and a 100mm f/4 macro. I wouldn't mine owning a few more nice pieces of SMCT glass, but most of it sells for prices I can't easily afford anymore.
---------- Post added 06-25-15 at 02:34 AM ----------
Originally posted by womble It is a Manfrotto 055CXPRO4. It is carbon fibre so pretty strong but light enough to travel. The centre post is normally vertical but you can push a little button on the base to slip it into the horizontal position. The legs will splay right out too so you can get the camera a few inches off the ground. I'm pretty pleased with it.
Best wishes, Kris.
---------- Post added 06-25-15 at 07:10 AM ----------
Thanks, Kris. Whew. I just looked it up. Expensive little puppy, ain't it!