I'll get dates, locations, hotels etc. to you as soon as M gets everything firm. Lotsa time, but I'm looking forward too. You never can tell, we might have something in common.

Noel: Afterthought: You should update the equipment list on your PF profile. I just updates mine (don't look).

Walter

Dear Noel:

I knew you must be using something other than the Zeiss 28mm for macro, most likely something longer. The Tamron 70~300mm really does a fine jib, but it's always been a lens that's better than it has a right to be at the extraordinary price (under $200 iUSD). I have one from the film era that M used to use although I generally take newer Pentax zooms. The Raynox is another bargain wonder. In front of a good lens it can deliver amazing macros.

May your focus, exposure and framing always be perfect.

Walter (AKA WPRESTO)

PS BTW: The trip to SA in September now looks firm. I know we'll be in Johannesburg for a couple days when we arrive, and Kruger park at the end. The tour schedules full days, but there are some free evenings including the day we arrive, but I may be travel-shocked and more incoherent than conversational. The older I get the less my body tolerates anything out-of-routine.

You did not take the image of the ladybug with either the 170~500mm or the 28mm Zeiss. Please update your equipment list - I'm bursting with curiosity (or just being nosy, if you prefer).

I've been curious about what you use for macro, as some of them are really nice, but your stats indicate only two lenses, the 170~500mm for wildlife, and what a presume is an MF 28mm Zeiss. Is that the lens you use for macros? With what attached (tubes, close-up filter, Raynox???). Does that 28mm serve for all the wonderful images of the kids that you post?

Hi Noel,
Thank you for the wonderful comment on my "Illusion".

Mike

Hi Noel,

What is the judging procedure? I'm a bit lost on that.

Thanks.

Charles

Hi Noel

Congrats on #3 with your bee eater!