Jump to content

Welcome to NikonForums.com
Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

Scott_G

Scott_G

Member Since 30 Jun 2015
Offline Last Active Oct 30 2015 04:57 PM
-----

#34038 Sweden 2015

Posted by Scott_G on 30 October 2015 - 04:36 PM

A few pix from my trip to Sweden in September of this year.  I bought a Tamron 16-300 for the trip so I wouldn't need to carry around, or switch between, multiple lenses.  Everything was shot off hand, although I did have a handstrap.  As far as a general purpose, day to day traveling lens, I'm very happy with it.

 

DSC_1435-Pano.jpg

Looking towards Uppsala from atop a burial mound in Old Uppsala.

 

 

DSC_1621.jpg

Relaxing on a spit of land out in Lake Vannern near Karlstad.

 

 

gothenberg_pano.jpg

Up the river into Gothenberg from atop the "Lipstick Tower."

 

 

white_boat.jpg

White boat - shot during a boat tour of Gothenberg.




#32194 Monopod comparison

Posted by Scott_G on 26 July 2015 - 02:57 PM

Here are the two open, side by side:

DSC_0857.jpg

 

As you can see, the StableShot (sold under the Kodak name) is about a foot taller fully extended.  The Yunteng, with it's three "feet" can stand on it's own on fairly level ground.  However, don't put a camera on it and expect it to stay up.  It might, by why trust even a cheap camera to a self-supporting monopod?

 

The Yunteng quick release plate has a cork top, while the Kodak has a plastic top.  At least for me, the plastic top gripped my camera better than the cork.

 

DSC_0858.jpg

 

DSC_0859.jpg

 

The Kodak top also flips to the side and locks, letting you shoot in portrait mode.

 

DSC_0860.jpg

 

The Yunteng bottom is a ball-and-socket joint, allowing the feet to be swiveled at angles yet let the pole stand upright.  The Kodak bottom has a metal point with a rubber donut that screws down to protect delicate surfaces, and a foot peg that flips down from the main pole.  In this shot, it's simply flipped down.

 

DSC_0861.jpg

 

If you keep moving it to the other side of the pole, it's elevated above the bottom tip, allowing you to exert downward force with your foot.  It seems to hold better this way.

 

DSC_0866.jpg

 

The handle on the Yunteng is larger, and more solid while the Kodak's is thinner.  However, I don't think it's any more delicate.  The Yunteng has a large strap allowing you to sling it over a shoulder, while the Kodak has a wrist strap.  At it's smallest, the Yunteng is only slightly shorter than the Kodak.  The Yunteng has square column pieces, while the Kodak has round pieces with a notch in them so they don't rotate.  Weighing them in my hand, the Yunteng is about 150% of the weight of the Kodak.  (Both also come with zippered covers, not shown in my pix.)

 

DSC_0868.jpg

 

Even though I have big hands, I found the Kodak easier to use.  True, the "key" on the bottom of the quick plate is small and snaps back easily, but that's more than offset by the negatives of the Yunteng: extra weight, shorter pole and no portrait swivel.  You're not going to use either of these as a hiking pole, and neither of the swivel heads are as smooth as even my cheapest video tripod.  But the Kodak is a third of the price of the other one, and saving even a little weight when you're carrying something all day is a good thing.

 

Until I have a few hundred bucks to burn on a better monopod, I'll keep the Kodak and send the Yunteng back.




#32154 Nikon D7100 - Sample Photos and Specs

Posted by Scott_G on 23 July 2015 - 09:31 PM

Another shot from my D7100 with my Tamron 16-300.

 

gallery_9301_557_266141.jpg




#32151 Nikon D7100 - Sample Photos and Specs

Posted by Scott_G on 23 July 2015 - 02:37 PM

One of my first shots with the Tamron 16-300. 

 

gallery_9301_557_397896.jpg




#32053 Tamron 16-300: Opinions?

Posted by Scott_G on 18 July 2015 - 12:53 PM

Got my D7100.  However, they sent me the wrong lens.  Oh, it's a Tamron 16-300, but it's the Canon version.  I have a test pattern printed, waiting to shoot as soon as I get the lens.  Well, I may have to play with it a little before I shoot the pattern.  Hehe!




#32052 Hello from Syracuse, NY

Posted by Scott_G on 18 July 2015 - 12:51 PM

Got the D7100 today!  However, idiots shipped me the Tamron 16-300 in Canon format, so will have to wait until later in the week to try that out.  Mean while, I skated on down to the local Best Buy and bought (honestly, am essentially renting) a Nikkor 55-500.  So far, on auto-magic, it shoots phenominal pix.  When I try to take control?  Eh, not so much.  ::grin::




#31975 Hello from Syracuse, NY

Posted by Scott_G on 12 July 2015 - 02:37 PM

Hej Merco_61!  I'll be in your neck of the woods in mid-September.  Making my first trip back to Sweden in 33 years - possibly with a D7100.  Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it!




#31844 Hello from Syracuse, NY

Posted by Scott_G on 30 June 2015 - 03:59 PM

Hi everyone.  I'm Scott, from near Syracuse NY.  I have another brand of DSLR, and I use it to shoot mostly boring PR business photos.  I really want to get into doing more artistic stuff as well, and I've been considering the D7100 plus a couple lenses.  I'm no newcomer to photography, but I have a LOT to learn.  I'm most interested in landscapes and portraiture.

 

If anyone want to just say "Hi," or if they have comments/recommendations on gear and such, I'm happy to hear from you!

 

Very best,

 

Scott G.