I shoot a lot of pictures and very rarely does anything fail, but anything man made does have the potential for failure and will eventually give up of course if used long enough. All makes suffer a failure rate and price is no guarantee of a better or a worse product.

As regards SDM, there has been an evolution of SDM motors, just as there has been an evolution of Super Multi Coating, so I wouldn't let the label put me off new products.

Monochrome is a powerful choice in its own right, and these days it's one that we do make from choice, not because colour is too expensive to contemplate!

However, my feeling is that some images just cry out to be black and white and it's those that end up being powerful in their own right. Usually this means light, texture, tone, composition and content all work together and colour would introduce competing and unnecessary complication.

Enjoy your journey of discovery!

That's the one, and very comfy it is as well!

https://www.costco.co.uk/Business-Office-Supplies/Whalen-Metrex-IV-Mesh-Office-C...

I went for a mesh chair rather than the usual leather. It's incredibly comfortable and at less than £100 great value. I can swivel to my desk and then back to the PC as required and it's all very efficient.

Now I just need to find something worthwhile to say!

I've just replaced my computer chair and am happy to report a significant increase in comfort. I know, anything but the comfy chair.......

A really great idea and some excellent takes on it.

I've just upgraded to W10 and everything remained intact.

But in any event I'd suggest using a card reader rather than connecting a camera to the computer. The images may well still be there, so have a look and/or do a search and see if they are in a folder somewhere.

Thanks for the links Gareth.

I like both of those, and the way you have linked them together as a story.

A shoulder stock with a long lens might not be the best choice these days - you might get more attention that you wish for.

I'd go for the tripod option, or alternatively the 55-300mm zoom without the converter would be a lighter option and pretty good quality as well.