A hearty well done, John!

A most deserving and entertaining shot.

Congrats and cheers,

WOW!

Either our friend Pedro is a really big guy, or this camera is much smaller than I expected!

Thank you Mr. Azevedo.

Simon,

I've never seen a red panda before, and this guy's expression is priceless!

Did you use a short tele? Or a really small aperture?

Personally, I would have liked less DOF, to make the subjects stand out more.

Sorry, I know you weren't asking for C&C, so please take this only for what it's worth.

Terry,

I agree that the supplied lens caps are difficult to manage with the hoods in place.

I've replaced mine with good quality center-pinch caps (if that makes any sense).

This way, the hoods stay in place (only come off to change filters (I only tend to use polarizers - actually making use of that little removeable window in the hoods' bottom for alignment.)).

I also agree that new hoods should be available (affordable?), but wonder if the lens barrel half of the mount may be wearing out as well?

As has often been said in these hallowed threads, a rigid hens hood protects the front element of a good SMC lens better than a fragile and unneccessary UV filter. That's why I always leave them in place.

They also look very cool

Cheers,

Mike,

Now that you've mentioned all this - what a crappy photo!

I build mahogany sea kayaks, which everyone sees as works of art.

Apparantly, I'm the only one who sees the flaws.

Unless my friends and customers are exceedingly kind.

Nah...

They find fault with me in every OTHER way

It's a good shot, you made it better, be proud!

Cheers,

mikew"]Well I'm relieved that no-one has seen the problems I saw!

Mike,

Sure we did! It's just that we're too kind to mention them!

Seriously - what problems?

Nice shots, these.

I also find that my 18-55 kit lens behaves best close-in like this, not wide open (f4), or at its widest (18mm).

I think you've found the best use for it with these pictures.

It does a credible job with colours, doesn't it?

For longer range shots, I try to use Aperture Priority (AV) at at least f8, and focus manually if possible.

Cheers,

Joshua,

I've missed your submissions.

These were well worth waiting for!

Thank you for sharing.

Mike,

If that's a major crop, and remains that sharp, it's a testament to both your camera and the Tamron.

I like the finished product, as I'm sure the subject would.

Now, as a far-away Kanuck, I need to know what a Brummie is?

Mike,

Gotta love these old cars - a joy to photograph with all that shiney paint, glass and polished chrome.

I have to admit though that to me, the owner's expresion doesn't go with your title

Which lens were you using?

Is this a major crop?

Cheers!