I have used the Clickfree products as well, and if I recall they will back up system files etc. so that a full restore of your machine can be done - both data and system files (if you choose those options). I agree, it is simple to use, maintains the native file format and it does work well.

But I found if all you want is copies of your data/image files it is simpler and cheaper using SyncToy or FreeFileSync.

Try downloading Microsoft's 'SyncToy'.

It's very basic and simple, which is one of it's attractions, and it just copies files rather than saving them in a proprietary format used by most backup programs. This means you can easily and quickly access files on the external drive from any computer without needing to do a 'restore' using that proprietary software. Just take care to set a one direction only copy, rather than synchronise.

To automatically run an unattended/automatic backup/copy you can use Task Scheduler, which is built in to Windows 7, to start and run SyncToy. You can also use Task Scheduler to display the logfile from SyncToy to confirm the copy has taken place.

A bit of googling will soon give you all the information you need to set up both of these programs.

Another program called 'FreeFileSync' is equally as effective as 'SyncToy'

Thank you both for your advice - that's really helpful.

Some really nice pictures there Mike. I will be happy if mine turn out like that.
I think you've answered my question - it looks as though the 17-70 and 70-200 should do the trick for this event.

I'm afraid I don't have an 18-135, John. I was wondering whether the 31 or 17-70 and the 50-135 are likely to cover all I need, or is it worth taking the 70-200 for some close ups as well? I suspect the 300 would be overkill.

I'm going to the Battle of Bosworth re-enactment this coming weekend. link
Never having been to one of these before, I'd be grateful for any recommendations from anybody who has been to this type of event about what sort of focal length lenses are likely to be most useful?

Do any of you use a gimbal on a monopod when panning?

If so, do you recommendations for them - either for their use or particular makes that are good value?

PM sent

I was looking at the longer Sigma lenses to include use at airshows, but when I started looking at the exif data of pictures taken by others (take a look on this forum) they seem to be mostly under 300mm, with a good few under 200mm, so I suspect the extra reach is not likely to be used too often at that type of event. Maybe a faster lens up to 300mm might be more useful? But nevertheless, it's still nice to have the extra reach available. As RayB says, it depends how close you are likely to be to the action

A few more taken at Mallory Park on Sunday. Not as good as Simon Arron's, I think. Will just have to keep practising!

All un-edited and straight out of camera.

C&C's welcome.




[img]https://www.pentaxuser.com/images/comment_pictures
/9873/9873_1374613154.jpg[/img]