Can't comment on your choice of tripod other than to note that you have gone for a reputable brand. I noticed, however that you make reference to the Sigma 100-300mm in your post which I do have and which I find easier to use on a monopod unless the subject is static or very nearly so. I use a CF model from the Manfrotto range.

As for the head,if you intend doing a lot of work with the 100-300 mounted on a tripod, you might want to investigate the purchase of a gimbal head, but be prepared: they are not cheap!

Jon

Ditto: scared me out of my metaphorical pants as I thought it was my K20D that was the problem before calming down and identifying the real cause.

Jon

Morris stroked his Streak 5 into action and trawled the web for help, unaware that...

Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my plea .

Given that Brunel Microscopes are 'just up't road' from me, or very nearly so, I'll give them a go.

Archie wrote: Archie: is your adapter used with or without the occular in place and do you have any examples uploaded 'in the cloud' that I could see?

Jon

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. Luckily, I do have shots taken from different vantage points that omit the gate.

Stuey wrote: Arkells is the big local (Swindon) brewery and the beer they produce is good if not exceptional. The shot was taken early on Tuesday evening (around 18:30), which goes some way to explain the paucity of clientele; in addition to which the Brewers is more of a pub for 'outsiders'. Villagers, in the main, tend to drink in the nearby Plough where the beer, is better and the barmaids more acommodating: especially of gnarled old letchers like me

Jon

Thank you all for the generous comments which will serve as stimulus for yet further experimentation.

Joining this forum has reinvigorated my interest in photography and given me the confidence to pull down the barriers of my comfort zone .

TonyM wrote: I used the infamous (see recent posts from others) TAv mode (100 - 800 ASA) with +1 stop dialled in and varied the shutter speed between 1/125 and 1/200s whilst keeping the aperture between f5.6 and f6.3. Metering was set on pattern/matrix mode and the auto-focus on AF-C. All shots were taken at 70mm whilst panning using the 'Lo' continuous drive setting with the file format being jpeg (maximum quality/resolution). I usually shoot RAW but from previous experience know that this quickly fills the buffer and locks the camera. For each run I took between 3 and 4 shots and selected the best from each.

In all honesty, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and the girls were too focussed on their sledding to be concerned about the slightly shifty-looking elderly geezer with the camera taking photographs, so I had the time and opportunity to get it right. Afterwards I promised to give them, and the other youngsters I photographed, copies of any decent shots.

Jon

Taken whilst out on a wintry stroll in the fading light with my K20D and Sigma 17-70mm.


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[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5284082234_75e5176b32_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

Sledding_4 by prsjnb, on Flickr[/img]

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5284082230_ae3e850416_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

Sledding_3 by prsjnb, on Flickr[/img]

C&C welcome.

Jon

One of our village pubs shot using an 18-55mm WR, K20D and tripod. Minor adjustments in ACR before correcting (?)distortion, cropping and sharpening ever so slightly in PSE.

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5282765429_837e66b37d_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

Brewers Arms by prsjnb, on Flickr[/img]

C&C welcome.

Jon

Inspired by some recent posts of Tim (thoughton)and perspired by those of Gareth (above) , took this hand-held using natural light and my PKM 50mm F1.7 wide open:


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Thanks guys: I wouldn't have taken it without you

Jon

I have an Olympus binocular stereo microscope to which I would like to attach one of my digital bodies. I have found an eyepiece adapter that looks promising link but is designed for use with M42 mount camera bodies. I have seen several KM bayonet - M42 screw thread adapters on 'fleabay' but not sure whether it's essential I go for one that allows infinity focus.

Any and all advice much appreciated.

Jon