Great Tripod

Legged Evolution Carbon Tripod Ballhead

I use this bag to carry my Canon D50, EF75-300,EF18-55 and accessories. They all fit the bag with room left over.It was well packed by the shipper, and arrived unharmed. I thought I had a zipper problem at first, but found it was due to the packing method that squashed the front pocket making the zipper stick some when first trying to open it. Once the pocket was filled and expanded to normal, the zipper works fine.
It is a quality bag which is evident in its construction at all sewn seams and stress points. The two strap snaps are very firm and give no indication that either would come free when the bag is carried fully loaded.
I like the full padding on all sides that well protects the contents inside, and too the shoulder strap padding which feels comfortable to either shoulder.
It is easy to imagine this as a $100 suggested retail price bag, since I have used that price bag in the past, and it compares very well quality wise. All in all I am very satisfied, and for a retiree the sale price is just right. Thanks Amazon.

Get your Legged Evolution Carbon Tripod Ballhead Now!

nice glasses for the price

Mirror Wayfarer Sunglasses Fashion Shades

I use this bag to carry my Canon D50, EF75-300,EF18-55 and accessories. They all fit the bag with room left over.It was well packed by the shipper, and arrived unharmed. I thought I had a zipper problem at first, but found it was due to the packing method that squashed the front pocket making the zipper stick some when first trying to open it. Once the pocket was filled and expanded to normal, the zipper works fine.
It is a quality bag which is evident in its construction at all sewn seams and stress points. The two strap snaps are very firm and give no indication that either would come free when the bag is carried fully loaded.
I like the full padding on all sides that well protects the contents inside, and too the shoulder strap padding which feels comfortable to either shoulder.
It is easy to imagine this as a $100 suggested retail price bag, since I have used that price bag in the past, and it compares very well quality wise. All in all I am very satisfied, and for a retiree the sale price is just right. Thanks Amazon.

Get your Mirror Wayfarer Sunglasses Fashion Shades Now!

Great bag

Protection 75 300mm Telephoto MicroFiber Cleaning

I use this bag to carry my Canon D50, EF75-300,EF18-55 and accessories. They all fit the bag with room left over.It was well packed by the shipper, and arrived unharmed. I thought I had a zipper problem at first, but found it was due to the packing method that squashed the front pocket making the zipper stick some when first trying to open it. Once the pocket was filled and expanded to normal, the zipper works fine.
It is a quality bag which is evident in its construction at all sewn seams and stress points. The two strap snaps are very firm and give no indication that either would come free when the bag is carried fully loaded.
I like the full padding on all sides that well protects the contents inside, and too the shoulder strap padding which feels comfortable to either shoulder.
It is easy to imagine this as a $100 suggested retail price bag, since I have used that price bag in the past, and it compares very well quality wise. All in all I am very satisfied, and for a retiree the sale price is just right. Thanks Amazon.

Get your Protection 75 300mm Telephoto MicroFiber Cleaning Now!

Great bag

Canon 300DG Black Digital Gadget

I use this bag to carry my Canon D50, EF75-300,EF18-55 and accessories. They all fit the bag with room left over.It was well packed by the shipper, and arrived unharmed. I thought I had a zipper problem at first, but found it was due to the packing method that squashed the front pocket making the zipper stick some when first trying to open it. Once the pocket was filled and expanded to normal, the zipper works fine.
It is a quality bag which is evident in its construction at all sewn seams and stress points. The two strap snaps are very firm and give no indication that either would come free when the bag is carried fully loaded.
I like the full padding on all sides that well protects the contents inside, and too the shoulder strap padding which feels comfortable to either shoulder.
It is easy to imagine this as a $100 suggested retail price bag, since I have used that price bag in the past, and it compares very well quality wise. All in all I am very satisfied, and for a retiree the sale price is just right. Thanks Amazon.

Get your Canon 300DG Black Digital Gadget Now!

Makes You Think

Photo Armor Shell Camera Carrying Cameras

A few years ago I read Peretti's "This Present Darkness" and it has remained on my heart and in my mind ever since. Recently I started looking for the sequel in the library and could not find it! So i downloaded it on Kindle and could not put it down! I have re-read the first story and moved right into the second one, so it is best read in sequence to fully understand "What happened in Ashton." Sally's story is gripping, full of mystery and intrigue, and you find yourself pulling for her even though you know what her past is! Peretti weaves together the story of lives and how they are connected with each other. The events and seemingly innocent occurrences in the lives of the characters reveal themselves as every piece of the puzzle comes together in a way that only Peretti can do.

Get your Photo Armor Shell Camera Carrying Cameras Now!

Makes You Think

Piercing Darkness A Novel ebook

A few years ago I read Peretti's "This Present Darkness" and it has remained on my heart and in my mind ever since. Recently I started looking for the sequel in the library and could not find it! So i downloaded it on Kindle and could not put it down! I have re-read the first story and moved right into the second one, so it is best read in sequence to fully understand "What happened in Ashton." Sally's story is gripping, full of mystery and intrigue, and you find yourself pulling for her even though you know what her past is! Peretti weaves together the story of lives and how they are connected with each other. The events and seemingly innocent occurrences in the lives of the characters reveal themselves as every piece of the puzzle comes together in a way that only Peretti can do.

Get your Piercing Darkness A Novel ebook Now!

Was even better than I thought it would be!

24 105mm Thermos Drinking Stainless Interior

I'm very pleased with my choice of straps for my two DSLRs. Since I've purchased it, I've used the straps together as designed so I can carry both of my DSLRs, each with a different length lens. It really is as easy as it seems. To be using one camera, then slide it down the strap, and pick up the second camera in less than two seconds. I have no worries about it missing a slot on a holster and hitting the ground. It goes to the bottom of the loop, and hangs there, ready to be brought back up and shoot again. So far, I've used it this way at an air show and two auto races. I have been juggling two cameras for years, and this is by far the easiest time I've had at any of the events I've gone to.
A couple other times I went out and only needed to take one camera, and split the harness apart. It takes about 5 seconds, if that, to separate them to use as a single camera strap. Again, it was easier for me to have the single camera at my hip, rather than bouncing against my chest or stomach while I was walking around. I don't think anyone would be unhappy buying this strap system.
Before buying, I read all the reviews, and the same complaint kept coming up. The bracket that mounted to the camera seemed to be giving people fits, so I just went and ordered up a couple of BlackRapid RFH-3SB Fasteners, and put the plates that came with the strap on the shelf. They were a little bulky for my tastes anyway. I'm happy with the way the BlackRapid fasteners fit onto the battery grips of my cameras without any of the fuss others have been having. The little locking "beeners" on the strap hook through them like they were made for each other. Once locked in, the cameras aren't going to slip off and fall to the ground.
There were some other comments about the sliding latches and concerns about the cameras swinging around too much. The way the latches were on the straps when delivered made no sense to me, so I slid them along the straps so they are in the middle of my back, out of my way. the camera has to move from the resting position at your hip, up to your face to shoot. Having a latch between there defeats the purpose of the strap system. As far as holding the cameras to your hip when you move about, you can use your hands.......or, fabricate a small strap that loops around the bottom of the loop where the camera rests (going up hill of the cameras to the backside) and loops through your belt loop on your pants. I walked around for a combined 30 hours or so at the three events, and never felt it was an issue of them swinging around too much. They certainly won't be able to hit each other like one other reviewer was worried about. Also, when bending over to tie a shoe or pick something up, the camera strap is attached to your hip and won't be able to swing towards the ground, as long as you keep your torso upright.

I highly recommend this double strap system. For the money, you just can't beat how well it works.

Get your 24 105mm Thermos Drinking Stainless Interior Now!

just what I needed

Rainbowimaging Release Dual shoulder Olympus Panasonic

I'm very pleased with my choice of straps for my two DSLRs. Since I've purchased it, I've used the straps together as designed so I can carry both of my DSLRs, each with a different length lens. It really is as easy as it seems. To be using one camera, then slide it down the strap, and pick up the second camera in less than two seconds. I have no worries about it missing a slot on a holster and hitting the ground. It goes to the bottom of the loop, and hangs there, ready to be brought back up and shoot again. So far, I've used it this way at an air show and two auto races. I have been juggling two cameras for years, and this is by far the easiest time I've had at any of the events I've gone to.
A couple other times I went out and only needed to take one camera, and split the harness apart. It takes about 5 seconds, if that, to separate them to use as a single camera strap. Again, it was easier for me to have the single camera at my hip, rather than bouncing against my chest or stomach while I was walking around. I don't think anyone would be unhappy buying this strap system.
Before buying, I read all the reviews, and the same complaint kept coming up. The bracket that mounted to the camera seemed to be giving people fits, so I just went and ordered up a couple of BlackRapid RFH-3SB Fasteners, and put the plates that came with the strap on the shelf. They were a little bulky for my tastes anyway. I'm happy with the way the BlackRapid fasteners fit onto the battery grips of my cameras without any of the fuss others have been having. The little locking "beeners" on the strap hook through them like they were made for each other. Once locked in, the cameras aren't going to slip off and fall to the ground.
There were some other comments about the sliding latches and concerns about the cameras swinging around too much. The way the latches were on the straps when delivered made no sense to me, so I slid them along the straps so they are in the middle of my back, out of my way. the camera has to move from the resting position at your hip, up to your face to shoot. Having a latch between there defeats the purpose of the strap system. As far as holding the cameras to your hip when you move about, you can use your hands.......or, fabricate a small strap that loops around the bottom of the loop where the camera rests (going up hill of the cameras to the backside) and loops through your belt loop on your pants. I walked around for a combined 30 hours or so at the three events, and never felt it was an issue of them swinging around too much. They certainly won't be able to hit each other like one other reviewer was worried about. Also, when bending over to tie a shoe or pick something up, the camera strap is attached to your hip and won't be able to swing towards the ground, as long as you keep your torso upright.

I highly recommend this double strap system. For the money, you just can't beat how well it works.

Get your Rainbowimaging Release Dual shoulder Olympus Panasonic Now!

Great Product

Rainbiwimaging Shoulder Olympus Pentax Panasonic

I've had this now for over three years (actually bought two of them) and it really is a great strap. There is a more expensive option out there, but it's basically the same thing. I love this strap. My only complaint is that I have to remove it occasionally to mount a tripod - but when I'm shooting with my bigger lenses, I just let it hang as I use the foot on the lens.

You'll have to put your camera in your bag upside down for it to sit properly, but I've been doing that for years now and it's not a big deal. Makes for easy access on some of my cameras for the battery door.

The strap does slide down as others have mentioned, but that's a minor annoyance. It's still the most comfortable camera strap I've used - and it doesn't advertise NIKON D3s to the whole world...

Buy it - you won't be disappointed. It's good quality and it lasts a long time. I shoot nearly every day and I've had these for 3 years now. More than worth the 15 bucks.

Get your Rainbiwimaging Shoulder Olympus Pentax Panasonic Now!

Wow

Yongnuo Tripod Collar Mount Cancon

I was debating to purchase a Pentax K01 which unfortunately has been discontinued. Glad that I instead bought the Pentax Q. Words alone cannot describe the incredible feeling you get once you pick up this tiny engineering marvel. Small as a digital compact but almost as mighty as a DSR.

The standard zoom lens alone is an incredible piece of hardware and functionality. It takes beautiful and vivid images that are even more gorgeous when you look at them on you computer screen. Granted, it is a lot smaller than the ones you see on the Sony NEX and Nikon etd. mirrorless cameras.

I also ordered a Fotodiox Pentax K adapter which allowed me to use my old 120mm Tamron prime lens as well as my standard 35mm, 50mm, 70-150mm and 80-200mm just like I did in the old days when I was using film. Mind you, the only drawback is that you can only use these lenses in manual mode and only with a tripod since there is a 5.5X multiplier effect. This means that you 35mm becomes a 175mm lens and etc. which do need a monopod or tripod to keep it steady.

Also if you are ordering the Fotodix adapter be aware that a tripod mount is already built in the adapter an no additional tripod collar is needed to mount the older and longer zoom lenses. Otherwise still great pictures even when using it handheld.

For my purposes, I am using an old pistol grip from my old 8mm movie camera which allows you to hold in one hand and adjust the zoom with the other. A flash bracket works equally as well.

I just had the camera for several days and already I am impressed with the number of features and special effects that it capable of.

In closing, the price I paid for the Q is is more than bargain considering that you had an excellent zoom lens as well the ability to use your older lenses which have definitely better optics than some of the point and shoot cameras that are on the market.

With the adapter it does feel rather small since most older Pentax K lenses were rather large and rather well built. This disadvantage is easily overlook once you see the incredible images that you can produce once again this time in a digital format.

Highly recommended by a veteran Pentax owner.

Get your Yongnuo Tripod Collar Mount Cancon Now!

My second Q, first with the 02 lens

Olympus Waterproof Digital Battery Accessory

I was debating to purchase a Pentax K01 which unfortunately has been discontinued. Glad that I instead bought the Pentax Q. Words alone cannot describe the incredible feeling you get once you pick up this tiny engineering marvel. Small as a digital compact but almost as mighty as a DSR.

The standard zoom lens alone is an incredible piece of hardware and functionality. It takes beautiful and vivid images that are even more gorgeous when you look at them on you computer screen. Granted, it is a lot smaller than the ones you see on the Sony NEX and Nikon etd. mirrorless cameras.

I also ordered a Fotodiox Pentax K adapter which allowed me to use my old 120mm Tamron prime lens as well as my standard 35mm, 50mm, 70-150mm and 80-200mm just like I did in the old days when I was using film. Mind you, the only drawback is that you can only use these lenses in manual mode and only with a tripod since there is a 5.5X multiplier effect. This means that you 35mm becomes a 175mm lens and etc. which do need a monopod or tripod to keep it steady.

Also if you are ordering the Fotodix adapter be aware that a tripod mount is already built in the adapter an no additional tripod collar is needed to mount the older and longer zoom lenses. Otherwise still great pictures even when using it handheld.

For my purposes, I am using an old pistol grip from my old 8mm movie camera which allows you to hold in one hand and adjust the zoom with the other. A flash bracket works equally as well.

I just had the camera for several days and already I am impressed with the number of features and special effects that it capable of.

In closing, the price I paid for the Q is is more than bargain considering that you had an excellent zoom lens as well the ability to use your older lenses which have definitely better optics than some of the point and shoot cameras that are on the market.

With the adapter it does feel rather small since most older Pentax K lenses were rather large and rather well built. This disadvantage is easily overlook once you see the incredible images that you can produce once again this time in a digital format.

Highly recommended by a veteran Pentax owner.

Get your Olympus Waterproof Digital Battery Accessory Now!

My second Q, first with the 02 lens

Pentax Black Standard Zoom Lens

I was debating to purchase a Pentax K01 which unfortunately has been discontinued. Glad that I instead bought the Pentax Q. Words alone cannot describe the incredible feeling you get once you pick up this tiny engineering marvel. Small as a digital compact but almost as mighty as a DSR.

The standard zoom lens alone is an incredible piece of hardware and functionality. It takes beautiful and vivid images that are even more gorgeous when you look at them on you computer screen. Granted, it is a lot smaller than the ones you see on the Sony NEX and Nikon etd. mirrorless cameras.

I also ordered a Fotodiox Pentax K adapter which allowed me to use my old 120mm Tamron prime lens as well as my standard 35mm, 50mm, 70-150mm and 80-200mm just like I did in the old days when I was using film. Mind you, the only drawback is that you can only use these lenses in manual mode and only with a tripod since there is a 5.5X multiplier effect. This means that you 35mm becomes a 175mm lens and etc. which do need a monopod or tripod to keep it steady.

Also if you are ordering the Fotodix adapter be aware that a tripod mount is already built in the adapter an no additional tripod collar is needed to mount the older and longer zoom lenses. Otherwise still great pictures even when using it handheld.

For my purposes, I am using an old pistol grip from my old 8mm movie camera which allows you to hold in one hand and adjust the zoom with the other. A flash bracket works equally as well.

I just had the camera for several days and already I am impressed with the number of features and special effects that it capable of.

In closing, the price I paid for the Q is is more than bargain considering that you had an excellent zoom lens as well the ability to use your older lenses which have definitely better optics than some of the point and shoot cameras that are on the market.

With the adapter it does feel rather small since most older Pentax K lenses were rather large and rather well built. This disadvantage is easily overlook once you see the incredible images that you can produce once again this time in a digital format.

Highly recommended by a veteran Pentax owner.

Get your Pentax Black Standard Zoom Lens Now!

Affordable Style

Matte Reflective Color Wayfarers Sunglasses

After seeing poor reviews on the Manfrotto MH054M0-Q2 054 Magnesium Ball Head with Q2 Quick Release, I stepped up to the 55 series, and I must say that, this is one killer Ball Head!

This head is a TANK! I had a Q2 quick plate already on my Nikon D7100 24.1 MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR camera from another manfrotto monopod that I have been using. I screwed this head onto my Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod and snapped the camera right in with no problems. I tried to get the camera to pop out, like I have seen posted by others online and I couldn't get it to come out unless I pressed the release button and flipped the lever all the way back. I don't know if they fully addressed the problems that this quick release was having or not, but mine works perfectly at this time.

The ball head is smooth, and after adjusting the tension knob for the weight of your camera, the ball takes miminum effort to move after only a half turn of the ball locking knob. Even with the knob in the loose position, the ball doesn't just fall. It stays put until you move it, provided that the tensioner is set correctly for the camera/lens/light kit that you use on the head.

Panning is a little stiff right out of the box but i'm sure it will loosen up over time as this head.

I'm ultra pleased with this head. It should provide years of service for me in the studio and at events!

Now only if they made a smaller version of this with a 1/4-20 thread for my monopod I would be set!

Get your Matte Reflective Color Wayfarers Sunglasses Now!

EFFICIENT, EASY TO USE CONTROLS A STABLE LONG LENS SUPPORT

Manfrtotto MH055M0 Q2 Magnesium Release System

After seeing poor reviews on the Manfrotto MH054M0-Q2 054 Magnesium Ball Head with Q2 Quick Release, I stepped up to the 55 series, and I must say that, this is one killer Ball Head!

This head is a TANK! I had a Q2 quick plate already on my Nikon D7100 24.1 MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR camera from another manfrotto monopod that I have been using. I screwed this head onto my Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod and snapped the camera right in with no problems. I tried to get the camera to pop out, like I have seen posted by others online and I couldn't get it to come out unless I pressed the release button and flipped the lever all the way back. I don't know if they fully addressed the problems that this quick release was having or not, but mine works perfectly at this time.

The ball head is smooth, and after adjusting the tension knob for the weight of your camera, the ball takes miminum effort to move after only a half turn of the ball locking knob. Even with the knob in the loose position, the ball doesn't just fall. It stays put until you move it, provided that the tensioner is set correctly for the camera/lens/light kit that you use on the head.

Panning is a little stiff right out of the box but i'm sure it will loosen up over time as this head.

I'm ultra pleased with this head. It should provide years of service for me in the studio and at events!

Now only if they made a smaller version of this with a 1/4-20 thread for my monopod I would be set!

Get your Manfrtotto MH055M0 Q2 Magnesium Release System Now!

Finally a cool camera backpack

Lowepro LP36354 PAM Photo Backpack Orange

I took this backpack on a 12 day hike intensive raft trip through the Grand Canyon and it worked flawlessly. Rafting and hiking in the Grand Canyon is a demanding environment for gear and adequately protecting a camera in this situation is no small feat. Between the rafting with its wild bumping, bouncing and frequent splashes, and the hiking provided lots of blowing sand and scrambling over rocks, through creeks, and up or under waterfalls.

For camera gear I carried a Nikon D700 body with a Nikon 28-300mm lens and a Nikon 17-35mm f2.8 lens in the padded compartment plus a Benro C-069 tripod in the side pocket. While on the river I kept the camera with lens in a Outdoor Research 10L ultra light dry bag and the second lens in a smaller dry bag. For additional protection I put a 9 inch by 11 inch 3/8 inch closed cell foam pad it the front pocket over the camera gear. This pad was also useful for sitting on. I also found this large front pocket useful for carrying a Joos Orange Solar Charger partially inserted in the pocket and the top of the solar panel secured to a shoulder strap with a short length of utility cord. The charger stayed on the raft during the hikes.

In the top compartment I carried a waterproof splash jacket and rain pants for the rapids, sun screen, lens cleaning supplies, extra cards, batteries, and a lunch. Even with this gear there was plenty of room to spare in the top pocket.

I also carried a 70 ounce camelbak bladder with the quick disconnect hose. The QD hose is really helpful so that you can remove the bladder and fill it up away from the backpack without having to remove and reinsert the hose each time. The bladder easily fit in the separate pocket when full.

There are many features that I really appreciated about this backpack. Here are a few of them.
- The camera and extra lens were well protected in the padded compartment and yet were easy to get to by keeping just the left shoulder strap on my shoulder and swinging the bag around to my front.
- The backpack easily held all of my gear and there were separate pockets for small items inside the main compartment and in the pull over top to keep small items organized and easily accessible.
- The side pocket for the tripod was both very secure and very easy to access it and everything else when attached. Also it rode in close and tight to the pack so it did not feel unbalanced or like there was an appendage hanging off the bag.
- The shoulder straps and waist strap were very effective at distributing the weight and I could comfortably wear the pack for hours when fully loaded at a weight of about 20 to 25 pounds.
- The pack is fairly narrow and rides close to the body which helps with comfort and maneuverability in tight spaces.
- There were synch straps and loops on the exterior of the pack that made it easy to lash down on the raft and would be handy for carry extra gear.

The only downside I found to the bag was the zipper for the camera access was a little stiff when zippering around the corners of the opening. This was probably as much caused by the incessant sand as by the tight radius on the zipper.

For around town shooting I am still inclined to use my ThinkTank Street Walker Pro which has more room for a pro body likea Nikon D4, and larger lenses. The D4 does not fit in the PhotoSport 200.

I highly recommend this pack if you are inclined to take a full size DSLR camera, a couple of mid sized lenses, tripod and other stuff out for a day hike, especially if you like/need a camelbak capability.

Get your Lowepro LP36354 PAM Photo Backpack Orange Now!

When quality surpasses the price.

MiniSuit Translucent Cover Black Rubber

I first ran across this book on the shelves of my seminary library and was intrigued; I even checked it out, but never got around to reading so much as the first chapter. But after a difficult spell in pastoral ministry, I ran across a note I'd made of the title and ordered it. It was the right decision.

Dodd brings a unique perspective to his writing: having absorbed broad swaths of leadership literature (both mainstream and Christian/church-oriented) he entered a PhD program with the intention of learning Paul's management techniques. What he found instead was Paul's total focus on Jesus and the cross, and his radical dependence on the Holy Spirit.

I highly recommend this book to any pastor or Christian lay leader. It is not a book you ought read through in one sitting - there is much to ponder. But the time and effort will be worth it.

Get your MiniSuit Translucent Cover Black Rubber Now!

Must Read!

Empowered Church Leadership Ministry According

I first ran across this book on the shelves of my seminary library and was intrigued; I even checked it out, but never got around to reading so much as the first chapter. But after a difficult spell in pastoral ministry, I ran across a note I'd made of the title and ordered it. It was the right decision.

Dodd brings a unique perspective to his writing: having absorbed broad swaths of leadership literature (both mainstream and Christian/church-oriented) he entered a PhD program with the intention of learning Paul's management techniques. What he found instead was Paul's total focus on Jesus and the cross, and his radical dependence on the Holy Spirit.

I highly recommend this book to any pastor or Christian lay leader. It is not a book you ought read through in one sitting - there is much to ponder. But the time and effort will be worth it.

Get your Empowered Church Leadership Ministry According Now!

Just as relevant today as a century ago!

Spring Awakening Play Frank Wedekind

We decided to send one of these cameras to each of our FIVE grandkids for X-Mas 2011. This one for the girls and the black/white for the boys. They were truely a hit!!

Three went to the same house in Tulsa, OK; two girls, 7 and 9 years, and a boy, 3 years old, who is particularly rough on everything. His camera has been used as a 'hammer' and it still works fine. The kids immediately began shooting pics and videos. They loved the on-screen things they could do, like put 'hats' on their Guinea pig, 'horns' on their Mom, etc. They also loved flipping the lens for 'self-portraits'.

My daughter entered the living room and thought it was a paparazzi ambush....clickety, clickety, click. Too Funny! Their sweet little neighbor girl didn't get one for X-Mas; so, we sent one to her, too. Another happy camper! That makes six cameras.

One went to a 5 year old in Phoenix, AZ, who is using it to illustrate his own homemade books; and, he's producing his own videos, too. Little genius!

Now, we have two little B-Days in our neighborhood, and that means two more cameras. We're up to eight cameras, now!

Regarding people's comments on poor picture quality: Hey, it's a toy!! And, we have yet to hear a single complaint from ANY of these kids. To the contrary, we received phone calls from excited children who abandoned their other gifts to explore their world with these great cameras. I just got off the phone with my daugher; and my I.T. son-in-law remarked that the picture and video quality is excellent; so, if there were problems, they must've been corrected. No recharging problems, as they use 4 AA batteries, which are easily replaced.

I also give the 'frustration-free' packaging a 5-star rating. Just open, point and shoot! There's nothing worse than struggling to cut open those plastic clamshell thingies and cut yourself in the process.

If you wonder why we dropped all of this money on these, just think back about spending twice the dough on toys that lasted only a week. I highly recommend this product.

Get your Spring Awakening Play Frank Wedekind Now!

Awesome upgrade from the first Fisher Price Kid tough

Fisher Price Kid Tough Yourself Camera Purple

We decided to send one of these cameras to each of our FIVE grandkids for X-Mas 2011. This one for the girls and the black/white for the boys. They were truely a hit!!

Three went to the same house in Tulsa, OK; two girls, 7 and 9 years, and a boy, 3 years old, who is particularly rough on everything. His camera has been used as a 'hammer' and it still works fine. The kids immediately began shooting pics and videos. They loved the on-screen things they could do, like put 'hats' on their Guinea pig, 'horns' on their Mom, etc. They also loved flipping the lens for 'self-portraits'.

My daughter entered the living room and thought it was a paparazzi ambush....clickety, clickety, click. Too Funny! Their sweet little neighbor girl didn't get one for X-Mas; so, we sent one to her, too. Another happy camper! That makes six cameras.

One went to a 5 year old in Phoenix, AZ, who is using it to illustrate his own homemade books; and, he's producing his own videos, too. Little genius!

Now, we have two little B-Days in our neighborhood, and that means two more cameras. We're up to eight cameras, now!

Regarding people's comments on poor picture quality: Hey, it's a toy!! And, we have yet to hear a single complaint from ANY of these kids. To the contrary, we received phone calls from excited children who abandoned their other gifts to explore their world with these great cameras. I just got off the phone with my daugher; and my I.T. son-in-law remarked that the picture and video quality is excellent; so, if there were problems, they must've been corrected. No recharging problems, as they use 4 AA batteries, which are easily replaced.

I also give the 'frustration-free' packaging a 5-star rating. Just open, point and shoot! There's nothing worse than struggling to cut open those plastic clamshell thingies and cut yourself in the process.

If you wonder why we dropped all of this money on these, just think back about spending twice the dough on toys that lasted only a week. I highly recommend this product.

Get your Fisher Price Kid Tough Yourself Camera Purple Now!

Inevitable changes that require new methods in businesses and government

Global Turning Points Understanding Challenges

Global Turning Points is very interesting in that it makes excellent use of being an academic/professional publication by presenting problems, or challenges, in a very straight-forward manner without leaning in to emotional discussions while talking about hot-button topics such as poverty, wealth inequality, etc. It presents the gist of ideas (if you care to deduce) that would help keep businesses healthy long-term but doesn't shroud them in "right/wrong" terms -- just practical ones.

However, in its viewing things through a long-term global lens, it manages to ignore the greed that makes businesses focus on huge short-term profits versus great long-term profits. As one other reviewer pointed out, the people in business who could act on these problems now already know these things and prefer to ignore them until a breaking point is reached. Instead, this book should guide the next generation of business leaders to think about things differently if they have the same playing field to work with -- or should the breaking point not be reached before they are in charge.

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Great lightweight tripod.

Benro A1690T Travel Tripod Aluminum

I am a documentary photographer who shoots mainly weddings, as such, I don't use a tripod many times during the course of a job, but when I need one, its got to work flawlessly. This Benro fits the bill. It folds down small enough that its not a chore to haul along. I actually strap it to the backpack I store most of my gear in. It's sturdy enough to hold a professional camera body and my largest zoom lens (70-200/2.8) confidently. The twist-action legs make it really quick to set up and tear down, for a four section tripod anyway...

I don't know if I'd get this if I were a professional travel photographer, where I knew it was going to get abused regularly. I'd probably spring for the Gitzo in that case. But for less than a third of the price, this one is fantastic for regular use (not abuse).

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good lens overall, as long as you know its limitations

Sigma 18 250mm 3 5 6 3 Nikon Digital

I have had this lens for 6 months now. I got it brand new along with my 7D. I decided to get the 7D body and this lens instead of a kit lens, and I'm glad I did. I have shot probably 10,000 pictures in the last six months, and I have used this lens on probably 80% of those. It is the only lens I ever need for general outdoor photography. Having he ability to go from 18mm for landscapes to 250mm for detail shots and macro is awesome. Yes, it is a macro lens. I can focus up to about six inches from the glass. With a cheap set of extension tubes I can focus with the subject literally touching the glass! Zoomed in, this lens gives great bokeh, even though it's not as fast as the Canon 70-200 for instance.

The only bad things I notice about this thing are that you notice a fair bit of fringing on high contrast edges when doing macro shooting. This can generally be fixed by changing lighting. It also has a slight barrel distortion at 18mm that is easy to fix (although you lose a little of your picture) in post.

Overall I give this thing five stars. You can find plenty of lenses that are better at one part of the zoom spectrum than this, but I don't think there is a multi-purpose zoom that rivals this one out there.

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Great for use with wrist tether--my "go to" setup for everyday point-and-shoot photography

Leica 18730 D LUX Protector Black

As most photographers do, I have a variety of cameras, lenses, bags, cases, straps, etc. I try all kinds of gear out and have settled on a few different configurations that are my "go to" setups for one purpose or another. For instance, the "go to" setup to shoot surfers at Rocky Point is totally different than the "go to" setup for weddings, or the "go to" setup for everyday point-and-shoot photography.

This half-case with the Leica is my "go to" setup when I'm not carrying a full camera bag with me and photography is an afterthought for the event--not the primary purpose of the event (for instance, if I'm bringing a camera along to a dinner out with friends, I take the Leica in this case with one spare battery in my pocket--if you're reading this review, you probably know the lux6 eats batteries). In this configuration, I use a wrist tether only.

This way, I can pull the left-hand side of the case off the body and away from the camera to get access to the battery/memory card door. I leave the right-hand (grip) side of the case essentially still connected to the camera with the wrist tether cord still connected. I don't use a lens cap because I have a UV lens cover over the "real" Leica glass. Configured in this way, I'm able to make battery changes (or memory card changes, if necessary) very easily.

The lux6 is such a tiny little camera that for someone with large bear claw hands (like me) a grip is a "must have" on the camera. The grip on this case is very functional and is also beautiful. It is perfect for protecting the camera from the normal bumps and rubs of being left on a table or chair during a dinner party, etc. The leather is attractive and the whole package with the red-dot camera is classy and attractive and the whole setup doesn't look out-of-place sitting on the table in a fine dining situation the way my full-frame Canon with auxiliary battery grip, flash and giant grey lens would look in the same setting.

When I use the lux6 in an event that is primarily photography-focused I use the Leica branded black-aluminum side grip that attaches to the camera using the tripod mount threads in the bottom of the camera body. That particular standalone grip is fantastic and gives great comfort and security on the camera and also contains a female-threaded access point for a tripod to mount to, unlike the leather half-case with grip which has no tripod mounting point. Similar to the leather half case, the black-aluminum side grip also blocks access to the bottom of the camera and requires removal before one can remove the memory card or battery.

All in, this is a great grip and protection device for a majority of the times I'm using the lux6.

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Super sharp lens and great build quality

Sigma 30mm f1 4 Lens Canon

This is one of the most essential lens-cleaning tools a photographer can have. There are several reasons why I choose these pens over any other type of lens cleaning:

- This is very portable
- The new design has a screw-on cap
- There is NO way to scratch your glass with the brush
- The carbon tip does an excellent job at cleaning

Traditional microfiber cloths are good, however if you don't brush off the minute foreign particles on the lens first even a light cleaning can leave micro-abrasions/cleaning marks! I trust the LensPen not just for my Canon L glass, but also for vintage manual focus lenses, some of which are rare and quite valuable.

I am very pleased with the new screw-on cap design - my last LensPen cap had several close calls hooked on the inside of my pocket, including on a hike that would have meant that I never got it back. The push-up design of the brush hasn't changed, seeing as it has always been excellent!

RECOMMENDATIONS:
If you have ever gotten anything on your lens that seems impossible to clean (pollen, little kid sticky fingerprints etc), I would highly suggest the following cleaning routine:

1) Using the brush, remove all particles from the front element as best you can.
2) Spray some Purosol All Natural Lens Cleaner on the included microfiber cloth, and wipe off until clean
3) Finally, gently use the carbon tip to finish up, gently making sure there are no streaks (unlikely with this spray)
4) Be amazed by the cleanliness of your lens!

I know that cleaning solutions aren't required with the LensPen (having its own carbon compound), however for certain contaminants you really do need something liquid to get things moving. 90% of the time, you won't need to, but I find the above method to work every time.

IMPORTANT:
1) Make sure you use the brush side FIRST. If you use the carbon tip first you run the risk of grinding dirt into your glass. This is how lenses get micro-abrasions which can actually affect image quality by wearing on the front coating, and will definitely affect the value of your lenses. Once you have used the brush side, you are free to clean it with the carbon pad.

2) Believe it or not, this pen is faked rather often...I have even come across one or two while traveling. Make sure that there is a LensPen holographic seal of authenticity somewhere on your packaging! I would NOT recommend using one that doesn't have this hologram, who knows what quality control the imitations do or do not have! If in doubt, send it back! To avoid this possibility, buy directly from Amazon or a seller with high feedback whenever possible!

OVERALL
This never leaves my gear bag/pocket while I am shooting. People tend to over-clean their lenses leading to deterioration of coatings, but I love that I can at least use the brush as often as I want to get rid of the bigger particles, using the carbon pad or the method described above only when I accidentally get a fingerprint on the glass. This is indispensable, and HIGHLY recommended!

Get your Sigma 30mm f1 4 Lens Canon Now!

A must have

GoPro Caps and Door covers

This is one of the most essential lens-cleaning tools a photographer can have. There are several reasons why I choose these pens over any other type of lens cleaning:

- This is very portable
- The new design has a screw-on cap
- There is NO way to scratch your glass with the brush
- The carbon tip does an excellent job at cleaning

Traditional microfiber cloths are good, however if you don't brush off the minute foreign particles on the lens first even a light cleaning can leave micro-abrasions/cleaning marks! I trust the LensPen not just for my Canon L glass, but also for vintage manual focus lenses, some of which are rare and quite valuable.

I am very pleased with the new screw-on cap design - my last LensPen cap had several close calls hooked on the inside of my pocket, including on a hike that would have meant that I never got it back. The push-up design of the brush hasn't changed, seeing as it has always been excellent!

RECOMMENDATIONS:
If you have ever gotten anything on your lens that seems impossible to clean (pollen, little kid sticky fingerprints etc), I would highly suggest the following cleaning routine:

1) Using the brush, remove all particles from the front element as best you can.
2) Spray some Purosol All Natural Lens Cleaner on the included microfiber cloth, and wipe off until clean
3) Finally, gently use the carbon tip to finish up, gently making sure there are no streaks (unlikely with this spray)
4) Be amazed by the cleanliness of your lens!

I know that cleaning solutions aren't required with the LensPen (having its own carbon compound), however for certain contaminants you really do need something liquid to get things moving. 90% of the time, you won't need to, but I find the above method to work every time.

IMPORTANT:
1) Make sure you use the brush side FIRST. If you use the carbon tip first you run the risk of grinding dirt into your glass. This is how lenses get micro-abrasions which can actually affect image quality by wearing on the front coating, and will definitely affect the value of your lenses. Once you have used the brush side, you are free to clean it with the carbon pad.

2) Believe it or not, this pen is faked rather often...I have even come across one or two while traveling. Make sure that there is a LensPen holographic seal of authenticity somewhere on your packaging! I would NOT recommend using one that doesn't have this hologram, who knows what quality control the imitations do or do not have! If in doubt, send it back! To avoid this possibility, buy directly from Amazon or a seller with high feedback whenever possible!

OVERALL
This never leaves my gear bag/pocket while I am shooting. People tend to over-clean their lenses leading to deterioration of coatings, but I love that I can at least use the brush as often as I want to get rid of the bigger particles, using the carbon pad or the method described above only when I accidentally get a fingerprint on the glass. This is indispensable, and HIGHLY recommended!

Get your GoPro Caps and Door covers Now!

LensPen NLP-1: Evolution improves the product

Lenspen NLP 1 LensPen

This is one of the most essential lens-cleaning tools a photographer can have. There are several reasons why I choose these pens over any other type of lens cleaning:

- This is very portable
- The new design has a screw-on cap
- There is NO way to scratch your glass with the brush
- The carbon tip does an excellent job at cleaning

Traditional microfiber cloths are good, however if you don't brush off the minute foreign particles on the lens first even a light cleaning can leave micro-abrasions/cleaning marks! I trust the LensPen not just for my Canon L glass, but also for vintage manual focus lenses, some of which are rare and quite valuable.

I am very pleased with the new screw-on cap design - my last LensPen cap had several close calls hooked on the inside of my pocket, including on a hike that would have meant that I never got it back. The push-up design of the brush hasn't changed, seeing as it has always been excellent!

RECOMMENDATIONS:
If you have ever gotten anything on your lens that seems impossible to clean (pollen, little kid sticky fingerprints etc), I would highly suggest the following cleaning routine:

1) Using the brush, remove all particles from the front element as best you can.
2) Spray some Purosol All Natural Lens Cleaner on the included microfiber cloth, and wipe off until clean
3) Finally, gently use the carbon tip to finish up, gently making sure there are no streaks (unlikely with this spray)
4) Be amazed by the cleanliness of your lens!

I know that cleaning solutions aren't required with the LensPen (having its own carbon compound), however for certain contaminants you really do need something liquid to get things moving. 90% of the time, you won't need to, but I find the above method to work every time.

IMPORTANT:
1) Make sure you use the brush side FIRST. If you use the carbon tip first you run the risk of grinding dirt into your glass. This is how lenses get micro-abrasions which can actually affect image quality by wearing on the front coating, and will definitely affect the value of your lenses. Once you have used the brush side, you are free to clean it with the carbon pad.

2) Believe it or not, this pen is faked rather often...I have even come across one or two while traveling. Make sure that there is a LensPen holographic seal of authenticity somewhere on your packaging! I would NOT recommend using one that doesn't have this hologram, who knows what quality control the imitations do or do not have! If in doubt, send it back! To avoid this possibility, buy directly from Amazon or a seller with high feedback whenever possible!

OVERALL
This never leaves my gear bag/pocket while I am shooting. People tend to over-clean their lenses leading to deterioration of coatings, but I love that I can at least use the brush as often as I want to get rid of the bigger particles, using the carbon pad or the method described above only when I accidentally get a fingerprint on the glass. This is indispensable, and HIGHLY recommended!

Get your Lenspen NLP 1 LensPen Now!

You can't dump it, so learn to live with it!

Living With Stress Marta Merajver Kurlat

The main criteria for buying this tripod was that it had to be light and compact enough to fit in my Tamrac Velocity 8x Sling Bag (i.e. all the weight on one shoulder) and yet sturdy/stable enough to take low light / night shots with my Canon 7D with lenses as large as my EF 70-200 IS 4L. After taking this tripod to Prague/Salzburg/Munich I can say that this is a surprisingly good tripod and will be a part of my travel bag as long as you are aware its limitations (i.e. stability and vibration dampening) and work around it.

On one extreme end you have the tripod fully extended (including the center column) with a DSLR mounted with a long lens, then it becomes a little shaky and rather top heavy which puts the setup at risk of falling over. However, if you spread the legs out and hang your camera bag onto the center column hook then its stable and usable. In this configuration, it will take 10 seconds for all of vibrations to dampen out so you will need a remote release or rely on the timer for this to be practical.

Now if you don't extend the center column and extend only 2 segments of the legs, then it is significantly more stable and dampening time drops to about 5 secs if you are using a long lens. If you use a shorter lens than say the EF 24-105 4L then the dampening time is about 3 secs or less.

And of course, if you only fold it out and use it as a table top tripod then is extremely stable and dampens quickly.

PROs:
1) Compact size, less than a foot long
2) Built-in bubble levels and sturdy ball head
3) Legs don't rotate with twist locks
4) 3 angle leg positions
5) Strong for its size.

CONs:
1) The base plate is terrible as the camera moves when oriented in portrait. I plan on replacing this plate.
2) Aluminum construction doesn't dampen vibration well.

Although I own a nice carbon fiber tripod that is very stable and dampens extremely well, its size and weight makes it a pain to travel with. So if you know the limitations and workaround them, you'll be able to take sharp night and indoor shorts. And thats definitely more pictures than having the tripod stay in the hotel.

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Solid arca swiss compatible travel tripod

Promaster XC522 Tripod Gunmetal Black

The main criteria for buying this tripod was that it had to be light and compact enough to fit in my Tamrac Velocity 8x Sling Bag (i.e. all the weight on one shoulder) and yet sturdy/stable enough to take low light / night shots with my Canon 7D with lenses as large as my EF 70-200 IS 4L. After taking this tripod to Prague/Salzburg/Munich I can say that this is a surprisingly good tripod and will be a part of my travel bag as long as you are aware its limitations (i.e. stability and vibration dampening) and work around it.

On one extreme end you have the tripod fully extended (including the center column) with a DSLR mounted with a long lens, then it becomes a little shaky and rather top heavy which puts the setup at risk of falling over. However, if you spread the legs out and hang your camera bag onto the center column hook then its stable and usable. In this configuration, it will take 10 seconds for all of vibrations to dampen out so you will need a remote release or rely on the timer for this to be practical.

Now if you don't extend the center column and extend only 2 segments of the legs, then it is significantly more stable and dampening time drops to about 5 secs if you are using a long lens. If you use a shorter lens than say the EF 24-105 4L then the dampening time is about 3 secs or less.

And of course, if you only fold it out and use it as a table top tripod then is extremely stable and dampens quickly.

PROs:
1) Compact size, less than a foot long
2) Built-in bubble levels and sturdy ball head
3) Legs don't rotate with twist locks
4) 3 angle leg positions
5) Strong for its size.

CONs:
1) The base plate is terrible as the camera moves when oriented in portrait. I plan on replacing this plate.
2) Aluminum construction doesn't dampen vibration well.

Although I own a nice carbon fiber tripod that is very stable and dampens extremely well, its size and weight makes it a pain to travel with. So if you know the limitations and workaround them, you'll be able to take sharp night and indoor shorts. And thats definitely more pictures than having the tripod stay in the hotel.

Get your Promaster XC522 Tripod Gunmetal Black Now!

Convenient but not optically excellent

Opteka Manual Adapter Optical Elements

Despite mixed reviews, I ordered this item after watching test videos on youtube. I use my t3i mostly for video and am a low-budget filmmaker. If I had the money to buy a variety of Canon EF lenses, I would. This adapter has given me the opprotunity to purchase several lenses for less than $200. Sure the image is very soft when the iris is wide open, but going down 1 stop eliminates that problem. Nowadays many people are trying to make video look like film, and I feel like the image I get from the lenses I have produces a more "film-like" quality. We are in the digital age and anything lower than high definition is dismissed for the most part. Personally, I dont care how sharp an image is as long as it is well shot. This adapter has suited my needs very well and has allowed me to have the variety of prime lenses I need for the time being, until I have the funds for new Canon EF lenses. I have read reviews about poor machining of this adapter and luckily I did not have this issue (I think they were old reviews and the company has fixed the problem), that being said I would have been very pissed off if this adapter messed up the mount on my body or got stuck.

For someone looking to buy this product, I suggest watching test shots and comparisons on youtube, vimeo, etc. They proved to be much more informative than the reviews from "glass snobs". While doing my own tests with FD and EF lenses I was very surprised and pleased. The bokeh is a bit different than from an EF lens, probably something to do with the glass element in the adapter, but I happen to like it. Of course, do not expect these adapters to fit every project but if you are making your own films this product can give it a special quality.

Also, be sure to try and get as high a quality lens as you can when using this to get the best results. Individual lens can cause many variations in the image. Some FD lenses that have not been taken care of can have mold inside or other imperfections.

Get your Opteka Manual Adapter Optical Elements Now!

Definitedly beats Manfrotto

Induro Alloy Tripod AT 413 Black

I have to say I really like this tripod. I purchased this to replace my Manfrotto 055XPROB I purchased about almost 2 years ago. The Manfrotto is a pretty good tripod, max height without the center column raised placed my Canon 60D's viewfinder at 64 inches, which is pretty much at my eye level, probably around an inch or two below my eye level, and I am six foot tall. And it seemed pretty solid, but when I needed a little more height, and raised the center column I had to pretty much use the ten second delay and hope that the vibration settled by the eighth second of the delay timer or there was definitely going to be blur in my photo. And the vibration really, really reared its ugly head when I was shooting video, for my son's High School band performance during halftime shows. So it was then I had realized that it is time to go tripod shopping.
I looked around and my criteria was a tripod that would place my Canon 60Ds viewfinder at around 66 plus inches. The Induro AT-413 allows my 60D's viewfinder to sit at around 75 inches. Just to be clear the camera sits at 75 inches without the center column raised, just to compare the Manfrotto sits at 64 inches column not raised and at 78 inches with the center column fully raised, but my camera will be subject to a whole lot of movement. And just in case you were wondering the AT-413 places my cameras viewfinder at around 80 inches, with the center column fully raised.
Another criteria was a tripod that would be able to carry a pretty good load. Again just to compare to my Manfrotto its load rating was around 15.5 lbs., so I wanted a tripod that would have a load rating of at least double that of the Manfrotto. So that would be a tripod that would easily handle at least 30 lbs. Guess what the Induro AT-413 handles 44lbs, that is almost triple the rating of the Manfrotto. So during my tripod research I saw a Gitzo video of a guy of I have to say probably weighed well under 200 lbs. grab the neck of a fully raised rather small Gitzo and raised his whole weight and the tripod managed it with no problems, so it got me thinking. So I put pretty much my whole weight on just one leg of my Manfrotto and the legs started to collapse, oh by the way I weigh well above 250lbs, so I said I have to tighten the legs on my Manfrotto, but after tightening the legs, it still collapsed under my weight, but it is only rated at 15.5lbs. so a long way to get to this part, I said what can my new Induro do, I grabbed the neck of my fully raised tripods neck and slowly started to raise my legs, and guess what, It held me up, no leg collapsing or anything, with my legs off the ground the tripod held up.
Overall I love this tripod, great height, and terrific on the load rating. But like every positive thing that happens a negative or two shows up.
Number one, folded height of the Manfrotto is about 25.5 inches and the Induro measures at around thirty; by the way those measurements are without the ballhead.
Number two, the weight of the Manfrotto is around 5.25lbs and the Induro weighs in at a little over 7lbs. But Induro throws in a decent tripod bag, and by the way it seems pretty easy to carry and with the ballhead mounted it still fits in its bag.
Other than the few negatives for me all the positives won me over, and with a price of around $217, I said what the hell do I have to lose, and I can tell you I am pretty impressed with Induro, and will soon probably purchase an Induro ballhead soon.

Get your Induro Alloy Tripod AT 413 Black Now!

i really like theese sun glasses

LensCoat LC600M4 Canon Cover Realtree

I was looking at getting either this lens or the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens. The 50mm lens was only $135, but doesn't autofocus on the D40 which is my camera. I know I am looking to upgrade to the D90 soon, so that wasn't as much of an issue, but something to consider as I purchased a prime lens. Of course this 35mm lens does autofocus on the D40, so that was one point in it's favor.

Truly my main reason for purchasing this lens was to use in low light, indoors, typically at home during family functions. The photos are sharp! I even had all the lights turned off in the basement and took photos of my son, and WOW,it gave nice, natural tones to his skin and his eyes are amazing in the photos. I have to get closer to my subject(s) than with the 50mm, but when you are in a room that is crowded and you are trying to get a photo with everyone in it, you don't have to back up very far. With the 50mm, you need much more room to backup to get the same shot including all the subjects. My sisters kitchen is small. My little neice was about to blow out the candles, and I got not only her, but mom and dad in the photo as well. I would not have enough room to backup and get the same shot with the 50mm lens.

Being able to take photos in low light (indoors) without a flash is very handy, and paticuallary when you are in a situation where flashes aren't allowed. (I have been at several museums, historical homes during a tour, and even a 50th anniversary ceremony at a church were photos were ok, but no flash allowed). The last wedding I was at, everyone was taking photos and the photographer said that was ok while she was shooting, but no flashes please because it intereferred with her shots. Everyone had to stop taking photos, because they needed their flashes to get a decent shot. How nice to be the one able to continue to shoot photos and not have to put my camera away. I didn't need a flash.

I also had to consider price. I got this lens for $199 with free shipping. I ordered this and waited a little over 4 weeks to recieve it. If you are looking at this lens, and order DIRECTLY from Amazon, the price is $199. It will say "not in, stock order now and we will deliver as soon as available". I didn't really want to wait, especially knowing I could order the 50mm that day, and get it in a week, but I knew if I was to choose between the 2 lenses, I wanted this one. I don't think it is justified paying the $300+ price just to get the one in stock. My opinion, order the one listed at $199, and be willing to wait, like I said, mine arrived about 4 weeks after ordering it.

Pros: Absolutely sharp photos in low light.
Price, if you are willing to wait, totally worth every penny.
Fast and light lens.
You can shoot indoors with low light without a flash.

Cons: Only one I can think of is waiting a full month to recieve.
But I would do it again in a heartbeat for a fantastic lens.

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