Went to a Flickr meet-up today in Austin

[priller]

I've been posting my photos on Flickr for a little over a year now. Finally went to my first meet-up this afternoon. Very nice to meet other camera enthusiasts. I learned a lot just from an hour chatting with them.

But, you know, I thought I spent a lot of money on camera stuff. Man, these guys were really serious amateurs. Two of them had Nikon D200's with the Nikon 85mm f/1.4 lens. For Nikon guys, this is THE dream lens for portraits. It's big, heavy, and very expensive (about $1000). I took a few quick shots with one and all I have to say is, lens lust is back!! Here's one:

[Maestro]

1. That is a nice portrait.

I really need to improve on my portrait abilities. And speaking of lens lust, this is what I want for my wildlife pictures. It is a Canon EF-S 500mm IS USM lens. It runs about $5,500.00! The portrait lens I want is only about $1,300.00. Perhaps if I became the sole proprietor of a photography business and then applied for a small business loan I could get those.

Anyhow, I didn't realize you were from Austin. I go down that way quite often. My second home town, so to speak in San Antonio on down into Maverick county on the border. I'll be in Lake Buchanan next weekend for the Texas Eagle count.

[priller]

2. Eagle count, very cool!

Looking forward to some majestic bald eagle shots.

> It runs about $5,500.00!

Hmm, I guess that 85mm isn't so bad after all......

[priller]

3. A few more shots of fellow photogs

This is George, holding his camera with the magical lens mounted:



This is Don, taking a picture of the wrong thing!



I liked the odd perspectective on this one:

[LeftCoast]

4. Cool! He's got the extra batter pack.

Looks like he has almost all the toys they make for the D200! :D

[priller]

5. He definitely had the toys

I asked the guys if they were pros or made any money with their cameras. George kind of sheepishly said no, that it was just a hobby, but it was kind of a "problem" too, because he keeps on buying new stuff.

[LeftCoast]

6. Boy do I know the feeling!

I'm already salivating over the prospect of a telephoto lens. :D