Off and On Topic

[scottvd]

Off Topic-
It's never happened to me - but I feel like I've just sat down at a bar, had a few drinks, minding my own business.. and suddenly, I realize I'm not in a "standard" bar..

So I'm reviewing everyone's locations - what gives? Is this some type of Australian reunion site or what? (: I came here from Smugmug- seriously though - its cool and all, but what's the connection? I feel like the outsider! "We don't serve your kind here"

On topic-
I'm amazed at the price difference between the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D and the 1.8D - is it just 2/3s of a stop difference, or am I missing something else? Is the 1.4 "sharper" than the 1.8? Is there a quantifiable measurement for "sharpness" between lenses or is that subjective?

TIA,
`S

[gstark]

Hi Scott,

We're an international site, with members in, for instance, various parts of North America, Europe, and Hong Kong and China, but we are based in, and have our greatest presence, in Australia.

And your reference to a bar is very complementary to us. That's almost the sort of feel that we want to have here - a place where everyone is welcome to sit down, enjoy a drink or seven with some friends, and discuss topics that we have a common interest in; most notably photography, but music, coffee, wine and food, IT, and a number of other topics all get a good run here as well.



The price difference between the 85 f/1.8 and 85 f/1.4 is exactly as you've described it. But once you've used a 1.4, you won't be wanting to use any other lens.

[Glen]

Scott, we originally started as an Australian site but we welcome everyone here. We physically get together every so often, I am guessing we may not see you at every event? Welcome and hope you like it here.

[Laurie]

I loled when i read the off topic.

Welcome Scott, all the way from CA.

[bwhinnen]

Welcome aboard Scott, this is by far one of my favourite sites on the web, I've not physically met anyone here yet. But feel I have made many friends through the site.

Edit: except those I already knew and TonyH!! (Sorry Tony)

[blacknstormy]

hey Scott - welcome to the site - sit down and have another beer

minding my own business

- but whatever you do , get involved

[TonyH]

Welcome Scott, you're right there's a lot of Aussies on the site here, but our international connections are wide and varied also.

Hope you get involved and post a couple of shots and get a feel for the site. I'm sure you'll feel like it's your 2nd home....


Tony

[losfp]

Welcome.

With the 85mm lenses, I'm not sure that the 1.4 is appreciably sharper than the 1.8.

However, this much is certain: The 1.4's build quality is better, and the way it renders out of focus highlights is possibly the best in the entire Nikon lens lineup (challenged on occasion by the 70-200, the 200/2 and the 300/2.

They call it the "Cream Machine", and with good reason.

[Killakoala]

Welcome Scott.

We are an International lot. I am English and there's a few others who originate from various parts of the world. Some of us even do visit your part of the world, but only when it's sunny.

[Bindii]

So I'm reviewing everyone's locations - what gives? Is this some type of Australian reunion site or what? (: I came here from Smugmug- seriously though - its cool and all, but what's the connection? I feel like the outsider! "We don't serve your kind here"

Hey Scott.. and don't feel bad that your a part of the location minority... I am a member of a UK based forum and I felt the same way when I first joined there too... but I got on so well that I even was able to attend some of their meets when I went there for work last year... and am in the process of organising a second trip to visit with some of the members there next year... the bonus is that I have made such good friends that I wont be paying for any accomadation which makes a holiday like that a whole lot more affordable...

Stick around.. you'll find that most of the guys on here are really friendly and I am sure that you will fit in well..

besides cause you have access to shoot scenery and stuff that we don't have here you will get loads more oooh and ahhhs over you images too..

[scottvd]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! I find myself with friends in Yosemite valley today- checking this board on my Treo. (: I'll share some photos when I'm a bit more comfortable with my camera- some of the stuff I've seen around here is pretty impressive. My auction ended on eBay the other day for my 85/1.8 - can't wait to get a new toy. If you folks make it to (sunny) California towards Yosemite area- drop me a line!

Nice to get to meet some of y'all.

[gstark]

I find myself with friends in Yosemite valley today

Beautiful park, but especially so around April of any year. We used to live in beautiful(!) downtown Modesto. A great place to be from.

[Pehpsi]

A few years back I spent about 4 months in Modesto with a family that grew almonds! It was an awesome place, and down the road I went everyday for some of the best cheese pizza i've ever eaten

[gstark]

A few years back I spent about 4 months in Modesto

I'm sorry.

And yes, Modesto is full of nuts.

[Matt. K]

Welcome Scott! Make yourself at home.

[scottvd]

Ha- just read the comment about not attending all the get togethers in Aussie (trying to blend by using the lingo here) - never been to AU but we do have an "Outback" (http://www.outbacksteakhouse.com) in Modesto - not sure if you folks have that in AU or not? How about Crocadile Dundee? (:

Glad to hear some folks know where Modesto is- Escalon is a bordering city to Modesto. I live on an almond orchard- they're in harvest right now so the dust is everywhere. Modesto's baseball team is called the "Nuts" (: Well thanks again for the welcome.