Question:

When shooting with my rangefinder camera, I find I use my lenses in the order 35, 24, 50, 15, 90. When I go out for a photo session for a day or a trip, I usually only carry two lenses (sometimes three) … The kits I’ve carried that proved very comfortable were 15/35/90 and 24/50. I’m beginning to believe that my ideal kit for this camera might be 21/35/75. With SLRs, I tend to go with longer lenses. I currently have three lenses 22-55 zoom, 50 and 100mm, and would like a fast 135 or a fast 180 as well. I find I never use the zoom as it is only an f/4 and too slow, plus it’s not terribly sharp. For completeness sake, I probably want a fast ultrawide as well, around a 20mm. Again, when going on a trip, I carry at most two-three lenses, but use the 50 the vast majority of the time; my last all round SLR kit was a 20/50/105 or 70-300 setup that was amazingly flexible and comfortable to use. With the kit you have listed, I would find the 28 and 35 a little too close together, would probably go with a 20-24mm instead. The 80-200 is a wonderful lens, it’s just way too bulky for me to want to carry much! Godfrey === CrisKeath sez: it’s been awhile since I’ve done photography but I’ve decided I want to take it up as a hobby again. After much research, I’ve decided to go with the F100. My shooting habits right now will be of 3 things-nature (when I go hiking) and candid shots of the kids playing or group shots. Photo gurus- what do you think of my selection or would you modify it. All suggestions and feedback welcome 80-200 AFD 2.8 – A little heavy but it’s a alot more versatile when you’re hiking and don’t want to stop and change lenses or have the space to compose 28mm f2.8- A good overall landscape lens to complement the 80-200. 35mm f2- General prime that will be on the F100 for those candid group shots of the kids…playing, birthdays, etc

Response:

I tend to rely on primes (24/2.8, 35/2.8, 50/1.8, 105/2.5, 135/2.8) as I like the small size and speed of those lenses – I am uncomfortable with the weight and bulk of the heavy 2.8 zooms. I have the new Tamron 28-200mm XR for convenience n bright light, and am (so far) astounded by its results. If I were to change anything, I’d trade in my 35mm f/2.8 on the f/2 and the 135mm on a 180mm f/2.8. I like your outfit and would be satisfied (although I personally find the 80-200mm too heavy) with it if I changed the 28mm to a 24mm. Big difference in perspective. Your F100 is sweet. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it’s been awhile since I’ve done photography but I’ve decided I want to take it up as a hobby again. After much research, I’ve decided to go with the F100. My shooting habits right now will be of 3 things-nature (when I go hiking) and candid shots of the kids playing or group shots. Photo gurus- what do you think of my selection or would you modify it. All suggestions and feedback welcome 80-200 AFD 2.8 – A little heavy but it’s a alot more versatile when you’re hiking and don’t want to stop and change lenses or have the space to compose 28mm f2.8- A good overall landscape lens to complement the 80-200. Skip the 26…go for at least a 24mm. 35mm f2- General prime that will be on the F100 for those candid group shots of the kids…playing, birthdays, etc How about a 50 1.4 or 50 1.8?? MWNN Posted Via Uncensored-News.Com – Still Only $9.95 –

http://www.uncensored-news.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    With NINE Servers In California And Texas – The Worlds Uncensored News Source

Response:

Minuses: The 28 and 35 are probably too close together; 80-200 is imho too heavy to hike with. If you want 3 lenses, what about the 28/2.8, 50/1.8, and 80-200/2.8?  That would be a very nice stable of lenses.  You could shoot good portraits with the 80-200 but personally i’d never take it on a hike.  (don’t let cheap price of 50/1.8 fool you—it’s great) Dudefish alternative: if you want to cover a lot of ground, save a lot of money, and have one lens capable of making lots of very respectable images, why not just get the AF-D 28-105/3.5-4.5?  This may be a worth looking into, esp. if your interest is more casual than professional. btw, F100=very nice.

80-200 AFD 2.8 – A little heavy but it’s a alot more versatile when you’re hiking and don’t want to stop and change lenses or have the space to compose 28mm f2.8- A good overall landscape lens to complement the 80-200.

 35mm f2- General prime that will be on the F100 for those candid group – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – shots of the kids…playing, birthdays, etc

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80-200 AFD 2.8 – A little heavy but it’s a alot more versatile when you’re hiking and don’t want to stop and change lenses or have the space to compose

You may wish to get this lens’ little brother, the 70-210mm constant f/4. It rates very highly especially for costing well under $300. It is much smaller and lighter also. If you decide to get a Nikon 50mm I would get the 1.8 instead of the 1.4. It’s cheaper and by many accounts, better overall than the 1.4 except for the slight edge in terms of "speed." I have a 1.4 and while I’ve been fairly happy with it, many reviews I have read pointed out the general superiority of the 1.8. Just make sure to get one with a metal mount! Amy

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Photo gurus- what do you think of my selection or would you modify it. All suggestions and feedback welcome 80-200 AFD 2.8 – A little heavy but it’s a alot more versatile when you’re hiking and don’t want to stop and change lenses or have the space to compose 28mm f2.8- A good overall landscape lens to complement the 80-200. 35mm f2- General prime that will be on the F100 for those candid group shots of the kids…playing, birthdays, etc.

I’d substitute a 24mm or wider lens for the 28mm. I think you’ll find the 35mm to be very useful indeed…the 28mm isn’t that much wider. With a 24 you start getting into interesting territory perspective-wise. My main SLR kit is small: 21/60/180. (The 60mm is a macro lens but also works great for general picture-taking and even portraits.) Two other lens sets I like are 21/50/135 and 15/35/90. I use these with rangefinder cameras. -Dave-

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it’s been awhile since I’ve done photography but I’ve decided I want to take it up as a hobby again. After much research, I’ve decided to go with the F100. My shooting habits right now will be of 3 things-nature (when I go hiking) and candid shots of the kids playing or group shots. Photo gurus- what do you think of my selection or would you modify it. All suggestions and feedback welcome 80-200 AFD 2.8 – A little heavy but it’s a alot more versatile when you’re hiking and don’t want to stop and change lenses or have the space to compose 28mm f2.8- A good overall landscape lens to complement the 80-200. 35mm f2- General prime that will be on the F100 for those candid group shots of the kids…playing, birthdays, etc

I too have the F100 and the N70 as a backup/2nd body.  I use the Tokina Pro 17/3.5, 28-70/2.6-2.8, 80-200, and Nikkor 50/1.8. I will probably be adding the 300/f4 AF-S to that list.  For hiking this would be quite a heavy load.  The 50/1.8 is an awesome lens, and try an ultra wide lens, it is truly fun…. JR

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I’m in the exact same boat, and could have written the original post myself! My thoughts were the F100 with the 24-85 f2.8-4 IF D-AF and the 80-200 f2.8 Ed D IF.  Any comments on choice and / or the quality of these two lenses before I take the plunge? Also, I’ve got a pretty recent Vivitar 283 (doesn’t everyone?) and don’t know how it might integrate into an F100 system?  Trigger voltage is one thing – I understand later serial #s are okay?  But what about metering modes and such? Thanks, Wayne

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it’s been awhile since I’ve done photography but I’ve decided I want to take it up as a hobby again. After much research, I’ve decided to go with the F100. My shooting habits right now will be of 3 things-nature (when I go hiking) and candid shots of the kids playing or group shots. Photo gurus- what do you think of my selection or would you modify it. All suggestions and feedback welcome 80-200 AFD 2.8 – A little heavy but it’s a alot more versatile when you’re hiking and don’t want to stop and change lenses or have the space to compose 28mm f2.8- A good overall landscape lens to complement the 80-200. 35mm f2- General prime that will be on the F100 for those candid group shots of the kids…playing, birthdays, etc I too have the F100 and the N70 as a backup/2nd body.  I use the Tokina Pro 17/3.5, 28-70/2.6-2.8, 80-200, and Nikkor 50/1.8. I will probably be adding the 300/f4 AF-S to that list.  For hiking this would be quite a heavy load.  The 50/1.8 is an awesome lens, and try an ultra wide lens, it is truly fun…. JR

Response:

I have  a 17-35mm 2.8 on the wide end, a 28-135mm IS for the middle and a 70-200 4.0L at the long with a 1.4 and 2.0TC and an EOS-3. I normally only carry one lens at a time depending on what I am shooting, but the others will be in my trunk if I find I need them and one will be on my wife’s Elan 7 so we can swap. I am seriously thinking of replacing the 17-35(which is my favorite nature / travel lens with a Contax G2 with some collection of 16mm through 45mm lenses. This will put much less strain on my neck by days end. Dave

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m in the exact same boat, and could have written the original post myself! My thoughts were the F100 with the 24-85 f2.8-4 IF D-AF and the 80-200 f2.8 Ed D IF.  Any comments on choice and / or the quality of these two lenses before I take the plunge? Also, I’ve got a pretty recent Vivitar 283 (doesn’t everyone?) and don’t know how it might integrate into an F100 system?  Trigger voltage is one thing – I understand later serial #s are okay?  But what about metering modes and such? Thanks, Wayne it’s been awhile since I’ve done photography but I’ve decided I want to take it up as a hobby again. After much research, I’ve decided to go with the F100. My shooting habits right now will be of 3 things-nature (when I go hiking) and candid shots of the kids playing or group shots. Photo gurus- what do you think of my selection or would you modify it. All suggestions and feedback welcome 80-200 AFD 2.8 – A little heavy but it’s a alot more versatile when you’re hiking and don’t want to stop and change lenses or have the space to compose 28mm f2.8- A good overall landscape lens to complement the 80-200. 35mm f2- General prime that will be on the F100 for those candid group shots of the kids…playing, birthdays, etc I too have the F100 and the N70 as a backup/2nd body.  I use the Tokina Pro 17/3.5, 28-70/2.6-2.8, 80-200, and Nikkor 50/1.8. I will probably be adding the 300/f4 AF-S to that list.  For hiking this would be quite a heavy load.  The 50/1.8 is an awesome lens, and try an ultra wide lens, it is truly fun…. JR

Response:

I have  a 17-35mm 2.8 on the wide end, a 28-135mm IS for the middle and a 70-200 4.0L at the long with a 1.4 and 2.0TC and an EOS-3. I normally only carry one lens at a time depending on what I am shooting, but the others will be in my trunk if I find I need them and one will be on my wife’s Elan 7 so we can swap. I am seriously thinking of replacing the 17-35(which is my favorite nature / travel lens with a Contax G2 with some collection of 16mm through 45mm lenses. This will put much less strain on my neck by days end. Dave

… … I also carry the 17-28 2.8L and the 28-135 IS (even though I don’t like the lens), but where you have the 70-200 4.0L and some TCs,  I have an 85 1.2L and a 100-400 4-5.6L. I don’t have any TCs and am nervous about getting one as I worry that I’ll be too disappointed in the optical quality. Charles — *  Charles Richmond    Integrated International Systems Corporation   * *  UNIX Internals, I18N, L10N, X, Realtime Imaging, and  Custom S/W   * *         131 Bishop’s Forest Drive , Waltham , Ma. USA 02452         * *  (781) 647 2269   FAX (781) 647 3665   Cellular (617) 504 3379      *

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have  a 17-35mm 2.8 on the wide end, a 28-135mm IS for the middle and a 70-200 4.0L at the long with a 1.4 and 2.0TC and an EOS-3. I normally only carry one lens at a time depending on what I am shooting, but the others will be in my trunk if I find I need them and one will be on my wife’s Elan 7 so we can swap. I am seriously thinking of replacing the 17-35(which is my favorite nature / travel lens with a Contax G2 with some collection of 16mm through 45mm lenses. This will put much less strain on my neck by days end. Dave … … I also carry the 17-28 2.8L and the 28-135 IS (even though I don’t like the lens), but where you have the 70-200 4.0L and some TCs,  I have an 85 1.2L and a 100-400 4-5.6L. I don’t have any TCs and am nervous about getting one as I worry that I’ll be too disappointed in the optical quality. Charles — *  Charles Richmond    Integrated International Systems Corporation   * *  UNIX Internals, I18N, L10N, X, Realtime Imaging, and  Custom S/W   * *         131 Bishop’s Forest Drive , Waltham , Ma. USA 02452         * *  (781) 647 2269   FAX (781) 647 3665   Cellular (617) 504 3379      *

Sounds like what I carry, 17-35 f2.8-4 Sigma, 28-135 IS Canon, 100-400 IS, 100 f2 and 50 f1.8, although generally not all at once. Skip —   Shadowcatcher Imagery  http://www.shadowcatcherimagery.com

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have  a 17-35mm 2.8 on the wide end, a 28-135mm IS for the middle and a 70-200 4.0L at the long with a 1.4 and 2.0TC and an EOS-3. I normally only carry one lens at a time depending on what I am shooting, but the others will be in my trunk if I find I need them and one will be on my wife’s Elan 7 so we can swap. I am seriously thinking of replacing the 17-35(which is my favorite nature / travel lens with a Contax G2 with some collection of 16mm through 45mm lenses. This will put much less strain on my neck by days end. Dave … … I also carry the 17-28 2.8L and the 28-135 IS (even though I don’t like the lens), but where you have the 70-200 4.0L and some TCs,  I have an 85 1.2L and a 100-400 4-5.6L. I don’t have any TCs and am nervous about getting one as I worry that I’ll be too disappointed in the optical quality. Charles

Charles,     You really like  big lenses. Very nice but big. I find the 1.4TC to be unnoticeable in image quality when used and the 2.0 gives just a touch of softness to the 70-200mm 4.0L which otherwise is crisp as hell. I actually used to own the 28-70mm 2.8L and sold it to purchase the 28-135mm IS just to get away from the weight also the 70mm top end was always too short. Stopped down they are very similar in image quality. I have scoured the photo market for a camera and lens combination that will give me a L or better look without a crick in my neck. The Contax G2 and lenses seems to do the trick. Played with a G1 last week and really liked it. No real usable zoom but it is optically great and light. Canon just came out with the 16-35mm 2.8L which is somewhat bigger and heavier than the 17-35. I was hoping for a 17-35mm 4.0L to match my 70-200. I do mostly scenic and am stopped down most of the time.   Dave

Response:

<<If you decide to get a Nikon 50mm I would get the 1.8 instead of the 1.4. It’s cheaper and by many accounts, better overall than the 1.4 except for the slight edge in terms of "speed." I have a 1.4 and while I’ve been fairly happy with it, many reviews I have read pointed out the general superiority of the 1.8. Just make sure to get one with a metal mount! Amy I have both the f1.4 and f1.8.  The difference is slight and not noticeable under most conditions.  The f1.8 is sharper at f1.8 than the f1.4 is at that opening, but by  the time both are at f2.8 and certainly by f4, they are essentially equal from mid to out there distances.   Up close, the f1.8 has the edge until f5.6.  OTOH, the f1.4 is a little brighter and easier to focus on manual.  I think the f1.4 is made better, or at least my version seems to be. I use them almost interchangeably. Allen Zak

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When I go off into the hills with my 4X4 I take three lens with me, the 17-35mm, 24-120mm, and the 135-400mm. Since it’s open daylight, I don’t really need a battery of fast lenses, but the 17-35mm is my favorite lens for scenic’s (among other things). In my trail bag, I take a N90s, the 24-120 and the 135-400 with three filters, a warming filter, polarizer, and a UV; and a MC30 shutter release cable. I have a sold light weight fly fishing wadding staff that I have placed a Giotto MH-1003 ball head on and I use that for my walking staff and monopod. I don’t use my steel Gitzo monopod when on the trail. It’s too heavy. The 135-400 serves me well for creature pictures and the 24-120 handles the rest of my needs. But for vistas, I like the 17-35 stopped down to f11 at 20 or 24mm’s, mounted on a tripod (the 17-35mm and the tripod stay with the 4X4). Nick – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it’s been awhile since I’ve done photography but I’ve decided I want to take it up as a hobby again. After much research, I’ve decided to go with the F100. My shooting habits right now will be of 3 things-nature (when I go hiking) and candid shots of the kids playing or group shots. Photo gurus- what do you think of my selection or would you modify it. All suggestions and feedback welcome 80-200 AFD 2.8 – A little heavy but it’s a alot more versatile when you’re hiking and don’t want to stop and change lenses or have the space to compose 28mm f2.8- A good overall landscape lens to complement the 80-200. 35mm f2- General prime that will be on the F100 for those candid group shots of the kids…playing, birthdays, etc

Response:

When I hike I carry an Elan II, a 28-135IS, a Sigma 17-35 2.8, and a cheapo 75-300 if I feel like carrying it.  In the bag on a serious day I add a 70-200 2.8L and an EOS-3.  It comes down to home much you want to carry.  What stinks is invariably whenever I don’t carry a camera or a specific lens, a picture comes along and i am stuck muttering, "Damn, wish I brought along the…" Y’all know the feeling.

Response:

I don’t have any lenses in my bag. Two years ago I bought a really nice camera body to start me off on my picture taking. Hopefully, in a few years I will be able to afford a nice lens. Until then I am practicing pointing the camera, pushing the shutter button smoothly and taking notes on thing I see that might make a good picture.  - the photo guy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have  a 17-35mm 2.8 on the wide end, a 28-135mm IS for the middle and a 70-200 4.0L at the long with a 1.4 and 2.0TC and an EOS-3. I normally only carry one lens at a time depending on what I am shooting, but the others will be in my trunk if I find I need them and one will be on my wife’s Elan 7 so we can swap. I am seriously thinking of replacing the 17-35(which is my favorite nature / travel lens with a Contax G2 with some collection of 16mm through 45mm lenses. This will put much less strain on my neck by days end. Dave … … I also carry the 17-28 2.8L and the 28-135 IS (even though I don’t like the lens), but where you have the 70-200 4.0L and some TCs,  I have an 85 1.2L and a 100-400 4-5.6L. I don’t have any TCs and am nervous about getting one as I worry that I’ll be too disappointed in the optical quality. Charles Charles,     You really like  big lenses. Very nice but big. I find the 1.4TC to be unnoticeable in image quality when used and the 2.0 gives just a touch of softness to the 70-200mm 4.0L which otherwise is crisp as hell. I actually used to own the 28-70mm 2.8L and sold it to purchase the 28-135mm IS just to get away from the weight also the 70mm top end was always too short. Stopped down they are very similar in image quality. I have scoured the photo market for a camera and lens combination that will give me a L or better look without a crick in my neck. The Contax G2 and lenses seems to do the trick. Played with a G1 last week and really liked it. No real usable zoom but it is optically great and light. Canon just came out with the 16-35mm 2.8L which is somewhat bigger and heavier than the 17-35. I was hoping for a 17-35mm 4.0L to match my 70-200. I do mostly scenic and am stopped down most of the time.   Dave

Response:

When I hike I carry an Elan II, a 28-135IS, a Sigma 17-35 2.8, and a cheapo 75-300 if I feel like carrying it.  In the bag on a serious day I add a 70-200 2.8L and an EOS-3.  It comes down to home much you want to carry.  What stinks is invariably whenever I don’t carry a camera or a specific lens, a picture comes along and i am stuck muttering, "Damn, wish I brought along the…" Y’all know the feeling.

I’ve had that feeling. Especially when I see a fantastic vista and reflect upon not bringing a second camera that has transparency film. There is _nothing_ like seeing something so grand as such scenes projected upon a large projection screen in your home, except seeing the real thing. Prints or digitals on a monitor don’t come close to reproducing the feeling one gets when viewing projections. Nick

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I don’t have any lenses in my bag. Two years ago I bought a really nice camera body to start me off on my picture taking. Hopefully, in a few years I will be able to afford a nice lens. Until then I am practicing pointing the camera, pushing the shutter button smoothly and taking notes on thing I see that might make a good picture. – the photo guy.

PG, you are not taking this thing seriously. Glue a piece of kitchen foil across the lens mounting ring on your body, make a small hole in it with a needle, and you can have a lens for free, you will *never* need to waste any more money. If you put it on a couple of concentric cardboard tubes you can have a zoom lens of pretty well any effective focal length you like, with *no change in quality* (how about that, a zoom that’s *exactly* as good optically as a fixed focal length lens). And you will have no problem with bo-ke, as all the scene will be in focus, every time (well, kind of). — David Littlewood

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writes – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have  a 17-35mm 2.8 on the wide end, a 28-135mm IS for the middle and a 70-200 4.0L at the long with a 1.4 and 2.0TC and an EOS-3. I normally only carry one lens at a time depending on what I am shooting, but the others will be in my trunk if I find I need them and one will be on my wife’s Elan 7 so we can swap. I am seriously thinking of replacing the 17-35(which is my favorite nature / travel lens with a Contax G2 with some collection of 16mm through 45mm lenses. This will put much less strain on my neck by days end. Dave I also carry the 17-28 2.8L and the 28-135 IS (even though I don’t like the lens), but where you have the 70-200 4.0L and some TCs, I have an 85 1.2L and a 100-400 4-5.6L. I don’t have any TCs and am nervous about getting one as I worry that I’ll be too disappointed in the optical quality.

Hmm, at the risk of this sounding like a clone club, I usually have a 17-35 f/2.8L, a 28-135 f/4-5.6 IS and a 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS. If only I could leave it there, but no, I usually have to add a Sigma 14mm, a TS-E 24 f/3.5, and a 35 f/1.4 (if doing interiors) plus a 1.4x TC and maybe a spare body. Before I replaced some earlier lenses with these heavier ones, I would regularly have a Mamiya 6 outfit (body plus 3 lenses) in the same bag. No wonder I have spent so much on chiropractors in the last year or so! Think I need a spare body too (usually known as my wife). — David Littlewood

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I have  a 17-35mm 2.8 on the wide end, a 28-135mm IS for the middle and

… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I also carry the 17-28 2.8L and the 28-135 IS (even though I don’t like the lens), but where you have the 70-200 4.0L and some TCs,  I have an 85 1.2L and a 100-400 4-5.6L. I don’t have any TCs and am nervous about getting one as I worry that I’ll be too disappointed in the optical quality. Charles,     You really like  big lenses. Very nice but big. I find the 1.4TC to be unnoticeable in image quality when used and the 2.0 gives just a touch of softness to the 70-200mm 4.0L which otherwise is crisp as hell. I actually used to own the 28-70mm 2.8L and sold it to purchase the 28-135mm IS just to get away from the weight also the 70mm top end was always too short. Stopped down they are very similar in image quality. I have scoured the photo market for a camera and lens combination that will give me a L or better look without a crick in my neck. The Contax G2 and lenses seems to do the trick. Played with a G1 last week and really liked it. No real usable zoom but it is optically great and light. Canon just came out with the 16-35mm 2.8L which is somewhat bigger and heavier than the 17-35. I was hoping for a 17-35mm 4.0L to match my 70-200. I do mostly scenic and am stopped down most of the time.   Dave

It is true that my gear weighs a lot and I probably should get a Canon 1.4TC. I wonder if it would fit on the 85 1.2L… Charles — *  Charles Richmond    Integrated International Systems Corporation   * *  UNIX Internals, I18N, L10N, X, Realtime Imaging, and  Custom S/W   * *         131 Bishop’s Forest Drive , Waltham , Ma. USA 02452         * *  (781) 647 2269   FAX (781) 647 3665   Cellular (617) 504 3379      *

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There certainly are a lot of us with the 17-35 f2.8L. It is one of my favourite lenses. How about you guys? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes I have  a 17-35mm 2.8 on the wide end, a 28-135mm IS for the middle and a 70-200 4.0L at the long with a 1.4 and 2.0TC and an EOS-3. I normally only carry one lens at a time depending on what I am shooting, but the others will be in my trunk if I find I need them and one will be on my wife’s Elan 7 so we can swap. I am seriously thinking of replacing the 17-35(which is my favorite nature / travel lens with a Contax G2 with some collection of 16mm through 45mm lenses. This will put much less strain on my neck by days end. Dave I also carry the 17-28 2.8L and the 28-135 IS (even though I don’t like the lens), but where you have the 70-200 4.0L and some TCs, I have an 85 1.2L and a 100-400 4-5.6L. I don’t have any TCs and am nervous about getting one as I worry that I’ll be too disappointed in the optical quality. Hmm, at the risk of this sounding like a clone club, I usually have a 17-35 f/2.8L, a 28-135 f/4-5.6 IS and a 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS. If only I could leave it there, but no, I usually have to add a Sigma 14mm, a TS-E 24 f/3.5, and a 35 f/1.4 (if doing interiors) plus a 1.4x TC and maybe a spare body. Before I replaced some earlier lenses with these heavier ones, I would regularly have a Mamiya 6 outfit (body plus 3 lenses) in the same bag. No wonder I have spent so much on chiropractors in the last year or so! Think I need a spare body too (usually known as my wife). — David Littlewood

– *  Charles Richmond    Integrated International Systems Corporation   * *  UNIX Internals, I18N, L10N, X, Realtime Imaging, and  Custom S/W   * *         131 Bishop’s Forest Drive , Waltham , Ma. USA 02452         * *  (781) 647 2269   FAX (781) 647 3665   Cellular (617) 504 3379      *

Response:

it’s been awhile since I’ve done photography but I’ve decided I want to take it up as a hobby again. After much research, I’ve decided to go with the F100. [...] 80-200 AFD 2.8 – A little heavy but it’s a alot more versatile when you’re hiking and don’t want to stop and change lenses or have the space to compose 28mm f2.8- A good overall landscape lens to complement the 80-200. 35mm f2- General prime that will be on the F100 for those candid group shots of the kids…playing, birthdays, etc

I carry a 24mm 2.8f, 105mm 2.8f micro for my fixed lenses, and the cheap-but-light 28-80mm 4.0-5.6f zoom and the 70-300mm zoom. A couple extension rings and a 1.4x TC and some filters get me where I want to go. The F100 is a great body. Enjoy. Greg

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it’s been awhile since I’ve done photography but I’ve decided I want to take it up as a hobby again. After much research, I’ve decided to go with the F100. My shooting habits right now will be of 3 things-nature (when I go hiking) and candid shots of the kids playing or group shots. Photo gurus- what do you think of my selection or would you modify it. All suggestions and feedback welcome 80-200 AFD 2.8 – A little heavy but it’s a alot more versatile when you’re hiking and don’t want to stop and change lenses or have the space to compose 28mm f2.8- A good overall landscape lens to complement the 80-200. 35mm f2- General prime that will be on the F100 for those candid group shots of the kids…playing, birthdays, etc

I take a 24, a 50 and a 100 for all that. And two bodies. One for b&w; one for slide. Just for the odd occasion I add a 2x converter. And a 12 mm macro tube. There are of course (macro) zoom lenses covering 24 to 100mm. For shooting negative they are fine. Not for slides imho. A zoom is more versatile, but not a lot. More important: look ahead: see your photo opportunity coming and have your complete camera ready. All set at the right speed, opening and distance. There is a *lot* more in one’s bag beside lenses. Keep the total weight as low as possible. If you can carry more, take more film! Here’s what’s in my bag: http://www.xs4all.nl/~wiskerke/artikelen/bag1.html – lots of small items — http://www.wiskerke.com

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Great choice on the F100. This summer my standard hiking setup was the AF-S 80-200, AI-S 105 micro, AI 50mm f1.4, AI-S 20mm f2.8 and a Kenko Pro 1.4X. I use the LowPro Mini-Treker to carry all this, often with a Slik 804CF and SB-28.. For vacation travel, I bring the 24-120 and AI 50mm f1.4. For candids I like the AF-S 28-70 f2.8. Mark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it’s been awhile since I’ve done photography but I’ve decided I want to take it up as a hobby again. After much research, I’ve decided to go with the F100. My shooting habits right now will be of 3 things-nature (when I go hiking) and candid shots of the kids playing or group shots. Photo gurus- what do you think of my selection or would you modify it. All suggestions and feedback welcome 80-200 AFD 2.8 – A little heavy but it’s a alot more versatile when you’re hiking and don’t want to stop and change lenses or have the space to compose 28mm f2.8- A good overall landscape lens to complement the 80-200. 35mm f2- General prime that will be on the F100 for those candid group shots of the kids…playing, birthdays, etc

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Two pentax cameras ZX30 & ZX7 35-80mm zoom.  This lens gets a lot of flack in this group but I love its ability to compose family shots. 28mm f28 for landscape. 100-300mm for nature & wildlife. 50mm f1.7 for low light. 500mm f8 mirror lens.  A new toy I just bought to play with.  It was cheap and it really has a reach.  Quality is not really expected but still an unknown.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t have any lenses in my bag. Two years ago I bought a really nice camera body to start me off on my picture taking. Hopefully, in a few years I will be able to afford a nice lens. Until then I am practicing pointing the camera, pushing the shutter button smoothly and taking notes on thing I see that might make a good picture. – the photo guy. PG, you are not taking this thing seriously. Glue a piece of kitchen foil across the lens mounting ring on your body, make a small hole in it with a needle, and you can have a lens for free, you will *never* need to waste any more money. If you put it on a couple of concentric cardboard tubes you can have a zoom lens of pretty well any effective focal length you like, with *no change in quality* (how about that, a zoom that’s *exactly* as good optically as a fixed focal length lens). And you will have no problem with bo-ke, as all the scene will be in focus, every time (well, kind of). — David Littlewood

Why practice w/ the camera at all – Einstein once said that "imagination is more important than knowledge", imagination’s also a better film than Kodak, Fuji, Agfa, Konica, Imation/3M, etc. put together and it has better bokeh and is cheaper than any pinhole/zoom lens – and get this… "you never run out of film to you run out of thoughts" (I said this and I imagined myself saying it too, therefore I have a free picture w/o any camera, film, flashcards or IBM micro-drives being used) … Descartes, Earl of Broken Watches… "I think therefore I am, I imagine therefore I’m late (even if I imagine I’m early)" Lewis I’ve set (anti-spam) controls to allow in only people on my list. If you want to be on my list contact me through the newsgroup. I regret the inconvenience. Thanks. Check out my photos at "LEWISVISION": http://members.aol.com/Lewisvisn/home.htm

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Question:

I am planning a trip to Australia in January and would like to go Marlin fishing while there.  I will fly into Sydney and then go to Cairns for scuba diving.  Most of my stay will be at Cairns with a possibility of driving from Cairns to Sydney for my flight out. Is Marlin fishing in January any good? Any suggestions about fishing there? Can you recommend any boats/captains? Do you have any idea of the cost? Thanks in Advance, Chuck Before you buy.

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I am planning a trip to Australia in January and would like to go Marlin fishing while there. I will fly into Sydney and then go to Cairns for scuba diving.  Most of my stay will be at Cairns with a possibility of driving from Cairns to Sydney for my flight out. Is Marlin fishing in January any good?

The Cairns black marlin season winds down in mid-December or so, sorry. Fishing is excellent to the south at Port Stephens (near Sydney) in February and March for smaller marlin up to 500 lbs + but not the grander blacks.  Not sure about January, it may be good in P.S. but it may be a bit early. Can you recommend any boats/captains?

I used Billy Billson on "Viking II" for two trips (several days each trip), released a black marlin around 1,200 lbs and two around 600 lbs (crew estimates).  http://www.viking11.com/   If you write him now he won’t see it until December as they are living out on the reef right now fishing heavy tackle. Would also recommend Carol North at Cairns Reef Charter Services, she can book you on numerous boats in Cairns but I don’t think she’s booking Port Stephens. http://www.ausfish.com/crcs/ Do you have any idea of the cost?

I think Bill is around $2,400 Aus for liveaboard out of Cairns and around $1,800 or so Aus out of Port Stephens.  Multiply by .6 or so to convert to US dollars.  You can get a smaller boat for less (or a larger boat for more . Thanks, Chuck

Here’s a couple of photos of black marlin from trips the past couple of years on "Viking II" … they grow ‘em big over there.  A friend killed one 1,252 lbs last year fishing near us with Peter Wright. Bill http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/oz/   (est 600, 1100 lb blacks) http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/fishing/oz/  (600 lb black) http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/oz/bigblack.htm (1200 lb black)

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Question:

Ok, I"ve seen a few people mention Labrador in a couple of posts here so I thought I’d ask~ I’ve signed on for a trip up there, based mostly on a friends "hearsay" and word of mouth.  Can any of you give me your honest opinoin of the place..We will be at Coopers Minipi camps.  I’ve seen some of the pics from the place and have read alot about those BIG brookies and pike up there..Any input at all would be greatly appreciated…Thanks! Jeff Boks Fly Fishing~~~~~Just Do It

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Jeff Boks writes:

<<Ok, I"ve seen a few people mention Labrador in a couple of posts here so I thought I’d ask~ I’ve signed on for a trip up there, based mostly on a friends "hearsay" and word of mouth.  Can any of you give me your honest opinoin of the place..We will be at Coopers Minipi camps.  I’ve seen some of the pics from the place and have read alot about those BIG brookies and pike up there..Any input at all would be greatly appreciated…Thanks! Expect to catch brookies in up to about 5 pounds.  Minipi Camps is a well run outfit and popular.  I have heard that the indians have taken a lot of fish from the river, however, so it isn’t as good as it used to be.  No confirmation on this — just listening to some folks who have been up there talk about it.   You might also consider Riverkeep Lodge on the Antikonac River. It is more remote than Minipi and I believe contains more and bigger fish including  pike, LL salmon, lake trout (togue), and whitefish as well as brookies. Regardless where you go, if you are in big brookie and pike water, take along a mouse fly (tied on a 2/0 hook).  Cast into running water and give it some action.  Be sure to wear your seatbelts while doing this!  <g Dave LaCourse

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Ok, I"ve seen a few people mention Labrador in a couple of posts here so I thought I’d ask~ I’ve signed on for a trip up there, based mostly on a friends "hearsay" and word of mouth.  Can any of you give me your honest opinoin of the place..We will be at Coopers Minipi camps.  I’ve seen some of the pics from the place and have read alot about those BIG brookies and pike up there..Any input at all would be greatly appreciated…Thanks!

Minipi just survived a big forest fire; you’ll hear lots of ‘war stories’ about it. — http://members.xoom.com/labradorian

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Question:

Everyone knows there isn’t any real good fishing in CA. If you wantgood fishing you have to back East ’bout Carolina way…  ;-) There are a few well known places however that are descent…you might try the Trinity River or the Sacremento. -Greg

Greg, Bad info.  The last known trout in NC was caught by a bait fisherman while trespassing in Matt McCray’s back yard about a month ago.  He told us the gory tale on this very newsgroup. Nope, NC’s NOT the place. Tom — Tom Brown The Signal Group Wake Forest, NC "Never send a ferret to do a weasel’s job."

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Bad info.  The last known trout in NC was caught by a bait fisherman while trespassing in Matt McCray’s back yard about a month ago.  He told us the gory tale on this very newsgroup. Nope, NC’s NOT the place. Tom —

and he tasted damn good! waldo

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greg, Bad info.  The last known trout in NC was caught by a bait fisherman while trespassing in Matt McCray’s back yard about a month ago.  He told us the gory tale on this very newsgroup. Nope, NC’s NOT the place. Tom — Tom Brown The Signal Group Wake Forest, NC "Never send a ferret to do a weasel’s job."

Right you are Tom. The slackjawed redneck killed the last Appalachian Brookie known to man. Of course I had to sacrifice his life, Them redneck hides make good rugs you know! The hair off the back ties a good bugger too, I just haven’t figured out how to get that chili dog/sweat smell out of ‘em. Any ideas? Matt M

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I just haven’t figured out how to get that chili dog/sweat smell out of

‘em.  Any ideas? Shoot, Ah don’t see wah’ yer so worried ’bout that.  Jes’ soak the whole mess of ‘em in a big ol’ pot o’ Luzianna Hot Sauce.  That’ll clean up purt’ near anythin’, and them fish jes’ LUVS it!  Uh…you ARE fishin’ fer catfish, raht? — Bob "…I could’a been a Bubba…I could’a been somebody!" Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

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are certainly much better places to fish in Northern CA (by far)

Greg, I would be very interested and appreciative if you would list off a couple of those places.  I just moved to the east bay and have weekends off for the first time in 4 years, so I am almost insane to go fly fishing.  Any places (just general areas) you could point me would be greatly appreciated.  Don’t want/can’t afford any guides though, I just want places to go. Levi -Whether you’re rich or poor, it’s nice to have money

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are certainly much better places to fish in Northern CA (by far) Greg, I would be very interested and appreciative if you would list off a couple of those places.

Everyone knows there isn’t any real good fishing in CA. If you wantgood fishing you have to back East ’bout Carolina way…  ;-) There are a few well known places however that are descent…you might try the Trinity River or the Sacremento. -Greg

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. If you wantgood fishing you have to back East ’bout Carolina way…  ;-)    that statement is an obvious, shameful misrepresentation.  all the

trout in the north carolina mountains fled for the tennessee side of the smokies years ago.         wayno, shootin ya straight

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Hello friends, is there a possibility for flyfishing north east of San Francisco (tex Nappa Valley) between mars and april? Harry

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Call Sweeney’s Sports in Napa.  They should be able to help you. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello friends, is there a possibility for flyfishing north east of San Francisco (tex Nappa Valley) between mars and april?

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I haven’t found much in Napa Valley proper, but the large creek that drains Berryessa (sp?) is not that far to the east.  I’m sure someone lurking knows the name of it.  Also, the Russian River is not much further north and it has smallmouth bass and supposedly trout too. Good luck. —                                                       -dnc- Harald Heisserer wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – is there a possibility for flyfishing north east of San Francisco (tex Nappa Valley) between mars and april?

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Hi Harry, Your best best in/near the Napa Valley is "Putah Creek". It flows out of Lake Berryessa. You might want to consult a map of the area. There are certainly much better places to fish in Northern CA (by far) but Putah is the closest to Napa. If you are here in March you might try the Russian River as the steelhead are usually still here. This however is more hit and miss (as all steelhead fishing is). -Greg – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello friends, is there a possibility for flyfishing north east of San Francisco (tex Nappa Valley) between mars and april? Harry

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Question:

Yesterday my 8 year old daughter(future stasher),lover of XS asked me, while looking at my stash "Mom, When you die, what are you going to leave me?"LOL Laura

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Yesterday my 8 year old daughter(future stasher),lover of XS asked me, while looking at my stash "Mom, When you die, what are you going to leave me?"LOL

My 5-year-old daughter has been using that line, but not so tactfully, lately: "can I have that cup when you’re dead?"  "I can sit in your stitching chair when you’re dead," etc.  I realize this is all an entirely normal developmental stage (separation, beginnings of realization of death, yadda, yadda), but it sure makes a mom’s heart twinge. Joy in PA current projects — "Angel with Lambs" Stoney Creek, "Summer Afternoon" Betsy Stinner, "Flamin’ Chili Peppers Heart" Sweetheart Tree, Bibs for an abuse shelter (e-mail me for more info on how to help)

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I’m LOL too, Laura.  Seriously, I think it is marvelous that she has the potential to be such a world class stashaholic.  One of my daughters loves to stitch, the other just loves to get stitched presents.  I do think we need to infect them at a young age. Congrats, Brynn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yesterday my 8 year old daughter(future stasher),lover of XS asked me, while looking at my stash "Mom, When you die, what are you going to leave me?"LOL Laura

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I solved my 8 year olds problem, by starting up her own stash. She now has a stamped XS (one of my UFO’s) of a bear and last night I took her to A.C.Moore to buy her her own Counted XS of Elmo. She sat on the couch last night & told DH that "she was not going to bed,she had XS to do!" And then went on explaining that she could do hers faster than he could do his. They are both beginners. I’m going to stitch myself my own little padded room for when I get done teaching these 2 hardheads how to stitch.:) Amanda (8 yr old) has a birthday at the end of August. I would like to get her small xs’s in round frames and can’t find them anywhere unless I purchase Christmas any help would be appreciated with this. Laura

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i sent my girls (7-year-old twins) to stitching class at the lns (the counting bee).  since the class was at the end of june, the design was a 4th of july fire cracker designed and taught by debbie from holly house designs. they used perle cotton on 6-count.  they *loved* it. since that class we have been looking for small kits/designs that don’t have many color changes. my son found some kits at the local drug store — the girls need to go with me to pick.  these kits are designed specifically for children  – they are really cute and small, some are stamped and some are counted, each comes with a little round frame for when the piece is completed.  the counted pieces were a dog, smiley face, yin yang(sp?) and a couple more that i can’t remember.  stamped pieces were a globe (the earth), a whale and some others.  i will be at the store this week and will be picking up a couple — if anyone wants the company name email and i’ll let you know! btw, my son decided the fire cracker was pretty cool and we bought a kit of the project for him.  he finished his is two days, molly finished hers the next day…the third is mia.  then, we bought some xs books for magnets and small stuff, some 11 count aida and they are really enjoying it! this is the first time that my children have been in a traditional school. at our old house the school was year round, having 2 1/2 months off is really, really long.  i’m signing them up for every class i can get them to take — next week my son will be learning how to fly fish and tie the flies.  then comes knitting class. jan

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This weekend my 5-1/2 yr old DSD came in and asked me to help her get started on a needlepoint project, so we picked colors from my stash and I cut some canvas for her and told her to go to it.   She started to do a heart because she says "hearts make me smile on rainy days", and the two of us proceeded to work on our projects and watch My Fair Lady – (it was slightly over her head but not unacceptable for her to watch – no bad language no sex etc.) We talked about how much we enjoy spending time like this together and she told me mommy doesn’t ever spend time alone with her (OK this is tricky)  I tried to explain to her that it must be very hard for her taking care of three children by herself to have time for each one.  She said "no, Mommy just talks on the phone to her friends all the time"  Chris confirmed that when they were married she never had any time for him either that her personality is such that she has to constantly be in a social situation – can’t spend "downtime" (which contributed to why they’re divorced) Anyway, her heart is almost finished then she’s going to do the sky, grass and moon.  She asked me if she could keep the colors she’s using – she’s already working on her stash… Bonnie (Bon-Bon)

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We talked about how much we enjoy spending time like this together

I have always said mother, father, sister, brother, son, and daughter were functions not genetics.  You have given her a lifetime gift not only of needlework.

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Question:

We’re planning a trip to St. Barth’s in May and wondered about the fly fishing possibilities.  Any suggestions, anyone?

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whenever i travelled to the caribbean i would bring along the spinning gear (now into flyfishing)…. i caught baby tarpon on st.maarten and ventured over to st.barts….i didnt have too much luck there but heard from some people there that there are tarpon there at the right time of year…whenever that is…so i assume the other normal fishing will apply….ie. barracuda and bonefish etc…i think it would be worth the effort….let me know how you do ok   frank in brrrboston

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Question:

planning a four day trip over Bishop Pass with the object of climbing Mt. Sill. I haven’t done it yet, but am planning to by next year. I was planning on five days… day 1 to Dusy Basin, day 2 to Glacier Creek, summit on day 3, back to Dusy Basin on day 4, out on day 5. You might consider this, it makes more sense to me. If you do it in four, I’d love to hear about how it went! Cheers, Kevin

You should be able to do it in three.  South Lake to Barrett Lakes. Sill on day two and back out over Thunderbolt pass and Bishop Pass day three.

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Greetings all, We three not-so-young-but-in-very-good-shape guys with good backpacking experience but no climbing experience are planning a four day trip over Bishop Pass with the object of climbing Mt. Sill. I’ve done some research on this and have found out the SW chutes up Mt. Sill are rated at only class 2 (maybe some avoidable class 3 bits). We like the sound of that. We’ve got a couple questions, though, if anyone has been up that way and has wise words for us. 1) Should we try to camp in the Palisade Basin or go all the way to the Glacier Creek area? We’re not sure how difficult Potluck Pass would be with our packs. As I said, we’re in good shape, but we’re not real mountaineers. 2) Is there fishing in either the Barrett Lakes or in the lake at the head of Glacier Creek? My dad, who’s coming, is a big fly fisherman (though he’s not above using bait if he’s hungry enough and the fishing is really bad). This could influence our decision on where to camp. Mmmmm, trout. 3) Does anyone have any advice on the climb of Sill, other than to make for the Polemonium Glacier and turn NE up the chutes to the top of Sill? We figure we can do this in a long roundtrip with only day packs. We’re right about that, aren’t we? We’re not interested at this time in getting killed or rescued (I suppose we’d take the latter over the former, but the embarassment factor would be awfully high). Thanks so much for any information that might make this a better trip. We’re very excited and look forward to that beautiful late Summer Sierra weather. (We actually attempted this trip three years ago and got snowed out at the trailhead. We ended up driving South and climbing Mt. Whitney instead. That was lucky. So we know we are being a bit risky.) Again, thanks for any tips and I’ll post a trip report when we’re back. Franz —         But now almost finished dissertating in Los Angeles  N.B.: Disguised address; please remove "delete-this." if replying.

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Question:

I am looking for a graden hoe that is shaped like a diamond and the diamond part sits on the ground and you just push and pull it along the ground to get rid of the weeds . I think its called a Japanese weeding hoe.

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I am looking for a graden hoe that is shaped like a diamond and the diamond part sits on the ground and you just push and pull it along the ground to get rid of the weeds . I think its called a Japanese weeding hoe.

  There’s a similar (and I think better) product knows as a swoe whose head looks a bit like a flattened golf club.  It was originally marketed (25 years ago) by Wilkinson Sword in an elegant one piece stainless steel version that I still have, but I havn’t seen that form in over a decade. A few years back I bought a friend a heavier and less elegant version from one of the mail order catalogs.  It’s meant to slide back and forth under the soil like what you describe, but the one sided design is less likely to lop off the wrong plant. — Lloyd Fortney http://www.phy.duke.edu/~fortney/ has links to my garden, flower, flyfishing, and travel JPEG images as well as teaching, research, and stuff like that

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Question:

The Housie smallie is worth the fishing. During the summer I fish the times and locations where the trout shouldn’t be, and almost never hook one. The bass will hit all day long on hot summer days, while the trout are more active at dawn, dusk and after dark. Fish a big crayfish-looking fly like a #4-6 wolly bugger rather than petite nymphs or dries. Fish outside ( for me usually downstream of) the stocked trout management area. Avoid cooler feeder stream entries and more highly oxygenated areas where the trout might congregate. ( There’s some discussion of closing down fishing in the management area during hot weather, so also check the streamside postings.) The Housatonic Flyfishermens’ Association ( Sorry, there’s no phone number on my membership card) is a valuable source of information and guidance. Maybe another reader can provide the #, or let me know and I’ll send you a copy of the next newsletter.

I’ve let the above repeat because it is good advice, worth repeating.  The HFFA information recording is at 203 248-8616.  If you are wading, watch out for the releases.  Sometimes Northeast Utilities has the water release schedule at 860 824-7861.  Having screwed up by failing to maintain and lying about the condition of their nuke plants, NU has had to shut almost all down, creating a potential for brown outs or worse, so the power plant at Falls Village tends to be running a lot.

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All, I just moved to Ct. and understand the trout in the Hous get very stressed as the water temp. increases. I would like to leave them to rest and catch smallmouth instead! Any tips would be appreciated.

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The Housie smallie is worth the fishing. During the summer I fish the times and locations where the trout shouldn’t be, and almost never hook one. The bass will hit all day long on hot summer days, while the trout are more active at dawn, dusk and after dark. Fish a big crayfish-looking fly like a #4-6 wolly bugger rather than petite nymphs or dries. Fish outside ( for me usually downstream of) the stocked trout management area. Avoid cooler feeder stream entries and more highly oxygenated areas where the trout might congregate. ( There’s some discussion of closing down fishing in the management area during hot weather, so also check the streamside postings.) The Housatonic Flyfishermens’ Association ( Sorry, there’s no phone number on my membership card) is a valuable source of information and guidance. Maybe another reader can provide the #, or let me know and I’ll send you a copy of the next newsletter.

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Question:

I’ve never fished the San Juan but hear its productive for bigger fish.   Whats the truth, where can you stay, what are the conditions like around September? Do you need a boat or can you gain access to the better spots on foot? –

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says… I’ve never fished the San Juan but hear its productive for bigger fish.   Whats the truth, where can you stay, what are the conditions like around September? Do you need a boat or can you gain access to the better spots on foot? –

I am leaving tomorrow morning (8-15-95) to go to the San Juan for a few days.  I was originally trying for September but to no avail.  The water level should be at between 500-800 cfm and should make for some good fishing.  If you want, I will make a post when I return advising the conditions and where you might want to stay.  I understand there have been some recent changes their lately regarding hotels, restaurants, etc.  I’ll let you know what I find out. Just let me know.  I’ll do my best not to leave some fish that aren’t completely tired (yeah right)!! Tom Cavitt

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I’ve never fished the San Juan but hear its productive for bigger fish.   Whats the truth, where can you stay, what are the conditions like around September? Do you need a boat or can you gain access to the better spots on foot? –

Give Gary Willmart a call.  He’s President of Colorado Fishing Adventures, Inc. and operates a guiding business on the San Juan River and other rivers and lakes around Pagosa Springs, CO.  His phone is (719) 598-5787 and his address is Colorado Fishing Adventures, Inc., 6421 Pulpit Rock Dr., Colorado Springs, CO  80918. Tell him Dave Baker referred you.  He’s good and really enjoys guiding folks. Abe’s Motel and Fly Shop (owned by Abe Chavez and family) is probably the most popular place right on the river.  I’ve stayed there and it’s nice, they are helpful, and the prices are in the right range.  I don’t have their phone number but check dir. asst. in the Farmington, Aztec, Navajo Reservoir areas. You can also find places in Farmington, NM; Durango, CO; Pagosa Springs, CO; Chama, NM; etc.   Check a map. Sept. conditions are usually excellent and there are lots of big fish. In fact, you probably won’t get many under 16".  Weather’s good, too. Air warm, water cold – bring heavy socks for wading (see below). The upper river, in the first mile or so below the dam, is for wading only – no boats.  That’s what we do and where Gary takes clients. River is wide with lots of places to fish.  Lots of people but you can find good places open because there are so many fish around all over. They are hard to get, though, if you don’t know the river and it’s kind of unique.  So get a guide for at least half a day to show you how to begin, what to look for. I’ve never taken a boat trip but below the wade fishing only area, they allow drift boats.  If that is your interest, talk to Tim Chavez (Abe’s son) who operates the Born ‘N Raised guide service with boats. Pay attention to some unique regulations designed to protect the fishery:  catch & release some places, one fish over 20" other places and you gotta quit fishing when you kill one, barbless hooks, no fishing directly downstream of yourself or someone else (often called the San Juan Shuffle because fish will congregate and pick up food in the trail of debris kicked up by someone wading), etc. Have fun!

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I’ve heard that they bite drys a lot better in September, instead of the usual disco midges and San Jan worms that they ususally fish

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