vw151

So.... I am the only one on this forum that thinks this is really cool?   

Guys,

Tonight 7pm at Ducati Indianopolis, the factory ducati riders will be signing autographs.   I wish I could make it but I can't.   If you can you should.   This is very cool. 

Details below

http://indyducati.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DucatiIndianapolis

My 2 cents.   If you want regular pull straps.   I love my Ancra straps.  You can usually find them on sale. 

I typically hate dealing with ratcheting straps as they are a pain in the butt.   But I was recently given a pair of cargobuckle straps.   They are awesome, easy to use and nice and tidy since they retract the slack when not in use.  

Oh, also, if you don't want to deal with any of it.  I have the pit bull TRS system and it is far and away better than any strap, but not every little bike and scooter has pins for that system.  

I threw a few highlights on FB, enjoy.  

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.501333993285173.1073741883.109997875752122&type=1&l=a8913e84a4

It's a thankless job Marty.   

I helped.      If you rode this weekend you should have gotten better than average coverage with 2 of us shooting.  That and Marty had a BA lens on loan.   The pictures will be worth the wait I promise.   

All,  if you were riding in Joliet this weekend at ACC the pictures are up from 8/3 and 8/4 is uploading and should be up with in the hour.

www.electriceyeimages.com

Also, like us on facebook.  

- Joe

Photos from yesterdays event are up.  Check them out at www.electriceyeimages.com and like us on facebook for free pit shots.  

Shot this with my 70-200 F4 L series and an E-TTL flash.   Found it interesting just because I was able to light the bird up with my flash.  

check out www.electriceyeimages.com for track photos.   I have thousands on the site.   

I have the 100mm F2.8 macro but not the L version. Sigh...lens porn

 

The great thing about lenses is, they generally hold their value really well so you can buy and sell used ones without losing too much $ in the process.

That is still a great lens and at 1/2 the price I dont' think it's half the quality by any means.  It's known to be a tack sharp lens. The new IS on the L series lens is just cool though.  

I agree, glass holds it's value,  the bodies not as much.  But with the body, it's like you get to buy your film 1 time and you are done.  I miss that about film cameras.  Being able to change the media.  

I mean, let's be honest,  anything above 60mpg and it costs very little to run and is on par with a scooter.   In terms of cost of operation there isn't much more money to save once you are above 60mpg.   

Very very very true. It' like crack. I think I have close to that much invested in the body, lenses and accessories with my 70-200 f2.8L II lens being the most expensive piece at ~$2200 by itself but damn it's a super fine lens.

 

@OP - I think you'll be happy with the Sony...a guy I know at work who does some nice photography raves about it.

Once you go L series, it's tough to go back.   

So far just in L series, first 2 are my primary track day lenses for now.   

100-400mm F4.5-5.6 

70-200mm F4

17-40mm F4 

Primes (non L)

50mm F1.4

28mm F1.8

I really really want a 135mm F2 L and a 100mm F2.8 macro L  

28-135mm F3.5-5.6 not L but want to replace with 24-105 L when I get a 5D Mk3

Canon 7D body with verticle grip

430EX 2

420EX

550EX 

I have a bunch of old off brand crap lenses laying around too.   

Would be awesome for my 40 mile round trip commute, would cut my gas expenses by a shit ton.

And it'd be super fun to mess around in town on.   I already love riding the scoots all over town.   

IMO these are some of the best cameras out there that are not SLRs.   They have bigger sensors than normal point and shoots, ability to shoot RAW and generally make nice images.   

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Optical-Stabilized-Vari-Angle/dp/B0041RSPRS

I haven't used this particular camera but everything they make in the G series seems to be pretty amazing for a point and shoot.  

If you want to shoot Canon, I love this guys site for his consistent reviews

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/

I agree about bhphotovideo.com behing awesome and locally I highly recomend Midwest Photo Exchange,  mpex.com   This is probably the best brick and mortar camera shop in the state and they do provide classes and seminars.      Find MPEX on facebook and like them.  They post all the time about seminars and photo contests.   They are a very good resource in Columbus.  

If you want to stay under $500 and get an SLR I'd read a bunch of reviews and learn as much as you can and then hit craigslist.   If you want a very good point and shoot I'd look at the Canon G series.  

I will say this, SLRs are very bulky for vacations and most new guys end up shooting them on full auto anyway.   

Last bit of advice.  If you do get an SLR, learn to shoot and process RAW.   You will be able to make much cleaner and better looking images that way.   Especially anything you shoot indoors in mixed light.   Gives you amazing latitude with your white balance.  

I'd recommend L series glass but in your price range sticking to the Kit lenses is probably the best bet.   18-55 EF-S lens and 70-300 would be some good starter lenses to stay in budget.    The Canon Rebel/3 digitD or 2 digitD  20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 60D cameras are good bodies that can be had at a reasonable price.   

Be careful my friend, it's a slippery slope, before you know it  you could be $10k in with out even blinking.   

All I know is these things are begging to be raced somewhere.   much like XR100s are already so popular.   

70mph sounds doable to me for a bike that big.   It's really not a big stretch from the scooters of that size.    My Honda Aero 80 does 52mph on a straight away.   All I did was put a pod filter and expansion chamber exhaust on it and a bigger jet.   I know the Grom is not a 2-stroke but it is a brand spanking new 4 stroke that is even bigger.   It doesn't take a  whole lot of horsepower to top out at 70mph.   

I heard a rumor that WERA is considering making a spec class for these little guys.   Don't know if it's true but that sounds fun, fun to watch, fun to participate in and cheap to operate.   This little bike could really bring a new dimension to Motorcycling, maybe get the scooter people on real bikes and the real bike people into little bikes.   I'm excited about this thing and a lot of my friends are too.   This thing seems like the perfect little bike to go into a corner banging elbows with your friends.   

$3k for something you use once a year, sounds like a solid investment.

Are you kidding,  I'd ride this thing all the time.   There is something strangely satisfying about riding something on the street that you can literally run WOT all over the place.   It'd be fun as hell for an around town bike.   

I forsee a CMP class based soley on this bike.  

This is the Ladies First weekend.   Ladies first is the 5th, regular days 6th and 7th.   I'll be photographing the 5th and 6th.   

if i could afford the sex change operation, i would do this track day.

You could always come up and be pit bitch for your favorite lady on Friday then ride Saturday and Sunday.   

So.... no interest in this track day then?    OK that's cool.  

Next we'll see you on the news like a old lady hoarding cats.   "Dozens of motorcycles were rescued today..."

They all have a very good home and are treated well.  

I see what you mean  and btw I dont think u own enough bikes!!

LOL,  I have issues.   They are all my favorites.