Surprise Surprise

It seems as if my no new gear mantra for 2025 has already been tossed out the window. About a month ago I went in search of a RF 100-500 lens without much luck. They are hot commodities on the used market right now. I saw prices from $1850 to $2100, which seemed fair to me. But it meant I would have to be quick if I wanted to make one mine. Two weeks ago, I pulled the trigger on one the minute I saw it listed for sale. There were 2 other folks going through the payment process but my payment beat them to the punch.

That said, I hope to have some photos to post up soon. I got out last weekend with it and found a kingfisher, but it was too far away for a great photo. Heat haze didn't help either. I captured an entire sequence of the bird with a fish in its mouth on a branch, but not one of the 25ish photos were sharp.

Too far away!!!!

To ease the pain of the 100-500 purchase, once I return from my Utah Badlands photo workshop, I will be selling a few lenses. I think the 24-240 and the 70-200 might be out the door. I have not used the 70-200 since I bought it and the 24-240 wasn't an upgrade over the 24-105. The old EF 100-400 will finally find a new home too. Those 3 lens sales will cover the cost of the new 100-500.

Also joining the Casey Johnson photography team is a new camera bag. Over the years I have tried to replace my venerable Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AWII, but I just can't seem to move on from it. It has been the best bag I have ever owned, 6 years later nothing has topped it. My new f-stop Guru 4 Air bag won't take its place, but it might be my new local day outing backpack. It's got a great feel to it, roomy. I'll get out with it tomorrow to see how it performs on a downtown photo walk.

And coming soon, a printer. I have thought about this a long time, and I think it is time. While the initial outlay will be a nice stack of cash, in the long run, I will save on printing. And I will have full control over the process. Right now, the Canon Pro-310 is in my sights, but the Canon Pro-1100 might be the final choice. I hope to have buy this when I return from my trip and call it an early birthday gift to myself.

Off for a trail run now. Updates coming soon on my new photo competition, and hopefully some more photos from the 100-500.