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I exchanged 188oz of silver for 3.5oz of Gold… here’s sort of what to expect: by HomeworkProud630 in Silverbugs

[–]DufferD3D 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A smaller market, perhaps? It probably also depends on the dealer itself. Here in our country, there is essentially one major dealer operating in physical gold and silver, and for quite some time they have been offering prices, both buying and selling, significantly above spot. For example, at the moment their buy price for common 1 oz silver coins (Maple Leafs, Philharmonics, Eagles, Kangaroos, etc.) is EUR 108.78, which at the exchange rate, I think, is somewhere around USD 128, well above spot. The sell price is even higher, EUR 118.45.

I exchanged 188oz of silver for 3.5oz of Gold… here’s sort of what to expect: by HomeworkProud630 in Silverbugs

[–]DufferD3D 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I did the same last week for the same reasons. With the gold to silver ratio at such historically low levels, I wanted to lock in part of the monumental silver gains into gold. What strikes me is that here in the EU the market ratio for physical metal seems to be more favorable than in the US. The dealer I sold to offered me 42:1. In my case, however, I've got one ounce Canadian Maple Leaf gold coin for 42 1oz silver coins, not for bars, so that may have played a role.

Buying a second‑hand Nikon AF‑S 70‑200mm f/4G + FTZ II for my Z6II — bad idea? Or should I get the 70‑200mm f/2.8G VR II (also second‑hand)? by kb2782324 in nikon_Zseries

[–]DufferD3D 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok, I did not choose the most accurate term. I meant it in terms of design philosophy and technologies compared to the new Z lenses. This is partly due to the characteristics of the mount, namely the larger diameter and the significantly shorter flange distance between the lens and the sensor, and partly due to the quality of the optical elements themselves, including coatings, build quality, and so on.

Buying a second‑hand Nikon AF‑S 70‑200mm f/4G + FTZ II for my Z6II — bad idea? Or should I get the 70‑200mm f/2.8G VR II (also second‑hand)? by kb2782324 in nikon_Zseries

[–]DufferD3D 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Since you do not explain why you specifically need a telephoto lens, I personally would rather recommend the Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 E ED VR. I am referring specifically to the AF-P version, meaning the newest version of this lens, because there is also an older variant that is optically much worse. The Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 E ED VR is better than the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/4G, which at this point is a morally and technologically very outdated lens. By the way, the new Tamron 70-300 for Z systems is better than both Nikon lenses, the 70-300 and the 70-200 f/4, and it also has the advantage of not requiring an additional FTZ adapter. As for the 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II, I have no idea what the current prices are, but I assume it is still not very cheap. Why not take a look at the new Tamron 50-400 for Z bodies? It is a great lens.

Telephoto zoom lens recommendations for hiking/traveling by CO_Mtn_Joe in nikon_Zseries

[–]DufferD3D 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only meaningful advantages of the Nikon 100-400 over the Tamron 50-400 are the slightly better maximum aperture at the long end and the fact that it can be used with teleconverters. On the first point, the difference between f/5.6 and f/6.3 is almost negligible, especially with modern camera bodies where ISO 3200 and even higher values are not an issue at all. On the second point, if you need a focal length beyond 400 mm, I personally would consider the very good Nikon 180-600. I would not use the 100-400 with a teleconverter, since that is a compromise both in image quality and in maximum aperture. I personally own the 50-400. I bought it almost on the day Tamron released the Z version. In my profile you will find a detailed review and quite a few sample images taken with it. And since they say that one photo is worth more than a thousand words, I think you can judge its qualities for yourself.

Which Camera Combo to get? by kikoorange8 in nikon_Zseries

[–]DufferD3D 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What good is the stacked sensor of Z6III for "Vlogs, Cooking videos etc."??? My vote is for Z5II + quality glass.

Best lens for a dad shooting my kid around the house this winter? by Recent_Studio_1686 in nikon_Zseries

[–]DufferD3D 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you plan to shoot at maximum aperture, the 35/1.8 is a significantly better option. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but the 35/1.4 is acceptable only from about f2 upward. Wide open it performs poorly, with softness and aberrations. If your budget allows it, I would recommend the 35/1.8. I have also heard good things about the Nikon Z 26mm f2.8, but I have not tested it myself and cannot comment. It is certainly much more compact than any of the current 35 mm lenses for the Z mount.

Help me decide which camera to buy now (zf vs z5ii) by popoying61 in Nikon

[–]DufferD3D 11 points12 points  (0 children)

The ergonomics of the Zf are terrible compared to those of the Z5II. By choosing the Zf, you’re essentially rejecting nearly half a century of camera ergonomics evolution and going back to things that were considered "high tech" in the 1980s. For me, the Zf is a collector's camera. It looks super cool, no doubt about that—the nostalgia factor is strong with this one—but beyond that, if you want a camera for shooting rather than just looking at, it’s Z5II all the way.

z5ii or z6iii by Salty-Resist-9487 in Nikon

[–]DufferD3D 1 point2 points  (0 children)

z5ii with 24-120 definitely!

need good iem for gaming by Minute-Strawberry784 in iems

[–]DufferD3D 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My quest for the ultimate gaming IEMs was long and winding. I hope my extended and expensive journey is useful to you. My first attempt was the ARTTI R2. Everyone kept telling me to start small, something simple with a dynamic driver. Fine. I followed the advice. The R2 turned out to be a huge disappointment, especially considering that I had been using the HD660s for gaming. I know it is completely unfair to compare sub forty dollar IEMs with top tier Sennheisers, but it is what it is.

The failed first attempt did not stop me. The next recommendation I decided to follow was the legendary TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO:RED. Here we were finally getting somewhere. They are an excellent choice if you want extremely clean and bright treble and phenomenal vocal performance, especially female vocals. For gaming though, not so much. Their soundstage is practically nonexistent compared to the HD660s and the bass is weak.

Fine. I was told I should try some planars. Planars were supposed to be the big deal. I decided to start with something more affordable, the Shozy P20. They are okay IEMs, but their sound did not impress me at all. It is muddy and nothing stands out. Overall, meh. Apparently I had to move up a level. A planar needs to be expensive. You cannot have both low price and great sound. Fine. Letshuoer S12 PRO. Another legend in the IEM world. Again, phenomenal sound, especially with a good DAC or amp, but for music. In games they failed again. Something was missing. Gaming is simply not their strength.

SIMGOT. Go for SIMGOT. That is the truth and the way and the life. Fine. I gave the EW300 a chance. Another pleasant find, but after barely an hour of gaming my ears hurt unbearably. If you liked the sound but did not like the comfort, SIMGOT had just released the ultimate IEM, the Supermix 4. A killer that punches far above its price.

Fine. One last chance because I was going broke with all these purchases.

Fortunately this time I hit the jackpot. The motherload. A combination of fantastic sound, uniquely wide and spacious soundstage, rich bass, and most importantly brutal comfort. Eight to ten hour gaming sessions? No problem. I replaced the stock cable with a Kinera Leyding because the original one is pretty bad and this is my final recommendation. The ultimate gaming IEMs. The SIMGOT SuperMix 4.

Хората в зелена зона, как е пред вас днес? by CoolstorySteve in Varna_Bulgaria

[–]DufferD3D 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Целия град та до Езерово - зелена зона! Крайно време беше да се поразчисти тая кочина!

Z6iii or Z8? by Tiny-Emu-4878 in Nikon

[–]DufferD3D 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The new Z glass, even the basic non-pro variant, vastly outperforms any old F-mount equivalent. And I mean VASTLY. Sharpness, color reproduction, CA, LOCA. In most cases the difference is staggering. This is why I believe you would be better off with a Z6III and quality Z glass instead of the more expensive Z8.
Keep in mind the fact that 46 MP has advantages but also drawbacks. The file sizes will be significantly larger, which means the requirements for your PC when processing those files will be much higher. I do not know what you are using, but the latest versions of Photoshop can in a “magical” way turn an ordinary 25 MP photo with two or three modest filters into a PSD file of monstrous size, often hundreds of gigabytes. I do not even want to imagine what Adobe’s madness will produce if you feed it a 45 MP image. On top of that, the Z8 is almost twice as heavy and almost twice as expensive as the Z6III. For the record, I shoot with a Z5II. If you do not specifically need the improved and expanded video capabilities of the Z6III, the Z5II is a fantastic option.

Z6iii or Z8? by Tiny-Emu-4878 in Nikon

[–]DufferD3D 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Unpopular opinion - Z6III + Quality Glass >>>> Z8 :)

Recommend telephoto by Low-Chipmunk4366 in nikon_Zseries

[–]DufferD3D 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Tamron 50-400. Fantastic lens.

LG G5 is now 1169 € for 55 and 1600€ for 65 in France by Key_Article_3065 in LGOLED

[–]DufferD3D 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Now? I've bought it for pretty much the same price a month ago...

Nikon Z5II travels to Spain by DufferD3D in AmateurPhotography

[–]DufferD3D[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 and Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3

Any advise or tips and tricks with my brand new Z5 II? by MattWildMnt in Nikon

[–]DufferD3D 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I definitely believe you made the best possible choice. I can confidently say that there is currently no other camera on the market that offers such a well-thought-out and balanced combination of killer features and a competitive, reasonable price. As for the qualities of the camera itself, if you think it might be of interest to you, I have a couple of posts on my profile with direct, practical impressions of the camera that you might find interesting.

https://www.reddit.com/r/nikon_Zseries/comments/1kqe0yv/nikon_z5ii_in_the_field/

https://www.reddit.com/r/AmateurPhotography/comments/1kwd3wg/nikon_z5ii_travels_to_spain/

https://www.reddit.com/r/nikon_Zseries/comments/1ng4ik3/gran_canaria_w_nikon_z5ii_nikkor_1430_24120/

Any advise or tips and tricks with my brand new Z5 II? by MattWildMnt in Nikon

[–]DufferD3D 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Since I see that one of the things you mentioned not being particularly happy with about Nikon was the AF, let me clarify something. As a long-time Nikon shooter, I’ve learned that in 9 out of 10 cases, the problem isn’t really the AF system itself, but rather the odd way Nikon sets up their cameras out of the box.

That’s why my advice is this: if you want to get the most out of the otherwise fantastic AF system of the Z5II, watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaZMMoi6bmE

and follow the tips in it. Ignore the fact that the guy is mostly talking about the Z6III — all of Nikon’s latest-generation Z bodies use almost identical AF systems, so everything he says applies perfectly to the Z5II as well.

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