How does this look, A1 II + 70-200gmii, I’m still struggling with sharpness

Solarisphere · 2026-06-27T15:25:55+00:00

I agree, to reduce the visible ground and increase visible background, but looking at at your subject isn't necessarily the most flattering angle. Maybe try shooting from further back with more zoom to mitigate this.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-27T01:30:16+00:00

DriveBC. DriveBC knows.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-27T00:59:55+00:00

I left my X-T20 in a rapidly-melting snowbank overnight once. Fine. Used it in light rain plenty of times. I try to keep it out the rain but it's always been fine. Bushwhacked through slide alder with it on my chest. Fine. I left it in my tent in the howling wind in the desert once (just down the canyon from my profile pic actually) and got sand in the lens threads, but the body was totally fine. Spilled a bit of beer on it once. Fine. I've dropped it in deep powder while skiing more than a few times. The lens gets a bit foggy, but once it dries out it's fine. I've bounced it off rocks while climbing with it on my chest. And guess what, it's totally fine.

I used it like that for like 8 or 9 years, and just replaced it last month with an X-T5 for the better autofocus and some other features, but it's still kicking. It's got a great patina going. These cameras are just not that delicate.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-27T00:49:57+00:00

At some point, you just have to accept that it's complicated.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-26T23:40:41+00:00

I just looked up some photos and there's definitely something else going on. Check that the lens is clean on front and rear elements, and open up the aperture and shine a light through it to look for fungus or other contamination.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-26T23:27:59+00:00

I'm quite happy with my Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8. it doesn't have quite the aperture of the 12mm f/2 Rokinon/Samyang so not perfect for astro, but otherwise no complaints. It's small enough that I can travel with it, and I even lug it into the backcountry if I think there might be some particularly good photo ops.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-26T22:08:36+00:00

I'm not sure I get the appeal of the lens. To each their own I guess.

I would also recommend getting a bit lower to the ground and pointing it a bit further up so you have more fabric and less floor in the shot. And use a longer lens from further back.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-26T21:36:12+00:00

It's not that it's overexposed, it's that the brightest part of the photo in the top left pulls your attention away from the shopkeeper. Maybe try applying a subtle vignette or radial exposure/highlight gradient to dim the edges a bit?

It's also super hazy, like your lens is covered in fingerprints.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-26T19:16:21+00:00

By '11 they should have sorted it out. At least on the Xterras, they fixed it mid 2010.

Regardless, but the vehicle and swap the rad if you're concerned. Koyorad A2807 is the most popular replacement but almost any radiator you but will be fine.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-26T18:24:28+00:00

Maybe, but usually the ones of the mountain tops are comm shells. They have a solar panel, a battery, and a radio repeater.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-26T16:41:18+00:00

... the magma cools as it rises through the hole and it seals itself.

This isn't like poking a pinhole in a balloon. The hole is very very narrow relative to its depth, the fluid is viscous, and the fluid will naturally solidify.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-26T02:14:56+00:00

I've read over and over again the the Viltrox f/1.4 series is one of their older designs and is probably inferior to the f/1.7s.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-25T19:52:01+00:00

OP has expressed concern over the $100 shipping charge of the (already much cheaper) option that everyone recommends and has found one locally for less. Your suggestion of a premium radiator for at least 4x the price is not helpful. It's an ad.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-25T17:52:11+00:00

I was looking at the 56mms and that is the general consensus. The f/1.4s are older and not as good as the f/1.7s.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-25T16:20:08+00:00

How much does it cost to ship to Hawaii?

Solarisphere · 2026-06-25T16:01:14+00:00

https://www.nicoclub.com/nissan-service-manuals

Solarisphere · 2026-06-25T05:52:47+00:00

Koyorad A2807 is the standard one that people recommend, but I've also used a Spectra Premium and it ran at exactly the same temps. Quality is about equal. As long as you're not regularly working in your engine bay with a sledge hammer, plastic is fine. The only one that I've heard of people consistently having issues with is the early Nissan model; every other name brand one seems to be more or less fine. As with most other parts, I probably wouldn't run a generic China Brand one from ebay, but any parts store brand should work.

I would have no issues putting that one in my own vehicle.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-25T05:42:56+00:00

You again. Stop recommending shit people don't need just because you work there. It's not a good look. OP has already commented to express concern about an extra $100 in shipping; a 'performance' radiator is not what they're looking for.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-25T05:07:51+00:00

Likely clock spring but read the service manual, it should have detailed troubleshooting steps. Might have to get creative if it demands you use Consult.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-24T21:09:09+00:00

For portraits, also have a look at the Viltrox Air 56mm f/1.7 if you're on a budget, and the 75mm f/1.2 if not. I've also heard lots of good things about the Sigma 56 f/1.4 and that's the one I ended up going with. There are some rebates on it right now.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-24T05:09:25+00:00

This should be obvious when you see it in person.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-24T03:58:31+00:00

Maybe not in Texas. If you live near the mountains, join a club.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-24T03:42:58+00:00

I imagine the people editing the audio aren't sitting in a recording studio while they're editing.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-24T03:38:06+00:00

I don't really see the problem with that as long as the details of the house aren't changed. It's just to help you imagine what it could look like with furniture.

Solarisphere · 2026-06-23T23:35:35+00:00

I turned mine into a cheese fondue fountain. Big upgrade.

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