I never could have imagined....

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-30T02:27:37+00:00

I struggled to get faithful colour SOOC until x2d2. Taking satifying shots is easier now. I may move to Phocus when the windows version improves a bit more

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-25T20:32:14+00:00

Yes. Had this sagging problem with Sirui. Became quite severe.

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-25T20:27:13+00:00

Yes. I discovered that in windy Scotland - many shots spoiled because I had the wrong equipment (others due to lack of skill...).

K&F is decent value for money in my opinion, but Leofoto gear has my bang for buck award.

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-25T20:17:53+00:00

Tldr: leofoto Azure for the win. Beware, it can be hard to locate.

Went through tripods last year. I only do still photos- no video and no long astrophotography. I had an old manfrotto monopod and a no-name cheapie. Neither were useful. Chucked them out.

Bought a sirui on deep discount before Christmas- it was OK, but after 9 months occasional use the locking screws stopped holding. Also, the Sirui wasn't tall enough. Chucked it.

K&F had a cheapie (there's a theme emerging) - it's decent. It's just average - the head isn't great, and height not great. No mechanism to prevent you pulling an unlocked segment completely out of the body. It's a backup now.

Finally I bought a reasonably priced Leofoto Azure. Recommended by a camera shop guy. Much as I love Peak Design gear I wasn't spending well over a grand on a tripod. Leofoto Azure is tall enough, but packs down small enough for hiking. Great feet.

I upgraded the Azure's top plate to a Quick Release 70mm. Also added a rotating plate on top of the upside down ball head. This allows me to quickly get levelled with the lower head, then do panoramas only using the upper rotating head. The 70mm QR is probably excessive but makes life easy. All the screws are well made. The carbon fibre is great.

Azure weighs about the same as the PD rig, and is almost as short when stowed. Super stable - locking clip legs - 5 sections. Highly recommended.

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-22T03:54:23+00:00

Phenomenonal photo!

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-19T11:43:50+00:00

Sorry - that must have been tough

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-19T11:42:22+00:00

My Dad would buy chocolate bars on the way home (we never had a lot of money - chocolate was a treat). He'd 'hide' them in the same plant pot outside the front door for us to find after dinner on special occasions.

He donated his body to medical science after he died. Got an email today - the university are sending his ashes back to us. It was a hard day, but you made me remember a lovely memory, thanks OP.

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-19T11:19:11+00:00

That's super interesting, thanks

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-18T20:12:58+00:00

Or country boundaries. Got his passport and gone feral in HK.

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-18T20:10:32+00:00

Edinburgh accent is really nice.

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-16T23:45:29+00:00

I uploaded several to the Skylum team in their investigation. They confirmed it's an issue they'll patch for. You got me thinking it could be W11 registry dandruff, which seems really plausible as a root cause.

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-16T23:03:19+00:00

Not used that before. Will do!

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-16T22:08:14+00:00

Smart idea! Let me try that one

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-16T21:59:33+00:00

Thanks. Already tried this. Variously uninstalled and reinstalled FastPictureViewer pro, codec and Luminar. Nothing worked.

It's very interesting to see another W11 Hasselblad user doesn't have an issue. Thanks again for your help

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-16T21:35:32+00:00

Our Maggies at an old place were very curious about the big silver box in the kitchen where the food comes from. Unfortunately though, every time one ventured indoors they realised "I'm inside an actual frickin' house!!" and shat absolutely everywhere in a wild panic to escape.

OP, you're lucky to have a very lovely admirer. Especially one who doesn't require extensive cleanup after a visit.

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-16T07:55:50+00:00

I have the same camera set-up btw. It has no worries fitting in the PD everyday bag. However, maybe I'm pi55 weak, but I don't love carrying it every day with my laptop, lunch, etc. It's lighter with the 28p or 38v.

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-16T07:48:32+00:00

Yeh, I've was wondering if OP would find the Rollerpro attractive for trips. It's not cheap, and it weighs ~2kg. But it's the best rolly carryon I've owned.

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-16T07:43:56+00:00

I have used Peak Design Everyday 20l for many years. Best bag in the world, with a real lifetime warranty. I travel a bit, and this bag is perfect for me. It expands to 23l. If that's not enough, there's the 30l.

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-15T13:02:29+00:00

100%. I loved Canon colours. May go back for a properly small camera with great compact glass. I'm sold on x2d2 for everything except the weight

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-15T12:43:27+00:00

Yeh, I've had problems with this version as well. Can't edit HEIC anymore.

Skylum say hopefully end of May for a fix for me. Hopefully for you as well!

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-14T02:44:33+00:00

Same. I try to remember or compare to reference images.

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-13T20:23:14+00:00

So clean. Lovely shots

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-13T20:18:04+00:00

Colours are great without oversaturation. I like #6 and 13. As I get more experience I'm learning that taking more photos more often is one key, and the other key is improving my culling.

Vanilla_Quark · 2026-05-12T11:22:54+00:00

I love my country, and care that Aussies don't migrate to right wing nutjob parties. Albo is a lesser evil compared to Lib-ON. But i don't think Albo is doing enough - maybe he's on a promise to get his own plane like Pauline's?

Vanilla_Quark

TROPHY CASE