Paul Franklin Stregevsky said: > Gregory, > > You didn't state that the zoom must be autofocus. If it needn't be, and if > you're lucky and patient, you might find the superb Tokina AT-X 100-300 f/4 > in the same price range ($200). Among zooms that reach 300mm, the Tokina is > about as good as it gets and a good stop brighter.
Well, I'd rather collect auto gear now that I have a new auto camera. > As for flash that won't turn off, you might be better served by using a > flash that can accept an outboard battery like a Quantum. For maximum guide > number for the dollar, you will, of course, want to look at third party > offerings from Vivitar and others. Outboard batteries are new territory for me, I have no feel for the availability or use of that sort of equipment. It sounds expensive. Flashes with outboard batteries don't turn off? I do check eBay now and then, but don't know what to think of most of what's offered except that it's in the $100 range that I wanted to step (slightly) above. > I'm fairly familiar with ProMaster (and its twin, Ritz Quantaray); the two > or three top offerings, the FTD-5600, -5700, and -5950 (GN 130 at 35mm) do > shut off, but not several "lower" models that offer a guide number of 100 at > 28mm: FTD-5400, -5500, and 5500DX. By the way, that's 28mm built-in; no I'm looking for auto zoom right now. I have a new auto camera, so I want auto stuff for it. 100 ft at 28mm should be some happy guide number at 85mm or 105 mm. > diffuser needed, according to an email to me from Promaster > (http://www.promaster.com). These models require the Pentax AF module. Other Pentax AF module? I don't know what that is, but I'll bet it's another $50. Every little cap, swivel, and extension cord related to photography seems to run for about $50. > models are dedicated to Pentax AF bodies, but I don't know whether they > offer "always on"; check the site. Ritz is at http://www.ritzcamera.com . I'll poke around and see what I can find. Thanks.
