MatsP
June 1st, 2006, 09:06 AM
Telling other people what lenses to buy (or not to buy) is often hard, for several reasons:
- You probably have a better idea what you want than I do.
- Before you posted here, you probably have made your mind up somewhat.
- My personal preference doesn't really match yours.
- etc, etc.
That's never stopped me from trying to tell people what to do, tho'! ;-)
Now, what lens you should buy depends VERY MUCH on what you want it to do. A 70-300 will be an "OK" lens, it's a budget version - but as you say, it's a lot of money to you, and telling you that you'd get a much better lens if you spend 3x or 5x the money will not really solve a problem.
The things you should consider, however, is if it's going to be good enough for the things you mention:
- Landscapes - a 70-300 lens is probably too long most of the time - your 18-55 is probably a better landscape lens.
- Portrait - Yes, certainly. It's a bit too small an aperture to be a GOOD portrait lens - you want something around f2.0-2.8 - but unless you buy a SPECIFIC lens for portraits, you'd probably not going to get there for anything but A LOT of money.
- Macro . The close-up distance is 5'/1.5m. Depending on the size of insects/flowers and type of photos you want to take, this may be fine or not close enough. However, it's pretty easy to simulate this in the shop, using for instance a coin some such instead of the flower/insect. So if you think that the smallest flower you'd ever want to get a real close-up of is the size of a quarter, lay a quarter on the floor, and try to take a picture of it with the 70-300 lens... Do you get close enough to fill most of the frame, or does it look like a bit lonely with lots of space around it? Can you accept it? Obviously, most insects are slightly smaller than a quarter - except for butterfly's.
There aren't many other options to replace the 70-300, that are reasonably low cost. I'm sure you could find some sigma or other non-Nikon brand lens that is less expensive and do roughly the same, with approximately the same result and the added risk that it's not quite as good at working together with the Nikon camera - at least if it's a Nikon camera and lens you can complain to ONE place and hopefully getting it fixed, rather than being stuck between two companies that neither will take responsibility for your equipment not working... [Although Sigma is more likely to fix a non-compatibility problem than Nikon, of course].
I just noticed that Nikon actually has three different lenses of roughly the same range, a 75-300/4.5-5.6, 70-300 4.0-5.6D ED and 70-300 4.0-5.6G - the latter is a lot cheaper and specifically designed for digital SLR (using smaller lens-elements since the sensor is smaller than the original 35mm film). Not sure if there's much optical different between them. ED should be slightly better optically (and you'd hope so for more than double the price!).
There are a few things that come to mind:
1. If you are SERIOUS about macro photography, you probably want to get a proper macro lens - they get MUCH closer to the subject. There's a Sigma 50/2.8 that costs about $300 which will be a good starting point. A poor mans version is "macro filters", which is basically a screw on lens that goes on the front of the filter screw of your usual lens. They are not quite as good optically, but at least allows you to get close enough to get the subject. The macro lens would also be good as a portrait lens, if you want to get a bigger aperture for that.
2. If you really want to do "big" landscapes, you may need some more wide-angle than the 18-55 gives you. That's obviously not NECESSARY, but for some scenery, it's hard to get far enough away from the subject with a longer lens. Unfortunately, there's really no substitute for dollars here, you'll have to pay for it or not get it, so no easy solution. A Sigma 12-24mm is $689, and that's obviously a lot of money... [Yes, you can get screw on wide-angle lenses too, but if the close-up ones are OK, these aren't - making wide-angle lenses is HARD - magnifying glasses aren't too difficult to make!]
3. You'll almost certainly need a tripod - both for landscapes and macro photography.
Finally: Whilst it's good to consider the purchase, waiting TOO long will make you miss oppurtunities of using the equipment.
Best of luck, and please feel free to ask further questions...
--
Mats
- You probably have a better idea what you want than I do.
- Before you posted here, you probably have made your mind up somewhat.
- My personal preference doesn't really match yours.
- etc, etc.
That's never stopped me from trying to tell people what to do, tho'! ;-)
Now, what lens you should buy depends VERY MUCH on what you want it to do. A 70-300 will be an "OK" lens, it's a budget version - but as you say, it's a lot of money to you, and telling you that you'd get a much better lens if you spend 3x or 5x the money will not really solve a problem.
The things you should consider, however, is if it's going to be good enough for the things you mention:
- Landscapes - a 70-300 lens is probably too long most of the time - your 18-55 is probably a better landscape lens.
- Portrait - Yes, certainly. It's a bit too small an aperture to be a GOOD portrait lens - you want something around f2.0-2.8 - but unless you buy a SPECIFIC lens for portraits, you'd probably not going to get there for anything but A LOT of money.
- Macro . The close-up distance is 5'/1.5m. Depending on the size of insects/flowers and type of photos you want to take, this may be fine or not close enough. However, it's pretty easy to simulate this in the shop, using for instance a coin some such instead of the flower/insect. So if you think that the smallest flower you'd ever want to get a real close-up of is the size of a quarter, lay a quarter on the floor, and try to take a picture of it with the 70-300 lens... Do you get close enough to fill most of the frame, or does it look like a bit lonely with lots of space around it? Can you accept it? Obviously, most insects are slightly smaller than a quarter - except for butterfly's.
There aren't many other options to replace the 70-300, that are reasonably low cost. I'm sure you could find some sigma or other non-Nikon brand lens that is less expensive and do roughly the same, with approximately the same result and the added risk that it's not quite as good at working together with the Nikon camera - at least if it's a Nikon camera and lens you can complain to ONE place and hopefully getting it fixed, rather than being stuck between two companies that neither will take responsibility for your equipment not working... [Although Sigma is more likely to fix a non-compatibility problem than Nikon, of course].
I just noticed that Nikon actually has three different lenses of roughly the same range, a 75-300/4.5-5.6, 70-300 4.0-5.6D ED and 70-300 4.0-5.6G - the latter is a lot cheaper and specifically designed for digital SLR (using smaller lens-elements since the sensor is smaller than the original 35mm film). Not sure if there's much optical different between them. ED should be slightly better optically (and you'd hope so for more than double the price!).
There are a few things that come to mind:
1. If you are SERIOUS about macro photography, you probably want to get a proper macro lens - they get MUCH closer to the subject. There's a Sigma 50/2.8 that costs about $300 which will be a good starting point. A poor mans version is "macro filters", which is basically a screw on lens that goes on the front of the filter screw of your usual lens. They are not quite as good optically, but at least allows you to get close enough to get the subject. The macro lens would also be good as a portrait lens, if you want to get a bigger aperture for that.
2. If you really want to do "big" landscapes, you may need some more wide-angle than the 18-55 gives you. That's obviously not NECESSARY, but for some scenery, it's hard to get far enough away from the subject with a longer lens. Unfortunately, there's really no substitute for dollars here, you'll have to pay for it or not get it, so no easy solution. A Sigma 12-24mm is $689, and that's obviously a lot of money... [Yes, you can get screw on wide-angle lenses too, but if the close-up ones are OK, these aren't - making wide-angle lenses is HARD - magnifying glasses aren't too difficult to make!]
3. You'll almost certainly need a tripod - both for landscapes and macro photography.
Finally: Whilst it's good to consider the purchase, waiting TOO long will make you miss oppurtunities of using the equipment.
Best of luck, and please feel free to ask further questions...
--
Mats
nixstor
04-08 10:18 AM
Hi all,
One of my relatives who has been here in United States for last 10 years keep on telling me that there is a co-relation between Expedition of Green Card process and election year.
I am planning to switch my job as I am having a great offer, but he kept on telling me that in the past, he has noticed great expedition of green card process during the election years. He advises me against switching the job at this point. My PD is Jan 2005.
Please let me know, if any of you agree with him.
Tell him that this is NOT India or any other country where they can do 10 things to get votes. I heard this from one guy who is on EAD and thinks something will happen in the election year. purely ludacris..
One of my relatives who has been here in United States for last 10 years keep on telling me that there is a co-relation between Expedition of Green Card process and election year.
I am planning to switch my job as I am having a great offer, but he kept on telling me that in the past, he has noticed great expedition of green card process during the election years. He advises me against switching the job at this point. My PD is Jan 2005.
Please let me know, if any of you agree with him.
Tell him that this is NOT India or any other country where they can do 10 things to get votes. I heard this from one guy who is on EAD and thinks something will happen in the election year. purely ludacris..
aditik
07-20 08:49 PM
I know I have read it on the USCIS website...I'll get it for you
Hi
This is what is mentioned on the I-765 form.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765.pdf
Check page number 9. It speaks about Interim EAD, and this document expires on 08/31/08. If they have stopped issuing Interim EADs how come it says the opposite on this document. Just wondering:confused:
Hi
This is what is mentioned on the I-765 form.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765.pdf
Check page number 9. It speaks about Interim EAD, and this document expires on 08/31/08. If they have stopped issuing Interim EADs how come it says the opposite on this document. Just wondering:confused:
man-woman-and-gc
01-18 01:15 PM
The USCIS procedures do not follow any logic....all of you need to join the Letter Campaign started by IV if you have not already.
That is the only ray of hope that I can see for now.
That is the only ray of hope that I can see for now.
more...
vxb2004
04-27 09:29 PM
Legal-In-A-Limbo,
I had a very good working relationship with company A and my old attorney. They both confirmed that they did NOT request I-140 withdrawal. I do not see any case status change online. What surprises me is that H1B is a non immigrant petition and why would they open it now?
Any inputs? Thanks in advance.
same happened with me, already posted on couple of other threads.
Hi,
My H1 which was approved back in 2006 has been re-opened today...This is the status I see on USCIS web-site
Application Type: I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
Current Status: Case reopened or reconsidered based on USCIS determination, and the case is now pending.
We reopened this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER on April 26, 2009, and are now reviewing our earlier decision. We also mailed you a notice describing the next steps in the process. Please follow any instructions on this notice. Our review should be completed within 30 days. We will notify you by mail when we make a decision or if we need something from you. If you move while this case is pending, call customer service.
I have used AC-21 and been working with new employer on EAD since April, 2008. I talked to my old employer and they said they have sent a request to withdraw my H-1B and all other immigration applications. So, I am assuming that they have also withdrawn 140. He also said when someone leaves the company its a normal process to withdraw all the immigration related documents.
Can you please tell me, what will happen to my cases. If someone has gone through the same, if they can share their experiece that will be really appreciated.
I had a very good working relationship with company A and my old attorney. They both confirmed that they did NOT request I-140 withdrawal. I do not see any case status change online. What surprises me is that H1B is a non immigrant petition and why would they open it now?
Any inputs? Thanks in advance.
same happened with me, already posted on couple of other threads.
Hi,
My H1 which was approved back in 2006 has been re-opened today...This is the status I see on USCIS web-site
Application Type: I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
Current Status: Case reopened or reconsidered based on USCIS determination, and the case is now pending.
We reopened this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER on April 26, 2009, and are now reviewing our earlier decision. We also mailed you a notice describing the next steps in the process. Please follow any instructions on this notice. Our review should be completed within 30 days. We will notify you by mail when we make a decision or if we need something from you. If you move while this case is pending, call customer service.
I have used AC-21 and been working with new employer on EAD since April, 2008. I talked to my old employer and they said they have sent a request to withdraw my H-1B and all other immigration applications. So, I am assuming that they have also withdrawn 140. He also said when someone leaves the company its a normal process to withdraw all the immigration related documents.
Can you please tell me, what will happen to my cases. If someone has gone through the same, if they can share their experiece that will be really appreciated.
cherupally
09-11 10:41 AM
Hi Chirupally,
I had similar RFE where USCIS wanted doctor's original signature.
Doctor's filled out a new form (latest version) with all the information from the old form.No test were done again.But they signed the new form with OLD date.
Did your doctor sign the form with new date?
Also,are you including the old original form that you received in sealed envelope with RFE?I am include the ONLY the new sealed envelope that has latest form as the doctor discarded the old form.
I did not receive old form. I just received the gold color form and the letter stating whats RFE about. I guess since only partial information is missing, they did not send me back the old form. I have not received the new forms from doctor yet. I will get it today. I guess he is going to sign with today's date only. Hope this answers your questions.
I had similar RFE where USCIS wanted doctor's original signature.
Doctor's filled out a new form (latest version) with all the information from the old form.No test were done again.But they signed the new form with OLD date.
Did your doctor sign the form with new date?
Also,are you including the old original form that you received in sealed envelope with RFE?I am include the ONLY the new sealed envelope that has latest form as the doctor discarded the old form.
I did not receive old form. I just received the gold color form and the letter stating whats RFE about. I guess since only partial information is missing, they did not send me back the old form. I have not received the new forms from doctor yet. I will get it today. I guess he is going to sign with today's date only. Hope this answers your questions.
more...
desi_scorpion
08-10 12:01 PM
Called the NSC on wed and today....and was told that I need to wait 90 days from the date of submitting the 485 to receive a receipt number. Expecting something similar in todays update.....thats a pretty long wait.
mayurcreation
01-13 09:23 AM
Hi,
My previous employer had filed my I-140 (EB3) and it got approved after I left the company. So I don�t have I-140 approved notice copy with me but I do have I-140 receipt notice. They haven�t canceled my I-140 (I can check the status at USCIS web site).
My new employer had filed my I-140 (EB2) and it got approved last month. As I was not having my previous I-140 approval notice with me so I did not mentioned to my new employer about my previous I-140 approval at the time of filing new labor and I-140.
1) There is anyway I can do Priority Date Porting from my previous I-140 (EB3) receipt copy ( as I don't have approval notice copy with me at present) to my second I-140 (Eb2) after it got approved last month.
I have checked with my company lawyer, they�re saying that the priority date gets fixed at the I-140 stage and it is very difficult to get USCIS to update it once they�ve issued the I-140. They say that usually there�s no response from USCIS on such cases even if we put in a request. I�ve asked them to see if there are any other options
There is any other option!!
Thanks in advance.
1st PD EB3 11/17/2007
2nd PD EB2 07/27/2009
My previous employer had filed my I-140 (EB3) and it got approved after I left the company. So I don�t have I-140 approved notice copy with me but I do have I-140 receipt notice. They haven�t canceled my I-140 (I can check the status at USCIS web site).
My new employer had filed my I-140 (EB2) and it got approved last month. As I was not having my previous I-140 approval notice with me so I did not mentioned to my new employer about my previous I-140 approval at the time of filing new labor and I-140.
1) There is anyway I can do Priority Date Porting from my previous I-140 (EB3) receipt copy ( as I don't have approval notice copy with me at present) to my second I-140 (Eb2) after it got approved last month.
I have checked with my company lawyer, they�re saying that the priority date gets fixed at the I-140 stage and it is very difficult to get USCIS to update it once they�ve issued the I-140. They say that usually there�s no response from USCIS on such cases even if we put in a request. I�ve asked them to see if there are any other options
There is any other option!!
Thanks in advance.
1st PD EB3 11/17/2007
2nd PD EB2 07/27/2009
more...
H1B2GC
09-30 09:37 PM
The H1B transfer should be ok based on the fact this person is with in 6 years. If the transfer is after 6 years based on either LC pending or LC and I-140 approved. The same should hold good for the transfer.
This will not affect the greencard process even if USCIS finds this person changed jobs using H1B. The greencard is filed for future permanent job. According to USCIS, the term permanent means FOREVER. They can revoke the approved greencard if you change jobs immediately after approval.
If you indend to change jobs use AC21 before greencard approval or wait for a year after the greencard approval.
This will not affect the greencard process even if USCIS finds this person changed jobs using H1B. The greencard is filed for future permanent job. According to USCIS, the term permanent means FOREVER. They can revoke the approved greencard if you change jobs immediately after approval.
If you indend to change jobs use AC21 before greencard approval or wait for a year after the greencard approval.
monkeyman
10-10 02:07 PM
Once you get your GC, you can do what you want when you want. You can work anywhere. Your consulting company nor any company has the right to hold you on any contract whatsoever, unless ofcourse your client has non competitive contract that prohibits you from joining them.
For naturalization, it does not matter whatsoever. You can say that you were offered a better position that matched your skill set and experience and hence you ("on your own free will") joined another company. And hey, congrats. Worry not. U R much better off. Love your job, not the company!!! And you can work 2 jobs that are not even related. No one cares -
For naturalization, it does not matter whatsoever. You can say that you were offered a better position that matched your skill set and experience and hence you ("on your own free will") joined another company. And hey, congrats. Worry not. U R much better off. Love your job, not the company!!! And you can work 2 jobs that are not even related. No one cares -
more...
jadedchron
10-31 07:54 PM
you could use an imagemap but i'd say slice it up and read a tutorial on switching from ps7 to image ready so you can change the rollover states. just look it up in google
immigrant-in-law
04-24 08:50 AM
The same happened in my case. Got informed by the lawyer yesterday that my wife's 485 has an RFE and that USCIS has asked for a copy of marriage cert and some pictures of the ceremony/celebrations etc. I do remember sending them this stuff when we initially filed 485.
My lawyer just informed me that I received an RFE on my wife's 485
USCIS is asking for "Memorandum of marriage"
Is it the same as Marriage certificate. I have already send the marriage certificate which states that the marriage has been registered under Hindu marriage registration rules. My name as well as my wifes name and date of amrriage is there.
Why do they need this additional proof Not sure. Has anyone faced this RFE?
Looks like some crazy guys are working in USCIS hell bent on harassing legal immigrants.
I have been given just four weeks to respond.
My lawyer just informed me that I received an RFE on my wife's 485
USCIS is asking for "Memorandum of marriage"
Is it the same as Marriage certificate. I have already send the marriage certificate which states that the marriage has been registered under Hindu marriage registration rules. My name as well as my wifes name and date of amrriage is there.
Why do they need this additional proof Not sure. Has anyone faced this RFE?
Looks like some crazy guys are working in USCIS hell bent on harassing legal immigrants.
I have been given just four weeks to respond.
more...
sathweb
02-04 01:02 PM
:confused: Does anyone have multiple RFE for I-140? :confused:
I am kind of curious to know if there is anyone like me in same boat. I got 2 RFE (off course one after another once we answer first one) for my I-140 in year 2008. First RFE I got it regarding ability to pay which we answer in January 2008. I got another RFE in August 2008. Second RFE was kind of mix of ability to pay and education validation. For second RFE they ask for university transcript, all experience letter matching with job description from labor certificate, last year's W2 and company's last year bank statement(year 2007). It was one of the huge list I had seen from USCIS.
Long story short what the hell are they doing with all documents they are asking from us? Its being 3 and half months we have answer 2nd RFE but there is no single response from NSC except they have received the documents and processing has resumed. My I-140 is stuck at NSC from January 2007. How long do I have to wait to get my I-140 approval?:mad:
How do I can contact NSC to know what the hell are they doing with my I-140? Guys share your experience so we all can prevail this another backlog mess.
Please take your Senator or Congressman/Congresswoman help. Though it is not a sure shot, you are better off trying then not trying. Its a simple process, call your Senator and tell them that your application is struck at NSC for more than 2 years. They will take it from there; they will ask you all the documents they need.
My I-140 got approved after my local Senator called them.
I am kind of curious to know if there is anyone like me in same boat. I got 2 RFE (off course one after another once we answer first one) for my I-140 in year 2008. First RFE I got it regarding ability to pay which we answer in January 2008. I got another RFE in August 2008. Second RFE was kind of mix of ability to pay and education validation. For second RFE they ask for university transcript, all experience letter matching with job description from labor certificate, last year's W2 and company's last year bank statement(year 2007). It was one of the huge list I had seen from USCIS.
Long story short what the hell are they doing with all documents they are asking from us? Its being 3 and half months we have answer 2nd RFE but there is no single response from NSC except they have received the documents and processing has resumed. My I-140 is stuck at NSC from January 2007. How long do I have to wait to get my I-140 approval?:mad:
How do I can contact NSC to know what the hell are they doing with my I-140? Guys share your experience so we all can prevail this another backlog mess.
Please take your Senator or Congressman/Congresswoman help. Though it is not a sure shot, you are better off trying then not trying. Its a simple process, call your Senator and tell them that your application is struck at NSC for more than 2 years. They will take it from there; they will ask you all the documents they need.
My I-140 got approved after my local Senator called them.
senthil1
06-27 10:29 AM
It is difficult to get H1b without client letter. Also many consulting companies stopped H1b because of RFE and denials. It is a good idea to try job to 2 to 4 more weeks.
Sorry to know about your layoff. What I would suggest is try to get a Consulting company ( maybe desi ) to transfer your H1. That would give you some leeway to find a project again.
Sorry to know about your layoff. What I would suggest is try to get a Consulting company ( maybe desi ) to transfer your H1. That would give you some leeway to find a project again.
more...
vijayam
09-18 10:53 AM
Hi immilaw member,
Thank you for the response, but my situation is.....
1. My diploma certificate will be dated somewhere around December,2006.
2. My H1B approval notice says my H1 is valid from October-1, 2006.
3. For the current job I need MS degree, but I submitted a letter from my school saying all the course work is completed, but the diploma will be awarded in December, 2006.
So now my questions are....
a.) if I change my job after I receive my certificate, can I apply for green card on EB2 in my new job (assuming that my new jobs requires Masters too)?
b.) Should the date on the certificate be earlier than the affective date of H1B or should it be earlier than the joining date of the job I am applying my green card on?
Please suggest.
Thank you for the response, but my situation is.....
1. My diploma certificate will be dated somewhere around December,2006.
2. My H1B approval notice says my H1 is valid from October-1, 2006.
3. For the current job I need MS degree, but I submitted a letter from my school saying all the course work is completed, but the diploma will be awarded in December, 2006.
So now my questions are....
a.) if I change my job after I receive my certificate, can I apply for green card on EB2 in my new job (assuming that my new jobs requires Masters too)?
b.) Should the date on the certificate be earlier than the affective date of H1B or should it be earlier than the joining date of the job I am applying my green card on?
Please suggest.
gc_relief
04-27 03:39 PM
I have still 7 months left over on my 6 year term and they have asked for 3 year extension based on the approved I-140.I'm talking to my company right now and will talk to the lawyer once they receive the denial reason which they should get in 2 -3 days.But my company is ready to appeal.Keeping all this in view if they file for an appeal for what ever reason and based on my visa expirt date which is on 31'Mar 2009 how long will I get to stay and work legally to hear the answer for the appeal??
more...
kcindian
08-03 11:11 PM
I have a follow-up question. If I do not get my EAD before my current one expires, am i out of status? I have a LIN number for the renewal submission.
ghost
01-31 01:06 AM
Pappu - Can we also ask all the users to update the amount of taxes they've paid in 2008 (now that everyone is filing for their returns)? There seems to be a negative campaign against us that somehow we don't need to pay taxes and we are a burden on local entities.
Also, if possible, can we track how many of us are willingly capable of purchasing a home as a bargain chip for GC. I believe that we are capable of stimulating this economy and it'll be for everyones good, including US Citizens.
Cheers
Praveen
Also, if possible, can we track how many of us are willingly capable of purchasing a home as a bargain chip for GC. I believe that we are capable of stimulating this economy and it'll be for everyones good, including US Citizens.
Cheers
Praveen
chee
11-01 11:13 AM
There was a change in the LUD for my AP...Stus say its been mailed out for me and my spouse
Simran21
10-01 01:18 PM
Thanks for the reply.
For me I will select "YES" to "Are you applying for same visa class that expired in the last 12 months?" but what should I select for my daughter (she 2 yrs old)?
In VISA renewal criteria it says "First time H4 or L2 applicants under 18 years of age." do not qualify for appointment in this renewal category?
This statement has confused me to whether to go for "YES" or "NO"?
thanks in advance
For me I will select "YES" to "Are you applying for same visa class that expired in the last 12 months?" but what should I select for my daughter (she 2 yrs old)?
In VISA renewal criteria it says "First time H4 or L2 applicants under 18 years of age." do not qualify for appointment in this renewal category?
This statement has confused me to whether to go for "YES" or "NO"?
thanks in advance
gcformeornot
10-16 07:07 AM
was some issues with employer like A2P or something....
