Added another to my collection (not really a lens but ...)

Apologies to all. So sorry for not updating my blog regularly. I am really busy with work, my photography outing (mostly alone) and catching up some sleep. Really sorry for that. Now I look back, it has been more than 2 weeks since my last post. :P

Not much happening, just that the General Election 2006 is over, Labour Day and Veask Day is over and I basically was either spending those days out for a shoot or getting good rest at home. I seldom can write my blog on weekdays now as my workload and stress is really piling up.

Anyway, just a update. Work is getting tougher with each passing day and I guess I really have to hold on tight during these tough time. Maybe what I really need is a really good break. Away from the distraction and trouble. Rest the mind, heart and soul to really get me charge up for the challenges ahead.

My other motivation is on this coming Sunday, the Nikon TNP (The New Paper) Big Walk Shootout. This is basically a big event for all Nikon users to take part in this competition which require each photographer to submit 3 photos covering the event. Only 450 photographers are chosen from all those who registered and the winner will stand to win very attractive prizes. I must say that I am the lucky few who got selected for this event and I am feeling happy and excited about it. That is one good motivation and besides that, the other rewards that I can get is to know other Nikon users too. In fact, quite a few photographers are joining us (the IR group, more details later) to move as a group. That will be very fun and interesting.

Part of my time that I have been spending on is practising with my new 70-200 VR lens. I need to know the capability and short-coming of this lens so that I know what to expect as I will be using this lens to cover the Nikon Big Walk Event. The other half of my time, I am trying to get the proper gear to be used in this event. In fact, I have change my backpack from the Lowepro Rover AW II to a Lowepro CompuTrekker AW just to house my 70-200 VR. Besides changing the bag, the first thing that I change was the dry cabinet. I change from a 60L to a 120L, I hope that it is really big enough for my collection. Anyway, I have decided to sell off my Nikon AF 70-300 f4-5.6G lens as I foresee myself using more of my 70-200 VR zoom lens and I can also free up some space too.

As you can see, I was all tied up with the preparation for this upcoming event, busy shopping around to get the proper equipment and gear that can be used to cover the Big Walk.

The latest and newest member to be added to my collection, well, it is not truely a lens but it function as a lens. Oh well, just to be more precise, it is a Teleconverter. Hahaha, I finally get my hands on this equipment that I need to complete the transformation. Hmm...., this line sounded familiar.

Alright, back to the topic. I was hoping to get the Nikon Teleconverter TC-17E II before the Big Walk event so that I can have the extra zoom on my 70-200 VR. The TC-17E II provides a 1.7x increase in the prime lens' effective focal length with a one and half f/stop loss in effective aperture. That can give me a zoom of 340mm at aperture of f4.8 which is better the the AF 70-300 f4-5.6G lens. I am really happy that the stock came in to TK Foto today. James called me up to inform me that the Teleconverter is in and I immediately rush down to take it despite that I am on MC today. Anyway, down at TK Foto, I saw longkangman (that is his nick in Clubsnap and Nikon Forum) testing out a 500mm f4 lens, it is really huge. Wondering how can anyone even carry out like that. Anyway, I just get my "prize" and headed for home to test out. Really happy getting this piece of teleconverter, guess I need some time to play with it to get familiar with the angle of view and zoom range.

OK, It looks like I am all set for the Nikon TNP Big Walk Shootout this coming Sunday. Wish me luck. Cheerz.