Bangalore Chapter: Ranganatittu - Hakki Hidiyona Ba

[Devaiah PA]

Hi All,

On our last meet at Lalbagh we concluded saying "Feb-Mar is the right to visit Ranganathittu Bird Santuary"

Ranganatittu - Hakki Hidiyona Ba (Come let us catch the birds - Needless to say with our camera)
http://www.thephotographer.in/darkroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=999&d=1265555435

Wiki Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranganthittu_Bird_Sanctuary

Distance from Bangalore: 120kms

Date: 6th March Saturday (Its My proposal, it is open for discussion-Hope everyone gets enough time to plan and arrange for the right equipments if we do not have)

I am assuming saturday is weekly off for most us in bangalore and we will get time on sunday to play with the photos back at home :)

There are some shops which rent out the lens in bangalore...DJ was mentioning one at the last meet. Kindly provide information on the same if needed.

Start talking......

-Devaiah

[KrishnenduKes]

Offline Meet Discussion Approved

[Devaiah PA]

Ken,

How to make the thread more noticeable?

[deejay]

There are some shops which rent out the lens in bangalore...DJ was mentioning one at the last meet. Kindly provide information on the same if needed.

Here are the details of Sudhir Shivaram who rents out lenses. I have taken a 300mm lens from him and have been very satisfied.

Elephas Creations - Nature & Wildlife Photography Solutions
Bangalore, India
Ph: +91 98450 61730
http://elephas.in

Cheers,
DeeJay

[surya@64]

Good proposal.....I am in as of now....

We should leave Bangalore very early and be there first...to catch the first boat ride...and also the early morning light where the activity is at its peak.

Entire boat should be hired for enough time and multiple rides if any....2 photographers per boat should give enough room.

Transport and logistics can be worked out.

[Bibudesh]

Count me in tentatively.
elephas has only canon lenses on rent. Can anyone help me in renting Nikkor tele-ends?

Dee-Jay can u pls give a brief idea about the amount they charge. Say a lens costing 3 lakhs, then how much security deposit goes in and how much is the rent?

[Devaiah PA]

Bibu,

As I remember you have a Nikon d40...
Then you have to look for AF-S lens.... AF lens will not autofocus with D40,60,5000...
be carefull while selecting lens

Surya,

As you said leaving early is a good idea..the roads will be empty and birds will be busy.. we can reach quickly...

If we can finish Ranganatittu by after noon.. then on the way back we can spend some time in srirangapatna...

All Bangaloreans,

If you are interested post a message.... It will help us to plan the mode of transport effectively

[deejay]

Count me in tentatively.
elephas has only canon lenses on rent. Can anyone help me in renting Nikkor tele-ends?

Dee-Jay can u pls give a brief idea about the amount they charge. Say a lens costing 3 lakhs, then how much security deposit goes in and how much is the rent?

Sudhir does not charge any security deposit for his lenses. The renting charges are 1000/- per day. Sadly, he only has Canon lenses. I had seen some post for Nikor lenses being rented out and will hunt it down for you. Will post the details soon.

Cheers,
DeeJay

[deejay]

Have I confirmed my participation yet? I'm game for this trip.

Devaiah, you need not arrange transport for me, I'll be coming on my bullet.

Cheers,
DeeJay

[Devaiah PA]

Nakul?
Ruffrider?

Other Bangaloreans wakeup

[Nakul]

I wont be free on sat/sun. Sadly I have to work on those days too.. But I am planning to apply for a leave. Lets see if it gets approved.

[srikeerthi]

There is another person Ajay Singh in Jayanagar who rents lenses. Have rented studio equiment from him. His rates are more competetive and more lenses than Sudhir (nothing against Sudhir here.. he is a nice guy).

I'd like to join, but not sure if I'd be in town. And the best time to be there was Dec-Jan. You may also want to check Kokkarebellur on the way.

[Bibudesh]

@Srikeerthi I just spoke to sudhir and jayanth and planned to rent either the 200-400mm or the 300mm f/4 lens from him.
The price looks ok, maybe I have zero idea since I am renting for the first time. The 200-400mm is for 2500/- bucks a day.

I may be dropping the plan for 200-400mm since the 'honest' reviews are not that great at 300mm++ FLs.
i was vouching for a 400mm f/2.8 but he is not having that.

Do u have any idea whether Ajay Singh has that lens with him?

EDIT: All nikkors

[Devaiah PA]

@Srikeerthi I just spoke to sudhir and jayanth and planned to rent either the 200-400mm or the 300mm f/4 lens from him.
The price looks ok, maybe I have zero idea since I am renting for the first time. The 200-400mm is for 2500/- bucks a day.

I may be dropping the plan for 200-400mm since the 'honest' reviews are not that great at 300mm++ FLs.
i was vouching for a 400mm f/2.8 but he is not having that.

Do u have any idea whether Ajay Singh has that lens with him?

EDIT: All nikkors

200-400 f4 is a very expensive lens....so it is rented out for 2.5K
I found good feedback in reviews....and nikon never compromised with optical clarity in 35mm professional lens. except for 70-300 VR.

Lots of reviews in the below link

http://www.dpnotes.com/nikkor-200-400mm-samples-and-reviews/

Check out for nikkor 80-400 VR if you have a camera with inbuilt AF motor... the lens should not cost you more for rental, it sels at around 80K... The results are very good...but the AF is a bit slow because it needs on the Camera AF motor.
If you have the patience to wait for Focus then get it.

80-400mm shall be my next big purchase. hope Nikon comes out with AF-S version of the same soon.

[Bibudesh]

200-400 f4 is a very expensive lens....so it is rented out for 2.5K
I found good feedback in reviews....and nikon never compromised with optical clarity in 35mm professional lens. except for 70-300 VR.

Lots of reviews in the below link

http://www.dpnotes.com/nikkor-200-400mm-samples-and-reviews/

Check out for nikkor 80-400 VR if you have a camera with inbuilt AF motor... the lens should not cost you more for rental, it sels at around 80K... The results are very good...but the AF is a bit slow because it needs on the Camera AF motor.
If you have the patience to wait for Focus then get it.

80-400mm shall be my next big purchase. hope Nikon comes out with AF-S version of the same soon.

80-400mm has mixed comments buddy. check one from thom. http://www.bythom.com/80400VRlens.htm

The lens seems to be slow and the results are not far better than the 70-300 VR. I think almost all the tele zooms from Nikon has similar problem- they all have limitation when it comes to tele-end.
Same problem with the 200-400mm lens. The lens is not a star performer at 400mm, the FL which will be needed.

So the option boils down to primes which is my all time favorite.
I was hunting for either the 300mm f/2.8 or the 400mm f/2.8, I can't find either. The only one available is the 300mm f/4 which seems to be doing good even with the 1.4x TC. The only problem I may face is focus hunting problem with that lens.
If the guy srikeerthi talking about has those lens then I am game. I dont think he'll charge more than 4k for the 400mm f/2.8 (costs 9k odd $$)

Somehow renting the lens is making more sense to me rather than buying them.

[Devaiah PA]

80-400mm has mixed comments buddy. check one from thom. http://www.bythom.com/80400VRlens.htm

The lens seems to be slow and the results are not far better than the 70-300 VR. I think almost all the tele zooms from Nikon has similar problem- they all have limitation when it comes to tele-end.
Same problem with the 200-400mm lens. The lens is not a star performer at 400mm, the FL which will be needed.

So the option boils down to primes which is my all time favorite.
I was hunting for either the 300mm f/2.8 or the 400mm f/2.8, I can't find either. The only one available is the 300mm f/4 which seems to be doing good even with the 1.4x TC. The only problem I may face is focus hunting problem with that lens.
If the guy srikeerthi talking about has those lens then I am game. I dont think he'll charge more than 4k for the 400mm f/2.8 (costs 9k odd $$)

Somehow renting the lens is making more sense to me rather than buying them.

For Others : sorry we are discussing lens here...

Good choice....Nikkor primes are expensive and only a few in bangalore have them...Get what you can manage..

my plan is to manage with an AF 70-300...my D90 can AF in slow motion :)using the inbuilt motor.... Thats all in my budget...

I will give you a call on saturday...

[Bibudesh]

^^ Sure buddy.

Ok guys lets have a concrete plan.


Destination: Ranganathittu
Distance from Bangalore: 125 kms one way.
Date: 6 March

Time to start: 4 AM (or even earlier? I am game).

Meeting point: We can meetup somehwhere in Jayanagar (Raghavendra mutt, 4th block)

Logistics: We can pool in. My car can carry 5 including me. I will be coming from marthahalli side, so let me know if someone's on the way to jayanagr whom I can offer a pickup.

Food: I am not sure, experts kindly comment on this part.

People confirmed As of now-

1. Devaiah
2. Bibudesh
3. Surya
4. Deejay
5. Srikeerthi (Tentative)

Please put in your concerns, recommendations.

Guys lets make it happen again.

whooo I am getting nostalgic remembering the good ol xbhp gtg days.

[Vicky]

/\ Looks like this is going to be one of the best offline meets yes :)

I sure am jealous:cool:

[surya@64]

^^ Sure buddy.

Ok guys lets have a concrete plan.


Destination: Ranganathittu
Distance from Bangalore: 125 kms one way.
Date: 6 March

Time to start: 4 AM (or even earlier? I am game).

Meeting point: We can meetup somehwhere in Jayanagar (Raghavendra mutt, 4th block)

Logistics: We can pool in. My car can carry 5 including me. I will be coming from marthahalli side, so let me know if someone's on the way to jayanagr whom I can offer a pickup.

Food: I am not sure, experts kindly comment on this part.

People confirmed As of now-

1. Devaiah
2. Bibudesh
3. Surya
4. Deejay
5. Srikeerthi (Tentative)

Please put in your concerns, recommendations.

Guys lets make it happen again.

whooo I am getting nostalgic remembering the good ol xbhp gtg days.

I shall come on my KARIZMA...along with deejay...on his Bullet.... I shall meet you guys in front of METRO...KANAKAPURA ROAD.... and we shall proceed towards NICE ROAD ...on to Mysore Road...Time can be decided.. Earlier the better.

Food can be had at Shivalli MTR, OR MADDUR TIFFANIES... I am little skeptical if these guys will open earlier than 7 am ...as we are leaving very early....your thoughts...pls.

[Bibudesh]

I shall come on my KARIZMA...along with deejay...on his Bullet.... I shall meet you guys in front of METRO...KANAKAPURA ROAD.... and we shall proceed towards NICE ROAD ...on to Mysore Road...Time can be decided.. Earlier the better.

Food can be had at Shivalli MTR, OR MADDUR TIFFANIES... I am little skeptical if these guys will open earlier than 7 am ...as we are leaving very early....your thoughts...pls.

I am not very sure. Bcoz when I went last year in september it was closed at that time. So i went to CCD, I guess its 24/7.

But anyways I'll try to carry some snacks, and would recommend others to do the same. when the light becomes very harsh then we can spend some time munching junks.
So is it going to be only me in the car?

/\ Looks like this is going to be one of the best offline meets yes :)

I sure am jealous:cool:
@Vicky- be sport and try to make it. Its hardly a day trip from your place to blore. Moreover you dont have any boss doing tandav on your chest.
If accomodation is a problem then you are welcome to my home.

[Devaiah PA]

If it is only 4 people then all going together in one car should be ideal...
But if someone want to enjoy bike ride, then no stopping..
I just miss my days of Biking :(

Surya, give me a drop till METRO...I stay at MS Ramaiah City.
Then I will get along with Bibu..
Bibu, you are not alone....

Do not worry about food, we get a lot of places all along till Mandya.
There is also a not so good restaurant at Ranganatittu santuary. Hungry? -Just eat it.

[surya@64]

If it is only 4 people then all going together in one car should be ideal...
But if someone want to enjoy bike ride, then no stopping..
I just miss my days of Biking :(

Surya, give me a drop till METRO...I stay at MS Ramaiah City.
Then I will get along with Bibu..
Bibu, you are not alone....

Do not worry about food, we get a lot of places all along till Mandya.
There is also a not so good restaurant at Ranganatittu santuary. Hungry? -Just eat it.

I chose the bike b'cos 2 is a company....as Deejay was coming on his bullet...other wise 4 wheeler is still ok for me...either mine or with others...

In any case....Devaiah...I shall give U drop till metro...If you can handle the camera bag and the tool kit..of the bike...along with ur bag....:):):)

[Devaiah PA]

I chose the bike b'cos 2 is a company....as Deejay was coming on his bullet...other wise 4 wheeler is still ok for me...either mine or with others...

In any case....Devaiah...I shall give U drop till metro...If you can handle the camera bag and the tool kit..of the bike...along with ur bag....:):):)

Deejay, makeup your mind...we all can go in one car and get back easily...

[deejay]

Deejay, makeup your mind...we all can go in one car and get back easily...

Devaiah, sorry to disappoint you, but my mind's made up :) I know the car is going to be a comfy ride, but don't want to pass up this opportunity to enjoy a good ride.

[deejay]

Sorry guys, something's come up at home which I need to take care of. I have to pull out of this one.

[Devaiah PA]

Sorry guys, something's come up at home which I need to take care of. I have to pull out of this one.

Thats bad news...

1)Bibu
2)surya
3)myself

[Bibudesh]

Thats bad news...

1)Bibu
2)surya
3)myself

3 is just a number buddy. I am sure we are gonna enjoy still...

BTW where do I pick u up from ?

[surya@64]

3 is just a number buddy. I am sure we are gonna enjoy still...

BTW where do I pick u up from ?

Ok...the final list seems to be short....I shall join U guys in the Car....!!

As I and Devaiah are close by...I shall go to his place and park my 2 wheeler....Bibu U can come there and pick us both...

Other way round is also possible...

If meeting At my place I can assure early morning Hot cup of Coffee.....!!!:):)

[Bibudesh]

Ok...the final list seems to be short....I shall join U guys in the Car....!!

As I and Devaiah are close by...I shall go to his place and park my 2 wheeler....Bibu U can come there and pick us both...

Other way round is also possible...

If meeting At my place I can assure early morning Hot cup of Coffee.....!!!:):)

Please let me know your location. I can start a little early and pick you both from your houses.
Hot coffee is tempting but I think it can eat up some time (I drink quite slowly ;-) ). Better we should start early, so that there will some time to catchup sunrise as well.
And 4 AM will be quite early to wake someone up to make coffee.

BTW tommorow afternoon I'll be coming to banerghatta side to pick up the lens from Jayanth.

[surya@64]

Please let me know your location. I can start a little early and pick you both from your houses.
Hot coffee is tempting but I think it can eat up some time (I drink quite slowly ;-) ). Better we should start early, so that there will some time to catchup sunrise as well.
And 4 AM will be quite early to wake someone up to make coffee.

BTW tommorow afternoon I'll be coming to banerghatta side to pick up the lens from Jayanth.

Bibu, U have to come to Brigade Millennium from there its quite close to our house and Devaiah's a little down the road...I shall be on the phone to guide you...

Or else I shall go to Devaiah's house and pick him up....we shall meet at my place....which is close to Kanakapura road and then to mysore road.

Coffee...any time is no prob....My mom and wife are used to Our biking Gang...who start ( with a cup of coffee) all our trips at 3am morning...to beat the highway traffic...

[Devaiah PA]

Ok...the final list seems to be short....I shall join U guys in the Car....!!

As I and Devaiah are close by...I shall go to his place and park my 2 wheeler....Bibu U can come there and pick us both...

Other way round is also possible...

If meeting At my place I can assure early morning Hot cup of Coffee.....!!!:):)

Surya, you stay at RBI layout right....we can take the road behind RBI layout to Kanakapura road.
So I will join you there...I will guide Bibu to reach(not difficult) me....
Bibu, i will call you today evening.

[srikeerthi]

I hadnt checked this thread in quite some time, there's been a lot of discussion huh. What time do you guys plan to be back? I've got some work and have to be in town before noon.

[Devaiah PA]

I hadnt checked this thread in quite some time, there's been a lot of discussion huh. What time do you guys plan to be back? I've got some work and have to be in town before noon.

After travelling so long...Noon would be too early to return..:)

[Bibudesh]

Updates.
I'll start from my home at 3.30-3.45 AM reaching devaiah's place at around 4.15 to 4.30AM. Then wil pick up Surya. So tentatively we can reach Rthttu by say 6-6.30AM.
Srikeerthi- Are u coming? Please let me know if you need a pick up so that I can modify the itinerary accordingly.

@Devaiah- Can you pls call me if there are any modifications. I may be unable to come online after say 6 PM today.

[Devaiah PA]

Updates.
I'll start from my home at 3.30-3.45 AM reaching devaiah's place at around 4.15 to 4.30AM. Then wil pick up Surya. So tentatively we can reach Rthttu by say 6-6.30AM.
Srikeerthi- Are u coming? Please let me know if you need a pick up so that I can modify the itinerary accordingly.

@Devaiah- Can you pls call me if there are any modifications. I may be unable to come online after say 6 PM today.

No change of time....
bibu, give me a wakeup call......when you start.....
I talked to surya today....He will be ready anytime after 4.....

Lets Go.....

[Nakul]

Guys.. We are waiting for the update.. !! :)

[Devaiah PA]

Guys.. We are waiting for the update.. !! :)

Just returned back.....oooofffffff

[Devaiah PA]

Bibu, Thanks a lot for the safe journey.
Landed home:)

River Tern

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/medium/I_can_fly.JPG

[Devaiah PA]

Large Egret

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/medium/large_egret.JPG

[KrishnenduKes]

Wow! This thread is going places. Great to see you guys doing this. Nice photos too.

[Nakul]

Hope it was fun.. The pics are really good...

[Devaiah PA]

Wow! This thread is going places. Great to see you guys doing this. Nice photos too.

Hope it was fun.. The pics are really good...

Thanks Ken/Nakul... More photos will come once all are sorted out...

We will go more places.....Thanks to TP.IN for providing a great platform...I made a lot of friends with same interests...

We started early morning at 4:30AM..Thanks to bibu for starting early at 3:30AM and for the comfortable drive

We visited two places....
1) Ranganatittu
2)Kokkare Bellur (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokrebellur)...It was a surprise to see people and birds living in harmony for hundreds of years...

Passion overcame Lack of better equipment....Myself just could not reach the birds enough. Just uploading a few pics which I felt can be for the records

Also thanks to Surya for his guidance....Dronacharya was unknown that there was Ekalavya behind him.....:cool:

Surya,
Do not ask for my index finger...:cool:

Also I thank your mom for the wonderful coffee early morning...I hated coffee all my life...As I remember it was the fourth cup of coffee in my life....It was always a bitter drink for me....

Your mom's cup of coffee has changed my taste buds.....If my wife complains that I drink too much coffee and I am addicted then you are to blame..:cool:

Pied Kingfisher
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/medium/pied_kingfisher.JPG

[Bibudesh]

You never forget some days in your life which has an impact on the way you are. Its a turning point in your life. You become different, your thinking become different, your wishes, your hobby becomes different.
Saturday the 5th Marc 2010 is the day I'll never forget, thanks to Surya.

I had blocked the 300mm f/4 lens from Jayanth, but my bad luck he gave it to someone else. All he had was the 200-400mm lens. I was game until I reached his place to collect the lens.
Well, I am 65 kgs, 5'6" and not a body builder. I hold the 2 ft long lens for 5 min and started searching for a place to sit, asked for water and a clean to place to keep the equipment asap. The lens is heavy like crazy. I dropped the plan and as a temporary sort I took the Nikkor 70-300 f/4 lens.

Guys if you are a serious photographer and has a quality benchmark then NEVER buy that lens which I used. Its Hell.

The best 3 of 1k shots. I am done, no more shots from my side.

#1
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S5O1t7fTSZI/AAAAAAAAFLE/VehvCxJCwQM/s800/DSC_0588.jpg

#2
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S5O1tkeRv1I/AAAAAAAAFK8/K2u983ZjEWQ/s800/DSC_0494.jpg

#3
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S5O1t8rvtqI/AAAAAAAAFLA/IFLZoV_rfQo/s800/DSC_0557.jpg

[KrishnenduKes]

You never forget some days in your life which has an impact on the way you are. Its a turning point in your life. You become different, your thinking become different, your wishes, your hobby becomes different.
Saturday the 5th Marc 2010 is the day I'll never forget, thanks to Surya.

I had blocked the 300mm f/4 lens from Jayanth, but my bad luck he gave it to someone else. All he had was the 200-400mm lens. I was game until I reached his place to collect the lens.
Well, I am 65 kgs, 5'6" and not a body builder. I hold the 2 ft long lens for 5 min and started searching for a place to sit, asked for water and a clean to place to keep the equipment asap. The lens is heavy like crazy. I dropped the plan and as a temporary sort I took the Nikkor 70-300 f/4 lens.

Guys if you are a serious photographer and has a quality benchmark then NEVER buy that lens which I used. Its Hell.

The best 3 of 1k shots. I am done, no more shots from my side.


Nice recount to your side of the story! Enjoyed reading it.

Could not extract your EXIF. Hence could not follow one of the things; did you use the 200-400 or the 70-300? Asking this since you said that you dropped the plan of the heavy 200-400!

Oh yes... nice shots from you too. Thanks for sharing. Nice thread I must say! :)

[Devaiah PA]

Pelicans

The majestic flight
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/pelican.JPG

Staged
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/540/Pelican_1.JPG

[Bibudesh]

Nice recount to your side of the story! Enjoyed reading it.

Could not extract your EXIF. Hence could not follow one of the things; did you use the 200-400 or the 70-300? Asking this since you said that you dropped the plan of the heavy 200-400!

Oh yes... nice shots from you too. Thanks for sharing. Nice thread I must say! :)

Thanks ken. I used the Nikkor 70-300 f/4 eventually.
But we are going back again, very soon. And I am going to make it sure that I have the right equipments with me.

And yes, We 3 together had an excellent time on and off the way. To some extent it proved that sometimes a car ride is better than a bike.

[Nakul]

Thanks ken. I used the Nikkor 70-300 f/4 eventually.
But we are going back again, very soon. And I am going to make it sure that I have the right equipments with me.

And yes, We 3 together had an excellent time on and off the way. To some extent it proved that sometimes a car ride is better than a bike.


Count me in... Will make sure I am there next time... :)
Wonderful pic Bibu.. Since you have used the sigma 70-300.. What do you think.. Is nikkor worse than the sigma ?

Loved pics #1 and #2

[Nakul]

Pelicans

The majestic flight


Staged




Looks really good.. Which lens were you using ?

[Devaiah PA]

Looks really good.. Which lens were you using ?

It was a nikkor 55-200 DX VR..

It is a good lens for static subjects.....but the auto focus is not fast enough for dynamic subjects.....

For 11K it does more than it should.

[hitanshu]

OT:
Hold on, but doesnt nikon have a 55-250 VR?

[Bibudesh]

Count me in... Will make sure I am there next time... :)
Wonderful pic Bibu.. Since you have used the sigma 70-300.. What do you think.. Is nikkor worse than the sigma ?

Loved pics #1 and #2

Thanks Nakul.
The Nikon 70-300 VR is far better than the Sigma counterpart. But both the lenses are not suitable for serious photography. I mean u can get photos which can look good, but not appealing. I may be having this thought since I am used to primes.

The 70-300mm is quite ok if the subject is near and your FL is not more than 200mm. I did not do a full end-to-end research since this lens was used only to fill gaps.

[surya@64]

Bangalore chapter of TPIN... were at Rangantittu Bird Sanctuary last Saturday.

This place is about 120kms from Bangalore on the way to Mysore. I am not going to details...as Devaiah and Bibudesh have already elaborated...

We were first to touch the toll gate of Rangantittu as early as 6.15am....Took the boat ride. The entire place was empty but for us and the guards...

Rangantittu is a collection of small Islands situated and surrounded by river Cauvery...Its the destination of may local and Migratory birds..Its like mini Bharathpur Sanctuary.

Armed with our equipment ...I was the only Canon Man...overwhelmed with the Nikonians..on either side...

Cameras were on the overdrive mode...clicking to glory ....and checking for results....Birds all over the place and cacaphony galore....

Early morning light was very good and became harsh by around 9am...1 1/2 hrs of boat ride was really nice....

We saw Spoon bills, Night Heron, Painted Stork, Open billed stork, River terns, crocodiles, Pond Herons, Darters, Cormorants, Marsh Harriers, All catagory of Egrets...King fishers, the white throated and the pied variety.

It was pleasure and good learning curve for me...traveling with fellow TPIN members...

We also visited Kokre Bellur and Thylur lake on the way...

Here is one pic. from the trip ...rest to follow...

Thanks Devaiah and Bibudesh for making this happen...and Tnx TPIN for the platform.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4416038959_af40f8d2d7_o.jpg

[Devaiah PA]

Thanks Nakul.
The Nikon 70-300 VR is far better than the Sigma counterpart. But both the lenses are not suitable for serious photography. I mean u can get photos which can look good, but not appealing. I may be having this thought since I am used to primes.

The 70-300mm is quite ok if the subject is near and your FL is not more than 200mm. I did not do a full end-to-end research since this lens was used only to fill gaps.

Bibu,
Do not get disappointed..... I think there was some missing link between the Camera and the Lens in terms of AF settings....Also the 3 point AF system is not ideal for flying subjects..

It happened with me for the first half of the Photos at ranganatittu...Then I set the AF settings right...Next Photos were crispy...

You can use my camera with the 300mm Nikkor.....on the next visit to ranganatittu.

Hope the 300mm is a VR lens....

Darter
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/540/Darter.JPG

[KrishnenduKes]

This is the thread to look out for these days. There is not much of quality happening elsewhere. Thanks for the effort guys, to bring us this treat.

[Viny]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4416038959_af40f8d2d7_o.jpg

Straight out of NGC or Animal Plannet Channel. Serious photography guys, its community like this with such an inspirational workouts makes newbie like me get fascinated towards it.

I was wishing to see some shots of flocks of bird flying over water, some catching fish and some sitting on branches of trees.

Patience....Patience...Paitence....I need to go to himalaya and do some meditation to get this kind of patience to shoot out such a beautiful shots.

How hard it was to spot a bird, to plan a shoot and make it possible?
Would like hear more about how you missed a give shot or where you went wrong, as that would help many newbie like me to learn from your experinces.

Keep pouring in your contents we are loving it ....

[Devaiah PA]

How hard it was to spot a bird, to plan a shoot and make it possible?
Would like hear more about how you missed a give shot or where you went wrong, as that would help many newbie like me to learn from your experinces.

Keep pouring in your contents we are loving it ....

My Experience and Lessons Learnt:

1) Know your equipment up to its max capabilities and settings.(I my case my cam is just 2 months old and I am still learning.)

2) Read point 1.

3) Read Point 2.

4) Never go out with unfamiliar lens and cameras....Practice a lot at the park in the neighborhood.

5) Primitive DX lens are no good for birding in the field....it will work fine at the zoo.

Take your camera, go try out in the field...come back analyse the results...go back to the same place...improve....

Night Heron
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/540/Night_Heron.JPG

[Nakul]

My Experience and Lessons Learnt:

1) Know you equipment up to its max capabilities and settings.(I my case my cam is just 2 months old and I am still learning.)

2) Read point 1.

3) Read Point 2.

4) Never go out with unfamiliar lens and cameras....Practice a lot at the park in the neighborhood.

5) Primitive DX lens are no good for birding in the field....it will work fine at the zoo.

Take you camera go try out in the field...come back analyse the results...go back to the same place...improve....

Night Heron


Will learn this lesson.. :)
Nice pic btw

[Aryan]

Tremendous! I can sense some real GOOD bird photographs coming, soon! ;)

[surya@64]

Hi Guys,

Good Morning,

Here is one in continuation of the Bird Photography @ Rangantittu...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4421825932_c3c9302db5_o.jpg

All have a wonderful day.:):)

[KrishnenduKes]

Night Heron

Hi Guys,

Good Morning,

Here is one in continuation of the Bird Photography @ Rangantittu...

All have a wonderful day.:):)

Did you guys crop these shots?

Superb shots all.

[surya@64]

Did you guys crop these shots?

Superb shots all.

I had a better reach...

[KrishnenduKes]

I had a better reach...

Yes! I noticed the 200mm vs 400mm gap! :)

[hitanshu]

Very nice pictures in this thread. Would a 400mm prime have been sharper?

[Devaiah PA]

Did you guys crop these shots?

Superb shots all.

All my pics posted till now are croped....
With 200mm I only got a few shots of Storks on full frame.
That is the reason some of my pics are over processed....Sorry for that...some colors are very unnatural.

All my next photos will SOOCs + (crop + contrast correction) if required.

Oath: No PS till I learn photography...

[Devaiah PA]

Very nice pictures in this thread. Would a 400mm prime have been sharper?

yes 400mm prime would have given better results...
But in the field a little bit of zoom gives a lot of flexibility....

If the subject is too close then prime will give a croped image of the subject.

Some where we have to compromise.

something like the nikon 200-400mm f/4 which give both zoom and fixed aperture all along is a nice to have lens....But at a cost - just 4.5Lakhs.

[Bibudesh]

@Devaiah- U got very nice shots buddy. I think the 55-200 worked more than expectation.

@Surya- As always, no comments for your shots. (Remember the standard setting thing I said?)

For me this trip was also meant to evaluate my D40. I somehow had a gut feel that I'll come and say, "Its the phoographer and not the camera".. I got a little wrong. How? Find the pointers-

1. I read on net but couldn't understand how the metering of D40 is screwed. In ranganthittu I ended up in manual mode. I knew I can do more, but my camera and the time spent in fiddling did not let me do that. Things could not have been much better even if I had 200-400mm. Getting the exposure right was the biggest challenge.

2. The 3 point AF- This is idiotic. There are BIG AF brackets, you focus on the eyes and you get sharp beaks.

3. AF Speed- I have got lot of shots of empty blue skies. Do u want to check them?

4. Ergonomics- To change the (faulty) metering I had to click 4 buttons. To change the ISO, again 4 buttons. And many more.. Everytime I had to check the settings in LCD. I click a shot and I know that its not correct. So after composing, I use to click as many as 10 shots with random shutter and apertures. None of them got right.

5... And many more which can go in pages..

But still I am planning to hit the field again with a better lens and see how it performs.
With birding, I think its preferable not to shoot if you dont have the right equipment.

[surya@64]

@Bibudesh, Looks like U still have not got over the mismatch equipment....

Well you need right equipment for the project, without any brand Bias...

Birding needs lens with reach...and resolution....cropping is not an option...but last resort....

Birds have what is called CIRCLE OF FEAR....beyond that radius they will not allow you any closer...and they maintain that distance....So, long lens is the answer....

How long..is the question....which can be solved by ur budget.

longer lens sounds good...but they also come with a baggage of weight, and size.....U need to support it with good tripod and ur freedom is restricted, unlike hand held photography....So its a compromise..

Regarding Body...dont expect to have great results with entry level Body...
they have the limitations....and cannot perform the duties of Birding...especially dynamic subjects like BIF..(birds in flight)....

Pro body and pro lens is the answer to bring home the pic. of these winged beauties......which leads to reduced bank balance and angry spouse....:):):):):)

[KrishnenduKes]

Wow! Super interesting discussion there.

@Bibudesh: Interesting pointers there with a lot of humour too!

[Devaiah PA]

Wow! Super interesting discussion there.

@Bibudesh: Interesting pointers there with a lot of humour too!

Surya, expecting a Spoon Bill, king fisher and marsh harrier pic from you....I could not reach them...

some shots....from the tea break...

Bibu gives up.....Photography.....

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/bibu.JPG

surya gets upset....thinks for a while.....
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/surya.JPG

Offers his 50D to bibu
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/50d.JPG

The birds get upset....Mera regular photographer ko kya ho gaya?
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/pelican_upset.JPG

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

rohit is looking as if somebody is pointing a gun at him!:p

and beauty shots in the thread.

Anvancy

[surya@64]

Surya, expecting a Spoon Bill, king fisher and marsh harrier pic from you....I could not reach them...

some shots....from the tea break...

Bibu gives up.....Photography.....

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/bibu.JPG

surya gets upset....thinks for a while.....
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/surya.JPG

Offers his 50D to bibu
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/50d.JPG

The birds get upset....Mera regular photographer ko kya ho gaya?
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/pelican_upset.JPG

4 pic. & you have made up a good story line....btw...nice candid pic. Thansks.:)

[surya@64]

Hi Guys,

Good morning,

Here is the Spoon bill in flight...!!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4424247050_73e3734d51_o.jpg

All have a nice day.:):)

[Bibudesh]

@Bibudesh, Looks like U still have not got over the mismatch equipment....

Well you need right equipment for the project, without any brand Bias...

Birding needs lens with reach...and resolution....cropping is not an option...but last resort....

Birds have what is called CIRCLE OF FEAR....beyond that radius they will not allow you any closer...and they maintain that distance....So, long lens is the answer....

How long..is the question....which can be solved by ur budget.

longer lens sounds good...but they also come with a baggage of weight, and size.....U need to support it with good tripod and ur freedom is restricted, unlike hand held photography....So its a compromise..

Regarding Body...dont expect to have great results with entry level Body...
they have the limitations....and cannot perform the duties of Birding...especially dynamic subjects like BIF..(birds in flight)....

Pro body and pro lens is the answer to bring home the pic. of these winged beauties......which leads to reduced bank balance and angry spouse....:):):):):)

Point Taken Sir !. :) .. BTW, I am going to pull you again soon for another trip to same place, same time of the day.

Wow! Super interesting discussion there.

@Bibudesh: Interesting pointers there with a lot of humour too!

@Ken, humour!. that is how I release my frustration :p

rohit is looking as if somebody is pointing a gun at him!:p

and beauty shots in the thread.

Anvancy

LOL !. Yes it was my 50mm magazine loaded on a D90 missile and pointed at me .

I also have some chit-chat shots which I'll try to share today evening. Chit-chats are the type of shots which my camera is good at.

@Devaiah- Very nice shots. I must say that next time you also rent a nice lens and give it a try. With such a fast AF and metering your D90 will do wonders.

[surya@64]

Point Taken Sir !. :) .. BTW, I am going to pull you again soon for another trip to same place, same time of the day..

Any time.....Ready...!!!:)

[Devaiah PA]

Painted Stork... (ltl bit too saturated....lesson learnt)

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/540/medium/Painted_stork.JPG

[Bibudesh]

Some chit chats

Surya with footprints.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S5m4hSJWlFI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/lvRdCMoMgOU/s800/DSC_0938.jpg


Enjoying the droppings .BTW My car's windshield was painted white which was parked right next to these guys.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S5m4himFXQI/AAAAAAAAFMU/eALWeVoN2eA/s800/DSC_0957.jpg

Multiple Gods together
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S5m4hOvlDjI/AAAAAAAAFMM/2rISi4epjfE/s800/DSC_0267.jpg

And one left over
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S5m47PnoCJI/AAAAAAAAFMc/cfqKo0HDcZw/s800/DSC_095200011.jpg

[surya@64]

@Bibudesh,

Nice pic. and captions....Thanks for the Candids....:):):):)

[surya@64]

Hi Guys,

Good morning,

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4425847373_76e82dc631_o.jpg

All have a wonderful day...:):)

[Viny]

@Surya: As usual, beautify one. I liked the pink color band in the tail feathers.

[Devaiah PA]

Surya/Bibu,

Hope you remember this...while watching the river tern we were waiting for one bird to get up from the eggs or another one to open its beak wide open....

I got a picture of beak wide open but the bird was looking else where...this one is slightly opened beak picture....
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/540/medium/river_tern_beakopen.JPG

Was able to get the bird just off its eggs....
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/River_tern_Eggs.JPG

[surya@64]

Hi Guys,

Good morning,

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4428854206_50532d0468_o.jpg

All have a wonderful weekend...:):)

[KrishnenduKes]

Hi Guys,

Good morning,
All have a wonderful weekend...:):)

Keeping the interest going aren't we Surya! Thanks again! :D

[surya@64]

Keeping the interest going aren't we Surya! Thanks again! :D

Its these very words of encouragement from Mods..which keeps us going distance.

Once again Thanks TPIN and Mods...for giving us such a great platform to share our passion among like minded without boundaries.

Honestly, this is one of the best things that has happened to me in recent times.:):)

[rio008]

Hi Guys,

Good morning,

All have a wonderful weekend...:):)

Surya, like always, great photos

O.T : i am back in bangaluru ;)

[Devaiah PA]

Its these very words of encouragement from Mods..which keeps us going distance.

Once again Thanks TPIN and Mods...for giving us such a great platform to share our passion among like minded without boundaries.

Honestly, this is one of the best things that has happened to me in recent times.:):)

Same thoughts here.....

Ken, thanks for keeping the TPIN's heart beating...

At our First lalbagh meet....we coined the ranganatittu shooting trip...
This time while returning back from ranganatittu (though numbers was less).... We said

"Hampi Next" June 2010 2/3days

Yourself being a travel freak... Try Planing South....

Wish we can have TPIN India meet at Hampi

[KrishnenduKes]

... Try Planing South....

Wish we can have TPIN India meet at Hampi

Interesting thought there...

[Devaiah PA]

Last two missing birds in the thread...

Open Billed Stork
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/medium/open_billed_stork.JPG

Surya, which one is this......we saw it at last on our way back...not seen in action...
http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/543/medium/name_me.JPG

[surya@64]

@ Devaiah, its Indian Pond Heron, Adult Breeding...!!!

[surya@64]

Hi Guys,

Good morning,

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4430794439_6b74a67bdc_o.jpg

All have a wonderful day...!!:)

[Bibudesh]

Same thoughts here.....

Ken, thanks for keeping the TPIN's heart beating...

At our First lalbagh meet....we coined the ranganatittu shooting trip...
This time while returning back from ranganatittu (though numbers was less).... We said

"Hampi Next" June 2010 2/3days

Yourself being a travel freak... Try Planing South....

Wish we can have TPIN India meet at Hampi

Alongwith the equipments we may have to carry a plastic (or any heat insulated) chair coz by mistake if someone sits on the boiling rock, then for the rest of life he'll need a tripod to stand straight.

[Nakul]

Hi Guys,

Good morning,


All have a wonderful day...!!:)


I really cant find words to describe your pics surya..

[surya@64]

I really cant find words to describe your pics surya..

Thanks Nakul.....!!! Appreciate your words encouragement.:)

[Viny]

"Boling Rock" ....:D :D :D I t think its liquid which boils and not solids ....:(

@Surya: How do you identify those birdies...i dont even know 1% of them ..and probably would not recognize if i see them next time too...I think these birdies should carry a name tag with them :)

[surya@64]

"Boling Rock" ....:D :D :D I t think its liquid which boils and not solids ....:(

@Surya: How do you identify those birdies...i dont even know 1% of them ..and probably would not recognize if i see them next time too...I think these birdies should carry a name tag with them :)

Its just like how U identify people with their names...You cannot go wrong with a Crow or Pigeon...like wise as you start seeing them the curiosity takes over ..each bird has a name wrt. to their size, color, beak, markings, or structure...

To help U there are lot of dedicated books available to identify and verify the bird and its names....
You Need tonns and tonns of patience to do Birding of the feathered kind..:):):)

[surya@64]

Hi Guys,

Good morning,

Seasons Greetings....WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY UGADI FESTIVAL....CELEBRATED AS THE STARTING HINDU NEW YEAR CALANDER.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/4434166751_b1fe621fc4_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4434943114_58257c43ae_o.jpg

All have a wonderful day..:):)

[Viny]

@Surya: Thanks, probably I would need eyes like you ... It will take some time ....cant catchup with you experinces in the field.

Animal Planet here i come....show me birdies and teach me how to identify them.....I should have seen Animal Planet instead of Cartoon Show ....All i recognize now are daffy duck, donald duck, road runner and tweety :(

By the way nice croc shot...The first croc shot can be used as a good example for what it means when we say "Lips tight" or "Zip up" :D

[Bibudesh]

Thanks for the wishes surya.
A very happy ugadi to all the members from my side as well.

One more left over after cropping..

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S5-d-kE3m4I/AAAAAAAAFNc/MI5loV0Jugo/s800/DSC_0436.jpg

[Devaiah PA]

Thanks for the wishes surya.
A very happy ugadi to all the members from my side as well.

One more left over after cropping..



nice to see pics from you...
I can smell a series of river tern pics next.....

[Viny]

Thanks for the wishes surya.
A very happy ugadi to all the members from my side as well.

One more left over after cropping..

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S5-d-kE3m4I/AAAAAAAAFNc/MI5loV0Jugo/s800/DSC_0436.jpg

Seriously at first instance I could not make out what was it, whether its two birds, or a mother and child birdies, or a bird with big fish :( I was focusing on the tail of bird, which some how looked to me like an eye and mandibles and the head looked like second bird resting on the tail of first one.

Time to sleep i guess......

[surya@64]

Hi Guys,

Good morning,

Acknowledging Devaiah's sense of smell....!!!!:):)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4439335367_19ee0072d4_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4436995169_034a19ddc0_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4437771200_10f543dd54_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4437771136_013c2847c4_o.jpg

All have a nice day..:):)

[surya@64]

Hi Guys,

Good morning,

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4441831951_294753fb51_o.jpg

All have a wonderful day..:):)

[Viny]

@surya: Good one as usual, there is this Nikon D5000 Contest running on Facebook by Nikon, I am very sure you could make win there, why dont you give a shot there.

@others, give it a shot :)


URL: http://www.discovernikon.com/

Hey by the way if you win it, do share with me :p

[surya@64]

@surya: Good one as usual, there is this Nikon D5000 Contest running on Facebook by Nikon, I am very sure you could make win there, why dont you give a shot there.

@others, give it a shot :)


URL: http://www.discovernikon.com/

Hey by the way if you win it, do share with me :p

I think its for NIKON users.....

[Viny]

I dont think so, it no where says that photo should be taken by Nikkon camera, i have read Terms and Conditions.

[Bibudesh]

that comptt looks like its meant for time passers and chhota mota photoraphers who like to hang a cam on their neck and do some random clickings here and there. The award item at least says so- a coolpix and a mug!? .. come on, my company gives that thermostat mug whenever u want (costs 150 bucks).
If you want to get into serious comptt then try the tpoty etc. wherein if u cant win then at least u can see what kind of photo deserves a cash prize running in million $$ .. There is a hell lot of learnings.

That Nikon thingy is not meant for our pro ;).

[Viny]

Bidudesh bhai, you hit the wrong contest link, there are 2 contests running there, 1st in Nikon D5000 and second one is for coolpix

Did you miss your opportunity to win the Nikon D3000 in our first photo contest, Hello Nikon! over 22 Feb – 7 March? Fear not as we are launching Part 2 of Shoot, Post, Tag & Send! And this time we will be giving away a Nikon D5000. Find out more on the theme and steps below:
Date / Duration Theme Theme Desciption Grand Prize
8 Mar - 21 Mar 2010
(2 weeks) Go with, Nikon! Submit a photo of movement. Eg, a zooming car, children dancing, etc. Remember to tag the photo with an interesting slogan. Read below for Judging Criteria.

(Maximum 2 entries only per person, original photos)
Nikon D5000

Step 1: Shoot!
Look out for the theme on our Facebook fanpage and SHOOT a photo that closely relates to the theme description.

Step 01

Step 2: Post!
Once you are ready with a photo, proceed to Discover Nikon’s Facebook fanpage and POST the photo on our wall.

Step 02

Note:

1. Only original photographs, without any form of digital enhancement, should be submitted.
2. Each member may submit ONLY 2 entries per theme.
3. Only the first 2 entries on the wall will be considered for the contest, even if you had posted more than 2 photos.



Step 3: Tag!
Add a caption/slogan to your photo.

Step 03

Note:

1. Please submit your photo based on the following format: <Theme>: <Your Caption>.

For example:
If you are posting your photo based on the theme “Go with, Nikon!”, your caption should be written as “Go with, Nikon!: This an interesting photo.”

2. Your photo submission will not be considered if you do not tagged your photo with a caption based on the format stated above.



Step 4: Send!
Finally, once your photo is up on the wall with your caption, proceed to complete the contest by submitting your details to us through our online form.

Note:

1. The Contest is open to all citizens and permanent residents of the following countries: Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India


http://www.discovernikon.com/en/spts2.htmlhttp://www.discovernikon.com/en/spts2.html

In a competition of creativity, one should put down his cap of being so called "pro" and fight with all, because you never know who might have better talent then you. There is always a good opportunity to learn, understand and share....give it a shot.


.. come on, my company gives that thermostat mug whenever u want (costs 150 bucks).
Start collecting them, and you can gift them to us :D :) I dont mind getting free goddies .... :D

[surya@64]

Hi Guys,

Good morning,

Here are the Herons found @ Rangantittu.

Indian Pond Heron Adult Breeding.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4445054616_41db394a52_o.jpg
Indian Pond Heron Adult Non-Breeding.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2735/4444282911_b876a316a4_o.jpg
Black capped Night Heron.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4444282807_d78768d08b_o.jpg

This virtually complets the Rangantittu thread from my side Barring few more shots which I can post it in the Bird photography thread....

Mods you can take a call and close the thread or Merge it with the Bird photography Thread....

Once again Thanks TPIN for providing the space and Platform for sharing our passion and Mods for all their Patience to see the pictures that has been dished out...:):)

All have a wonderful day...:):)

[Devaiah PA]

Hi Guys,


This virtually complets the Rangantittu thread from my side Barring few more shots which I can post it in the Bird photography thread....



Solider,

Ran out of ammunition?

[Viny]

Solider,

Ran out of ammunition?

He has ample ammunitions, but there is no one to shoot at....hence no more :D

[Bibudesh]

Bidudesh bhai, you hit the wrong contest link, there are 2 contests running there, 1st in Nikon D5000 and second one is for coolpix

In a competition of creativity, one should put down his cap of being so called "pro" and fight with all, because you never know who might have better talent then you. There is always a good opportunity to learn, understand and share....give it a shot.



Start collecting them, and you can gift them to us :D :) I dont mind getting free goddies .... :D

Dream big, u'll achieve big!.

[Vicky]

Wow!! Some really awesome photos in this thread.

There are some that deserve special applause:


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S5O1t7fTSZI/AAAAAAAAFLE/VehvCxJCwQM/s800/DSC_0588.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S5O1tkeRv1I/AAAAAAAAFK8/K2u983ZjEWQ/s800/DSC_0494.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S5O1t8rvtqI/AAAAAAAAFLA/IFLZoV_rfQo/s800/DSC_0557.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4425847373_76e82dc631_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4428854206_50532d0468_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4430794439_6b74a67bdc_o.jpg



http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/540/medium/Painted_stork.JPG


Looks like you guys had a great time. Hope to be part of a similar outing some day:)

Rohit, hope you go better prepared next time;)

[Bibudesh]

Rohit, hope you go better prepared next time;)

Indeed !. ;)..

[surya@64]

Thanks Vicky, for those special applause.

[powerslave]

I'm with Vicky, awesome shots!

[surya@64]

I'm with Vicky, awesome shots!

Thanks Powerslave...All the way from US...!!

[Devaiah PA]

Wow!! Some really awesome photos in this thread.

There are some that deserve special applause:


Looks like you guys had a great time. Hope to be part of a similar outing some day:)

Rohit, hope you go better prepared next time;)

Vicky,
Not seeing any action from your side.....
Is your gear resting?