Aswald

That brought back memories. Walking in tropical torrential rain, ankle high mud water along the colonial settlements. Let's not talk about weather sealing.....or the lack of.

I don't see your problem?

So was my suggestion for zone focusing. An "old" hand like you....

Thank you Michael. I read your post with renewed enthusiasm and humor! I agree it's definitely skill. I started learning to shoot on film and had a very patient teacher. He always told me, practice, practice, practice! I find the AF on the Pro1 plenty fast.

Zone focusing? I think one thing lead to another in our era of photography. I would blame mainly two things, fast lenses and extreme focus accuracy. In the name of better subject isolation and a not so ideal environment, these two attributes may increase the chance of a good photograph. I've had a weekend in Singapore shooting with the Samyang 12mm. At certain aperture, there is hardly any need for focus accuracy. However, the background and composition had to be of some interest. There was no chance for subject isolation in a rather busy environment. Hence, it had to depend on other attributes and not AF speed or accuracy.

You'll probably love the X-T2 more than your X-T1. All of my friends who did so have no regrets. Absolutely none.

I find it particularly useful in two areas, when using af servo to chase down subject (kids, sports, races) and when using single shot to frame the subject correctly without employing the focus, recompose, shoot method. The FRS method is too slow for some shots where the subject moves quickly and has a higher chance of mis-focusing. Sometimes it's so quick that I literally forget to breathe. The AF joysticks is otherwise redundant if you take slow moving, static subjects or pre focused street photography.

Yes, the joystick is a lot faster. That in itself will change some of the pics you may capture.........winning moments.

It's different. Both are good but in different ways. If you compare Pro1 and T2, the game changer won't be the pic quality but will be the AF and video, if it matters to you.

How true. I acquired a 1000 albums hires music files a few years ago and I don't think I've covered 30% of it after many sessions of intense listening. I've stopped acquiring any more but my friends haven't stopped since. What is it with hoarding anyways? Perhaps we're genetically programmed to store food for the cold winter. Same reason why power banks are selling like hot cakes. Perhaps, the rat race has taught us is not to be left behind. To have a back up. Never know when you'll need it. Some people find that they need a few camera to cover all their photographic needs. At this point, there really isn't a camera system that can give us the "one ring to rule them all" concept. Back to the OP, he hasn't really mentioned what type of photographs he shoots normally or what he does post.......It's just like someone walking into the car showroom and asking, "Hey, should I buy the latest off roader or that new red hot spanking V8 babe magnet over there?". ........all the salesman can really do is, to give his opinions.

I'm thrilled that the Pro2's noise is lowered despite the increase in resolution but if you look at it, resolution aside, the same result could be had with the black slider pulled back a bit. I'm confident the Pro2 and T2's pic IQ is identical. So, given the X-T1's already capable features, perhaps the X-T2's practical benefits lies in it's higher resolution, 4K video and the battery grip for higher fps. If you look at pic quality, I don't think anyone can really tell them apart post edit. I know I can't. Just a thought....... http://billfortney.com/?p=16581

Hahahaha.......it's all a learning curve for most people. Different curve for different people. If you think about it, with super cameras like the 1DXii and D5, blazing away at 14fps, anyone ca be a "pro". When the X-T3 is out..... 14 fps?!?.....who would want that?

Aiming for the 8K video are we?

What kind of photographs do you intend to take with the new camera? What were you using before this?

Graphite Silver X-T2? Why not?

Why would you want to keep a lens that has possible issues with the OIS? Nikon advises that if the VR has issues, turning VR off won't always get you sharp images. As Fujifilm's OIS is a floating device, it'll depend on the physical position of the OIS lens when locked (or OIS off). I translate it to be a bit like Russian Roulette.

"This forum is useless"........wow.......

Some photos may be helpful here. Without looking at any samples, it does sounds like your lens has issues. May be a good idea to return the lens. I've been dealing with Nikon for a while now regarding the VR issues on one of my lenses. If you need to turn VR off (handheld) at any shutter speed to get sharp images, there's something wrong. Likely, the VR is not functioning correctly. On higher resolution cameras, you may need to let VR settle before taking the shot. Currently both my Nikon body and lens has been sent back to Japan for further diagnostics pertaining to other issues as well. Awaiting results and advice.

I can't help after reading your post but think, the whole idea of the xpro2 platform is a compact rangefinder style camera. Light weight and "nifty" if I may. For what you want to achieve, perhaps the x-t2 + battery grip may be good without any mods. It does seem that you'd prefer a good size dslr more than a mirror less. I'm just curious. No offence intended.

No such experience with mine. It does sound like you may have a mechanical shutter problem.

Great stuff. I'm glad that both the X-Pro2 and X-T2 produce the same results. I wonder if the X-T2 was used with the battery grip. Especially on the puffin shots. The 100-400 isn't exactly the quickest focusing lens so, the results are quite impressive.

The BeFree is actually quite stable under most conditions. Mounting a full frame gear on it is about it's limits. For added stability I hand a small bag under it's center column with a simple loop knot. I use it on bicycle treks and so far hasn't been blown off or washed away by the waves.

Hahaha....funny podcast. Good for the uninitiated.

I find that both the Sirui T-2205X and the BeFree are more of less similar in rigidity and stability. The Sirui feels more solid due to it's heavier weight and shorter stature compared to BeFree. The only real difference apart from the height and weight is actually in practical use. While I love the function of Befree, I find that the way the legs are deployed is a bit cumbersome, especially in tighter spots. The Sirui is much quicker in this respect as it's twist lock.

Wow...that's quite extensive work. Thanks for sharing....