[SWAMPSNIPER]

The Sony has a stabilized sensor, only time you need a tripod is for very slow shutter speeds. I've got senior shakes, it's a good test of the stabilizer. It does the job. The Bluebird is at 450mm equivalent, hand held.

There are places my mobility scooter won't go easily so I use focal length to get me there. The results aren't quite as good but a good lens will do a lot. I can walk, but if I try to stand holding the camera for any length of time it gets really painful and I'm not steady at all.

[tubebender]

I live across the continent from you on Humboldt Bay and I’ll need a scooter if I sit in front of the computer much more. The over abundance of rain has kept me house bound this month. I’m 78 and can no longer comprehend written instructions for any of my cameras especially my D80 Nikon so I continue to take “snapshots” with my Canon A540 to share with family and FRiends. Keep them photos coming...