links for 2009-07-15

[archerships]

• Amazon.com: Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo
  Tamron applies the Di (Digitally Integrated) logo to lenses with optical systems designed to meet the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras, and this 28-75mm Di autofocus zoom lens is no exception. Boasting revolutionary downsizing XR technology, the lens is among the smallest and lightest models in the history of fast zoom lenses. In fact, it looks just like an ordinary standard zoom lens, but offers a fast constant maximum aperture that will reshape your photographic horizons. Specific details include a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, a minimum focusing distance of 13 inches, and a rotation-type zoom. As with all Tamron lenses, the 28-75mm lens carries a six-year warranty.
  (tags: lens photography tamron)
• ASP Airweight Expandable Baton IN STOCK and ready to ship!
  Constructed of 7075 aircraft grade aluminum the F16A offers up to 40% reduction in weight while retaining 98% of the traditional ASP Baton striking potential. Patented foam vinyl grip provides increased retention.
  (tags: asp selfdefense)
• Alien Bees system feedback - Garage Glamour™
  Discussion of accessories to get with an AB800
  (tags: photography blogs glamour)
• Elinchrom Softlites Plus Alien Bees lights… Possible? - Photo.net Lighting Equipment and Techniques Forum
  yes the Alien Bees and all exceptthe early "white can" White lightning electronic flash units use a Balcar based reflector, speed ring mounting system.

  Try Flashclinic in NYC ; http://www.flashclinic.com and ask them about using Balcar heads in the Elinchrom Octabank and what you'll need. http://www.fotocare.com is also a good resourse

  (tags: octabank elinchrom alienbees balcar lighting photography speedring)
• Photoshop Insider Blog By Scott Kelby » Blog Archive » Your Questions on the Elinchrom Octabank
  Now, this rig certainly isn’t cheap, but I actually think it’s a bargain, because if you get this one rig, you’re pretty much set for portraits (you’ll wind up using this one light and a reflector, and that’s about all you need). The Ranger Kit at B&H Photo (which is the flash head, battery pack, a hard case, and accessories), goes for around $2,029, and then you need the 74″ Octabank softbox itself, (which goes for around $1,100) and then I recommend a Matthews’s Hollywood C-stand to hold it all (for around $150, plus you should buy some wheels for it).
  (tags: octabank lighting photography)
• Photoshop Insider Blog By Scott Kelby » Blog Archive » Day 5: Lighting Gear Week Wrap-up
  I would also recommend buying an Avenger A420 rolling lightstand (I hang my Ranger RX Battery Back off the stand, as seen in the photo above), so the whole thing rolls around as one unit, without having to pick anything up off the floor. If this “hanging off the stand” thing makes you a bit queezy, you can buy a little shelf that will attach to the stand so it sits fla
  (tags: photography lighting stand avenger enlinchrom)
• Backwoods Home Magazine: "Imagine Martha Stewart as a gun-toting Libertarian" - Boing Boing
  Links to interesting preparedness resources in the comments.
  (tags: preparedness survivalism)

Original: craschworks - comments

Comments

[dark-gardener.livejournal.com]

I subscribed to "Backwoods Home" magazine for quite a few years, it is really good. You might also like "Countryside and Small Stock Journal", I also subscribed to that and found a lot of useful information in it. They're at http://www.countrysidemag.com/ . Whenever I get enough business to be able to afford it, I will be re-subscribing to both of them.

[crasch.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[drewkitty.livejournal.com]

Backwoods Home +1

I love that magazine. I have the archives; they are useful.

ASP Batons -1

I have seen an ASP baton break in field use to the point where it could not again be collapsed and had to be discarded later. The foam rips easily and the small striking surface makes it more of a slashing than a blunt weapon.

[crasch.livejournal.com]

Thanks! What baton do you recommend instead?

[drewkitty.livejournal.com]

In California the baton is a restricted item. Only law enforcement personnel may automatically possess one. Licensed security officers with a baton permit may possess a baton only in connection with their employment.

A civilian in possession of a baton risks felony arrest (PC 12020). Unlike a screwdriver, which is only viewed as a weapon or burglar's tool based on the context in which it is found, a baton is "always" a weapon.

Of course, there are many objects which are lawful to possess. Many truckers carry "tire knockers" which have a legitimate use in their profession; then again, they have a commercial driver's license and log book to back them up. If a civilian sometimes drives dirt roads or off-road, it is merely prudent to carry a shovel (and in the woods, small axe and field handsaw) in the trunk. Pickup truck drivers often keep a broom longways under the back seat for sweeping out the truck bed.

Many people in a variety of professions choose to carry a MagLite because the flashlight is especially solid and durable under intense use, even after being dropped on concrete. Please be certain that it is in proper working order with strong batteries, and carry spare batteries, as carrying a non-working MagLite has been interpreted in the past by certain law enforcement agencies as carrying a baton. I also recommend the new LED bulbs for extended battery life. I personally find that the 2-D and 3-D cell MagLites are most practical for my uses but they are manufactured in sizes up to 6-D.

http://www.maglite.com/productline.asp

As for who I recommend instead to those authorized to possess batons, or in international waters etc., Monadnock:

http://www.batons.com/positivelocksx.aspx

See also:

http://www.my-self-defense.com/expandable-baton-laws.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baton_(law_enforcement)

[crasch.livejournal.com]

Many thanks! Excellent info.