JMess

Thanks for the replies. I went and had a look and they're a perfect fit. So, I'm now the proud owner of a pair of never worn (tags still attached) Meindl Desert Fox boots for $200. Pretty happy with that! Now, I've just got to find a shop that can sell me a Badlands Super Day pack for a reasonable price ($240-$260) and can get it to me in Canberra in time for the weekend (got a two night trip planned).

I'm new to hunting and only have access to one property so far. However, this property is heavily wooded, has very little vehicle access and is steeeeeeeeep. The conditions under foot vary from loose rocky ground to slippery grassed slopes and everything in between. I have so far been putting on my retired tennis shoes (New Balance) for armed hiking on this property and have already put a gouge in my beautiful wooden stock on the brand new CZ452 classic on one of my many slips and tumbles. I have also found that my feet ache like hell, particularly when contouring slopes and climbing down steep slopes (placing feet sideways on slope for more stability and grip). I also have slightly weak ankles from years of soccer and tennis. So, I definitely need a decent pair of boots. I like how the Meindls read, particularly the MFS fitting system. There is a pair of the desert fox boots for sale "unworn" in what sounds like my size locally for about half the new price. I've googled extensively but haven't really been able to find much info on this boot. I am not too fussed about warmth (I don't mind the cold and can get warm socks if need be). I want grip, comfort and support, as well as durability. I want to get a boot that is suitable for the terrrain I'm hunting in (Tinderry foothills in SE NSW). Anyone with knowledge of this particular model? I've seen that many swear by the Cabelas Irish Setter boots. I'm pretty wary about buying something I can't try on. What is the durability, fit and comfort like for these? Cheers James

I have a P14 and it easily lights up a tree that I've laser ranged at 190 m. On the flood setting, it lights our whole backyard, no problems.

Hi mate. I have no experience or knowledge about the specifics of the D5000. I have been using two D300 bodies with a series of pro lenses for about 18 months. Prior to that I used Pentax gear. I have nothing but praise for the Nikon gear I have used. The focusing system in the D300 is sensationally good. The metering is accurate and consistent and the lenses are superb. Although I've not used them, I'm led to believe that the selection of 'prosumer' lenses from Nikon is pretty good too. In fact, the D300 is almost faster than a speeding bullet Having said all that, I believe that you would be hard pressed to purchase a bad DSLR from any brand these days. It comes down more to what feature set and price bracket you want. While some brands are better at some things than others, they're all good enough to keep a keen amateur photographer happy. For instance, Nikon are very good for focusing and the Nikon flash system is, IMO simply the best you can get. If you plan on getting into using flash (not built in pop up flash but separate flash units) and particularly using them remotely, the Nikon "Creative Lighting system" is fantastic and so much more usable and accurate than, Pentax's system, from my experience. You haven't said what your photographic skill level is or what you intend to use it for. Assuming you are an average user who will mostly use the auto modes and are just looking for something a step up in performance and versatility from a point and shoot, most DSLRs of the Nikon, Canon, Pentax range should be well and truly good enough. My advice? Handle and play with all of the cameras in your price range, and then buy the one that fits in your hand and has the controls that are most intuitive to you. Hope that helps James

Hi my name's James. I've been trying out pistol shooting, but the severe restrictions (can't just go to the range and practice, only every two weeks when there's a club shoot, etc) and costs are giving me second thoughts. I've shot rabbits before with friends and am going to submit my licence application shortly. I'll pick up a .22lr to start with, practice and the range and keep an eye out for opportunities to shoot on land around the ACT. I don't know anyone off the top of my head who'd have a property that I could access, so that may take a while. Eventually I'll look to get a .223 and perhaps an old .303 lee enfield for the range. Cheers James