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You’re the Pajero Master @Stumpy Paj ! Have a look at the Australian Pajero forums, I noticed they had some articles about it.

Great topic @Looper, let's start some coaching again with the lens lover club, I miss those big time. Im still in love with my single lens AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR on my Nikon D750 that always served me well from close up to wide angle.

Thanks everyone who showed up especially to @Fredericwho led the drive, Dr @Chaitanya D who swept and support by @DP1011 and @Rajiv Sam It was a relaxing, scenic and enjoyable drive. This drive was good for me since I has been away from the sand for a few months. I have shared some photos.

@babaski@BIBIN THOMAS@Pierre de Maigret@Glenn W@Thejas Uthran@topgear@Bashar Beasha@Dorian Zissi@Rajiv Sam@DTG@Arun Menon@Haneef Thayyil@Harshal@Abhilash Kottakkal @Chaitanya D @DP1011 Thanks to everyone for joining yesterday! I hope you enjoyed the laidback atmosphere and had a safe trip back home. Great support as usual from @DP1011, @Chaitanya D and @Rajiv Sam ! You’ll find some nice pics in the drive gallery ! See you soon in the sands again !

When it comes to desert driving photography, having the right equipment is essential to capture the action from far as well as the cuteness of your ride from near. At the same time, you would also want to capture the vastness and unique beauty of these arid landscapes. Super zoom lenses offer a versatile solution, providing both telephoto and wide-angle capabilities in a single lens. We need the wide-angle for capturing photos of own cars that we love and cherish and telephoto for distant subjects like other cars while doing sidees or being recovering as well as ancillary subjects like the wildlife or other interesting details in the landscape. In this article, we will delve into the basics of super zoom lenses, highlight their benefits and drawbacks, and provide a selection of models available from popular brands. Understanding Super Zoom Lenses: Super zoom lenses, also known as all-in-one or bridge lenses, are designed to cover a wide focal range, typically ranging from wide-angle to telephoto, all within a single lens. Typically, you will find 18-300 mm in the APSC or crop sensor models and 28 mm - 200mm for the full frame models. These lenses offer convenience and versatility, eliminating the need to carry multiple lenses while driving. Benefits of Super Zooms for Desert Driving Photography: Versatility: Super zoom lenses provide a wide focal range, allowing you to capture various perspectives and subjects. Whether its photographing distant cars doing their things or your own vehicle up close during breaks, a super zoom lens has you covered. Compact and Lightweight: Compared to carrying multiple lenses, a super zoom lens simplifies your gear setup and reduces the overall weight, making it more comfortable to handle during drives or even on hikes. Quick Adjustments: With a super zoom lens, you can swiftly switch between telephoto and wide-angle focal lengths. This enables you to adapt to different photography opportunities on the go, ensuring you don't miss any crucial shots. Cost-Effective: Investing in a single super zoom lens can be a cost-effective option, saving you money compared to purchasing multiple lenses to cover the same focal range. Great Travel Companion: Even when you are not driving, and you are on a break, it is still a great lens to take with you. Super zooms are typically listed in the Travel Category of the manufacturer page. They offer better clarity than the phone you have up close as well as taking those faraway landmarks. Cons of Super Zooms: Image Quality: Super zooms do not match the optical performance of specialized prime or high-end zoom lenses. But the difference in quality is often negligible for the intended use in forum or in Instagram. Aperture Limitations: Super zoom lenses have smaller maximum apertures compared to prime or high-end zoom lenses. Plus, they are most often variable as well. This can affect low-light performance and limit depth of field control. But when we drive in the desert, we most often have ample light, and the smaller apertures are not necessarily a problem. Distortion and Chromatic Aberration: Super zoom lenses most often than not will exhibit distortion, vignetting, or chromatic aberration, especially at the extreme ends of the focal range. However, these shortcomings can often be corrected during post-processing. When I import my photos into Lightroom I import them with lens correction, and Lightroom is smart enough to apply the necessary lens specific corrections to all the photos automatically. Here's a small list of compatible Super Zoom lenses: APSC Super-zoom Lenses for DSLRs Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR (I bought mine second hand for my D5100) Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Sony E 18–200 mm F3.5-6.3 OSS APS-C Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary Full Frame DSLR Lenses: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM Sony FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Lenses: Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Sony E 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS LE Sony FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD Fujinon XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO (available for Fuji) Note: Some lenses could be discontinued but listed here because they can be bought secondhand.

@Frederic Thank you for Smooth and Relaxed Drive.

Very good topic @Looper ! I agree that desert-driving photography is a bit tricky. I use full frame Canon EF with 24-105mm L series which is a good overall range but quite heavy to carry along. The fact that it has optical stabilization is a must in my opinion if you start to zoom in completely, and on a 300mm that would be definitely even more the case. (we are using it handheld and not on tripod). The Sigma 70-300mm with IS is a better and more cost-effective option and also less bulky. Aperture is indeed lesser of an issue as there is plenty of light available. Even too much at times. I've seen plenty of your photos on the forum, and how you nail them every time is impressive as my camera is quite old and is not that great for the quick shots (5D mk2). It takes time to get focus right and there's never enough time when cars are zooming past

Thank you @GauravSoni for leading this drive, Your track was amazing, loved every moment 💛 Thank you @Chris Wing & @Sunil Mathew for your guidance and support

It was an amazing newbie drive really enjoyed @Frederic thank you.

I Was having the same problem with my cronos switch. Loose all lights and could not reset without restarting car. Would also get the handbrake (abs) warning light come on when ambient temp was above 30ish. I removed the cronos switch and replaced it with one made in Australia (I am told cronos tried to copy the Australian one) all my problems are fixed, the new one works perfectly. new factory look switch old harness on the left, looks similar but the new one on the right has much better workmanship/quality parts.

Relive video: https://www.relive.cc/view/vYvrVzEEExv GPS Track: Check out this trail from @Wikiloc! https://www.wikiloc.com/offroading-trails/shj-scenic-drive-3-emirates-140635213 (SHJ- Scenic Drive 3 Emirates)

Thanks @GauravSoni for the joyful ride today. @Gertjan I'm already back )) Right after my early exit I went to the garage and get it fixed. As @Krishna R said it was a fast and very cheap fixing. It was great to catch up with all you guys in today's ride. See you next time 👋

Just don’t get stuck near the ghost 👻 town please 😂anywhere else no problem 🤣

Our Grading Structure provides you with a clear road map for your off-road journey, recognizing Offroaders based on their Capabilities, Skills and Performance. This lets you navigate your own path as you gain experience while keeping you, other drivers and your vehicle safe. Driving with graded routes maximizes the fun for everyone without causing any delays or pushing yourself or your vehicle beyond limits. With an aim of continuous improvement, we have clarified, improved and developed this new grading structure version 3.0. Club Member Subscribe to off-road enthusiast subscription. Joins the Off road Club. Introduce yourself on the forum or drive topic. OFF-ROAD PROMOTIONS ARE BASED ON THESE FOUR MAJOR CRITERIAS: NEWBIE Drive Attended No prior offroading experience required What you'll learn Introduction to off-roading Desert driving techniques Advance vehicle handling Precise tire deflation and inflation Use of HI/LO gearing and differential lock Basic side sloping and crossing sand dunes safely Basic self-recovery techniques Basic radio communication skills Skills required Attentive and cautious Patience and tolerance towards others Clear communication and listening skills Car Worthiness Any 4x4 with 8 - 10 inches of ground clearance Front and rear tow hooks (stock tow hooks/eyelet are acceptable). Low Range Transfer Case. Off-road gear required Safety flag, tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio (walkie-talkie), air compressor. Drive teamwork Follow the briefing and Trip Lead instructions Follow Off road Driving Etiquette's at all times No dangerous maneuver and stunts Drive Joining Join Newbie drives only Forum participation Active participation on the forum Share drive experience + feedback Share drive pictures in the gallery Update Emergency Contact Details under Carnity user profile FEWBIE Drives Attended (Indicative) Minimum 5 Newbie drives are required within the last 3 months for Fewbie promotion. After a long gap of 3 months of not off-roading with Carnity or a change of vehicle, you should join at least one Newbie drive, before resuming at Fewbie level drives. What you'll learn Basic dune and sand reading Self-recovery techniques Shoveling at right place Crawling out of difficult situations Blip Blip - Coordinate steering and gas control Basic side sloping and hill climb Basic ridge riding and criss crossing Basic control over technical dunes Slightly faster pace desert driving Ability to manage stuck/refusals with radio Learn to control and avoid fishtailing Never fight or challenge gravity Skills required Enthusiastic and positive attitude Willingness to learn and help others Presence of mind and attention to detail Car Worthiness Any 4x4 vehicle with low range gearing Suitable approach and departure angle Off-road gear required Safety flag, tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio (walkie-talkie), air compressor. Drive teamwork Manage second lead and sweep positions upon request Intuitive and proactive to support Trip Lead Observe recoveries and offer help, when needed Drive Joining Join Newbie and Fewbie drives Forum participation Active participation on the forum Share drive experience + feedback Share drive pictures in the gallery Post trip report after the drive Apply for Fewbie Promotion, once you complete a minimum of 5 Carnity Newbie Drives. Duration: 3-7 days, to gather your feedback from all trip leads. FEWBIE PLUS Drives Attended (Indicative) Minimum 10 Fewbie drives are required within the last 6 months for Fewbie Plus promotion. After a long gap of 3 months of not off-roading with Carnity or a change of vehicle, you should join at least one Fewbie drive, before resuming at Fewbie Plus level drives. What you'll learn Advance dune and sand reading Advance recovery techniques Rocking and crawling to make path Learn to flatten/compact soft sand patch Self recovery from crest Advance side sloping and long hill climb Advance ridge riding and criss crossing Advance control over technical dunes Slightly faster pace desert driving FULLY control and avoid fishtailing Never fight or challenge gravity Skills required Enthusiastic and positive attitude Willingness to learn and help others Extremely attentive and focused while driving Car Worthiness Any 4x4 vehicle with low range gearing Suitable approach and departure angle Bash plate and skid plate protected Off-road gear required Safety flag, tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio (walkie-talkie), air compressor. Drive teamwork Manage second lead and sweep positions upon request Intuitive and proactive to support Trip Lead Observe recoveries and offer help, when needed Drive Joining Join Newbie, Fewbie and Fewbie Plus drives Forum participation Active participation on the forum Share drive experience + feedback Share drive pictures in the gallery Post trip report after the drive Apply for Fewbie Plus Promotion, once you complete a minimum of 10 Carnity Fewbie Drives. Duration: 3-7 days, to gather your feedback from all trip leads. INTERMEDIATE Drives Attended (Indicative) Minimum 10 Fewbie Plus drives are required within last 6 months for Intermediate promotion. After a long gap of 3 months of not off-roading with Carnity or a change of vehicle, you should join at least one Fewbie Plus drive, before resuming at Intermediate level drives. What you'll learn Basic GPS and navigational skills Basic tow rope and winch recoveries Extreme side sloping and long hill climb Tall dunes ridge riding and criss crossing Precise control over technical dunes Fast pace desert driving Clear radio communication skills Advance recovery skills Self recover from dune crest Soft sand recovery Pop-out fixing Skills required Adventurous and thrill seeker but in a safe manner Level headed under stressful situations Responsible, dependable and accountable Car Worthiness Capable 4x4 vehicle with low range gearing Suitable approach and departure angle High profile tires Off-road gear required Safety flag, tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio (walkie-talkie), air compressor, tool kit, rated recovery rope and 2 rated shackles, GPS. Drive teamwork Manage center forward position with Trip Lead’s permission Learn/assist recoveries under Trip Lead’s supervision Re-route convoy and coordination, when needed Drive Joining Join Newbie, Fewbie, Fewbie Plus and Intermediate drives. Forum participation Active participation on the forum Share drive experience + feedback Share drive pictures in the gallery Post trip report after the drive Apply for Intermediate Promotion, once you complete a minimum of 10 Carnity Fewbie Plus Drives. Duration: 3-7 days, to gather your feedback from all trip leads.