There is one thing to be said for the ancient macro-zoom lens that I took out of storage and have been playing around with to try to determine if I'd truly be better off replacing it with a new model: the oldie is wonderfully versatile. With a flick of the wrist—not the easiest of maneuvers—the lens morphs from an ultra-close model to the equivalent of a 350mm telephoto. True, getting a tack-sharp image is challenging, since the Vivitar lacks any auto capabilities, but I used to know how to do such basic photographic operations as focusing on my subject rather than letting the camera do that necessary work, and while getting back in that venerable groove hasn't been easy, I did manage a decent shot of a Downy Woodpecker on my suet feeder. True, it took some work, but so do all good endeavors. With a little practice, maybe I can go with what I have for another year.