[shuttertalk]

Here's a great first person account of a wildlife photographer's close encounter with a bear! What's more, he actually stuck around to take photos while the bear had a "play" with his equipment.

I thought to myself, screw it, the gear is insured and it's not worth dying for. I left the gear and backed up to about 75 yds. when the bear stopped to sniff the tripod. I had my D700 and 70-300VR over my shoulder so I started to shoot. What I saw before me made me want to cry. The bear stood up, pushed the tripod over with one paw, then proceded to gnaw on it and jump up and down on it. I left the area, went back to my car, waited an hour, then hiked back into the woods to retrieve what was left.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1114874

   

Also, more hazards - this time at a soccer game with some crazed fans:

http://www.petapixel.com/2012/05/21/man-...rojectile/

It was hard to believe but a fan was throwing a Canon 400mm 2.8 telephoto lens with monopod, (worth some $10,000 USD) onto the field. In that moment of truth, I knew it was a good idea to lock my 400mm in a hardcase.