Personally, I like the 2nd one. Mostly for the framing of it. The darkness brings out the focal point and gives an ominous overtone. There's a story there when you look at it. What it is. Is based on your imagination.

Here’s the full post. Please read and share widely.

This is a fight we can’t afford to lose.

open.substack.com/pub/weaponiz...

My recommendation, go to good camera stores & talk. You have to do it 2-3 times and get them to recommend something. Stores here, staff are all photographers 1st, sales 2nd.

My go-to hiking lenses is a stock 70-300. Also check out used cameras, lenses. May have to be patient to get what you want.