Saturday, December 31, 2011

Consider Her Ways


On this final day of the year, the ant continues to forage for the last vestiges of a fruitful autumn, lest a long winter catch her unawares. "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise." Proverbs 6:6.

Keep Them Dogies Rollin'...

...Rawhide!                            

Friday, December 30, 2011

Work Hard, Play Hard

Well "work" may be a bit of hyperbole, but we have been working on a few tricks. Darby has "sit" down pat, and is making headway on "shake." 

But today's was an altogether new adventure...the Fultondale Dog Park. Since no one else was there, we had the run of the place. Darby almost didn't know what to do with all that unexplored space. So we ran, and sniffed, and picked out lovely sticks to carry about. It was a good time shared by all.



Then she came home and promptly killed a lizard (much like this one).

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Tokina AT-X Pro 35mm f/2.8 Macro Lens Review

I have acquired a Tokina AT-X Pro 35mm f/2.8 Macro lens for my Canon Rebel T2i. The lens is among Tokina's DX line, meaning it is designed for APS-C sensor cameras; in APS-C sensors the 35mm focal length is effectively 55mm, thus becoming a "normal" lens. I was looking for a lens of this focal length to serve as a stop-gap between my Tokina AT-X Pro 12-24mm f/4 and Tamron LD Di 70-300mm f/4-5.6. I have long used my EF 50mm f/1.8, but it recently took a bad spill (here), and has never been the same. But the 50mm is a bit long for many of my purposes, so the 35mm fit the bill just perfectly.

Additionally, Tokina's 35mm is a Macro lens. A real macro lens, that magnifies down to 1:1, which at 35mm means about 5in from the subject. Because of that, when you're focusing at 1:1 with this lens, you are essentially touching the subject with the nose of the lens, because it extends as it focuses. So if you're looking to do macro work on anything that moves, this won't be the lens for you. Also you and the lens will get in the way of the light at such close working distances.

All of the photos below were hand-held, so any deficiencies in sharpness (which probably can't be determined at these small sizes anyway) are likely a result of that and most of them being shot at f/2.8. 

Canon Rebel T2i, Tokina AT-X 35mm f/2.8, 1/800s @ f/2.8, ISO 100
I have only had the lens about a day but put it through some paces this morning while waiting for my dog to play and do her morning business. The shallow depth of field at f/2.8 is enjoyable.

Canon Rebel T2i, Tokina AT-X 35mm f/2.8, 1/2000s @ f/2.8, ISO 100
But as with my other Tokina lens, the primary weakness of the 35mm is that it suffers from chromatic aberration. The photo below is a 50% crop of Darby's (my golden retriever) fur to show this effect, which isn't as bad as some. Clicking on the photo will cause it to be seen at a larger size.

Canon Rebel T2i, Tokina AT-X 35mm f/2.8, 1/2500s @ f/2.8, ISO 100 :: 50% Crop
This lens is exactly what I wanted it to be. It has Tokina's usual sturdy build. It uses Tokina's clutch mechanism for alternating between manual and auto-focus. The focus is somewhat noisy and not super-fast, but there is a limiter switch that allows to have a smaller focal range to manage. The filter thread is 52mm, which is nice in that it matches the threads on my 50mm lens. And in addition to close-up work, this is a nice general purpose lens (though I don't have any examples of that at present).

Canon Rebel T2i, Tokina AT-X 35mm f/8, 1/125s @ f/2.8, ISO 100
Canon Rebel T2i, Tokina AT-X 35mm f/2.8, 1/500s @ f/2.8, ISO 100
There are more technical reviews available for this lens, but my purpose here is to convey its value and show it in use. For my purposes, it was a better buy than the equivalent Canon EF 35mm f/2. While the Canon is an f-stop faster, it's also about $30-ish more and doesn't have the close-focus abilities. Additionally, Canon's is an old design (though well-reputed), and the Canon's build quality is inferior.

If you're interested in purchasing this lens, you can do so at Amazon, and by following this link, you can support me: Tokina 35mm f/2.8 AT-X PRO DX Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras.

UPDATE :: I recently discovered that this lens has a large enough image circle to work, without significant vignetting, on Canon full fame or film cameras. I am pretty excited about this, as it will me to use the lens on my Canon EOS 3. Of course, that is a pretty wide angle focal length for a macro lens and will likely only have limited usefulness in that capacity; but as a general purpose lens, it should be excellent.

Monday, December 26, 2011

...at Play

One of the things I received for Christmas was the newly-released GoPro HERO2 Surf Edition Camera. I got the "Surf Edition" so that I can mount it to my kayak. But between now and the time I get out on the water, I'll have to video what I can find. So for my first video, I captured Blake and Darby at play.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Way of the Sluggard

Proverbs 15:19: "The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns...." That "hedge of thorns" was Darby's teeth in this case. I barely saved this guy from instant and squishy death. If he hadn't been so slimy and hard for her to get ahold of, he would have gone the way of the cricket.


Monday, December 19, 2011

Berlin! Berlin! Wir fahren nach Berlin!

I still haven't had a chance to get out and photograph anything recently, so I'm reaching back into the Europe bag one more time (at least). My favorite big city in my 2004 trip to Europe was Berlin. I was really intrigued by the city: the West looked like so many other European cities, but the East was a contrasty enigma; everything was either run-down and concrete from the Soviet Era, or sparkling and new, having been built in the previous fifteen years. Remnants of the wall that severed the city for four decades still remain, and the photo below has become my favorite from that city because of the inherent symbolism.

Canon A-1, FD 50mm f/1.4, Fuji Provia 100F (Orange Filter)
In thinking about this post, I looked up some quotes about Berlin that I could incorporate. Ultimately, I decided against that, but there were some gems that I felt compelled to share.
  • "Berlin is the testicle of the West. When I want the West to scream, I squeeze on Berlin." - Nikita Khrushchev (1963)
  • "Berlin is the newest city I have come across. Even Chicago would appear old and gray in comparison." - Mark Twain (1892) [As a side note: at that time, Chicago was a young and burgeoning metropolis, earning a reputation as the country's Second City. For an incredible read about Chicago in and around 1892, I suggest Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City.]
  • “We want that Berlin becomes richer and stay sexy.” - Mayor Klaus Wowereit, during his 2011 municipal election campaign (2011)
  • And finally, the post title, "Berlin! Berlin! Wir fahren nach Berlin!" ["Berlin! Berlin! We're going to Berlin!], was a chant during the 2006 World Cup.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Know What's Cuter than Puppy Paws?

Well probably nothing...



...unless it's a puppy chasing and capturing an inanimate object.


In case you missed it, Darby was introduced in a prior post on Thursday.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Introducing Darby

About three weeks ago, I went and picked out our Golden Retriever. At the time she was four weeks old; she wasn't ready to come home with us. So we decided to wait until I finished finals to bring her home.

Darby at 4 weeks
Well, I finished finals yesterday, so we went this morning to pick up Darby. The naming was a more arduous process than one might have imagined. But I think we landed on a good one. Darby seemed to take to us right away at the breeder's place. The ride home was nerve-wracking for all of us, but with an hour to drive, we eventually all settled in.


And now we're home and getting settled in to a new residence.

Darby at 7 Weeks

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

on to the Greek Isles

In order to keep going what appears to be a theme in European travels, due in large part to my recent inability to get out and take photographs, I present photos from the Greek isles of Santorini and Naxos.

Santorini, Greece :: Greek Orthodox Church :: Canon A-1, FD 50mm f/1.4, Fuji Provia 100F

One of the most interesting parts of our 10-week trip in 2004 occurred while we were on Naxos. All of Europe was engrossed in the EuroCup. Greece had never advanced in international competition, having previously only made the field in two - the Euro in 1980, and the World Cup in 1994. On July 4 (as it turns out, nobody else cares about American Independence Day), Greece defeated Portugal in the Finals. As the match wound down and it was apparent that Greece would win, my companions and I went to the town square. Our efforts were gratified, when Greece won and who island erupted into bodies painted white and blue, fireworks, and people hanging out of car windows and flooding the streets. It was easily the most exciting event I've ever witnessed. 

Naxos, Greece :: Ruins :: Canon A-1, FD 50mm f/1.4, Fuji Provia 100F
Naxos, Greece :: Star Trails on the Beach :: Canon A-1, FD 20mm f/2.8, Fuji Provia 100F

Each of these photos can also be found at my website: Europe.

Monday, December 12, 2011

And Now for the City of Lights

Since I posted about London the other day, I thought I ought, perhaps, to post photographs from the other European city which I have visited an equal number of times, Paris, France. Most of these will be equally touristy, and revolve largely around that city's more infamous landmarks.

Above: Arc de Triomphe
Below Left: Eiffel Tower in Fog         Below Right: Eiffel Tower across the Seine River


Above: Moulin Rouge
Below Left: Arc de Triomphe                            Below Right: Mona Lisa
 
Palace of Versailles, Hall of Mirrors
These and other photos from my trips to Europe can be found at my main site, here. All of the above photos were taken with a Canon A-1 and either of these lenses: FD 50mm f/1.4 or FD 20mm f/2.8.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Dreaming of London

For whatever reason that people dream dreams, I dreamt last night that I was on a little vacation in London. I have been a couple of times, but it's been a while. So I thought I would post some photos that I took on visits there.

   


All of the above photos were shot on a Canon A-1 with either an FD 20mm f/2.8 or FD 50mm f/1.4.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Manfrotto 460MG

A short while back I posted about my bulky, overweight Bogen 3047 Pan/Tilt tripod head. I wanted to replace the handles with the smaller knobs found on the Manfrotto 460MG. To find more information I posted my question as to that possibility on Photo.net, only to discover that switch was not possible. However, someone from that site did offer to trade his Manfrotto 460MG for my Bogen 3047, and I leaped at the opportunity.


So having received the Manfrotto 460MG, here are my observations. The differences in weight and bulk were immediately discernible. The 3047 weighs in at 3.4lbs, while the 460MG is a petite 15.5 ounces; that's a difference of 2.5 pounds. Even the quick-release plates on the 460MG are smaller and lighter. In the 3047's defense, it is designed to carry 16lbs (versus 6.6lbs for the 460MG), and I just don't need that sort of heft. Additionally, the 460MG has knobs rather than long handles, and its design allows it to be more compactable. 


After using it yesterday for a bit, I think the 460MG is not as smooth as the 3047, but that's a sacrifice I can live with, with the improvement in portability. (Unfortunately, the outing didn't yield any post-worthy results.) Another thing I'll miss about the 3047 is its 2-way level; the 460MG has only a bubble level, which is serviceable but not nearly as nice. That could always be remedied by purchasing a hot-shoe 3-way level.


Overall, I'm pleased and expect this tripod head to yield years of support as have its other siblings that I have owned. If you're looking to purchase this head, you can purchase it at Amazon, and accomplish two things: support me and get it at its best price.

Please feel free to leave any comments or questions you might have. I strive to make this as informative as possible.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Last of the Tomatoes

There have been many posts since April about my tomato plants and the fruit they've yielded. But those plants have finally succumbed to the elements. There is only one tomato left, so until next Spring...

Friday, December 2, 2011

Winter is a Harsh Mistress

Comes now Winter, a harsh mistress, bleeding the life and color out of all who dare withstand her.

Canon Rebel T2i, EF 50mm f/1.8 II, 1/250s
I liberated this post's title from a similarly titled Robert Heinlein novel; dissimilarly, I suppose, this blog isn't likely to win any Hugo Awards

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Noccalula Falls

In honor of the recent notoriety Noccalula Falls is receiving as a result of a trio of kayakers paddling over the waterfall on Monday (link), I have decided to post my only photo of the falls. Noccalula Falls is near Fort Payne, Alabama.

Noccalula Falls, Alabama (c.2003) :: Mamiya M645, Sekor C 45mm f/2.8

Friday, November 25, 2011

Moonlight Lady of Blount County

In this final implementation from last week's trip through Blount County, I bring you one of that county's residents in her most natural state. I was grateful for how close this momma cow was letting me creep on her without being too bothered by my intrusion during her grazing.

Blount County, Alabama :: Canon Rebel T2i, Tokina 12-24mm f/4 @ 12mm, 1/160s @ f/5.6, ISO 200

Blount County Barn in Disrepair

Blount County, Alabama :: Canon Rebel T2i, EF 50mm f/1.8 II, 1/80s @ f/5.6, ISO 200

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Bovine, Barn, and a Misplaced Van in Blount County

I first saw this scene a couple of years ago when I was plotting put-in and take-out points for paddling on the Locust Fork. But at the time, I didn't have a camera with me that would allow me to photograph it as I envisioned. I've had the place on my mind ever since, having returned a couple of time, but never with the conditions being right...until Monday morning.

Canon Rebel T2i, Tamron LD Di 70-300mm @ 70mm, ISO 200 @ f/8, HDR: 1/500s, 1/200s, 1/60s

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

How I Caught a Robber OR Moral Turpitude and Tomato Thievery

On a fateful Monday morning in November, I was in my home office preparing for the day ahead, when movement outside the window caught my eye. There was a fellow walking between my house and the vacant house next door. And since that house is for sale I went to the window to spy who my potential neighbor might be. But the grungy guy that I beheld didn't seem a potential suitor for the house; not only that, he had one of my still-green tomatoes in hand. The audacity!

I then went to a window at the front of the house to see what sort of car this fellow drove. None. There was no car in driveway next door. Curiouser and curiouser. My suspicions aroused, I went through the door to the garage, where the garage-door was already up. The grungy fellow in jeans and a plain, white t-shirt was standing at the end of my driveway, peering in, as if to scope the place out. So I stepped back in the house for a moment.

When I came back out, he was walking out from between my house and my other neighbor's house; he then proceeded up the street, walking through people's yards. I decided then that this was odd enough that I ought to call the police, but I didn't want to alarm Anna yet, so I had to be nonchalant in my retrieval of my phone and handgun. Having then gotten those things, I went back outside.

Upon getting the Fultondale Police dispatcher on the phone, I described what and whom I had seen. The dispatcher assured me that she would notify a patrol car, all the while acting like I was completely wasting her time; and how dare I be so brazen! While I was on the phone, the grungy fellow comes running back down the street, and then ducks between my house and the vacant house. Ten minutes later, I still hadn't seen a car. But Anna and I had to take my car to the shop. So off we went.

On the ride home, after dropping off the car, I described to Anna what I had seen. She was alarmed. When we got home, I made Anna wait will I inspected the house. It was fine. I then went out back to check out my house and the vacant house. I then discovered that the glass back door of the vacant house had been smashed. So I called the Fultondale Police for the second time, and described what I had seen. No more impressed than the first go-round, the dispatcher assured me that she would sent a car. Some ten to fifteen minutes later, a patrol car does in fact arrive.

After finishing his cigarette, he went around to the back of the house. A second car arrived, and the officer joined the first around back. Several minutes later, I heard a loud thud, just as a third car arrived. I informed that officer that I had made the call; he asked me to describe the suspect. I did, and he replied, "Is that the same guy as they have in there now?" "He's in there?!" I asked incredulously and unnecessarily. Moments later they brought him out in cuffs and hauled him off.

I expected that I should be lauded as some sort of neighborhood hero. I was not. I did later learn that the reason grungy fellow was running back down the street (while I was on the phone with the Police the first time) was that he had broken into a house up the block, and someone had been home. Learning that information caused me to be all-the-more irritated that it took the Police so long to arrive after the second call, when they had already been in the neighborhood an hour previously.

The story doesn't quite end there. A couple of days later, I was walking between my house and the vacant house, where I discovered a still-green tomato that had a bite taken out of it. I wish it were poisonous.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Introducing the Carolina Anole

The other day, I was walking through the living room and glanced out the window at the shrub/tree/thing that resides there. I noticed in the uppermost leaves there was a lizard hanging out. I have seen dozens of these lizards around the house; one even lived in my office a few weeks, until I realized that Anna would murder me if she saw him roaming about and discerned that I had known of his presence, at which point I ushered him outside (but not without pangs of guilt; it was cold out). 

Nevertheless, I never knew what sorts of lizards these were until some helpful cohorts at Photo.net helped me ID them: the Carolina Anole (or Green Anole). They eat moths and roaches and other insects. And when the males cause the orange part of their throat to stick out (that part is called the 'dewlap'), they're either trying to appear threatening or attract females.


Canon Rebel T2i, Tamron LD Di 70-300mm @ 300mm, 1/30s @ f/8, ISO 800

Friday, November 18, 2011

Petri 2.8 Color Corrected Super

Having visited a flea market recently, I was fortunate enough to come upon a Petri 2.8 Color Corrected Super. The Petri 2.8 was manufactured Kuribayashi Camera Industry, Inc. in Japan from 1958-61.



It features an Orikkor 45mm f/2.8 lens, with an amber coating; mine also features some sort of oil or dried fluid on one or more of the interior elements (below), but this is not courtesy of the manufacturer. The aperture opens from f/2.8-22, with ten aperture blades. Somehow the camera I bought still has what appears to be the original lens cap, thanks in large part to the leather Petri carry case the camera was in.


The camera also sports a leaf shutter with a max shutter speed of 1/300s; in my copy, the shutter begins to drag a bit from 1/2s-1s, but faster shutter speeds appear to increase incrementally and sound about right.



I have read that the rangefinder on the camera is coupled and provides brightlines for parallax correction, but I can't verify that as of yet. Until the viewfinder (below) receives the attention of some cleaning agents, it has all the utility of glasses on a blind man.


 I've found some disassembly instructions and suggestions, so hopefully, I will be able to clean both the viewfinder and lens and restore this camera to some real functionality. Either way, you'll likely see the results in the not-too-distant future.

But before cleaning the Petri, I wanted to see what it could do in it's present state. All of the below photos were taken at the Cardiff Cemetery in Cardiff, Alabama.






While there's certainly room for improvement, I can't say I was disappointed. In all of these the aperture was set at either f/8 or f/11. I wanted to give myself a large margin of error while I got accustomed to the scale focusing. Those scenes were shot on Kodak Gold 200; with manual exposure, I thought I might need plenty of exposure latitude as well; looks like I did alright.

Please feel free to leave any comments or questions you might have. I strive to make this as informative as possible.