More From New Kit Lens - Fogo Island

[camperbc]

I have since recovered from my May 19th trek on the Lion's Den Trail high above the town of Fogo, so I decided yesterday to do a little more exploring. It amazes me just how little of this island I have actually covered (photographed) and how much more I have yet to see; I believe it will take a lifetime to capture all 254 square kms of Fogo Island!

Anyway, here are a few taken yesterday (June 2nd) with my Sony Alpha and new 18-55mm kit lens. I was better prepared this time, and brought along my water bottle! I am ordering a Lowepro Slingshot camera backpack, which should be much more comfortable than carrying my heavy and bulky suitcase-style camera cases everywhere I go.

Again today, my poor upper spine is paying a heavy price for yesterday's punishment, and I am writing this while lying flat on my back in bed, (in a Percocet haze, no less!) but it was worth it! I aim to see and do as much as I possibly can, before I totally lose my mobility and wish I had done more while I could. So I will lay low for a week or so, and hopefully be back on the hunt for more scenic Fogo Island views in the coming weeks.

As usual, all of these are taken handheld, including the panorama of three images stitched together using Microsoft ICE. (Why did I buy this tripod??)

Glen
http://www.FocusOnNewfoundland.com














Fogo Island Photography: http://www.FocusOnNewfoundland.com
Fogo Island Journal: http://www.fogoislanders.blogspot.com

[aster]

Hi Camperbc,

These are awesome, showcasing the beauty of the Fogo Island. This is just the kind of landscape I like; with giant rock formations and green all blending into the marvellous blue of the sea and the sky.

Thanks for all your efforts and I hope your back recovers sooner than is expected. I'm enjoying the trips you take us through your photos.

Thanks for sharing,

Yildiz

[Dr. Harout]

Seconded.

[sury]

Glen,
Dramatic landscapes. MS ICE did a good job stitching. I really like ICE for panos.
Have you done any post processing on the first one? It looks a bit
over sharpened to my eyes. But it could be my eyes and/or monitor.

With best regards,
Sury

[camperbc]

Sury,
Once in a while someone will comment that my images may appear a bit too sharp, but That's OK. I think it all depends on the type of monitor used to view them. When they are printed out, they do not appear over-sharpened.
Thanks,
Glen

[Dr. Harout]

It would be quite interesting to compare the new 18-55 with 18-70 and/or 16-105 under the same conditions.
Glen, does your lens hunt once in a while? Or is the AF quite accurate?
Looking at your shots, I really like the lens but you know better.

[camperbc]

Dr. Harout, As you can tell, I love my new Sony 18-55mm, which is what I normally have mounted on my A200. I have had no issues with it hunting; I find it focuses very quickly and is extremely accurate. I also own the 18-70mm, and many other Sony and Minolta Maxxum lenses. I have taken some good shots with the 18-70mm also, (I find it is not as bad as many people suggest) but the 18-55mm is worlds better, especially at full wide; far less distortion, and razor sharp right to the edges/corners. I don't have the 16-105mm so I cannot compare.

The 18-55mm is dirt cheap, (I bought it brand new online for $110) and it has yet to let me down. Performs well in low light, also in harsh mid-day sun, great bokeh. In fact, I find the image quality right up there with my vintage Minolta 50mm f/1.4 and 35-70mm f/4, and that's quite an accomplishment indeed. Everyone knows about the famous "Minolta Colours", and I see the same great colours (re: the way it renders the blues of the sea and sky, sunsets, etc.) with this lightweight Sony lens. I highly recommend it.

I am curious to learn what gear you are presently using, and your thoughts.

Best regards,
Glen
http://www.FocusOnNewfoundland.com

[Dr. Harout]

I am curious to learn what gear you are presently using, and your thoughts.

Best regards,
Glen
http://www.FocusOnNewfoundland.com

A700 + Sony 50/2.8 Macro, 16-105, 75-300 (I had the 18-70 which rendered some nice shots, which I agree with you)
Minolta 28/2.8, 35-70/3.5-4.5 (not the Macro version) (had the 70-210/3.5-4.5) and a bunch of M42 lenses (different brands)
Sony 50/2.8 macro is my favorite. 16-105 is a middle class (imo) lens, it needs to be stopped down (f/8-11 are its best), wide open yields way too soft corners.
Let's not talk about the 75-300 (I wish I kept the Minolta 70-210/3.5-4.5, way better)