Lighthouses (again!)

[Birma]

We've had several Lighthouse topics over the the last few years, but as they are one of my favourite subjects I wanted to kick off another set.

We are just back from ten days in the Hebrides where we had some fabulous sunshine, although it was still chilly. I have posted pictures of all of these lighthouses before, but the pictures are all new I promise

First of all two from around the Isle of Mull.


Hebrides Easter 2013 - Lismore light by Birm, on Flickr


Hebrides Easter 2013 - Rubha nan Gall Light by Birm, on Flickr

Both with the Nex 5 and SEL 55-210. These were both taken from different ferries. The first was from the MV Isle of Mull travelling from Oban to Craignure, and the second was from MV Loch Linnhe travelling from Tobermory to Kilchoan.

[Birma]

Here is a lighthouse on the Isle of Skye at Neist Point. This shot is pretty much a cliché for the Isle of Skye, but I still wanted the chance to get my version of it . I arrived on this particular evening hoping for some nice colours from the setting sun. As well as myself and three or four other people taking pictures (everything from camera phones to cameras on tripods) there was even someone giving a photographic lesson!


Hebrides Easter 2013 - Neist Point by Birm, on Flickr

The light never really developed as I had hoped, but it is a stunning view. Taken with A99 and SAL 28-75, on tripod.

[sury]

Very nice Andy. I loved the third one the best as much as it is cliche.
Believe it or not, what caught my eye was the sunlight reflection off the
light house windows. It was subtle yet I was drawn to it. I doubt very many
cliche shots can boast that kind of nuance.

With best regards,
Sury

[Birma]

Thanks Sury - I'm amazed you could see the reflection in the lighthouse - you have a good monitor . Here is another of Neist Point lighthouse just before the light failed completely.


Hebrides Easter 2013 - Neist Point 2 by Birm, on Flickr

A99 with SAL 28-75

[mvanrheenen]

Amazing shots of Neist Point, Andy! Great view!

Mark

[sury]

Good examples of capturing the image during golden hour. The first one is dramatic where as
the second one conveys more details in a subdued (in a positive sense) fashion.

Sury

[Dr. Harout]

Andy, how do you find the 28-75 Sony?

[Birma]

Thank you Sury and Mark

Hi Doc - I'm very pleased with the SAL 28-75. I decided I wanted the option of AF-D on the A99 and so I went for the more expensive Sony version rather than the much, much cheaper Tamron version (£569 v £314 in the UK). I found a good price for a new copy of the Sony which made me feel a bit better about spending so much more for almost the same lens. It is a fairly big lens after being used to APS-C lenses. Build quality I would say is average; not amazing, but ok. It has a slightly unusual filter diameter of 67 mm. I was a bit worried whether I would find the 28mm wide end wide enough, but it hasn't been a problem so far. I would want something ultra wide in my bag anyway and so I have the KM 17-35 f/3.5-4.5 as its partner.

I haven't used AF much yet but is seems quite quick. The MF action is ok and the zoom action is quite 'light'. (There is a zoom lock.) The SAM requirement for a lens AF/MF switch hasn't been too much of a problem yet.

So far, in the short time I have had the A99, the SAL 28-75 has become its default lens. It is also nice to have the orange Sony alpha logo on the front rather than Tamron/Sigma/KM/Minolta for a change

[david antony]

Really nice work Birma, always nice to see lighthouses from the beach or from a boat.

Congrats on your a99 & the Orange labeled 28-75. I have the KM version which is quite good. Yours is superb. ;^) Should be some killer blue bells this year.

[Birma]

Thanks DA

Bluebells are the main thing that I am looking forward to, photographically speaking, now that I am back home after visiting the Hebrides. It is going to be a funny year for wild flowers I think as Spring has been very cold and at first very wet, and then very dry around here. I will be trying to fit in some visits to the woods to see how they and the other plants are coming along this weekend.

[bakubo]

I especially like those lighthouse photos out on the rocky peninsula. Looks like you are enjoying your new A99!

[caporip]

Lovely shots Birma.

I remember Neist point very well looks like you had good weather?

[Birma]

I especially like those lighthouse photos out on the rocky peninsula. Looks like you are enjoying your new A99!

Thanks Henry, yes I am It is a bit of a shock getting used to carrying a big camera around again after spending so much time with the Nex. My aim is to use the Nex when I need to be quick (e.g. on family walks) and the A99 when I have more time. While it is the 'new toy' it is difficult to keep to this strategy .

Lovely shots Birma.

I remember Neist point very well looks like you had good weather?

Thanks Caporip The weather was great while we were there - the only bad day was the day we left so no loss really. It is really dry underfoot. I almost felt overdressed in wellies

Here are another of Neist Point. It is the sort of place that is a memory-card hog


Hebrides Easter 2013 - Neist Point 3 by Birm, on Flickr

A99 with SAL 28-75.

[Wildieswife]

Wow! You should be on the Scottish tourist board Lovely stuff. I especially like the first with the beautiful backdrop of mountains.

Mine are not so far flung as this - Three views of the lighthouse at Whitehaven, Cumbria.







My husband is checking his images




Pat

[sury]

Wow. Those are some ominous clouds Pat. Third one is my favorite.