Good Saturday morning everyone! Hope this finds you well!
I’ve been playing around with my Nikkor 40mm f2.8 and was reading that with this particular lens, the best images are taken at least 6.4 inches away from your subject, and then on to portraits and landscapes.
But then I captured this … I think I was about 1 inch away from this poppy.
Perhaps it has to do with getting the best possible focus, and not taking into account artistic expression.
Lately I’ve been studying up on my camera and my lenses and its amazing how much more control I’ve gained over my photography. A quick push of a button and a turn of the command or sub-command dial and you can change ISO, exposure, metering, etc. You all probably know this, but I’m a slow learner, or at the very least, I’m slow to study up on my equipment.
Having said all this, I still end up deleting over half my images, mostly due to dreadful exposure or focus.
What’s one thing that you’ve learned, either about your camera or a lens that you’ve found helpful? What lens do you love the best? I’m dreaming about the Nikkor 18-300mm f 3.5 – 5.6 … dreaming, I said … .
Holy moley, great shots. I seem to be learning little tidbits each day and ditching tons of bad shots. But I’m happier with some of the shots am getting.
Love the artistic feel of the poppies….it’s OK to delete and find 2 or 3 moving photos!! Lovely!!
i love the first shot! i have no command over my camera. zero. i admire yours.
I like the softness of these. I’m dreaming of a macro lens at some point.
These are both glorious images, Barb. That yellow is so warm and inviting. I keep learning new things al the time about my camera and lenses. I love Nikkor lenses too. But one of the best things I did recently was put my focus on a back button separating it from the shutter function. It’s easy to do — I can point you to instructions — and it has really helped my focusing. I don’t think I could go back now…
Thank you, Sherry! I would love it if you could point me to the instructions! That’s why I wrote this post – I want to learn from others!
Funny that you put this lens up as I just got it yesterday. Cannon so not sure if it is the same equivalent to the Nikon. I tried it out yesterday and this morning but from what I am seeing I think I am going to love it. I wanted it because it is so compact and for the 2.8. I wanted also so I could maybe just carry this in my bag for everyday use. Reminds me of a smashed in dogs face on my 5D. I will put up some images hopefully next week and you can take a look. I really like how close you got with yours, did you do manual focus to get that close?
I also use back focus and have for a lot of years love it and haven’t looked back since changing over. After trying out the 70-200mmL I am really feeling I am more of a prime girl more than a zoom girl. I hate changing lens when I am out and use zooms but find primes to be my most used lens of all when I want to pick up a lens.
Love the color you have here of the poppy Barb and focus is awesome.
Now I meant to say Canon not Cannon…..ugh
That is such a strange coincidence, Barbara! and to show you how scientific I am … I can’t remember how I focused because I was trying so many different ways ;) and when I went and looked at the Metadata, it wasn’t in there – arghhh – my guess would be that it was auto-focus. I can’t wait to see what you do with it. I’m also very curious about this “back focus” so am going to google it.
Great shots. Colour and focus. I have a Sigma 18-250 at least the repair shop has it at the moment. I like it because I don’t have to change lenses. Wide angle at one end and Zoom at the other. However, I don’t like it because it has stopped communicating with the camera (canon) twice now. So I am trying to learn my prime lens and macro lens but have been a bit lazy of late as I am scanning old slides and not doing much photography.
That’s what I’m thinking too, Diane – that I won’t have to change lenses plus I only have a 55-200mm. My new Nikon D7100 gave me grief not long after I bought it – the camera itself was at fault and would not focus so it spent a few weeks in the hospital – so I understand your pain. Love the name of your blog! :)
Love your poppies! So glad you were able to get some so you could play. Wish I had known you were interested in learning about back-button-focus when we were together. I switched to it a couple of years ago and LOVE IT! I was having so many focusing issues and this has pretty much solved them. I don’t think you can beat a prime for sharpness but I also hate switching out lenses when I’m out and about. I am wondering why, if I have the 50mm f/1.4, would I want the 40mm f/2.8. I checked the difference in weights and the 40mm is about half the weight but I still don’t think it would allow me to carry my camera in my purse. I think my very favorite lens right now is my 100mm macro f/2.8. It’s on my camera about 75% of the time or maybe more. I’m thinking you must have been in manual focus to have been able to focus from so close. Beautiful job!
Wonderfull shots! I think a 50 or maybe this 40mm lens is the next thing i bought , i have only a 105mm on my nikon and it is sometimes a little heavy to to take it with me on a walk.
Wonderful shots! I think a 50 or maybe this 40mm lens is the next thing i bought , i have only a 105mm on my nikon and it is sometimes a little heavy to to take it with me on a walk.
These are really beautiful, Barb, especially the second one.
I have this lens, and I think the 6.4 inches is the minimum focusing distance for the lens when not using it as a macro.
When using it for macro shots (1:1), you really have to be in VERY close. You can actually touch a flower with the lens, and still focus (on a very small portion of course). This lens is also amazing on the street. Have fun with it!
I love the color . So full of sunshine and life.
Gorgeous.