Manual focus

I used to enjoy fine tuning my focus on the camera. Especially, when I first learned how to use a DSLR, I heavily manual focus. However, recently, my eyes seem to have a tough time discerning the focus, especially on my optical viewfinder and when using large aperture lenses. 

Manual focusing can be fun, but it is also time consuming especially if you're not used to using manual focus lenses. The best manual focusing lenses have a very smooth and solid feeling when using the focus rings. This allows for accurate and quite speedy focusing.

Manual focusing is especially useful in low-light, this is where, this technique shines. However, for me, I still find it quite tough because of my sights. I prefer the use of autofocus which is very good in modern DSLRs and unless pressed, I will stick to auto-focus.

So, goodbye to manual focus lenses for now. I am all automatic.

Figure 1: Large aperture MF lenses.

Of buttons and knobs

Figure 1: Dials and switches.

I am first exposed to digital single lens reflex photography when I was in university. My girlfriend just both a new Sony Alpha 330 and I was psyched by that camera. During that time, I wasn't aware about my interest in photography, but it grows as soon as I touched the camera.

I started by using only the auto mode, as I didn't know what the P,A,S and M on the dials mean, everytime I dialed those settings in I was clueless as what to adjust and my photos are washed out. My girlfriend teaches me that M is the best way to learn and how to control the aperture, iso and shutter speed.

Not so long after that I learned to use M, and the fact that I couldn't select the AF point that I want for the camera annoys me. I soon find that going in to menus during shooting is really annoying and I missed a lot of moments by going into those menus.

After I finished my university, I decide to buy my own digital single lens reflex camera, and one of the most important features for me to shoot in M, is two control dials. The first camera I held with those type of controls is the Nikon D80 which is a very phenomenal camera. 

Ever since that, I always enjoyed Nikon upper level cameras which have two control dials to control both shutter speed and aperture. The iso button and also exposure compensation buttons are also within good reach. It is important to remember your controls as it may cause you to lose your photo.

I believe that the camera is a tool and is an extension of the photographer's self to capture images to the full potential of the camera's sensor. I superbly recommend those who are really interested in digital single lens reflex cameras to take these few points of control into consideration.

Canon's upper level cameras are also a joy to use, however with different dials and button placement, one should be better off choosing the system they want to shoot with. As for me, I enjoy using both Nikon and Canon digital single lens reflex cameras with those mentioned features.

Ultra-wides

Figure 1: Crisp images from the Nikkor 17-70mm. 

I have to admit that I love and enjoy landscape photography. It is my main activity on the island during my past-times. Whenever I am online, I would look at pictures from far away which are spectacular and very beautiful. It widens up my perspectives and encourages me to travel which I have yet to do.

I discovered my tendency to use the wide end of my lens instead of zooming in for the kill. Thus after sometime shooting with the Nikkor 17-70mm which is a sharp kit lens which I enjoyed using right until the tripod which I left, fall over and smashing the front element into the stony mud.

Before I did some research on ultra-wides which are available for APS-C sized sensors and asked my friends who owned these type of lenses on their opinions. My friend, Mr.Henry Lee strongly recommended me to get the Tokina. This company is famous for their ultra-wides.

Figure 2: Taken with the Tokina 12-24mm f4.

Ultra-wide angle lenses for APS-C sized sensors starts from 15mm below. Thus there are a few lenses from different manufacturers which are able to supply these type of lenses at different aperture openings. If it weren't for the zoom range, I would have chosen the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 which is phenomenal.

Since I need a new lens,  the Tokina 12-24mm f4 immediately comes into mind as I couldn't afford Nikkor's version of 12-24mm f4. So that lens is the lens which I used for most of my landscape photography. My version is very sharp at f4 and I usually use it at f8 for my application.

The build quality and feel of the lens is also great. The lens is internal focusing and zooms internally too. A very solid and smooth moving lenses. I bought mine second hand at a very reasonable price and never regretted the purchase. I like that it has the gold ring which is similar to Nikon's pro-line lenses.

Figure 3: Tokina 12-24mm f4.

That lens has been stuck into my Nikon D200 ever since I bought it. My next purchase will be the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 which will be for the Canon 20D but until the Canon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens fails I guess that will have to wait. For sure, if I get a good price and condition I'll always purchase second hand.

What are gears?

Figure 1: Mirror mirror on the wall, which is the best lens of them all.

This is a big question for all photographers, especially photography freaks who collect gears but rarely utilize it. This is not such an issue for people who are lucky enough to be financially blessed with a lot of money. But for me, since I have limits in my spending I monitor my lust daily.

Having the best gear, but not using the correct technique to use the lens is a fail in the face. It is also true, when you simply just buy it just because other photographer recommended it as a good lens. If your passion is not in that zoom range then, its always best to skip it.

Pros always says its all about the lenses, well that's true, if you have a wide selection of lenses according to your brand, then stick to that brand. Jump ship or changing brands is really quite a waste of money. Always changing camera bodies one generation after another is also another common indicator.

For me, since I am just taking photos as a hobby, it doesn't make sense to invest in the most expensive gear. I just can't afford it. So I take second hand stuff, I help those wanting to dispose their unneeded gear and I utilize it fully till it can be properly disposed.

For now, I am a Nikon user and have only two lenses which I always use. One wide angle lens and another fix focal large aperture lens. I enjoy photography and it has opened a door which has once closed to me after I left drawing. It relieves me from worries of the world.

So keep to your passions and let those creative energy flow instead of gear acquisition.