The Olympus 60mm F2.8 Macro is a Great Lens
I’ve used many a macro lenses over the years and I’m extremely impressed by the performance of this lens. I can’t believe it’s only $600.
My only complaint is that the hood seems hard to find! Weather sealed and a focus distance switch just makes it perfect. Hardly any LOCA or CA even in high contrast metal surfaces.
Will be adding a ringlight kit to my bag in the near future and really see what this thing can do.
A paid shoot with the Olympus OM-D E-M5
The last time I took my OM-D for a paid shoot, it was a backup with my NEX-7 doing most of the work.
This time, I just took my OM-D.
An interesting observation is that at least up to 2000×2000, I can’t tell much of a difference in quality between the Panasonic 14-45mm and the modern 4/3rd Olympus ZD 50mm F2 Macro for this distance. Of course the Olympus can go to 1:1 (in 35mm terms) which is much closer but 14-45mm… I mean I can’t complain about the resolution.
If Olympus comes out with a F1.4 or F1.2 16mm that is amazing, I’m not sure how I can justify keeping my NEX-7 ZA 24mm combo.
My suggestions and thoughts on Micro Four Third Lenses
Just added a new page:
http://www.jaegraphy.com/blog/micro-four-thirds-lens-suggestions
This page includes my current thoughts on MFT lenses I’ve had the opportunity to own and try. I’ll be updating the page periodically as I go through more lenses. I’ve included several sample images in the page so you can gauge where I’m coming from.
Another Night, Another Few Watches
Shot again with the supremely versatile Zeiss ZA 24-70mm F2.8. With just a B+W MRC Circular polarizer for some of the shots. No magnifier was used. More Pics after the jump.
More pictures after the jump. (more…)
Shooting inside a Bar – Panerai 372 and Panerai Bronzo 382
Some watch photography I did with an unorthodox kit. Sony A850 with a Sony ZA Zeiss 24-70mm F2.8 SSM and a couple of flashes. I used just a Marumi Achromatic +5 Close up filter to enhance magnification on the already macro friendly ZA 24-70mm. My simple leather jacket was used as a backdrop and a small metal sheet I fit into my small bag. The important thing is to just modify your light and use RF triggers so you can have off camera flashes.
While a lot of patrons of the bar did not appreciate flashes popping left and right, I’m relatively happy with the results.
More Pics In the Link
Iceland
I recently took a European tour with two friends joining me for the first leg of it. Even though we were delayed 24 hours with the worst airline I’ve ever traveled (Iceland Express, make sure to travel Iceland Air), it was still quite worth it. We lost a day and a night in Iceland which made the more nervous/jumpy of us (Mike) almost want to cancel the trip. Fortunately we still ended up going and it was an amazing experience. The highlight for me was the Blue Lagoon, it was a singularly unique experience and makes all other thermal mineral spas seem quaint by comparison. The in pool bar and massages really bring the experience forward to another level.