So I said I was going to talk about this new lens I got over the holidays. Other people got puppies and babies but to me, a girl falling more in love with her camera every day, this is just as important. Let’s just start by saying I only crossed over into the digital SLR world about a year ago so for the most part I really don’t know what I’m talking about. But in this year I’ve taken something like three thousand pictures and so, if nothing else, the trigger finger is well-worked.
It is hard not to go crazy once you get into this camera world. Some days I just tuck a towel under my chin, click on the link to B&H, and let the drooling commence. It doesn’t take long for me to fill my imaginary shopping cart with all sorts of things I have no idea how to use but nonetheless covet because I am nothing if not a dreamer. And I can learn, coach. I promise I can! Thankfully, I do have a couple real-life photography coaches to guide me through this maze of lens growth. My camera’s kit lens is an 18-55mm which has taken most of the photos I’ve posted on this site over the last year. I have been, as the kids say, hella happy with this lens. But there are times, I tell you, when you just can’t get close enough to something.
So I knew my next lens would be a zoom. I settled (read: I pretty much let someone choose for me) on an 18-200mm. (Note: Not even 100% sure I’m linking to the correct lens. I am Photography Genius!) This is a Nikon lens however, I think I could just as well used a lens made for Nikon (i.e. Sigma) and been just fine. The important part, as I learned, is to find what you’re comfortable with. Go and hold them and use them first. This lens, as it was explained to me and eventually I was convinced, has “very nice glass” (you can imagine the stream of jokes I came up with there—because ‘nice glass’ rhymes with what? That’s right: sea bass.) and with it being capable of what my 18-55 can do, I would have to change it less. This is good for me, because I am remarkably graceful when it comes to expensive things. Okay, not really. Unless it has bacon on it or rum in it, I’m not likely to skillfully save anything from hitting the ground and shattering.
So you see the photo above? That’s the new lens, without any zoom. But that little tree on top of that red rock there, seemingly growing from nothing and withstanding brutal Colorado winters, was cute. So I got a little closer.
And closer.
And then vertical, just for fun.
Long story short, I think I’m going to be really happy with this lens. Sure, I was happy before but it’s sort of like finding out you can have comfort and maximum hauling capability in your new truck—you don’t know what you’re missing until you’ve got it. Alright, I made that up so that the two men I know who read this blog (the men I actually know in my everyday life, not you other mysterious [Daddy] bloggers and such) would maybe understand what I was trying to convey. They still won’t get it. But someone will!
Speaking of people I don’t know reading here, I guess it was the annual quarterly blog de-lurking day recently. And! And! Not only that, but January marks the second “anniversary” of this blog. Soooo… uhh, like, if you aren’t too busy and you’ve made it this far into the post, maybe you want to tell me who you are or that you’re out there. That would be fun. (Okay, that’s a little more awkward than I thought it’d be.)
I hope you say hi. That would give all those numbers I’m seeing every day a little identity of their own. Aww, how sweet. And I promise, I’m going to be celebrating, too. For tonight, my friends, I am off to beautiful places and friendly faces. I love it here, in the good ol’ CO, I really do. The skies are blue, the sun is shining… but there’s just this one thing: It won’t stop being so darn cold.
I’ll be checking in as I thaw. Thanks for reading.
Aaron says:
<i>Unless it has bacon on it or rum in it, I’m not likely to skillfully save anything from hitting the ground and shattering.</i>
Now that was funny! Does a 4Runner count as a truck?
Yes, I’d say that counts!
January 15th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Danielle says:
Ah, I so want to get a nicer camera…but I just love that mine is small and goes everywhere…decisions, decisions…
Some can do both, but not SLRs, generally.
January 15th, 2008 at 6:39 am
anne says:
Glad you are enjoying your new piece of glass. he he he. And we expect beeeeutiful pictures of your warm weather destination upon your return. Enjoy!
Ha! I am so glad you understand my jokes.
January 15th, 2008 at 7:21 am
swimlappy says:
New glass!! My lens from the kit I got was plastic, or so I was told. But its so light and easy to carry around all day. But nothing like the zoom and crispyness (real word??) of a true glass lens. Great shots on this post!
Thanks. And yes, crispyness can be a word.
January 15th, 2008 at 7:32 am
madreefer says:
Delurking to say: What beautiful pictures! And I think I know a spot where you can get some more great shots. See you in the sun…
January 15th, 2008 at 7:46 am
MN Sunshine says:
Congratulations on blog anniversary. You are a whole year ahead of me.
Thanks for the greeting. Yes my day was recently.
Like you say.. moving on toward a new age group…
Your pictures are delightful! The “closer” and “closer” does a great job of showing off lens possibilities. Have fun!
Thanks.
January 15th, 2008 at 8:45 am
swimlappy says:
Hmm, have u ever considered taking a photography class at a local college or univ? Might be something fun to do and encourage you to develop your talent further. It can be a handy excuse to have when taking randoms shots of strangers….
Maybe, when I’m finished with my current classes. But I have no reservations about taking photos of strangers anyway. I can run fast.
January 15th, 2008 at 8:48 am
sizzle says:
i SO need a new camera.
They are addicting, that’s for sure.
January 15th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Sil says:
hi… first time delurking here… sorry been hiding for so long and like you, i’m also a runner.
I am training for my 2nd Half Marathon in May so I can totally relate to your running post…
Love the pics!
Hi Sil! Thanks.
Good luck in your training and your race!
January 15th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Cat Chaser says:
Congrats to you, on your 2nd blog anniversary from 30 Something guy living in BADger state. One of these days I should just shoot an email.
Awsome pics, love the nature wonders, next time how about a pic of the girl behind that camera ?
January 15th, 2008 at 11:43 am
The Exception says:
I love taking pictures - though I have not brought myself to enter your level yet. I just keep buying the best point and shoots I can find! I so want to try out the professional variety with the glass!!! But for now, I will enjoy yours.
Great pictures…
Have fun thawing and can’t wait to see the pictures of your destination!
January 15th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
swimlappy says:
Haha! We have discovered a new way to train for your marathon! Put self in close proximity to stranger(s), take pic of said stranger(s) doing something hideous and/or embarrassing, chase ensues, run for life, repeat until battery runs out in camera. Now, I would suggest starting out with 5 strangers, preferably 50+ in age, then slowly work your way to mall size crowds with lots of teenagers. You will be in shape in no time!
January 15th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Dee says:
Yay blog anni!
And the pictures are gorgeous, I’m glad you use the towel to collect the drool and hopefully you’re thawing is going nicely.
January 15th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Jen says:
Happy Second Anniversary!! Great pics!
January 15th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Jacinta says:
Love the pics, though I’m afraid as far as the technical talk of photography goes it’s all in one ear and out the other (sorry)… I’m more a visual person really!
The results are FABULOUS and so I can see why you are excited. As always an entertaining read.
Happy anniversary to you!
January 16th, 2008 at 3:15 am
Nicole says:
I know nothing about cameras but you always have great pics.
Happy Anniversary.
January 16th, 2008 at 5:03 am
JACC says:
Geez, I guess it’s delurker time.
Nice lens.
January 16th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Bre says:
Mmmm… new lenses are almost as good as new shoes.
And seriously, can one ever have enough lenses?
I highly doubt it!
I’m saving for a superbly swankified wide angle lens.. yumm!
January 16th, 2008 at 9:19 pm