Dave Frost Photography

With the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro lens that arrived this week.  Purchased as an emergency replacement for the trusty Tamron, which has developed a rather irritating fault beyond economical repair.  Still in two minds as to whether to flog it on ebay for spares or repair (along with all my now useless filters for it or take it apart to see how they’re all put together.

Unfortunately, the skies have been perpetually grey.  That and the usual heavy work load has meant that although I’ve had this lens all week, I’ve yet to actually take any photos with it to see how it performs.  I did manage a couple of shots through the office window into the gloominess and have noted that the chromatic abberation (or lack of) with this lens is quite impressive.  It was always a bit of an issue with the Tamron.  Nothing too terrible but a nuisance to correct in post processing.  As for sharpness, I’ll have to wait for a better day.

Today’s shot is one of those test ones.  There’s a green washing line running diagonally across the frame (rendered almost invisible thanks to the far focus and Depth of Field), and it was hand held with a shutter speed of 1/200 @ f5.6 and focal length of 300mm.

Topical – Especially after the events up in Cumbria this weekend. Was on the M25 this morning on my wayu round to the office, enjoying the views at a sedate 20 mph for most of the 63 miles. Bored witless with only Wogan on the radio to keep me company, I thought it might be an idea to try and capture the essence of the moment.
Actually, that’s crap. I was just bored so I got the camera out. I cannot stress enough how dangerous (and illegal) it is to use an SLR whilst driving, and can assure you that I was perfectly stationary at the time.

Quite liked the effect of the lights in the rain for this one. But remember kids, clunk click every trip.

If that’s true, then my windows need cleaning or I have no soul. This was another one of those, what shall I do now moments. So I attached the nifty fifty to the 30D, stuck in 24mm of extension tubes and wobbled back and forth in front of the lens with the camera remote in hand. Out of 10 or so shots, this one was the only one nearly in focus.

I guess I’ll be getting bored with the macro shots shortly so will have some “proper” photos up here again before the end of the month !!