mart46

Well my friends I went and done it!
 
Some of you guys who have been here a while may recall my daughter "borrowed" my X-T1 and my "don't leave home without it lens" the Fuji 18-55.  For the last several months I've been photographing using my primes only -- the fabulous 16 f1.4, the 23 1.4, 35 1.4, and 60 2.4 plus the 55-200 zoom.  And I loved doing that.  I've truly enjoyed making images as I have to be slower, and more thoughtful in the process plus, let's face reality, the primes will always beat a zoom with regards to sharpness, and micro-contrast among other things.
However, the 18-55 is a lens I cannot live without!  I love it.  There I said it.  If I loved it any more I'd have to name it and provide it it's own ss number for tax purposes.  
I do plan on continuing to use primes for most of my images as I really enjoyed using them and have weened myself off the zoom, but I will feel much better knowing my 18-55 is back in my bag just in case I need it!
 
To be completely honest:  I looked at the 16-55 2.8.  Many of you who "know me" know that I've said I would never purchase this lens, and it's brother the 50-140 2.8 due to 1) the weight  and 2) price.  I looked at the 16-55 2.8, i thought about it, but I just couldn't bring myself to purchase this heavy, and expensive lens when for a quarter of the price my 18-55 works wonders, is super tack sharp, and has provided me with YEARS of use -- my original 18-55 was the kit lens that came on my Fuji X-E1 I purchased back in February 2013!
 
This image below is one of over 16,000 images I have taken in various locations ranging from Key West, to Prince Edward Island in Northern Canada between mid-July, and early November.  I believe I "lost" the 18-55 to my daughter when I returned from the Keys and was prepping to head north -- this image was in fact taken with the 18-55 lens.
 
So, I'm now whole again and I couldn't be happier knowing it's there in case I need it.
 
PS:  Here in the Classifieds I'm offering for sale my Zeiss/Touit 12mm F2.8 lens.  Check it out if you are in the market for a wide-angle for your Fuji!

X-T2 and 56 F1.2
 

X-T2 and 56 F1.2
 

X-T2 and 56 F1.2
 

Just back from a family holiday... A couple with the 12mm.
 
 
 
 

Just back from a family holiday... A couple with the 12mm.
 
 
 
 

Here's one from a few weeks back whilst in Zimbabwe...
 
 

I was covering a childrens event at church yesterday. All taken with the X-T1 and 35mm. I just love this lens!
 
 

I still love my 35mm F1.4, so I'd recommend the 35mm

Evening Chill @Tallinn, Estonia by Hendrik Osula, on Flickr
 
X100s

Halong Bay - Vietnam
 

This arrived at the end of last week. Just a few samples from my garden or local park.

This arrived at the end of last week. Just a few samples from my garden or local park.

This arrived at the end of last week. Just a few samples from my garden or local park.

Hi folks,
 
Taking pictures of raptors and scavengers is an amazing experience. They are majestic, elegant and some of them are beautiful birds. Today I woke up earlier. I was picked up at 7am, at dusk. Outside was chilly, gloomy and foggy. While I was getting ready inside the photo hide, Juan, responsible of Vultour, was placing carrion in visible places.   The hide’s crystal spy was getting misted by my breathing. As soon as he left me alone nothing happened. However, 100 meters away from me, I saw something, then I realized that I wasn’t alone. There were pine trees full of Common ravens and some Red kites alighted waiting for their breakfast, it was the quiet before the storm... Continue reading the article: Raptors photo hide   Don't forget to visit my site here: www.josecarpin.com   Below one of the pictures of the article taken by the XF100-400mm:  

Here's one from a few weeks back whilst in Zimbabwe...
 
 

Just back from a family holiday... A couple with the 12mm.
 
 
 
 

Fuji X-E1 + 10-24/4 

had fun today

12mm and Lee Big stopper 4.3 sec exposure
 

Took a wander around Whitburn Village and then along to Sunderland with my new X-T1 and lenses - really enjoying exploring with the Samyang 12mm...
 

 

 
 
Ps. Milandro - I started my SLR photography with a Konica Autoreflex A which was shutter priority and manual. I recall it went off with one hell clatter and that the 50mm lens was fantastically sharp.

both passions combined...
 
X-T1 & Samyang 12mm f2 <-> Kawasaki Z1000
 

 

Lucky day in Scotland