Lensbaby Circular Fisheye

Added another lens to my camera bag.  Years ago, I had an auxiliary fisheye lens (mounted to the primary lens) for my Canon film camera.  Fisheye lenses (optics) create some awesome imaged.  Many of my best were city scapes, looking upward.

E-mail from B&H Photo Video advertised a new fisheye lens from Lensbaby (best known for their tilt-shift lenses).  The lens is available with a Canon mount and priced at $300.00!  (OK, $299.95). Add in free shipping, I could not resist.

 

Some of particulars of the lens:  5.8mm circular fisheye,  aperture f/3.5 - 22,  185 deg view,  manual focus, compatible with APS-C and full frame sensors, focus from 0.25" to infinity.

Late yesterday afternoon, UPS delivered my toys (bought a couple other things while at it).  Had to check out my new lens.  Made a couple test shots in the front yard.

First thing I noticed was that the aperture adjustment is also manual.  It may be that my camera was set up for Aperture Priority. Taking a couple of test shots, the LCD monitor was showing artifacts/flares in the imaged (outside of the base circle).  I did not have this situation with the auxiliary lens. If this is what the specifications call as "creative flare effect" I thinks it detracts to the image.

Thinking that perhaps this might not show in processed image, I loaded my test shots into the computer.  Unfortunately, the "flare" is still there.  Did some research on the Lensbaby web site, all of their example images show the same effect.  It looks like I will need to create a mask for photoshop elements if I want to remove the flare effect.

Being 185 deg view, I need to be careful that my stomach does not show in the bottom of the image. Was a problem with most of my test shots.  The lower photo in the blog is one of my test shots taken yesterday afternoon.

Shooting the Blood Moon

Early this morning we in the USA were treated by a celestial show - full lunar eclipse.  Moon rise of the April 14th was mostly clear with a few light clouds. While I had napped during the day, not sure if I would be up for the whole eclipse. Gathered the equipment for a shoot.

All photos processed from RAW by Adobe Camera RAW. The camera was supported by Sunpak tripod.  Canon wired electronic shutter release.

Early evening shot. The first thing I did was set a negative EV, trying to adjust the metering for the bright subject. 

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens.  f/5.6 at 0.800 sec  Aperture Priority  102.0mm  ISO 100   EV -2.67

At my location, approximately 20 miles due East of downtown Omaha, NE, the eclipse started about 1:00 am CDT. Clear and cold (upper 20s) with no wind.  Camera was set up in my driveway. This photo was taken at 1:16 am.

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens.  f/5.3 at 1/13 sec  Aperture Priority  200.0mm  ISO 100   EV -5.00

Changed my len before subsequent shots.  Wanted to get a close as my equipment would allow.  Caught this photo as the eclipse nears totality and the moon starts turning red.  1:57am

Canon EOS 60D with .Canon EF 75-300 (1.6 cf) lens  f/8.0 at 1/2 sec  Aperture Priority  300.0mm  (effective 480mm)  ISO 100   EV -5.00

The "money" shot of the shoot.  You can understand why its called a "Blood Moon".  This shot required changes to my procedure.  I switched to "live" mode to get a good focus.  Fortunately, I had time to go into the house to process earlier photos and realized I had a focus problem.  

Canon EOS 60D with .Canon EF 75-300 (1.6 cf) lens  f/6.3 at 5.00 sec  Bulb  300.0mm  (effective 480mm)  ISO 100   EV 0.00

 

On the way back to the full moon, I was having problems with artifacts - see above. There was no detail in the moon like I was hoping to see.  It was now 4:00 am.  

Canon EOS 60D with .Canon EF 75-300 (1.6 cf) lens  f/6.3 at 1.00 sec  Bulb  300.0mm  (effective 480mm)  ISO 100   EV 0.00

Some more experimenting, I was able to get some detail into the moon before the eclipse was finished.   4:25 am

Canon EOS 60D with .Canon EF 75-300 (1.6 cf) lens  f/5.6 at 1/125 sec  Manual  300.0mm  (effective 480mm)  ISO 100   EV 0.00

 A final shot of the moon as I head out for coffee at 5:40 am.  This one was taken hand-held. 

Canon EOS 60D with .Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/6.3 at 1/320 sec  Manual  200.0mm  ISO 100   EV 0.00

While it was a long time in the cold (between breaks inside the garage and house) it was a productive shoot.  I learned a lot about my Canon 60D camera and "shooting the moon".  These photos will not be available for sale.  At a later date, I will post information of any that may be for sale.

Shooting at the Zoo

It had been nearly 10 years since I visited the Zoo here in Omaha.  Bought a Zoo membership this Winter, figuring to get out when weather is not good for bike riding.  It would also give me a chance to hone my photography skills.

I did not want to overload myself with gear, so only brought my Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens, a spare battery and cleared SD card.  In my 2 1/2 hour walk in sections of the zoo, I got a good feeling for the versatility of the camera/lens combo.

Desert Dome, March 19, 2014

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/8.0 at 1/320 sec  Aperture Priority  22.0mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) Processed from RAW by HDR Darkroom 2 Pro with finishing with Photoshop Elements 9


A real challenge was shooting in the Aquarium.  Issues with low light, moving subjects, and shooting through glass were on my mind.  I did have some problems, but was still able to get some good shots.

Jelly Fish,  Scott Aquarium,  March 19, 2014

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/6.3 at 1/40 sec  Aperture Priority  35.0mm  ISO 3200  Processed from RAW by Adobe Camera Raw and finished with Photoshop Elements 9 

Gorilla, Hubbard Gorilla Valley.  March 19, 2014

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/6.3 at 1/60 sec  Aperture Priority  42.0mm  ISO 250  Processed from RAW by Adobe Camera Raw and finished with Photoshop Elements 9

I had started in the Desert Dome but did not take many photos there as much of the dome is under reconstruction.  However, I was able to use the telephoto section of the lens in that dome for the shot below.

 Rabbit/Hare in the Desert Dome,  March 19, 2014

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/6.3 at 1/250 sec  Aperture Priority  200.0mm  ISO 400  Processed from RAW by Adobe Camera Raw and finished with Photoshop Elements 9.

All-in-all, it was a successful day scoping out the zoo and verifying equipment needed.  My only disappointment was the Lied Jungle. Since it was a cool day outside and with the humidity in the jungle, I gave up.  It just took too long to get the camera and lens temperature stabilized.  Will have to wait until warmer weather.  Also looking forward shooting some of the flora when they come into bloom.

New Camera & Lens

Seems like any time attend the Rockbrook Camera Tent Sale, I end up spending more money than I intended.  Today was no exception.

Was a busy morning.  Started with a doctor's appointment in Omaha.  It was also the fraternity alumni luncheon - so figured I might as well stay in town and do errands.  First stop was Barnes & Noble.

At the book store I was looking for photography and Linux magazines.  Also wanted to check out a Raspberry Pi book - Programming the Raspberry Pi - Getting Started with Python.
 Found everything I was looking for except for the current issues of Linux Format.
Had time to run over to the camera store.  The main reason stopping there was to look at the Tamron 18-200mm zoom lens (vs Tamron 18-270mm).  While waiting to talk with the Tamron rep, I started talking with the Fuji and Canon reps.  Figured I might get info about the new (yet to release - as it turns out) Canon EOS 70D.

Talked to the Canon rep about the couple shortcomings with my EOS Rebel T1i.  Chiefly the slow frame refresh rate.  When shooting mountain bike races, I encounter times when after about 4 shots, I have to wait until the camera writes to the SD card.

The Canon Rep recommended looking at the Canon EOS 60D.  Where the T1i buffer holds about 4 shots, the 60D will buffer 15 or more (as I recall).  Though will also need a fast SD card.  The 60D is designed with sports photography in mind. Rockbrook, during the tent sale, I got a good deal on the Canon EOS 60D body.  No need for a lens since I was planning to purchase the Tamron 18-200mm lens.

The Canon rep tried to get me to upgrade to a faster lens.  But the lens speed was not my concern - it was the camera frame rate.  Talked with the Tamron rep and decided to purchase the AF 18-200mm XR DiII lens.  Before check-out, I added  at UV filter and Class 10 Pro 32 GB SD card.

On the way home, I picked up a extra battery for the camera.  Spent time charging the batteries.  In the late afternoon I familiarized myself with the camera. Excited to get out an shoot some photos, likely tomorrow.

Also spent some time this evening reading the new Raspberry Pi book.  Looks it will be very helpful. 
The bookstore also had a copy of the Raspberry Pi Handbook published by LinuxPro Magazine.  As for the luncheon - it was mostly enjoyable until our right-wing dido-head  started o the President.  I expressed my displeasure with his comments and have decided to no attend the luncheons (at least for a while).  I don't need the aggravation.

Bower Lens Adapter

When I upgraded to digital in 2004, I was upgrading from the Canon FD/AE bodies and lenses.  Not happy that my old lenses would not fit on the new EOS Rebel.  After all, I have a couple of very good lenses.  Mostly, I wanted to use my Vivitar Series 1 70-210 zoom w/ macro.

Visited at the Rockbrook Camera tent sale, and asked about the adapters.  They do not carry then.  Knew that there is no auto focus and me not have light metering. I decided it was worth the under $40 to check one out.

Ordered the Bower adapter from B&H Photo.  The adapter arrived yesterday.  Looking forward to testing it.  For what I can see, I will have light metering.

Tamron 60mm Macro Lens

Friday I purchased a macro lens.  Got a good deal (I think) from Rockbrook Camera (discounted price and hefty rebate).  Have been looking at Macro lenses for shooting flowers.  New lens is Tamron 60mm f/2 Macro 1:1.  Photo taken hand-held.  I can see that using my tripod will help for macro shots.

Looking forward to getting out to shoot some flowers to check out the lens more.  Note: The color is not vivid as the tree is covered with road dust.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i  f/5.6 at 1/500 sec   ISO 100  60.0 mm  Processed from RAW with Photoshop Elements 9.