Simple candle

After all the madness of Christmas Day, the excited children, noisy

adults, busy kitchen etc........... I spent a quiet half hour today with my

camera and a candle. Sometimes the simple things in life can be the

most relaxing.

Hi Gareth,

Well done.

Is the 105mm a new lens , or is it the zoom set to 105 at F/4 ?

There have been many times when I have felt the same way as yourself, and used candle photography as a relaxing past time .

Best Regards,  Mike

Hiya Mike, for this I used my 55-200 d60 kit lens set to 105mm hence the f4 as that is the widest it will go at that length.

Over the weekend I took lots of shots of various family members(all of which have respectively requested I don't post on the web), and I am not happy with the on-board flash results. So I have decided to invest in a SB700 flash gun. The macro lens might have to wait unless I go for the 40mm but that is a bit too close to my 35mm and I'm not sure there is a big enough difference to justify the expense. Although I have never shot a macro lens so have nothing to compare.

The SB700 can be used as a remote slave triggered by the on-board flash so should lead to some interesting lighting combos.

I am going Red Squirrel hunting(photographically) for a couple of days at the end of the week which will give me chance to put all my new knowledge to the test. Hopefully I will have some decent images to post at the weekend.

Please tell me if there is a big enough difference between the 35mm 1.8 and 40mm 2.8 micro and in your opinion is it worth having both in my bag.

Kindest Regards

Gareth.

trivial and uninteresting pic

rgds/vera

Yet interesting enough to gain your attention and engage your thoughts.

Maybe not so trivial after all.

Kindest regards to you Vera and a Happy New Year too.

Gareth.

Hi Gareth,

The Micro Nikkor 40mm F/2.8 is an entirely different lens design from that of the Nikkor 35mm F/1.8.

Its design is specifically for the APS format, like what you have in your Nikon camera bodies.

If you owned the Micro Nikkor 40mm only, then the 35mm would not be necessary unless the F/1.8 was relevant to you. Since you have the 35mm F/1.8 (another fine Nikkor lens), I would suggest a macro with a little more working distance for you to start.

The Micro Nikkor 60mm F/2.8 and 100mm F/2.8 are excellent macro lens. The Sigma 150mm F/2.8 Macro is also a good choice, too.

 I lean toward the Micro Nikkor 100mm F/2.8 since it is an excellent mid-range focal length from macro ranges to Infinity, and if more magnification were required, it can be used with extension tubes, also.

You can keep a good working distance from the subject, learn how to manually focus on the subject, and do not shy away from shooting such a lens wide open, either.

Best Regards,  Mike

Hi Mike I had a feeling you were going to say that. I have my heart set on the 105mm and I will wait and save for one. Thank you for helping me make my mind up.

Regards

Gareth.

This turned out very nice, I must try it sometime, seems like a great way to 'wind down' when needed.

Kindest regards, Gail

Hi Gail, thanks for the comment.

It is a really nice way to relax, I look forward to seeing your efforts soon. Now thats a challenge!

Kind regards

Gareth.