Ken Anderson’s Weblog

Last week I bought the Nikon 14-24 F2.8 wideangle zoom.  It is nothing short of amazing.  I have never owned a super wide angle before.  I do have the DX 18-55 Nikon and use it the most of any in my bag.  I wanted to add a lens that took advantage of the FX D3, this does just that.  For such a wideangle lens the 14-24 has little if any picture loss at the corners.  I can’t see any.  As the F2.8 would suggest it is an excellent low light lens.

Because of the front scalloped shade the lens does not accept any filtration.  The lens is very sharp.  Minimum focus length is 9″ and from there to infinity the lens performs flawlessly.  As Joe McNally says, the lens is  commitment, it isn’t light, but it is easy to hold, especially on the D3.  

Having spent time shooting around Chipping Campden this weekend, I took a lot of shots with a foreground subject and huge skys.  At f22 the depth of field is nothing short of spectacular.  If you like landscapes that have foreground subjects or broad expansive panoramas this is the lens for you.  It is easy to fall in love with and as I found this weekend, hard to put down. 

I bought the lens from Grays of Westminster.  This is the second purchase I have made there.  I don’t get a discount and am not connected to the store in any way but have no hesitation in recommending them.  It is a wonderful store to just browse, and I am not a browser by nature.  There are three floors of camera equipment, and if you are cheap like I am, they have a fantastic selection of used equipment and a knowledgeable staff as well.  Highly recommended.

I will post photos taken with the the 14-24 this weekend on my website.

(must be read with a New York accent)

The grass has riz

I wonder where dem burdies iz?

The birdies iz on da wing

But ain’t that absoid

Da wing is on da boid.

Well it is Spring in the Cotswolds and the Bluebells are out in force.  With the coming of Spring my thoughts also turn to my favorite place to spend a warm summer afternoon, Blenheim Palace.  What a wonderful place, and Spring at the Palace is something really special.  Blenheim is one of those places where you can spend days shooting details.  With gardens created by Capability Brown, there is no end to wonderful sights and unlimited great photographs.  

I shot the Bluebell this morning.  Used a D3 with a 18-55 F2.8 lens.  I love how sharp the Nikkor is.  My only complaint is that the DX format does not allow me to take advantage of the D3’s FX.

The rape fields are almost in full bloom, it does not get much better than this for landscape photographers who want colour in the shot.  If the sun is out don’t forget the polariser.  It is one of the few filters that really can’t be reproduced in Photoshop and adds so much to a sunlit scene especially if there is cloud.

If you are ever out this direction and need photography supplies, I just found Morris Photography.  Great shop with an unbelievable inventory.  Friendly knowledgeable staff as well.  They also sell over the internet.

Enjoy the weekend.  Suspect it will be a very busy one for the shopkeepers of Chipping Campden!