12.02.2010

the final lens

I finally received my new macro lens this week and I love it! If you've been following my macro saga, I first ordered the Canon 100mm f/2.8, but I had problems with it because there was no image stabilization. I sent it back and ordered the Canon 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM. I feel like the focus is much better; it really grabs onto the subject. I also read that this lens is great for portrait shots, and oh is it ever! I took a few of Livia today and they were so sharp and clear.

We had a balmy 45 degree day this week, so I thought I'd take my new lens for a whirl at a local rose garden. It was certainly slim pickin's in the rose garden because everything was dead! Bummer! I really have no idea what I'm doing with the macro lens. You'd think it would just be a matter of getting in close and snapping away, but there are some different settings on the side of the lens, and I have no idea what they do. I'm not a manual reader either, so it might be a bit of trial and error.

I don't know how I feel about my first batch of shots with my new lens. I love the lens, but I'm not so sure about my shots. We'll see what you think. Keep in mind everything in the garden was dead - blah!

Well, either way, this was a pretty small rose, so I guess the macro is working!
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I usually prefer to take pictures of flowers when it's cloudy out because the light is much more even; no hot spots or dark shadows. But in this case, I really like how the light is hitting this plant.
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This obviously isn't a macro shot, but I really liked the tones. I think you'd be much more impressed if you saw the SOOC - ha! :-) You know me, I always have to fiddle around with the color.
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This shot might not seem like much, but it makes me over the moon happy! A green plant in the Midwest in December - eeeeeekkkkk! Love, love, LOVE!
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Not sure about this one, but the hubs likes it, so here it is.
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I think I really like this one. I saw it as I was leaving, and I challenged myself to make a totally dead flower look pretty. What do you think?
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These are just some first attempts with the new lens. Keep in mind, I was shaking like crazy in the 45 degree "heat," and the sun was setting so my ISO was crazily high. I think I had it up to 1250 for some shots - yuck! We'll call this Round 1. Stay tuned for improvement. ;-)

23 comments:

Unknown said...

OH I LOVE THEM! The last one is my favorite. Gorgeous! OK now I have to get that lens too! Loving it! Let's see your portrait shots with this beauty!

Hugs and so glad we "met"!
Blessings,
Jill

Amy H said...

Love them!!!! My favorites are the second and last. You did a great job making that dead flower look nice! Can we see some of the photos of Livia?

Anonymous said...

These are great photos!! You're doing a great job with your new lens! Enjoy!

Ashley said...

If these are your beginner shots then I can't wait to see what you come up with when you have experience! :) You definitely made the dead flower look beautiful.

Dana @ Bungalow'56 said...

I'm dying to see the portrait shots. I've been wanting to get another lens, one that will help with my portrait shots.
I love the dead flower. You did make it look beautiful.
Dana

Jaymi said...

Karli, they are just beautiful! now i REALLY want a macro lens. I actually really love your last two rose pics and I know you weren't sure about them. Your hubs is right, that rose shot is beautiful, and i love the "dead" rose too. That lens gives you beautiful bokeh!

Ciera said...

Oh I am so jealous! I'm dying for a macro lens!! All of your photos are beautiful!

happy me said...

Isn't it fun to play with a new toy!!!!?
I really like all the shots, but the last one is 'emotional' somehow. KWIM?
Share the Tiny Tornado shots soon?

:) & <3,
Debra

Susan said...

Love the dandelion? seed one and the dead flowers the best. Curious why you went for the 100mm over the 60mm? Not entirely sure the difference between the two.

Discovery School at First Baptist Heath said...

you rock.. great job

cooperl788 said...

I think you're being overly critical of your shots - I LOVE them! I agree with your hubby; the one of the dying/budding rose is really beautiful, poignant even. I'm not a manual reader either; it seems like I'm meant to learn everything the "hard" way.

sharin said...

I can't decide if I like the 1st or 2nd rose the best. Karli, these images are fantastic.

So glad we "met" ... I plan to learn a lot about photography from you! TIA! ~Sharon

Heather said...

The shots are BEAUTIFUL! :)

elizabeth said...

I love them - I didn't realize you can use Macro's for portraits -
post some pic's of the little tornado - so curious!!

Anonymous said...

These are gorgeous! Love them all! Congrats on the new lens.

Ashley Sisk said...

WOW - these are incredible. You're making me have lens envy!

Wendy said...

Glad the new lens is working out for you! The photos look great!

SarahinSC said...

I think they're beautiful! I "judge" photos on how much I like them, nothing techinical, and I like these!

Melissa Stover said...

i'm glad to know you're a canon girl. i'm debating my next lens. looking hard at the 24-70, but i'm a huge fan of prime lenses and i have 2 that are on my camera all the time.(neither are L lenses though and i really want an L this time).

Sarah Andrews said...

I'm glad you're enjoying your new lens! I'm so curious as to what you are going to buy next!!! Spill it!

Courtney said...

I'm SO happy that you are enjoying your new lens & I agree w/ another commentor, "If these are your beginner shots then I can't wait to see what you come up with when you have experience! :)". The fuzzy white flower is my favorite, but the dead flower at the end is also pretty awesome. Great work!

Tanya Boracay said...

they beautiful. This flower make you smile everyday.

Just like to share with you a funny quotes...

"California is a fine place to live - if you happen to be an orange." -- Fred Allen

You can get more funny quotes at http://quotelandia.com/category/funny

Bonnie Gunkel said...

Just found your blog today, but very much enjoying so far! And this photo is amazing!