Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD

what a greeat lens!

Here is the Tamron official description:

“The Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056) is a large-aperture telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. The greatest feature is its outstanding performance even while attaining a fast F/2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range and offering the world’s lightest and most compact package with a filter diameter of 67mm, maximum diameter of 81mm, 149mm (5.9 in) length (at the 70mm setting) and a weight of 810g (28.6 oz). Thanks to the generous use of special lens elements, the 70-180mm F/2.8 achieves excellent image quality, and with the short MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.85m (33.5 in), it also broadens the possibilities for photographic expression. For enhanced AF drive efficiency, Tamron has newly developed the VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive), a linear motor focus mechanism that delivers excellent quietness and agile performance, thereby producing the highest level of autofocusing speed and precision in Tamron’s history. Additionally, a floating system is used to achieve excellent optical performance at all shooting distances. By simultaneously operating two VXD units via electronic control, the system produces clear and sharp images of all objects near and far. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating are employed to facilitate outdoor shooting, and the lens is fully compatible with camera-specific features like Fast Hybrid AF. This remarkable 70-180mm F/2.8 is the third member of Tamron’s exciting trio of fast F/2.8 zoom lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras.”

…. and I have all three!

Here are links to a few reviews by professionals:

Dustin Abbott

Phillip Reeve

Dyxum

Here are some sample photos produced using this lens on one of my Sony A7R cameras. Click on an image to see a full-screen photopost and image details.

 

 

 

 

Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD

A favorite for wildlife photography.  I have gotten some great butterfly shots with this lens on my Sony A7R cameras.

Quoting the Tamron description:

“The 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067) is an unprecedented, nextlevel ultra-telephoto zoom lens with added versatility that starts at 50mm and delivers an 8x zoom ratio. With its wide 50mm starting focal length, full-body shots of subjects like wildlife can be captured in the surrounding environment. The generous and effective use of special lens elements, including XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), LD (Low Dispersion) and Hybrid Aspherical lens elements, effectively delivers uncompromising high image quality throughout the entire 50-400mm zoom range. Along with its superb performance, the lens is just 183.4mm (7.2 in) long and weighs only 1,155g (40.7 oz). Offering about the same light weight and compact size as a conventional 100-400mm zoom, it’s easy to pack and comfortable to carry all day. Clearly, the TAMRON 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 is a brand-new kind of ultra-telephoto zoom lens that combines a 50mm standard focal length, outstanding image quality and highly nimble mobility—plus the sheer power of a 400mm telephoto! This one lens captures a lively world with all the clarity you desire and can transport you to exhilarating new photographic experiences.”

I certainly concur! In addition to wildlife photography I enjoy sniping with this lens, catching people from a distance when they are unaware that I am photographing them. Plus the wide end is great for landscape and street shots.

Here are some links to reviews by professionals:

Dustin Abbott

Fstoppers

Cameralabs

The Phoblographer

… and here are some sample images from my studio. Click on an image to see a full-screen photopost and image details

  

  

Sony Zeiss 55mm f1.8

Small, compact, very sharp (Dyxum 4.98 out of 5; 4.92 out of 5.0 overall), versatile lens. I have used it for landscapes, street, and social and civic events.  The large max aperture makes it perform well in lower light situations.

Sony says:

This standard prime lens with a 55 mm focal length and large F1.8 maximum aperture offers stunning ZEISS® Sonnar® contrast and resolution for full-frame E-mount bodies. It can also create gorgeous background bokeh to set off your subject when needed. The big, bright maximum aperture means you can shoot handheld in low-light conditions while still getting outstanding sharpness and clarity.

Links to professional reviews:

Dustin Abbott

Fstoppers

SonyAlphaLab

Below see sample images produced using this lens. Click on an image to see a full-screen photopost with details.

Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

This is the very first e-mount lens in my collection. It remains one of my favorites. And for good reason. It is quite sharp (Dyxum 4.98/5.00) and it is solidly built. It almost always goes with me when I am out with a camera bag.

The sample images below were produced using thiss lens.  Click on an image to see a full-screen photopost that includes details about the image.

 

Butterflies of Villa Ndio

I am committed to finally putting together a book showcasing my photos of butterfies taken at Villa Ndio and nearby sites.  Going back through photoposts on this website and posts on Facebook and other social media, I am selecting out favorites.  I hope to have representative photos for the broad range of species I have seen, dating from 2020 to present day, while keeping the total number of photos manageable.  It will be difficult to select from among the large collection of favorites.  My goal it to have a hard copy book published by the end of September.

Looking Forward

Reflecting on how to stay active and current among multiple pursuits. I am at once a photography and finger style guitar enthusiast, and I have on-going and planned home improvement projects. It has at times been a challenge to organize my time, compartmentalize, stay focused and stay motivated. There are so many distractions in my surroundings and my life. I am most grateful for what I have.  I tell myself not to get complacent.

In addition to reviving this blog feature on my Villa Ndio Photography website, I am in the process of overhauling the website so it will have a few empty spots and rough edges for awhile. I am also starting a camera and lens review section. I currently have half a dozen or so digital cameras and numerous lenses. About each I will be posting details, with notes on my experiences using them, along with sample images.

I am also getting serious about entering contests, publishing photobooks,  and finding other avenues to promote my art.

I hope you will visit these pages and find them interesting if not useful.  I will appreciate your comments left here or sent to my email address rdoggett[at]villandio[dot]net