Another fast classic: the Canon 55mm f/1.2 FL

 Last year I discovered the fun of scrolling through Facebook Marketplace for bargains (aka stuff I don't space or a need, but are too much of a bargain to deny). I've managed to only pick up three things so far: a Canon CanoScan 8800 (a replacement for my aging Epson Perfection 2450), Nikon 85mm f/1.8S, and a Canon 55mm f/1.2 FL that came with a Canon FT QL body. The lens is a lovely piece of metal and glass, comparable to my Nikon 55mm f/1.2 (surprisingly, I haven't written about this lens on this blog).

I've had minimal experience with the lens so far, but from what I've seen, it has the same image quality as the Nikon: lots of veiling flare when shot wide open, but gains enough contrast by f/2. Sadly I forgot to bring it along to test it out with the Christmas lights, but I'm pretty sure it's going to have similar coma issues as the Nikon since they're from the same generation.

Year end musings 2021 edition

Oops. just found this in the Drafts folder!

2021 has moved along faster than expected. By my count, I've taken ~20k photos. Unfortunately, most of them will just sit on a hard drive, along with all the other ones taken from the last several years. Part of the blame lies with having a laptop at my current location that's several generations old, and struggles with processing 45mp files. The other blame lies with my lack of desire to work on the photos; I continue to spend more time enjoying the outdoors instead of spending time in front of a monitor.

On the hardware side, I added four lenses to the kit, and sold four, for a net of zero. Not bad, but the total lens count remains at 42. The ones that I let go were the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G SE (lovely cosmetics, average performance), Nikon 35mm f/1.8 ED (replaced by the Tamron 35mm f/1.4 I purchased last year), Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 (wonderful optics, slow autofocus) and 50-230mm f/4.5~6.7 (an OK kit lens) as I divest myself of my Fuji kit.

The newcomers are a Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AF-S (a bargain I couldn't resist), 24-70mm f/2.8S (replacement for the aging 28-70mm f/2.8 AF-S that I have yet to sell), 85mm f/1.8S (now I need to sell the F-mount G version), and a petite Canon 55mm f/1.2 FL. I haven't had many opportunities to use the newcomers, and have just added to the pile of testing that I need to do.

I remain sorely tempted by the updated version of my Sigma 500mm f/4.5 that Sigma assures me will focus with the Z7, unlike my older version whose firmware Sigma said can't be upgraded. The Nikon 200-500mm continues to be my lens for surfing photos, but there are times when its AF and IQ with the TC-14E disappoint me. I do still manage to get some good shots though.

What's in store for 2022: A Nikon Z9 ;-D

Not a bad start

I did a little cleanup of my kit. Since I haven't used the Fuji XT-1 in over a year, I took that as a sign to let go of the lenses. The 56mm f/1.2 and 23mm f/1.4 have gone on to new homes, where I hope they will receive much love. The Nikon 35mm f/1.8ED and 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition have also moved on. Of the three lenses, the 50mm saw the least use and the least admiration, but it had the nicest cosmetics. Nikon would sell more lenses (to me at lesat) if they added the classic silver ring to their lineup.

So that leaves me with the 35mm f/2 and the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 to us with the XT-1. I really doubt that either will get much use since the Z7 is the superior camera, and the V2 the more portable one.

I also found a clean Canoscan 9000F for $50. It'll make a good replacement for my ancient Epson Photo Perfection 2450 (purchased for S170 waaaaay back in 2004) for scanning MF negatives.

The jury is still out on the Nikon 50mm f/1.8S. So far I can't find anything to complain about with regards to the IQ, but I just can't connect to the focal length. It's neither wide enough nor tele enough, it's just too.....normal.