Another chance to photograph the moon (instead of needed sleep.)
A Little Lunchtime Success
A quick trip to Hills and Dales Metro Park in Oakwood, Ohio at lunch.
Spring Has Sprung
Daffodils are springing up all over the yard - trying to find that perfect one.
Full Moon
A quick hand-held full moon photograph of the moon (while walking the dogs at 4:35 AM in the morning). Nature was going crazy - barred owl hooting, raccoon fighting, and coyote howling. Didn't want to drag the tripod out, so I used the "V" in a sturdy tree as a monopod.
Two More Clear Nights
In between clouds, we've had a couple really clear nights in Ohio.
Captured this early evening moon while hiking at Spring Valley Nature Reserve.
Burn Warning
The humidity is so low today, I received a notification on my phone that we are under a RED FLAG - Burn Warning. The good news is that this means clear skies for another night this week!
Crystal Clear
Had to stop and take a picture, the sky is crystal clear tonight. Here are comparison shots between Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD at 600mm and 1200mm (600 + 2x Pro Teleconverter.) Share your thoughts - which image do you like better?
Review: Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Macro AT-X PRO D
Launched in 2006, the well constructed AT-X 100 PRO D from Tokina is still a leading choice in the 1:1 macro category in 2016. In this review, I test out this affordable macro lens that also doubles as a well-rounded portrait or product photography lens - on loan to us from architectural and nature photographer Jeremy Mudd .
Packaging - Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Macro AT-X PRO D
Part of Tokina's PRO FX series, the AT-X 100 is designed for full frame cameras and works with the latest FX, DX and film cameras. Auto-focus is not supported on older digital cameras without built-in focus motors. The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon. Included with the AT-X 100 is the BH-551 Lens Hood - a nice, deep bayonet-style hood protecting against unwanted lens flare.
Tokina One Touch Focus Clutch
The AT-X 100 features Tokina's "One Touch Focus Clutch" mechanism, making switching between auto-focus and manual focus fast and easy. This feature has pro's and con's. Unaware of this "feature" when I received the lens, I was alarmed that AF was not working, and was unable to find the typical AF/M switch found on most lens. The focus ring (shown above) detentes at two locations: push the focus ring out for AF (left) and pull in for Manual Focus (right.) Double check when you pull this lens out of your camera bag, and make sure your lens is set to the focus mode you want.
Accessories
If you use a graduated neutral-density filters, the AT-X 100 features a non-rotating 55mm filter ring. The 55mm filter ring also means an affordable selection of available filters, and good compatibility with after-market which mount to the lens like a Nikon SB-29 or Mieke MK-14EXT ring flash.
Extended F-Stop Range
Interestingly, the f-stop extends past f/32 depending on your focal distance. At ∞ the maximum aperture is f/2.8, while the smallest aperture is f/32. At 1:1 the maximum aperture is limited to f/5.6 and the minimum aperture is extended to f/64. Your camera's AF will automatically detect the correct aperture.
Focus Speed and Performance
Focus speed is one of the limiting factors of the AT-X 100. On the Nikon D750, I found this lens continually wanting to search for focus in AF mode. But this is not a general purpose lens. For macro photography, you will find yourself choosing Manual Focus mode, and slowly moving in and out on your subject, using the focus-ring to adjust the magnification factor. To help reduce focus searching, Tokina added a focus limiter that locks the lens between 1.28 meters to ∞.
SPECIFICATIONS *
Focal Length: 100mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Minimum Aperture: f/32
Construction: E/G9 Elements in 8 Groups
Minimum Focus Distance: 1.0 ft (0.3 m)
Macro Ratio: 1:1
Focus Limiter: 1.28 - ∞
Zoom Range: 100
Aperture Blades: 9
Filter Size: 55mm
Lens Width: 2.9 in (73.66mm)
Lens Length: 3.7 in (95.00mm)
Weight: 1.2 lbs (540g)
Accessories: Dedicated Lens Hood
Mounts: Canon Full Frame, Nikon Full Frame, Canon APS-C, Nikon APS-C
Warranty: 2 Year Limited Warranty
* from TokinaLens.com
Sample Images
The AT-X 100 PRO D is a capable of life-sized (1:1) reproduction at 11.8 in. (30 cm)
Conclusion
The Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Macro AT-X PRO D is a great, low cost competitor in the ever crowded 100mm 1:1 macro category. The competition includes the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED ($896 Amazon), Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM ($669 Amazon), Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM ($799 Amazon), the Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP AF/MF 1:1 ($499 Amazon), and the newest Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD ($649 Amazon). The Tokina comes in most affordable, currently priced at $352 on Amazon.com (affiliate links.) What are you giving up? The mainstream competition have all added vibration control/image stabilization to their offerings leaving Tokina and the unique Venus 2:1 as the only competitors without VC. Is image stabilization a $300-$400 issue? Not for most photographers.
The AT-X 100 PRO D produces sharp, detailed macro images at 1:1. Compared to other low-cost methods (i.e lens reversal) the Tokina allows you to back away from your subject and get the whole insect or flower in the frame without swapping lens or messing with extension tubes.
Liking to work at extreme magnification, a 1:1 magnification ratio might not be close enough for this photographer. When adding a modifier like the Raynox DCR-250, the increased magnification is minimal.
For the price, the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Macro AT-X PRO D is a strong recommended purchase for the new macro photographer. Am I planning on purchasing one? Not right away. I look forward to testing a new Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC this spring, and look to test the Venus Optics Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro before committing.
Ready for the Weekend
Long week without much luck shooting. Feel a little better starting the weekend with this three day old Waxing Crescent moon.
Wednesday, I was able to capture a nice portrait of our local Greylag Goose we've named Gus. This domesticate goose is always good for a photograph at Spring Lakes Park in Bellbrook.
Bird Feeder Time
Busy in the kitchen all day - gave me the chance to photograph some visitors to the feeder.
Interesting test of the Tamron 2x Teleconvertor. The first Chickadee image was shot on the Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD with the 2x teleconvertor mounted on the tri-pod, while the second chickadee photograph was taken without the teleconvertor (also on the tri-pod). The first image filled the frame, while the second short is highly cropped. But, even with the crop, the Chickadee image without the teleconvertor is noticeably sharper.
No Lesser
Of all the places in the world, a flock of Lesser Scaup waylaid in the retention pond next to Kroger's in Sugarcreek Township. Thanks to Jeremy Mudd for the spot.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve and Raptor Center
Beautiful day for a hike at the Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
A trip to Yellow Springs is not compete without a visit to Young's Dairy
Rufous
Was able to get my best shots yet of the Eastern Towhee on Friday at the Sugarcreek Reserve in Bellbrook, Ohio
Bellbrook Winter Invitational
Had the great opportunity this last weekend to be invited to photograph and video tape the 2016 Bellbrook Winter Invitational. Forty-four percussion and guard teams. Very proud of my daughters. Lily (17) rocked marimba for Bellbrook Indoor Percussion Ensemble and Emma (14) was my second shooter for the day (and took some awesome shots). Together Emma and I captured over 3500 images. Here are some highlights.
And Emma worked the top of the bleachers and nailed some great shots like this one. Wished I'd had a better camera to loan her - she has a natural talent.
Cold, Quiet Week
Sorry for the lack of posts this week. This week saw the need to upgrade our home HVAC system. Stole a lot of my free time, and future camera money. Life happens.
Another Day, Another Flake
Love the central star-shape on the tiny snow flake which measured in at ~1.2mm across.
Happy New Year
Happy Chinese New Year - welcomed in with this wonderful new moon. Was able to catch this between clouds (hopefully bringing some fresh snowflakes tonight.) Having a good week! Hopefully a start to a great new year.
More Flakes
Love the green refraction in the center of this flake
Snow! Glorious Snow!
I've been waiting two years for some proper snow flakes, and tonight we got some. Unfortunately it just stopped, but I was able to get a few keepers. These will take awhile to process, but here is one example. This is a three-image focus stack - handheld with an off-camera flash.
Sorry - A Really Slow Week
Gray skies and life's craziness have meant a slow week of photography. I did wake up to this beautiful waning gibbous Moon this morning - maybe today will be a better day.
Well - better indeed. Photographed my first Bufflehead at Old Reid Park near Buck Creek State Park today.
And Emma's Writer's Club took 2nd Place at the Power of the Pen competition!