We had record rain here in the Portland metro area on Monday, and I have always wanted to shot Oneonta Gorge when the walls are weeping. More on that later
Anyways, took a buddy up to this area. Easier to get to then I remembered - and we even found a short cut (although not that safe )
On a side note; I was thinking of selling my D700 and pick up a D600 - but my buddy had some problems with his D600 due to the weather. So I am going to wait until I can get a D800 - but will most likely pick up a 14-24 over an 800
As to buying a 14-24 over a D800... You know I had the D700, and I loved it like no other... but I have to tell you, the D800 is so many steps a head of the D700 it's not funny. If it was me... I would buy the D800 before the 14-24mm... The increase in DR and increase in ISO performance and then you get the incredible resolution on top of that... man... the D800 has caused me to forget my D700, and I thought that would never happen... Your 14mm Samyang will work really nice on the D800.
As to buying a 14-24 over a D800... You know I had the D700, and I loved it like no other... but I have to tell you, the D800 is so many steps a head of the D700 it's not funny. If it was me... I would buy the D800 before the 14-24mm... The increase in DR and increase in ISO performance and then you get the incredible resolution on top of that... man... the D800 has caused me to forget my D700, and I thought that would never happen... Your 14mm Samyang will work really nice on the D800.
I love the composition here! You also got a nice and sharp foreground, sometimes difficult to achieve as all the foliage constantly blows around in the wind.
Dustin Gent wrote:
really? So the D800 doesn't out resolve the 14mm - that was my only "theory" as to why I would get a 14-24 over the D800.
thanks everyone for the words!
Hey Dustin,
I have come to find that there is a lot of theory out there that people like to talk, and then there is reality... I use my 16-35mm most of the time because I like that I can use filters and I like the AF on it. But I still use the 14mm Samyang in those places where I want to go that 2mm wider, and especially at night. When I tested my 14mm on the D800 after I got it, my shots on it were as sharp as any of my other lenses. In fact, the one cool thing that I did like about it, and perhaps it's just my copy, but for diffraction, there is usually a significant drop offf as one goes above f13 on most lenses. WIth the 14mm, I could only pick up the smallest of Diffraction difference between f13 and f22. It's the only lens I have that I would comfortably use on my D800 at f22...
Dustin,
Great foliage detail and clarity. I really like the way you compose this one.
Regarding your comment on the lens...You are a living proof that in the right hands, amazing photos can be captured even when limited by only carrying one lens.
As always, wicked shot dustin. Im super pumped to see your shot from Oneonta too.
In your experience, do the walls there only weap during the heaviest rains? I think my upcomming trip is the only time I have ever been HOPING for rain while on holiday
Jim - funny thing about diffraction. When I first bought my 17-40L long ago when I had a 40D, I shot at f/18 and it came out blurry. I had no idea about diffraction. When I got my 1Ds, I tested my Tokina lens at f/16 and noticed no such thing.
Same goes for this lens. I hardly use f/22 - only when testing sunstars, but there is no diffraction that I can see on this lens.
Justin - when are you going to be here? It only takes a day or two of heavy rains to produce "the walls". With the snow melting in the mountains and June is usually rainy, you could catch the walls. Only things you need to get into the gorge is a pelican case (peace of mind) and know you will be wet. Bring a change of clothes and towel. Good to go. I will post some Oneonta shots soon
) 