I've wanted a longer telephoto lens for AGES. Not just for photographing wildlife, but also because I thought it might open up some more creative options for me. Anyway, I had a go with a friends Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR a couple of weekends ago in the park, and that galvanised my thoughts on the matter. It's a reasonably expensive lens, but I decided to try and find a second hand one in good condition. After a disappointing online purchase that was advertised 'as new' but had a broken lens cap and dust in the optics (it was returned immediately!), I located exactly what I wanted at a shop called Aperture, located just north of Oxford Circus. It's the first time I've been there, but it's a lovely shop, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The lens that I went to see was immaculate, so I bought it!
Some phone photos from the shop
On Saturday morning, I headed up to the park with my camera. I took a quick shot with one of my old lenses, of the waning crescent moon setting over the ponds. There was a little pre-dawn mist, but the lack of cloud made sunrise really harsh, and the mist burned off very quickly.
ISO 100, 40mm, f/10, 1/10 sec
Sunrise was disappointing, but I didn't care because I had my NEW LENS to play with. All I had to do was find something to photograph.....
It had been a cold frosty night, and these stags looked like they were enjoying the first rays of sunshine.
The stag on the right has already lost his antlers. Soon all the deer will shed their antlers, and re-grow them over the summer months....
The lens is fantastic. Auto focus is fast, and the image detail is great.
The fighting at this time of the year is quite playful. During the Autumn rut, it is a more hostile and violent spectacle.
I am so happy to finally have a long telephoto lens. It's going to offer lots more opportunities to go out and shoot, when the light is not great for landscape work.
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