A New Addition to Photography
Ever since I have started to go deeper into photography, I have always wanted to get a new lens to replace the standard kit lens that I had been using since Dec 2006.
And just last week, I have decided to take a huge leap into the big unknown, and got myself a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L lens.
Well, the lens’ full name is Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. IS meaning Image Stabilizer, which reduces the blur that comes from normal shaking of the lens during hand-held shooting (Probably due to having shaky hands or just too much waxing). And USM (ring-type Ultrasonic Motor) which allows silent but quick autofocus. And “L” meaning it’s Canon’s top-of-the-line lenses and also stands for “Luxury”.
^ Hot nurse to keep you accompany throughout this post (Note the needle ^^)
I got this at Cathay Photo for a price of S$1730 (~1,225USD), which is reasonably priced given it’s tough built, optical quality, etc. Added in a B+W 77mm MRC (010) UV Filter as lens protection for about S$100 +, and a tripod carrying bag for my tripod.
The lens also comes with a lens hood to block out sunlight and also allow pictures to have richer colors and deeper saturation, as well as a Lens case (carry bag) so that you don’t ruin your lens with scratches (Not me!)
I have never used a EF 24-105mm lens before and have only rented the EF 17-40mm IS USM and EF-S 17-55mm IS USM in the past. What made me get the EF 24-105mm then?
Why?
The main reason is the lens mount. The EF-S mount is for cameras with using APS-C (40D, 400D etc), and is also compatible with EF lenses (But not vice versa) but has a crop factor of x1.6 – Meaning the field of view is equivalent to 38-168mm (Instead of 24-105mm).
As there is a very high chance of me switching to a full-frame body (5D, 1D etc) in the future (crop factor x1.0), I’ll be still able to use my EF 24-105mm on it. But if I got the EF-S 17-55mm instead, I’d not be able to use it on a full-frame body. Okay, enough of the geek talk ^^;
Comparison
So, how does the new shiny EF 24-105mm L lens compare to the standard kit lens that I have been (painfully) using? One thing’s for sure, they are worlds apart! There’s more I would like to say about the lens, but I had better stop now before you guys get bored ^^; Am still learning how to use the lens.
Below’s a picture I took using the new lens.
You might also notice there’s another lens (EF 50mm f/1.8) in the top picture. That is a cheap lens I got for portrait shots (Canon’s cheapest and lightest lens) as I’ve read that it is very sharp and great for low-light conditions.
Other posts that might interest you
Training with Mio
Perhaps if Mio Akiyama of the latest moe moe sensation K-ON! were to replace Hinako in the erotic fitness anime “Training with Hinako”, would it result in a complete draining of the otaku wallets?
Unfortunately, there’s no confirmed release as this is only a speculated image by the talented artist Nekomamire
Image: Via Nekomamire
Cosplay Cafe to open in local mall
An interesting article appeared in TODAY Online. Titled ‘Master want a cuppa?‘ , it leaves the impression of a maid asking the master if he/she wants a cup of tea/coffee/drink.
Yes, anime cosplaying fans, it has finally reached the shores of Singapore. A ‘maid’ cafe is to open her next month!
‘Master want a cuppa?’ <Link>
The questions regarding this cafe/restaurant would be the service , the cosplaying girls and the customers’ dresscode.
What one would like to see would be pretty, cute maids, greeting their master (customer) with perky voices, servicing to most of their needs. This would mean that the cosplaying girls have to be almost “model/idol-like”, with service being the top priority and able to withstand the ‘otaku-ness’ of the customer(s).
^ Model/Idol-like?
However, it also brings the point of service. How would the service be like? Would it be like any other restaurant? Just that in this one, girls would be cosplaying as different anime characters. Or would it take a different approach instead?
The cafe will expand its services to include catering and a “Date with a Maid” feature, where patrons will have a maid dedicated to their service for the evening. This element is expected to be popular with those who want to treat their friends to a different experience, say, for their birthdays.
The ‘Date with a Maid’ feature ,which seems to have originated from cabaret, seems promising. I believe customer(s) would have to pay a higher fee for such a feature.
Customer(s) would be the main audience in such a business. However, what about the customer’s dresscode? Would bermudas, T-shirt and slippers be allowed? Or do you have to dress up in a suit and tie? How about standard T-shirts and jeans? Here are some questions to ponder.
According to Ms Laurent, the cafe will introduce the Japanese quality of service here, as the “maids” are required to be proficient in English, Chinese and Japanese as well as be sociable. Rather than the run-of-the-mill café culture, Cosafe will also deliver a different experience, promised Ms Laurant.
How proficient do you need to be in the 3 languages stated? Would knowing simple phrases cut-out? Or are you required to be able to converse with the customer in lets say Japanese?
One thing’s for sure… Too many questions, so few answered.
So is this a telescopic lens? From the capability of zooming it looks like it. Currently I’m thinking about getting a macro lens or a great angular for country side shots or city shots.
the price is quite expensive :O I guess that’s the price for quality (and also price for the image stabilizer, hehe).
if you want to get cheaper lens, you can get Sigma instead. The quality isn’t that far :)
It’s a good purchase, though its beyond my financial means bah.. ^^;;
5D 24-105L = Good combination for cosplay photography. Cheers :)
You rich bastard, lol. I hope to buy this lens in a few months depending on my finances.
Nice lens, I replace my kitlens recently as well with a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, the Canon 17-55 IS is just too expensive for me. Will be getting either the 50mm f/1.4 or 85mm f/1.8 for my protraiture soon
Can’t go wrong with 50mm f/1.8. Budget lens for great shots. Thinking of getting 18-200mm f/3.5-f/5.6 VR soon. No more fumbling for lenses. Except for low-light conditions, of course.
Love your photography skills. Here’s to better pics.
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