This blog is my attempt to keep track of some of the things I learn along the way, with my Canon 7D, G12 and accessories. All images copyright Brad Calkins, not to be used without permission (or purchase). I do not attempt to monetize my blog, other than to promote my stock photo portfolio on Dreamstime.







Monday, January 4, 2010

GF1 + EF 85mm f/1.8

The other day I slipped my EOS adapter and 85mm prime onto my GF1 and slipped it into my coat pocket (once again proving the size of the GF1 makes it very portable compared to my 40D). I was able to grab some manual focus shots of the kids sledding, but also this one of my parent standing atop a snowy hill. This and others were accepted for stock, which is a pleasing side note. I can't say enough about how much I'm enjoying the GF1. I wouldn't try to manually focus my 85mm on the GF1 for moving subjects, but having a telephoto (170mm f/1.8) for 'free' is great. The fact that it fits in my pocket AND that I can go sledding with it stowed there is icing on the cake :)

Senior couple on hill
© Photographer: Bradcalkins

Manual focus is actually quite well done - a quick press of the dial on the back and you are looking at 5x for focus, then a tap of the shutter zips back to full screen. The only thing that would be better is if it showed a partial enlargement so you could still see the 'whole' image behind for faster framing.

I would also say that I'm not a huge fan of the out of camera jpgs, but as I shoot RAW anyways I'm pretty happy with the color on this camera. Here is an example shot with the pancake lens:

Children sledding
© Photographer: Bradcalkins

6 comments:

Luis Santos said...

I don't have words to impress how I feel looking at your last photo of this post! Everything is perfect, the boys, the colors, their jackets, the tree, the light is awesome.. I want to make some of those..:)

cheers,
Luis

Brad C said...

Thanks so much for the comment - it all came together for that shot :)

Brad C said...

Who says you can't compose outdoors in bright sun on an LCD ?

Luis Santos said...

?? is that for me??

Brad C said...

No - I just read person after person in forums who complain about LCDs being unusable in bright outdoor light... On the other hand, I definitely won't argue with those who don't like composing on an LCD because of eyesight problems!

Luis Santos said...

lol ok..! D60 here :)