Category : Uncategorized

 

 

When I adopt a new lens into my carry system I do a few things right off the bat; I find a screw in metal hood, so the polarizer can be turned easily while retaining the benefit of a metal lens hood, and I find a suitable polarizer for the new lens. The hood I found for this 16-80 is a metal JJC 72mm screw in metal lens hood from Amazon (below). It also works on the Fujifilm XF 10-24 f 4!

 

 

 

The polarizer I got for this lens is the Breakthrough 72mm (below)

 

 

 

I keep, in my gear box, a large assortment of step up and step down rings for attaching filters and polarizers.  One of my favorite diopters for close-up work is the Canon 500D.  It comes in 77mm size so I used a 72mm to 77mm step up ring to adapt it to the 16-80.  Below are some close-up shots using this combination, all shot at 80mm.

 

 

 

This further extends the utility of this lens. The Route 66 globe is about 1.5 inches across.  This makes this combination approachs life size reprodution and the sharpness is certainly there!

 

A word on polarizers.  I have almost always used Singh Ray and Nikon polarizers through out my career.  When Bob Singh died I started to use the Breakthrough brand, which I’ve found to be neutral and very well made, and they are priced about right for the quality they offer.  It is always a bad idea to try to save money on your polarizer,  you spent top dollar for a sharp lens, don’t degrade it with a cheap polarizer. Just my two cents worth!

 

….and yes, it is tack sharp at 16mm (24mm equiv)!!

 

 

 

More later!

 

Blessings,

 

the Pilgrim

 

 

This is the one we have been waiting for!

Jack Graham was visiting me last week and Fujifilm, knowing that, was kind enough to send me the new “Production” 16-80 f 4.  I was told only three were in the U.S. and I was honored to get my hands on one and test it for myself and all of you!  Both Jack and I are excited to have this an option for that critical mid-range zoom slot in our bags.  I will cut to the chase and tell you now it will replace the 18-135 as my standard middle zoom.  In fact for my upcoming trip to the UP of Michicgn and Acadia N.P, it and the 10-24, and 100-400 will be my three zoom package.  Added to that will be the 80mm  Macro, the four Fujicrons, 23 f 2, 35 f 2. 50 f 2 and the new 16mm f 2.8. a TC-14 teleconverter for use with the 100-400 and 80 Macro will complete my rolling Think Tank Airport Advantage bag for those trips and the two Smokies events in November.

 

The new lens is shorter than the 18-135, a little lighter and very solidly built.  It takes 72 mm filters and stops down from f 4 to f 22.  The feature I like the most is that it focuses close enough to shoot 1/4 lifesize for those near close-up shots!  Illustrated below with the shot of the Overhad door handle, one with my thumb in the shot to show size perspective.

 

 

This will make the 16-80 a great lens for walking around and shooting everything from wide angle 24mm equivilent images to tight shots close in!  The images above were shot at 80mm (120mm eqvuiv.) and they are tack sharp!  Another big plus is that it has 6 (yes six) stops of image stabilization and it remains on all the time, so no need to rurn it off whens shooting from a tripod, and I tested it, tack sharp hand held and on a tripod!!!!

 

 

My T-Ray’s hat in the car window, the best burger on the East Coast of Florida at Fernandina Beach, Florida!

 

 

Several shots from the Col. Sanders Downtown Park in Corbin.

 

 

Downtown they have painted a street scene under the railway viaduct.

 

 

What would a lens test be without a couple of brick walls!

 

 

Yes, bitingly sharp!!!!  Finally, Chester resting!  You’ve come ot expect a Chester image in most of my blogs, he’s a good boy!  His hair also makes good sharpness test!!!

 

 

As soon as we get rain the Smokies I’m going to head down there and take some images in the Park.  For now I can tell you that the 16-80 will become my go to lens.  It is tack sharp, has great rich color fidelity and is a sturdy, well built, close focusing zoom for permaent residence on my X-T3 or X-H1.  I loved the 18-135, but this lens will become it’s replacement in my system!

 

Once again I must say to Fujifilm’s engineers in Japan; “Well done guys, just what I wanted and I suspect so will thousands of other photographers shooting the X-System!!!!  It’s a Grand Slam Home Run, folks!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

Technical Note:  Please lkeep in mind these images are 100 dpi images for the web, the 300 dpi full res images are even sharper and richer!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was one of the last gatherings of the His Light family and it was a great weekend. I found this image this morning looking through some image folders and it immediatley brought a big smile to my face!  What wonderful friends and the joy and fun we have together was so apparent in this shot!

 

I hope some day to get his group together again and have that kind of wonderful fellowship!  These moments in time are so precious!  I would encourage everyone to join us for the Smokey Mountain Photography Summit this November, it is an equally great time of photography fun and fellowship!

 

 

Wherever you are, and what ever you do this fall, enjoy your friends and partners in crime!!!

 

….and to these special His Light Friends, I love you all so much and will forever treasure the great times we had together!  Thank you Jim, Snake and Chuck for helping make it all happen!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

I took two of my grandsons over to Norris Lake to join my brother Homer for a day of fishing out on the lake.  This sign hangs in his houseboat which he bought in 1991.  As I spent the day with Homer and Elijah, (Wes and Rhonda’s son) and Ben, (Scott and Diane’s son),  I was reminded of how true that plaque is in my life.  My third grandson, Cade (Clint and Catherine’s son) was tied up with soccer pratice, and sadly couldn’t join us!

 

A peceful day on the water with Homer running his trolling motor and the boys fly casting was a great time to be had by all!

 

The guys heading out for the early morning session.

 

Homer & Elijah in the cool moring lake air!

 

Ben fly fishing from the boat.

 

Elijah fly fishing.

 

Victory for Elijah.

 

Ben on the  houseboat.

 

I want to thank Homer for getting up so early, (4:30 am), to meet us at his houseboat and provide this fantastic grandfather/grandson experience for us!  I sure wish Cade could have joined us, but maybe next time!

 

Not bragging, just thanking God, but I truly have it all!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

Photo note: Images made with the Fujifilm X-T2 and 18-55