Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Super Ray

Let me introduce you to the new lens in my arsenal that I've christened "Super Ray". I discovered this wonderful Raynox super macro lens from Pieces of Contentment. It looked like she had good luck with it, so I bought one for myself. A universal mount, it snaps easily onto any lens ranging from 52mm to 67mm. I took it out of the box and without even reading the directions, was using it in under 2 minutes.

The shots below are my first attempts. I'm sure I can improve once the wind stops blowing and the rain goes away. These were taken with my 35mm f/2.0 lens with Super Ray attached to the front.

When I tell you this bug looked like a pepper flake on the grass blade, I am not exaggerating. Ordinarily I'd flick something like this off with my finger without a thought. But now I know it has eyes and a head and legs and antennae...how can I be so callous? Maybe I should look closer at people so I can care more and love them more. Hmmmm....

Celosia. I thought the heat killed it, but it's making a comeback. Yay.

More celosia

An attempt at a water drop on lantana which produced pink clouds!

Lantana babes.

Zinnia babe.

Water droplet on rose. I really want to get better at refractory photography. I have a long way to go, I know! But that's okay, I enjoy a challenge. Let me rephrase that: I enjoy a PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE. No other challenges are welcome at this time. Thank you! :)


40 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shots, Gail! I'd say Super Ray is a wonderful addition to your camera bag.

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

You dont need to concern yourself with the comment of needs to improve, you are there!!! THESE are knockout photos and the DOF.... breathtaking. I bow to the master of this lens!!! Did you hand hold or tripod these and did you use manual focus? I LOVE that bug shot!

You are speaking right up my ally when you talk of macro, that is where my heart is in photography. I too have been playing yesterday with an old lens. I was waiting on an order for a 67-58 stepdown ring so I could use my old
Sony VCL-M3358 Close up lens with a mag of +3.00 diopters. Got the ring yesterday and put my canon lens. Poor parrots, they hate me now.

I will be looking or more outstanding shots from your new lens... WAY TO GO!

Shug said...

Now how am I going to explain to Sam that there is another lens that I want to add to my wish list? I really think that you should look at photography for your next job...your work is fabulous! And, wouldn't it be fun, doing what you love to do? Have a good day girl and thanks for sharing these photos..
hugs

hootnonny said...

Viper Ray, Super Ray...you have the most in'ersting posts!

Love what it does w/the flowers! Look forward to more pics w/it!

Suzan said...

Well Gail,
You ARE right up there with Tammy as the MACRO QUEENS!! Your photos are beautiful -- you can see the little hairs on the lantana and the water drop on the rose was unbelievable.
Like Tammy asked - surely you use a tripod????
You have just discovered Whoville!!

Anonymous said...

Had to giggle at the challenge comment....I agree...only photography challenges are acceptable at this time ;)...I am going to pin this in my 'notes to self' so when the time comes to contemplate another lens I will have this information. The shots are fabulous!!! But remember...the talent lies in the person behind the lens and their eye as to what is beautiful and meaningful..that is what is important...and you definitely have the artist's eye.

Kathy said...

How nice of you to try out this lens first! Now we're all sure we really do want one! Fab photos!

Nancy said...

Okay, so I want one now! Shame on you! Amazing images, Gail.

Dianne said...

you and Super Ray are off to a fantastic start
these shots are gorgeous

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Ha! When I saw the title of this post, I thought it was going to be another about your amazing dad. :)

You always do an amazing job with your macros, but these take it to another level. The last one, of the water droplet, is amazing.

Brian King said...

Congrats on your new photography "toy"! These are fantastic shots, Gail! The detail and DOF are amazing! I know you're gonna have fun with this!

Hilary said...

Beautiful photos, Gail. And the colours are just amazing. I also thought this would be about your Dad. :)

TexWisGirl said...

really beautiful! i love your 'eye'. :)

Gone Country said...

I saw that post over at Pieces of Contentment and was curious about that lens but now I'm going to have to get one. Can you tell me where you purchased it?

Your images are amazing!!!

LindyLouMac said...

Such very beautiful photos with your new lens, I still have so much to learn about photography.

Tricia said...

Oh, these looks so gorgeous! Add that lens to my list of wants :)

Rosie Grey said...

Wow, the photos are really wonderful! Now I think about putting that lens on my wish list...

Anonymous said...

I LOVE THEM! You already shot great, but the new lens is also wonderful! I love the color & the clarity, & the crispness! Incredible! You're rockin the new lens, to be sure! =)

Lisa Gordon said...

These are great, Gail.
Looks like you will be having lots of fun with Super Ray!

janjan0000 said...

These are excellent, Gail!
Super Ray ... LOL!
Been thinking of you girl, wondering how you're doing. Hope all is generally well in your world xoxo

Unknown said...

I want that lens too, I need more information if it is available to me too. I love macros and these are REAL macros, the whole new world. Wonderful

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

These are wonderful Gail! I'm so pleased you are enjoying Super Ray. I use mine most days, love it!

tinajo said...

I think these are just awesome, love the first little fellow! :-)

Anonymous said...

About a year ago, one of my blog buddies (http://rhwest.blogspot.com) bought a Raynox macro lens (not sure if it's the exact same one as you got) but I was so impressed (especially with the price) so I went googling for Raynox, but couldn't find any retailers here in the States (she lives in England). I even went to a large camera store and they hadn't heard of the manufacturer so I gave up. I guess things have changed in the past year. Your images are magnificent and I think I'll be buying one of those babies in the near future!

Unknown said...

These are gorgeous and you will get many more amazing shots I'm sure...
but what makes these photos outstanding is YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER'S EYE.
Can't buy that!

Travel With Lulu said...

Wow, gorgeous all of them! Particularly love the water drop on the rose - you should enter it into a contest ;) Really!

Barb said...

I got a Raynox, too, because of Pieces of Contentment. I've found that there can be no wind and I must also be very still! I enjoy practicing with it. Your shots are already great - the water droplet is super and I like the bug.

Anonymous said...

Oh, wow. How beautiful! I can't wait to see more shots :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for noticing the header ;) I like the end result with the hummingbird...that was my husband's idea '0

Starla said...

THUD
LOVE the refractory pictures!! I sooo want to learn that art (actually, I still need to get up to bat on photography in general!!)

Barbara said...

Super Ray is right! Amazing!! Thank you for letting us know about him. I'm off to find my wish list...

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Stunning! Haven't thought about a new lens in a while, but now I want this one. Maybe when I get a job. :) These shots are fabulous!!!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Wow gorgeous! Such professional photographs with wonderful subject matter. I am such an amateur photographer -== all I ever do is just be at the right place at the right time...someday (when I grow up?) I plan to get better!

(Love the bug closeup)!

Rosemary Aubut said...

Wow these are amazing Gail! There will be no stopping you now!!!!!!! Loved everyone and your words always interesting!

Mary said...

Nice detail of flowers. I just followed you. Enjoy the day.

Mary said...

Thank you for joining me? That is so nice.

Jeanne said...

Your photos are great.... just wait till your really get used to it. What sort of camera does that Raynox lens work for. I have a nikon, and bought some lens extenders, but honestly, they are quite tricky to use. I would certainly buy one of those Raynox lens if it fit my camera. Pretty great shots.!

Suzan said...

Hey Gail,
On my dashboard, it shows another post that you made 9 hours ago. The photo that it shows has a little bird hanging upside down. But when I click on it - this older post pops up??? For some reason, I'm not able to read/see your last posting!!
Suzan

septembermom said...

Wow! Beautiful. I love, love, love that last shot with the water droplet. So cool!

Michelle said...

Gail, congrats on your new lens...I'm so excited for you and can't wait to see more! That celosia...wow!

Lol...about no other challenges welcome. I'm right there with ya!