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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:

  1. AnonymousJuly 10, 2012 at 7:35 AM

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

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  2. Tammy@Simple Southern HappinessJuly 10, 2012 at 8:01 AM

    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!

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  3. ShugJuly 10, 2012 at 8:25 AM

    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

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  4. hootnonnyJuly 10, 2012 at 8:34 AM

    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!

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  5. SuzanJuly 10, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    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!!

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  6. AnonymousJuly 10, 2012 at 8:51 AM

    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.

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  7. KathyJuly 10, 2012 at 8:57 AM

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

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  8. NancyJuly 10, 2012 at 9:19 AM

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

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  9. DianneJuly 10, 2012 at 9:41 AM

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

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  10. Linda at To Behold The BeautyJuly 10, 2012 at 9:43 AM

    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.

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  11. Brian KingJuly 10, 2012 at 9:53 AM

    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!

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  12. HilaryJuly 10, 2012 at 10:07 AM

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

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  13. TexWisGirlJuly 10, 2012 at 10:12 AM

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

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  14. Gone CountryJuly 10, 2012 at 11:57 AM

    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!!!

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  15. LindyLouMacJuly 10, 2012 at 12:15 PM

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

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  16. TriciaJuly 10, 2012 at 12:31 PM

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

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  17. Rosie GreyJuly 10, 2012 at 12:41 PM

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

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  18. AnonymousJuly 10, 2012 at 2:47 PM

    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! =)

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  19. Lisa GordonJuly 10, 2012 at 5:30 PM

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

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  20. janjan0000July 10, 2012 at 11:57 PM

    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

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  21. UnknownJuly 11, 2012 at 1:26 AM

    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

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  22. Karen @ Pieces of ContentmentJuly 11, 2012 at 1:31 AM

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

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  23. tinajoJuly 11, 2012 at 5:22 AM

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

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  24. AnonymousJuly 11, 2012 at 7:01 AM

    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!

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  25. UnknownJuly 11, 2012 at 8:17 AM

    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!

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  26. Travel With LuluJuly 11, 2012 at 9:49 AM

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

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  27. BarbJuly 11, 2012 at 4:25 PM

    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.

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  28. AnonymousJuly 11, 2012 at 5:09 PM

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

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  29. AnonymousJuly 11, 2012 at 6:54 PM

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

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  30. StarlaJuly 11, 2012 at 9:28 PM

    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!!)

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  31. BarbaraJuly 11, 2012 at 10:13 PM

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

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  32. Laura Delegal - Leroy PhotographyJuly 11, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    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!!!

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  33. Sallie (FullTime-Life)July 11, 2012 at 11:51 PM

    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)!

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  34. Rosemary AubutJuly 12, 2012 at 5:25 AM

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

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  35. MaryJuly 12, 2012 at 5:13 PM

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

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  36. MaryJuly 12, 2012 at 7:45 PM

    Thank you for joining me? That is so nice.

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  37. JeanneJuly 12, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    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.!

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  38. SuzanJuly 12, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    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

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  39. septembermomJuly 15, 2012 at 7:10 PM

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

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  40. MichelleJuly 15, 2012 at 8:55 PM

    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!

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