It's easily explained.

JR and Tozza are gentlemen, and they have surrendered their places to later arrivals.

G

An early Spring in Northern parts of the UK has induced feelings of lust and optimism in the inhabitants of those regions.

Tyro and Techno are amongst those most severely affected. The condition will pass as greyer weather (Summer) takes over.

G

Don't be amazed. The forum doesn't have anything like the reach of Ebay or other markets, and this lens, despite its qualities, is not hugely popular. Most people are happy with a 10-20 or 12-24 zoom instead.

It's easy enough to sell something like a body or a kit zoom on here, but this is not a good place for items that are more specialist in their appeal.

That's just how it is. It's nothing to do with the reputation of lens or seller.

G

Sorry, I would have been gentler had I known it was your first effort.

But look at similar pictures in the glamour section, and you will see you are not alone, indeed your pic is better than most. With a few glowing exceptions, they are almost all terrible.

G

It depends what you are trying to do. Flat lighting will suit some subjects, especially if you are simply trying to produce a record shot.

But for the vast majority of photographs, interesting lighting is the sine qua non.

G

I think the OP needs to buy a basic photography guide. What do people recommend?

G

I think that people reviewing such a lens will make allowances for its range, and will also compare it with other extreme-range lenses. In comparison with the competition, it might be relatively good.

BTW, if you aren't prepared to change lenses, you probably shouldn't be using an SLR. The ability to use different lenses is the main reason for having such a camera.

I would try to take it back and get a refund. Then wait six months before buying another lens. That'll give you time to decide what you really need.

Good luck.

G

Does that explain why you go for the indecent?

G

PS: That pic isn't indecent, but it does illustrate the main problem that besets people working in a studio - boring light.

Ring the changes, use natural light, bounce it, snoot it, whatever, but at all costs avoid the classic two softboxes/brollies pointed at the model at 90 degrees to each other.

By one of those bizarre coincidences, Timbo posted another superb nude two hours after your post, Gwyn.

And I agree with Carl. Many of the less accomplished pictures are posted by newbies,and it's good to encourage them when possible.

G

I am not sure what you were expecting.

The reason everybody doesn't use these wide-range zoom lenses is because there's no such thing as a free lunch.

All zoom lenses are a compromise. In exchange for convenience, you lose image quality and speed, and have to take on extra size, weight, and cost.

And the wider the range, the greater the compromise. A range of three or four times means you don't sacrifice too much, but much more and the negatives quickly outweigh the positives.

The 18-135 is a lens for visiting a foreign city with the family, where photography comes a distant second to the need to travel light.

G