I wonder what 4 would look like if you cropped it so that the dragonfly gets more attention?

I too love number 4 - very sharp and with a bit of, it looks like, gold! I like 3 also for sharpness and a beautiful bokeh. Hope you'll be able to get out and about soon!

Thanks James! I must say, I love this lens.

Well Kay, you sure started something! I took a picture of one of our dogs (Still playing around with the new lens), didn't like the background and then couldn't resist the temptation. So I went and watched some of the video tutorials. I did the popping colours one and the dodge and burn. Maybe a bit too enthousiastically and I should do it more carefully (this is a bit quick and dirty), but I really like it and I'm sure I'm going to use these techniques a lot! Thanks again! Great fun!

[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/jamie_gr/flaps1a.jpg[/IMG]

Hahaha Kay, I love these tutorials, so I had a quick go. Will open a different topic for that though.

Oggy, this DOES look better!

I haven't got a clue about your Quad and its possible problems, but I think it's great that you've got it going! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Thank you very much! I appreciate any and all tips as to how to best use this lens.

I'm really looking forward to it. I'm pretty sure it'll be a good copy, as it has been tested by someone who's very critical and has been in photography for donkey's years.

The only downer is that I'll have to wait till next Saturday - he can't post it any sooner. But I can live with that.

Exactly! I understand it may become a bit of a bore when you've seen and taken loads of them yourself, but for a 'starting' photographer it's wonderful when you're actually able to achieve the effect that you're after, whether it's silky or milky. I suppose most of you have seen and/or photographed hundreds of sunsets, but I for example haven't, and I really appreciate the time people spend on C&C's.

It's inevitable that popular subjects like a sunset, a fast-flowing stream, kids, pets etc. etc. crop up on a regular basis.

Anyway, lots of practising is the only way to learn the trade, isn't it?

Thanks for your explanation, Kris and Peter. I'm beginning to see the light.

I quite enjoyed that thread!