Thanks George. Helpful comments.

It's the 18-135 WR. And the WR is a key attraction for when other lenses would be vulnerable.

Preface

Sorry -this post is a combination waffle about the 18-135 followed by some (typically) mediocre snaps from the Lake District. Feel free to skip the waffle if you're not interested in my thoughts on the lens and just glance at the snaps, making sure you preserve enough viewing time for the really incredible IR and aerial wonders presented elsewhere tonight


Waffle

I've had my eye on the 18-135 for a while as a combination one-size-fits-all general purpose and bad weather lens - taking the plunge recently and buying one from a forum member (thanks Philip!). But I hesitated for a long time because of the mixed reviews of the lens and (relatively) high price. Having had a good outing with the lens, taking nothing but it on a very soggy trip to the Lakes, I now both really like the lens, which I can see me using a lot, and understand the mixed reviews.

The IQ is very good but not stunning. If you're a pixel peeper, or one of our better togs this would probably mither you. Smeggy is right - RRP is a lot of brass for a lens that's solid, but probably doesn't hit the heights.

But boy it's flexible in terms of range for general use, when you want to take out just a simple kit. And in grotty weather it's a godsend. I originally bought the 18-55 and 50-200 combo thinking this would cover me for wet days. But you just can't risk change between these lenses when it's really bad weather so have to choose one and stick with it. Which reduces flexibility. So MikeP is also right. It's a great general purpose lens, and you'll get shots with it you wouldn't get with another combo.



The snaps

C&C always welcome

My first photo with the 18-135

[IMG]http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk206/Northgrain/Newlands%202011/Lakelandfields.jpg[/IMG]


Shortly afterwards

[IMG]http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk206/Northgrain/Newlands%202011/NWFells.jpg[/IMG]

A poor quality image, but at the same time I took a video in the pouring rain of runoff, which in a couple of weeks I'll inflict on 70 (hopefully) impressionable young minds. Note I'll be stressing the hydrology, not the merits of the 18-135 - though it got me the video

[IMG]http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk206/Northgrain/Newlands%202011/Rain.jpg[/IMG]


Raining when I took this

[IMG]http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk206/Northgrain/Newlands%202011/MossFalls.jpg[/IMG]

Hindscarth @135mm Five tiny little people on the summit, clear in the 1:1

[IMG]http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk206/Northgrain/Newlands%202011/Hindscarth.jpg[/IMG]

Grizedale Forest @135mm

[IMG]http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk206/Northgrain/Newlands%202011/GrizedaleForest.jpg[/IMG]

A 'dad's taxi' weekend - ferrying two teenagers to clubs, mate's houses etc etc, all at different times - but I'll stick the camera bag and tripod in the boot for the bits in between

japers45 hits the nail on the head... and the is contrast spot on.

+1

Thanks for your patience with the slight delay.

Many thanks to all entrants.... I’m absolutely blown away by quality here and your different takes on the theme. My first reaction to seeing your images was overwhelmingly “I wish I’d taken and/or thought of that” followed usually by “I wish I had a fraction of the ability needed to take something like that”. Which just goes to show how horribly unqualified I am to judge the comp. I can only shield behind the usual gubbins, now revealed in its full horrible truth, of how very difficult and subjective the whole judging process is, how difficult it is to distinguish between a set of excellent images of different styles or types, and how any attempts of mine at constructive critique are faltering at best. Dead humbling.

Nevertheless... and at the risk of some sycophancy... my thoughts:


Waterlogged (DrOrloff)

We start with an absolute cracker. The good doctor probably suffers by reputation – you sort of expect something a bit special – but even so! I think this is technically very strong: really sharp, excellent detail in the eyes etc and the depth of field just right to emphasise the droplets on the critters back. And the image itself is intriguing – how exactly did such perfect drops form on its wings? Can it just shake them off? Fascinating.

Rapid Prokaryotic Fission (RPLSF)

Great title for another really intriguing image. I would have really struggled to guess how you did this without the explanation. I really like the contrast in clarity between the ‘droplets’ in the centre and those on the outside (which can be picked out clearly). Can’t quite decide if the strong patterns in the bokeh detract from the main image... but this is really really clever stuff. Wonderful original idea.


Bath Water (GlynM)

A simple idea brilliantly executed. I love the clarity of tones here (white tiles and bath, silver taps, water) and, however you or the camera did it, the exposure is just right to catch the movement in both the falling water and the bathwater. I also really like the irregular shape of the falling water. Great to see the WG-1 used in this comp – got me thinking !


Monsoon (Aliengrove)

Yet another stonker with real instant impact, but showing the overwhelming power of water. Look at it long enough and it becomes more and more extraordinary . I’ve been looking at this with all the lights off in the room and it is a deeply impressive image. I love the balance, with the swirling base of clouds in the foreground just visible, really setting off the CN in the middle of the frame lit by that amazing lightning bolt, and darkness above. Got to admire the technique that Aliengrove has developed to achieve these results. I’ll be first in the queue when he sorts that book out...


Dinneenp

Another hugely effective image which is (yet again) technically excellent. I think the light and colour in this image is just terrific – spot on. What makes it work so well for me is the variation in size of the drops, and so also the light in them. I much prefer this to your second image... so it’s a good thing you bunged it in first.


Mersey Meets Manchester (TOZZA27)

I enjoyed a really good look at this waterscape – but I’m fascinated because I sometimes see Fiddlers Ferry in the far far distance but have never actually been to this bit of the Mersey/Ship Canal. Really interesting landscape and I really like the idea of capturing the two watercourses on the same image. To my eye the image just lacks a little contrast (levels tweak).


“Just faffing around” DigitalCG

Not sure what the rules are about entries from SWMBOs, but credit certainly due. I really appreciate an underwater entry, and I like this image because of the pattern of bubbles she’s managed to catch, and because of just how tightly you’ve shut your eyes. Great, original portrait.


Tidal Waters (JudithAnn)

Another really strong image. Great idea, great skill to catch the moment (rock just inundated, starfish about to be) and a clear sense of movement in the water. I also really like the contrast between the colour in the starfish and the lack of colour in the rest of the frame. I really like this... but I don’t love it. Sorry JudithAnn. I think it’s because of the dominant opaque dark tone of the background.


A Day Outing (Darlene)

I really love the shapes made by the three kayaks on the left – the angles and shapes contrast nicely. I might have cropped the kayak on the right hand side out... and the colours are a little over-saturated for my tastes... but I really like the colour reflections at the top of the frame (for me they add an interesting border to the image).


Death Sentence (dougf

Love the idea – really imaginative play on the theme. Very nicely composed (although maybe just a little too tightly cropped on the flower head). I particularly like the fact that the flower is obviously already on its way out...


Eccles Pike to Combs Reservoir (Sandinista)

A sandinista landscape and up to his usual high standards. Thoughtful composition with real balanced interest, terrific sky and an excellent mono conversion. An impressive image. My kids go canoeing sometimes on Combs... but I won’t let that bias me.


So some very very strong contenders, and a difficult decision, but I did say I’d put emphasis on originality so that’s important.

So:

1st Aliengrove. See above. And passes the originality test because getting a shot of the monsoon like this is unusual enough... but to capture lightening at that scale must be very, very unusual.
2nd RPLSF. Really imaginative and a highly original approach.
3rd DrOrloff. Another fascinating, really original take on the theme.

HC/Special SWMBO Prize: Dinneenp (the missus looked over my shoulder 20 minutes ago, and thought yours was the best!)


But well done all. Really really enjoyed all the images and the thought and effort put in to the theme.


PS. To answer JudithAnn's question - I lecture at Manchester Uni and my area of so-called expertise is hydrology (and next week I'll be starting a course on rivers).

This competition has now officially closed, although with apologies to entrants judging will not start until about 10pm (I have to dash off to a parents' evening...:blush

I will try to post the results by 11pm BST. Try not to let the suspense grind you down too much

Really nice varied set. Slide shot is particularly good.

Respect for having the balls to shoot strangers like this. Some fabulous and interesting portraits here (from the full set I like the geezer with the purple flower on his hat best ).

Been away for a few days and just caught up with these. What an absolute treat.