Month: March 2014

Focal Length Explained Simply

Focal length is something I believe most hobbyist photographers can get away without knowing too much about. Especially those who never move beyond the kit lens. I don’t think it’s necessarily essential knowledge, and given the choice between learning it or going out shooting somewhere, I’d probably advise the latter.

The differences in your pictures caused by different focal lengths should be obvious to the naked eye, and you’ll know when you’re shooting what looks good and what doesn’t. Even if you don’t know why.

Having said that, an understanding of focal length is good to have when buying lenses, or simply wanting to know how zooming in alters your photographs in ways that simply getting closer to your subject doesn’t.

This then is a comprehensive yet simplified explanation of what focal length means for photographers. It explains how it affects your pictures without drowning you in science.

Khao San Road w/ Super-Takumar 55mm f1.8

hair braid mannequins on khao san road

Khao San Road, Bangkok. I started my day with the best intentions. I’d take my time, stalk around, capture the essence of the place, maybe (probably) have a few drinks after I’d finished.

Unfortunately, my day was interrupted by a familiar voice and face. This small set of images is what I got before that happened. Expect Same Same vests, daft trousers, braids, and a cat on a motorbike.

Super-Takumar 55mm f1.8 Lens Review

super-takumar 55mm f1.8 lens

The Super-Takumar 55mm f1.8 is a classic and slightly radioactive manual focus lens. Mine was the second manual focus lens I ever bought, and I quickly fell in love with it.

This in-depth review talks about the history of the lens, it’s radioactivity, how it is to use, why I bought it, and some notes on the image quality. Spoiler: it’s good.

With a selection of example shots taken with the lens to let you see for yourself, come and find out why I love the Super-Takumar 55mm f1.8 so much.