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chadestioco

Chad
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First of all, I would like to make it clear that I did not burn PhP80k for a lens, no matter how beautiful. Hear my story out.

Secondly, I would like to declare that I have been lead to believe that a certain jug in our Hacker House contains orange juice when it was, in fact, orange juice with alcohol. I don't really drink so that might affect the lucidity of this post. But my first declaration stands completely. No amount of drunkenness will make me throw PhP80k for something that does not earn me back some money (yet).

So, well, to stop beating around the bush, I got the SAL35G F1.4, a refurbished(? is that the right term?) Minolta prime, last March and it has been the lens I've been alluding to ever since. What would make buy a prime lens, you might ask, when I've (mistakenly!) declared previously that I find a prime lens useful for studio photography but not much outdoors. The first reason, is the price.

Again, I did not burn PhP80k for this, hell no. The thing is, I got it at a discount of more than 50%. That keeps the SAL1650 in its position as my most expensive photography-related purchase to date.

The reason for the sale, I believe is Sony's decision to, uhmm, unofficially abandon the A mount system, in favor of E mounts. While I am impressed by their new camera offerings---me and my photography-minded coworkers talk of the A7R II in tones of mixed excitement and reverence---I can't help but feel pissed (betrayed even!) at their decision. I've already bought an adapter in preparation for the seemingly inevitable switch and I've even tried it on an A6000 a few times now but I really still feel disappointed for the A mount line. Ah well, it got me this lens at an excellent discount, so maybe I should look at that silver lining.

The second factor that goaded me into getting this lens is my aforementioned photography-minded coworkers. Kinda crazy for primes and the apertures they can achieve. Mix that in with my recent involvements with the Philippine Astronomical Society. Boom. Purchase looks inevitable, no?

So how do I really feel about this lens, now that I've had around a couple of months to play with it? The short answer is, I'm really glad I got this at an excellent discount.

I am not pro but I could clearly see the flaws Kurt Munger pointed out in his review of this lens. Granted, I've no experience with other primes to compare but it seems to me that you'd pay the bulk of its original price for the F1.4 aperture and not much else.

Among my issues are
  • Focus/Image sharpness. Well, I kinda expected this given that I keep shooting at F1.4 but I noticed that the autofocus does not work as well as with my other lenses. I believe it is not an exaggeration to say that I've shot in manual focus with this lens more than any of my other lenses and I've just had two months with it. Maybe it's the fact that this is my only lens that stops hard at infinity but I've yet to figure out how that (missing?) feature actually affects my shooting.
  • It can't zoom. Hahaha okay this is the alcohol talking.

But I am happy with the lens' performance overall (helped, undoubtedly, by the fact that I got it at an excellent discount). Getting it for the wide aperture really enabled me to get shots I would otherwise be unable to get, even with the SAL1650. And now I can see the purported benefits of prime lenses: you focus on your framing more and you just take the shot at the spur of the moment due to the absence of options for other focal lengths. And taking the shot, first and foremost, is photography at its core.

My old point-and-shoot had a narrow range of optical zoom, the rest being grainy and noisy digital zoom. As such, I almost used it exclusively at its default widest focal length. Having a decent zoom was one of my main attractions when I got the A35. I wasn't so conscious then of how I shot photos with my point-and-shoot but I find it funny that now, after a little more than four years, I'm back to using my legs to compose my shots.
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Scraps

4 min read


So yeah...just riding on DA's free Premium Membership Day. XD

New Lens!

I got my third lens (after the kit 1855 and the SAL55200), the SAL 1650. It's my first time handling a lens of this build and man is it gorgeous and awesome! As of this writing I've already posted some of my test shots with the said lens in my gallery.

With this purchase, I'm now pretty comfortable with my lens set; I won't be specifically budgeting savings for lens purchases anytime soon. Maybe I'd get a prime lens or one of those with super wide focal length ranges (e.g., 18250, 16105) but they're just nice-to-haves. Especially the primes. I think prime lenses are good for studio photography but not much if you shoot outdoors.

DA Thoughts

This one influenced by my day job (i.e., the one that pays for my lens purchases) I'm thinking of playing around with DA's API. Honestly, it's a relatively unknown API. Ever encountered an imaging app that allows you to upload directly to DA? Yup, me too. Not yet.

To the unacquainted, an application programming interface (API) allows other developers to build on top of your data and functionality. Think of Facebook and the (often annoying) proliferation of its "Like" button, be it web or mobile. Think of how, from your smartphone, you can upload directly to Flickr or Google Docs.

Last, I think DA should allow OpenID (or equivalent) log-in credentials. Like StackExchange. Just a whim.


So ends my scraps of thought!

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...is the one you have with you the moment your shot "happens".

For some months now since summer, I've upgraded my Android phone to an XPeria Z. Since I started scouting for Android phones, I've been looking into the XPeria line for the camera (being that I already use a Sony SLR). But contrasting what XPeria had to offer (then) against other lines never really made a compelling argument to buy one. Until the XPeria Z.

Water, shock, and dust proof. Finally, here's the phone that will allow me to play Temple Run even if its raining!

Jokes aside, I'm really pleased with the XPeria Z. When I switched from point-and-shoots to the A35, I knew that portability will be one of the things I'm giving up as well. The P&S cameras I've had the opportunity to use (I've had two models) aren't really remarkable but really portable. The XPeria Z stands out for being both portable and quite remarkable; it won't replace my A35 anytime soon but it's way better than the P&Ss I've had! Even its focus system is something I'm pleased with: it allows me to specify where in the frame to actually focus.

The noise for low-light shots really stand out but I find that it manages to stay sharp despite the unruly pixels. The built-in camera app has very limited white balance options so if you're really going after flexibility, the XPeria Z may fall short (unless maybe you install other camera apps but I haven't tried that). You can still fiddle around the exposure values though and even the default app alone has a myriad of options (even some Instagram-esque filters). Depending on your tastes or what you need to shoot, the XPeria Z is more than sufficient for a photography hobbyist's needs (at least, a particular photography hobbyist---me).

(In a related note, have you heard of the QX100? Now that's one product I'd actually call innovative. Fanboy mode aside, I think its design really makes more sense than most phone-camera hybrids out there (*ahem* Samsung *ahem*). My only criticism for it is its branding. For crying out loud Sony, you've brand names like Alpha, CyberShot, XPeria, Vaio, Bravia and now you're giving me...QX?! Sounds more like a product code than anything. But otherwise, shut up and take my money!!!!!)

So well, as usual, I haven't had time to upload stuff here. December is nearing so (I hope) things should slow down at work; every December we have "server freeze" since people go on vacations and it could get difficult to have them help fix stuff should something break. I hope to have time to sort through what I've been shooting lately and upload the ones I really like here. And yes, that includes a number of shots from my XPeria Z.

Happy Halloween, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. ~Chad
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(This post alternatively titled "Why I won't be posting sketches here anytime soon but yes there should be some new deviations coming up".)

So, well, regarding the plans I talked about in my last post...

Something came up and I ended up jumping to purchases earlier than I expected. I now have a new lens to play with and I'm now typing this on a new laptop. :D

The Lens


Contrary to my plans of getting a SAL18250, I got a SAL55200 instead.

My experience getting a new lens with Sony has been pretty weird/uncomfortable. I was asking for a SAL18250 at the Trinoma branch and it was them who kept saying that all available supplies are reserved. I was under the impression that they were querying all Sony branches nationwide for stock and, if any is free for the taking, get the item to be delivered there. Since it seemed improbable that I'd get a SAL18250 in time for what I'm anticipating to come up, I decided to scout for alternatives. That's when the SAL55200 caught my eye.

It was a very spur-of-the-moment decision to get the SAL55200. I haven't read any reviews of it so I don't know if it'd be worth my money; I even tried to connect to Trinoma's public WiFi with my smartphone to check for reviews (my favorite source being Kurt Munger) but I just can't connect. I got it nonetheless.

Later that day, I was at SM North scouting for laptops. That's when I noticed that Sony is now holding two spaces, one of which is specifically for Sony cameras. They had quite a number of lenses on display which, according to the salesman I talked to, was all the lenses they have in stock (i.e., if you see it on display, you can buy it). And there, somewhere a bit lower than eye level, is a SAL18250, the lens I've long been after.

But well, in retrospect, I think I got the better deal with the SAL55200. What really made me want the 18250 was the line in the conclusion of Kurt Munger's review which said "This is a do-it-all lens, and it's really pretty good, and very handy". I didn't notice that, along the recommendation, he gave out lots of pointers on how to avoid this-and-that effect that occurs when you push the lens to its boundaries.

In contrast, Munger sounds pleased with the 55200 and without the how-to-live-by pointers at that. The 18250 might be better in some respect but for someone who is just taking his first step outside the 18-55mm range of a standard kit lens, I think the 55200 is the hands down winner.

(Another thing I liked about the 18250 is the fact that it got the focal length range of the standard kit lens covered---that means it's really a handy do-it-all vacation lens. But did I tell you that the 55200 is cheaper? By almost half?)

That all said, I've taken a few shots with the 55200 as I write this and I must say that I'm really pleased. Might put up some soon.

The Laptop


So yeah, I ended up buying a new laptop earlier than I expected. The problem with my previous one is it's battery and charger. Needless to say, it didn't crash but I just can't get it to turn on now.

Thankfully, being the Computer Science paranoid geek that I am, I got most of my stuff backed-up redundantly. Most. Sadly, I lost access to some of the more-recent stuff I'm working on, namely, the photographed "scans" of my sketches!

I still have the original photo-scans but my work on post-processing it just went away. And man, I've spent quite sometime cleaning up the photo-scans already! I'd have to find the right mindset to restart now. :|

Well, that's all for now. Happy well-deserved long break!
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Hello internets! I'm still alive although you may not have noticed it. I'm not on my blog, seldom on my other blog, rarely here, and barely lurking on Facebook (not that  I'm very active there anyway). Come to think of it, my most active online presence recently has been on GitHub (Warning: pretty geeky link).

And that's because of my Monday to Friday 9-hour day job. Also largely the reason why I'm quite active at GeekHub GitHub is that it's the only personal online activity I can pass off as work. But then again, where I work now it's pretty lax and DA, FB, and blogging won't be really frowned upon. But well, it's just not me to stray out of focus.

So well, to fulfill the title of this post, I'm telling some stories regarding the words on the title of this post...

Lenses


Lenses! I've been meaning to buy a new lens since April. I've been debating with myself on Macro vs Zoom and ultimately decided to settle scouting for zoom lenses. I wanted to use it for the graduation because Eng'g (for the Eng'g rites) did not permit students to bring cameras in the graduates area so I had to surrender my camera to my sister. I scouted for a SAL75300. I, being a diligent and wise consumer, did my research beforehand of course and knew that it is quite a so-so lens. But, well, it fit my budget that time and I thought it gave me focal length for money (longest focal length I can find without going heavy telephoto).

What I didn't know is that it's an old model. I think they released it around the same time as A100? So, they probably don't stock that anymore? Anyhow my order was left enqueued and unfulfilled but I don't think I'll get it if they ever stock again.

So, a few months later (around August), armed with more money, I go scouting again. I was no longer looking for Macro vs Zoom but, rather, decided for a nice all-around lens. Maybe, I'll go scouting for Macro vs Zoom the next time I go on vacation but for my location right now I really just want a nice all-around lens.

The SAL18250 caught my eye and I ordered. As luck would have it, the time I was inquiring at the store, there's one at Gateway (the one at Cubao) and, as Sony stores do, they can get it from there...only it was already reserved! Sigh. Signed up for an order again but they haven't followed up yet. I'm looking at it again, one of these days...

Sketches


(This part subtitled: Or, what do I do with my DA now that I'm waiting for photo-ops and new lenses.)

Yeah sketches. I do sketches you know. I'm not half bad at it but I'm not very good at it either. I can name lots of people who'd make me look third class but I'm talking at my own DA blog so they don't really matter so that's beside the point right now. Hehe...:D

So, okay, maybe I'd put up sketches here soon. But there are some things I'd like to say ahead before I do.

First, I rarely have time for full blown sketches so they'd most likely be all studies. And, being drafts, they'd most likely not have meaningful titles or flavor texts. I have a code for labeling my studies and I'm thinking that's what I'd use for titles. But I've no idea for flavor text. Maybe, how much time it took me and the media I used?

Next, I don't have a scanner. Or, rather, I no longer have a computer compatible with the lone scanner I have access to. Our scanner, you see, was only compatible with Windows XP (and below, AFAIK) and the XPs at home are no longer functional enough for it. Not broken, just not functional enough :P.

"But you have a bloody 16MP camera!" I hear you say. Maybe I can use that? But I'd have to consider a lot of lighting and positioning issues. Or maybe, I'd post-process finally to make up for it. Let's see...

Misc


(Warning: Geekiness for the last stretch ahead. I'm just putting this up here as quick notes for myself. Don't ask.)

This Christmas, I'm also planning to buy a new laptop. The one I'm using right now is still serviceable but is slowly failing; I've missed some geek events due to it already like day 2 of PyCon PH or this year's WebGeek Dev Cup. I'm slating it for this Christmas because (1) prices will be hopefully lower (Christmas sale!) and (2) I'd have heard enough of Windows 8 by then to decide if it's for me (though I plan to immediately hijack it with Linux).

I'm planning to get a VAIO (ed's note: I was a fan of VAIO before I was fan of Alpha) but if I settle for a Windows 8 box, I might not go for the recently-unveiled VAIO Duo 11. One, I don't like the form-factor and, two, I'm not comfortable with solid state storage. (Yes geeks, I know it's blazing fast but HDs are still longer-lasting given enough care---and I'm very careful enough---though slower; I'm still all for HD when it comes to the primary machine where I'll code.)

But given how Microsoft packages Windows 8, I doubt if I'll find a good one not using solid state. My primary use for a laptop is for work and some mouse-and-keyboard play; hence, I'm not looking at the tablet side of Windows 8.

Other alternatives are Razer Blade MK2 (droolworthy specs but I'm not sure I can handle the price, and is this sold here at the Philippines?), Asus G75 (almost as droolworthy of Razer Blade MK2 but significantly cheaper) or one of those MSI gaming laptops. (But, oh, will they have Windows 8?)

That's all for now. See you soon... ^_^
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