Snagged another Nikon SB-800 flash!

Since the announcement of the latest SB-900, Nikon found the SB-800 to be in very high demand. Alas, it was discontinued (as are all photo products at some point), many shooters scurried to find the erstwhile predecessor and found the market price was quite stiff for this workhorse.

The thermal cut-off on the SB-900 is worrisome to many photographers, it could be seen as a step backwards despite the faster recycling time. Too many horror stories about this flash giving up the ghost at the worst possible time made the desire for the older Speedlight that much more intense.

I had been scouting the Web for some time trying to find a second SB-800, I found one in the GTA with only 500 firings or so - plus the original box and accessories.

Of course, I had to test it out for myself - it seems to be perfect. It feels good to have two of these puppies in my bag, the SB-800 may well be Nikon's best flash unit, ever.

You don't need to go far

I could see the day was a bit foggy and misty, and photos are usually interesting if you can get some color. I ventured out with the D40 and Tamron 17-50 and soon realized I'd be better served with the 70-300mm VR. Since I was only a short distance from home, I made the switch.

I am becoming more and more of an advocate of walking around and seeing what you can find.

A couple more from last night

Before I close the book on last night's shooting in Lunenburg, I found a couple more files worthy of a blog entry.

An evening in Lunenburg

The South Shore is such a treasure for photographs, I always appreciate what we have around here - a paradise for people like me who enjoy exercising their shooter's eye. When the light is ideal, you simply go out and shoot. Lunenburg is one of those places that offers never-ending opportunities.

Mahone Bay just after sunrise

I decided to venture out for a sunrise shoot in Mahone Bay, the sun didn't come up where I was expecting - I had to move around to a different location other than my usual spot in the parking lot in front of the churches. My diligence was rewarded. To my chagrin, some of the files had an out-of-focus tree only a few feet away that I did not notice in the viewfinder.

D40 and 70-300mm VR.

Fill-flash at dawn

I took the 12-24mm/D80 combo and attached SB-800 flash with me for some early-morning rays. It was very windy and cold, we had been getting used to much better weather but it's still March. I always seem to be rewarded when I venture out at this time of day.

More no tresspasing

I wasn't 100% happy with yesterday's efforts, and I was determined to try to do better, today, by visiting the same place. No two days and situations are ever the same with photography, the lighting is always different and you simply see things sometimes you overlook.

I took the D80 and 16-85mm VR, the view was so much more aesthetic. It seemed to be a more suitable day to shoot b/w images.

No tresspasing

Those words on a sign are more of an invitation to me as a photographer than a warning. In my early-morning jaunts, I feel I am not imposing by quietly hovering around a place where I am not invited. Fortunately, I know the owners of the old Zwicker mill and they would not have an issue with me being on the property.

The AF-S 12-24mm is the ultimate tool for expanding scale and height.

300th blog entry!

Wow, I didn't realize I was such a blogging whore. At least I can say I have been persistent at maintaining this endeavour, I wasn't able to even come close with a journal. I found some leftover NEF's from a recent outing on a gorgeous day during March break taken at the Bayport government wharf, the 12-24mm sure is a winner and sunny day imaging is greatly helped by fill-flash, namely from my SB-800. This is Nikon's high-end flash unit and I just had the opportunity to secure a second one.....

Stroll to the Penney Farm

It was a good-lighting Sunday afternoon, so I took the D40 and 12-24mm for a rather long walk and found some interesting tidbits. I am finding that walking allows for the maximum photo opps for any shooter, plus it's healthy - at least until the black flies arrive=)

First day of spring - Ross Farm

With March break offering unusually great weather, it was no surprise that Ross Farm had a ton of kids milling around. I snuck in and grabbed some great shots with the D40, Tamron 17-50 and SB-600.

Old-fashioned view from shooting downwards

I find b/w images command more attention, this looks like one of those old shots you'd find in someone's shoebox of old prints, but this is what a gas station looks like in 2010.

All grown up

I took a stroll over the so-called Tower Hill on Friday morning to see if I could get high-level images from a good view, my old stomping grounds had all grown up! Trees and bushes made it hard to get around, and there was no way to get any good views. I almost fell down while trying to get over an old wire fence. The trek was almost fruitless, but I found this interesting artifact.

Long walk in New Germany

For some reason, I feel more like walking than I have for some time. A lot has to do with the weather and the fact I have some free time on my hands, which hasn't been the case for many years. It doesn't hurt to try to get rid of a few extra pounds, as well=)

I took a jaunt over to the Osborne Road, it's about a 6 km round trip to and from my house. I brought along the D80 and 70-300mm VR and the combo proved faithful, as always.

Hirtle's Beach

This is one of the nicest beaches around, it's somewhat secluded so it's not crowded and it's quiet. The long drive was worth it, even on a bright and sunny day which usually means poor images. The light was airy and the SB-800 sure helped with the 12-24mm shots.

I got a good soaking with my running shoes for my efforts.