Well, a lot seems to be happening since Mongo last posted.
Very big thanks to Armando for posting two fabulous examples that have encouraged Mongo no end.
Also to the number of members who have given us very valuable insight and information into the working of the polariser. Like a lot of you, it has baffled Mongo for some time. The explanations still suggest an element of caution in their use re time, place of sun in sky, width of focal length etc. Mongo would add, probably location/distance from the equator. So, there is something to the varying results Mongo has been getting over the years to the point he stopped using polarisers on digital. It may warrant a closer look but clearly some study will need to be done beforehand.
Lastly, received the lens today. Absolutely couldn't distinguish it from a new one !! Took several dozen quick images of varying subjects at varying F stops and conditions. Quiet , smooth and decisive AF. Already in the camera’s rear playback screen there was a noticeable jump up in colour saturation, contrast and clarity. Examined images on computer monitor and at 100% crop and could not fault the lens. Did notice some flare in circumstances where the f3.5 would not have flared. One of the biggest shocks was the extreme shallow DOF in images with large aperture settings. A little like Armando’s image of the boobies. This was something Mongo had not been used to with such a wide lens until the 20mm F1.8. This is a good thing and lots of room for creative photography.
Mongo can say he is happy he got the F1.8 (admittedly in unusual but advantageous circumstances) and can use it happily with the F3,5 each for different purpose and character. Still do not see Mongo carrying both around at the one time unless he is specifically going out to photograph just landscapes for the day.
