jerrypoller Loc: Huntington, NY

After reading many of your posts and getting great advice to a couple of my own posts, I invested in a couple of fast lenses to replace my Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR. I picked up a Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8 D, and a Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 D to use on my new Nikon D7100. Then I went on vacation for a week. I was mainly taking church and museum interiors and outdoor architecture shots. Walking around with my 12.5 pounds of gear quickly became more work than I wanted, and I also quickly came to the conclusion that the kind of shooting I was doing could be taken care of quite nicely by the 35-70 lens alone (that 80-200mm lens is a lot of metal and glass to carry around - and I'm not getting any younger).

I'm still pretty new at this and learning more with every shot I take, and this trip was my first "photographer" outing. I was shooting in M mode with auto ISO. I controlled the aperture and shutter speed to suite my subjects and lighting.

I know that the D7100 gets high marks for sharpness and low light ability, but I was just blown away by the lens. I always previously used "kit" lenses or slow zooms. Well, I couldn't find a venue that this camera/lens couldn't handle. Even shots at dusk that look like overcast daylight (to me anyway). And when I got home and started cropping, I was amazed at how sharp the results were. (I know this isn't the place for picture commentary, but I'll post a few to demonstrate how well the camera/lens worked)

In any event, I am psyched about my lens purchases, and couldn't have done it without the great advice I got right here. Thanks for making this vacation the most photographically productive I've ever taken.

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good series Jerry.

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

A good quality lens makes all the difference. Looks like you got some great shots.

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

It looks like money well spent. Good glass will always show through.

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

Great shots. Good glass really helps in image quality.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Indeed, you have two of the better lenses you'll find anywhere. :)

jerrypoller Loc: Huntington, NY

Thanks - I got in the neighborhood of 600 pics - maybe a hundred or so I'll keep.

I know I'm babbling, but my mind is still trying to get around what a difference great glass makes when used by a mediocre photographer like me. I thought my D80/D90/kit lenses/180300mm zoom were all great combinations - UNTILL this trip with primo glass. Kinda a waste of 10 years getting to this point, but now that I'm here I find myself looking for photo opportunities as I just drive around locally on errands.

Thanks again to all.

jerrypoller Loc: Huntington, NY

Just a quick question - I had some text under each picture when posted and now it's gone. Any idea how to restore it?

YoungEsqr Loc: Minnesota

Very nice pictures and thanks for sharing.

jerrypoller Loc: Huntington, NY

Glad you liked them - my first exposure in the www arena. Previously, I've only shown my photos in my office or on my annual family calendar.

:-)

travelerted Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

After reading your post on one of mine, I looked up your profile and saw these interesting photos and 'story' behind them about the lenses you are using. I'd guess that photo number two is in Siena - lovely place to visit is't it?
Would like to see more of your photos from your travels.

jerrypoller Loc: Huntington, NY

Yes, Siena. We took a day side trip to Siena while we were visiting Florence.
I looked up your profile too, Ted, and found another "small world" item - my mother was born near Kamloops, Vancouver, British Columbia.
I'll look through my photo library and see about sending you a PM with some of my favorite travel pics. Of course, my favorite photos in general are of my grandchildren, which my kids don't want me to post on line out of concern for unsavory internet circulation.

travelerted Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

It's quite obvious that you came from good stock then!!
After we got back from last summers's trip, I made a Shutterfly book for Ellen. If you would like to see it, there are more photos of the surrounding area, PM your email address to me and I can send the link to you. Nothing to urge, only if you're interested. Look forward to seeing more of yours too.