Winged words were spoken by the camera salesman into whose hands I had delivered myself. I was putty in his hands and I was enjoying it. The possibility of love between me and my single-lens reflex seemed remote to start with, but his proposal to mend our relationship by offering a renewal of that doubtful commodity struck a chord.
Explaining that I had not got on very well with it, I had told him that just maybe a telephoto lens was needed, and he cleverly engaged me by simplifying the issue to a straight choice – either this one which is basic and cheap, or this one, modestly more expensive but including some automatic stabilisation against camera shake. I’m pretty sure he had already classified me as a prospect that would be tempted by the best that money can buy. If so he was right – I always incline towards the more expensive choice in the hope of getting value. I care less about preserving my hoard of money than the self esteem it buys.
I am struggling with the display of images resulting from my purchase. I wanted to show details of a tiny island about a mile offshore from the island of Penang where I am staying for the few days before my seatrack begins. I would have like to show two images side by side, one shot with the new telephoto lens, the other with an inexpensive compact camera on full zoom.
Alas my technical skill with this new computer and the new WordPress software I am using to generate this blog, is not yet sufficient for my purposes.
This is a cropped picture of Pulau Tikus (‘Rat Island’) at high tide, taken with the lens I bought from the salesman.
Tamron 70-300 Telephoto
Here is one taken with my small Fujfilm FinePix on full zoom, taken the day before at low tide.
Fujifilm FinePix on full zoom
What I want from the new telephoto lens is to be able to capture distant objects within a narrower angle of view than is possible with a standard lens. However it is obvious to me that my photographic skills need a great deal of attention.
Well my current levels must serve me during the sailing course which starts in six days time. But maybe when I get back to London, I shall put photographic training on my list of activities!
Anyway, as for the salesman’s promise, I think the most that can be said at present is that we are still getting to know each other!
Ever the sucker for something expensive!
Men and their gizmos eh. I am expecting some great photos. Not staying at the Swiss Hotel are you? It was pretty grim but we made up for it with a nice lunch at the v colonial E & O.
Strangely I have never been to the E & O, Penang which is one of the famous hotels of the world, tho’ not quite in the same class as Raffles in Singapore (which I have stayed in).
When I was a child the E & O was renowned for the acoustics of its domed space. When planters given to drink would consult their solicitors regarding their divorce, guests exactly opposite overheard their conversations as though beside them.
I suppose the name of this hotel: ‘Eastern and Oriental’ follows the same tradition although it is not quite an echo, but what we English Language specialists call a ‘pleonasm’.
‘Ooh, get him!’ I hear you saying.
In colonial times you came out east with P & O, and on arrival in Penang put up at the E & O.
I do plan to go there this time in the few days I have left before joining the yacht.
[For other readers: Julie is almost the oldest friend of my wife Jacky’s.]
Daddy, ‘[For other readers: Julie is almost the oldest friend of my wife Jacky’s.]’ you are such a loser.
Love the pics, are they panaramic or someshit? Look great anyway. Miss you so much 🙁
So what’s not to like? Is it the double genitive? Until now, I expect you thought that was something rude!