Testing a new (used) lens...

​Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6

Green Mallard Drake on Blue Pond in Walton County Georgia, duck hunting unlimited

Thursday, 4:20 PM – It has still been so warm! The daffodils began to sprout this past weekend and are now about four to five inches tall; one grouping in my backyard has yellow blooms already!
 
I called about repair on my failed 70-300 mm lens… $275 minimum! Not worth it for an already old lens. Since I use that lens for just about everything, dog and wildlife photos alike, I ordered a 28-300 mm used lens and it came in yesterday afternoon.  I haven’t had much chance to use it yet, but so far so good.

It is not nearly as long and cumbersome as the 70-300, so it is easier to handle, and easier to move around without banging it on things. It also seems much quieter and faster with the auto-focus, but doesn't lock on my subject as quickly. As far as image quality and sharpness, I haven’t noticed a difference yet. The only thing to practice shooting with the lens are the resident Mallards.
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I walked up to the pond to try and give it another test. All the ponds are so high and the “duckweed bog” behind the Sheriff’s firing range is refilled as well. The beavers have done a great job of keeping the culvert blocked. The other beauty of this new lens (which is actually used… making it somewhat more affordable) is the ability to go wider angle at 28 mm verses the 70 mm of the old lens. I can zoom in to 300 mm to shoot a bird or dog close up, then zoom out to 28 mm for a landscape shot or full-body dog shot. If it is sharp at all focal lengths, it is a good replacement.
 
Walton County, Georgia
Sunrise 7:34 AM; Sunset 5:58 PM
​Day length 10 HR, 24 MIN
Clouds increasing; high 58/low 43

Fairly sharp close-up on a Song Sparrow.

Mallard Drakes on the shelter pond.

Re-filled "Duckweed Bog". Wide angle shot on new zoom lens.