Soft Backgrounds

I recently bought an 80-200 f/2.8 Nikkor lens for my D200 and really like the way you can blur the background. Of course, you pay the price, not only monetarily, but the weight is substantial. Shooting wide open, or stopped down one f-stop will yield a soft, blurred background. I have another 80-200 but, it's an f/4.5 and can't achieve the effects with it as I can this latest and greatest acquisition.

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Permalink Reply by Gromit, Sparkle, and Doug on August 12, 2010 at 3:09pm

Very nice shots.

Permalink Reply by D46 on August 12, 2010 at 8:55pm

Many thanks. You can't go wrong with a good subject and lens.

Permalink Reply by Krissy C. on August 16, 2010 at 1:49am

I am also using the 80-200 2.8 on a D200. GREAT setup for dog shots!! I use to work for a local camera shop and this was by far one of nikon's top selling lenses.

Permalink Reply by D46 on August 16, 2010 at 5:52am

It's a great lens for sure. Most times I have it on a monopod with a Markins ball head for stability. Personally, I think it's sharper between 100-180mm and stoped down just a bit...like f/3.2-f4. Most lens do improve stopped down a little and this one is no exception.

Permalink Reply by Guinness & Rosie on November 6, 2010 at 2:42pm

Very nice bokeh with this lens! I have the 50mm and 85mm f/1.8 Nikkors and love their creamy bokehs and the clear separation between the subject and the background. These are beautiful examples. And a beautiful furkid! :)

Permalink Reply by D46 on November 6, 2010 at 9:37pm

That's one of Nikon's finest...and fastest lens. You done good choosing that one. Bubba's easy to photograph and he's so photogenic it's hard to get a bad shot with him. You just have to wait for the right moment which may require a series of shots and you're sure to get one out of four that is "suitable for framing".

Permalink Reply by Guinness & Rosie on November 6, 2010 at 9:46pm

I know what you mean. This one was taken with the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 and there are a bevy of shots before and after...just to get that right moment!

Permalink Reply by D46 on November 6, 2010 at 10:03pm

Yep, sometimes you don't get the first expression as wanted so you shoot until you do. 4Gig cards are cheaper than film use to be. Don't like the shot? Erase it!:) Only with a fast lens can you isolate your subject like this. I have a 80-200 F4.5-5.6 that's super sharp but, it's not like the 2.8 lens...and, certainly not as expensive.

Another favorite with the 2.8.

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Permalink Reply by Guinness & Rosie on November 6, 2010 at 10:06pm

Great expression - nice bokeh, too! It's a good thing we have Corgis as furkids - they are natural hams and love to vamp for the lens! Here's another one with the 50mm f/1.8

Permalink Reply by D46 on November 6, 2010 at 10:14pm

They are a wonderful breed. I can't imagine any other. Couldn't figure out how to copy the one from flickr but this is the link...one of my favorites.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43545724@N03/4382983345/

Permalink Reply by Guinness & Rosie on November 6, 2010 at 10:37pm

Wondeful shot - I commented on Flickr. You have a keen eye for catching the moment!

Permalink Reply by D46 on November 6, 2010 at 10:42pm

I use to do weddings, portraits and family reunions...you had to be quick on the draw at those events. Good equipment is a must and a quick trigger finger helps. These brown eyed Corgis steal your heart and you just have to capture that for posterity. I guess I'd have a living room wall full of pictures but then, he might get the big head.:)