A bit over a month ago, I made some changes from my old blog to what it is now. As part of the continuous changes/updates (hopefully leading to improvements), I would like to ask a question, as well as make some announcements…
First, the question: I am in the process of adding ads to the site (will be starting with AdSense). Of course, it might be a bit too late to be asking this as there has been Foodbuzz ads floating for a while already… However, I would like to hear your opinion. Now, I must mention this: In no way I consider myself a professional writer, rather, I just like to write about my personal experiences. The purpose of the ads will be to offset the cost of blog hosting, since I am not using “free” services like Blogger or WordPress. After all, I have to eat regardless I am blogging or not! So, what’s your opinion?
Now, the announcement. Recently a got a new toy…
Stock picture from Broadway Camera, where I purchased it.
Originally, I wanted to get the 18-200mm VR DX, however, that was way beyond my budget ($750+) and got the one above instead, the 50mm f1.8D AF Nikkor. (The way the economy had some weight in the situation). I will not go to the technical details of the lens (I am still an amateur on this and there are better sites outside explaining it) but, despite it is somewhat difficult to use, I love it! Why it is difficult to use? Because it does NOT auto-focus nor zoom (hey, it is fixed!) in my Nikon D40! Now, I knew this from the very get go so it was no mistake. Why I am mentioning this? Until I learn how to use it correctly, some of the pictures might (and will) look slightly out of focus – and I apologize for that. Below are some pictures I took for testing purposes.
Click on the last image for the full size version – 2.5MB
Now, it does not look “that” different but you will see (and understand) in the next couple of posts, hehehehe.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
The 50 f/1.8 is a crisp, great bang-for-the-buck lens, you should have had it in your bag a long time ago.
Will do wonders for your table shots, I am sure!
I actually had access to one of these, but its focal length on my camera (equiv to 75mm) makes it a bit of a challenge to make photos of food in a restaurant setting. Let us know how it works out for you.
Hey Kim Ho:
I don’t see a problem with your readers about putting on ads, particularly Adsense. They are not intrusive as far as I am concerned.
BTW, I am not familiar with Nikon equipments but I do find it strange that it does not auto-focus. I guess it has something to do with some backward compatibility issues.
I would personally find it hard to use without auto focus particularly when it’s set wide with a very, very shallow DOF! I read that you need 1.5 ft to auto-focus … but if it is manual focus, can you manual focus from closer distance? I have a 50mm f/1.4(Canon) but I find that the focus distance of 1.5ft very limiting particularly in table settings (i.e if I want an steep angle into the plate, I got to stand up). I prefer the 17-40mm L which allows me to get as close as 5″ but certainly the 50mm is sharper by miles. Looking forward to great shots from your new lens.
BTW, we are planning on doing a “Vancouver Food Blogger Dine Out” event. Would you care to join us?
Ben
Hi shokutsu,
Actually, when it come to lenses, I believe in “less-is-more”. When travelling, I only carry one lens (usually the 18-55mm); I carry the other ones when I know that extra weight/bulkiness is not an issue.
Hi ET,
I know what you mean! Stay tuned for the next couple of post to see my “struggle” with that lens!
Hi Ben,
About ads, it is something more on the lines of personal ethics. As for auto-focus, that’s a “limitation” of the D40 – it will only autofocus on Nikon AF-S and AF-I lenses (which this one is not). Now, don’t get me wrong, it will not auto-focus on its own, rather, when focusing manually, the internal electronics will tell you when it is “focused”. However, because of this “limitation”, in the couple of weeks I have used it, I must say I learned a lot!
Vancouver Food Blogger Dine Out, I am in!
As an aside, how’s the service at Broadway Camera?
Hi shokutsu,
The one in Broadway was so-so. When I purchased my camera bag a couple of months ago, I did not feel they wanted to help me at all. Not sure if it was because it was a slow day. The one in Richmond, on the other hand, was a bit more helpful. When I asked if I could “test” the lens, the salesperson just brought it out and set it up for me.
Thanks for the thoughts. I have only been to the Broadway location once, and felt the same level of indifference, and they lost a sale as a result.
Ads are fine.
I had some Google ads for a while, but not being tech savy my total rev after 90 days was .32….ehm unless I am in China, that won’t buy me much food.
I do actually click on ads, when I surf, if they are related to my search.
Hey
what a nice toy you have got your hands on. The problem i found is this leads to a vast expense coming on.
Once you have experienced good nikon glass, all those sigma and tamron lenses seem like junk, and thus the expensive hobby of buying Nikon G glass begins.
I just got my 1.4 50MM, I find not much difference to the 1.8 in outdoor landscapes. But the 1.4 is magic at portrait indoors and macro. great lens.
As for google ads, mine has stayed on 52 dollars for about 4 months or so. Cant they just reduce the minimum payout!
Hi Jeff, H.Peter,
Welcome and thanks for your comments!
Other than the 18-200 VR DX, I don’t expect/plan to buy any lens anytime soon so I don’t think I will fall into that trap.
You must log in to post a comment.