OK, so the news isn’t a baby or that I’m an uncle… in fact it’s even better (sorry parents). My pursuit and purchase of the missing lens in my family arrived just 30 minutes ago. When I got the huge package I didn’t rip it apart, I savoured the moment. I took my time opening it but then remembered I should be documenting this. Yes, I realise this sounds weird, but you may not have any idea what potential this lens has to my shooting options. However, I digress.

Fortunately I had the 50mm already attached to the D300 so I clicked away. Of course I wasn’t just going to SNAP this moment, I wanted to get some depth and do something from a slightly different angle.

It is definitely a solid piece of equipment. When the box arrived very nicely packaged up I knew what it was but I wasn’t quite prepared for how heavy it would be. It is by no means as meaty as my 70-200 F2.8 but even so, I’m glad this lens makes it’s presence known.

I was very very tempted to rip off the 50mm and ram this lens into my D300 and try it out, but again I wanted to get the right shots. After a few more minutes, I had enough photos and put the lens on my D300; immediately it has an amazing balance to the kit. It’s focusing motor is deadly silent! I mean, Ninja’s could use this lens and never be discovered! I had to check a couple of times by turning my radio off so I could hear it. I was completely blown away by that!

Anyway, I took a few shots of my Macbook Pro I happened to be using when the postman came. It is a dream camera and I cannot wait to use it tonight (badminton) and show anyone who will listen why this is a cornerstone of my lenses.

Remember folks, a camera is for 2 years… a lens is for life! (That’s a joke folks!!)

A special thanks to Douglas from Ireland who made this Ebay transaction so smooth and kept me up to date throughout the weekend.

[UPDATE 11.22pm]

I went to my badminton club to try some test shots, and wow!! I’ve never been able to shoot such wide angles at that speed before. And the images are so sharp!

I have tried the cheaper Sigma 24-70 and by all accounts people have had mixed reviews. I certainly had one of the bad ones. I tried to like it mainly because of it’s price compared to the Nikon. But the images were very soft, and the focus ring was very close to the camera body, it felt stiff and bulkier than I thought necessary.

I shall do more tests. I hope to be out and about tomorrow, so we’ll see. The real test will be on Thursday when my apprentice will use it for a gig shoot. I hope she can handle it.