Ever since I gave my daugher my old Vivitar 28mm, have been looking for an auto-focus replacement. The old Vivitar was a sharp little lens, and the focal length ideal for "intimate landscapes," but colors always too blue for my taste, and difficult (for my old eyes) to focus. Did I really need another lens? Of course not!! But recently found a great price on an FA 28. So here are a few test shots...

First a few scenes from up on Unaka Mountain. It's a lush green mountain, and there's a great hike up the mountain from Limestone Cove to Stamping Ground Ridge. Here are three perspectives on a fine little waterfall, not far from the start of the trail.







Not a good day for views - top of the mt was engulfed in fog. But this made for some lush wet smaller scenes - like this trickling cliff on the shoulder of the mountain.



And these ferny, mossy cliffs up near the top of the mt...





Second "test run" of the FA 28 was over at Laurel Run Park in nearby Hawkins County TN. Have posted (far too many) photos from there already... Hope you will tolerate just a few more.

Here's a detail from one of the old homesites (the Asa Simpson home) on the edge between Laurel Run and Bays Mt.



An odd little fungus (not sure of the species) along the trail - FA 28 is not macro, but surprisingly good close focus...



Laurel Run also holds some very lush damp woodlands - here's a view along Kiner Creek, just below the waterfall. (I do like how the FA 28 renders details...)



And two views of Laurel Run Falls - not very full, but more so than usual for August...





I think this lens is a "keeper!" What do you think? Would really appreciate your input about these test shots, and also any input/suggestions from those who own this lens. Thanks!!

[Kozlok]

Looks great to me! Maybe you should join the Single in September group with it, and post one shot every day. Best way to get acquainted with a new lens. I always learn quite a bit from that exercise.

[Cee Cee]

wow, some very nice shots here, love the colour tones you've captured here. ... everyone needs at least one more lens, I think you have picked up a good one.

[Bob Harris]

lovely photos Ranger, a lot of that area must not get much sun during the year judging by the ferns and moss. What SS did you use for the photos. I've got a 28mm stuck away in my bag, I got to get it out after seeing these photos. thanks Bob.

[Hippone]

Wonderful shots ,these photos are relaxing with these nices colors . The FA series is great.
Enjoy man

[mickey]

Excellent set of photos especially the small waterfalls.

[OrchidJulie]

If you don't want it, send it to me...

Gorgeous images!

[normhead]

Very nice... thanks for posting...

[mole]

Kozlok - Thanks for the great suggestion - will definitely give it some thought, although will have to use some other lenses for work-related photos...

Cee Cee - Thanks! This lens does seem to do a fine job with the "local color." My wife might disagree with your "one more lens" diagnosis!!

Bob - We do have some bright sunny places here in East Tennessee as well, but yes, these two locations are mostly in the shades and in the fogs... Shutter speeds vary, but most of these were very slow - several seconds or longer. Did not strip the exif, so data should be available...

Hippone - Glad you enjoyed these. Will definitely agree about the FA lenses - this is my third (also have FA 50 macro and FA 100 macro), and each is a gem!

Mickone - Thanks so much! Come visit East Tennessee and I can take you to close to 100 waterfalls of all sizes!

Julie - "The lens is in the mail." Well, maybe not... But it looks like there are several of these over in the marketplace!

Norm - And thanks for taking time to comment!

[southlander]

Bugger, I'd been trying to resist buying a FA28. But the colours are great. Damn!

[slowpez]

You really showed us what that lens can do in the right hands. Wonderful series.