Cityscape A walk through the old Dutch town of Alkmaar

A walk through the old Dutch town of Alkmaar · **2 Likes**

Nothing much, just a slow Sunday afternoon and a walk around this beautiful 17th century Dutch town trying to pick out some details from between the herds of shopping people.

1. A red bicycle bell (duhhhh...

)

2. Maybe no a real showoff but behind this window in the Schoutenstraat a large part of my childhood was spent.

3. Corner Nieuwesloot and Kanaalkade. Everybody just walks by but this building is painted in beautiful, soft prachtige pastel-yellow colors.

4. A smal detail of the Friesebrug (Frisian bridge) over the Noordhollands Kanaal (an large, early 19th century 30-mile long hand-dug canal connecting Amsterdam to the Northsea)

5. An one more detail, this times of the stairs leading up to the pedestrian path over the bridge

CreationBear · 01-03-2016, 09:20 AM

That's a great set--this and your previous thread really make the case for the long, fast tele as a walk-around lens.

**newmikey** · 01-03-2016, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by CreationBear

That's a great set--this and your previous thread really make the case for the long, fast tele as a walk-around lens.

I certainly wouldn't call the Sigma 85mm a "long, fast tele" and I have to be honest here: I never use it as a walk-around lens, it's far too specific for that. I generally use my DA*50-135mm/f2.8 as a walk-around (though not considered long either) but sometimes I enjoy challenging myself by limiting my options.

I have tried using the DA55-300mm as a walk-around and it's quite a decent experience but the bokeh and acute sharpness of the 85mm are something else. The Sigma does have a tendency for purple CA though all the way through to f8 which limits its use in photo's with small details against the sky as a background.

Thanks for looking and commenting!

**Kerrowdown** · 01-03-2016, 09:47 AM - **1 Like**

Aye the focal length makes it ideal for isolating details, like in these fine images.

I have your Sigmas distant cousin... my “Sweetheart” (SMC Pentax-A* 85mm F1.4) which I often use as a walk around lens.

slowpez · 01-03-2016, 10:12 AM

You've certainly got an eye for detail. Great series. Can't pick a favorite.

CreationBear · 01-03-2016, 10:16 AM

Originally posted by newmikey

DA55-300mm as a walk-around

Now that is a long walk-around lens on the far end.

I like my K135/2.5 for the same purposes, but it's just a tad too long on a crop sensor--an 85mm might be just right.

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01-03-2016, 09:20 AM	#2
CreationBear Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 2,415	That's a great set--this and your previous thread really make the case for the long, fast tele as a walk-around lens.

01-03-2016, 09:30 AM	#3
newmikey Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,289 Original Poster	Originally posted by CreationBear That's a great set--this and your previous thread really make the case for the long, fast tele as a walk-around lens. I certainly wouldn't call the Sigma 85mm a "long, fast tele" and I have to be honest here: I never use it as a walk-around lens, it's far too specific for that. I generally use my DA*50-135mm/f2.8 as a walk-around (though not considered long either) but sometimes I enjoy challenging myself by limiting my options. I have tried using the DA55-300mm as a walk-around and it's quite a decent experience but the bokeh and acute sharpness of the 85mm are something else. The Sigma does have a tendency for purple CA though all the way through to f8 which limits its use in photo's with small details against the sky as a background. Thanks for looking and commenting!

01-03-2016, 09:47 AM - 1 Like	#4
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,863	Aye the focal length makes it ideal for isolating details, like in these fine images. I have your Sigmas distant cousin... my “Sweetheart” (SMC Pentax-A* 85mm F1.4) which I often use as a walk around lens.

01-03-2016, 10:12 AM	#5
slowpez Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 18,461	You've certainly got an eye for detail. Great series. Can't pick a favorite.

01-03-2016, 10:16 AM	#6
CreationBear Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 2,415	Originally posted by newmikey DA55-300mm as a walk-around Now *that* is a long walk-around lens on the far end. I like my K135/2.5 for the same purposes, but it's just a tad too long on a crop sensor--an 85mm might be just right.