New Lens: 70-200

We just got our second new zoom lens: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II. Like the 20-70 that we debuted recently, it’s a relatively small and light zoom for travel. Compared to our usual 200-600 bird lens, it’s much lighter… but could we get any good pictures? We headed to our UCSC Arboretum test site to find out.

We sat for a while, and the hummingbirds came close enough for good pictures with the lens at 200mm and a 1.4x extender attached. This won’t replace the 200-600 for typical distant bird situations, but we were pleased with what we could get. Like the 20-70, this lens focuses very close; I don’t think we’ll want a dedicated macro lens very often.

New lens: 20-70

We just got a new 20-70 f/4 lens for the Sony, and went up to the arboretum to try it out.

So far, so good: the lens is small, light, and versatile. It focuses very close for near-macro images, especially at 70mm. We’re excited to put it to use on our next trip!

Pigeon Point to Davenport Landing

I recently paddled a new point-to-point downwind route just up the coast: Pigeon Point to Davenport Landing. On this stretch of coast, there aren’t many good access points for a long boat like my OC1, but this route has an easy start and finish. Conditions ranged from breezy downwinding, to smooth water, to chaotic chop.

Joy dropped me off just below the lighthouse at Pigeon Point, then enjoyed a day on the coast before meeting me at the takeout. With her help, I’ve been able to paddle much of the coastline near Santa Cruz.