We've just acquired a gem that is the Sigma 180mm f/2.8 OS Macro lens for Canon:

• 180 mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
• Canon EF Mount
• 1:1 Magnification
• Optical Stabilizer Function
• FLD Glass Elements Reduce Aberration
• Floating Inner Focusing System
• Multi-Coating Reduces Ghosting and Flare
• Hyper Sonic Motor for Quiet Focusing
• Minimum Focus Distance of 18.5" / 47cm
  

Any form of stabilization is appreciated, and sigma's optical stabilization is well implemented here.  Although 180mm is not terribly long, turning OS on provides for a smooth telephoto experience even when your arms start to grow tired after hand-holding for a longer session.  Regarding autofocus, we had no issues with accuracy, and although not a speed-demon, the focus-limiter allows you to skip the macro range, leading to an acceptably fast autofocus experience.

While we were out for brunch, we decided to test out our new lens with some environmental portraiture.  When the situation permits, we prefer to shoot portraits with longer focal lengths to provide a bit of compression to flatter our subjects.  The Canon 135mm f/2.0L lens is one of our favorites for this task, particularly because of its small form factor and relatively light weight.  The Sigma 180mm f/2.8 OS provides more compression owing to its longer focal length, but you would be hard pressed to notice any difference unless comparing side by side.  Regardless, subject positioning and the interplay of light and shadow will still play a major role in how we perceive facial features in the end product.  Comparing the images above, the one on the left was shot with the 135/2.0L, and the right with the 180/2.8: despite affording you more compression, the face on the right appears flatter, and less slender than the left, due to the direct positioning of the face with little to no shadow to provide contouring and shape.

We won't bother delving into tests charts for image quality and sharpness comparisons, as that is not what we shoot, and there are plenty of great sites out there to please the pixel peeper.  How does it measure up to its competitor - the Canon 180mm f/3.5L?  In favor of the Sigma is a faster aperture, optical stabilization, lower price, more included accessories, and (in our opinion) better looks.  In favor of the Canon: lower weight, and the assurance that it will work with all current and future Canon DSLRs.

Once we have a chance to take some actual macro shots using this lens we will post a review on that as well. Until then, overall this lens handles itself spectacularly for taking portraits and candid environmental shots. The only drawback we could think of was that it may be too cumbersome for some due to the sheer size and weight of this lens.  Weighing in at a hefty 3.6 lbs, it is absolutely hand-holdable...for a time, but after an hour of shooting, you start to wish you had brought at least a monopod. 

Please comment below to let us know what you'd like to read more on and what you'd maybe rather not read, lol.... Adios friends, until next time and thank you for stopping by.

We are so blessed to be friends with people that come from such diverse backgrounds. So...that means when they happen to get married in a tropical oasis, we get invited!... muahahahahaha... They say traveling can open your eyes to culture, perspective and self; it also opens a conversation on infrastructure, government and history. All in all it makes for a more interesting you.
This shot was taken through a moving bus window with a Fujifilm X100S.

Jamaica is everything the images we've seen in the posters make it seem: pristine, the bluest of oceans, and the chillest of moods; at least in some parts of the country. There are places where it is so unspoiled that as far as the eye can see...only forests and majestic mountains. Yes friends, it is a sight to behold and a marvel to wake up to.

But there are also sights that make you wonder about the human condition, and how two such contrasting worlds can coexist.  The poor and the ultra rich - the disparity is so extreme, you can't even begin to comprehend how vastly different their life experiences, world views, and life goals must be, despite living on the same island. It is in these moments that we are reminded to be thankful for what we have, where we live, and the opportunities we have been blessed with.

Nothing feels better in Jamaica than beating the heat with a cool dip in the ocean. I know you must be thinking this is all Photoshop, but actually, this is mother nature at her best! Have you ever seen something in nature so beautiful that you just had to photograph it to share with others, only to find that the picture does it no justice?! Well, friends, your eyes can appreciate much more information in terms of contrast and subtle coloration than any camera sensor can capture in a raw file. So a little post-processing in Photoshop is necessary to make the image more representative of how the scene appeared in person.

We stayed at the RIU in Ocho Rios, in a pink building complex that reminded me of the movie, The Grand Budapest Hotel. The front desk staff was less than helpful to put it gently, and obtaining WiFi connectivity was both tedious and limited.  It was altogether a pleasant stay, but customer service was definitely not 'no problem man.'  However, this was easily overlooked due to the views, the food, and having a good traveling companion.

We always plan at least six months ahead of every trip to make sure we get the best prices.  We research what to look out for, things to do, bartering (if there is any), safety tips, exchange rates, the weather, what clothes to bring, and what gear to take. If you would like to read more about this process please comment below to let us know. We can go further into the details.

From my experience you always think you need more than you actually will wear. Packing light is the key to a pleasant trip. This blue dress doubles as a swimsuit coverup. We both brought shoes to wear to the wedding, but otherwise just lived in flip flops. We might invest in prettier and more fashionable ones on our next trip to make for better photos.

When it comes to hair products I always pack too many, and keep forgetting that the salt water does wonders for my hair texture. Other than shampoo and conditioner, I really didn't need anything else. The beach breeze and the ocean salt in my hair makes an effortless tousle do.

Since we were there for my best friend's wedding, we did not have time for much else, but we did manage to squeeze in 2 excursions. First, we traveled to Jamaica's well-known Dunn's River Falls, and joined a group to climb the waterfall.  Then we went on the Luminous Lagoon Tour and swam with bioluminescent algae that produce a flash of blue-green light whenever the water is disturbed. Therefore swimming on your back while pretending you are making a snow angel makes for a pretty sight to see.  Unfortunately, there was a full moon which diminished the effect somewhat, and longer exposures were required to capture the bioluminescence...but we were on a boat - without a tripod.  One thing no one mentioned to us was that the bottom is essentially mud, and the combination of kicked up silt, plus the hitchhiking algae, will turn a white swimming suit an unpleasant brown.  So if you are going to attempt this activity, make sure to wear a darker shade.

Until next time friends! For now we leave you with this beautiful image of the sunset (it looks even better in real life). Please comment and let us know how we did on our first blogging attempt, and suggest future topics.