What it can do

As requested by torekimi...

Without the TC-E2 conversion lens.

With the TC-E2 conversion lens.

I had the camera set up on my tripod. I first set up then took a shot without the new lens. Then I added the lens, without turning off or moving the camera or changing any settings. I didn't even notice how much of a difference there was until I transferred the photos to my computer. (The LCD on the Nikon is really tiny.)

My New Toy

A few months ago, I picked up an old Nikon Coolpix 885 from the local Flea Market (actually a pawn shop) for $20. It only came with a dead battery and a user manual. I managed to obtain another battery and a charger, a USB cable and some CF cards for it. I originally bought it as a backup, and for Hayley to take on her trip to the RNC. I haven't played around with it much as of yet (the CF cards all hold a very small amount of photos -- most only 8mb), but am hopefully going to get more use out of it now.

I've been wanting to get some lenses and stuff for the Nikon, but couldn't afford the prices for even a used lens or anything. But a few days ago I found a TC-E2 Tele Converter lens (2x) with a UR-E4 step down adapter on eBay for $18 (including shipping). I don't normally get into the eBay bidding, because I always lost the bids at the very last second. Either that, or the bids go way above my price range. But I gave it one more shot for the lens and adapter....and I WON! Of course, I was the ONLY bidder, so that helped.

Just the adapter alone (which I'd need pretty much for any lens for the Nikon) was hard to find for less than $20. So this was a great bargain. It's nothing fancy, I guess. But at least now I can take even slighty different shots of the same ol' stuff, instead of photographing the same ol' stuff in the same ol' way. Can't wait to try it out.

Watching the Sun Set Over Lake Superior

(best viewed enlarged)

Shutterday: Golden Hour

DNC and RNC Protests

"DNC and RNC Protests"

This is a link to a short (about 2-1/2 minutes) video on my YouTube account that I put together, using (with permission) an 8-18 Media audio file/radio story, and some of Hayley's photos of the protest activities in St. Paul, Minnesota. The story is about the protestors at both the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention, but Hayley only has RNC photos since that's the convention she attended.

Busy Bee

Shutterday: Hair
(Click image to enlarge)

On our way home from the grocery store, we encountered this fellow. Even with torn wings (and is that a spider web attached to the wing too?), he was collecting as much pollen as he could on this one flower. Poor li'l thing was literally working himself to death, I think.

Hayley at the RNC

Hayley and Maggie interviewing John McCain's daughter, Meghan.

Hayley at the Xcel Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, covering the 2008 Republican National Convention with 8-18 Media.

On Top of Gaines Rock

Looking down on the bike path at Founders Landing.
Lens Day: Relaxation

Apparently, there will soon be some development taking place at Founders Landing. Our scenic lakefront is turning into a Traverse City look-alike contest. Bummer, Dude. (No offense to T.C. -- my oldest brother, now deceased, lived there for many years. I just don't think the T.C. style fits in here.)

Hayley's RNC Photos

More of her photos can be seen on my Flickr account. I'll add more to the set as they're available to me.