It's really a shame that while we were all being childish, someone posted a
link to a site showing photos shot with a 50/1.0 wide open. I've gone back
to this site several time to reexamine the photos. The composition is
variable, and a couple could benefit from some fill flash. Still, several of
the shots of the children are masterful in capturing the kid's world, and
the shots of the trees? I really want to see a print of these. Each of these
shots could achieve their ends with other lenses, but the lack of depth of
field is notable in one way.
Just glance at each one, especially the third and fourth. On a cursory
examination, I automatically assume they were shot with a long, fast tele.
Only after more careful examination do we see the clues that they were shot
with a shorter lens. The ability to fool the semi-trained eye is something
to examine. These photos would make good tricks to play on Gary's students
at exam time.
Let's take time out from less productive pursuits to examine these more
closely. Those of us with 50/1.2's should take time to try some wide open
shots. I'm going to!
Bill Pearce