[Arthur Macmillan]

Off the top of my head, out of the last 24 lenses that I aquired, 4 were new.  Many of the 20 were $20 or less.  Most were manual focus.  Two of the new ones I bought were Canon "L" lenses.  Despite the cost, I like new lenses the best.  But 2 of the lenses I bought were $3, more than one were free including Asahi Pentax 55mm f/1.8 (I consider a good lens).  I got an Asahi smc 50mm f/1.4 for $10 dollars.  I bought an Asahi 135mm f/2.5 for $25 on eBay.  Most reviews say it is only "An average consumer grade lens"  It is coated, but not multi-coated.  I consider it to be nothing short of excellent.  But you know, one "expert" calls it consumer grade glass, and the we can all buy one for $25 for at least 20 years!  Thank you experts!

 

I don't really like manual focus.  And I appreciate modern technology, and how easy it makes shooting.  But a can't resist a cheap lens!  Just how bad can it be?  I've learned you can almost always get a great photo with a cheap lens.  It's just the percentage of great photos can be very low!

 

The two "L" lenses are probably a whole new level for me.  I haven't gotten used to the "L" level performance yet.  Do you know what a springtail is?  It is an arthropod normally 0.5 to 2mm in length.  A challenge even for a macro lens.  I took a photo of one with the EF 135 f/2L.  No tube.  No diopter.  Just it's max mag of ~ 1:5.  It was a good picture!  Basically, I'm in shock!  More L lenses coming?  Probably.  I mean this is just a hobby.  But how do you go back after this?