It is Christmas time. Yes, that time of year. But if you think I am going to write about a white, snowy landscape, think again. In Belgium we are drowning in the rainy daily conditions. The woods are very wet and it is perfect weather to stay indoors by a warm fire. But not for me today. After spending many hours and days indoors in my practice, I was eager to get out into the woods. But today I was going to go out with a new companion on the body of my Canon camera.

I have been looking for a special lens for over 2 years and yesterday I was able to buy one second hand. It is the Canon EF 500mm F4, a lens that costs more than 12000 Euros when new. This one is about 12 years old, but still of excellent quality. I love working with older lenses as there is always something magical about them. Not too sharp, but there is a soul in them.

Canon 500mm

More info:

This state-of-the-art L-series super-telephoto lens with image stabilisation is one of the world’s top lenses for nature and wildlife photography. This 500mm super-telephoto lens with Image Stabilizer and wide f/4 aperture is very attractive. The lens’ shortest focusing distance has been reduced to just 4.5 m/ 14.8 ft. and the lens features “full-time” manual focus, pre-programmed focus and AF stop function. The use of magnesium alloy for the lens barrel minimises weight and offers excellent dust and moisture resistance.

I have used a lot of zoom lenses in my various photographic adventures, but for the last 3 years I have really stuck to prime lenses, because for me quality is what counts. It means one focal length.

Here we go with the lens today in every possible way to see what it can do. And damn, I was blown away by it. First I used the lens for landscape shots.

As the rain continued to fall, I continued to walk around the wet park. I began to use the lens to try and capture the natural world.

Again, I was so surprised by the speed and sharpness of the lens. I never expected this result to come out and enjod working with every moment. Even the 4kg extra weight I had to carry wasn’t a problem.

I tried to make the most of the less than to get some macro shots.

The first shots were taken, I was soaking wet but enjoyed every minute in the wet woods. I have been looking for this lens for many years and today, at the end of the year, I bought it. The person I bought it from was really emotional about the sale as it really gave him his greatest passion to connect with nature.

I have to agree with him. It really brings nature closer to you and keeps the wildlife at a safe distance. So surprised and blessed with this result.

So you see, keep going. Even when moments seem like they will never come, one day it can all come together.

Keep believing in yourself, not for others, just for yourself.