100mm Macro meets IS, originally uploaded by aw-photo.

Finally, Canon puts out a 100mm Macro with Image Stabilization.

After a couple of weeks, here’s my quick view of this lens:
1. Quality of Construction – 6
For a plastic enclosure, the lens feels good.  But it’s is plasticy and not metal.  Canon should be ashamed for packaging any L glass in plastic.  L is for luxury too!
2.  Sharpness – 10
This lens is the sharpest lens I own at 2.8.
3.  Image Stabilization – 9
I can capture noticeably sharper shots at up to 4 stops.  In my opinion, this alone justifies the additional premium in price over the non IS, non L prime.  If you are a tripod homer, it won’t be worth your money.
4.  Focusing – 9
Speed is slightly better in close up applications, but still slow.  But all 1:1 macros are slower in comparison to non macro glass.
5.  Image Quality – 10
Sharpness is a separate index in my opinion, but other factors that impact IQ are scored here.  Color, saturation is jaw droppingly superb.  CA, Pincushioning and Barrel Distortion are non-existent.

So how much better is it over the 100mm 2.8?  In my opinion, it’s superior, but you have to pixel peep to notice.  The only siginificant reason to pick the L over the non L is for image stabilization.  The better you are at holding glass still, the more F Stop gains you will get from it’s IS technology.  It’s very effective.  The plastic like housing is the only (but glaring) black eye of this superb performer.

Overall Score:  8.8

Midtown Blues, originally uploaded by aw-photo.

HDR just has a way of bringing to the eye, an extra level of beauty, vibrancy and character to almost everything around us. Architecture, especally those seemingly enclosed in glass, are one of my favorite HDR targets.

The vibrant blueness of this HDR rendition just stuck out at me. I couldn’t bring myself to subdue or call it anything else. I love this area of midtown and couldn’t wait for the chance to return to this area with my 5DMarkII.

Clearly Dynamic, originally uploaded by aw-photo.

Spectacular condominium in dowtown Atlanta peircing the overcast sky.

Steamhouse Lounge, originally uploaded by aw-photo.

Love this restaurant! The food is great with a unique look and feel. This is actually the first HDR shot I’ve ever done with my circular polarizer. I’m very pleased with the results.

If you are downtown near spring street and hungry, you may want to give them a try! http://www.steamhouselounge.com/

Norfolk Southern 1000, originally uploaded by aw-photo.

NS1000 engine and her sisters doing work at the downtown Atlanta railyard.

Retired Pullman, originally uploaded by aw-photo.

Retired Pullman from the Georgia Railway Museum in Duluth, GA. This image was my submission in the Museum’s photographic competition. All submitted images will be displayed during an exhibit during February and March 2010. Winners will be announced April 10, 2010. For more information, visit and support www.srmduluth.org.

The Atlanta skyline is a very elusive beauty to capture. This is because many of the overpasses are inaccessible and rooftops are simply impossible to gain access to. But, as you can see here, I finally found a sweet spot.

After seeing this usually dirty car on a weekly basis, the owner finally cleaned it. The reflections of Mercedes Black is ridiculous, and I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to capture it. Because of how it was parked, I was forced (and gladly) to shoot this from an unconventional angle.

Members of the Bloc Burnaz take a break at a neighborhood QuikTrip, flexin. You can check them out at www.blocburnaz.com

Peterbilt and Kenworth beauties lie in formation, awaiting their next run.