lactose

First of all it works. I can shoot 200mm at 1/50second which is perfect, because thats long enough to get some light in the lens and freeze most subject motion. A non VR lens would have to be shot at least 1/150s to compensate for lens motion(depending on current coffee consumption levels). The lens work really slick overall, the manual focus override ring is perfectly intuitive, the lens doesn't creep/slip at all. It is a bit heavier than my other lens, but still much lighter than an 80-200 F2.8. It's a lot like using a digital camcorder image stabilization, except this is actually moving the lens so you can see it working through the viewfinder, this instant feedback lets you learn to work with it. It also looks hard core with lots of switches, gauges, gold lettering and what-not.

So i frequently have to pick up packages from UPS terminal because i miss the drop-off, it's usually no problem, i just call them up and ask them to hold it for me.

This happened with Fed-Ex today, and they told me that it wasn't possible to pick it up! I pushed on, asking why i couldn't go to the terminal after the driver returns, she said she would have to ask the terminal, so i got the number and they were much more helpful, saying that i should call back later to see when the driver is back, but that all drivers return by 8pm and they close at 9pm so ultimately i will definitely get it.

Get what yo may ask, only the coolest lens in my (extended) price range: 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 DX VR2 ED AF-S IF G, yeah all those letters actually mean stuff:
18-200mm: Focal length its 11.5x zoom
f3.5-5.6: Size of the aperture.
DX: Size of the projected image will cover a APC Sized Sensor ~1/1.5 size of 35mm
VR2: Vibration Reduction Two, allows shooting at 4 stops faster, take that Canon IS (3stops)
ED: Coated glass equals less chromatic distortion
AF-S: Silent constant fast focusing, allows instant manual override with ring)
IF: Internal Focus (doesn't get much longer or shorter to focus and doesn't turn front element)
G: Conveys distance info and other stuff to camera.

Wow, some quotes from Ken ~ "It's a miracle!", "8-200mm VR is more than just a new lens. It's changed the way I live and make photos." totally hear you Ken.

It focuses down to 20" at 200mm, thats right infront of the glass at 200mm!! Macro for free! with VR that means still insects will be sharp! Stay tuned for images.

I got mine from Ritz, i ordered it 2months ago, they had issues with handleing paypal and then visa, weird, but got it right in the end.

Whats Happened?

Pictures taken: Took some more night shots after rainy day, will post soon!
Went to peoples graduation parties: Go Amir and Everett!
Crime: Speeding and Late Tabs Ticket
Material: 18-200mm Lens gets here today. Got new Express jeans.
People Visited Us: Bahiyyih came over for a week - it was super great!
Cars Test Drove: Altima, Santa Fe, Golf Gti, Passat Sedan, Passat Wagon, Mazda5, Ford Freestyle.
Stuff for sale: 24mm prime, 18-135mm zoom (nikon)
Politics: who cares.
Internet: Did the facebook friends competition, my wife beat me.
Sports: Played some tennis, need practice.
Looking For: A bike.
Thinking of: Making my own soy milk.
Espresso shots consumed today: 1 (homemade latte with soy)
Monetized: http://www.truthfulness.net