I recently purchased a used Zuiko 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 lens for my E-3. This is not the newer SWD model with the faster focusing though I’m quite pleased with this model’s auto focus speed and the sharpness and speed of the optics. It makes a fine replacement for the consumer grade 40-150mm f3.5-4.5 though it is a bit heavier to carry.

On my way to the town transfer station this morning I brought along my E-3 and 50-200mm to do some photography. I found a field to explore and set off on foot without a tripod. I decided to travel light and try some hand-held exposures using the camera’s built-in image stabilization.

Winter Field 1; copyright © reserved 2010, Richard Lovison

Winter Field 2; copyright © reserved 2010, Richard Lovison

Winter Field 3; copyright © reserved 2010, Richard Lovison

It was a cold morning so there were ice crystals on many of the tree branches and brush. It was a magical walk over snow that looked like it hadn’t been disturbed for weeks.

I have to admit I felt a bit uncomfortable and awkward without my tripod. Using it forces me to think and plan my images and I feel I usually get better compositions than when I hand-hold the camera though the freedom of walking without all the heavy baggage was enjoyable.