Ten images from the Arboretum. Dial up warning.

[alfredo]

I did all of them with an old manual lens. With my camera's 2X crop factor, it is a now a 100mm lens. Mostly I wanted to relearn using a manual lens. I used a monopod to help steady the camera, something important when using a shallow depth of field. In time I lengthened the depth of field, just to increase my chances of getting a good image.

[postatomic]

1. My favorites are 2,4,7, and 9

Not that you were asking for anyone to state their faves. It's the aggregate of the photos that make the viewing enjoyable. Although; the Bee in #3 creeps me out. It looks like the size of a small bird.
:scared:

I'd keep your manual focus lens. Keep using it. Manual focus slows down the photography process and forces you to 'see' in a different way. I use manual focus lenses and I like the relax and take some photos approach that it puts me in. Now, Zone Focusing is another story. Just when I think I've nailed down the visual distance estimating I screw up and I have to figure what the hell I did wrong.
:dunce:

A beautiful flora image set. Me likes. :P

[alfredo]

3. Being creeped out is a good as being amazed. Thanks.

Manual makes you think. All auto is like Lite Beer. It's perfectly good in many situations, and it gets the job done. Going manual is like a good Imperial Stout. It demand something of the user, but pays off with higher quality and flavor.

[NV Whino]

2. I love the succulent

All are wonderful, but that succulent really captured me.

[alfredo]

4. The simplicity attracted me.