Because of restrictions that applied as a result of Joe Biden’s visit one of the few options open to me was to visit the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin … I could not believe how cold the weather was and it rained a number of times while I was exploring the Gardens.
I used a Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS lens which I do not remember buying and what is even more confusing is that I do not purchase anything other than full-frame lenses. Sony describes the lens as follows: This G Lens for E-mount cameras delivers stunning still or movie imagery with the flexibility of 6x power zoom. Maximum aperture is a constant F4 from 18mm wide angle to 105mm medium telephoto, with excellent resolution and contrast throughout. A lever and ring on the lens barrel allow zoom speed to be freely adjusted as required while maintaining a sure, stable grip.
I was disappointed with the performance of the lens as many of the images were not properly focused and there were many examples of motion blur. At the time I could not decide if the fact that the FX30 does not have a viewfinder might have contributed to the poor performance or that I was to blame. On the following day I used a sigma 14mm lens and there were no issues … at a later date I will try the 18-105mm lens with my old NEX-7 whit is not a full-frame camera.
The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland are an oasis of calm and beauty, and entry is free. A premier scientific institution, the Gardens contain important collections of plant species and cultivars from all over the world. The National Botanic Gardens in Dublin are located in Glasnevin, just three kilometres from Dublin City Centre, and are famous for the exquisitely restored historic glasshouses. The National Botanic Gardens in Wicklow are located in Kilmacurragh, where the milder climate, higher rainfall, and deeper, acidic soils of this historic Wicklow garden, provide a counterpoint to the collections at Glasnevin. The two gardens have been closely associated since 1854. The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland are operated and managed by the Office of Public Works.
Today, I discovered that a tripod or a gimbal is required if I decide to produce videos.
Cabra Luas stop is located at the northern end of the Broadstone railway cutting, immediately to the north of Connaught Street, which crosses the line on the Liam Whelan bridge, which was rebuilt as part of the construction of the stop. The main entrance is a long ramp leading from the eastern side of the bridge to the middle of the southbound platform (there are also stairs which lead from the middle of the ramp to the end of the platform). A second entrance consists of a pathway leading from the northern end of the stop to the nearby Mount Bernard Park.
The cutting is somewhat wider than the stop itself, meaning that there is some leftover space behind the northbound platform. Saplings have been planted in this area in an attempt to reduce the Luas’s carbon footprint. Saplings have also been planted on the southbound platform.
I have decided to devote more time to producing videos and am in the process of acquiring suitable equipment and I have ordered a Sony FX30 camera with the option of switching to the new Sony A7RV which is expected at the end of October 2022. However, as the A7RV is much more expensive and is a hybrid rather than a dedicated video camera I very much suspect that I will not get the A7RV.
I have, for many years, an RX0 camera which as small as a matchbox and while I like it the user interface is almost impossible to use and despite its size a tripod is required but there is no way that I am willing to carry a tripod in order to use the camera. Anyway, having noticed that reviewers of the new Sony Sony ZV-1F camera were all using Sony grips I decided to have a look at the Sony GP-VPT2BT [supplied free if you order the new Sony ZV-1F Vlogging camera costing Euro 649.00].
I managed to borrow the grip for a few hours to see how well it works with the RX0. Unfortunately, the grip does not communicate with my version of the RX0 but the GP-VPT2BT worked very well as a mini tripod so I decided to purchase it. I should mention that I decided that I needed it as I have ordered the new Sony FX-30 Video-Centric camera which does communicated with the GP-VPT2BT.