amuz

The Right Tool at the Right Time

For the small (and dwindling) number of earthlings who pay attention, we live in an amazing time for photography and its vital core: interesting lenses.

There's the remarkable and light 150-400 1.25x f4.5 "pro" lens, perfect for wildlife - especially when traveling, an edge case and very useful 8-15mm f4 "fisheye", a tiny 9mm f1.7 great for stars, a 12-40 f4 made for "on the go" street scenes and a 24mm f1.4 for so much more. So sharp, so sharp.

Every now and then an event arises matched to portrait opportunities. My now somewhat old 85mm f1.4 while producing gorgeous results, is unbearably slow on the autofocus front, unsuitable for fleeting "decisive moment" event capture.

While pondering this upcoming event, somehow, in the far depths of my mind, I remembered the arrival of a curious, not small 50-150 f2 lens early in 2025. Shockingly fast auto-focus, razor sharp, gorgeous output, yet not light.

Hmm.

This unique lens mostly replaces a 50mm f1.4/1.2, 85mm f1.4, 100mm 2.8 and 135mm 1.8. That 4K price is a bargain compared to carrying and swapping fixed focal length lenses. I admit to being vulnerable to the elegant charms of such lenses, but practical enough to know my carrying and swapping limits, particularly during fast paced events.

I dove in and did a bit of research with our "ai" bot friends and a surprisingly small smattering of reviews online. Introduced over a year ago, this lens was available at a few online rental shops, at an attractive 3 day rate (4% of the new purchase price), with return shipping.

Tap tap, enter discount code, reserve. Confirmed - mostly. It was not so simple. The rental firm called twice to verify my information and vet me a bit:

"What camera model are you using with the lens?"

"What are you planning to use the lens for?"

I am thankful that the photography firms continue to produce interesting products while much of their traditional markets are flooded with very capable iPhone and Android devices. Photo and video capabilities are iterating at a remarkable pace.

Explore the world in amuz.

"I was born in Wiesbaden"

The yellow blur swept among the usual boring cars early today.

There must be a story. Indeed.

The owner was born in Wiesbaden, Germany to Army parents. "I've always wanted one of these, and purchased this 5 years ago for $6,000. I don't like the color much, but it now runs well. We had the interior redone after we rebuilt the engine. Transmission work remains."

Explore Germany in amuz.

Brand Power: "I went to the Dairy Bar"

So said Lyle Lovett during a years ago Overture Center performance.

An iconic Madison restaurant, now under new ownership.

Seamus Rohrer:

According to a report from the Wisconsin State Journal, the Madison institution and famed breakfast spot directly across from Camp Randall Stadium, Mickies Dairy Bar, is under new ownership for just the fourth time in 79 years. That new ownership group includes Wisconsin football players.

Let's look at UW Football performance since 1979, including postseason:

Wisconsin Badgers football wins and losses by season, 1979–2025. Wins rise above the baseline in espresso brown, losses fall below in rust orange; small olive caps mark ties. Low point: 1–10 in 1988 and 1990. Peak: 13–1 in 2017. Most recent: 4–8 in 2025.

The building that houses Mickies sold for $750,000 earlier this month. It previously changed hands for $205,000 in 2006, $115,000 in 1991 and 100,000 in 1979. (business assets may have been sold or transferred in other ways at other amounts.

A friend and roommate proposed at Mickies years ago, as well.