first couple of shots from "new" 50-200 + EC-14

Hi, this is the continuation of the following two threads:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/post/50439593

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/post/50454833

Thanks again to those who contributed to the above posts and helped me with my decision.  After much deliberation, I decided to go with a used old ZD 50-200 (from B&H), a used EC-14 (from KEH), and buttressed both with a nice deal on a new HLD-5 (US$60, from Henry's) for my E-620.

The weather's been cold in these parts this winter but finally warmed up enough for me this week to try a little bit of handheld shooting on my lunch break the last couple of days.  Initial impressions:

• The 50-200, with nice build quality and great tactile feel, is what one would expect from a High Grade Zuiko. (Based on previous input received, here's hoping my copy stays that way).
• The EC-14 is a solid piece of equipment.  Bonus: it also plays nicely with my Leica 14-50.
• The HLD-5 has been a revelation.  It's especially comfortable in portrait mode!
• Getting my photography up to a level that's often displayed here in the forum's regular wildlife picture threads is going to be a real challenge!  Gonna need plenty of practice on my technique - this is a whole different skill set.
  

Anyway, just a couple of initial photos:

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American red squirrel.

Edmonton, Canada.

E-620, ZD 50-200 + EC-14.

Permanent photo link (view larger): http://dingobear.zenfolio.com/squirrels/h52832a1a#h52832a1a

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Red-breasted Nuthatch.

Edmonton, Canada.

E-620, ZD 50-200 + EC-14

Permanent photo link (view larger) here: http://dingobear.zenfolio.com/birds/h52830c68#h52830c68

Happy shooting,

db

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Cheers, dingobear

http://dingobear.zenfolio.com

http://dingobearfoto.blogspot.com