I LIKE THIS SCULPTURE BY BOB QUINN
EXPLORING THE BOTANIC GARDENS WITH A DIFFERENT CAMERA [THE BEST NIGHT EVER BY BOB QUINN]
Exploring the Botanic Gardens with a different camera,
My last visit to the Botanic Gardens in May 2025 was primarily to test my new Sony 16-35mm lens. At the time, I was feeling a bit of frustration as I was still eagerly awaiting the arrival of my Sony A1 II. As of 7th July 2025, I'm still in limbo regarding its delivery.
Thankfully, my dealer has provided me with a loan Sony A7RV to tide me over. However, given that he's advised me to expect only one A1 II per month going forward, I suspect the A7RV will be my primary camera for the remainder of the summer. I've already paired the A7RV with the 16-35mm lens and I'm thoroughly impressed with the results.
Today, I opted for the Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm F2. My main objective was to photograph "The Best Night Ever" sculpture, which I frequently use as a reference point due to its familiarity. It's one of my favourite subjects, and I've photographed it numerous times over the years.
A Tale of Two Sculptures
It's worth noting that I've encountered another copy of "The Best Night Ever" in City West. Unfortunately, my last attempt to photograph that particular sculpture ended abruptly. After being shadowed by security for about fifteen minutes, I was informed that I was on private property and that photography was strictly prohibited. My policy is not to argue, so I promptly left.
The Artist: Bob Quinn
The sculptor behind "The Best Night Ever" is Bob Quinn, born in 1948. Bob enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the Irish advertising industry, working as a commercial artist, designer, and eventually heading a successful design and production company. He now dedicates his time to sculpting full-time in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.
The Voigtländer Philosophy
Voigtländer's unique market position is a testament to its blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technological integration. The company has a rich heritage of producing lenses renowned for their robust construction and superior optical fidelity, often requiring manual operation.
However, the deliberate inclusion of electronic contacts in lenses like the 65mm F2 Macro APO-Lanthar showcases a forward-thinking strategy. This enables seamless communication with contemporary camera bodies, facilitating the recording of essential EXIF data, activating crucial focus aids such as focus peaking, and supporting the camera's in-body image stabilisation.
This fusion is not merely a compromise; it represents a strategic decision to cater to photographers who value the tactile control and unblemished optical purity of manual glass, yet desire full compatibility with the advanced functionalities of modern digital cameras. This creates a distinct segment within the market, appealing to those who seek a more deliberate and contemplative approach to image creation, reminiscent of traditional photographic processes, rather than relying solely on automated systems. My positive experience with this lens strongly aligns with this photographic philosophy.
Exploring the Botanic Gardens with a different camera,
My last visit to the Botanic Gardens in May 2025 was primarily to test my new Sony 16-35mm lens. At the time, I was feeling a bit of frustration as I was still eagerly awaiting the arrival of my Sony A1 II. As of 7th July 2025, I'm still in limbo regarding its delivery.
Thankfully, my dealer has provided me with a loan Sony A7RV to tide me over. However, given that he's advised me to expect only one A1 II per month going forward, I suspect the A7RV will be my primary camera for the remainder of the summer. I've already paired the A7RV with the 16-35mm lens and I'm thoroughly impressed with the results.
Today, I opted for the Voigtländer Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm F2. My main objective was to photograph "The Best Night Ever" sculpture, which I frequently use as a reference point due to its familiarity. It's one of my favourite subjects, and I've photographed it numerous times over the years.
A Tale of Two Sculptures
It's worth noting that I've encountered another copy of "The Best Night Ever" in City West. Unfortunately, my last attempt to photograph that particular sculpture ended abruptly. After being shadowed by security for about fifteen minutes, I was informed that I was on private property and that photography was strictly prohibited. My policy is not to argue, so I promptly left.
The Artist: Bob Quinn
The sculptor behind "The Best Night Ever" is Bob Quinn, born in 1948. Bob enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the Irish advertising industry, working as a commercial artist, designer, and eventually heading a successful design and production company. He now dedicates his time to sculpting full-time in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.
The Voigtländer Philosophy
Voigtländer's unique market position is a testament to its blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technological integration. The company has a rich heritage of producing lenses renowned for their robust construction and superior optical fidelity, often requiring manual operation.
However, the deliberate inclusion of electronic contacts in lenses like the 65mm F2 Macro APO-Lanthar showcases a forward-thinking strategy. This enables seamless communication with contemporary camera bodies, facilitating the recording of essential EXIF data, activating crucial focus aids such as focus peaking, and supporting the camera's in-body image stabilisation.
This fusion is not merely a compromise; it represents a strategic decision to cater to photographers who value the tactile control and unblemished optical purity of manual glass, yet desire full compatibility with the advanced functionalities of modern digital cameras. This creates a distinct segment within the market, appealing to those who seek a more deliberate and contemplative approach to image creation, reminiscent of traditional photographic processes, rather than relying solely on automated systems. My positive experience with this lens strongly aligns with this photographic philosophy.