Consulting my iPhone map, the closest path to downtown was via West Kennedy Blvd, which crossed over the Hillsborough River. I had only one camera and lens with me: the Sony A7C II and the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. I basically purchased that lens for this trip. While it’s considered one of the must-haves for professional photographers, I was unsure how much I would use it. It’s a fine optic; however, I generally prefer prime lenses.

I was still getting used to the lens, having just taken delivery of it several days prior. This bridge was a good place, like any, to examine the focal range and depth of field. I shot the first picture wide open at f/2.8 and zoomed in to its maximum 70mm. The tree is sharply focused, and the background has a modest, shallow depth of field—nothing to write home about.

I shot this second picture from the same position as the first, if I recall. This time, I’m at 24mm, the widest setting for the lens, at f/2.8. The tree becomes the foreground element against the background of the Tampa skyline. There is little subject separation since I’m at a wider angle.

I also shot to my right to a set of buildings that remind me of Austin. There is a similar low-slung building at the foot of the Congress Avenue Bridge, and the surrounding skyscrapers feature an architectural design and facade color that are reminiscent of some of Austin’s buildings. I’m guessing these buildings and the ones in Austin were all built around the same time.

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