A Visit to Sagamore Hill National Historical Site:
Hey everyone! Apologies for the lack of posts lately. I’m terrible lol but I’ve just been really busy this summer, and also trying to make a little time to just enjoy the weather a bit. I have also been taking my camera with me everywhere, so I’ve been testing a bunch of different things. For instance, I have been using a lot of 28mm lenses recently, and one of them is by Sigma: the 28mm f1.4 DG HSM Art in L mount. I even took it with me on a short trip to Sagamore Hill, which was Theodore Roosevelt’s home from 1885 to 1919. It’s near Oyster Bay on the North Shore Long Island.
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My little day trip to Sagamore Hill was completely random and spontaneous. I was talking to my dad who had recently purchased a Voigtlander Nokton Classic 35mm f1.4 II MC for his Leica M11, and he wanted to try it out. I was testing the 28mm f1.4. We both wanted a change of scenery other than walking around in the city, and he started googling places that we could visit that were within driving distance for a one day trip. That’s how we ended up finding Sagamore Hill.
I have to say, going out there was quite nice. Sagamore Hill is an absolutely beautiful area. As I said earlier, this was completely spontaneous, so we probably didn’t pick the best time to go to get the best photos. It was around noon on a hot summer day but with that said, it was still well worth the trip. Also, since it was last minute, we weren’t able to get tickets to tour inside the house, which I really wanted to see but still, there was plenty to do outside.
For instance, there was this short hiking trail that lead to a long walkway that lead to a nice beach. There were people around the entire area but not many, which was nice if you wanted to escape the hustle of the city. In other words, it was very peaceful, and a nice change. There was also a building with some of Roosevelt’s belongings along with a little history, which I always find interesting.
Gear wise, I was using my new Panasonic S5, which I love more and more each day. The camera has been a joy to use. I was a little nervous to take just the 28mm, since I am actually not a big fan of the focal length, so I brought along my Sigma 45mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary as well. However, it turned out that I was fine just using the 28mm. Speaking of, this lens’ optics are truly impressive. Yes, it’s not the most compact lens you can buy but so far, it has delivered in every way that I can imagine. Plus, it has an f1.4 maximum aperture, which comes in handy. I always say, if you need the optics and the speed, then size isn’t too much of an issue, at least for me. The final results are most important, especially if it’s for work.
Overall, it was a really nice day trip and much needed. It wasn’t even that far. Depending on traffic, it took me around one to two hours each way. If any of you are around my area, I highly recommend checking it out. I probably could’ve taken more photos but honestly, I was just taking in the sites and enjoying myself a bit. Thanks for stopping by, everyone! More reviews coming soon!
Hi Patrick, I enjoyed the article. It is a stunning lens that I had on my purchase list due to its amazing rendering. However, I decided to go for the spectacular Leica m 28/1.4 even though it is not flat field as it has a gorgeous rendering as well and is a lot smaller than the Sigma – but it is somewhat 😂 significantly higher in price. I also did not need AF for 28mm. We sure have a lot of great options in the L/m mount family.
Hi Brian,
We definitely do have a lot of great options these days in L mount :). The Leica is a great lens. Big bucks haha but well-worth it in my opinion :).
Thanks for this. This home is an absolute joy to visit. I have not been there in about 25 years (maybe 1998?). My first visit was maybe 45 years ago. Just so classic and when you step inside the first floor great room you can feel the presence of such a significant man as well as the warmth of his whole family.
Go sometime without a camera and not be distracted by the urge to photograph… get lost in the moment of your visit.
HI Gary,
Thanks for taking a look at my post!
I couldn’t agree more! It was seriously one of the nicest places that I’ve visited. Very peaceful. Next time, I will book earlier, so I can see inside the house. I’ll also take your advice and leave the camera :). Hope you’re doing well!
Best,
Patrick
Good. Besides, if there’s something massively compelling to shoot, you’ll always have your iPhone or Samsung in your back pocket available for a vacation snapshot.
Try the fall when the leaves are turning colors. I lived on the island, Huntington Station, in 1973. The trees were magic as the weather cooled down in October.
Oh you did? It’s a beautiful location. I used to go out fishing there quite a lot. I will take your advice and check it out in the fall. Thanks for the suggestion!
Stayed with my aunt and uncle. 11 Marcher Ave Huntington Station 11746. A fall road trip to the Berkshires. North Shore beaches. Hamptons beaches before most mansions you see today. No worries about gas rationing; the LIRR went everywhere we wanted to go. Fond memories of that time nearly 50 years ago.
North Shore is definitely nice. I feel like it was so much easier to get there a few years ago. I feel like traffic these days is crazy sometimes. As for the the Hamptons, I used to have fond memories of it as well. I used to visit when I was younger but haven’t been around there in a while.