March 15 + April 8, 2026 | Google Pixel 8 Pro XL + Moment 75mm Macro II
Today's Moment lens is the 75mm Macro II. This is an updated and worthy successor to the original 75mm Macro, which I previously posted about.
The 75 II is a little bit larger and heavier which, according to Moment, is due to additional glass elements that provide sharper images edge-to-edge. I tried making some comparison photos, and they did show some differences, but it wasn't significant. Regardless of whether you have the OG or the sequel, the 75mm Macro is a fun lens and my favorite of Moment's lineup.
To be honest, it might be too much fun. Up in Discovery Park I can quickly lose track of time with the 75mm Macro and the spring blossoms. Or the fungi or the moss or interesting-looking tree bark.
My enjoyment when I'm out making photos like this is not only about the zen of composition, it's indulging in curiosity about the local flora. When my eye is attracted to a cluster of wide open blossoms, I want to know what to call them. Drooping in fuchsia is Flowering Red Currant, and spread out along branches are bright white Purple-leaf Plum. Sometimes I already know the plant, but getting closer with my lens lets me know them better. Dense clusters of Mahonia pink-and-yellow buds burst into popcorn-like flowers. A close look at Western Red Cedar reveals glossy green scales of fresh growth. A macro lens like this allows me new perspectives on the world around me.
Most of the post-processing on these photos was my typical light and color adjustments to give just a bit of a nudge to both contrast and color. There were a couple of cases where I also used selective masking to emphasize the center of a bloom.
