Location Review: Chapman’s Pool (Dorset)

Chapman’s Pool is a scenic cove near Worth Matravers in Dorset, not far from Swanage. It can only be explored on foot by walking down a steep path from a parking lot, approximately 1.5 miles distance through fields and down to the coast.

Good time to photograph is in the evening with overcast sky and not too high tide. Breezy days may help with interesting water movements. There are some old huts and fishing boats located at the pool, furthermore interesting rocks at the entry of the cove in the water and on location.

The major landmark is a high hill at the left side of the cove, it is dominating the scenery. Low clouds may cover the hilltop.

Equipment related, wide angle lenses, a tripod, neutral density filters and maybe graduated neutral density filters should be appropriate for scenic landscape pictures.

The place develops some interesting “moodiness”, especially at sunset with the sun behind heavy clouds – it is just a joy to make pictures here.

To the Sea
To the Sea
Chapmans Pool
Chapmans Pool

Fujinon XF16 F1.4

I have been using this lens now for approximately three weeks during our last holiday in Dorset. My primary use is landscape and seascape photography on a Fuji X-T1. It is mostly used with small apertures (f16) to achieve highest depth of field.

In a nutshell: This lens is amazing.

The lens was used in some difficult weather conditions (rain, spray from the sea) and did not suffer any damage so far. I am very confident this lens will last for a long time.

The picture quality in terms of corner to corner sharpness is very convincing. It is the best wide angle lens that I have ever used. Vignetting is not an issue, even with the Lee filter system holder attached to the lens. The minimal focal distance is very short, allowing for very creative shots and compositions. For my daily work here, this lens has become the major workhorse. And I would buy it again, definitely.

This post contains some sample pictures, see for yourself.

Seacombe
Seacombe
Burton Bradstock
Burton Bradstock
The Pond
The Pond
Dancing Ledge Portrait
Dancing Ledge Portrait
Moon over Rock
Moon over Rock