Same time of day as #2.

Technique used: shoot everything at ISO-400 in A-mode. Stop down when possible for sharpness. Try to keep shutter speed > focal length (i.e. 1/250 for 200mm). white balance=shade, adjusted during processing as needed. Format was RAW+JPG Basic.

<a href="http://snwdrft.smugmug.com/gallery/5149371_5Rcd9#311568188_qcQzs"><img src="http://snwdrft.smugmug.com/photos/311562871_YbBNW-M.jpg"></a>

A much better and consistent result than gallery #2, although there were a handful of shots I could've goosed the ISO on. Most pics were good but didn't make the cut because of content: lots of walks...

Time to save my pennies for a faster lens for next season!

p.s. probably should've used the hood for pic #5. thoughts?

Looks fine - no contrast issues for me.

This one, right? If it's the highlights you're worried about, a hood wouldn't do anything for them. That's just the range of light intensity falling on the subject. Hoods are to increase contrast by keeping stray light off of the front element and protection from impacts.

<img src="http://snwdrft.smugmug.com/photos/311562512_foh8v-M.jpg">

Your shooting has improved remarkably and quickly, too.

You are making fine progress! Very soon it's time to start thinking about faster lenses, right? ;)

<center><img src="http://snwdrft.smugmug.com/photos/312596616_JCUvJ-XL.jpg"></center><p>