The image was shot with my Canon 70-200mm f/4 L (one of the best telephoto zoom lenses on the planet especially for the price). And yes, after reading your article I see more circles than I used to ;-). Regardless, the Image has not been post-processed in any way. It was taken in Yosemite. The buck did let me get amazingly close. I am not sure it was the smartest thing I ever did (getting so close in front of a large animal with a pointy antlers) but the image turned out quite good. I like how the hairs on his mouth are lit by the sun.

So here you have it folks. Another thing to check out when you go and buy lenses especially when you are into Portrait Photography or Macro Photography. I wish I had more money to spend on the glass. Cheap lenses are not as sharp either and loose sharpness towards the sides are less light sensitive ... I'd love to get a midrange L-Series Zoom and maybe a T/S (Tilt and Shift) Lens (to the left are my favorite candidates) but the prices are out of this world. I think they are well worth the money but you have to earn it first. A T/S lens can give you an infinite depth of field (by changing the perspective projection). I know this advice has been given many times before, but here it is again: If you have a limited budget, buy the cheaper camera (e.g. Rebel vs. 30D) and go for the better Glass. The pictures will only be as good as the weakest link and with todays high quality sensors that is more often the lens.