Sunday randoms

Today, I found....

1) .... 5 covers lens filters (besides the 77mm Polarizer and UV filter, where had the rest gone to?)

2) and that I MAY have to 'upgrade' my dry box. That little space is for my 500D body and 24-105mm lens.

My new baby - Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8

This is an ultra-wide angle lens with a fast f/2.8 aperture for better photography in low-light situations. This is best used for landscape photography. Also, we can make use of the lens distortion in our advantage to create artistic or mild fish eye effects. This will definitely be one of the must-bring lenses in my camera bag when I travel.

The only downside is the shorter zoom length (11-16mm). As my current walk-around lens is 24-105mm, there is a gap of 17-23mm, which after much deliberation; I decided it should not be a hindrance to get this f/2.8 lens. Well, I guess I can always try to take a few steps forward or backwards?

I was further convinced to get the Hoya HD ultra-thin UV filter which the shop assistant claims this is best for a wide angle lens and it also consists of 8 layers of anti reflective multi coating; is water and oil repellent/ scratch and stain resistant.

I can't wait to try out my new lens!

Photo Credits : http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/11-16mm.htm

Canon EF 24-105 4L IS USM

I bought a new lens to replace my kit lens!
Canon EF 24-105 4L IS USM
*dances around*

Photo Credits : http://www.the-digital-picture.com/

General Purpose Lens

Yours truly wants to buy another lens to replace the current kit lens EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. (I have to use 'want' because after much consideration, I realized this does not quite justify to a 'need' *shrugs*).

I want a new general purpose lens because :-

1) I need to cover the gap for focal length 55 to 70mm

2) I need the lens to work better in low light

After much homework, the choice is narrowed down to Canon EF-S15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. I may also consider third party lenses to take advantage of a bigger aperture at a lower price.

The other Canon lenses that were in my top considerations

EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM

Who wouldn’t love a lens with a f/2.8 aperture? But they involve bigger pieces of glass which makes them heavier and much more expensive. However, this lens does not come with an image stabilizer (IS). IS in the lens gives up to four-stop advantage and in my humble opinion, 4 stops is significant and it is a must to have an IS for a "walk around” lens.

EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

This will defeat my initial purpose of getting the new lens. I need to close the gap between focal length 55 to 70mm.

It is important to know why we want to buy another lens. If my friends were to tell me about their dilemma on choosing lenses, I will also throw back the same question, "WHY do you need a new lens?"

Sensitivity V Backpack

I have found a bag that I can use for travelling. It can carry my laptop or netbook, DSLR, (at least) two lenses, external flash, Ipod Nano, PSP and camera accessories. And most importantly, it is not too bulky and is suitable on the lady.

External Flash - Canon Speedlite 430EX II

I bought an external flash and I intend to use it often with the portrait lens. The portrait lens can also double up for taking macro subjects and food. As my portrait lens does not come with an Image Stabilizer, the external flash will help me increase the shutter speed by a few stops.

It was quite fun testing out the flash (under room's lighting). We did it with 1) without flash, 2) with built in flash, 3) with external flash (flash head pointing towards the subject and 4) with external flash (flash head pointing towards the side). The best result is #4. We pointed the flash head towards the side and tilted towards the ceiling, this created a softer look. When done correctly, the external flash also helped to reduce/eliminate shadows on my subject's face.

Suggestion : Keep the ISO at 400

And I bought this again! I bought a similar one before Christmas last year and lost it 2 weeks ago. This is handy if you only want to bring your camera/with one lens. It helps to prevent scratches when I put my DSLR into my handbag. 

Arts and Craft

If Photography is an Art, these are my crafts!

The body - Canon EOS 500D

Photo Credits : http://www.canon.com.sg/

EFS 18-55MM IS
This is the kit lens and is suitable for general photography. The function of Image Stablizier (IS) compensates for camera shake and helps in saving shutter speeds up to four stops.

EF50MM f/1.8II
I am using this for portraits. This is a standard lens ie with no zoom and is suitable for photo enthusisats using entry level EOS DSLR out looking for a fast prime lens "Inexpensive yet sharp"

EF 70-200MM f/4 USM
Telephoto L-series lens that stays at a constant f/4 maximum aperture even when it zooms. Tried and tested - images are beautifully sharp

Photo Credits : http://www.the-digital-picture.com