The Versatile Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM MACRO

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Editor AL

ALNL7258
Picture: The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM MACRO on a Sony 230.
Picture by Allan LEE.

We would like to be honest about this. This is our 2nd Sigma 105mm Macro. We used to have the previous version which we totally hate.
The focusing take forever and the noise from the older micro motor simply scares away every insect that we tried to shoot.
We were so pissed with that old 105mm macro that we decided to give it away.

Recently, Sigma Marketing Singapore told us that they have a new 105mm Macro lying around and would like me to put it to good use following
my review on the New Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM. So without expecting anything or telling Sigma Marketing Singapore how much we hated the previous version, I took the lens and was pleasantly shocked at what’s inside the box. The newer Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro looks totally different from the version that we use to have and hated, I dare to say that this new version is like a new lens built from scratch. First, Sigma had dumped the old lens body coating that deteriotes with time and gave us that “Sticky” feel, the new lens barrel is smooth and nice to the touch and it feels like some of the more expensive equivalents out there.

ALNL7259
Picture: The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM MACRO on a Sony 230.
Picture by Allan LEE.

Apart from the cosmetic overhaul, the lens now comes with HSM & OS which the previous version lacks. This unit that we gotten is for Sony Alpha A-Mount and the HSM is as fast & quiet as the Sony’s proprietory Super Sonic Motor (SSM). Shooting with it, we are happy to report that Auto focus is blazing fast and accurate. I am not exaggerating here, but having owned the previous version and now using this version, we were blown away with its performance. Photos turned out tack sharp and every details is captured as how a macro lens should be expected of and the colors are rendered very nicely – thanks to the SLD Glass among the elements group and the Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating that ensures all photos are well toned and no details is lost.

The new 105mm comes with a 9 blades aperture that gives indecent creamy background blur even when stopped down to F8, this is crazy by any close-up standards and it has a good minimum focusing distance of only 30cm (although Sigma claimed 31.2cm). Let’s look at the photos loaded direct from the camera that were shot with this lens by our Sub-Editor Yu Ling.

SONY DSC
Picture by Yu Ling using the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM MACRO on a Sony 230.

 

SONY DSC
Picture by Yu Ling using the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM MACRO on a Sony 230.

 

SONY DSC
Picture by Yu Ling using the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM MACRO on a Sony 230.

 

SONY DSC
Picture by Yu Ling using the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM MACRO on a Sony 230.

 

SONY DSC
Picture by Yu Ling using the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM MACRO on a Sony 230.

 

SONY DSC
Picture by Yu Ling using the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM MACRO on a Sony 230.

Impressed with the photo? We feel that this 105mm Macro gives photographers a great alternative to the proprietory brands as well
as other 3rd party manufacturers on offer. Professional & serious photographers are likely to go for picture quality, price and lens quality
rather than be a brand fanatic. This popular macro range (from 90mm to 105mm) are very useable for many other genres apart from
shooting close-ups, for those that are new to macro lenses, this range is superb for portraitures too, and remember the 9 blades aperture?
Your bokehs will be excellent! This lens is made compact and light so it makes travelling with it a breeze and it will find a place in your
camera bag anytime. Our verdict?

We Love This Lens~!!

Some Quick Specs here:
– Focal Range 105mm (157.5mm on Nikon, Sony-Minolta, APS-C bodies & 168mm on Canon APS-C bodies)
– Filter Size 62mm
– Inside the retail box, you get the Lens, a nicely cushioned pouch, instructions, hood, APS-C Hood Adaptor & warranty papers.
– Aperture F2.8 to F22
– Magnification 1:1
– Minimum focusing distance 31.2cm.

For the full specifications and more information on this wonder-macro lens, click here.
For Purchase information and local enquiries, please click here. (Singapore & Malaysia)
For other Sigma Related Articles & Reviews click here.

Special Thanks to Sigma Marketing Singapore for allowing this review to happen.

SIGMA-NEW-LOGO
Sigma Marketing Singapore Pte Ltd. is a subsidiary of Sigma Japan Corporation.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
** Sigma had re-organized their whole lens line into 3 category.
They are “C” Lens, “A” Lens & “S” Lens.

C Lens = Contemporary Lens Line
c02_c_img
Featuring the very latest technology, and combining optical performance with compactness, Sigma’s high-performance Contemporary line covers a wide range of needs. Lenses in this category are Standard zoom lenses, telephoto zoom lenses, high-magnification zoom lenses.

A Lens = Art Lens Line
c02_a_img
Designed with a focus on sophisticated optical performance and abundant expressive power, Sigma’s Art line delivers high-level artistic expression. Lenses in this category are Large-aperture prime lenses, wide-angle lenses, ultra-wide-angle lenses, macro lenses, fisheye lenses.

S Lens – Sports Lens Line
c02_s_img
While offering sophisticated optical performance and expressiveness, Sigma Sports line lenses deliver high action-capture performance, enabling photographers to get exactly the shots they want. Lenses in this category are Telephoto lenses, telephoto zoom lenses, super telephoto lenses, super telephoto zoom lenses.

SIGMA-NEW-LOGO
Sigma Marketing Singapore Pte Ltd. is a subsidiary of Sigma Japan Corporation.

For more information, please visit http://www.sigma-global.com

Posted in Brand: Sigma, Brand: Sony, Group Test & Reviews, Photography Articles & Videos, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

My Lowepro Diary (Part 1)

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Editor AL

my new companion in photography, the Lowepro Pro Roller X300.

IMG_5339
Photo: The Lowepro Pro Roller X300 arrives at my home.
(Pardon the Photo Quality as this photo was shot with iPhone)

As a photography instructor & commercial photographer, there are many times when I am faced with a situation like “one-bag-cannot-fit all” or when I am moving bulk of equipments and I simply have to split my equipments into many carriers and bags. The problem is, I only have a pair of hands. And with all my equipments in many bags, there is also the possibility of losing a bag or 2 in the process of transportation.

Apart from my studio bags which carries my strobes and light stands, the other biggest bag that I have for my camera & lenses is the ThinkTank AirPort Addict. And I have since “outgrown” that capacity in my line of work. And within a year with frequent uses, the ThinkTank has started to show signs of heavy wear & tear. That prompted me to get a bigger and better equipment bag that can out-carry, outlast & even outlives the ThinkTank that can safely transport my equipments and more equipments at the same time.

As usual, I went to my favorite photography store – Cathay Photo. They are probably the best “Photography Problem Solvers” as far as I can remember when I first stepped into Cathay Photo in year 2001. When I presented my need for a bigger capacity bag, I was answered promptly by one of the sales specialists to go for the ultimate carrier – the Lowepro Pro Roller X300. This is the largest flagship roller bag by Lowepro.

Needless to say, instantly I fell in love with it and the next minute, I was already driving home with the stylish looking X300. I shall refrain blasting about the specs here as you can check it out yourself over at http://www.lowepro.com.sg/  instead, I have this idea of showing everyone on how to maximize the carrying capacity, the configurations, the various uses and the special features via this series of articles which I had named it – “My Lowepro Diary”.

An immediate task on hand, I have a booking for a Portraiture shoot & a Macro Class this weekend and I will not be returning home for the next few days. This calls for a “heavy packing” and the Pro Roller X300 comes in really handy this time. Instead of packing my portrait gears into a bag and have all the macro gears into another bag, this time, all the gears that I need for the weekend are all packed nicely into the X300. That means, I only have the X300 & the Strobe bag, how neat is that?

Gears to be packed:
01 x Canon EOS 1D MarkIV
01 x Canon EOS 5D MarkII
01 x Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM
01 x Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
01 x Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro
01 x Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro
01 x Sigma 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro
01 x Canon 580EXII
01 x Canon MT-24EX
40 x AA Rechargeable Batteries
04 x spare batteries for (2 for 5D2 & 2 for 1D4)
+ other little knick knacks like blower, lenspens, cleaning cloth etc.

DSC06718small
Pic: Large cameras like the Canon 1D MarkIV & 5D MarkII are Dwarves in the X300.
(Picture by Yu Ling)

This is how I had configured the paddings/ dividers to fit all the gears in.
*Some items are stacked thus visible due to the incredible depth of X300.
*Note how thick the paddings is. (Now look at those inside your ThinkTank.)

DSC06722small
Pic: Super Large Lenses like the Sigma 180mm Macro, the 150mm Macro looks small here.
(Picture by Yu Ling)

Neat isn’t it? I specifically like the customizable & thick paddings which I am sure that in the event of a fall, these paddings will do wonders in protecting my equipments from shock and knocks. I shall be back again with more varying configurations and more features of the Lowepro X300 once I discover them – myself.

Meantime, should you be interested to know more about my other Lowepro bags (see below list), how I use them and for what purposes, please feel free to drop me a note at media_world@live.com , I will be glad to share with you as well as to advice you how to pack your gears correctly and using all available space at the same time.

Apart from this new Pro Roller X300, the other Lowepro bags that I own:
– Adventura 140
– Nova 200 AW
– Rezo 180 AW
– Stealth Reporter D650 AW
– Toploader Pro 70 AW
– Pro Runner x450 AW
+ many flash pouches & lens pouches which is too many to name.

Will be back!

——————————————
About Lowepro
lowepro-logo13299643164f45a51cd5079

Our trek started in a small Colorado garage over 40 years ago. Since then, we’ve been traveling the world on the backs and shoulders of the best photographers on the planet. We’ve learned. We’ve innovated. We’ve become a leader.

For over 40 years, we’ve worked to develop and perfect camera carrying systems – maybe to the point of obsession. But we’ve never stopped at just innovating and improving products. We strongly believe that we owe it to ourselves, and to our industry, to do whatever we possibly can to protect and save the environment. We take as much pride in this aspect of our business as in the work we put into the products you’ll see.

Most of our bags were inspired by helpful advice from you and your peers. We greatly appreciate your artistry and input. We’ve listened carefully to your suggestions, and we’re sure you’ll find something in these pages that’s exactly right for you. Because wherever you go on your next assignment, we want to be right there with you.

Visit www.lowepro.com.sg   for more details.
———————————————————

About Cathay Photo Store Pte Ltd
1Cathay_Logo_2C
Established in 1959, Cathay Photo since its very beginning has been driven by the objectives of providing the best photographic equipment, pricing and service to our customers. These objectives have ensured its continued growth from just two humble showcases occupying a quarter of a shop-front to its present five retail outlets, an administrative / distribution office and a warehouse.

It is constantly on the lookout for the latest gadgets and solutions to add to its line-up of over 60 internationally renowned brands, and recognizing the growing presence and popularity of HD video, due largely to the introduction of DSLR cameras with HD video capabilities, it made its foray into the Pro Video market, expanding its offering to products from brands such as Steadicam, Zacuto, Kessler Crane and Genus to name a few.

Having served the photography industry for over 50 years, and backed by its proud heritage, Cathay Photo is without doubt the preferred photographic retailer in Singapore today.

Visit  www.cathayphoto.com.sg for more details.
———————————————————

Posted in Brand: Canon, Brand: Sigma, Featured Photography Merchants, Group Test & Reviews, Photography Articles & Videos, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pimp Your Gear – Colored Frames UV Filter – For Pre-Order Now!

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Editor AL

Have you ever wonder if you were traveling and someone just snatched your camera & disappear into the crowd?

And it will be really tough to find your camera as there are many other tourists who may be carrying the same camera
as yours and it will be a nightmare to walk up to someone and ask “Excuse me, is that my camera you are holding?”

Surveys & Studies had shown that most snatch thieves of DSLRs at tourists spots simply run off with the cam while some simply cut off your camera straps while running away. So is there a better way to identify your camera among the crowd or during a chase? Or is there other methods to deter & discourage snatch thieves from targeting your precious camera?

Presenting COLORED FRAME UV FILTERS!!!
(Ordering Details after the photos.)

52mmBlue 52mmPink 52mmRed 58mmGreen 58mmYellow 77mmBlue

These Colored Framed Filters are not just cosmetic “upgrades”. These are real UV filters with coatings and it works just like a regular UV filter – just that it now comes with personality & personalization now!

At the moment, I only have the above sizes and colors as a trial run to generate interests and to see how popular
these filters are with the local photography community. These attractive filters adds color, attitude and most importantly, it protects your lens from spills, splash and dirt. Order Details below.

To Order from Singapore:
For Singapore Buyers please SMS me at +65 9764 9167 for Pricing & Availability.

To Order from Everywhere Else:
Please email for Pricing & Availability +your required colors, size, quantity
and your paypal email address. I will bill you via Paypal.
Once payment is cleared, I will ship out immediately.
*Shipping is free if filter is shipped out individually.
My Email is media_world@live.com

Availability: (15th Jan 2013/ 11.25am)
* Will Be Updated Regularly Until Stocks Depletes.
* Do Check Back Often.
* Order Now to Secure your units as I only imported limited Numbers.

Item/ Available
1) 52mm UV Metallic Blue – Was 12 Units. Left 10 Units
2) 52mm UV Metallic Pink – Was 14 Units. Left 10 Units.
3) 52mm UV Metallic Red – Was 14 Units. Left 07 Units.
4) 58mm UV Metallic Green – Was 12 Units. Left 08 Units.
5) 58mm UV Metallic Yellow – Was 12 Units. Left 08 Units.
6) 77mm UV Metallic Blue – Was 10 Units. Left 06 Units.

Posted in Photography Buy & Sell, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

SJS Feb 2013 Events

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Editor AL

For those who are interested to join Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group Events.
All Feb 2013 events will be duplicated here as an overview with all the event links (to Facebook for RSVP & Information) for the month.

Please Read the Event Information CAREFULLY & Requirements before you RSVP.
———————————————————————————————————————————
SJS MacroWalk at Marang Trail

Event Info:
SJS MacroWalk is Back! It’s time to hunt down insects and shoot them in the closest, nearest possible way.
Come enjoy a late afternoon stroll with us on Marang Trail – starting from Telok Blangah, we will make the ascend to the peak of Mount Faber.

Where: Marang Trail
Meet: Bus Interchange behind Seah Im Hawker Centre
When: 03rd Feb 2013 (Sunday)
Meeting Time: 03.30pm (Briefing & Group Photo & Move out)
Attire: Anything.
Gear: Macro Lenses + Flash.
*If you do not have a macro lens, please PM Allan for a Loan Set.
*Poncho + Camera Rain Cover + Insect Repellet + Water Bottle.

RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/events/475844099117750/

——————————————————————————–
SJS Long Exposure Practise

Event Info:
SJS Long Exposure Night Out! It’s been a while since we go out in “Full Battle Order”. Time to practice our Long Exposure Again!
This Round, we are heading to Singapore Flyer and explore the F1 End while practising our Long Exposure Techniques. Those keen and not sick of MBS may take a walk up too.

Come join us for a short and sweet evening pressing the remote switch.

Where: Singapore Flyer
Meet: Popoye Fried Chicken (Dinner at same place)
When: 06th Feb 2013 (Wednesday)
Meeting Time: 07.45pm (Briefing & Group Photo & Move out)
Attire: Anything.
Gear: Camera + Lenses + Tripod + Remote Switch + Poncho + Camera Rain shield.

RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/events/506908992687567/

———————————————————————————-
SJS Heritage Discovery – Holland Village

Event Info:
Time to scour old towns again! This round we are heading to the colorful & beautiful town of Holland Village. Discover interesting scenes and architectures in the midst of the bustling & vibrant surrounding. Capture your moments at Holland Village with us!

Come join us for a short walk through Holland Village with our Cameras!

Where: Holland Village
Meet: Outside Cold Storage
When: 20th Feb 2013 (Wednesday)
Meeting Time: 07.45pm (Briefing & Group Photo & Move out)
Attire: Anything.
Gear: Any Gear + Poncho + Camera Rain shield.

RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/events/526963950670728/

—————————————————————————————-
OK Folks, That’s all for the month of Feb 2013.

Happy Advanced Chinese New Year from All of us at SJS! Huat Ah!

We hope you can follow the below steps to keep yourself updated of all the events in future.

1) Add us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/singapore.shutterjourneyphotographygroup
then Click “Subscribe” from the drop down menu to get notification on updates and event announcement.
Or under the Friend Button, press “Get Notifications”.

2) Click “Like” & “Follow” on this website from the menu on the top to receive new post updates.

You will never miss another event again.
Till then, Happy Shooting Everyone~!

Click!

Allan Lee & Yu Ling
Mad Photographers.

Posted in Photography Courses & Events, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

ONE Thing We Agree On

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Editor AL

– ONE and iStockphoto Launch Zooppa Contest to fight global poverty
Zoopa_V03

Imagine if Batman and The Joker joined forces to eliminate extreme global poverty

Singapore – Whether you’re a dog person or cat lover, a soccer or basketball fan, you’re invited to take part in a unique multimedia contest that brings opposites together to change the world. ONE, a 3 million-strong global advocacy organization that fights extreme poverty and preventable disease, and iStockphoto, the web’s favored source for user-generated imagery and multimedia, are partnering with Zooppa to launch a competition today in order to raise awareness of the plight of the world’s poorest citizens.

Hosted on Zooppa.com, a multimedia platform, the “ONE Thing We Agree On” contest will run through February 26, 2013. It is a challenge for creative minds to develop a video or print piece that showcases rivals uniting to fight issues such as poverty, famine and disease. Entrants are encouraged to think outside the box and submit in-your-face, edgy, fun and/or funny briefs. Videos must be short and the message conveyed in three minutes or less (also, they shouldn’t be sad. No one likes sad.)

Entrants will be judged based on adherence to the spirit of the brief, creativity, production value and whether the submission is compelling and engaging. Judges will include: Tom Freston, ONE Chairman of the Board and former CEO of Viacom and MTV Networks; Andrew Saunders, Getty Images Senior Vice President of Creative Imagery and Product Development; and Jeff Davidoff, ONE Chief Marketing Officer. The winner will be announced during the annual SXSW music, film, and interactive conference in Austin, Texas in March 2013.

Twelve winners in total – six video winners and six print winners – will share $20,000 dollars and 35,000 free credits from iStockphoto. Winners will also be featured at ONE’s live events, on its website and social media platforms.

“The global movement dedicated to the fight against extreme poverty has brought together some strange bedfellows over the years,” says ONE Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Davidoff. “At ONE, our supporters come from the left, right and center and include business professionals, students, faith leaders, mom bloggers and everyone in between. This contest is a unique way to show that, when it comes to saving lives and making the world a better place, this is one thing that we can ALL agree on.”

As part of an exclusive sponsorship, iStockphoto will provide the first 500 entrants with free credits to license high-quality, imagery, footage and audio from iStockphoto for use in their “ONE Thing We Agree On” submissions.

“We’re proud to take part in the ‘ONE Thing We Agree On’ campaign because we are committed to elevating creative minds,” said Rebecca Rockafellar, Senior Vice President of e-commerce at Getty Images and General Manager of iStockphoto, “This competition allows the iStockphoto community to dig deep and create something engaging for an incredible cause.”

About ONE
one-logo
ONE is a global advocacy and campaigning organization co-founded by Bono and backed by more than 3 million people from around the world dedicated to fighting extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. For more information please visit http://www.ONE.org.

About iStockphoto
istockphoto-logo-large
iStockphoto offers easy, affordable inspiration with millions of hand-picked, royalty-free photos, illustrations, videos and audio tracks. Using the most advanced search in the business, customers download a file every second from a collection of more than ten million files for business, marketing and personal projects. iStockphoto started in 2000, pioneering the micropayment photography business model, and has become one of the most successful and profitable user-generated content sites in the world. iStockphoto pays out more than $1.7 million weekly in artist royalties. iStockphoto is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Getty Images.

About Zooppa
zooppa_logo_wbg1
Zooppa.com is the world’s leading creative crowdsourcing platform.  Over 100 leading brands and their agencies work with Zooppa to create fresh, on-brief content, including videos, prints, music and concepts.  Zooppa is based in Seattle with 200,000 members around the world.

Posted in Photography Articles & Videos, Photography Contests, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

2012 in review – This Site!

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Editor AL

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

19,000 people fit into the new Barclays Center to see Jay-Z perform. This blog was viewed about 130,000 times in 2012. If it were a concert at the Barclays Center, it would take about 7 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Posted in Group Announcements & Notices, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

For the Photography Gear-Headed.

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Editor AL

Gear Heads

Well, isn’t it true?

🙂

Posted in Photography Quotes, Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment

For the Self Righteous Photographer.

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Editor AL

Anti social

So You Think You are the best photographer around town. You think the whole photography industry revolved around you. Always remember, just when you think you are “there”, high & almighty, likely someone else had already reached there long ago. Being self righteous will not bring you beyond where you are. And to smear your character further, your childish & immature mindset resulted you being a total brat without basic respect for others. To create more ripples, you even incited a boycott for certain photographers, for certain photo studios or for certain groups just because of your pettiness.

Well, people may be swayed by you for that moment, but for your baseless claims, you resulted in many photographers being deprived of a chance to hon their skills further. You changed impressions of others – do not forget, once people finally see the truth, those that you incited will eventually sees who you are really are. The local photography circle/ industry is small, everyone knows everyone – better to watch your back than stab others’ back.

You could be next.

Posted in Photography Quotes, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Photographers Who Comment for the Sake of Commenting

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Editor AL

Dislike

Apart from those Photographers who are out to earn “LIKEs” on FB instead of money, there are some
who are out to “DISLIKE” – this is the group of Photographers that we all detest. Everyone is entitled
to their own opinion, but this is the group that are out to criticize you for the sake of criticizing based
on their own standards.

Instead of sharing how you can improve your photo, they will find all kinds of fault on your photo and
just want to put you down. A few forums actually displays such behavior. Don’t be too self-righteous,
comment when you want to help others, not comment to “Kill” them, the industry is already very tough.

Posted in Photography Quotes, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

The NEW Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM – Test Shots

Posted on December 21, 2012 by Editor AL

_DSC3829

I was lucky enough to get the review unit for the latest Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM (EF Mount) from the local
distributor (Sigma Marketing Singapore) for a test run and a review. This is like the biggest thing now as every other
photographer – from amateurs to professionals – are all talking about this latest wonder from Sigma.

First impressions – the lens does not feel or even look like a Sigma lens! The new metal coating on the lens body
simply reminds me of those Leica lenses and the focusing rings are nice to the hand’s touch. The Sigma 35mm F1.4
DG HSM has a very solid feel and the layout of the lens are purposeful for ease of use and the lens is
considered quite compact and light (665g) too. This is not just a  “Love at First Sight” DSLR lens, the specs are
amazing too.

Featuring Aspherical glass on the 1st and last element, FLD glass (Low Dispersion Glass) on
the 2nd element, SLD Glass on 6th, 8th, 10th & 11th element, this lens is like a “Leica-Spec + Carl Zeiss-build”
combination. Everything about this lens just seems so well sorted and thought of.

_DSC3828

So does this lens really deserves the rave? I took it out on a short walk and tried it out. My wife took
my Canon 5D MarkII for the weekend so I decided to have it mounted on my Canon EOS 1D MarkIV.
So with the given crop factor of x1.3 on this Canon APS-H sensor, effectively I get a very useable 45.5mm
for a walkabout. I will now let the photos do the talking, commentaries after the jump.

ALNL7132
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM at 1/500, F4, ISO 320 EV -3.

ALNL7145
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM at 1/100, F2.8, ISO 400 EV +1.

ALNL7147
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM at 1/80, F1.4, ISO 400 EV -1.

ALNL7161
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM at 1/125, F2, ISO 400 EV -2.

ALNL7168
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM at 1/100, F2, ISO 400 EV0.

ALNL7172
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM at 1/80, F1.4, ISO 400 EV +1.

ALNL7176
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM at 1/80, F1.4, ISO 400 EV +1.

ALNL7198
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM at 1/60, F5.6, ISO 400 EV +3.

From the above photos, I see amazing colors, sharpness and beautiful bokeh, all from the new Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM. All the above photos are not edited except straightening and cropping with the camera set to standard for every settings. To certain extent, I feel this lens is just as good as the “other 35mm F1.4” lenses by manufacturers but asking
price is much lower. This is welcoming to those whose wants a quality lens but do not wish to spend too much on it.

On overall, this lens is certainly worth buying if you had not own a 35mm range lens. And trust me, this
is no longer the same Sigma lens that you might expect, this is something totally new, totally refreshing and
totally make sense if you ever got a chance to lay your hands on one of this lens. As the Flagship Sigma lens,
the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM had set a new & high standard for the future updates of it’s lenses product line.
We will be watching Sigma’s development closely.

Some quick specs:
– 35mm Focal Length (52.5mm on Nikon, Sony, Pentax APS-C bodies, 45.5mm on Canon APS-H/ 56mm on Canon APS-C bodies)
– Aperture F1.4-F16.
– Minimum Focusing Distance 30cm
– Filter Size 67mm
– Retail Box includes the Lens, Hood, caps, Manuel & Pouch.
– Sigma A Lens* (See Below)

For more information or specifications on this lens click here.

Thank You Sigma Marketing Singapore for making this review possible & not to forget our Project Photographer Julian Tan.
-Editor.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
** Sigma had re-organized their whole lens line into 3 category.
They are “C” Lens, “A” Lens & “S” Lens.

C Lens = Contemporary Lens Line
c02_c_img
Featuring the very latest technology, and combining optical performance with compactness, Sigma’s high-performance Contemporary line covers a wide range of needs. Lenses in this category are Standard zoom lenses, telephoto zoom lenses, high-magnification zoom lenses.

A Lens = Art Lens Line
c02_a_img
Designed with a focus on sophisticated optical performance and abundant expressive power, Sigma’s Art line delivers high-level artistic expression. Lenses in this category are Large-aperture prime lenses, wide-angle lenses, ultra-wide-angle lenses, macro lenses, fisheye lenses.

S Lens – Sports Lens Line
c02_s_img
While offering sophisticated optical performance and expressiveness, Sigma Sports line lenses deliver high action-capture performance, enabling photographers to get exactly the shots they want. Lenses in this category are Telephoto lenses, telephoto zoom lenses, super telephoto lenses, super telephoto zoom lenses.

SIGMA-NEW-LOGO
Sigma Marketing Singapore Pte Ltd. is a subsidiary of Sigma Japan Corporation.

For more information, please visit http://www.sigma-global.com

Posted in Brand: Canon, Brand: Sigma, Group Test & Reviews, Photography Articles & Videos, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Attention Seeking Photographers

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Editor AL

Suicide

There Are Tons of Photographers. Anyone with a DSLR calls themselves a Photographer. But What Kind? There are Photographers who are out looking for “Audience”. As Photographers, We All love audience, so that we know what works and what not, and where we can further hone our skills and to better improve our works.

But there are people who are just out for attention. There are people who think too highly of themselves. There are people who just wants that few miserable minutes of Fame. There are just people who wants people to LIKE their photo. This is Self-Inflicted Suicide by Any Photographic Standards.
Posted in Photography Quotes, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

The New Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Editor AL

IMG_8177

Comparisons were never (really) fair when it comes to photography gears. But when it comes to updating
old models, manufacturers will always release another “better” version of the previous version, isn’t that
all sounds too familiar to you? Earlier this year, Sigma Corporation released an updated version of its
180mm F3.5 Macro and had it replaced with a totally brand new 180mm F2.8 Macro. I was given a weekend
to “play” with this lens by the local distributor APDS and I totally love it. Why?

First Impressions – This is lens is huge. When I brought it out for a class, my students were thinking I was trying
to shoot birds. With the hood in position, the 180mm is Goliath by any standards. I was issued with a Canon-EF Mount version so I brought it out with my Canon EOS 1D MarkIV. The Lens + the body, it is heavy. I will recommend the use of
of monopod or tripod with this set up. The lens exterior had been given a major rework, it’s a like a lens built from
scratch and nothing resembles the previous F3.5 version. The new coating on the lens body feels very much like
something out of a Carl Zeiss box, sleek & elegant and the focusing is smooth as cream.

IMG_8179
Picture: The Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM on a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV

Remembering the previous Sigma 180mm F3.5 Macro, this lens is not just a replacement, it is a brand
new lens by itself. Reading up, the lens elements is now arranged in a different configuration, 3 FLD glass
(FLD which stands for SIGMA’s new proprietary “F” Low Dispersion, and has the same optical performance
as Fluorite glass – commonly found in Canon L-Series lenses) along with the various floating lens group
that gives super fast focusing (HSM) and tack sharp photos as this lens also comes with the company’s
Super Multi-Layer Coating on the lens elements.

It has a closer focusing distance of 47cm, the latest version of Sigma’s optical stabilizer (OS) that promises a 4 stop slower shooting speed and the 9 blades aperture gives smooth bokehs. I shall not bore you further with the technical
specifications and let’s look at the photos from this 180mm Macro.

ALNL7118FB ALNL7035FB ALNL7058FB ALNL7080FB ALNL7089FB ALNL7101FB

Well, I love the colors and the sharpness of this lens. A few of my students asked me how I feel about using
this 180mm F2.8 Macro as compare to the Canon’s EF-180,mmF3.5L USM and my answer is simple –
it’s a different lens now.

ALNL7107FB

Previously when the public compared the older Sigma 180mm F3.5 with Canon’s
equivalent, Sigma’s version was unfairly noted as a “quick-put-together” to lure consumers away from
Canon’s version with it’s almost similar specifications and with a lower price tag.
But the new Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is a new breed, so it will be unfair again to
compare to other lenses of this range. Everything else about this lens from its solid exterior construction
to its inner elements just simply announce “This is the NEW Generation of Sigma Optics”.

ALNL7115FB

Like every gear I reviewed, it cannot be a 100% buy for me. As a “Closet Gear Head” myself, i have touched
hundreds of Lenses and the “Feel” is very important to me. Although I like this lens very much, I do have
complaints, the weight can really tires a person out – that was why earlier I recommend the use of a tripod
or monopod with this lens. And hey, apart from the weight issue, everything about this lens just screams
“Buy”!

Some Quick Specs here:
– Focal Range 180mm (270mm on Nikon, Sony-Minolta, APS-C bodies & 288mm on Canon APS-C bodies)
– Filter Size 86mm
– Inside the retail box, you get the Lens, a nicely cushioned pouch, instructions, hood, tripod ring & warranty papers.
– Aperture F2.8 to F22
– Magnification 1:1
– Minimum focusing distance 47cm.

For the full specifications and more information on this wonder-macro lens, click here.
For Purchase information and local enquiries, please click here. (Singapore & Malaysia)

Special Thanks to Sigma Marketing Singapore for allowing this review to happen.

SIGMA-NEW-LOGO
Sigma Marketing Singapore Pte Ltd. is a subsidiary of Sigma Japan Corporation.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
** Sigma had re-organized their whole lens line into 3 category.
They are “C” Lens, “A” Lens & “S” Lens.

C Lens = Contemporary Lens Line
c02_c_img
Featuring the very latest technology, and combining optical performance with compactness, Sigma’s high-performance Contemporary line covers a wide range of needs. Lenses in this category are Standard zoom lenses, telephoto zoom lenses, high-magnification zoom lenses.

A Lens = Art Lens Line
c02_a_img
Designed with a focus on sophisticated optical performance and abundant expressive power, Sigma’s Art line delivers high-level artistic expression. Lenses in this category are Large-aperture prime lenses, wide-angle lenses, ultra-wide-angle lenses, macro lenses, fisheye lenses.

S Lens – Sports Lens Line
c02_s_img
While offering sophisticated optical performance and expressiveness, Sigma Sports line lenses deliver high action-capture performance, enabling photographers to get exactly the shots they want. Lenses in this category are Telephoto lenses, telephoto zoom lenses, super telephoto lenses, super telephoto zoom lenses.

SIGMA-NEW-LOGO
Sigma Marketing Singapore Pte Ltd. is a subsidiary of Sigma Japan Corporation.

For more information, please visit http://www.sigma-global.com

Posted in Brand: Canon, Brand: Sigma, Group Test & Reviews, Photography Articles & Videos, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

SJS January 2013 Events

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Editor AL

For those who are interested to join Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group Events.
All January 2013 events will be duplicated here as an overview with all the event links (to Facebook for RSVP & Information) for the month.

Please Read the Event Information CAREFULLY & Requirements before you RSVP.
———————————————————————————————————————————
SJS Double Happiness 2013 Part 1 (Compact)
Event Info:
SJS’s Favorite Signature Event is Back! Double Happpiness 2013 will have a different format altogether.Both Double Happiness (Part 1 & 2) will be made Limited Series for the first time.

Capture the Chinese New Years Festivities with ONLY your compact camera. (Micro 4/3 Not Allowed too). Come join us for a Colorful Afternoon shooting the spirit of CNY 2013!

Where: Chinatown
Meet: Stage Near Budhha Relic Temple.(Kreta Ayer Hawker Centre)
When: 06th Jan 2013 (Sunday)
Meeting Time: 02.15pm (Briefing & Group Photo)
Attire: Anything.
Gear: ONLY Compact Digital Camera & MF or Film.
*Micro 4/3 & DSLRs NOT Allowed.
*Tripod & Flash not recommended.
RSVP at: http://www.facebook.com/events/424882750910784/
———————————————————————————————————————
SJS Double Happiness 2013 Part 2 (PRIME)
Event Info:
SJS’s Favorite Signature Event is Back! Double Happpiness 2013 will have a different format altogether.Both Double Happiness (Part 1 & 2) will be made Limited Series for the first time.

Capture the Chinese New Years Festivities with ONLY your PRIME LENSES. It’s Happy Bokelicious Time!
Come join us for a Colorful NIGHT shooting the spirit of CNY 2013!

Where: Chinatown
Meet: Stage Near Budhha Relic Temple.(Kreta Ayer Hawker Centre)
When: 09th Jan 2013 (Wednesday)
Meeting Time: 07.30pm (Briefing & Group Photo)
Attire: Anything.
Gear: ONLY PRIME LENSES ALLOWED.
*Tripod & Flash not allowed.
RSVP at: http://www.facebook.com/events/255335414596125/

———————————————————————————————————————————
SJS Double Happiness (BONUS Shoot)
Event Info:
SJS’s Favorite Signature Event is Back! Double Happpiness 2013 will have a different format altogether.Both Double Happiness (Part 1 & 2) will be made Limited Series for the first time. However for this year, we are adding an additional BONUS Shoot under the Double Happiness Series to make it a Triple Happiness! It’s a free for all shoot, do whatever genre you like, use whatever you like, just have fun before the CNY!

Come join us for a Colorful NIGHT shooting the spirit of CNY 2013 at Clarke Quay!

Where: Clarke Quay
Meet: Liang Court McDonald’s
When: 16th Jan 2013 (Wednesday)
Meeting Time: 07.30pm (Briefing & Group Photo)
Attire: RED or PINK Clothing ONLY.
Gear: ANYTHING.
RSVP at: http://www.facebook.com/events/520738141277298/

———————————————————————————————-

OK Folks, That’s all for the month of January 2013. Happy Advanced Chinese New Year from All of us at SJS! Huat Ah!

We hope you can follow the below steps to keep yourself updated of all the events in future.

1) Add us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/singapore.shutterjourneyphotographygroup
then Click “Subscribe” from the drop down menu to get notification on updates and event announcement.

2) Click “Like” & “Follow” on this website from the menu on the top to receive new post updates.

You will never miss another event again.
Till then, Happy Shooting Everyone~!

Allan Lee & Yu Ling
Mad Photographers.

Posted in Photography Courses & Events, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

SPARK 1-2-3 (Lensbaby SPARK)

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Editor AL

_DSC3608
Photo: Nikon D3s with Lensbaby SPARK, Nikon D2Hs & Nikon D1x. Photo by Julian Tan.

I am pretty remote to Lensbaby’s range of products. But in my recent quest for more creative options for my photography works, I went online and searched for “Creative Optics” and pages and pages of Lensbaby lenses showed up on the searched page. Then something caught my eyes, a new Lensbaby named as “SPARK”.

Launched only just months ago (18th Sep 2012), this lens promises “fun & creative” options (quote: Craig Strong, Lensbaby Chief Creative Officer & Co-Founder). Without further hesitation, I contacted the local distributor for Lensbaby, Cathay Photo Store Pte Ltd. After a short phone call, a review unit was arranged for me.

First impressions – the SPARK feels & looks like a MUSE. But upon careful scrutiny, SPARK is pretty much like a “little brother” of MUSE, but made simpler. I was handed a Nikon F-Mount version so I have to work my review along the Nikon bodies. After much thoughts, I decided to have the SPARK tested on a really old DX (cropped) sensor (Nikon D1x), a really low megapixel body (Nikon D2hs) and the high spec FX (Full frame) body (Nikon D3s). Thus giving this project a name “Project Lensbaby SPARK 1-2-3”.

I rounded up 3 other Photographers/ Editors to make this review interesting, they are;
– Yu Ling, Travel Editor & Event Photographer
– Anson Kwok, Guest Editor & Photographer
– Julian Tan, SJS Photographer for Documentation

_DSC3610
Photo: L-R, Anson Kwok, Yu Ling & Allan Lee. Photo by Julian Tan.

We picked a stormy Sunday afternoon and went out to Vivo City to test the SPARK. The overcast sky, the wet ground and almost colorless ambience really thrown us off tracks on how we should even do this. We briefly discussed and decided to just take stroll and we will capture whatever that comes our way and we are off.

Lensbaby SPARK on Nikon D1x by Allan Lee, Editor/SJS.
_DSC3616
Photo: Allan Lee. Photo by Julian Tan

DSC_0002
Photo by Allan LEE, Nikon D1x with Lensbaby Spark

 

DSC_0003
Photo by Allan LEE, Nikon D1x with Lensbaby Spark

 

DSC_0005
Photo by Allan LEE, Nikon D1x with Lensbaby Spark

_DSC3613
Photo: Allan Lee. Photo by Julian Tan

Lensbaby SPARK on Nikon D2hs by Yu Ling, Travel Editor/SJS.
_DSC3625
Photo: Yu Ling. Photo by Julian Tan

Low_ALN_7247
Photo by Yu Ling, Nikon D2hs with Lensbaby Spark.

Low_ALN_7251
Photo by Yu Ling, Nikon D2hs with Lensbaby Spark.

Low_ALN_7255
Photo by Yu Ling, Nikon D2hs with Lensbaby Spark.

_DSC3632
Photo: Yu Ling. Photo by Julian Tan

Lensbaby SPARK on Nikon D3s by Anson Kwok, Guest Editor/SJS.

_DSC3636
Photo: Anson Kwok. Photo by Julian Tan

_ADP7519
Photo by Anson Kwok, Nikon D3s with Lensbaby Spark.

_ADP7520
Photo by Anson Kwok, Nikon D3s with Lensbaby Spark.

_ADP7522
Photo by Anson Kwok, Nikon D3s with Lensbaby Spark.

_DSC3639
Photo: Anson Kwok. Photo by Julian Tan

———————————————————–

although a picture says a thousand words, we would like to share with our readers what we think, our Likes & Dislikes of the Lensbaby SPARK.

———————————————————–

Allan Lee’s Comments
_DSC3611
Photo: Allan Lee. Photo by Julian Tan

The SPARK offers a very creative way to find the “Sweet Spot” within a frame, however, for photographers who are new to Lensbaby, it may take a little while to get used to operating the lens. However when one gets accustomed to it, it is pretty easy to use it for a variety of photographic applications.

What I like:
– Humble price.
– Strange look of the Lens (and onlookers alike)
– Artistic blur that gives bokeh a whole new meaning.
– Good photo & color quality.
– Filter & Optics options. (Compatible with all Lensbaby Optics)
– Close focusing range. (Manufacturer claims 33cm, I tried 30cm & it works)

What I dislike:
– Tiny lens cap (easily misplaced)
– Focusing needs more effort.
– Plastic Mount.
———————————————————-

Yu Ling’s Comments
_DSC3620
I find the SPARK refreshing. Having no prior relations with Lensbaby’s lenses, the SPARK makes a great entry option to Lensbaby. I took a while to “find my way” around to use it, and once I get the drift, the SPARK is fun. It makes me wants to look at things & subjects in a different way that I usually see them, it is all very experimental to me when the SPARK is concerned.

What I like:
– Easy to operate (after getting used to it)
– Full control over the focusing area.
– Give subject new perspectives not possible with conventional lenses.
– Good price.
– Small & Compact.

What I dislike:
– Challenging for quick composition.
– The supplied fixed F5.6 aperture. (Will prefer F2.8)
–  Toy-like build.
———————————————————-

Anson Kwok’s Comments
_DSC3633
Photo: Anson Kwok. Photo by Julian Tan

This is my first experience with a Lensbaby product and the SPARK is a great “introductory” product for many people. On first look, the SPARK makes me wonder as I do not really know what to expect (of the photos). A quick research online prior to the review reveals photos that I had never seen before and yes, I like what I saw. Using the SPARK during the review was fun, and yes, I will buy one too.

What I like:
– Simple, Light & Compact construction.
– Open up new possibilities for my photography style.
– Very good price for hours & hours of fun.
– Selective focus all done manually.
– Sweet distortions on out of focus area.
– Can use other filters on the filter thread.

What I dislike:
– Lens looks like it cannot take abuse and & harsh weather.
– A little too plasticky for my liking.
– Lens cap design, nothing wrong with it, I just don’t like it.
———————————————————

Some quick information about SPARK:
– In the box, you will receive the SPARK, Instructions & a Pouch.
– 50mm (75mm on Nikon cropped bodies (DX) & 80mm on Canon cropped bodies.
– Fixed Aperture of F5.6
– Manual Lens.
– Glass Doublets Optics & Multi coated.
– Focusing range from 33cm
– All Lensbaby Optics will fit into SPARK but, some optic are a little too heavy for the SPARK to handle like the Sweet35, Edge80 & Fisheye Optics. Your SPARK will be dangling downwards like. . . . Forget it.

For More Information or Specifications on Lensbaby SPARK, visit http://www.cathayphoto.com.sg/node/317
or http://store.lensbaby.com/products/spark/

_DSC3665
Photo: Group Photo by Julian Tan.

Thanks to Yu Ling, Anson Kwok & Julian Tan for making this project possible,
and Special Thanks to Cathay Photo Store Pte Ltd for allowing this project to happen.
———————————————————

About Cathay Photo Store Pte Ltd
1Cathay_Logo_2C
Established in 1959, Cathay Photo since its very beginning has been driven by the objectives of providing the best photographic equipment, pricing and service to our customers. These objectives have ensured its continued growth from just two humble showcases occupying a quarter of a shop-front to its present five retail outlets, an administrative / distribution office and a warehouse.

It is constantly on the lookout for the latest gadgets and solutions to add to its line-up of over 60 internationally renowned brands, and recognizing the growing presence and popularity of HD video, due largely to the introduction of DSLR cameras with HD video capabilities, it made its foray into the Pro Video market, expanding its offering to products from brands such as Steadicam, Zacuto, Kessler Crane and Genus to name a few.

Having served the photography industry for over 50 years, and backed by its proud heritage, Cathay Photo is without doubt the preferred photographic retailer in Singapore today.
———————————————————

About Lensbaby
Print
Lensbaby is a Portland, Oregon based manufacturer of award-winning Creative Effects SLR & mirrorless camera lenses. Lensbaby was launched in February 2004 by Craig Strong, a professional photographer and the inventor of the patented Lensbaby Creative Effects SLR lens system. Lensbaby sells to photographers all over the world through its website, http://www.lensbaby.com, by direct calls, at trade shows, in leading photo retailers, and through a growing global network of international distributors.


Posted in Brand: Nikon, Brand: Others (Cosina, Carl Zeiss, Leica, Mamiya, Samyang, Vivitar, Zenitar,etc), Featured Photographers, Featured Photography Merchants, Group Test & Reviews, Photography Articles & Videos, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Respect Your Photographer

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Editor AL

IMG_3732

Posted in Photography Quotes, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Photography Industry – A Weird One.

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Editor AL

Weirdo

A lot had been said about the photography industry.
Although this is one of the very few industries who has a cross breeds ofProfessionals to Beginners-on-Leisure, this art form is definitely a very, very messy place.
There is certainly nothing wrong with the industry by itself, it’s the people in it.
How many weird photographers have you met?

Posted in Photography Quotes, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Pentax Tattoo?

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Editor AL

IMG_5108

Posted in Photography Quotes, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Brand Fans.

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Editor AL

Stoned

Fan Wars are a norm when it comes to camera systems. Well who wouldn’t swear by their own equipment
after spending like tens of thousands on it?

Like many seasoned photographers had said, it’s the person using these equipments that gives
varying results, never the equipment. For they are just, equipments.

It’s the photographer who will decides whether an awesome photo or a crappy photo will be
recorded.

Enuff said.

Posted in Photography Quotes, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Be A Grateful Photographer – Karma is Watching.

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Editor AL

Ungrateful

Many times in life, we have had people who made a difference in our lives. Where Photography is concerned,
there’s a special relationship among the circle which is pretty hard to duplicate elsewhere, the relationship
of constant mentoring, the guidance or a teacher to a entrant to the industry.  It is tough maintaining such
a relationship when the person you are mentoring will be your competitor one day. It’s what people
calls the “Love-Hate” relationship.

As an educator myself, I always believed in teaching everything I know to my students. Although I hope that each and every one of them will learn and be successful and to even be better than me one day, I am sure this is not what many photography instructors out there are thinking. They are afraid to be overtaken – by their own “product”. Contradictory?

And of course, as a student once myself, I respect every single person, Masters & fellow professionals that I had learned something from. This is akin to remembering where you came from, where you learned the trade and without these people, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

But sadly, there are too many suckers out there who will enter your life, learn from you, pick up skills from you and then leaves you, which is totally acceptable at this stage – but when these people started to bad mouth you and even slander you without factual facts, that is the last straw. These people ought to be dealt with, not by me, but Karma.

So be nice to your students & teachers alike. You never when Karma will decide to pay you a surprise visit.

Posted in Photography Quotes, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Losing Focus in Life?

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Editor AL

IMG_5109

Posted in Photography Quotes, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment