SHUTTER JOURNEY SINGAPORE

Subjektiv 4-in-1 German Lens Kit

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Editor AL

These days when compact cameras (and some DSLRs too) are speced with “art filters” like Fish Eye, Retro Camera, Toy camera, etc and so on, it reflects the trend of today’s photographers. Photogs are basically turning experimental these days and looking through practically almost everything that allows light. And with the recent revival of film cameras & lomography, photographers are really looking for more things to “play” with.

Subjektiv recently launched a 4-in1 lens kit that allows the user to select the “insert” to create the desired effects. Though called “4-in-1”, you get 5 inserts. The 5 inserts are Apeture, Pin Hole, Plastic, Zone Plate & Glass. This kit works purely on bending lights and manipulating the throw to create the special effects.

The Plastic insert will give you a “Out of Focus” (only the centre is sharp) with a mild zoom blur effect, while the Pin Hole insert gives the user a Lo-Fi shot and the Zone Plate gives a diffused photo effect – very similar to soft focus to get that super dreamy effect and lastly the Glass give super vivid & saturated colors. As for Apeture, it is like your regular manual lenses where you control the depth and bokeh with your hands. (lolz)

If you are thinking along the line of “LensBaby”, nope, they are certainly not the same and they works differently.

Available in Canon & Nikon Mount (as usual) & adaptors for the Sony Alpha, Pentax (both with focus confirmation chip) are available. Package comes with a Pouch, 4 lens inserts, lens & lens cap.

Some quick facts here before you order:
– Works with Canon EOS and Nikon F mount DSLRs and SLRs
– 5 modules included: pinhole, plastic, glass, zone plate, and aperture
– Combine aperture module with plastic and glass modules to stop down exposures
– All lenses have a focal length of 65mm
– Pinhole: f/180, hole diameter 0.255mm, determine exposure time by multiplying the shutter speed at f/22 by 64
– Zone Plate: 51 zones (opaque and transparent bands), f/32
– Plastic: Cast precision acrylic lens, f/5
– Glass lens: Tempered meniscus single-lens, f/5 or f/8 with included distancing ring
– Designed and made in Germany

More information here

Posted in Brand: Others (Cosina, Carl Zeiss, Leica, Mamiya, Samyang, Vivitar, Zenitar,etc) | Tagged Accesories, DSLR, Lens, Photography, Subjektiv | 1 Comment

Sony Cybershot “Hot Affair” TVC

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Editor AL

Ladies, this is for you.

Posted in Brand: Sony, Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged Cybershot, Sony | Leave a comment

Featured Photographer – Johnson Ang

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Editor AL

Johnson Ang

We came to know Johnson through our photography group on Facebook. He is an extremely friendly chap, humble and full of “sick humour” – (laughters). Well his jokes, photo captions and even comments left on others’ photo never fails to inject a good laugh. That aspect, draws people to him and his photos.

Browsing through all his albums took me hours. I see the work of a budding photographer who just want to learn as many things possible and his experimental approach to photography is commendable. (You should have seen his D-I-Y stuff and the Pop-Up stickers on his Lens Caps – that’s beside the point, haha!). When you have a photographer with such a good learning attitude, the photos produced by Johnson are improving at a breakneck speed! Recently, a few of Johnson’s photos were picked for a photo exhibition at SCAPE Park, Singapore.

Without his permission, I’ve picked a few of his works to be featured here. Enjoy!

Ways to Contact Johnson ANG;
Email: tosplant@hotmail.com
Web: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31940041@N04/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/johnson.ang

Posted in Featured Photographers | Tagged Featured Photographer, Johnson Ang | Leave a comment

Thanksgiving Notes – from Photographers.

Posted on December 2, 2010 by Editor AL

From the Founders of Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS)

Recently we posted a note on our Facebook wall in the spirit of Thanksgiving and asking photography friends to write a note about what they think of Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group. After reading the notes, we are very glad that our key objective of creating a carefree photography group for photographers of every level had been met 100%. That, truly further strengthen our believes that photography not only brings people together, it helps people to discover little things in life that they themselves are sometimes not even aware of.

Before we get to the submitted notes below, please allow us to sincerely thank all of you who had played an important part of the group’s growth, we are indeed grateful for your support.

Thank you, each & everyone of you.

Allan & Ling
SJS Founding Photographers.
_____________________________

From Alvin Chow via hobboculture@yahoo.com.sg

Hi Allan & Ling,
I rarely writes any Thanksgiving notes so if this is lame, please bear with it, lol:)

I would like to thank Connie for inviting me to join this wonderful group of photographers. The events are enjoyable, the people are friendly and professional with lots of knowledge to share and for me to learn. I started photography on a more serious note only from August 2010 till today.

I guess this has been a very fruitful 3rd quarter 2010 for me as I have been taking more photos than I have ever did in any part of my life.

Thanks to Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group for organizing so many events and creating a platform for learning!

Alvin Chow
________________________

From Ang Choo Wee via choowee@xray-specs.com

It’s been about exactly a year since I picked up my Nikon D300s. Throughout the year, photography has brought me to many places both locally and abroad, which also found me many new friends. These are all priceless memories that make me understand that photography is not only the right choice, but also a new lifestyle that I will continue for many Thanksgivings to come.

But why am I especially thankful to Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS)?

To begin, there were many SG photography groups that I have shot with, with friends, as well as at events that I was invited to witness. I’m glad I shared a part of the special occasions, the laughter with friends, and the learning experience with the many proficient photographers I’ve met.

SJS, however, holds a deeper, more special meaning for me. In SJS, I found all of the three ‘offerings’ above. SJS was more than a photography group, more than just friends, and more than just events and walkabouts. It is a group of people who enjoys shooting. Carefree shooting to be exact.

And people joins the group NOT just because it was technical, or for free knowledge being shared freely in the group, or just because they can make more new friends, or that SJS has one of the most varied and interesting themed shoots amongst the groups in Singapore, or maybe even for the fact that SJS are one of the fastest growing groups in SG.

Most important of all, however, was the “soul” of the group. That “soul” came from the Founders Allan Lee and Ling Tan, together with a team of dedicated the moderators. I count myself lucky to have joined the group earlier this year, when the group was smaller and a little more informal. I remembered it was a Wednesday “limited” shoot at Orchard, and that was the “50mm Mono Night”. The smaller intimate setting then allowed me the luxury of getting to know everyone on a more personal level, and from then on, I was hooked.

As the year moves on, the success of the group was apparent – the size of the group got larger, the frequency of shoots becomes more frequent and shooting events were well planned out in advance. Even more amazing was the many times that we were approached by totally strangers on the street, who were enthralled by the energy of the group and walked up to us to ask about the group and if they could join us. Today, SJS even have Exclusive Group Specials, Invitations to shoot at Closed Events, and even a Group Photography Library coming up!

That, we have the “soul” of the group to thank. From the first shoot, I too, saw the SJS team facing many challenges, both internal and external. As the group got bigger, shoots had to be even more well planned, well managed, and they even take safety as a consideration! For all the carefree times of shooting, lies the many hours of careful planning and time spent meeting up amongst the team. What is most amazing to me is, despite the growth in the group, the Founders and Moderators still finds the time, energy and takes effort to still preserve the intimacy and getting to know everyone personally.

Special thanks goes to Allan, whose tireless efforts in arranging Exclusive Event Shoots, Photography Lessons and special tie-ups with camera suppliers. For me, and any other newbies out there, he basically played the “Big Daddy” role in guiding us through our initial journey into photography, which would otherwise be a lot less easy.

Great thanks to Ling, Celes, and Shela as well. Despite their busy work and personal schedules, are present at almost every shoot to uphold their responsibilities with a smile.

Last but not least, I am very thankful for the people I have met in SJS, some of whom have developed beyond photo buddies. Some have became Food buddies, some turned chill out buddies, and many others who have provided much laughter even online where we shared our life’s intimate moments as well as funny moments on Facebook.

Thanks SJS, for giving me something to be thankful for the thanksgiving.

Regards,
Ang Choo Wee
_________________________________

From Krist Goh via kristgoh@gmail.com

Hi,
I don’t really know how to start writing, (laughter) and my “England” is not exactly fantastic.
But I really want to Thank a lot people.

First, I would like to Thank Maureen (my great PAL) for bringing me along for Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS) photo-shoots. I got to know a lot of great people and made lots of friends.

The Founders, Allan & Ling have been a great pair of event-organisers and doubling up as “Shi Fu” all this while….. (and Allan never fails to “terrified” me while both of them lead & teach me along the way. =X)

Celes, Connie and Shela are always there to help me during shoots, they plays the important role of a “Jie Jie” (elder sisters) while taking care of every other members of the group.

As I attended more SJS shoots, I got to know more friends…. , great people like Jennise, Cassandra, Weeyang and Uncle Sebby (and many more!).

Special Thanks to some of them who actually lend me their gears and even help me by posting photography links for me in preparation for certain shoots.

SJS is like a big family, never fail to share/ play and have lots of fun laughing together! =) Everyone in SJS is like a piece of puzzle in my life. =)))))
(LOL… I think I wrote too much… !!! NVM lah ! LOL )

On a side note: SJS, Really Thanks for Everything. =)
____________________________

From Nicole Wong via Nicole.wongyuejun@gmail.com

Allan & Ling,
Since I started shooting with Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS), it’s not just about improving photography skills, but rather, sharing and learning along with everyone along the way. I had my fair share of fun, laughter and enjoying the many different kinds (genres) of outings that SJS organized.

Prior to joining SJS, I am a casual shooter giving no hoots about photography rules etc. Things changed soon after, and I found myself often looking up Google, viewing other photographers’ works, or even ask questions on things I do not understand, constantly seeking critique and suggestions to improve my pictures.

Interestingly, I joined in with only expectation to just have fun, and shoot for fun. I didn’t expect photography in itself, had taught me lessons that classrooms don’t teach, personal breakthroughs and getting to know and make many friends within the group.

I have to add that through shoots, I managed to overcome fears of creepy crawlies (Macro events), due to the fascination of photographing them up close, and only to realize they are harmless unless provoked. It makes me appreciate the little beauty that nature has provided, and new found respect for the environment. Also, new perspectives opened to seeing things in a different manner through the lenses, and helped shape who I am today.

On a last note, shooting with SJS is a fun and enjoyable experience, and in turn, learning more about the vast topics of photography a lesser pain. 🙂

Regards,
Nicole
_________________________________________

From Wong Renhao via wongrenhao@gmail.com

When photographers meet, all we ever talk about is shutter speed, aperture, ISO, framing, white balance, I really could go on for a few more paragraphs. We debate, argue, and mock each other about less-than-perfect shots, about 5 seconds after uploading a discreetly cropped picture. Week in and week out, we meet up with each other, just to get absorbed right back into our individual worlds of photography, sitting on dirty surfaces, lying down on the pavement, or even getting into the water in the quest for that perfect shot.

Yet in the midst of all this lives a spirit that too often we forget about, but constantly engage in nevertheless. In the midst of Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS in short) the spirit of sharing burns brightly, that true purpose of photography that we may never articulate, but still live and breathe.

The eagerness to share knowledge about the infinite skills of stopping time in its tracks may come as naturally as light and night to you, but it may never have surfaced if not for such a vibrant group, both on and offline.

For that, I have much to thank Allan and Ling.

Guys, I owe it to you both of you and your group for the countless skills I’ve picked up during the weekends. Hope SJS will carry on for a long time and grow to be not just a group, but an influence.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
Renhao
——————————————–

From Lilian Koh via liliankoh41@gmail.com

I was a loner before, until I met a bunch of wonderful photographers of Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS). None of my friends are into photography, so I usually ventures on my own looking for interesting subject to shoot and to add to the memory stick. After a while, I got bored and started playing with Videography instead.

It’s a God sent that I met a young pleasant sales promoter at a Sony Road Show in September 2010. Although I did not buy anything from him, yet Wee Yang was kind enough to share his knowledge with me. And he suggested to me to find SJS on Facebook. I sent an email to the Founder, Allan Lee and he accepted my interest to join, and the rest is history.

My first outing with SJS was the “Macro Walk-Ridout Tea Garden”. I remembered Nicole showing me around the nursery ground. Celes and Sebastian were helpful too. Wow, i felt like i was part of an extended family!

My thanks and appreciation to everyone in SJS, I’ve learnt a lot from you guys, even though my photos are nowhere compared to yours…yet. Lol.

Best regards,
Lilian Koh
_________________________________________

From Cheng Le Fern via lefern@hotmail.com

At Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS) outings, photography is what brings friendship together apart from learning & sharing from each other about the technical & creative aspects of the art/hobby.

All of us should appreciate the time & selfless efforts which the Founders Allan & Ling have put in to bring a group of enthusiastic people together for the love of photography. I also appreciate the support of their moderators who help to organize the programs. Even though I have not attended most of outings, I enjoy looking at the pictures in most of my evenings after each of their outings through FACEBOOK. The outings bring back old memories plus gave me more ideas for future shoots.

I am looking forward to taking more pictures and improving with them.
__________________________________

From Andy Nguyen via andynguyendk@gmail.com

Hi Allan/Ling
I’m not a Christian, so perhaps Thanksgiving doesn’t mean the same to me, but it’s nice to have a day/season dedicated to giving thanks and being grateful for people and things that came to our lives and enriched our living experience.

Out of nowhere I bumped into photography, and shortly after, I bumped into Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS) on Facebook, and I’m thankful that those “bumps” occurred in my life 🙂

Though I have not been with SJS for long, I have enjoyed the company and the learning experience a great deal! I find that the elements that set SJS apart from some other groups (that i shall not mention) is everyone’s genuine love for photography, and in the spirit of willingly sharing of knowledge. These created a warm friendly atmosphere that simply draws people in.

And yet, everyone seems unique with his/her own “expertise” or remarkable passion that makes them shine through as individuals: like Ling and her expressions, Nicole with her hyper-energy, Allan and his inspiring photos, and even people I have not yet met like Uncle Tony or Royston. Oh well I’ve certainly picked up more than a few skills, shot more than a few keepers, made more than a few friends, learnt more than a few things about people, and about myself and definitely have much fun being with SJS.

For that I’m thankful, to Allan and Ling, the moderators, and everyone whom I’ve met and those I’m going to meet.

Love SJS’s people & photos 🙂
________________________________________

From Jonathan Chua via jonathan@hanfong.com

Looking back at the photos I took in the past and after I join this ” special group”, I realized that my current photos today looks so much better and different when compared.

I find that, now I pay more attention to the surroundings, little things and I wanted so much to bring my camera out everyday. I wanted so much to shoot everything I see everyday.

Way back, DSLR cameras is just a technology to shoot a photo, but this “special group” helped me and taught me how to make use of this technology to freeze memories which will be meaningful in time to come.

Before I met them, I only know how to shoot a photo. This “special group” taught me how to shoot a good photo.

I want to say a big “thank you” to this “special group” and they are Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group

I hope to learn more from this special group of people.

Regards
Jonathan Chua
________________________________________

Once again everyone, Thank You!

Allan & Ling

Posted in Group Announcements & Notices, Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged Featured Photographer, Photography | Leave a comment

Red Dot Photo @ SITEX 2010

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Editor AL

25 to 28 Nov 2010
11am to 9pm
Singapore Expo Hall 6, Booth 6A18

Special Deals !!!!!!
9 Inches of clarity – Phottix Hector 9HD monitor

Nine inches of Full High Definition LCD screen for preview, review and focusing – this is a great addition to any photographer/videographer in the era of Video-DLSR. It has HDMI, S Video, AV and Y/PB/PR connections, as well as shutter release, bulb mode and AF functions. This screen is a must for all video lovers! Price ~ $699, TBC

Spread your photos like a FLU! – Trek Flu-card

Wireless file transfer has never been easier, with the Made-in-Singapore Trek Flu-card. An essentially 8Gig SDHC card with built in wireless function. Only at a never-before $109 at the Sitex

Powerful Portable lights – Phottix PPL200 & PPL400 lights

The long awaited portable strobes from Phottix, packing a powerful 200/400 Watts(depending on model), this comes with a light weight poly-Li battery pack for the mobile strobist! Price to be $600+, TBC

Jus’ the right tripod – Jusino Tripod Launch

Looking for the right tripod is not easy. Red Dot Photo has sourced for this alternative tripod which are light, sturdy and very cost effective! Check out the range of Jusino tripods at our booth!

Wireless TTL Flash – Nissin Di622 Mark 2

With 3 new features, the Nissin Di622 Mark 2 is key to entry level flash! Suitable for Canon and Nikon DSLRs, this is the perfect flash for beginners and amateurs! All flash comes with bundle with AA rechargeable batteries!

Got charge? Maha/Powerex batteries/charger offers

Get your hands on the battery charger brand that professionals trust their livelihood on – The Maha range of battery chargers. Also trade in your old AA batteries for an all new pack of AA imedions at only $16!

And more fantastic deals at http://www.reddotphoto.com.sg/forums/forumdisplay.php/63-Sitex-2010

More Information or visit Red Dot Photo’s eShop at http://www.reddotphoto.com.sg

Posted in Featured Photography Merchants, Photography Courses & Events | Tagged Accessories, Photography | Leave a comment

*SCAPE, National Youth Council and THE ARTS FISSION Company presents: Eyes of the Tiger

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Editor AL

A Rock Dance Concert in aid of Project Dance Edge™

4 December 2010, *SCAPE Warehouse, 8pm

Get your early bird tickets at $10 now!

Enquiries: mich.scape@gmail.com

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

Olympus PEN Cameras Get “Dressed To Thrill”

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Editor AL

In an exclusive design competition organised by Olympus Imaging Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Design, the design school’s students unleashed their wildest imaginations and displayed their creativity to the fullest by creating unique skin designs for Olympus’ latest PEN-series new generation system camera model – Olympus E-PL1.
‧        “Dress Up Your PEN” competition by Olympus and Temasek Design School provides students with a great opportunity to ‘commercialise’ their creations into actual retail products
‧        Top skin designs for Olympus E-PL1 camera go on public exhibition at Raffles City Shopping Centre and the public votes for top three favourite designs
‧        Top three winning skin designs will be produced in Singapore and sold exclusively at Olympus Online Accessories Store.

By the time the design competition closed, judges saw a strong response from students with over 50 paper entries submitted. Temasek Polytechnic shortlisted 36 of the best entries which were reproduced as actual camera skins and applied onto 36 prototype E-PL1 units specially flown in from Japan.

Olympus “Dress Up Your PEN” Exhibition & Voting Contest
Now, with the aim of showcasing Singapore’s design talent, Olympus Imaging will exhibit selected pieces amongst the 36 dressed-up E-PL1 units at Raffles City Shopping Centre in December and the public will be invited to vote online for their top three favourite skins designs.

To take part in the voting contest, visit Olympus’ PEN website (www.myolympuspen.com.sg) and vote for your top three favourite designs. One lucky voter of the top winning design stands to win a brand new Olympus μ TOUGH-3000 waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof camera (worth S$358)!

Voting begins from 1 December and ends on 31 December. The results of the top three favourite skin designs and the lucky voter will be announced by Olympus Imaging Singapore during the week of 7 January 2011. For more information and/or contest details, please log ontowww.myolympuspen.com.sg.

Winning Students See Their Ideas To Full Fruition
Student designers of the top three favourite designs voted by the public will also be rewarded with fantastic prizes sponsored by Olympus Imaging Singapore. The prizes include:-
‧        Top Prize: Olympus PEN E-PL1 ( worth S$998)
‧        First runner up: Olympus μ 9010 (worth S$598)
‧        Second runner up: Olympus μ TOUGH 6020 (worth S$498)

Olympus Imaging Singapore has undertaken to reproduce 50 pieces of each of the top three winning skin designs to be sold exclusively at Olympus Online Accessories Store (http://www.shopatolympus.com.sg), giving these design students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring their creations from conceptualisation into actual retail products.

Posted in Brand: Olympus, Brand: Others (Cosina, Carl Zeiss, Leica, Mamiya, Samyang, Vivitar, Zenitar,etc) | Tagged Micro 4/3, Mirrorless, Olympus, Photography Accessories | 2 Comments

Samyang 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC

Posted on November 13, 2010 by Editor AL

For those really new to Samyang Lenses, you may wish to google more information on the net. This is the 2nd Samyang Lens I got to review since the last article I wrote on the Samyang 8mm F2.8 CS Fish Eye.

This round, I received the Canon EOS Mount version and have it tested on a Full Frame Body, an APSH (1.3 Crop), an APSC (1.6 crop) and an InfraRed Converted body. Before we get there, let’s check out the unboxing.

The Lens came in the usual nice gold & black box and you get the lens pouch, instruction manual and the lens of course!

The Lens cap is the “Fish Eye” full cover type due to the construction of the front glass element.

Lens build is again excellent, nice to hold, quality is good. Though this is a manuel lens, the apeture and distance markings are clear and precise making this lens a breeze to use! Personally I like the apeture setting ring’s clicking sound, very purposelful and solid. This lens does looks like it will last a really long time. Let’s get to the test results!

OK, it’s time to test the Samyang 14mm F2.8. All Cameras was set to 1/80, F11, ISO 100 & AWB.
(Except 350-IR at 200 & CWB).

Presenting the candidates & their respective results!

1) Canon EOS 350D-InfraRed

This is an APSC (1.6 crop) body converted to full time InfraRed. Using the 14mm on this body means the wide angle is about the equivalent of 22.4mm based on the 35mm format. And here’s the result below.

There is “ZERO Hotspotting” – a common phenomenon that occurs on cetain lenses when used on an InfraRed converted body. At 22.4mm (14mm), this is lens is super perfect for IR-Photography for landscape! And there are no soft corners or distortions! I personally will recommend this lens to all IR-Photographers!!!!

2) Canon EOS 500D

This is an APSC (1.6 crop) body. Using the 14mm on this body means the wide angle is about the equivalent of 22.4mm based on the 35mm format. And it is still much wider than most kit lenses especially those made for APSC cameras like the 18-55mm. And 18-55mm (EF-S) is actually equivalent to 28.8mm-88mm on a full frame body. And here’s the result below.

On the 500D, colors are vibrant as you can see from the photo above. At 14mm (22.4mm), this ultra wide angle (UWA) lens is perfect for landscape & architecture. There are certainly no soft corners or distortions, great value lens for APSC users! (XXXXD, XXXD, XXD & 7D).

3) EOS 5D Mark II

This is Full Frame (35mm equivalent) body. Using the 14mm on this body means the wide angle is the widest Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) lens in its class (and currently available from most proprietor brands). However the Samyang 14mm only cost a fraction of Canon’s proprietory EF 14mm UWA L-lens (RRP SGD $4199.00/ street price varies). And here’s the result below.

This lens is a “gem” when used on the EOS 5D Mark II. Colors are nicely reproduced and the image is contrasty as you can see from the photo above. At 14mm, this ultra wide angle (UWA) lens is the perfect UWA lens for landscape & architecture & for most applications. Corners are sharply captured with no distortions, a great value lens for users with Full Frame bodies.

4) EOS 1D Mark IV

This is Canon’s Flagship model – the 1-series. The EOS 1D Mark IV is a APSH body which is a 1.3 Crop. (For those not familiar with Canon’s flagship line, all 1Ds are Full Frame models while all the 1D without the “s” are APSH bodies).

Using the 14mm on this body means the actual angle is 18.2mm wide. This Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) lens are great for this body too as in today’s photography language, anything below 28mm is considered ultra wide. Even after the crop factor kicks in, the lens are still below 20mm in actual angle and this makes the 14mm a great lens for the 1D Mark IV too! And here’s the result below.

In conclusion, the Samyang 14mm F2.8 is a great performer in every department if you can live without an autofocus motor which the current generation is so pampered with! With a little practice and some reading up, a manuel lens can be really a joy to use. Wouldn’t you agree with me that the single most important aspect of photography is the final image? At least in my case, it doesn’t matter if a lens has the most advanced chips and wizardry, what matter most is the lens must be built to last and it helps the photographer produce breath-taking photos!

The Samyang 14mm F2.8 is one of the most competitive priced Ultra Wide Angle lens today. Get it now.

Some User Facts/ Information:
(If you are looking for the specs, please google yourself, it’s all over the internet.)
– Filter Size (N.A.)
– Lens Hood (Petal Type – Built in).
– Excellent lens for Infra-red Photography (IR), ZERO Hotspotting.
– Fully Manual Lens.
– Lens are multi-coated with aspherical and dispersion glass elements.
– Focal Range when used on EOS bodies with smaller APS-C sensors 22.2mm, APS-H sensors gives 18.2mm & full
14mm for Full frame bodies.
– Available in many other mounts too.

What I Like:
– Super ultra wide angle.
– Super Cheap & value for money.
– Solid quality build.
– Well Designed.
– Sharp Photos.
– Contrasty.
– Zero distortions on corners. (Commone problems with most ultra wide angle lenses)

What I Hate:
– Manual Lens. (Not really an issue to me actually)
– No Distance Scale Meter.
– No AF Confirmation.

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

iPhone4 with Nikkor Lens

Posted on November 10, 2010 by Editor AL

Found this video on youtube. The author of this video used a Nikkor Zoom lens + a DOF Adapt0r (Depth of Field) and attached this combi to an iPhone 4. Check out the astounding result!

Posted in Brand: Nikon, Brand: Others (Cosina, Carl Zeiss, Leica, Mamiya, Samyang, Vivitar, Zenitar,etc), Group Test & Reviews, Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged DSLR, iPhone4, Lens, Nikkor, Nikon | Leave a comment

Waterproof Campact Cameras Group Test (From DigitalRev TV)

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Editor AL

Ah, this video has been watched by over 130,ooo viewers (at point of posting) and I think I should have it as record too.

DigitalRev TV has produced lots of interesting videos on camera tests, so search them on youtube.

Below here, are the famous video of the group test.

Posted in Brand: Canon, Brand: Olympus, Brand: Others (Cosina, Carl Zeiss, Leica, Mamiya, Samyang, Vivitar, Zenitar,etc), Brand: Sony, Group Test & Reviews, Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged Canon, Casio, Cybershot, Exilim, Lumix, Olympus, Panasonic, Powershot, Sony, Stylus | Leave a comment

Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D3s (From DigitalRev TV)

Posted on October 26, 2010 by Editor AL

Hmmmmm…. really strange. Shouldn’t the Nikon D3s be compared to the upcoming un-launched Canon 1Ds Mark IV?

Well that’s my view as it will be more fair if Full Frame can be compared to another Full Frame. (Nikon D3s is Full Framed while the Canon 1D Mark IV is Cropped Framed)

Anyway, here’s the video and the model are acceptable for entertainment…

Posted in Brand: Canon, Brand: Nikon, Group Test & Reviews, Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged Canon, DSLR, EOS, Lens, Nikkor, Nikon | Leave a comment

One Asia Festival 2010!

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Editor AL

Happening this weekend at Suntec City!

See our Group Sponsors at the show!

I was told that lots of good deal and new products will be launched at the show.

So make your down this weekend!

1) Booth C17 – SgCameraStore.com
2) Booth D06 – RedDotPhoto

Posted in Featured Photography Merchants | Tagged Photography | Leave a comment

Canon EOS7D + Sigma 50mm F/1.4 Video Test

Posted on October 18, 2010 by Editor AL

Frankly speaking, after I watched this video, I am glad I didn’t bought the Sigma 50mm F/1.4. Though the lens’s build is good, I find the quality of the photo to be average, I will recommend the Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L instead.

By the way, the models featured in this video looks “Thai” to me and their braces sort of destroy whatever that’s good and left of the Sigma 50mm F/1.4. Now that is my personal view. See the video and judge for yourself.

Posted in Brand: Canon, Brand: Sigma, Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged Canon, DSLR, EOS, Lens, Sigma | Leave a comment

“FRAMING THE HIDDEN EYES” (By SCAPE/PDE& TAFC)

Posted on October 18, 2010 by Editor AL

*SCAPE & THE ARTS FISSION COMPANY PRESENT
A PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP OF A DIFFERENT KIND:

“FRAMING THE HIDDEN EYES”
— A Macro-Technique Photography Workshop for Beginners

The photography workshop is presented in conjunction with the December rock-dance concert in support of Project Dance Edge to raise awareness for disadvantaged youth.

The workshop content literally zooms into an imagined pair of eyes/images and play with the idea of hidden or unnoticed vision. Through the camera lenses, can we assume the perspective of the invisible and the forgotten*?

Imagine what would the invisible and the forgotten see in the urban habitat? How does the garden in the city offer temporary refuge to them? Can the invisible and the forgotten species, though shroud in oblivion, still see beauty and breathe in vitality?

***For this workshop the invisible and the forgotten refer to hidden or neglected things or persons in our urban environment

Technical Curriculum:
Under guidance of Allan Lee, participants will learn—
New perspective on photo framing (class)
Up-close-and personal with subject of nature (class)
Post production tips (class)
Basic shooting techniques (field)
Selecting effective subjects (field)
Approaching wild insects (field)
Using tools to create stunning macro photos (field)

Workshop Requirement:
Participants must come with digital equipment to capture images
(Digital cameras, mobile-phone cameras, DSLRs)
Workshop curriculum is designed for beginners
Workshop session is divided into two parts —
In class lecture at *SCAPE– 1 hour
Field trip to the Singapore Botanic Gardens– 3 hours
Transport is provided for field trip (to and fro Botanic Gardens & *SCAPE)
Participants are to submit two best photos by 17 Oct, 12noon for
workshop exhibition at *SCAPE
Selected best works will be awarded.
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PHOTO ENTRY & EXHIBITION
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Publicity release : 18 Oct 2010
Registration Closed : 8 Nov 2010
Photography workshop/field-trip : 13 Nov 2010
Photo Entry submission : 17 Nov 2010 (by 12 noon)
Photo short-listing/selection/ judging : 19 Nov 2010
Photo exhibition : 26 Nov 2010

Exhibition Selection/ Judging Panel:
Angela Liong (ARTS FISSION),
Allan Lee (Shutter Journey Singapore),
*SCAPE official
Canon Singapore
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About Project Dance Edge™
Project Dance Edge™ (PDE) is a dance and movement based social intervention programme initiated in April 2007 by The ARTS FISSION Company, in partnership with *SCAPE. Since then, about 300 Singapore youths age eight to 18 years old under the care of voluntary welfare organizations (VWOs) have directly benefitted from the programme. Its inception gained approval and financial support from MCYS under its ComCare Social Support Projects Fund Scheme for two years. It also received contributions from local foundations and individual donors.

PDE participants attend regular dance training sessions, camps or workshops during school holidays at *SCAPE’s premises or other venues such as the Drama Centre and Esplanade. The training workshops are conducted by dancers, musicians, theatre technicians and other arts professionals from ARTS FISSION with the assistance of VWO caregivers. PDE has since partnered with about 15 local VWOs including the Singapore Children’s Society, Beyond Social Services and Care Corner Singapore.

PDE provides unique platform for the participants to learn about themselves and empower them to work in a group through an annual public performance. Character building, life skills and active interaction with the community are the key training objectives.

We are in need of public support in order to sustain PDE training workshops. The project hopes to outreach to the community at large and target particularly youth-at-risk with the aim to spark life-changing opportunities through the discipline of vigorous dance training.

About The Arts Fission Company:
The ARTS FISSION COMPANY is a Singapore based dance laboratory with the vision to rekindle human spirit by a new genre of dance theatre informed by Asian traditions, cultures, and aesthetics. Poised in Southeast Asia, ARTS FISSION creates its dance works in sync with the pulses of new Asia.

Many of ARTS FISSION’s original creations are acute responses to the emerging contemporary Asian identity amidst the rapid developing urban environment. These works aim to experiment and reinvent vernacular gesture and movement into a new dance vocabulary that cross-references between urban Asia and old Asia. This artistic direction marks ARTS FISSION with a distinct dance profile. The company has presented over 60 full-length productions locally and internationally to date.

Guided by the vision of artistic director Angela Liong, the company is engaged in a wide range of diverse community outreach projects and programmes to connect everyday life to the arts. To mark her artistic excellence and valuable accomplishments in the field, Angela received the highest artistic accolade of Singapore, The Cultural Medallion in 2009.

“The Arts Fission Company is Singapore’s blossoming performing arts scene at its best—innovative, eclectic, willing to take risks, richly human.”
–Brian Mertens, WINGSPAN ANA magazine

About Allan Lee
– You are on my Site dude.
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*Join Our Themed Series – Check Events Tab for the Upcoming Events.

“ToyArt”, “MacroWalk”, “Back To 1980s”, “Heritage Discovery”, “Shutter Journey to…”, “FoodArt”, “Limited Series” and it’s sub categories “50mm Mono Night” & Telephoto Night” are non-exclusive terms, however, uniquely known and use by Shutter Journey of Singapore Photography Group.
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ATTENTION:
**With Immediate Effect.
Event Invitations Will ONLY Be Sent To Photographers That Had Attended At Least ONE Shoot. If You are interested to join for any themed photoshoot, Please RSVP for Details & Updates
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