On the other hand, I haven’t been writing about bird photography as much as I should, even though I have a strong interest in this field. Therefore, in conjunction with WMBD 2023, I am finally putting together my bird photography adventures and experiences over the years. 

World Migratory Bird Day 2023 Theme: Water

The theme for WMBD 2023 is Water and the importance for migratory birds. Water is fundamental to all living on planet Earth. Water is a scarce natural resource, human beings are increasing demand for water, placing huge stress on our land and nature ecosystem. With our aquatic ecosystem under huge stress and threats, our flora and fauna are also affected as well. 

To all bird photographers and bird watchers,, let’s celebrate World Migratory Bird Day 2023, as well as eBird Global Bird Day 13th May 2023, share the birds you spot on eBird, photograph the birds if you can, spread awareness on conservation – birds, water and nature spaces.

Singapore – A major migratory bird hub / stopover destination 

Just like Singapore is a global air transit hub for the world with our iconic internationally famous Changi Airport, we are also a major migratory bird hub / stopover destination. Singapore is part of the East Asian-Australiasian Flyway, migratory birds making a pitstop in Singapore, giving bird photographers here in Singapore many opportunities to photograph them in action, the diversity and beauty of those migratory bird species. 

Recent research findings have also indicated that Singapore’s status as a major migratory bird hub has grown in stature, Singapore now has become the intersection of 2 major flyways, adding the Central Asian-Indian Flyway to the East Asian-Australiasian Flyway.

Singapore, a small country by land size, now can play a bigger and wider international role in the migratory birds journey with those 2 major flyways, a transit hub for migratory birds. 

Article References:

• NParks article Feathered Global Ambassadors: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nparksbuzz/issue-42-vol-3-2019/conservation/feathered-global-ambassadors 
• Mothership https://mothership.sg/2020/12/migratory-bird-central-asian-flyway-singapore/ 
• Nature Portfolio Scientific Reports: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-77897-z 

Bird Photography with Canon EOS cameras 

Over the years, I have enjoyed my bird photography with various Canon EOS cameras and lenses, from my own camera equipment to review units. For WMBD 2023, I would like to share curated bird photography works from my more recent bird photography shoots.

West Coast Park / Sungei Ulu Pandan Kechil 

Sungei Ulu Pandan (Clementi / Sunset Way)

Pasir Ris Park / Sungei Tampines 

Labrador Park

Botanic Gardens 

Windsor Nature Park

The above collection of bird photographs were shot with various Canon mirrorless cameras that I am currently using or tested/reviewed them most recently over the past 1-2 years. such as the EOS R3, EOS R7, EOS RP and EOS R50 cameras. 

I have more bird photography shots curated inside this photo album, a small collection of Birds in Singapore (Flickr album), you can view them here – https://flic.kr/s/aHsjBnNjyL 

Bird Photography Tips

Here are some handy and useful bird photography tips for those who are starting out on their bird photography journey.

Camera Equipment

Based on my Canon cameras usage, reviews and experiences, you can read more about my reviews on those Canon cameras listed below:

Cameras

Canon EOS R3 | EOS R5 | EOS R6 | EOS R7 | EOS-1D X Mark III | EOS-1D X Mark II | EOS-1D X |

If you have the budget, go for the EOS R3 (FF mirrorless) or EOS-1D X Mark III (FF DSLR), the EOS R5 and EOS R6 are also very capable FF mirrorless cameras, well liked and received by bird photographers. The EOS R7 (APS-C mirrorless) has recently been added, becoming a popular mid level camera suitable for bird photography. 

Lenses

• Fast lens (big aperture lens if you own one e.g. 400mm f/2.8)
• Telephoto zoom lens: RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L | EF200-400mm f/4L with 1.4x Extender | RF100-300mm f/2.8L | EF or RF 70-200mm f/2.8L
• Telephoto prime lens: RF600mm f/4L or EF600mm f/4L | EF500mm f/4L | RF400mm f/2.8L or EF400mm f/2.8L | RF600mm f/11 | RF800mm f/11 |

Settings

• AI Servo (Canon) | AF-C (Nikon) | Continuous AF (Sony) |
• Subject tracking: Animal 
• High FPS (e.g. 20fps)
• Fast shutter speed (1/1250s to 1/2500s depending on the action and activity)
• Tripod (for the big prime lens)

Beyond the technical specifics and hardware

• Read, learn, know and understand more of the birds that you are photographing. 
• Observe the birds, their surroundings, actions, and patterns. 
• Be patient, don’t make too much noise. 

Bird Photography Locations in Singapore

While Singapore is a very small country in terms of land size, we do have our own nature reserves and outdoor nature areas that we can be proud of. For bird photography, there are a number of destinations that bird photographers like to visit for their bird photography action.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is the most well-known bird photography location in Singapore, this wetland reserve tucked away in the north west corner of Singapore is the hub for migratory birds, taking a pitstop for rest break and refuelling their body for further flight down south. 

Other popular bird photography locations in Singapore include Central Catchment (Bukit Timah to MacRitchie, Windsor Nature Park), Kranji Marshes, Pasir Ris Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Hampstead Wetlands Park, Lorong Halus / Coney Island, Pulau Ubin, Jurong Lake Gardens, Bishan-AMK Park, Marina Bay East/Gardens By The Bay. 

West Coast Park, Labrador Park, Southern Ridges, Fort Canning Hill, Tampines Eco Green, are also bird photography locations that bird photographers would also visit and check out.

World Migratory Bird Day Information 

If you like to know more about World Migratory Bird Day, please visit the links below for more information and updates.

• Website: https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/WMBD 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldmigratorybirdday/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WMBDcampaign 

World Migratory Bird Day 2023 (May Edition)

To all fellow bird and wildlife photographers, nature and wildlife conservationists and supporters, we all can do a part in spreading the awareness for our birds, water and nature areas, not just on World Migratory Bird Day itself. 

Let’s continue to spread the word, awareness, conservation and protection for our wildlife and nature areas. 

The post World Migratory Bird Day 2023 (May 13th) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Canon develops the key imaging system components featured inside its EOS series of digital interchangeable-lens cameras, from the CMOS sensors, image processors and interchangeable lenses- under the core concept of, “Speed, Comfort and High Image Quality”. Canon has put together a wide range of product lineup, from high-performance flagship models that are highly trusted by professionals, to entry level models that allow users to enjoy high image quality shooting with easy operation. Besides that, users have access to a wide and rich selection of RF and EF series lenses that make possible a wealth of creative expression. Canon continues to support the diverse needs of customers.

In September 2003, Canon introduced the EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D in other regions). This was the dawn of digital SLR cameras, a groundbreaking camera that brought about a breakthrough in the digital SLR market, a competitively priced digital SLR that featured a compact, lightweight design, capturing the top share of the global market and setting the stage for growth in the digital SLR market.

From then on, Canon has continued to grow and develop, launching a range of groundbreaking products, including the professional EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording. In October 2018, the Canon EOS R System was born from Canon’s desire to construct the ideal lens mount and maximise the appeal of its new RF lenses. Canon has since continued to expand the range of imaging creativity and new possibilities for visual expression, including the release of Canon EOS R5 – the first camera to feature 8K video recording (2) in July 2020.

In 2021, Canon announced the Canon EOS R3 full-frame mirrorless camera (released in November 2021). This camera features the high performance and reliability demanded by professional and enthusiast users, along with eight new RF lenses (3). Through new launches such as the Canon EOS VR System, Canon further expanded its lineup and they managed to secure the No.1 share of the global market for the 19th consecutive year.

Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technology while further strengthening and expanding the EOS series of cameras and RF/EF series of lenses, opening up new avenues of image capture to meet the needs of increasingly diverse users and to promote the spread of photo and video culture.

Notes

(1) Based on a Canon survey.

(2) Among digital interchangeable-lens cameras released prior to July 8, 2020.

(3)  In 2021, Canon released the following eight digital interchangeable lenses: RF70-200mm F4 L IS USM (March), RF100mm F2.8 L MACRO IS USM (July), RF400mm F2.8 L IS USM (July), RF600mm F4 L IS USM (July), RF14-35mm F4 L IS USM (September), RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM (October), RF16mm F2.8 STM (October), RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE (December). All release months based on Japanese release dates.

* Information and picture courtesy of Canon Singapore and GLOO *

The post Canon Celebrates 19th Consecutive Year of No.1 Share of Global DILC Market appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

I am a current EOS-1D Mk III user and my experiences with the 1D series DSLR bodies helped me a lot in using the Canon EOS-1D X when I had a hands-on 1 week photography adventure with the 1D X with the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 pan cake lens, courtesy of the special arrangement by Canon Singapore and Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide.Thank you very much for this wonderful arrangement that gave me an opportunity to test and try it out during the one week stint. Oh yes, if you are keen on the Canon EOS-5D Mark III, do check out my earlier post! While the Canon EOS-1D X wasn’t available to enter any photography competition during my one week stint, I am very happy to have this beautiful and powerful DSLR for a test run and it just reinforces something in me –

My belief and trust in the Canon EOS-1D series especially the Canon EOS-1D X, the strengths, reliability and high speed capabilities for photojournalism, events and high speed sports action photography. 

Let me share with all of you, some of the key technical specifications for the Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EOS-1D X Specifications Summary

• Dimensions : 158 x 163.6 x 82.7mm
• Image Sensor : 18.1 mega-pixel 35mm full frame DUAL Digic 5+
• ISO Speeds : 100 – 51200 with (L: 50) and (H1:102400, H2:204800)
• Multiple Exposures : Yes
• Continuous Shooting Speed : 12 fps (Max) / 14 fps (Super High Speed Continuous Shooting)
• Shutter Durability : 400,000 cycles
• Recording Media : CF Cards x 2
• AF System : 61 point high-density reticular AF (41 cross-type points)

There is a key characteristics of the Canon EOS-1D X that I really like it a lot during my one week stint. I didn’t really have the time to learn more of the AI Servo AF Characteristics that have 6 cases that you can fine tune. This marvelous capability will help sports and fast action events photography to capture their images faster and sharper without missing out on the first one or two photos that might be blurred due to the AI Servo focusing the object in action. Canon USA has a pocket guide on the Canon EOS-1D X AF Setting Guide, do download the pocket guide, read it and tune the 6 cases of the AI Servo AF Characteristics.

Do check out my photographs taken with the Canon EOS-1D X here –

– Flickr ~ EOS-1D X Review 

– 500px ~ EOS-1D X Review

The Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 pan cake lens is a value for money lens, lightweight, very portable. It’s sharp at full open f/2.8 and the bokeh is pretty smooth and silky for aperture size at f/2.8. The pan cake lens is an ideal walkabout lens, it will suit the entry level Canon DSLRs e.g. 650D, 1100D and semi-pro level DSLRs e.g. 60D, 5D, 7D. When the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 lens is mounted on the Canon EOS-1D X, it just look a bit different since it’s a small lens on a big DSLR body! However, it’s really handy and useful lens! I believe that (in my personal humble opinion) the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 lens will soon become a MUST HAVE lens (along with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8) among Canon photographers.

From my sharing above, I will not hide away that I am a very big fan of the Canon EOS-1D X and I will love to own it someday, hopefully in the next one to two years. My photography evolves around events and fast action sports photography, the Canon EOS-1D X definitely suits my needs and usage. Since I am not a full time professional photographer, it’s not easy to set aside the amount of investment into the Canon EOS-1D X, with that amount of investment can also be put into Canon EF L prime telephoto lenses investment.

The Canon EOS-1D X is such a beautiful and powerful DSLR, if you are into events, photojournalism and sports action photography, you will go and invest into the Canon EOS-1D X without any distractions and hesitations. If you own a Canon EOS-1D X, you make a most awesome decision in such an investment! Happy shooting and share your photographs!

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

The post Canon EOS 1D X Photography Adventure appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.