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.

First Full Hands On Experience with Canon EOS R7 

While my first hands on experience with the Canon EOS R7 was at the Canon Singapore media launch event, the period was too short a session for a full hands on experience with the Canon EOS R7. Nevertheless, my initial impressions at that time were good, I had a good vibe on the EOS R7, the potential and capabilities of Canon EOS R mount APS-C mirrorless cameras. 

My first full hands on experience with the Canon EOS R7 was a bird photography outing at Jurong Bird Park whereby we had the opportunity to put the Canon EOS R7 to the test on bird/wildlife photography. You can read more about my bird photography experiences with the Canon EOS R7 at Jurong Bird Park here.

In a quick summary, wildlife (and sports) photographers would be enticed and interested in this new Canon EOS R7 camera.

TGH Photography x Canon EOS R7 Explorer Series Production

Over the years reviewing Canon DSLR cameras (APS-C and full-frame), Canon mirrorless (full-frame, APS-C EOS M series) and now EOS R APS-C mirrorless cameras, I had been producing  different visual stories as I brought out the Canon cameras that I was reviewing. Through the years and accumulation of my review stories, I created my very own TGH Photography x Canon (camera brand model that I am reviewing) explorer series production, exploring and testing out the Canon cameras that I am reviewing, leading up to the Canon camera review article.

Likewise for this Canon EOS R7 camera, I had a very interesting and diversified visual story telling experience in both technology, leisure, lifestyle and of course, my various photography genres, in my TGH Photography x Canon EOS R7 Explorer Series Production.

TGH Technology and Business

I brought the Canon EOS R7 out at technology media events, the Nothing (1) Phone launch and the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked August 2022 media event. In my personal Happy 57th Birthday Singapore! article, I curated the photos shot with Canon EOS R7 for this special article.

TGH Photography and Travel

Visual story telling has been my choice of photography and story telling that I developed over the years, through my own unique ways of story telling style with my photos. From heritage, cultural and arts events, Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2022 and Singapore Night Festival 2022, to wishing a Happy SG57 Birthday to Singapore! 

The more photography focused articles were my Happy World Photography Day 2022 and exploration of Old Jurong Line Nature Trail with Canon EOS R7.

Thoughts and Views on Canon EOS R7

Having shot approximately 3.1k of photos with the Canon EOS R7 review unit, as well as a number of video footages for my short explorer cinematic film. My overall experience with the Canon EOS R7 was really good, that motivated me to shoot that many photos during the short review period. Here are my thoughts and views on the Canon EOS R7

Pros

• It has a fast, accurate and intelligent AF tracking and recognition, inherited from Canon EOS R3 (I also reviewed the EOS R3 earlier this year), with People Priority, Animal Priority, Vehicle Priority capabilities that would help the photographer greatly when applied correctly.
• You can shoot up to 30 fps high-speed continuous shooting with the silent electronic shutter or 15 fps with the mechanical shutter. Depending on your photography requirements, needs and situations, the Canon EOS R7 can take on most photography genres. With a 30 fps burst speed, wildlife and sports photographers would want this in their line-up.
• This is an APS-C camera, it’s not full-frame, therefore there is a 1.6x Crop factor, that would also mean an extended focal length, very beneficial for wildlife and sports photography.
• Equipped with a new approximately 32.5 megapixel CMOS sensor, combined with DIGIC X image processor, it’s not just high resolution, the output is is of high quality too. The ISO range is from 100 to 32,000 (that can be expandable to 51,200). On high ISO levels, I personally find it useable up to 25,600 (personal tolerance/preference).
• Panorama in SCN Mode: In my humble personal opinion, this is one of EOS R7 best features, probably very underrated. This is very handy and useful, you can shoot a panorama, just like using your smartphone to shoot a panorama. You can shoot from Left to Right, Right to Left, Down to Up or Up to Down. I shot a number of photos in Panorama in SCN Mode and I really like this function.
• 5-axis in-body image stabiliser (IS) a.k.a IBIS: You want it, now Canon gives it to you, inside the Canon EOS R7. This allows you to achieve up to 8 stops of image stabilisation via its coordinate control IS when paired with a compatible lens. With this IBIS capability, whether you are shooting stills photography or videos, it’s helping you to get your shots without the fanfare and recognition that it deserves. 

Aesthetics 

• If you are an existing Canon camera user, the design and layout of the Canon EOS R7 would be give you a sense of familiarity. 
• This camera has an all-new Quick Control Dial, a hybrid of key Canon camera controls, the Multi-Controller with its multi-directional joystick and tactile dial. Even for regular Canon users, this all-new Quick Control Dial might take a while for you to get used to it.
• You would also notice that the EOS R7 has a bigger electronic view finder (EVF), it’s a new EVF with an OVF simulation view assist to recreate a view that is comparable to the optical viewfinder, that some photographers might prefer the OVF over the EVF.
• Dual Card Slot is great and most welcomed by photographers, the versatility to record stills and movies in different cards, as well as having a backup card slot.
• The EOS R7 is a solid built, reliable and lightweight camera body, made of durable magnesium alloy body, dust and drip resistant.  
• There is also a shutter curtain to protect the sensor when the camera is switched off, preventing dust from entering the camera body and sensor.

Cons

• The APS-C 1.6x Crop Factor is both a pro and con, it would not be that wide as compared to a full-frame sensor. For the landscape photographers and those that need to shoot full wide on a full-frame, the EOS R7 APS-C sensor is going to be a bit of a headache for you when composing and framing. However, all you need is time to get used to both APS-C and full-frame cameras, thus allowing you to switch easily when you need to.  
• During the course of my review, I observed that in between pressing the shutter button, releasing and pressing it again, the EOS R7 lost the AF tracking and there is a lag to get the AF refocus accurately again. 

RF-S18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Review

The RF-S18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, is one of the first two RF-S lenses launched by Canon together with the EOS R7 and EOS R10, the other lens is RF-S18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens.

Having used the first EF-S lens with the EOS 300D, testing and reviewing other Canon kit lenses over the years, and owning Canon professional series L lenses, I don’t have too high expectations for Canon kit lenses (probably my bar/standard for lenses is a lot higher). 

However, I have to highlight that the RF-S18-150mm is a very decent entry level kit lens. I have seen the improvements from the EF-M lenses that I previously reviewed, and I can see the quality and standards being passed on to the RF-S series.

The RF-S18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens is an all rounder (wide to mid-telephoto zoom), good starter lens for photographers starting out. The output quality is pretty good, however it’s not the sharpest lens (decently sharp), it’s not a fast lens and it can be a bit soft at f/6.3.

After reading about the Canon EOS R7, the photos quality output, and you are keen to get the Canon EOS R7, you would need to wait a bit of time for Canon to announce and launch more new RF-S lenses to their line-up, if you are planning to build up your setup with RF-S lenses. 

However, you have many more lens choices to choose from, you have the RF mount, as well as EF and EF-S mount (you would need an adaptor) for you to choose from. Not having many RF-S lenses at this juncture should not be of too much of a worry to you, if you are planning to get the Canon EOS R7.  

Videography

Shooting videos with the Canon EOS R7 is easy, just by flipping the button switch (located together with the on/off button) on the top panel. Just take note that with the APS-C sensor, you would get a 1.6x crop factor, your scenes would not be that wide that you would like, you also get a telephoto effect too. With the In-Body Image Stabilisation (IS), this plays an important function for you when shooting videos.

Although I didn’t spend as much time on videography as I am mainly a stills photographer, I have been shooting videos too, adding on to my portfolio of content creation work on both personal and professional basis. The 4K UHD Fine quality video of the Canon EOS R7 comes from its 7K RGB data, that can been seen in the output produced by the video. 

I am still finding my way, style, workflow and direction on how to write up on my camera videography review experiences better. What I have been doing is converting some of my explorer series production stories and photos workflow into videos, with storyboarding and planning. 

I am very thankful and grateful that had the support of filmmaking friends who were able to assist me in shoots as director of photography and editing the video clips into a short cinematic film, thus allowing me to work on my stories, script, locations and creative planning. 

For the Canon EOS R7 video review, I collaborated with HongPeng, founder of Hpility SG and Easy Travel Recipes, also a fellow blogger, content creator, filmmaker friend that I knew for some time.

GH: Thank you HongPeng for helping me with the filming and editing with my TGH Photography Explorer short film shot with the Canon EOS R7. How was your experience like handling and using the Canon EOS R7 for filmmaking/videography?

HP: Personally, I like the lightweight and size of the Canon EOS R7. It is a handy full-frame mirrorless camera which came with a built-in 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor and it allows me to shoot up to 60p. The camera image stabilisation was amazing for videographers to shoot in any ambient conditions. 

You can view the YouTube video here (link would be updated when the video is edited and uploaded to my YouTube channel)

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Finally, my final thoughts and views on the Canon EOS R7, is this the Canon mirrorless camera for you? 

Before the Canon EOS R7 was officially announced and launched worldwide, and the opportunities to review the EOS R7. I had read about rumours from other photography websites on the impending Canon APS-C mirrorless cameras announcement. I was curious, excited and also thoughtful on how they would turn out and fit in into the EOS R family.

From my experiences owning/using (APS-C (300D, 30D & 70D) to APS-H (1D Mk III) to full-frame (1D X Mark I, 1D X Mark II and RP) and testing/reviewing Canon EOS DSLR cameras, I have seen and experienced how EF and EF-S mount lenses co-existed and expanded together over the years. This also dawned upon me that Canon has the experiences over the years to produce the RF and RF-S lenses for the EOS R mirrorless camera bodies, and making it even better.

After giving the Canon EOS R7 a good test and workout during the review period, my findings and thoughts are as follows:

• This is an excellent backup camera for professional photographers (if they don’t need a full-frame as a backup camera)
• A mid-tiered camera that can cater to entry level, serious enthusiasts and professional photographers
• An ideal camera for advanced photography enthusiasts moving up the cameras ladder 
• A great camera for sports and wildlife photographers (whether as a main camera or as a backup camera)
• Although it’s not a full-frame camera, you just have to adapt and adjust to the APS-C 1.6x crop factor, and it can be done after shooting with it on a regular basis
• Although there are not many RF-S lenses available yet, there are many other lenses options available from the RF, EF and EF-S lenses
• The cost of the EOS R7 might seem pricy, now that you know the features and capabilities, it’s quite a value for money camera

If you don’t need a full-frame camera, the Canon EOS R7 APS-C camera might be a good fit for you to enjoy on a personal basis or even professional basis.

Would the new EOS R camera bodies of EOS R3 (that I reviewed earlier this year) and this EOS R7 pave the way for me to upgrade and replace my current setup of EOS 1D X Mark II and EOS RP?

To view more photographs shot with the Canon EOS R7, please visit this Flickr album – Canon EOS R7 Review. 

* I would like to thank Canon Singapore for the opportunity to review the Canon EOS R7. *

The post Canon EOS R7 Review appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Bird photography with EOS R7 at Jurong Bird Park

Thanks to Canon Singapore, there was another opportunity to test the EOS R7 further. We had a bird photography outing with the EOS R7 at Jurong Bird Park. I was shooting mainly with the RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens. 

While this RF-S 18-150mm kit lens is not a dedicated lens for birding, it’s a versatile general lens ideal for daily usage and travel photography. Overall, I managed to capture some nice shots of birds in action or birds in flight shots when I was at Jurong Bird Park using the EOS R7 with RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens.

Thoughts and views from short hands on with EOS R7 at Jurong Bird Park

Since I only had a short hands on experience for a few hours with the Canon EOS R7 at Jurong Bird Park. Let me share with you my experiences, here are some of my initial thoughts and views from testing the EOS R7 at Jurong Bird Park:

A familiar feel 

From my various experiences in owning, using and testing many different Canon camera models over the years, there is a familiar feel to the EOS R7, existing current Canon users would be able to get up to speed with the EOS R7 pretty quickly.

Compact and lightweight, packed with powerful technical specifications and new technological capabilities for photography, surpassing its predecessor’s EOS 7D Mark II legacy. 

Quick control dial

This is the all-new quick control dial that combines the Multi-Controller with the Multi-Directional joystick. An interesting and useful feature, small in size placed in a good position for the right thumb to touch and control. 

I like this quick control dial, this might take a bit of getting used to since this is a new design and feature on a Canon camera body.

APS-C 1.6x 

I started my Canon interchangeable lens camera (ILC) journey with the Canon EOS 300D in 2004, an APS-C 1.6x crop DSLR camera. While I have gradually moved on Canon full-frame digital cameras over the years, the Canon APS-C 1.6x crop is something that I am familiar with. 

APS-C sensors have its pros and cons, wildlife and sports photographers would welcome it for its extended reach, landscape photographers may find the wide angle field of view not to their liking and requirements. 

For those photographers who are not too used to the APS-C 1.6x crop, give yourself time to adjust your field of view and point of view when using the EOS R7, you would be fine using this camera, in time to come.

Fast and accurate auto focus (AF) + Animal Priority 

The EOS R7 AF speed is put to the test on bird photography at Jurong Bird Park. Combining its fast and accurate AF with 30 fps and Animal Priority tracking, I was able to capture the birds in flight and birds in action. 

I mentioned earlier that I was mainly using the RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens during the photography outing at Jurong Bird Park, a versatile general lens ideal for daily usage and travel photography. With EOS R7 fast and accurate AF + Animal Priority tracking, I managed to capture some nice birds in action or birds in flight shots when I was at Jurong Bird Park using the EOS R7 with RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens.

I would put this to further testing on birds and wildlife when the EOS R7 unit is available for a more thorough and in-depth review with my other Canon lenses.

In-depth and detailed review at a later time 

I am looking forward to further explore and put the Canon EOS R7 into a more in-depth and detailed review through my visual story telling adventures. 

Keep a lookout on my Instagram and Facebook Page posts when the EOS R7 is available for review and I would be sharing my stories, photos and adventures with the EOS R7 review unit, putting the EOS R7 to the test and its other capabilities. 

This also marks the start of a new short visual storytelling adventure, the Canon EOS R7 Explorer Series, a TGH Photography x Canon EOS R7 Explorer Series Production. 

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