“Canon remains steadfast in its mission to address the varied needs of photographers through innovative product offerings. With the RF lens system, we’ve paved the way for groundbreaking lens designs, and the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM exemplifies our commitment to adding unparalleled value to photographers. This lens offers a unique blend of extended super telephoto reach within a versatile zoom range, all while ensuring competitive pricing. Such an offering not only unlocks new creative avenues but also brings previously inaccessible possibilities within the grasp of photographers.” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

Unprecedented Reach with Zoom Flexibility between 200mm to 800mm

There are two affordable super telephoto prime lenses in Canon’s line-up, the RF800mm f/11 IS STM and RF600mm f/11 IS STM. With the announcement of the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens, this is going to offer zoom functionality, covering the telephoto focal range that would previously require at least 3 different lenses to cover. Whether your taking a bird in flight in the distance, or a motorsports athlete in various defining moments, the versatile 200mm to 800mm focal length range (320mm to 1280mm on an APS-C camera) let users seamlessly capture both close-ups and wider shots of the same subject simultaneously. This can be achieved without being restricted by the focal length or missing out capturing the moment due to changing of lenses. Coupled with the RF Extender 2X, the coverage is extended to 1600mm (2560mm on APS-C camera) sufficient for capturing stunning close-ups of the moon.

Convenient Handheld Shooting: Lightweight and Mobile with Up to 5.5 Stops’ Built-in IS

The RF200-800mm astounding zoom range might worry some photographers, however it only weighs 2,050g and 314.1mm long. This lens is comparable in size and weight to its counterparts that end at 600mm. This mobility makes it easy to follow and capture moving subjects when shooting handheld, even if they occur unexpectedly.

Up to 5.5 stops’ equivalent built-in optical image stabilization (2) effectively corrects the camera shake that becomes more prominent at long focal lengths, allowing sharp, stable images at as slow as 1/20 second even at the 800mm tele end. 

Designed for Action: High-speed AF, Operational Ease

Built for capturing high-speed action, the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is driven by the powerful Nano USM (Ultrasonic Motor), which also contributes to the lens’ compact size.  This enables fast and accurate focusing for stills, along with smooth and quiet focusing for video up to the entire image area with compatible cameras. Focus Breathing Correction is also supported. 

Swift, intuitive control extends to lens operations – in addition to a customisable focus/control ring, there are two lens function buttons that can be turned into shortcuts for functions such as AF or exposure control.

Dust- and Drip-resistant Sealing for Better Durability

Similar to an L-lens, the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM features strategically placed dust- and drip-resistant sealing for better durability during outdoor shoots (3). It is also coated with white paint to reduce heat absorbency and internal temperature rise due to sunlight.

Personal Views and Thoughts

The RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens is going to further open up wildlife photography and sports photography at an affordable price, adding great versatility with the 200mm to 800mm focal length range, expanding a photographer’s needs/wants in both sports and wildlife photography. They would be ideal for those who are just starting into sports and/or wildlife photography, for those serious enthusiasts, I reckon. they would gladly welcome such a versatile super telephoto zoom lens especially if they are into sports and/or wildlife photography. As for professional photographers in the sports and/or wildlife segments, this might get their interest as well, as a backup or 2nd lens combo setup.

As a wildlife photographer and sports photographer, I hope to test and review the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens when the opportunity arises, sharing my photographs, thoughts and views for this versatile telephoto zoom lens.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens will be launched at a recommended retail price of $3,049. The availability will be advised at a later date.

Notes:

1.  As an AF interchangeable lens for full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras that have already been released as of November 1, 2023. (Based on Canon’s internal survey.)
2. At focal length of 800mm with EOS R. Yaw/Pitch directions.
3. This cannot guarantee complete exclusion of water and dust from entry.

Technical Specifications

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Gloo *

The post Canon announced super telephoto zoom RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Singapore – A major bird migration hub + Bird migration season is coming soon 

Even though Singapore is a small country by land size, we are a major bird migration hub, just like our international hubs for aviation and shipping. 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.

Bird Photography with Canon EOS R6 Mark II

In my earlier #WMBD2023 article, I shared about my bird photography with Canon EOS cameras, from Canon cameras that I previously owned or those cameras that I reviewed. For #WMBD2023 14th October, I would be sharing about my bird photography with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera that was recently added not too long ago into my Canon photography setup. 

My bird photography/wildlife photography tips are published earlier in May 2023 article that you can check it out, have a read if you are starting out on your bird photography adventures with Canon EOS cameras and lenses.

As the bird migration season in Singapore is just round the corner of year end 2023, I would set aside more time for bird photography with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II whenever I am able to, visiting the various nature reserves (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Central Catchment), parks (Pasir Ris Park, Jurong Lake Gardens) and beaches for bird migration season in Singapore.

World Migratory Bird Day 2023 (October 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, in Singapore and around the world.

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production *

The post World Migratory Bird Day 2023 (October 14th) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

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.

The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is based and innovated upon the EF300mm f/2.8L, a classic Canon telephoto lens for sports and action photography, that is renowned for its technology and excellent optical quality.

“With the new EOS R and RF lens ecosystem, Canon continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in photography. The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM is a testament to this – delivering superlative optical quality with its fast constant aperture and a useful range of focal lengths. As a game-changer for photographers who demand speed, flexibility, and versatility, the RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM empowers them to capture decisive moments with unparalleled precision and clarity.” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

 Canon RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM – The Speed and Flexibility to Capture Decisive Moments

Constant Aperture f/2.8: Freeze action decisively from wide to close-up

The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM’s constant aperture design allows users to utilise the large f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range, even at the 300mm tele end. With this, users can freeze decisive moments at faster shutter speeds, which gives them a better chance of getting their desired shots. 

The distinctive, extremely creamy bokeh achieved through telephoto shooting at f/2.8 makes the RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM useful for creative expression even in genres such as portraiture, fashion, and weddings.

Zoom convenience: Multiple lenses in one lightweight body

The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM’s 100mm to 300mm zoom capability (160mm to 480mm on an APS-C camera) covers the range that typically requires at least two or three lenses to achieve (Combinations previously required to achieve 100-300mm at aperture f/2.8: 70-200mm f/2.8 lens + 300mm f/2.8 prime lens, or 100mm + 135mm + 300mm prime lenses). Users can now conveniently zoom to track and keep dynamic subjects, such as soccer ball or birds in flight within the frame, even in locations with restricted mobility. It also means less gear to carry.

Extender compatibility: Reach up to 960mm f/5.6

For occasions that require greater reach, simply attach one of the compact, lightweight RF extenders. With Extender RF2x, you can zoom up to 600mm (full-frame camera) or a whopping 960mm full-frame equivalent (APS-C camera/APS-C crop mode) while maintaining a maximum aperture of at least f/5.6! 

Lightest 300mm f/2.8 Constant Aperture Zoom Lens for Full-Frame Cameras on the Market (1)

The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM + EOS R3 combination is lighter than the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x alone, weight over 1kg less. It also offers substantial mobility savings than the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM + EOS-1D X Mark III while offering 3x zoom functionality. 

Fast Focusing, Optical Excellence

Driven by precise dual Nano USMs, AF is quick and accurate, complementing deep learning-based subject detection and tracking on cameras like the EOS R3. An innovative new electronic floating focus control system improves image quality while reducing weight, enhancing the signature RF mount L-series optical quality. This would enable sharp shots of swift action, right down to every sweat drop or feather detail.

The lens supports focus breathing correction during video shooting, delivering professional-looking footage straight out of the camera.

Other Notable Features

• Up to 5.5 stops’ in-lens image stabilisation; up to 6 stops’ image stabilisation through Coordinated Control IS 
• IS Modes 1,2, and 3: for image stabilisation optimised for different shooting situations
• 5 customisable lens function buttons: for direct lens operation regardless of camera orientation
• Signature white weather- and heat-resistant thermal barrier coating with matching Lens Hood ET-124
• Dust- and drip-resistant construction and sealing befitting L-series lenses

Pricing and Availability

The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM will be available at the recommended retail price of $14,699 from end May 2023.

Notes:

(1) According to a survey by Canon. As of April 2023.

* Information and picture courtesy of Canon Singapore and Gloo *

The post New Canon RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM – Versatile Telephoto Lens 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. 

The post Canon EOS R7 Test Shots at Jurong Bird Park appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Both RF600mm f/11 and RF800mm f/11 were reviewed together with the Canon EOS R3 full-frame mirrorless camera. Inside my Canon EOS R3 review article, I shared on bringing the RF600mm f/11 and RF800mm f/11 lenses out for photography walks and wildlife shoot, part of my own short visual stories collection titled, “A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R3 Explorer Series Production”.    

Interesting lenses, why does Canon design and manufacture such type of prime lenses? That got me thinking, I finally got to test and review both lenses, let me share with you my experiences, thoughts and views.

During my photography walkabouts, I alternate between those two lenses to bring out with my other Canon lenses. The RF600mm f/11 is more versatile as it can cover more areas beside wildlife photography, it can be used for cityscape and landscape photography. However, for wildlife photography, a longer focal length is always preferred and most welcomed, thus the RF800mm f/11 is stronger in the wildlife photography segment.

Pros 

• Lightweight, compact and portable 
• Not expensive compared to the L lens 600mm and 800mm counterparts 
• Output is sharp for the f/11 lenses when shot in good light conditions
• Paired with a fast and accurate AF camera such as the Canon EOS R3, it makes RF600mm f/11 and RF800mm f/11 easy to use in good light conditions

Cons

• It’s f/11 only
• Not a fast prime lens 
• Struggle in low light situations – photos output quality is not good and autofocus (AF) is slow 

600mm f/11 vs 800mm f/11, how to choose?

Choose 600mm f/11 for both cityscape / travel / wildlife, it’s a more versatile lens that can do a good mix of photography genres when traveling overseas.

Choose 800mm f/11 for dedicated wildlife photography, the field of view is a lot more cropped and tight. 

Thoughts and Views

• Both Canon RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM lenses are good starter prime lenses for photographers starting to enter into wildlife photography.
• When used in good light conditions, it’s easy to use and can produce decent sharp photos
• The price point for both lenses, it’s value for money without breaking your personal bank owning telephoto lenses. Owning a large aperture / fast prime telephoto lens such as RF400mm f/2.8L IS USM, 600mm f/4L IS USM lenses or RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM lenses, you need the extra funds as they are very expensive.
• Both are ideal travel photography / wildlife photography lenses, it’s really lightweight, compact and portable, easy to use.

In my personal humble opinion, for those are who are looking into owning the Canon RF600mm f/11 IS STM or RF800mm f/11 IS STM lenses, a key point to take note is to know and understand the limitations of f/11, how you can make the best of those two prime f/11 lenses, and making the best use of light and timing to ensure its strengths are being tapped upon.

If you would like to view more photos shot with the Canon RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM lenses, you can visit my Flickr collections and check them out! Do also check out my Canon EOS R3 photography album too! 

I would like to thank Canon Singapore for the opportunity to review the Canon RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM lenses. 

The post Canon RF600mm f/11 and RF800mm f/11 Review appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

#InvestInOurPlanet

If we do not Invest in Our Planet, if we do not start to take action, the world will lose our home and only home because we all live on this planet. 

Who doesn’t want a healthy and comfortable home to live in? 

#WhatWillYouDo 

What can you do for Earth Day and what will you do? Earth Day website has a list of excellent recommendations on what you can do!

Some of the things that you can do 

• Use less plastic
• Visit nature and outdoors, take photos of your beautiful landscapes and horizon
• Bring your own reusable water bottle
• Recycle, Up-cycle
• Share your photos and stories

We can all make a difference 

Every individual on earth can play a part, no matter how big or small. Through our civic actions, making our voices heard, spreading the word on climate change, sustainability, eco-friendly measures. 

Not just today on 22nd April, we can continue investing in our planet on a daily basis, making a difference to the world today and for the future.

Photographing Singapore outdoors/nature/green areas/wildlife

With my Canon photography gear and my trusted f-stop gear backpack, going into nature and green areas, enjoying the outdoors, fresh air, it was very therapeutic for me, photographing  nature, green areas and wildlife. 

When I was testing and reviewing the Canon EOS R3 recently, revisiting the outdoors, nature and green areas in Singapore, observing the close proximity of our nature/green areas, urban areas and wildlife living together.

We need to together Invest In Our Planet, I will continue to play my part with my photography and writing. 

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R3 Explorer Series Production * 

The post Earth Day 2022 – Invest In Our Planet appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Just like this Rainbow illumiNation by Very Small Exhibition celebrating one year of Very Momentary Exhibition at Paya Lebar Quarter. Can you see the light at the end of the tunnel, the rainbow arch waiting for us as we move towards it?

It was comforting and encouraging, I reckon many of us shed tears of joy as we can start to embark on the next steps to further opening up Singapore. You can read on ChannelNewsAsia, in full: PM Lee’s address on Singapore’s new phase towards living with COVID-19. At an appropriate time, I might just reflect and recollect my personal, emotional, mental, struggles in both personal and business, and along with my visual story telling together in another article, over this past 2+ years of living, struggling, surviving, learning and growing from this global pandemic. 

We can finally start to see some light at the end of the tunnel, it’s a huge step even, we are not totally out of the woods yet. Many of us would be looking forward to travel out out of Singapore for a break in other countries, we have been cooped up too long on our small island country. 

I don’t wish to make any travel plans or commitments at this stage, I am coming up with some travel plans in mind, maybe a short trip (3D2N or 4D3N) in Q2 or Q3 2022, a long (1-2 weeks) trip during Q3 or Q4 2022.

Would I be able to get my travel photography and writing commissioned works? Or travel media trips? I am keeping my fingers crossed. 

I am just like this Grey Heron perched on the Old Jurong Railway Bridge, eagerly looking up and getting ready to fly away, traveling and exploring in other parts of the world again. 

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R3 Explorer Series Production *

The post 24th March 2022 – Start to see light at the end of the tunnel appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

This is my first time marking #WorldWaterDay on my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog. While I have been photographing, covering and writing on environmental protection, conservation, sustainability, I feel that I have not done enough. In recent years, I have increased concern for our world climate situation. I decided to be more active in this movement, I hope that my visual story telling can play a bigger role in helping to bring world environmental issues and awareness across to different groups of people not just in Singapore, around the world as well. 

World Water Day 2022 theme is Groundwater. It’s invisible yet its impact is visible everywhere around the world. We are over using groundwater in many areas around the world, our natural resource is being depleted and its time the world act on this. You can play a part in World Water Day 2022, please visit UN Water and find out more!

Back home in Singapore, we are having our own Singapore World Water Day too! Time to GoBlue4SG and let’s Make Every Drop Count. Canon Singapore has partnered with PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency on a photography contest – Canon x Singapore Water Day Photo Contest, Theme is “Water is Life” from 17th to 27th March 2022. Go check it out! 

When I am not doing commercial photography work, I love to explore Singapore’s nature and outdoors. From exploring parks, reservoirs, nature reserves, photographing wildlife, nature areas and how we Singaporeans interact and live with nature and outdoors close to our doorstep.

My recent exploration brought me to photographing nature, wildlife and our waterways/reservoirs up close as well as from a bird’s eye view in our heartlands. 

On World Water Day, let’s #GoBlue4SG and #MakeEveryDropCount, spread the awareness on water, not just in Singapore, around the world too

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R3 Explorer Series Production *

The post World Water Day 2022 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

“The RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF1200mm f/8L IS USM leverages Canon’s RF design technology to offer super telephoto lenses with unprecedented quality and increased usability, with a significant reduction in size and weight. Be it wildlife, sports, or astrophotography, these lenses have been engineered to meet the exacting requirements of photographers shooting in the super telephoto range,” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “The addition of these lenses is a testament to Canon’s commitment to grow and strengthen the RF lens ecosystem, and continue providing photographers with a comprehensive focal length coverage to meet their needs.” 

Behemoths Downscaled: Size and Weight Reductions Up To 80% 

The RF1200mm f/8L IS USM cuts 13kg in weight (approx. 80%) and 299mm (approx. 35%) in length from its 16.5kg predecessor, the EF1200mm f/5.6L USM, even with the inclusion of an in-lens Optical Image Stabilizer (Optical IS). Meanwhile, the RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM achieves a 1.36kg (approx. 30%) weight reduction over its predecessor, the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM. 

The significant downscaling was achieved by adding magnification optics towards the back of the optical designs of the EF400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF600mm f/4L IS III USM, two lenses which had also achieved significant size and weight reduction while maintaining high optical performance. 

Both lenses feature a highly durable vibration and shock-proof structure, with dust- and drip-resistant weather sealing to prevent moisture from entering. 

Reach Further with Extenders, Bolstered by AF Support 

Both the RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and the RF1200mm f/8L IS USM are compatible with the Extender RF 1.4x and the Extender RF 2x. The focal lengths with the extenders are as follows: 

It is hard to find other camera systems which offer the ability to reach focal lengths of more than 1600mm on an autofocus-capable super telephoto lens and extender. 

When the lenses and extenders are combined with the EOS R system’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF, AF is possible over a wide coverage area even beyond maximum aperture f/8—up to 100% coverage on the EOS R3, EOS R5, and EOS R6 (2). With this, user can enjoy the benefits of AF, such as Animal Detection AF, in more situations than possible on a DSLR camera. The lenses also support continuous shooting of up to 30 fps (electronic shutter) when paired with a high-performance camera like the EOS R3. 

Incorporating Canon’s Proprietary Technology for Superior Image Quality 

Leveraging on the flexibility of the RF mount, the RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and the RF1200mm f/8L IS USM lens configurations are optimised to achieve the signature outstanding L-lens image quality within a smaller, lighter lens body. This includes the use of fluorite, Super UD (Ultra Low Dispersion), and UD lens elements to combat the chromatic aberration that super telephoto lenses are particularly susceptible to, achieving crisp, clear images all the way to the edges of the frame. 

Enhanced Image Stabilisation for Super Telephoto Shooting 

Both lenses are equipped with the in-lens Optical IS image stabilisation system, which significantly corrects the camera shake that becomes particularly visible at ultra-long focal lengths. On the RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM, the equivalent of up to 4.5 shutter speed stops3 of image stabilisation is achieved (Predecessor: 4 stops); on the RF1200mm f/8L IS USM, the image stabilisation effect is up to 4 shutter speed stops equivalent [3] (Predecessor: no IS). 

Unprecedented Portability Expands Application Usage 

Professional super telephoto lenses are traditionally associated with bulky heft. The unprecedented portability achieved by the RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and the RF1200mm f/8L IS USM will make them more appealing to new markets and new applications, especially when combined with the ever-increasing capabilities of the EOS R mirrorless camera system. 

Pricing and Availability

The RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF1200mm f/8L IS USM are priced at $26,899 and $31,639 respectively, and will be available from May 2022. 

Product Specifications

RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and RF1200mm f/8L IS USM

Notes:

(1) With the Extender RF 2x

(2) On RF800mm f/5.6L IS USM with Extender RF1.4x 

(3) In the Yaw//Pitch directions; according to CIPA standards. When using the EOS R/R5/R3  

* Information and pictures of Canon Singapore and GLOO *

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