Targus 15” Newport Backpack – Stylish, Compact and Practical Backpack 

First and foremost, you might think, heh that’s a very stylish backpack, it looks kind of small in size though, can it really fit all my daily stuff that I bring out to my office, school or my daily lifestyle? 

Don’t worry at all, look at how I placed my daily items such as a 1.1L water bottle, Apple MacBook Air, Apple iPad Air, notebook, pencil case and other personal items into the Targus 15” Newport Backpack. You can place your Targus 15” Newport Backpack on top of your luggage handle when you are traveling out for business trips or for a leisure holiday. 

The Targus 15” Newport Backpack is ideal for working professionals who are on the move, stylish, compact and practical backpack. 

What’s the story behind Hpility SG with two Targus Newport Collection backpacks?

Hpility SG has a Targus Newport collection backpack too! He chose the Newport Convertible Tote/Backpack, an interesting hybrid design between a tote bag and backpack. I reckon this design would appeal to those who likes to use it a tote bag for different occasions and converting it into a backpack when the need arises. 

There are a total of 6 new range of Targus Newport collection products including backpacks, sleeves and tote bags. There is something for you to choose from, whether you are a working professional or you are using it for your own personal daily use bag.

Do visit Targus website and check out the full range of Targus Newport Collection! 

The Targus Newport starts from SGD$69 and they are available at the following fine retailers:

Retail: Harvey Norman, Popular Bookstore, Challenger, Tangs Vivo

Online: Krisshop, Shopee, Lazada, Zalora, Hachi Tech 

The post Targus 15” Newport Backpack – Stylish, Compact and Practical Backpack appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

I discovered World Photography Day when I was mentioned on Singapore Embassy in Berlin Facebook Page post whereby my photographer profile photo was featured along with a sharing on acknowledging all the photographers out there, whether you are an amateur or professional.

I am honoured and humbled to be featured and mentioned on Singapore Embassy in Berlin Facebook Page! This means a lot to me for my cultural and heritage photography coverage and documentation over the years!

Thank you very much Singapore Embassy in Berlin!

Since it’s World Photography Day 2020, I decided to participate and share a photograph that I took today in Singapore on 19th August 2020. It was a photograph of The National Museum of Singapore with her facade lighted up for Singapore’s 55th Birthday.

The message is not about getting the perfect moment or the technically perfect photo. My message for World Photography Day 2020 is #SGUnited – #TogetherStrongerSG.

Let us all be #SGUnited with #OurHeartForSG for a #TogetherStrongerSG as we are still navigating our way out of this global pandemic situation along with an economic downturn with our Majulah Sprit, strength and determination.

To all photographers out there, wishing all of you a Happy World Photography Day 2020 on 19th August! Keep shooting, keep the passion and fire burning inside you, sharing your photographs, moments and stories for your loved ones, family, relatives and friends, as well as for the whole world to view, learn and enjoy those moments.

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The story behind Sebati

A husband and wife team with a vision to spread goodness and empowerment through their delicious cooking/baking, bringing love, joy and celebrations to your home through their fresh and wholesome Shepherd’s Pies and other sweet delights. When you get to taste their bakes and cooking, you can feel their love and passion inside the pies and bakes that they serve.

Sebati Shepherd’s Pie

What do they have? Customers can choose from these four options below:

1) Classic (Fillings: choice of beef or chicken)

2) Black Pepper (Fillings: choice of beef or chicken)

3) All Vege

4) Monthly Special

There are two sizes to choose from, personal and party. For personal size, it’s a 7 x 3 inch aluminium tray, serves 1-2 people, while the party size, it’s a 7 x 7 inch aluminium tray, serves 4-5 people.

What did we order?

After looking through the choices, I decided to go for the All Vege and July Special: Satay Shepherd’s Pie with chicken filling. While I am more familiar with the old school square shaped Shepherd’s Pie, the world of Shepherd’s Pie can come in various shapes and sizes, from round, to square or rectangular in shape.

Sebati Shepherd’s Pie, their crust/topping of mashed potato are really very nicely baked. The softness of the mashed potato is just nice without being too mushy or too dry. The All Vege has broccoli, cheddar and mozzarella cheese and aromatic mirepoix. You can feel and taste the fresh vegetables baked inside this All Vege Shepherd’s Pie, filling and delicious.

As for their July Special Satay Shepherd’s Pie, this combination is very interesting and intriguing, a fusion of local Southeast Asian and Western food, a combination that is not that easy to merge  two different cuisines together. Our satay cuisine in Southeast Asia can have a strong body flavour taste on the meats and not to mention the satay gravy. Sebati July Special Satay Shepherd’s Pie manages to blend them with a good amount of satay flavour taste without overpowering the Shepherd’s Pie.

More than Shepherd’s Pie, they have sweet stuff

Do check out their other selections on their website, they have sweet delights such as double chocolate pie bar, chocoflakes and snowflakes, they look very delicious and it’s tempting me very badly.

Support local food business!

Running my own sole proprietorship photography business, I know how challenging and tough it can be running a small business. I have been supporting food businesses operated by my friends and I try my best to help them in whatever way possible, from tasting, review, social media sharing, food photography projects etc.

Do visit Sebati website and instagram below, check out their menu and order away!

Sebati

Website: https://www.sebati.sg/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebati.sg/

I would like to thank SEBATI for this food tasting opportunity and thanks to fellow techie/photographer/Liverpool FC supporter friend Hisham for introducing me to Sebati.

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Story behind their award-winning crabs from 8 Crabs

8 Crabs is a crab delivery and seafood delivery service in Singapore, starting off from importing premium seafood specialising in wild catch crabs, sea cucumber, prawns, grouper and tilapia from Sri Lanka.

For all the crab lovers out there, how much do you know about crabs?

Crabs naturally travel about 500m every night, preferring to live alone. However, crab farmers tend to breed crabs in confined space to make their business profitable. Therefore, crabs get stressed very easily in close captivity and they produce ammonia, a sign of decomposition of seafood.  While farmed crabs are cheaper and they are purchased by most restaurants, their ammonia smell  are present, covered by highly fragrant gravies.

What makes 8 Crabs different, unique and special?

They are the only company in Singapore using grade AAA premium Sri Lankan sourced wild crabs, graded by the most experienced crab graders in the trade. Their crabs are meatier, bigger and less watery. In order to ensure freshness, their crabs are caught, flown, prepared and delivered to customers within 12 hours.

The fresh crabs are prepared and cooked by award-winning chefs, this guarantee the best flavour and taste in their award-winning crab dishes. They operate on a one driver to an order policy across their 12 kitchens island-wide, this would allow them to uphold their promise of One Hour Crab Delivery.

What did we order? Our online ordering experience from 8 Crabs website

After checking with my mum what are the dishes she would like to have, we chose chilli crab, salted egg crab, fried man tou and signature coffee pork ribs from the menu.

I proceed to place my orders from 8 Crabs website, it was easy to navigate and use, placing order was easy and a breeze. There are three sizes of (Live) Sri Lanka crabs to choose from, large (approximate 750g), extra large (approximately 900g to 1kg) and XX large (approximately 1.2kg). The prices of the Live Sri Lanka Crabs are reasonable in my personal humble opinion.

After selecting and confirming the crab size options, we made our payment online, the process was smooth and secure, with an order confirmation email sent to my mailbox. You can choose your delivery time slot and spend a minimum of S$120 to enjoy free delivery regardless of delivery type.

Enjoying award winning 8 Crabs chilli crab dishes

The courier delivery was on time, delivered within our chosen time slot. When the dishes arrived, it was still warm and that was pretty good, taking into consideration the timeline that they have to prepare, cook, pack and deliver our orders in 1 hour. I quickly prepared the table for food photography action, with my enthusiastic Mum becoming my assistant for that evening. My family had a great time enjoying the chilli crabs especially my Mum who is a crab lover.

Even though I am not a crazy crab lover like my Mum, I am particular on the freshness and quality of seafood. The Sri Lankan crabs from 8 Crabs live up to their reputation on delivering fresh quality grade AAA premium Sri Lankan sourced wild crabs.

The Sri Lankan crabs were fresh, sweet and delicious, with lovely tender meaty portions from both crabs for my whole family to enjoy. For the chilli crab gravy, it tasted really delicious and on par with our previous chilli crab experiences at restaurants.

As for the salted egg gravy, it had more salted egg gravy than we expected since we were expecting less gravy from this style of cooking for salted egg crab. The fried man tou is a must to order, dipping it into the chilli crab gravy or salted egg gravy.

I ordered another side dish, signature coffee pork ribs from their website. This dish tasted really delicious, you can feel, taste and savour the coffee taste in the pork!

8 Crabs has more than just their award winning popular and delicious crab dishes, chilli crab, black pepper crab and salted egg crab. Their other dishes on offer from other seafood, meat and poultry, vegetables and others, gives customers a nice selection of zhi char dishes that can be delivered to your home, ideal for your family and friends gathering, parties, celebrations etc.

The prices for their Live Sri Lanka crabs and other dishes are reasonable in my personal view, delivery to the comfort of your home without you and your family and friends having to go out for a wonderful lunch or dinner.

If you are looking for fresh, great quality, meaty, sweet and award-winning crab dishes and other delicious zhi char dishes for your family/friends gathering in the comfort of your home, look no further than 8 Crabs!

* I would like to thank 8 Crabs for this food tasting opportunity *

The post Award-winning crabs from 8 Crabs appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

First and foremost, let me share with you more information on the Canon PIXMA TS6370 printer.

“The latest stylish additions to the PIXMA printer family takes home printing to a whole new level,” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “With a multitude of

new features at their fingertips, users are able to perform a variety of tasks and discover new and creative ways to print from the comfort of their homes. We hope to empower every home user with high-quality printing and provide them with the imaging solutions they need.”

Product Specifications PIXMA TS6370

Now, let me bring you into my printing experiences with the Canon PIXMA TS6370 printer

Print

As a photographer doing a printer review, printed A3 photography prints and published my own photo book, this segment gets the most attention, detail and scrutiny from me. Having previously reviewed the Canon PRO-10 printer before purchasing my own Canon PRO-10 printer for my own photography printing, I might have higher expectations and demands on photography prints.

Printing photographs on the PIXMA TS6370

The PIXMA TS6370 can print up to A4 size photo paper, the printing speed was pretty fast for a home all-in-one printer. I printed different photos on the Canon PP-208 4 X 6” Photo Paper Plus Glossy II that were provided for my review.

For my colour prints, I like the prints output, colours were accurate. While for the black and white photo prints, it didn’t meet my requirements. Although I have to side track and highlight that black and white printing is “a big and independent segment of printing world”. For those who are keen on black and white photo printing, the Canon PRO-10, PRO-1 and ImagePROGRAF PRO-500 (a printer that I am considering to upgrade from my PRO-10) are the printers for you to look at!

Creative Printing

Since the birth of digital photography and smartphone photography, there was a period whereby the art and love for printing were lost when users were glued to their smartphones, tablets, laptops and monitors. However, as technology progresses along with users getting jaded with just viewing, there was a resurgence in printing, from small pocket sized prints to the large prints.

Canon had a full suite of creative printing opportunities, from the new ways to print: Iron-On Transfer Media and Double-Sided Matte Papers, along with other creative print media options such as Canon magnetic photo paper, photo stickers. This full suite of creative printing media along with the PIXMA TS6370 printer, opens up family fun, artistic, creative and bonding time with their children.

Iron-On Transfer Media

The DF-101 Dark Fabric Iron-On Transfer Media were provided for my review. This was a segment that I was quite excited and curious about, how would the Iron-On Transfer Media turn out? I chose photographs from my collection as well as photographs provided by my nieces, we printed them out and ironed them onto the cotton fabric t-shirts and tote bags.

For a special type such as the Iron-On Transfer Media, it would not be fair to compare them directly with the normal photography prints. Overall, the Iron-On Transfer Media prints from the PIXMA TS6370 printer were sharp, you might see and feel that the colours is a bit different, probably due to the different type of medium and material.

There are a number of different methods to utilise Iron-On Transfer Media, from printing a full A4 size and iron onto the fabric, or using the Creative Park app templates. This would also be a good family activity time, printing and creating your own Iron-On photos/designs t-shirt or tote bags.

Insider Tips on using Iron-On Transfer Media:

• Follow the instructions closely on how to prepare and iron-on the media to the fabric
• Follow the washing tips and precautions for fabrics with the Iron-On Transfer Media
• Remember to peel the back of the Iron-On Transfer Media before using the iron on them

Printing a Photo Zine with PIXMA TS6370

I had been planning to publish my own photo zine for some years, it took me a while after some procrastination and distractions, that I finally published and printed my own trial/pre-launch photo zine with the PIXMA TS6370 printer.  For fellow photographers and creatives, who like to DIY and print your own zine, the PIXMA TS6370 is more than capable with its duplex printing capabilities and print output quality.

I printed directly from my MacBook Pro, my photo zine was saved as a pdf file, I chose booklet option setting, printed my zine out, duplex printing before putting them together with staples, a very personal fulfilling DIY photography project brought to life with the PIXMA TS6370 printer.

Scan

Although most smartphones can scan with their smartphone camera and smartphone app, don’t underestimate the quality and accessibility of a scanner, like the all-in-one PIXMA TS6370, just put your document on the scanner and let them do the job for you, instead of positioning your document and taking photo with the smartphone.

It’s pretty fast, easy to use and you can check it on the Canon printing apps before saving it to your camera roll on your smartphone or tablet.

Copy

This compact all-in-one PIXMA TS6370 is suitable for your home or small office, when you need to copy and print documents, it’s easy to use and pretty fast too.

Connectivity and Setup

The PIXMA TS6370 printer is a modern printer that allows users with numerous ways to connect and print. They are equipped with a Wireless Connect button that aids in Wi-Fi setup, wireless direct technology that allow direct connection to mobile devices without a wireless router.

They also have the latest feature to be added, compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which enables voice activated printing. This was something that I didn’t get to try using when I had the printer for review.

While my experience in setting up the printer connection wasn’t that smooth, once it was connected and properly setup with the Wi-Fi network, printing from the Canon apps on my iPhone XR, iPad Air 3 and MacBook Pro was smooth sailing and easy to use.

Through the Canon Print App, you can check on the ink levels of the PIXMA TS6370 printer, making it easier for you to know the time when you need to replace the inks cartridges.

Pricing and Availability

The retail recommended price is S$239 in Navy Blue Colour is available at all Canon authorised dealers.

Summary of Thoughts and Views on the PIXMA TS6370

• A value for money compact sized multi-purpose and connectivity printer, for home, small office, fun and creative usage.
• Pretty good quality photo printer for home and leisure use
• Fast printing and scanning
• Fun and creative printer for family fun, activities, journaling, creative art works
• 1.44” OLED screen is a bit too small for my liking, keys and buttons, user-interface are not to my liking as well.
• The Canon apps Creative Park and Print apps make it easy for users to use the PIXMA TS6370 for print, scan, copy and creative fun.

If you are looking for a home use or small office all-in-one printer, you can consider the PIXMA TS6370. I reckon this is a value for money multi-purpose all-in-one printer ideal for both home, small office and family bonding time for creative, artistic and fun prints.

• I would like to thank Canon Singapore and Ogilvy for the opportunity to review the Canon PIXMA TS6370 printer. *

The Canon PIXMA TS6370 review was shot with the Canon EOS RP, a TGH Photography x Canon EOS RP Explorer Series Production.

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What are the programmes and activities taking place during Light to Night Festival 2020? Let me introduce you to some of the key festival highlights and bring you into the mood of exploring Invisible Cities.

Key Festival Highlights

Art Skins on Monuments – City States of Mind

As you walk and explore Civic District majestic monuments, enjoy the light projections on the facades, immerse yourself into the dreams, forgotten memories and deep desires hidden inside them.

Optical Maze by OTTOTTO

Located at the Padang, a colourful pavilion by day and a brightly illuminated labyrinth by night. Remember to head up to the Padang Deck on Level 5, view the Optical Maze from above and you can see the lines of Marc Nair’s poem written in lights.

Floating City by Nipek X KNOTS

This is my favourite artwork installation, located at Padang Atrium, National Gallery Singapore. It’s like a light show of glowing skyscrapers in the sky. View them from the bottom up, go up close and personal on the walkway bridge on Level 3 and view from the top down.

Art X Social (Festival Village)

If you are feeling hungry, thirsty and in need of a rest and recharge, head down to Art X Social (Festival Village) at Empress Lawn, Connaught Drive and St. Andrew’s Road. You won’t miss it and I reckon you would enjoy it!

Shadows of  Dust and Clouds by Vertical Submarine

At the Asian Civilisations Museum Green, visitors can interact with this artwork, a giant mirror installation, a response to Desmond Kon’s poem “The Mirrored Dias of History and Signs”.

Between Two Worlds by Quarters Architects

An interesting and interactive artwork that at Esplanade Park, inspired by Kevin Martens Wong’s poems. Walk through the passageway, observe the mirrored memory pools and its reflective surfaces. As you enter into the artwork, you would become invisible to others from the outside.

There are also talks, tours and performances at the Civic District during Light to Night Festival 2020, for more information visit National Gallery Singapore website! I haven’t finishing exploring Light to Night Festival 2020, I am planning to continue exploring more of the Invisible Cities during this festival.

Mark down the dates! Starting on the 10th to 19th January 2020, visit Light to Night Festival 2020 with your family, loved ones and friends! Sharing is caring, Pay It Forward and Pass It On, share about Light to Night Festival 2020!

The weekends would be the most exciting as the Civic District is transformed into a lively, happening and fun artistic Civic District! Wear comfortable walking shoes, you would be doing quite a bit of walking around the Civic District! Come on down, have fun, enjoy and explore the Civic District!

I would like to thank National Gallery Singapore and Tate Anzur for the invitation to the media preview of Light to Night Festival 2020. Visit my Flickr photo album and Instagram for more photographs of Light to Night Festival 2020!

Light to Night Festival 2020 – Invisible Cities

Website: lighttonight.sg

Location: Civic District

From: 10th to 19th January 2020

Admission: Free

Hashtag: #LightToNightSG

Road closures

Dates: 10, 11, 17, 18 January 2020

Time: 4pm – 1am

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Together with fellow photographer Isaac Ong, we headed down to Labrador Park to witness and photograph this annular solar eclipse in Singapore. The partial eclipse began at 1127hrs local Singapore time, followed by the full eclipse beginning at 1322hrs, maximum eclipse at 1323hrs and ending at 1324hrs. The partial eclipse ended at 1518hrs, however, we didn’t stay till the end of the partial eclipse.

This was my first time photographing an eclipse, I learnt new photography knowledge today on the settings and the suitable lenses, thanks to Isaac for sharing his telephoto zoom lens, allowing me to capture some wonderful moments of this annular solar eclipse in Singapore on Boxing Day 2019! Some visitors to Labrador Park who were also there to witness the annular solar eclipse was intrigued by us photographers, look at them crowding around Isaac as he was giving them a short presentation on the annular solar eclipse!

It’s been quite some time since I had my own personal/leisure photography shoot, I was glad to photograph this special annular solar eclipse in Singapore! The brand new year 2020 is starting soon, I hope and I want to set aside personal time each week for my personal/leisure photography, enjoying the fun in photography and inspired to produce more original photography stories and adventures, my TGH Photography x Canon EOS RP Explorer series.

Happy Boxing Day 2019 and stay tuned for more of my photography exploration stories in 2020!    

The post Annular Solar Eclipse Singapore 2019 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

At the Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends, an exhibition held at National Gallery Singapore from 6th December 2019 to 28th June 2020. There are close to 100 photographic works alongside archival materials, displaying the history and development of photography in Singapore, an area that is traditionally overlooked. Mr Chua Soo Bin photography works, tells more than just complex stories of his subjects. His portraiture artworks displayed great trust, close relationship and being up close and personal with the subjects and surroundings, through the Legends Series Photographs.

“Spotlighting the works of Singapore artists and educating the public of their artistic practices continue to be a priority for the Gallery. While photography has traditionally been under-researched in Singapore, it has played a significant role in our art history. The iconic works of Chua Soo Bin are excellent examples of the potential of photography as an art form. It has been exactly three decades since Legends was completed. We hope that this retrospective will raise awareness of Chua’s significant contributions to Singapore’s art scene as a photographer, a gallerist, art dealer and art patron. At the same time, visitors will be inspired to learn more about Singapore’s very own photographers and reflect on the changing role of photography,” said Dr Eugene Tan, Director of National Gallery Singapore.

Now, let me bring you a short walk through into this amazing artistic photography world of Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends

First Section: The Legends Series Photographs

The portraits of 14 ink masters, showcasing their portraitures, life, intimate moments and insights to a global audience through the eyes of Singaporean master photographer Chua Soo Bin.    

Second Section: Candid and informal portraits of Wu Guanzhong

A collection of photography artworks, candid and informal portraits of modern Chinese ink artist Wu Guanzhong over two decades. The trust and rapport between artist and photographer is more than just special, beyond amazing, reflected through this collection of photographs.

Third Section: The life and journey of Master Photographer Chua Soo Bin

In this final third section, we learnt a lot more about Master Photographer Chua Soo Bin life, career and his commercial photography works.

A short Q&A session with Master Photographer Chua Soo Bin

During the preview session of Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends, we had the honour of meeting the legend himself, master photographer Chua Soo Bin, who shared some insights of the photographs that were on display inside the gallery while we were on a short preview tour.

After that, we had a short Q&A session too, listening to his years of experience, not just in photography, the stories behind those portraitures and insights into the different eras of photography from film to digital.

My personal thoughts and feelings as a photographer

For all photographers out there, whether you are from the old school of film photography or a young person learning photography in today’s digital world, I strongly encourage you to visit Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends photography exhibition at National Gallery Singapore.

As the saying goes, a picture speaks a thousand words, when you visit this photography exhibition, you are not just walking into a master photographer’s eyes, works, and relationship with the person/people/environment. The portraits/photographs “speak to you” too, as you view the photography exhibition, a connection that bridge the photographer, subjects/people and their artworks across to you.

Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends, is a very inspiring photography exhibition, personally for me as a photographer. Having started my photography with film photography more than three decades back, viewing the photography prints shot on film cameras brought me back in time when it was just 36 frames in a roll of film and you had to print the photographs, versus the modern digital photography of today, instant gratification and sharing on social media.

I can continue writing and sharing, I feel that I would really like you to visit this truly special photography exhibition at National Gallery Singapore. I would just leave you with this quote below by the Master Photographer himself, that strikes a deep chord with me and my photography.

I would like to thank National Gallery Singapore and Tate Anzur for the invitation to the preview of Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends.

Information on Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends

Date: 6th December 2019 to 28th June 2020

Location: City Hall Wing, Level 4, Wu Guanzhong Gallery

Ticketing

General admission ticket required (Free for Singaporeans and PRs)

Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends is curated by Charmaine Toh from National Gallery Singapore. A series of complementary programmes through the course of the exhibition will also reflect the changing role of photography in today’s digital culture.

For more information, visit https://www.nationalgallery.sg/exhibitions/chua-soo-bin-truths-and-legends

* Information courtesy of National Gallery Singapore and Tate Anzur *

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A few months back in July 2019, I published an article titled, “Telling my stories with Canon RF35mm f/1.8”, a prelude to my Canon RF35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM lens review. Due to photography business, other work commitments and content creation on my technology and business portal/blog, the review article had been delayed till now.

The Canon RF35mm f/1.8 does not belong to the Canon’s legendary L lenses family, yet this lens would not lose out to them in terms of output/photo quality. It does not have weather sealing against dust and moisture, this is something that photographers would have to take note. Yet, when you touch and feel this lens, it gives you a solid and rugged feel.

They also have image stabiliser (IS), this would be very handy and useful for photographers. This lens uses the STM drive system, not the USM drive system. Personally, I would prefer the USM drive system, faster and less noise. There are times whereby the RF35mm f/1.8 is a bit slow on focusing, it took me some time to adapt to the character of the RF35mm f/1.8 lens.

Bokeh at f/1.8, personally for me, I really like it and I would use it creatively when the opportunity arises depending on the photography genre and situations. While some may want to compare it to a f/1.4 or f/1.2 lens, it would not be fair to the RF35mm f/1.8 lens.

As for the Macro function, the maximum magnification is 0.5x, as compared to the EF100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM lens magnification is 1x, do take note. The RF35mm f/1.8 has a minimum focusing distance of 0.17m, a very short distance to work on for your Macro photography. During the course of my review of this lens, I brought the RF35mm f/1.8 lens as close as possible to the subjects that I am shooting, there were some pretty nice photographs that I really liked.

While I was doing some technical specifications comparisons on the RF35mm f/1.8 lens with other Canon lenses, I saw that it has 9 Diaphragm blades, same number in some of the other Canon EF and RF L lenses. From the photographs that I shot using the RF35mm f/1.8 with Canon EOS RP, I am able to view the sharpness and quality of this lens.   

Thoughts and Views

A small lens, not too heavy at 305g, the classic 35mm focal length is probably one of the photographers favourite lens to work with/use, whether for street, wedding or travel. This lens is something that I like, a versatile lens for street, travel and wedding photography. Moreover, this lens has the Macro function, if and when you need to do Macro photography shoot.

I would consider getting this RF35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM lens, it’s really versatile and the bokeh at f/1.8 is pretty bokehlicious. With this lens on my Canon EOS RP, a lightweight combination for street and travel photography. At a retail price of SGD829, it’s quite a value for money lens given its versatility and sharp output quality.

More photographs of the Canon RF35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM review can be viewed here inside this Flickr photo album. If you are keen to own this lens, do visit Canon Singapore website!

There are currently more RF lenses available in the market, do follow my photography and travel portal/blog on Canon news, updates and reviews! I hope to get more opportunities to do more RF lenses review and share my photographs, views and thoughts on the lenses with my readers.

I would like to thank Canon Singapore and Ogilvy for the opportunity to review the Canon RF35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM lens.

The post Canon RF35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Review appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photo credit: Canon Singapore

This year 2019 is a special milestone year for Singapore, celebrating Singapore’s Bicentennial celebrations. Therefore, Canon PhotoMarathon XVII 2019 Singapore supports Singapore Bicentennial celebrations by going into the heartlands at Our Tampines Hub, with the three competition themes linked closely to the heartlands. With 1,549 photography enthusiasts participating, this had been another fun and interesting year of Canon PhotoMarathon Singapore!

It was a fun carnival setup at Our Tampines Hub, with bright and colourful booths setup by Canon Singapore along with their sponsors. The EOS World community had a booth there too, manned by the community managers, community ambassadors and council members. I was there helping out (official booth duties from 9am to 11am) while I am also participating in my 9th edition of Canon PhotoMarathon Singapore! For me personally, participating in Canon PhotoMarathon Singapore is an avenue to have fun yet challenging my photography in a leisure context (a break away from my commercial photography works), this was also a time for catch up and networking with photography friends from the EOS World and fellow photography friends.

Photos credit: Victor Mok Photography

What were the three themes for Canon PhotoMarathon 2019 Singapore? What were the photographs that I submitted for this competition?

The three themes were interesting, related very closely to the heartlands of Singapore since it was held in the heartlands of Our Tampines Hub. There was no “lucky spin” to choose the theme, it had been planned in advance with the heartlands and communities in mind.  The themes were not the most difficult words to make your head spin when you go out and photograph, they were open to diverse interpretation by photographers.

Here are my submissions!

Theme 1: Life Changing Places

Theme 2: #MyTakeOnWater

Theme 3: Our Community

Who were the winners of Canon PhotoMarathon XVII 2019 Singapore? What winning photographs  did they submit?

Best of Show (Open)

Roen Lim

Best of Show (Student)

James Ng Junhao, Nanyang Technological University

Open Category

Theme 1: Life Changing Places

1st Prize: Nursanto Soeradi Somo

2nd Prize: Lim Wee Chin

3rd Prize: Junaid Ramis

Theme 2: #MyTakeOnWater

1st Prize: Mohd Safuan Bin Salahudin

2nd Prize: Lim Sin Kiat Ronald

3rd Prize: Roen Lim

Theme 3: Our Community

1st Prize: Nursanto Soeradi Somo

2nd Prize: Roen Lim

3rd Prize: Francis Joseph Predroza Gaerlan

Student Category

Theme 1: Life Changing Places

1st Prize: Chinnan Jaisriram, Montfort Secondary School

2nd Prize: James Ng Junhao, Nanyang Technological University

3rd Prize: Tan Yok Ray, Victoria School

Theme 2: #MyTakeOnWater

1st Prize: Pang Huei Fong, Nanyang Polytechnic

2nd Prize: Rachel Koh Xin Yun, Singapore Polytechnic

3rd Prize: Low Shi Jian, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

Theme 3: Our Community

1st Prize: Lim Kai Yong, Singapore Institute of Technology

2nd Prize: Gek Jun Xu, Temasek Polytechnic

3rd Prize: Lim Yuan Ren, Raffles Institution

School Challenge Prize

Anglo Chinese School (Barker Road)

Team Challenge Prize

CPM Avengers

The winners won great and attractive prizes! These prizes included the Canon EOS R Kit RF24-105/4L IS USM, the PIXMA Pro-10, the EOS RP Kit RF24-105/4L IS USM, the EOS M50 Kit EFM15-45 IS STM + EFM55-250 and the PowerShot G7 X Mark III.

In addition to these prizes, the Best of Show winners from the Open and Student categories both won an exclusive spot each in the Canon PhotoMarathon Asia Championship to be held in 2020.

* Information and photos courtesy of Canon Singapore and Ogilvy *

Personally, it had always been fun, challenging and tiring, participating in Canon PhotoMarathon Singapore. I can now add 2019 to my list of years that I participated in Canon PhotoMarathon Singapore (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019). 9 editions and still counting, even though I didn’t win any prizes, the friendship and networking with photographers had been great!

Adding another Canon PhotoMarathon Singapore footprint and memory to my adventures, photographs and stories!

Photo credit: Victor Mok Photography

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