As I explored and trekked through the mountains, forests and valleys, searching for the answers, am I able to find them? Life for me, as well as my photography, they have never been smooth sailing, it’s full of ups and downs, twists and turns, we have to weather the storm and welcome the sun to shine upon us again when it’s all over. The beautiful sounds of the wildlife calling out to us, the sound of the waves reaching the shore. The freshness aroma of the after rain, sweet fragrant aroma from the trees, leaves and flowers. 

Chasing the sunrise, the light rays shining through the rainforest canopy, patiently waiting for the sunset to end the day on a high. Is it fate, is it all about the time or they both combine together at that moment in time? 

Fate and Time, these two things intertwined into my life. Are things/we fated? Maybe it’s just not the right time. Maybe, I just have to let fate takes its course. Where will fate and time bring me? 

我们到了站，这一站叫 ____ ? 下一站是 ____ ？

Maybe I need to trust the timing of my life. Trust my own journey, my own fate and my own time. 

The post Fate and Time appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Let me share with you more on my Canon EOS R5 review journey, photographs that I shot with the review camera, my thoughts and views on this new Canon full-frame mirrorless camera that is born to rule.

Aesthetics 

When you hold the Canon EOS R5 camera body, you would find it very familiar. The Canon EOS R5 body is similar to the Canon EOS R, it has a top LCD panel, slightly bigger in width with dual card slots and bigger battery. It has a magnesium alloy body: Strong, sturdy, durable and solid feel, not too heavy and easy to carry around. 

Canon photographers rejoice! Our favourite joy stick is back! Although it’s easy to use the LCD screen for moving and controlling the auto-focus (AF) point, the joy stick gives us photographers another option when using the camera especially when we are looking through the viewfinder to photograph our subjects. Fast and accurate AF point movement on both LCD screen and viewfinder, making our photography easier and faster.

Dual card slots are back, another feature that photographers would like to have it (the earlier EOS R and EOS RP have single card slots) back on the EOS R series cameras. With two card slots, 1 for SD and 1 for CFexpress, you can record them separately, this would be most welcomed by working professionals. The CFexpress would provide the incredible speed needed for your high fps RAW shots and for your 8K videography production. 

Powered by the LP-E6NH battery (you can still use the LP-E6 and LP-E6N batteries), providing more juice for your photography and videography. Just like the Canon EOS R, there is also a cover protecting the sensor when the EOS R5 is switched off. 

Technology 

Photography 

One of the key features that I like about the Canon EOS R5 is the auto-focus (AF) capabilities. It’s powered by the latest DIGIC X processor and 45MP CMOS sensor. AF speed is fast and accurate, up to 20 FPS. Animal detection AF is excellent in most cases. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II combined with the fast processing speed of the latest DIGIC X processor brought about big improvements in the EOS R5 AF capability.

The AF is responsive and fast when changing from viewfinder to LCD screen. Using the joystick allows easy movement of AF point/zone to the subject when looking through the viewfinder. The ISO is from 100 to 51,200, my personal tolerance level is around ISO 25,600 that I find it usable.

Eye tracking is fast and accurate, improved from Canon EOS R, making portraiture photography fast and ease of use to get the subject’s eyes sharp and accurate. The Animal detection AF is welcomed by wildlife photographers, fast AF speed, accuracy and ease of usage. 

AF – People / Animals / No priority 

AF – Eye tracking / Spot AF / 1-point / Expand AF area / Expand AF area : around / Zone AF / Large Zone AF : Vertical / Large Zone AF : Horizontal

The Large Zone AF: Vertical and Large Zone AF: Horizontal are two interesting AF selections that can be chosen by the photographer. These two selections would be helpful in animal/wildlife photography.

Servo AF 

Case 1 – Versatile multi purpose setting

Case 2 – Continue to track subjects, ignoring possible obstacles

Case 3 – Instantly focus on subjects suddenly entering AF points

Case 4 – For subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly

Videography

In the modern world today, video has risen in prominence and significance with the rise of social media and internet usage. A modern digital camera is no longer just for photography, it now can produce excellent videos as well. 

On the Canon EOS R5, it’s easy to navigate and use the movie recording function. You can shoot in different modes, from 8K to FHD that would be sufficient for most leisure and serious amateur users. As for those into filmmaking, commercial videography, you have the options of shooting and showcasing in 8K format, or shoot in 8K and export to 4K format, or shoot in 4K. The video AF is fast, accurate and responsive, easy to use too.  

8K-D 25p / 24p (8192 x4320) 

8K-U 25p (7680×4320)

4K-D 50p / 4K-D 25p / 4K-D 24p (4096×2160)

4K-U 50p / 4K-U 25p (3840×2160)

FHD 50p (ALL-I / IPB) / FHD 25p (ALL-I /Standard IPB / Light IPB) (1920×1080)

Videography works with EOS R5

I didn’t get to spend more time doing videography works with the EOS R5 as I probably shoot more stills photography doing wildlife photography with the RF100-500mm lens. However, I did manage to shoot short video clips of 30s and 1min for my documentary coverage of Tanglin Halt and Clementi Forest, both areas that I have been documenting and photographing since 2011. 

I shot the videos in 8K format, while I have no qualms about the 8K video quality, it’s very demanding on computer hardware and resources. My videos are edited by fellow photographer Isaac Ong and I would upload them into YouTube and share here when the videos are ready. I would add on Isaac’s thoughts and views on the suggested computing hardware, technical specifications and resources required, should you be looking at doing 8K video production with the Canon EOS R5. 

5-axis In-Body Image Stabiliser 

There is the new 5-axis In-Body Image Stabiliser, coupled with Optical Image Stabiliser on the appropriate lens attached, this powerful function and features helps us photographers and videographers in our shoots that we sometimes don’t realise about the two features in action when using the Canon EOS R5.

From low light handheld photography to handheld videography work, the new 5-axis In-Body Image Stabiliser coupled with an appropriate Canon lens with Image Stabiliser are going to be a huge asset for the photographer and videographer using the Canon EOS R5.

Connectivity 

The Canon EOS R5 has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity functions, allowing you to connect with your other smart devices such as your smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s for remote control shooting or file transfer, you can be assured of the seamless connectivity.

EOS R5 with RF lenses 

During my review of the Canon EOS R5, I took the opportunity to request for the Canon RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens for review as well, pairing this telephoto zoom lens with the EOS R5. I had a great and fun time with this camera and lens combination, Canon EOS R5 with RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens. 

This particular combination is very popular with Canon photographers who are into wildlife and sports photography, high megapixels paired with a versatile, quite portable and great quality telephoto zoom lens. For images shot at 500mm, and if you still require cropping, there are enough megapixels from the EOS R5 for the photographer to retain the quality and sharpness of the subject. 

It’s a breeze and ease to use the native RF lenses on the Canon EOS R5, and with more RF lenses coming into the market, Canon photographers now have a greater ease of mind on the RF lenses available, showcasing Canon’s commitment to the full-frame mirrorless camera market. 

TGH Photography x Canon EOS R5 Explorer Series Production

I brought the Canon EOS R5 for a revisit to Tanglin Halt estate, a HDB estate that I had covered, documented and photographed some years back. Soon, the old flats would no longer be around, I am glad to have capture it down into my memories, documentation, and archives with the Canon EOS R5 and my other Canon DSLR cameras that I shot some years back. 

Another location that I brought the Canon EOS R5 to photograph was the Clementi Forest and Old Jurong Railway line. I have been documenting and photographing this segment since 2011, I went back again when I was reviewing the Canon EOS R6 and back again for another round with the Canon EOS R5. 

Thoughts and views

One of the key factors that would attracts photographers to the Canon EOS R5 is the 45MP sensor.  It’s not just higher  and better quality, the sharpness and details of the images that you can produce and if you need more room for cropping, the 45MP is a breeze in the park. 

8K videography is an interesting topic, while the consumer world is not fully onboard using 4K, the commercial level is already preparing for 8K production. While some might view 8K as on overzealous feature based on current 4K usage rates, the Canon EOS R5 in my humble personal opinion is forward thinking. The EOS R5 is inclined towards the pool of commercial photographers, production houses, filmmakers and videographers. With both high quality stills photography and 8K videography capabilities, you have the best of both worlds. 

Some other quick pointers and short summaries

• Dual card slots: 1 for SD, 1 for CFexpress card. While the CFexpress would provide the incredible speed needed for your high fps RAW shots and for your 8K videography production, the costs to add those storage cards are going to increase your overall camera investment budget.
• New 5-axis In-Body Image Stabiliser x Optical Image Stabiliser: powerful function and features helps us photographers in our shoots.
• 45MP full-frame CMOS Sensor (new sensor) & Digic X processor, photographers would really appreciate the processing speed and output quality on your photos and videos.
• For photographers into wildlife photography – the EOS R5 has a much improved AF and Animal Detection AF (popular with wildlife photographers, EOS R5 with prime lens or RF100-500mm)
• The expanding EOS R family + RF lenses lineup is ushering in a new era of photography – Born to Rule

Although the Canon EOS R5 is an excellent camera that you may use for a longer period of time, you have to factor in the additional costs in the following areas to complement and support the Canon EOS R5, allowing it to unleash its full potential:

Additional hardware costs due to 

• Getting a new desktop computer setup that can handle 8K videos editing
• CFexpress storage cards are costly 
• Extra storage space on desktop computer, laptop, portable hdd or cloud storage 

Overheating issue

The topic on overheating on the Canon EOS R5 had been discussed quite a fair bit on the internet and social media. During my review of the EOS R5, I did encounter overheating when I was doing stills photography, I had to switch off, waited for it to cool down before I was able to resume. I made an adjustment, switching on Eco mode and slowing down the pace of my photography. Thereafter, I didn’t encounter any more overheating. 

Although I didn’t get to do as much videography with the Canon EOS R5 as I would like, I managed to shoot a few videos in 8K, keeping the clips to 30s and 1minute. During that time, I  encounter some heat dissipated, that is normal in recording videos. However, I didn’t encounter any major overheating issue. 

While the EOS R5 overheating issue has invited a number of discussions and debates, I feel that it’s a great camera overall. The full-frame mirrorless camera is a modern hybrid equipment for the modern photographer and videographer that is most welcomed by many creative professionals. Based on my understanding and research, the firmware update for the EOS R5 has improved the overheating issue. 

Understanding that the modern digital mirrorless camera is a hybrid camera, it’s not like a dedicated filmmaking/cinematic series camera if that’s what you are looking for. Cameras such as the EOS R5 gives us modern photographers (like me) to diversify and add videography/filmmaking into our services delivery. Knowing the engineering constraints of a hybrid camera, managing and adjusting how we shoot videos, might just be the small tips to manage the overheating issue (with the firmware updates applied as well).

Best of Both Worlds

In my personal humble opinion, The Canon EOS R5 at this current juncture in time, represents the best of both worlds together – Photography and Videography. From Reimagine Optical Excellence (EOS R), to Reimagine Your Potential (EOS RP) and now Born to Rule (EOS R5) and (EOS R6).

Although the upcoming Canon EOS R3 is going to open up more opportunities and diversity in Canon full-frame mirrorless line-up, the Canon EOS R5 might just suit your needs and requirements for your respective photography genres. 

A very powerful and fast mirrorless camera highly suitable and recommended for professionals, ideal for serious amateurs too. In a way, it’s similar to EOS 5D Mark IV, the Canon EOS R5 camera would be an easy transition for existing Canon photographers, the handling of the camera body and menu interface, it’s easy to use and get the hang of it. 

The Canon EOS R5 is recommended for

• Professional photographers moving over from DSLR setup to mirrorless setup upgrading from entry level DSLRs or entry level mirrorless cameras (choice of EOS R5, EOS R6 and EOS R to choose from and the upcoming EOS R3 as well)
• Professional photographers who need the higher megapixels and image quality 
• Portraiture, products, landscape
• Production houses 
• Filmmakers / Videographers  

Would this EOS R5 be my next camera upgrade/change? 

I am currently using Canon EOS-1DX Mark II and Canon EOS RP, there is a possibility that I might add either the EOS R5 or maybe the EOS R6 to my setup (or even maybe the upcoming EOS R3?). 

With the recent announcement on the development of the Canon EOS R3, how would this influence/change my plans for camera changes/upgrades? To be honest, I don’t have an answer yet (even though I secretly lust for the Canon EOS R3). The world of possibilities are out there for Canon photographers with choices to choose from EOS R5, EOS R6, EOS R, EOS RP and upcoming EOS R3.

However, I would still share my thoughts and views on the differences between Canon EOS R5 and R6 in my upcoming comparison article, for photographers who feel that the either the Canon EOS R5 or EOS R6 would suit their needs and usage. You can view more photographs shot with Canon EOS R5 here inside this Flickr photo album.

To all Canon photographers and those are thinking of coming on board the Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless cameras and RF lenses family, you can now have even more confidence to embrace, adopt and enter into this new family, welcome onboard! (You can even keep your EF lenses too!).

*I would like to thank Canon Singapore for the opportunity to review the Canon EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera.* 

The post Canon EOS R5 Review appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Having a passion for the outdoors, nature, wildlife and travel, I would like to help spread the theme for Earth Day 2021. Everyone of us can play a part, to make a difference in the world we are living in today and for our future generations. 

As we mark Earth Day 2021, I am sharing my wildlife and nature photographs that I shot in Singapore over the years with more recent photographs that I shot in the first quarter of 2021 and last year 2020. Although Singapore is a small country by land size, we do have an abundance of nature and wildlife among us here in Singapore, co-existing and living together. 

More photographs of the wildlife and nature areas that I photographed and documented in Singapore can be viewed inside my Flickr photography collections, shot with various Canon cameras that I owned, the Canon EOS RP, or reviewed, the Canon EOS R5, EOS R6 and EOS M6 Mark II, part of my Canon Explorer Series Production.  

It’s a delicate balance between preserving and protecting our nature and wildlife versus a country’s economic development and growth. Not just preserving and protecting, let’s reduce wastage of resources and up our game on recycling and upcycling. 

Not just today on 22nd April 2021 for Earth Day 2021, let’s all begin to mark the start of a new era whereby we restore our Earth, making a difference to the world that we live in, transforming it to become an even better home for the world to live in. 

The post Earth Day 2021 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Where it all began

It all began in 2006 when I wanted to start a photography blog. During that era, having a blog was not only something that I wanted to do for myself, I wanted to produce and publish visual stories, just like a National Geographic Magazine photographer and journalist (I grew up reading National Geographic Magazine and kind of follow their visual storytelling style). 

At that juncture in time, it was kind of cool to own a blog, social media had not really “exploded” into the scene at that time. I started on blogspot platform before migrating to my own domain name and hosting, setting up my own brand name/domain name, my own frontal space. Huge credits to Jack who helped me to setup my photography blog at that time, as well as Brian who helped me with IT technical support over all those years. 

As the years progressed, it transformed and grown from a small and humble photography blog into my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog of today, covering my visual stories, travel adventures, documentation works, photography topics, cameras, lenses and accessories review,  sports, wildlife, hospitality and food adventures. 

15 years adventure – Many ups and downs

My 15 years adventure writing and publishing visual stories wasn’t exactly a smooth and stable journey, it was full of ups and downs, from reaching the heights of recognition in 2015, to the lows from setbacks and departure of loved ones/close folks from 2016 to 2017. 

When you are in the creative sector, there will definitely be scrutiny and criticism, my website was deemed messy and not suitable to be a photography portfolio website. I reflected on it, established a separate photography portfolio website, thus allowing this to continue its visual storytelling journeys as a portal/blog and supplementing my photography portfolio website. 

There were others who questioned the value and relevance of my photography and travel portal/blog in today’s social media trends and usage. One even created their own blog after questioning my website, that is probably a compliment to what I have accomplished for my website over the past 15 years.

I learnt and grow old together with my website, visual storytelling, gaining more photography skills and knowledge, producing and publishing photography prints, photo books and zines.  

Revamp and Rebrand

Revamp and rebrand, the time is now to introduce TGH Digital Studio, comprising of my TGH Photography business, my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog, my TGH Technology and Business portal/blog and working closely with my partnerships and collaborations. 

Photographer | Visual Storyteller | Content Creator | Technology Writer | Digital Artist 

I started TGH Photography as a sole proprietorship business in 2017. It was a very difficult start for me as I learnt the hard truths and brutal realities of running and managing a business, let alone a business in the creative industry. 

The amount of emotional and mental stress took a toll on me as I was also hurting from the loss of my loved one/closed ones during the period 2016 to 2017. Not many knew about it, I don’t talk much about it, the world we live in, sometimes just judge you by dollars and cents.  

During this short period of time from 2017 till date, I also learnt that providing standalone photography services is not going to be sufficient in this fast moving social media and internet driven world that we are living in. I started to learn videography/filmmaking from scratch, having photography knowledge and skills does shorten my learning cycle. This is still an ongoing learning  process, I have so much more to learn, improve and add on new skills and knowledge, adding to my expanded scope of professional services.

Just when I thought things would get a bit more stable, the world was hit by the global pandemic COVID-19 in 2020. In a nutshell, this global pandemic threw everything out of the window. This was almost like back to square one, back to ground zero. This was like a reset switch – Adapting, adopting, changing and re-strategising. During that circuit breaker period, the acceleration to adapt, adopt, change, strategic changes and directional changes was fast. 

Although I started solo in my photography business, I am glad that I now have a small team! I have Isaac helping me in photography/videography/video editing/editor and JingYi for creative design/digital artworks/illustrator/layout artist/.

Partnerships and Collaborations

I have been partnering and collaborating with other friends/content creators/photographers over the years. Some have been ongoing for a while, some are new on board.

Hpility SG

One of my first partnerships and collaborations (we started off in 2017) that I worked with in a few areas, from photography, videography and digital marketing. 

Easy Travel Recipes

Easy Travel Recipes is my travel and food partnership and collaboration. We are still discussing on how to expand and combine our strengths and resources in the travel and food segments moving forward.  

3 Blind Mice

This is a foodie consultancy, photography, videography, food tasting/cooking media production and regular feasting partnership and collaboration, founded and established after our foodie trip to Vietnam in 2018 by Chef Keith Crackling Roast, Chef Jude and myself.   

Meow Mixed Media Production

A mixed media photography and digital artwork collaboration co-founded by Isaac, JingYi and myself, borne from a passion of photography, cute cats and digital artworks combining together. 

More details and information would be shared when I make an announcement and share more information and details on what we are doing.

CryptoIKI

I am entering into the digital arts space with CryptoIKI, exploring the world of NFT and see how I am able to bring my photography works and mixed media artworks into this space. Keep a lookout as I explore and share my digital artist journey here. 

Upcoming projects/works

I have embarked on a number of different personal projects over the years, from documentary photography, publishing photography book and zines, photography prints. For this 15th year milestone year, I have embarked on a few personal projects. 

Books/Zines

Currently, there are three books/zines being planned on my timeline. 

1. Mixed media photography and digital artwork collaboration zine with Meow Mixed Media Production

Coming soon, I would keep it under wraps for now! Stay tuned and keep a lookout for our official announcement! 

2. A zine to celebrate my 15 years milestone (2006 to 2021)

I am still working on my zine, I have yet to decide whether i am going for a photo book magazine style approach showcasing a selection of photographs shot from 2006 to 2021, or short visual stories of key events with photographs from each year.

3. Publishing a book from one of my heritage and cultural personal works/documentations 

I have been documenting and photographing history, heritage and cultural fields/interests over the past 15 years. This would be an ideal time to bring one of my personal heritage projects that I documented to the next level, publish into a book and bring it to life in both physical print and electronic book format.  

A few other artwork projects with Meow Mixed Media Production are in the planning/discussion stages. We are a very new creative start-up collaboration, when the time is right, I would make the announcement with the team members and share with everyone on my website.

15 years milestone, what’s next? 

I will continue to produce more higher standards visual content stories with my photography and videography for my photography and travel portal/blog. When the global pandemic COVID-19 is under control, I hope to resume my international travel adventures coverage.

Life is an adventure, it will never be smooth sailing. Who knows where my visual storytelling with my photographs and videos can bring me to, beyond greater heights or faraway destinations?

Last but not least

I would like to thank my family, relatives, loved ones, old friends, supporters, followers and readers for following, reading and supporting my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog over the past 15 years. I really appreciate the support and encouragement that you gave me over all these years. 

To all the various brands and agencies that I worked with, thank you very much for believing and trusting in me to work together, helping me to grow and expand over the past 15 years. 

Last but not least, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for reading this lengthy story of how I started my humble photography blog in 2006 over a 15 years (not out and still going strong) time frame in 2021, marking its milestone celebration of my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog. 

The post 10th April 2021 – Celebrating 15 years of TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography by Ryan Cheng

In the month of April 2021, I would be making announcements of my upcoming partnerships and collaborations, zine/book projects, doing some rebranding and expansion on my photography business side of things. Do keep a lookout for my announcements as well as my regular photography, travel and food articles.

To all those brands, organisations, public relations agencies, creative and marketing agencies that I worked with over the past 15 years, thank you so much for your enormous support and encouragement over all those years. I truly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart!

If you would like to be collaborate, partner or be a sponsor for my upcoming projects/zine/book, drop me a mail and let’s chat! 

15 years, not out, still going strong, photographing, writing, documenting and sharing. An amazing personal journey of photographer, visual storyteller and (newbie videographer/filmmaker) of many ups and downs. 

Photography by Ryan Cheng

Come with me, follow me as I reach my 15 years milestone in the month of April 2021 on another new explorer and artistic series adventures of my photography, visual storytelling and short videos/films. 

The post April 2021 – Reaching a 15 years milestone for my website and Celebrating it! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

The PowerShot ZOOM is light and compact, weighing only 145g and it’s about the size of the smaller power banks, thus making it very convenient for users to keep it in their pocket or bag and bring it along for outdoor activities. Since it’s lightweight and compact, users can operate the PowerShot ZOOM with just one hand.

The PowerShot ZOOM has three modes of magnification, this would let users zoom into the moment quickly without missing out on the action. Whether you are enjoying the flora and fauna in nature parks, admiring the sceneries from high elements such as Mount Faber and Marina Bay Sands, or even simply capturing children playing at the playground from afar.

Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore said: “As a pocket-sized digital monocular camera, the PowerShot ZOOM is a handy companion for users who are on the go and want to quickly zoom into, shoot and even record precious and fleeting moments in life for instances that mobile devices may not adequately do the job. 

With just three buttons for the main navigation, it is simple to use so that it can be enjoyed by anyone in the family, whether it’s the kids who want to zoom in on the Blue-Eared Kingfisher that can be spotted at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, or parents who want to capture their children scoring that winning goal at a football match.” 

Simple, Fun and Easy to Use

Zooming, shooting and recording on the PowerShot ZOOM is straightforward and fast, letting users quickly capture fleeting moments such as children scoring a point at the basketball court and birds resting on branches at nature parks. Pressing the zoom button located at the top of the device lets users zoom into three modes (100m, 400m and 800m magnification) instantly. To take a photo or record a video, users can simply press the photo or record button at the bottom of the device. 

The PowerShot ZOOM also sports a telescopic design and comes with autofocus and image stabilisation, which provides a comfortable viewing experience during prolonged use. The features also let users easily capture clearer shots of players running across the football field or a flock of birds flying across the treetops. 

Designed to be used on the go, the PowerShot ZOOM can be charged via the supplied Type-C to Type-C interface cable with a compatible charger or power bank (sold separately). A full battery charge provides approximately 60 minutes of movie record time, 150 still shots and a live viewing time of 70 minutes. The PowerShot ZOOM uses a microSD card as storage media. 

Seamless Connectivity with Smartphones for Sharing on the Go

For easy sharing on various social media platforms, images recorded on the PowerShot ZOOM can be transferred to a smartphone via Canon’s Camera Connect app wirelessly or via wired USB. With the Camera Connect app, users can perform remote shooting and share the images being viewed in real time, on a smartphone with family and friends.

When the PowerShot ZOOM is connected to a smartphone via a wired USB cable, it is recognized as a USB mass storage device, and images can be imported into the smartphone. 

Thoughts and Views

I had a short hands on with the PowerShot ZOOM when I went on a photo walk with Ryan Cheng, a fellow photographer who had the Canon PowerShot ZOOM for a review. His photos that he shot from this digital monocular camera is published inside my article.

I had the opportunity to try out the PowerShot ZOOM . It’s simple to use, it’s also really handy and useful especially for wildlife photographers. This PowerShot ZOOM is a mix of a monocular camera and scope/binoculars. Not only can you take photos, you would be able to “mark out” the location before you switch to your   camera and lens setup to photograph the wildlife.

I reckon this would be an excellent complement to a setup such as Canon EOS R5 or Canon EOS R6 with RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens, the new favourite Canon mirrorless lens and telephoto zoom lens combination for wildlife photography.

Canon PowerShot Zoom Technical Specifications 

Pricing and Availability

The Canon PowerShot ZOOM will be available at authorised dealers in April 2021 at a retail price of $459.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and GLOO PR *

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In my short hands on experience article that I published in July 2020, I confessed that I wasn’t really into lenses with focal length range of 100-500mm as my setup was geared towards the holy trinity setup and big prime lenses. During the period when I was reviewing the Canon RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens, I was enlightened, my perceptions and views of this focal length range changed.  

A favourite lens for wildlife photographers 

I have been reading and looking at Facebook groups/pages posts on wildlife photographs shot in Singapore. There is a trend on these combinations of Canon EOS R5 or EOS R6 with RF100-500mm lens. I had chats with the folks from my local camera shop that I regularly go to, this is quite a popular camera and lens combination that the photographers wanted to get.

When I had the RF100-500mm lens with the Canon EOS R5 for review, I finally understood and realise why this is such a popular combination and setup. From my adventures at Jurong Bird Park, to West Coast Park, Bukit Batok Nature Park, Pasir Ris Park and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. I photographed quite a lot of wildlife photographs.

The 100mm to 500mm range is versatile for wildlife photography, you would not be constrained by shorter focal lengths or a fixed focal length lens. The photographs quality are sharp even when shooting at its maximum aperture. 

This would not be the fastest lens since it’s not a constant aperture lens, nevertheless the AF is pretty impressive and fast when paired with the EOS R5 body (and I believe it would be just as good with the EOS R6 body too).

More than just a lens for wildlife and sports photography 

Although this lens is probably going to be more geared towards wildlife and sports photography, it’s a versatile lens that photographers can use for sports, travel and landscapes too. While I didn’t get the opportunity to photograph sports events with this lens, I was able to photograph people/machines in action from a distance away and landscapes too. 

Photographing landscapes with this 100mm to 500mm focal length range telephoto lens is probably less common, even less common in Singapore when it’s a small country by land size and honestly speaking, it doesn’t have much of a wide and vast landscapes in big countries that I visited. Using the RF100-500mm to shoot landscapes in Singapore, I managed to capture some beautiful moments that I really like and didn’t expect to come out in a way that I would expect from my travel photography trips overseas. 

Personal thoughts and views

This is a lens that change my view on long focal length range telephoto zoom lens. While I am a user and supporter of zoom lenses such as 24-70mm and 70-200mm focal range, a longer range focal length such as 70-300mm or 100-400mm didn’t attract me as much initially in my photography adventures. I was more inclined towards prime telephoto lens such as the 300mm f/2.8L for their speed and optics. During the period when I was reviewing the RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens, it changed my view and approach towards wildlife, sports and action photography. I am now more inclined towards focal length range telephoto zoom lens, keen to get this lens some time down the road.

Key factors and points that convinced and changed me after using RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens

• Lighter in weight
• More versatile than a fixed focal length prime lens 
• Easier to carry and move around with faster reaction time when photographing wildlife/sports versus a fixed prime lens on a tripod 
• The optics quality and AF speed is excellent considering that it’s not a fixed focal length prime lens
• Price is a lot lower as compared to a fixed focal length prime lens 

A versatile, portable and not too heavy telephoto zoom lens with excellent optics quality that is comparable to a prime lens. Since it’s not a constant aperture lens, the auto-focus speed may not be as fast as a prime lens. However, when paired with the Canon EOS R5 or R6, the AF speed is still pretty fast and impressive. 

This remarkable lens is very Ideal for wildlife, sports and travel, sometimes landscapes too. In the wildlife and birding community, a number of photographers have the Canon EOS R5 or Canon EOS R6 and RF100-500mm setup, a powerful, ideal, excellent and popular combination of both AF speed, AF accuracy, optics and output quality (45MP Canon EOS R5 sensor provides lot of details even when cropping in). 

The retail recommended price for the Canon RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens is SGD$4,459, compared to a cost of a big aperture prime lens, it’s not that expensive.

The Canon RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens is a versatile, portable and not too heavy telephoto zoom lens, very ideal and suitable for wildlife photographers, sports and travel. This highly capable long range telephoto zoom lens gives photographers options to choose from for their wildlife or sports photography. A value for money top quality Canon L lens that gives photographers, versatility and portability versus the more expensive prime telephoto lens. Whether it is a telephoto zoom lens or telephoto prime lens, photographers have the options available to choose from. 

More photographs shot with the RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens can be viewed here inside this Flickr photo album. Do check out my other photo albums on Flickr, Canon EOS R5, Canon EOS R6, Canon RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM and Canon RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM and check out my articles on my recent reviews and testings of the Canon EOS R5, Canon EOS R6, Canon RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM and Canon RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM.

* I would like to thank Canon Singapore for the opportunity to review the Canon RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens *

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This was for the long-running series “On The Red Dot” programme that airs on Channel 5 and ChannelNewsAsia. The episodes that that been produced and aired on TV were really good, excellent content, nostalgia for some of the content they produced and they also covered current issues too. You can catch up and watch “On The Red Dot” episodes on CNA Insider YouTube channel!  

When On The Red Dot episode 35: Places We Miss: The Last Goodbye on Tanglin Halt was aired on TV, I watched it with great nostalgia, the older generation HDB flats, the kampung spirit, two storey shophouses and delicious local hawker food. Although I did not stay in Tanglin Halt, it was part of my growing up years, passing by/through Tanglin Halt on my way home from secondary school days, from Gan Eng Seng School to Clementi.

Here are some of the photographs of Tanglin Halt that I shot in 2015.

I was honoured and humbled that my photographs that I shot in 2015 played a small part in this On The Red Dot episode. My personal photography documentation on heritage, history, culture and old places have always been ongoing, mainly through my photography and writing down notes. All these journeys of mine took time, at times putting it one side and moving into another area before returning back to it again.

This is the time to revisit and continue my documentation of Tanglin Halt. I made a quick trip down recently after this episode was aired, with the Canon EOS R5 camera that I am reviewing. This was meant to be a short photography fieldwork, to reconnect with this area before planning my schedule in the months ahead to continue. 

From the kampung spirit, shophouses, delicious local hawker food, the former rail corridor/green corridor and the older generation HDB blocks. I would try my best to document, photograph and cover as much of Tanglin Halt before it’s gone forever.    

Tanglin Halt – Time to revisit in 2021, to continue on my personal photography and documentation of old places in Singapore before it’s gone forever into our history books, websites and archives. This would be taking place over the next few months.

Remember to get your international driver permit from INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS ASSOCIATION when you can travel out to explore different destinations around the world by car!

A special TGH Photography x Canon EOS R5 Explorer Series Production.

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This is an initiative led by STPI – Creative Workshop and Gallery, supported by the National Arts Council, it’s also the anchor event of the Singapore Art Week. This third edition has both physical and online showcase with two offerings, S.E.A. Focus Digital and S.E.A. Focus Curated. A new integrated experience for local and international audiences to encounter and deepen their appreciation of Southeast Asian art. 

Project director of S.E.A. Focus and executive director of STPI Emi Eu says: “In such a critical time, I am truly grateful that we have been able to organise the third edition of S.E.A. Focus in this meaningful hybrid format. The knowledge that audiences, artists and other stakeholders on a global level are able to experience and appreciate the digital and in-person offerings brings me great joy and encouragement. This dynamic showcase would not have been possible without the collaborative spirit of the participating galleries and artists, as well as the dedication and commitment of my team; I owe a great debt of gratitude to them. We will continue to work hard on realising the project in its entirety.”

For those in Singapore, you can visit S.E.A. Focus 2021 for an in-person contemporary art experiences including hyper-horizon, the physical exhibition of the S.E.A. Focus Curated. It’s held at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, there is curated selection of artworks as a seamless exhibition experience unlike the typical art fair presentation with segregated booths.

During the media preview, we had a short tour of some of the curated contemporary artworks on display, the stories behind the artists’ works, meanings and thoughts behind it. Although I wasn’t able to throughly view, absorb and learnt more about each artists’ artworks, there were some that caught my attention, trigged and provoked my thoughts on various issues and matters. 

Last year 2020 had been a very difficult time for the whole world as we were battling (and we are still continuing the battle against it this year 2021) the global pandemic. Not only were our livelihoods affected, our mental and emotional well-being were also affected. Even though not many of us are artistically talented in painting, sculpting etc, we can connect with the arts through our eyes, heart, mind and soul, whether it is in its contemporary art or traditional form. 

If you are in living and based in Singapore, I would encourage you to visit S.E.A. Focus 2021 at Tanjong Pagar Distripark and immerse yourself into the world of contemporary art by talented artists from Southeast Asia. 

Allow the contemporary artworks masterpieces to engage you in person when you are viewing them, through thoughts and conversation on arts, history, heritage, culture and society issues.

Let art takes over, immerse yourself and engage with the contemporary arts scene at S.E.A. Focus 2021. 

For more information and details on S.E.A Focus 2021, please visit their website and social media pages below:

Dates: 22nd January 2021 to 31st January 2021

Opening hours: 1pm to 8pm

Website: https://seafocus.sg/ 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SEAFocusSG/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seafocus/ 

YouTube: S.E.A. Focus

Artsy: https://www.artsy.net/sea-focus 

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Hypebeast@Uni is featuring original prints by leading visual proponents Takashi Murakami, Chiho Aoshima, Steven Harrington, Shen Jingdong and up-and-coming Dutch doodle artist Stijn Valentijn, the contemporary art will be for sale while diners eat – with 10 percent of all income going to the Children’s Society of Singapore.

A collaboration between Pop art gallery simpleArte by iCare.4u and specialist sea urchin restaurant Uni Gallery at The Plaza on Beach Road, offering diners an opportunity to tap into the “hypebeast” movement with a series of collectible pop prints showcasing some of thew world’s best-known contemporary artists. 

For those who love Japanese food and especially sea urchin, you have to check out Uni Gallery by OosterBay. It’s a sashimi restaurant for its exquisite focus on sea urchin dishes. Uni Gallery with its specialist take on Japanese cuisine makes it an obvious choice and location to showcase the extraordinary artworks by world-known artists. 

As for simpleArte, they are at the forefront bringing pop art to Singapore. “Hypebeast” is a movement based on street fashion that has proven to be a powerful force in contemporary culture. 

“This collaboration provides a platform in which popular art, street culture and food can align and be accessible to the general public,” said Jason Ong, owner of Uni Gallery. “It’s also helping to provide support to children in need.” 

“Hypebeast@Uni will offer diners the chance to experience modern street art first-hand as simpleArte brings an artistic perspective to the movement often characterized by high priced sneakers and urban streetwear,“ said Glen Tay, curator at simpleArte. 

“You can buy a ‘Hypebeast’ t-shirt, get the insanely priced sneakers … and now you can also own a piece of iconic, limited-edition print from the same movement,” said Tay. “‘Hypebeast’ is the most contemporary of all street culture right now, and our artists are among the frontrunners.”

Featured artists like Takashi Murakami have been lauded around the world for their work – his most expensive piece to date sold for US$13,500,000 at Sotheby’s New York auction in 2008. Steven Harrington is the leader of a contemporary Californian psychedelic-pop aesthetic, while Chiho Aoshima has worked with legendary Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake. Shen Jingdong is a leading contemporary artist in China while Stijn Valentijn describes himself as ‘a part time student of neuro sciences and full time visual artist’.

“We support modern culture in all its forms, and given that the art is so fresh and contemporary, we felt it was a great chance to connect our food with this movement. “We are bringing the best of the world’s artists from the ‘hypebeast’ movement right to your table,” said Ong of Uni Gallery. 

The art pieces will be displayed in the main dining area and private dining rooms at Uni Gallery. They will be refreshed every time a sale is made, guests can look forward to new limited editions in a series of four shows. This inaugural showcase will feature iconic artworks pieces by the featured artists Takashi Murakami, Chiho Aoshima, Steven Harrington, Shen Jingdong and up-and-coming Dutch doodle artist Stijn Valentijn.

At the media event, we had an exclusive media-only interaction with Dutch artist Stijn Valentijn via Zoom. This was a very interesting, interactive and fun experience as we learnt and understood more from the artist himself via Zoom on his artworks, inspirations and styles.

Hypebeast@Uni would definitely interest contemporary arts and pop culture lovers in Singapore. With an awesome pairing of delicious Japanese food and drinks, all these makes up a lovely and wonderful combination of arts, food and pop culture coming together. This would make a great outing and gathering for fellow friends who are also into arts, food and pop culture. Do check out Hypebeast@Uni, enjoy and have a fun evening of contemporary arts and pop culture enjoyment along with delicious Japanese food and drinks!

Oh yes, for those are fans of Old Master Q, it’s in the next instalment coming soon in April! Hypebeast@Uni forms part of an ongoing series for 2021, don’t miss it!

For more information on Hypebeast@Uni

Uni Gallery 

Address: 7500A Beach Rd, B1-310 The Plaza, Singapore 199591 

Tel: 9838 8209

Website: www.unigallery.sg 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unigallerysg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unigallerysg/

Enquiries: enquiry@oosterbay.com

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday

Lunch : 11.30am to 2.45pm (last order)

Dinner : 6pm to 10pm(last order)

Drinks : Till 10:30 pm

simpleArte by iCare.4U (Gallery) 

Address: 237 Pandan Loop, Westech Building  Unit 04-06, Singapore 128424

Website: http://www.simplearte.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplearteasia/

Contact: glen@abouticare.com

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