.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Thinking Orang Utan
Deep in thought.. thinking about Ah Meng (more info from Singapore Zoo webpage) or the future doesn't look promising ?
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Close up with 500mm f8 mirror lens
Well, here are few shot with my new 500mm lens.. everything is closer with this lens.It's fun using the lens as it's small and very portable.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
SONY_FoamCity
SONY_FoamCity
Originally uploaded by eyesthruthelens
SONY new FF DSLR at sub US$2K
You need to ask yourself.. is it possible?
If it's true, what will happen to Nikon D3 or the new Canon 5D Mk II camera? Are they able to match the sub US$2K pricing?
If it's true, what will happen to Nikon D3 or the new Canon 5D Mk II camera? Are they able to match the sub US$2K pricing?
It's possible, if you ask me.
But.. it won't be the 24mpixel sensor. SONY may be using current Nikon D3 sensor for their A700 upgrade, a Full Frame DSLR with liveview.
We need to wait and see what SONY is going to announce in the next 2 months.
Sony 16-105mm f3.5-5.6
How about this high-end SONY kit lens?
This lens can gives a very nice bokeh at 105mm range. Something that I can't get from the CZ 16-80mm lens. It's very useful for close up shots.
Updates on 13 July 08:
Sold this lens to another Alpha-mount user. This lens is highly recommended for APS-Sensor DSLR.
You can view photos captured with this lens in my Australia gallery in Flickr - My Collection from Australia.
Reason for selling: Positioning for FF DSLR - heard that there is a new SONY 24-105mm f4 G SSM lens. :)
Well, I just purchased one for my coming holiday trip to Perth, Australia. I received the lens 2 days ago, and initial testing on this lens showed very positive results.
Sharpness: ****1/2
Color: ****1/2
Bokeh: ****
For the price you paid for the lens, you will not be disappointed.
This lens can gives a very nice bokeh at 105mm range. Something that I can't get from the CZ 16-80mm lens. It's very useful for close up shots.
Updates on 13 July 08:
Sold this lens to another Alpha-mount user. This lens is highly recommended for APS-Sensor DSLR.
You can view photos captured with this lens in my Australia gallery in Flickr - My Collection from Australia.
Reason for selling: Positioning for FF DSLR - heard that there is a new SONY 24-105mm f4 G SSM lens. :)
iPhone
Well, what can I comment about this phone except that it's the best gadget on market today.
If you have a chance to buy just one electronics device in a year, make sure iPhone is in the list :)
It's that good.. and fun to use.
A phone, MP3 player, photo storage, Video player.. a camera with direct link to Flickr upload, Map, email reader and VOIP.. in such a small and beautiful phone.
Initially I was a bit disappointed that iPhone is not able to sync with PC thru bluetooth. After using the phone for a month, the iPhone itself is the PC. You do not need PC anymore.. everthing is on the phone itself.. uploading photos, reading emails, calender. What you need is just wi-fi access.
There are news that iPhone 2 is launching in June 2008 with 3G, with solar panel battery charger.
Can't really think of any reason for not buying the phone anymore.
Here are my pick for recommended iPhone applications:
1. Fring - MSN and VOIP
2. Converter - currency conversion and others
3. TuneWiki - MP3 player with Lyrics
4. iFlcikr - real time upload to Flickr thru Wi-fi
5. Wallpaper - you can select cool wallpaper from internet
6. StreetFlow - Map with info sharing from members
7. Funambol - Internet Sync contacts
8. NemusSync - Internet Sync Google Calender
9. System application - Categories, Customize, itoday, ringtone and others..
Use the new biteSMS for SMSing.. it's faster and able to support forwarding.
Waiting for more news on iPhone 2.
Updates on 17th June 2008:
iPhone 3G announced by Apple on 9th June 2008. The big news is that it's 3G with GPS inbuild.. and cost half the price of current iPhone.
By end of this year, iPhone should be all over the world.
If you have a chance to buy just one electronics device in a year, make sure iPhone is in the list :)
It's that good.. and fun to use.
A phone, MP3 player, photo storage, Video player.. a camera with direct link to Flickr upload, Map, email reader and VOIP.. in such a small and beautiful phone.
Initially I was a bit disappointed that iPhone is not able to sync with PC thru bluetooth. After using the phone for a month, the iPhone itself is the PC. You do not need PC anymore.. everthing is on the phone itself.. uploading photos, reading emails, calender. What you need is just wi-fi access.
There are news that iPhone 2 is launching in June 2008 with 3G, with solar panel battery charger.
Can't really think of any reason for not buying the phone anymore.
Here are my pick for recommended iPhone applications:
1. Fring - MSN and VOIP
2. Converter - currency conversion and others
3. TuneWiki - MP3 player with Lyrics
4. iFlcikr - real time upload to Flickr thru Wi-fi
5. Wallpaper - you can select cool wallpaper from internet
6. StreetFlow - Map with info sharing from members
7. Funambol - Internet Sync contacts
8. NemusSync - Internet Sync Google Calender
9. System application - Categories, Customize, itoday, ringtone and others..
Use the new biteSMS for SMSing.. it's faster and able to support forwarding.
Waiting for more news on iPhone 2.
Updates on 17th June 2008:
iPhone 3G announced by Apple on 9th June 2008. The big news is that it's 3G with GPS inbuild.. and cost half the price of current iPhone.
By end of this year, iPhone should be all over the world.
Monday, June 16, 2008
SONY A300/350 videos
Sony A300/A350
A350.. bubbles floating
Sony A350.. looking down
(Sony Alpha’s latest commercial in Korea by So Ji Sub)
A350.. bubbles floating
Sony A350.. looking down
(Sony Alpha’s latest commercial in Korea by So Ji Sub)
Minolta 28-70mm f2.8 G
Production period - 1993
Full Frame lens, non-D
F-stop - 2.8 - 22
Focal Length - 28-70 mm
Min Focus Distance - 850 mm
Aperture blade - 7
No filter rotation during zoom or focusing
Length (min/max) - 114.5mm / 114.5mm
Filter size - 72
Weight - 850 g
This is a classic Minolta lens. Construction is definitely top quality. Just by looking at the lens itself, it's already justified the high price you paid for the lens.. :)
The lens will not extend the length from 28 to 70mm range - internal focusing, Link
I managed to get a copy of this lens in a very good condition (look at the photos below)
The strength of this lens.. it's the bokeh and the ability to create the 3D effect on photo.
I can't really explain about the 3D effect, it's very much like the film effect and you can feel the distance between objects on the photo. It's amazing and so far, no other lens can create such 3D effect.
(I'll try to post a photo below)
According to some reports, this zoom lens has the double aperture blades (the same one on the famous Minolta 135mm STF lens - for the great bokeh effect). Maybe that explains the nice bokeh from the lens.
I did a test between this zoom lens and the Minolta 35mm f1.4 G. Click on this link to view the results.
(can't wait to test the lens on SONY FF DSLR)
Sharpness is acceptable, even from f2.8 but it gets better at f4 to f8. Not the type of sharpness as CZ 24-70mm f2.8.
A simple test between this zoom lens and the Minolta 28mm f2.0 - link.
Will I replace this lens with CZ 24-70mm f2.8?
For now, a definite answer - NO.
I'm not really into sharpness as I believe all G lenses are sharp. If you need "CZ" sharpness, pump up the contrast.
It's the bokeh and the ability to retain details that makes a good lens. This G zoom lens is giving such results.
It could be the best zoom lens (24-80mm range) for Bokeh.
So, far now, I'm keeping this great lens.
Some photos from this lens:
View On Black
I captured this photo early in the morning when it's still quiet and the water is calm.
Camera: Konica Minolta 5D
View On Black
I captured this photo during the yearly Canon Photo Marathon event in year 2007.
Camera: Sony A700
View On Black
A night shot on the new Singapore Flyer.
Model shoot with Alphdslr group (www.alphadslr.com). This is one of the shot that I like.
Full Frame lens, non-D
F-stop - 2.8 - 22
Focal Length - 28-70 mm
Min Focus Distance - 850 mm
Aperture blade - 7
No filter rotation during zoom or focusing
Length (min/max) - 114.5mm / 114.5mm
Filter size - 72
Weight - 850 g
This is a classic Minolta lens. Construction is definitely top quality. Just by looking at the lens itself, it's already justified the high price you paid for the lens.. :)
The lens will not extend the length from 28 to 70mm range - internal focusing, Link
I managed to get a copy of this lens in a very good condition (look at the photos below)
The strength of this lens.. it's the bokeh and the ability to create the 3D effect on photo.
I can't really explain about the 3D effect, it's very much like the film effect and you can feel the distance between objects on the photo. It's amazing and so far, no other lens can create such 3D effect.
(I'll try to post a photo below)
According to some reports, this zoom lens has the double aperture blades (the same one on the famous Minolta 135mm STF lens - for the great bokeh effect). Maybe that explains the nice bokeh from the lens.
I did a test between this zoom lens and the Minolta 35mm f1.4 G. Click on this link to view the results.
(can't wait to test the lens on SONY FF DSLR)
Sharpness is acceptable, even from f2.8 but it gets better at f4 to f8. Not the type of sharpness as CZ 24-70mm f2.8.
A simple test between this zoom lens and the Minolta 28mm f2.0 - link.
Will I replace this lens with CZ 24-70mm f2.8?
For now, a definite answer - NO.
I'm not really into sharpness as I believe all G lenses are sharp. If you need "CZ" sharpness, pump up the contrast.
It's the bokeh and the ability to retain details that makes a good lens. This G zoom lens is giving such results.
It could be the best zoom lens (24-80mm range) for Bokeh.
So, far now, I'm keeping this great lens.
Some photos from this lens:
View On Black
I captured this photo early in the morning when it's still quiet and the water is calm.
Camera: Konica Minolta 5D
View On Black
I captured this photo during the yearly Canon Photo Marathon event in year 2007.
Camera: Sony A700
View On Black
A night shot on the new Singapore Flyer.
Model shoot with Alphdslr group (www.alphadslr.com). This is one of the shot that I like.
Minolta 135mm f2.8
Production period - 1985
Full Frame lens, non-D
F-stop - 2.8 - 32
Min Focus Distance - 1m
Aperture blade - 7
No filter rotation during zoom or focusing
Length (min/max) - 83mm / 83mm
Filter size - 55
Weight - 365 g
This is one of my very first prime lens from Minolta that I purchased (I was using Konica Minolta 5D DSLR camera)
At that time, the A-mount lenses were not that expensive and I got it at a very attractive price. :)
As you can see, this is a very small lens with f-stop 2.8. The lens's hood is integrated. Just need to push it out to function. Can you imagine a 135mm f2.8 FF lens in this size (83mm) and only weight 365g.
(That is why I like these old Minolta lenses.) - I got a 100mm f2.0 that is smaller than this lens. Look at the photo below.
Left - 100mm f2.0 lens and right, the 135mm f2.8.
Why I'm still keeping this lens:
Recommended as a good portrait lens at f2.8.
I like this lens for its size and the great sharpness and bokeh. The integrated hood is an unique feature on the lens as well.
If you can find oneat the range of less than US$400 and good condition, you should buy one.
Some photos from this lens:
View On Black
I captured this photo during the Disney on Ice show in Singapore Indoor Stadium. I like this photo for the "painting" effect and the exposure + color. No post processing done one the photo - dirct jpeg from SONY A700 camera at iso 1250, f-stop 3.5.
Full Frame lens, non-D
F-stop - 2.8 - 32
Min Focus Distance - 1m
Aperture blade - 7
No filter rotation during zoom or focusing
Length (min/max) - 83mm / 83mm
Filter size - 55
Weight - 365 g
This is one of my very first prime lens from Minolta that I purchased (I was using Konica Minolta 5D DSLR camera)
At that time, the A-mount lenses were not that expensive and I got it at a very attractive price. :)
As you can see, this is a very small lens with f-stop 2.8. The lens's hood is integrated. Just need to push it out to function. Can you imagine a 135mm f2.8 FF lens in this size (83mm) and only weight 365g.
(That is why I like these old Minolta lenses.) - I got a 100mm f2.0 that is smaller than this lens. Look at the photo below.
Left - 100mm f2.0 lens and right, the 135mm f2.8.
Why I'm still keeping this lens:
Recommended as a good portrait lens at f2.8.
I like this lens for its size and the great sharpness and bokeh. The integrated hood is an unique feature on the lens as well.
If you can find oneat the range of less than US$400 and good condition, you should buy one.
Some photos from this lens:
View On Black
I captured this photo during the Disney on Ice show in Singapore Indoor Stadium. I like this photo for the "painting" effect and the exposure + color. No post processing done one the photo - dirct jpeg from SONY A700 camera at iso 1250, f-stop 3.5.
I captured this photo on film. This lens seems to perform better on film. Look at those beautiful bokeh and the great sharpness..
Minolta lenses
Minolta lenses.. my favorites. Small in size, beautiful and unique.
So, why Minolta lenses? I think the answers are pretty obvious..
1. they are affordable (I got most of my Minolta lenses during the Konica Minolta era - unfortunately, the price has been going up now since SONY started releasing those amazing A-mount DSLR bodies)
2. Uniquely small.
3. Beautiful Bokeh - there are lots of very good/sharp lenses in the market now.. but not many with the Minolta's Bokeh :) My favorites..
4. Color.. I just like the color from Minolta lenses
On the downside, these lenses may be slow (no SSM) and noisy. I think it's fine for me as I don't really need these features as for now.
1. they are affordable (I got most of my Minolta lenses during the Konica Minolta era - unfortunately, the price has been going up now since SONY started releasing those amazing A-mount DSLR bodies)
2. Uniquely small.
3. Beautiful Bokeh - there are lots of very good/sharp lenses in the market now.. but not many with the Minolta's Bokeh :) My favorites..
4. Color.. I just like the color from Minolta lenses
On the downside, these lenses may be slow (no SSM) and noisy. I think it's fine for me as I don't really need these features as for now.
Most of the Minolta lenses were release 10-20 years ago.. and surprisingly, some of them are still in a very good condition. I'm sure they will last for another 10-20 years.
Here is my own lens collection:
I added my own performance rating for the lenses.
Here is my own lens collection:
I added my own performance rating for the lenses.
Prime
20mm f2.8 (***)
28mm f2.0 (****1/2)
50mm f1.4 (***1/2)
85mm f1.4 G (*****)
100mm f2.0 (*****)
100mm f2.8 macro (****1/2)
135mm f2.8 (****)
20mm f2.8 (***)
28mm f2.0 (****1/2)
50mm f1.4 (***1/2)
85mm f1.4 G (*****)
100mm f2.0 (*****)
100mm f2.8 macro (****1/2)
135mm f2.8 (****)
500mm f8 (***1/2)
Zooms
Sigma DT 10-20mm f4-5.6 (***)
Zooms
Sigma DT 10-20mm f4-5.6 (***)
DT16-105mm f3.5-5.6
17-35mm f2.8-4 (***1/2)
28-70mm f2.8 G (****)
70-210mm f4 (beercan) (***1/2)
80-200mm f2.8 G (*****)
100-300mm f4.5-5.6 D APO (***1/2)
Few of the lenses that I had already sold.. (as my dry cabinet is a bit pack now).. :)
Prime
28mm f2.8 (***)
50mm f1.7 (***)
Zoomes
18-70mm f3.5-5.6 (**)
28-75mm f2.8 (***1/2)
28-135mm f4-4.5 (***1/2)
75-300mm f4.5-5.6 (**1/2)
Old (1st Gen) 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 (Big Beercan) (**)
28-70mm f2.8 G (****)
70-210mm f4 (beercan) (***1/2)
80-200mm f2.8 G (*****)
100-300mm f4.5-5.6 D APO (***1/2)
Few of the lenses that I had already sold.. (as my dry cabinet is a bit pack now).. :)
Prime
28mm f2.8 (***)
50mm f1.7 (***)
Zoomes
18-70mm f3.5-5.6 (**)
28-75mm f2.8 (***1/2)
28-135mm f4-4.5 (***1/2)
75-300mm f4.5-5.6 (**1/2)
Old (1st Gen) 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 (Big Beercan) (**)
Sony A100 and A200 video
I like most of the SONY DSLR advertisements. They focused on the beauty of photography.. taking it slowly and enjoying every moments.
Sony A200
Sony A100
Sony A200
Sony A100
iBounce Flash cards
iBounce cards:
Material - PVC
- Durable, washable and slightly reflective.
- Can use as WB card (cBounce set)
Ordering information:
1. Email (click on "VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE") the quantity you are buying and provide me your mailing address.
2. I'll update you the email for PayPal payment.
3. After receiving the payment, the cards will be mailed to your address.
mBounce set
Selling price - US$10.00/set and mailing cost - US$2.00 for a set. Total cost: US$12.00.
If you are buying > 1 sets, please ask for the total mailing cost.
For more information on mBounce cards, click on this link - mBounce
cBounce set
Selling price - US$10.00/set and mailing cost - US$2.00 for a set. Total cost: US$12.00.
If you are buying > 1 sets, please ask for the total mailing cost.
For more information on cBounce cards, click on this link - cBounce
Material - PVC
- Durable, washable and slightly reflective.
- Can use as WB card (cBounce set)
Ordering information:
1. Email (click on "VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE") the quantity you are buying and provide me your mailing address.
2. I'll update you the email for PayPal payment.
3. After receiving the payment, the cards will be mailed to your address.
mBounce set
Selling price - US$10.00/set and mailing cost - US$2.00 for a set. Total cost: US$12.00.
If you are buying > 1 sets, please ask for the total mailing cost.
For more information on mBounce cards, click on this link - mBounce
cBounce set
Selling price - US$10.00/set and mailing cost - US$2.00 for a set. Total cost: US$12.00.
If you are buying > 1 sets, please ask for the total mailing cost.
For more information on cBounce cards, click on this link - cBounce
mBounce - Next set of iBounce cards
Hi,
I got very positive feedback on the cBounce flash cards from users.
Few of the main positive area on the cards are:
1. They're durable.. good /lasting material - and it's slightly reflective as well.
2. Better control on the flash bounce by adjusting the tilt angle.. + the curved-up or down of the cards
3. Very portable.. can always keep in the camera bag.
There are still some users that commented that it's slightly different from the omnibounce or the light-sphere solution... not as idiot-proof implementation.
Hmm... a pretty good feedback since users had already tried these products and will like have the same effect . As usual, they want to have similar effect but with better portability than lighsphere.
I'm announcing now that we are going to have a new set of flash cards that will work the same way as lightsphere and may be as good as lightsphere... On top of that, it'll be as portable as the cBounce cards.
We have already put a name for this new flash cards -mBounce.
mBounce cards
Selling price - US$10.00/set and mailing cost - US$2.00 for a set. Total cost: US$12.00.
If you are buying > 1 sets, please ask for the total mailing cost.
Payment - by paypal
Ordering information
1. Email (click on "VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE") the quantity you are buying and provide me your mailing address.
2. I'll update you the email for PayPal payment.
3. After receiving the payment, the cards will be mailed to your address.
Photos from mBounce
Ceiling bounce vs. mBounce
Direct Flash vs. mBounce Direct
Comparison with lightsphere.
lightsphere vs. mBounce
Ordering information:
1. Email (click on "VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE") the quantity you are buying and provide me your mailing address.
2. I'll update you the email for PayPal payment.
3. After receiving the payment, the cards will be mailed to your address.
Users are welcome to provide feedback and comments.
Back to homepage
I got very positive feedback on the cBounce flash cards from users.
Few of the main positive area on the cards are:
1. They're durable.. good /lasting material - and it's slightly reflective as well.
2. Better control on the flash bounce by adjusting the tilt angle.. + the curved-up or down of the cards
3. Very portable.. can always keep in the camera bag.
There are still some users that commented that it's slightly different from the omnibounce or the light-sphere solution... not as idiot-proof implementation.
Hmm... a pretty good feedback since users had already tried these products and will like have the same effect . As usual, they want to have similar effect but with better portability than lighsphere.
I'm announcing now that we are going to have a new set of flash cards that will work the same way as lightsphere and may be as good as lightsphere... On top of that, it'll be as portable as the cBounce cards.
We have already put a name for this new flash cards -mBounce.
mBounce cards
Selling price - US$10.00/set and mailing cost - US$2.00 for a set. Total cost: US$12.00.
If you are buying > 1 sets, please ask for the total mailing cost.
Payment - by paypal
Ordering information
1. Email (click on "VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE") the quantity you are buying and provide me your mailing address.
2. I'll update you the email for PayPal payment.
3. After receiving the payment, the cards will be mailed to your address.
Photos from mBounce
Ceiling bounce vs. mBounce
Direct Flash vs. mBounce Direct
Comparison with lightsphere.
lightsphere vs. mBounce
Ordering information:
1. Email (click on "VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE") the quantity you are buying and provide me your mailing address.
2. I'll update you the email for PayPal payment.
3. After receiving the payment, the cards will be mailed to your address.
Users are welcome to provide feedback and comments.
Back to homepage
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Selling Flash iBounce cards - cBounce set
Decided to try selling these flash bounce cards (iBounce) for all DSLR camera models - Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax and others.
Lots of questions were posted to me asking if these cards actually work.. and my answer is definitely "YES".
1. It works.. as good as any other more expensive bounce cards. (On top of that, it's slightly curve and this helps on the light reflection)
2. It's durable - made from PVC. Can be easily clean and water proof. It'll last.
3. Easily store in your camera bags. You will always able to have a bounce card with you whenever you need them. (not like those big / chunky flash bounce with fixed shape)
4. Can fit on all flash models in the market (Sony, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax + others - just in case, you decided to switch systems :)
5. Selling at an affordable price.
So, how much is "affordable"??
cBounce set
Selling price - US$10.00/set and mailing cost - US$2.00 for a set. Total cost: US$12.00.
If you are buying > 1 sets, please ask for the total mailing cost.
Payment - by paypal
Ordering information
1. Email (click on "VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE") the quantity you are buying and provide me your mailing address.
2. I'll update you the email for PayPal payment.
3. After receiving the payment, the cards will be mailed to your address.
4 sizes in a set:
For the 2 smaller cards, you can install at the side of the flash so that it helps when you are taking vertical shots.
Some sample shots with the cBounce flash cards
#1-flash up-right position (without iBounce cards) / #2-Direct Flash / #3-with iBounce
Users are welcome to provide feedback and comments.
Back to homepage
Lots of questions were posted to me asking if these cards actually work.. and my answer is definitely "YES".
1. It works.. as good as any other more expensive bounce cards. (On top of that, it's slightly curve and this helps on the light reflection)
2. It's durable - made from PVC. Can be easily clean and water proof. It'll last.
3. Easily store in your camera bags. You will always able to have a bounce card with you whenever you need them. (not like those big / chunky flash bounce with fixed shape)
4. Can fit on all flash models in the market (Sony, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax + others - just in case, you decided to switch systems :)
5. Selling at an affordable price.
So, how much is "affordable"??
cBounce set
Selling price - US$10.00/set and mailing cost - US$2.00 for a set. Total cost: US$12.00.
If you are buying > 1 sets, please ask for the total mailing cost.
Payment - by paypal
Ordering information
1. Email (click on "VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE") the quantity you are buying and provide me your mailing address.
2. I'll update you the email for PayPal payment.
3. After receiving the payment, the cards will be mailed to your address.
4 sizes in a set:
For the 2 smaller cards, you can install at the side of the flash so that it helps when you are taking vertical shots.
Some sample shots with the cBounce flash cards
#1-flash up-right position (without iBounce cards) / #2-Direct Flash / #3-with iBounce
Users are welcome to provide feedback and comments.
Back to homepage
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