Sometimes we take for granted things we see everyday, and I’ve been trying to walk around Singapore to look at it with the eyes of a tourist.

Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS

I rented the Sigma 150-600 from Camera Rental Centre twice so far to shoot canoe sprint events for Team Nila. I rented it with a monopod, which is definitely something I have to get used to and learn how to handle better.

A bird with white head, black band around the eyes, black beak, and brown wing stands on top of a log with leaves as background. — White-crested laughing thrush. Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS + Sony A7IV

The bokeh from sheer compression can be so exhilarating and becomes part of the composition:

A plant with green leaves and red leaves at the peak is centered in front of dark backdrop with white glowing bokeh balls. — This might be a cinnamon plant based on internet search *(Cinnamomum verum)?* Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS + Sony A7IV

This was taken during the Pesta Sukan Canoe Sprint event on Sunday, 4 August, at Kallang Water Sports Centre. When the event first started in the morning, we were blessed with beautiful morning light despite an earlier weather scare:

A closeup view of the top of Singapore Marina Bay Sands building, which looks like a ship deck suspended above waves, on top of condominium rooftops. — Marina Bay Sands in the morning light. Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS + Sony A7IV

Doing panoramas with 150mm is certainly an experience:

The downtown Singapore skyline featuring Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer, HSBC and DBS buildings stand behind condominium buildings at Kallang. — The Singapore downtown skyline viewed from Kallang Water Sports Centre in the morning light. Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS + Sony A7IV

The weather soured at the turn of a hat. In this picture we can see the storm rolling towards us from the Singapore Flyer side. The rain was upon us within seconds of this picture:

Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer are barely made out in a fog and storm clouds while the condominiums and the reservoir are still clear in the foreground. — Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS + Sony A7IV

The races were postponed again and again later into the day as the weather was temperamental. During one of the postponed races in the afternoon, I was surprised by two otters frolicking on the docks right beside me:

A smooth haired otter looks out into the reservoir water. — This is the closest I have ever been to them! They are so much bigger than I thought they would be. They had been hiding behind some kayaks and eventually dived into the water. Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS + Sony A7IV

It’s nice to have a telephoto lens ready during animal encounters. I managed to capture this crow studying me beside the Singapore river simply because I had the 35-150mm Tamron with me during a shoot:

Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD + Sony A7IV, 150mm. I just finally purchased this lens at a ridiculous discounted price brand new--a price even lower than what I see other people sell their heavily used copies for --after renting it for too many gigs.

Unfortunately a telephoto lens is not really something I can include in my EDC—unless I find a good deal on a used Sony RX100VII or RX10IV in the near future.

Coney Island

I’ve visited Coney Island a few times in the past months, which is a great feat considering I stay pretty much at the opposite end of the island.

The first time I went, I only had my Helios lens with me (K-mount) mounted on the Sony A7C. As the rest of the internet knows, it’s a heck of a fun lens teeming with character, and I am very lucky that my copy that I got on eBay for a decent price seems to be more or less a good quality, build-wise, and optically.

I am as delighted as a child whenever I see a hint of the famous swirly bokeh like in this photo:

A close up of a bicycle in a bicycle stand in the rain, with another bicycle in the background. — The rain makes me nervous whenever I carry my vintage lenses around. They're already at a disadvantage as they lack modern coatings and weather sealing build that will help them survive the equatorial humidity. Helios 44-2 + Sony A7C

A Javanese Myna (black bird with yellow beaks and legs) stands on top of a restaurant counter. — I am never amused by the Myna. They are an inherently hilarious species of birds. Helios 44-2 + Sony A7C

Two turtles, one prominent and in focus, basks in the sun with the water at their back. — There is an entire pond of basking turtles at the parking lot closest to the West entrance of Coney Island. That bokeh cut off is weird and is straight out of camera. Helios 44-2 + Sony A7C

An older woman in red shirt on a red bicycle holding a phone in red case reads her phone with the green backdrops of Coney Island. — Tamron 17-28 + Sony A7C

Two portaloos yellow/orange in colour stand out from the dark green scenery of Coney Island. There's a puddle that reflects them. — If you're looking for the portaloos at Coney Island's east end, this is what they look like. The east (Pasir Ris) end was still closed during my last few visits. Helios 44-2 + Sony A7C

Two motorcycle riders wait beside a traffic light in the backdrop of Punggol estates. — Taken from inside the car as a panorama. Helios 44-2 + Sony A7C

When it comes to normal lenses I’ve mostly been opting for the 40/1.2 Voigtlander Nokton because that lens gives me so much joy and pleasure, but I should really make it a point to show more love to my other normal lenses, like the Helios.

Postcards from Singapore: June-August 2024

Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS

Coney Island

2 weeks with Voigtländer Nokton 21mm F1.4 E

Sony RX100V: EDC Camera