Articles Archive for March 2008
MODERN DARKROOM »
Introduction These image are not the best in composition nor of great artistry. Just a simple illustration on what can be done and how I do it. But always remember, a good image never need a lot of manipulation or processing. Also, there are many ways to come to the final end product and this is just one of the ways. Images shot in jpeg will still be able to be processed in this manner but it is subjective to the dynamic range of the ... Read More
HARDWARE STORE »
Introduction An often asked question when one starts to venture into bird photography is the appropriate focal length lens to use. While most people will recommended using the longest focal length that one can bring or afford, the truth is, there are a variety of lens which are appropriate for different subjects and environments. Birds are generally lively and challenging subjects. They are especially active in the early morning and late evening, when light is usually lower. Things are not helped by the fact ... Read More
HARDWARE STORE »
A Guide for Newbies Author & Editor Author: Arthur Editor: <Please add your name here if you have edit this article> Photographs and article are copyright of Arthur Introduction Ultra zoom cameras have gained much popularity over the recent years because of their long focus reach, a hot cake especially among those who are keen to try out bird photography. Unlike typical P&S cameras, Ultra zoom cameras offer much more functions and users have control over the camera settings. Some models even offer a hot shoe where one ... Read More
HARDWARE STORE »
Just want to share my Point and Shoot camera set-up to those interested in the bird photography but not capable of investing in expensive equipment like prime lens and DSLR camera ... The following is my Point and Shoot camera set-up. Camera Panasonic FZ18 Important feature: 18x optical zoom equal to 504mm in 8M pixel, suitable for shooting wildlife. Add 2x telecovertor will equal to 1008mm in 8M pixel Cost: Below RM1700 Tripod For 'usual' camera and video use JENOVA brand Cost: below RM50 Teleconvertor Canon model TC-DC58C 2x with DIY adapter. Cost: Less ... Read More
BIRDING IN SINGAPORE »
Author & Editor Author: Jw73 Editor: <Please add your name here if you have edit this article> Photographs and article are copyright of Jw73 Landscape shot of the Kelong walk, 1D2 28mm Facts Admission: Free Opening time: 7 days a week, 365 days, 24 hrs Getting there: Bus service No 2 and 29. Parking at carpark near Changi Ferry Terminal and Changi Food Centre or at the Changi Sailing Club Description: It is 2.6-km long and 2.4m wide, located on the western part of Changi Point in Singapore. The boardwalk faces ... Read More
THE JOURNEY »
Author & Editor Author: wilis Editor: <Please add your name here if you have edit this article> Photographs and article are copyright of wilis Introduction I was inspired to make the trip to Japan after seeing wonderful images made by Starrynight during his trip 2 years back. Please refer to his trip report found at the article section. Unable to take leave from work earlier, I could only set off from Singapore on 15 March, fully aware its at the tail end of Japan winter, and just 1 ... Read More
HARDWARE STORE »
Tamron SP AF200-500mm F/5-6.3 Di LD (IF) Review by Arthur Author & Editor Author: Arthur Editor: <Please add your name here if you have edit this article> Photographs and article are copyright of Arthur Introduction Bird/Nature Photography is never a cheap hobby; the price tags of long telephoto prime lenses alone already cost a bomb. So as a new newbie with a tight budget constraint, how can he/she enjoy this wonderful hobby? The direct answer is to opt for third parties lenses. One of this third party lenses is ... Read More
HARDWARE STORE »
Review by Starrynight Handling Physical size and price comparing with canon 400 mm 5.6 and Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED This is how it looked like in the field zoom in at 400mm (above) The unique physical feature is that the zoom is a push n pull mechanism instead of the usual ‘turning’ ones. This will require some practice to get used to. This matters when it comes to flight shots. Also if one pushed in and out to frame the birds in flight ... Read More
MODERN DARKROOM »
Ever took shots of subjects in dull sky or bad background conditions. Fret not! I have a solution for you to recycle some of your photos in a creative manner. Read on and I will tell you how. Double exposures in a photographic film term is basically shooting 2 exposure on a same piece of film/slide. If you use a film camera, simply take 2 shots without winding. If you have a DSLR with a multiple exposure setting (eg., Nikon D2x, D300), you ... Read More
THE JOURNEY »
Birding in Sabah, Malaysia - Part 1 Author & Editor Author: TSWong Editor: <Please add your name here if you have edit this article> Photographs and article are copyright of TSWong Location and Geographical significance Sabah (used to be called North Borneo)lies on the northern part of Borneo Island. Borneo has a land area of 746,337 square kilometers. Politically it is divided into three countries; Malaysia, Indonesia and the Brunei. The land areas of each political division are as follows: Sabah 76,115 Sq. M Sarawak ... Read More
THE JOURNEY »
Birding at Top End of Australia "The Top End is the second northernmost point on the continent of Australia, behind the Cape York Peninsula. It covers a rather vaguely-defined area of perhaps 400,000 square kilometres bounded by sea on three sides (the Indian Ocean on the west, the Arafura Sea to the north, and the Gulf of Carpentaria to the east), and by the almost waterless semi-arid interior of Australia to the south." - quote from wikipedia Author & Editor Author: MountainMan Editor: <Please add your ... Read More
BIRDING »
Author & Editor Author: nelson khor Editor: <Please add your name here if you have edit this article> Photographs and article are copyright of nelson khor Introduction Just sharing my experience on " capturing kingfisher " on a lovely perch, clear background and sweet light with food. It may not happen in one day but with this right approach or tip, it will be possible to get the picture you always wanted. Below is the " 4W " (WHAT, HOW, WHEN and WHERE) which I applied for ... Read More
HARDWARE STORE »
Handling I feel that the Nikon 500mm F4 is a well-balanced lens. Although it doesn't have the reach of a 600mm, it is easy to handle because of its small size and light weight (about 3.45kg). My current setup for forest tracking trips consists of a Flash Bracket, Jobu Jr II Gimbal, Nikon D300 and a Feisol CT-3342, weighing about 6kg in total. However, when shooting from a car, it is quite difficult to handle if the lens hood is mounted. The lens hood ... Read More
THE JOURNEY »
A taste of Wallacean, Manado trip report Author & Editor Author: wilis Editor: <Please add your name here if you have edit this article> Photographs and article are copyright of wilis Participants, Agent, Guide, Flight and Transportation Participants: Remo, Eric, Wilis Local Agent: Adventureindo Tangkoko Guide: Bobby & Antry. Flight: Silk Air flies direct to Manado. Flight time: 3 hr 40m. Transport: 7 seater minibus for our party of three. Lake Tandano is 1 hour drive from Manado. Tangkoko Nat Park is 2 hrs drive frm Manado. Itinerary Day1: Arrival early afternoon in Manado. To ... Read More
HARDWARE STORE »
Introduction As a sports and nature shooter, I like my lens compact, lightweight and versatile. Not forgetting, cheap too. Good long lenses from Nikon or Canon can be costly. Good thing is that we have 3rd part brands with the likes of Sigma, Tamron and Tokina. Latest check I made on the prices of a Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8D IF-ED II VR is about SGD$7200 while a Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM is going for about SGD$7,488. A Sigma APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX ... Read More
THE JOURNEY »
Author & Editor Author: Starrynight Photographs and article are copyright of starrynight Introduction When I first decided to go Fraser Hill, I was very hesitant and worried. It is because although internet has information regarding this birding paradise, much details are lacking. But thanks to MM, Sree etc ‘s help, I am able to pick up my courage and explore this wonderland twice. Hence I would like to share my experience here so those may venture with better confidence… Getting there The route I took is - ... Read More
SPIRIT BEHIND THE CAMERA »
For the month of March, we are very glad to interview Mr Lee Thiah Khee aka as LTK, who is a veteran in the news and media industry. NPX: What got you interested in photography? LTK: I was brought up from a poor family. My father passed away when I was only 14 years old. I decided to get a job and start working immediately after National Service so I can support my mum and 3 young siblings. Partially influenced by my father, photography ... Read More
BIRDING »
Author & Editor Author: Ingo Editor: <Please add your name here if you have edit this article> Photographs and article are copyright of Ingo Part 1. Small calidris wader A group of small (around 15cm) and compact shorebirds with short legs, with round head and body, most are rather short-necked. Bill form very variable, but generally fairly short and straight. As a result, they are rather cute looking. Red-necked Stint (common, often in large groups) Little Stint (accidental, but possibly quite regular along the Indian ocean coastline) Long-toed ... Read More