Landscape at Lower Pierce Reservoir

During the weekends, to escape the crowds in Singapore, a good place to relax and enjoy with children is our nature reserves like the Lower Pierce reservoir. This is one of the few beautiful scenic places left in our small island. Fishing is allowed and many kids/adults do prawn catching by the banks. The sunset is directly facing and also a good place to do sunset photography.

My family love to come here to enjoy the peace.

Here are some shots using Olympus Ep-1 and 9-18mm.

iShoot grip for XE-1

After using the original XE-1 grip, I felt that the holding area is much lacking especially with the 55-200mm lens mounted.

I quickly sold the original grip and found this iShoot (china made) grip from Ebay. It is a low cost grip but big in quality. I was pleasantly surprise by the quality. It comes with a cloth bag and a nice box. The finishing and precise machining is great too. It fitted the XE-1 nicely without any gaps (compared to the original).

It can also directly fixed to the grip of the ballhead with the quick release plate.

I understand there is a much branded 3rd party grip available in the market. But I am not sure how does it compare. But I definitely love this low cost ishoot grip.It made my 55-200mm much balanced and better in handling.

Fuji X 35mm f1.4 R

Bought this lens recently from B & H as there is an offer at $445USD.  I have been eyeing for a larger aperture lens since I have the X system. My current 18-55mmf2.8-4 is a great lens but when it comes to low light and bokeh shots, it still lacks something. I have tasted the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 and the 25mmf1.4 before and know what these lenses can produce. The Nikon 50mmf1.8 on my dead D600 was a superb lens too. With one shoot with the X-35mmR, I can testify it is a superb lens and worthy lens to keep by your side. Useful for indoors and low iso setting (even X trans sensor can do high iso, I still prefer to keep iso low to get the best image quality). It can do candid and serious street shooting. A 50mm equivalent lens is a all rounder (some may prefer the 23mmf1.4 (35mm equivalent)) but may be a less flexible compared to the 18-55mmf2.8-4.

Rustic Changi

During the 2nd day of the Lunar New Year. I have a chance to sneak out during the early hours to shoot the low light situation at Changi.
This is one of the last places in Singapore where you can find peace and tranquility. The island's greenery is getting lesser due to the development and increase in population.

All shot by Olympus E-P1 and 9-18mm wide angle.