Test shoot with my new lens, M.Zuiko 100-400mm F5-6.3 IS at the new Bird Paradise

Found some time to try out my new (used) lens at Bird Paradise. Compared to the old bird park, most of the birds are free roaming in a few giant aviaries. There are many BIF (bird-in-flight) opportunities… really good location to test equipment and skills.

The layout are also quite similar but easier to navigate, just walk from one aviary to the next. To escape the punishing heat and humidity, there are cooling stations in between each one.

Back to the lens test. I found the lens at the maximum 400mm impressive only under very ideal conditions, the shooting the subject within 6m, limiting it to focus within 1.3m-6m mode and low iso (i.e. when lighting is good).

The moment I try to shoot from far, even if I can cover the entire subject within the frame, the details are lost but still usable at the maximum zoom.

Some last words on the new Bird Paradise. The landscaping are better and there were more playgrounds compared to the old Bird Park.

Though I find the new water playground now don’t look as fun as the older one.

Morning walk at Pasir Ris Park Mangrove Boardwalk

This is a mini-version, but much more accessible, of those at Sungei Buloh. Ever since I sold my car, the only thing I really missed is adhoc trips to nature reserves for nature photography.

This mangrove boardwalk is within walking distance from Pasir Ris MRT station.

However, besides lots of mud crabs (especially Singapore Vinegar Crabs), I don’t have much luck today with wild life.

The last dove (anyone help me id pls) was actually found on the way back to the MRT station, not really at the mangrove 🙂

Another short walk around Eco Lake, Botanic Gardens

Just realised photography and exercise can be combined 🙂

I have more luck with birds this trip but have a personal problem (except the rooster and swan) naming them though.

After the swans left, along with the photo-takers, crept a silent monitor lizard 🙂

Quick visit to the Rifle Range Nature Park

This newly opened park has a small carpark to encourage visiting using public transport.

The boardwalks are nice and easily to get around, including wheel chairs but only up to the quarry wetland.

Beyond the quarry wetland, one need to climb a bit to reach the Colugo Deck, a look out overseeing the park.

Challenging route is just a little more challenging.

View from the Colugo Deck

Can’t find much creatures today and have to make do with some common insects.

Short walk in Botanic Gardens, around Eco Lake

Found some time to take a short walk in Botanic Gardens during son’s enrichment lesson. The rainy weather is cool for walking but not ideal for photography 🙂



Lens test @ Toa Payoh Town Park, #mzuiko40150

Testing the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 Pro.

Berlayer Creek Boardwalk

With easing on mask wearing outdoors, dragged my kids out for a walk. First time in nearly 2 years… finally some fresh air 🙂

Sony E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Test Shoot at the Zoo

I bought a used copy of the lens and found a chance for a test shoot at the zoo, the children had their fun, I had mine 🙂

 

River Hong Bao 2019

I think this is one of the first (if not the first) time that River Hong Bao coincides with the i-light at marina bay, bringing out some interesting composition opportunities.

Visit to Kranji Marshes, Sungei Buloh

Finally found some time to explore this “new” extension of Sungei Buloh.

Looks like a long walk ahead…

… and actually quite boring walk. At this point, i didn’t notice the ”restricted access” to my disappointment later.

Many birds along the way but mostly on top of trees that I can see but out of reach of my lens except this massively cropped shot.

Not much luck with fauna but did chance upon some nice flora.

Finally I reach the clearing.

Let’s see what I can see up there.

Nice view but nothing much. Going back down to explore further.

Then I found I can’t proceed further.

I went back to look at the map.

Noted, I didn’t read the fine print…. next time better open my eyes bigger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another trip to the Zoo

Trips to the Zoo get less tiring. The little ones can carry their bags and can walk on their own. I can focus on photography if I wanted to. Nice to note that the Zoo does refresh its exhibits once in a while 🙂

Monitor lizard versus Komodo dragon.

Bye bye!

 

Hunting for butterflies at Singapore Science Centre

I heard about the new exhibit at the Singapore Science Centre, Butterflies Up-Close and decided to come down and take a look.

There are really many species here and the unobservant me had a hard time identifying the butterflies. For those keen, here’s a chart I found there.

For the rest, just enjoy the butterflies 🙂