Haanism

These 2 months, I've kinda overspent on photography stuff.

In Nov, I spent RM750 for a 70-300mm Sigma zoom lens (with Makro). Thanks Andrew for buying it on my behalf. It comes with 2 years warranty.


Guys, meet my son, Siu Sig. Siu means "small" in Cantonese, Sig represents Sigma. I'm his mama, and Andrew is his adopted dad.


I had the courage to purchase, coz Alex already bought it. I think it's coz I trust Alex very much, so I feel this item should have no problem. Furthermore, Andrew forwarded me the reviews which are mostly positive! He also contributed a lot in poisoning me to BUY!!


After buying it, I tested it out during the trip to Cameron Highlands and enjoyed. However, at the same time, I further loved the Nikon D40 kit lens (18-55mm). If the distance is not far, the kit lens could take very fabulous makro images too. Maybe coz my skills are good also, hahaha~~

One fact to mention.. under low light condition, its performance is less remarkable. Just do not expect too much, unless under the presence of sunshine.


I can now shoot candid photos of people from afar!! Yeah!!

Last week, while relaxing in Penang, I stopped by a camera shop (Fotocam) in Prangin Mall. I actually just wanted to buy a UV filter for Siu Sig. I should protect it before it gets hurt.

After some chats, I was recommended to buy a wide angle lens. Basically it's just a special glass that can give you wide angle effect, priced at RM400 (after bargain). Since I like panorama shooting, I was attracted to it.


It's something like this. A piece of thing only!! Just need to append it to the kit lens.

If you want to take makro shots using the kit lens, then you have gotta remove this lens. Wide angle and makro are conflicting each other - one shoots from far, whilst another shoots from close distance.


The salesman told me, it contains the effect of UV filter and polarizing filter. Not sure if he cheats me... no time for any research on the spot.

The benefits of having this lens is, you can easily get a lot of things fit into the small rectangle, without having to move back a lot, or to bend yourself backwards too much. You can see the effect from the photos in this Harvesting post.


Apart from the above two, I also bought a Hoya Pro1 filter for my Siu Sig. Originally, the salesman recommended me a "better" one that can get rid of reflection.



Look at the parts with glass. See the difference?

But then, after several trials, I found that attaching the new filters to my Siu Sig actually produced images with less sharpness. The photo taken without the RM100 filter was even better!!!

Without expensive filter.

With expensive filter.

I went back to the shop. In fact, I called before I went. They said that's maybe the coating problem. However, after trying another brand, it was still the same.

We then tried a just-normal UV filter (only RM40 - I forgot the brand name).. but still... bluuuurrrrrrrrrrrrr :(

All these do not work on Sigma??? He was suspecting so.

I rang Alex, asked him what's the filter he's using. He answered Hoya. Unfortunately, the shop did not have a normal Hoya, but just a Hoya Pro1, which is thinner and more expensive.

After trying and finding it does not cause a blur image, I left with the new Hoya Pro1 filter. I spent quite some time there testing this and that. Almost 2 hours altogether...


Am still using the cheapest DSLR nowadays, Nikon D40. I'm not the kind who likes to stay very updated with all the new brands, keep selling and upgrading.

I'm okay with this D40. A lot of people have all the great camera body or lens but their photos are still just-okay only. I always believe even just a compact camera can produce nice pictures... and the photographer is the key in deciding if an image looks good.

Will bring them along in the coming trip. Wish to take more beautiful photos using my new babies!