FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM

Glorious Germany through the lens of @withkhyun | Featuring FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Calvin — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 03:01:23 +0000

Glorious Germany through the lens of @withkhyun | Featuring FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Calvin Mon, 03/25/2024 - 08:31

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Lens highlights | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Why Seok-Hyun chose FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Travel Q&A with Seok-Hyun

South Korean filmmaker Park Seok-Hyun, recognised as @withkhyun on Instagram, is acclaimed for his captivating cinematic outdoor and travel videography. During his latest journey, Seok-Hyun artfully encapsulates the enchanting streets and architecture of Germany, renowned for its rich cultural heritage.

Discover Seok-Hyun's creative approach as he shares insights into how he utilised the powerful FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens to showcase Germany's diverse and picturesque scenes.

Lens highlights | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Seize moments with the versatile FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens. This wide-angle zoom lens has a wide maximum aperture of F2.8, which allows photographers to capture stunning shots even in challenging lighting conditions. This feature makes it a reliable choice for night photography, indoor settings, or any situation where you need to maintain image quality in low light.

Focal Length: 16mm - 35mm
Min. focus distance: 0.22 (W,T)m / 0.73 (W,T)ft
Max. magnification ratio (x): 0.32
Weight: 547g

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 18 mm | 1/30 sec | F2.8 | ISO 500

While lightweight, the lens consistently delivers sharp resolution and satisfying results.”

Why Seok-Hyun chose FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Seok-Hyun believes that the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens was the perfect choice for capturing every moment. This was especially true during his trip to Germany, where he beautifully captured the vibrant holiday lights during the Christmas season. Despite the lens’s lightweight design, it provided consistently sharp resolution, providing him with incredibly satisfying results, even in low-light conditions.

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 35 mm | 1/50 sec | F2.8 | ISO 320

Travel Q&A with Seok-Hyun

What equipment did you take with you on this trip?

During this shoot in Germany, I opted for the Sony Alpha 7CR camera paired with the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens. I considered the distance I had to travel and the need for a high-resolution camera body, which was essential for future prints and exhibitions. Furthermore, I selected this equipment to capture landscape photos during the Christmas season, where ultra-high image quality was imperative. Thanks to the lightweight yet optically superior camera and lens combination, I was able to achieve excellent results.

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 35 mm | 1/50 sec | F2.8 | ISO 320

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 35 mm | 6 sec | F2.8 | ISO 64

What should you be mindful of when shooting in low light?

It's best to avoid high ISO settings in situations with abundant red lights. Maintaining a clean image is crucial to effectively convey the emotional impact in each section of the image. I recommend lowering the shutter speed as much as possible to aid in capturing the shot. ISO settings of 400 or lower are suitable, and a shutter speed of 1/5 second can be used without any blurriness, thanks to the support of optical technology.

However, to achieve the best results, precise white balance (WB) adjustment is essential. Instead of relying on automatic settings, finely tune the red lighting using a colour temperature filter.

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 33 mm | 1/80 sec | F2.8 | ISO 2500

Which location left the most lasting impression?

The end of the year feels like a festival, no matter where you are. It's a time to prepare for welcoming the new year with joy after all the hard work done throughout the year. I wanted to capture the overall mood rather than a specific place in my photos. As expected, the images came out nicely. I was delighted with the results when using the Alpha 7CR and FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II together, so I worked harder to capture the perfect shots. Among them, I remember the beauty of an afternoon in Dresden's Christmas market, where all the lights came on.

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 33 mm | 1/80 sec | F2.8 | ISO 2500

Alpha 7CR | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II | 34 mm | 1/400 sec | F2.8 | ISO 2500

I love capturing unique moments that people around the world experience.”

Get inspired

When discussing his future plans, Seok-Hyun envisions producing a range of photographic works that the public can directly engage with. Like the results achieved during this Christmas season, his goal is to “participate in activities that inspire the public through various seasonal photoshoots."

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Sandy Wijaya Documents Life with the RX100 VII

Aysu — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 08:12:51 +0000

Sandy Wijaya Documents Life with the RX100 VII

Aysu Fri, 02/18/2022 - 13:42

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Sandy Wijaya

Indonesia

Sandy Wijaya is a self-taught photographer who began his photography career in 2001. In 2010, he joined Perhimpunan Amatir Foto, the oldest photography club in Indonesia. Sandy quite often wanders to various exotic destinations around the world especially in the Himalayas, Silk Road and Asia. He ventures on roads less travelled, in pursuit of enchanting lights and to be on the scent of one’s culture. His aspirations lead him far away from home, visiting 92 countries in many wondrous places in the Middle East, Latin America and Europe.

Sandy Wijaya Documents Life with the RX100 VII

“For all the software magic that smartphones can bring to the photography table, it cannot compare to having a larger sensor. Thanks to its stacked 1-inch sensor, RX100 VII captures better image quality with lower noise, greater depth-of-field, and better colour rendering.”

Name any country and Sandy Wijaya may have most likely visited it. Afterall, his photography pursuit has taken him to as many as 92 countries in the last 20 years.

Don’t mistake Sandy as one of your regular sunglasses-touting tourists. Always setting off with intention, the Indonesian photographer ventures on roads less travelled, roughing it out on the Silk Road or scaling mountainous terrains in the Himalayas. It is because of his boldness for adventure that resulted in some of the most arresting visuals that earned him popularity in the photography industry. He even offers workshops and photography tours in various parts of the world.

While most great shots happen spontaneously for Sandy, it is probably his contemplative approach to travel photography that nails his visual stunners.

RX100 VII | 35 mm | 1/125 sec | F4 | ISO 800

He aptly elaborated: “Travel photography is an image that expresses the feeling of a time and place, portrays a land, its people, or a culture in its natural state, and has no geographical limitations.”

Unforgettable documentations with the RX100 VII

With every great capture comes a great apparatus to realise this vision. Sandy has looked to Sony’s RX100 VII for this. Right off the bat, he gushed that the camera is not just “small and unobtrusive”, but also “fast and responsive”, “durable” and “has a good battery life.” He also loves the pop-up eye-level viewfinder.

RX100 VII | 24 mm | 1/1000 sec | F8 | ISO 100

Sandy shared that the RX100 VII is small enough to keep in a pocket, allowing him to capture every unexpected moment. But what is surely not small is the camera’s stacked 1-inch sensor that captures high-resolution photos with reduced noise, along with richer colour rendering and intense depth of field.

RX100 VII | 24 mm | 1/250 sec | F3.2 | ISO 1250

Different perceptions with different zooms

Furthermore, the RX100 VII’s 24-200mm lens has proved ideal for Sandy’s documentary needs with its flexible zoom range. He recounted how he can easily shoot a wide-angle landscape scenery, then switching to a close-up portrait of one's face, while still maintaining stunning sharp quality.

RX100 VII | 200 mm | 1/320 sec | F11 | ISO 400

RX100 VII | 24 mm | 1/640 sec | F11 | ISO 50

All the action captured

In his field of travel documentary, Sandy deals with a lot of fast-moving subjects that require a fast response from a camera to determine the right focus point. Thankfully, the RX100 VII is both fast and responsive, in terms of camera basic operation, autofocus and burst shooting.

He added: “ The camera’s controls are intuitive and well laid-out, so I am not missing the moments by hunting through the menu.”

RX100 VII | 200 mm | 1/2000 sec | F8 | ISO 200

With 20fps blackout free shooting

RX100 VII | 24 mm | 1/320 sec | F2.8 | ISO 1000

The RX100 VII’s high speed is proven by its incredible 0.02-sec super fast AF for once-in-a-lifetime captures. The camera’s fast image sensor also offers up to 20fps blackout free continuous shooting and up to 90fps Single Burst Shooting that takes seven shots in rapid succession.

RX100 VII | 200 mm | 1/320 sec | F4.5 | ISO 800

High speed is also demonstrated by the RX100 VII’s Real-time Tracking. This feature automatically zeros in on Sandy’s target and maintains constant focus, capturing every moving moment of a speeding vehicle or a galloping horse.

Spotlighting the soul

Real-time Eye AF also plays equal importance in Sandy’s photographic works. The feature lets him concentrate on the framing and storytelling of his subjects, while leaving the eye-focusing to the camera. “With Sony’s AF technology, miss-focus is a thing of the past,” he added.

RX100 VII | 105 mm | 1/30 sec | F5.6 | ISO 1600

RX100 VII | 200 mm | 1/500 sec | F5.6 | ISO 200

Along with all its pro features, the RX100 VII’s durability is truly displayed in Sandy’s many adventures, from the humid-heavy tropics to ice-capades.

RX100 VII | 24 mm | 1/100 sec | F5.6 | ISO 1000

How the RX100 VII brought change

Without a doubt, Sandy is regarded as a serious, professional photographer. His captures are made with precision and purpose. However, getting his hands on the RX100 VII has reminded him of the joys of creative shooting.

“I rediscovered the meaning of true fun and creativity in photography,” he shared, particularly crediting the RX100 VII’s features of high speed performance, effective AF, broad zoom range in its compact-sized build.

The RX100 VII has impressed Sandy to the point that he would recommend the camera as the ultimate secondary camera to countless enthusiasts and professional photographers in Indonesia. He urged aspiring photographers to start defining a style and find their niche. A good attitude is also the right way forward to becoming a great photographer.

He fittingly concluded: “The RX100 VII is a perfect companion. Like I said, it is the best pocket camera in the world.”

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of Sandy Wijaya. They do not reflect the opinions or views of Sony Singapore.

Gallery

RX100 VII | FE 24-200mm F2.8-4.5 | 28 mm | 1/250 sec | F8 | ISO 320

RX100 VII | 35 mm | 1/125 sec | F4 | ISO 800

RX100 VII | 24 mm | 1/1000 sec | F8 | ISO 100

RX100 VII | 24 mm | 1/250 sec | F3.2 | ISO 1250

RX100 VII | 200 mm | 1/320 sec | F11 | ISO 400

RX100 VII | 24 mm | 1/640 sec | F11 | ISO 50

RX100 VII | 200 mm | 1/2000 sec | F8 | ISO 200

RX100 VII | 24 mm | 1/320 sec | F2.8 | ISO 1000

RX100 VII | 200 mm | 1/320 sec | F4.5 | ISO 800

RX100 VII | 105 mm | 1/30 sec | F5.6 | ISO 1600

RX100 VII | 200 mm | 1/500 sec | F5.6 | ISO 200

RX100 VII | 24 mm | 1/100 sec | F5.6 | ISO 1000

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Footnote

Actual colour and dimension may differ from the screen image.
Colours & features of the product shown may differ by model and country.
4K: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.
Services availability depends on region. A part or whole of software/services installed into or accessible through the product may be changed, discontinued, removed, suspended, or terminated without notice.
Features and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

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Turning the City into a Photographer’s Playground

Aysu — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 13:10:14 +0000

Turning the City into a Photographer’s Playground

Aysu Fri, 02/11/2022 - 18:40

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I have been extremely lucky growing up and learning photography on the streets of Paris. Big cities are fantastic places for street photography as there is so much going on and so many different types of buildings and locations. This gives you the opportunity to try different things and really learn your craft quickly.

For the latest few years I have been shooting not just in Paris, but cities around the world, at first with the Sony Alpha 6000, and now with the Alpha 7R III.

The City is a Playground

Cities are like a maze. I see every day as an opportunity, a new challenge of trying to find locations and capture scenes that haven’t been shot before. So, my first piece of advice is to simply enjoy the city and walking around it. Go and explore your town or city and look at it with a fresh pair of eyes.

When I think I have found a scene to photograph, I like to stop and take a second or two to observe what is going on before taking an image. I am looking for something magical; it may be a special light, or just something that really captures the mood and the atmosphere of the city at that particular time. The key, though, is stopping to look before shooting.

Don’t Shoot the Obvious

The most important thing for me is to try and reproduce the atmosphere, the energy, the DNA of a city. It is easy to shoot a picture-postcard image of a city like New York. You may get a good picture as a result, but we will have all seen such an image 1,000 times before. Instead, look for interesting compositions or colours to try and make your pictures original - add something of you own to each image.

One exercise to train yourself to explore a scene and find something different, is to take the obvious shot then simply move around the scene. Try shooting lower, higher, or look in the opposite direction. Try to find another image to take. Over time you will start to naturally look and find different compositions aside from the regular tourist images.

Timing Is Everything

Like any other genre of photography, light is incredibly important. I take a lot of images at sunrise and sunset. I really like to wake up early in the morning at, say, 5am or 6am to take the first light in the street. I enjoy shooting at this time, as the light is magical and there is almost nobody in the street.

One of the ways I like to introduce some atmosphere and magic is by shooting directly in to the sun. I like to play with the light and how it creates reflections, flare and star burst. Some people don’t like the effect and try to avoid it, but for me it really creates energy.

To find the best light, I will use apps that can track where the sun will be in the sky at different times of the day and then I will aim to be at the right space at the right time for the light. I still don’t know the exact image that I will take, but I will know that the light will be hitting a building or street at a certain angle and then the job for me is just to make the most of the affect it is creating.

Spend Quality Time on the Edit

I will spend almost the same amount of time editing as I will have spent out shooting - a full day of shooting will produce enough images for a full days’ worth of editing.

When editing, I concentrate on the contrast level to bring out the strong black and white tones and then turn my focus on the colour and the shape. I really like having orange hues in my images, so I will play with the images to bring this to the fore, but the key is identifying the colours you want to elevate and working to get the contrasts to a happy balance.

Give Yourself a Project

One thing I like to do is to set myself a project to try and create a series of images that work well together. I recently went to Singapore and set myself an architectural project. I changed my way of working, and used the FE 12-24mm f/4 G lens on my Alpha 7R III to shoot black and white abstract minimalist images. I looked for very minimalist compositions with lots of linear elements.

Having a project to work on helps to give you focus and a motive to push yourself and try something new, and become a better photographer.

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FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS

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This article was originally published on sony.co.uk/alphauniverse

Footnote

Actual colour and dimension may differ from the screen image.
Colours & features of the product shown may differ by model and country.
4K: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.
Services availability depends on region. A part or whole of software/services installed into or accessible through the product may be changed, discontinued, removed, suspended, or terminated without notice.
Features and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

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