Singapores NIght Safari.
Discussion
1. You're going to need fast glass. 2.8 or faster.
2. You're going to need a nice zoom - start at 100 and go upwards and making sure it's compliant with number 1.
3. You're going to need ISO 6400 or above.
4. You're going to need a monopod, theres very little to support yourself on.
I had the 2.8, the 100mm, and the ISO 6400 and this is the best of the bunch and it's garbage.
I'll be back with a monopod and see how we get on my next trip.
Some gripes.
It's amazing how many people stroll about - ignore the signs and repeated warnings not to use flash, switch on their camera and we're all blinded - t
ts.
Kids can't talk quietly and have to shout everything to their parents who are three feet away disturbing both people who are quietly enjoying the animals and the animals themselves.
Who - for heavens sake takes a kid on a night safari with shoes that squeak loudly with every step they take !!
Some tips.
It's worth buying the three park ticket ($58) - but buy it online before you go and print it off in the hotel (it's valid for a month) - it'll save queueing with all the other folks that even by the time they've reached the front of the queue still don't know what they want.
Catch the bus from downtown - it's only $4 each way and saves you having to sort out transport.
Don't go on a Saturday night like I did - it's heaving.
2. You're going to need a nice zoom - start at 100 and go upwards and making sure it's compliant with number 1.
3. You're going to need ISO 6400 or above.
4. You're going to need a monopod, theres very little to support yourself on.
I had the 2.8, the 100mm, and the ISO 6400 and this is the best of the bunch and it's garbage.
I'll be back with a monopod and see how we get on my next trip.
Some gripes.
It's amazing how many people stroll about - ignore the signs and repeated warnings not to use flash, switch on their camera and we're all blinded - t
ts.Kids can't talk quietly and have to shout everything to their parents who are three feet away disturbing both people who are quietly enjoying the animals and the animals themselves.
Who - for heavens sake takes a kid on a night safari with shoes that squeak loudly with every step they take !!
Some tips.
It's worth buying the three park ticket ($58) - but buy it online before you go and print it off in the hotel (it's valid for a month) - it'll save queueing with all the other folks that even by the time they've reached the front of the queue still don't know what they want.
Catch the bus from downtown - it's only $4 each way and saves you having to sort out transport.
Don't go on a Saturday night like I did - it's heaving.
Forgot to add.
I'm amazed on two levels :
How many people are just strolling about with DSLR cameras round their necks / shoulders or are taking pictures with pocket cameras. Even in London (once you get passed the paranoid security wannabe coppers) they're not taking as many pictures as they are here. Came across two separate group photoshoots yesterday morning down Clarke Quay way - each with their own model and about 5-6 togs in tow.
Secondly - the Camera shops have things in stock here - want that MP65mm Macro lens - got it, want that 500 F4 that's just been released - got it want any accessories - got them. Puts Jessops and the likes to shame. Admittingly you've got to get past the Thai ladies offering massages to get to some of them but it's worth it.
I'm amazed on two levels :
How many people are just strolling about with DSLR cameras round their necks / shoulders or are taking pictures with pocket cameras. Even in London (once you get passed the paranoid security wannabe coppers) they're not taking as many pictures as they are here. Came across two separate group photoshoots yesterday morning down Clarke Quay way - each with their own model and about 5-6 togs in tow.
Secondly - the Camera shops have things in stock here - want that MP65mm Macro lens - got it, want that 500 F4 that's just been released - got it want any accessories - got them. Puts Jessops and the likes to shame. Admittingly you've got to get past the Thai ladies offering massages to get to some of them but it's worth it.
crmcatee said:
Secondly - the Camera shops have things in stock here - want that MP65mm Macro lens - got it, want that 500 F4 that's just been released - got it want any accessories - got them. Puts Jessops and the likes to shame. Admittingly you've got to get past the Thai ladies offering massages to get to some of them but it's worth it.
Funan Mall?Tis where I bought my D90 in October, cracking place, the upsell that they try once you have agreed a price is hilarious, nearly offered one guy a job!
ETA - We didn't do the night safari in the end, although enjoyed the Zoo immensely, the best I have visited.
Edited by dxbtiger on Sunday 27th March 13:46
The Thai massages are primarily Orchard Towers but they exist everywhere. The camera shops are almost anywhere.
Its annoying - the last time I was in Singapore the camera gear was in-expensive, now it seems they're on a par with UK prices from the shops. They are at least for the 70-200L I was looking at.
Todays tips for taking photographs at Singapore Zoo.
You'll probably be shooting about 400 ISO on a sunny day due to the animals being in the shade and hiding from the sun.
You'll need the following if you've got them.
24-70.
70-200
Macro lens (for the butterfly area).
A monopod would also be handy, but not necessary.
I had the former, and not the 70-200 since I had left my 100-400 at home.
Up close and personal to my favourite character.
0402 by CRMCATEE, on Flickr
Its annoying - the last time I was in Singapore the camera gear was in-expensive, now it seems they're on a par with UK prices from the shops. They are at least for the 70-200L I was looking at.
Todays tips for taking photographs at Singapore Zoo.
You'll probably be shooting about 400 ISO on a sunny day due to the animals being in the shade and hiding from the sun.
You'll need the following if you've got them.
24-70.
70-200
Macro lens (for the butterfly area).
A monopod would also be handy, but not necessary.
I had the former, and not the 70-200 since I had left my 100-400 at home.
Up close and personal to my favourite character.
0402 by CRMCATEE, on Flickr
Righto - done the Jurong bird park today.
If you're going you could be doing with a 70-200 or larger for some of the more open enclosures.
Once your up close and personal to them a 24-70 will be fine but generally I would be shooting a 70-200. Having said that can you guess what lens I'm missing on this trip. Yes a 70-200 which I'm currently investigating.
Lots of opportunity for close ups but you've got to be quick as they're fast moving.
Some examples.
CRMC0351 by CRMCATEE, on Flickr
[
0409 by CRMCATEE, on Flickr
Can you guess what I'll be bringing with me on my next trip to Singapore.
If you're going you could be doing with a 70-200 or larger for some of the more open enclosures.
Once your up close and personal to them a 24-70 will be fine but generally I would be shooting a 70-200. Having said that can you guess what lens I'm missing on this trip. Yes a 70-200 which I'm currently investigating.
Lots of opportunity for close ups but you've got to be quick as they're fast moving.
Some examples.
CRMC0351 by CRMCATEE, on Flickr
[
0409 by CRMCATEE, on Flickr
Can you guess what I'll be bringing with me on my next trip to Singapore.
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