ROBIN WONG

There are several techniques to gain more magnification shooting macro photography, and some of them are quite cheap and effective at the same time. I share the use of extension tubes on top of a dedicated macro lens, attached to a Micro Four Thirds body, and in this combination I have measured that I can achieve about 350% magnification. Of course I brought this combo out to a park and managed to shoot some really cool insects and spiders which I am sharing here in this blog entry. For full discussion on how I measure magnification and prove that I got 350% on my setup, please do go and watch the video I have published here (click). This is one example where it was easier to just demonstrate a process through video, than having to write down word buy word in an article format. 

It has been 10 years since Olympus launched the OM-D E-M1 in 2013 and I thought it would be fun to take mine out for a spin. The E-M1 original has changed the mirrorless camera landscape, showing what is possible and how a capable, professional mirrorless camera should be made. I discuss the significance of the E-M1 in my latest video, which also included me doing POV street with the E-M1. I am sharing the fresh images, mostly street portraits and environmental shots from the streets of Kuala Lumpur here in this entry. I used the venerable M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 PRO lens, just because the lens was launched together with the E-M1, and has become the default kit or combo. You can watch my POV video here (click). 

I always find it annoying when I hear people say if the color photographs don't work, you can try to save them by converting to black and white. I personally believe black and white medium deserves a lot more respect. Instead of treating black and white as an afterthought, or plan B if the color images fail, it should be treated as the opposite. I strongly suggest shooting black and white with intention, purposefully finding black and white images and wanting to create monochromatic results from the start. Having the right intention and focus will result in stronger black and white outcome. 

In my recent street photography outing, I wanted to just focus on getting black and white images, so I ignored all colors and went full monochrome mode. I have made a POV video showing you how I composed these shots too, you can find it here (click). 

I managed to get my hands on OnePlus 11 5G smartphone, and I was curious about the 3rd generation Hasselblad camera for mobile! I brought the smartphone out for several shutter therapy sessions, snapped plenty of images and I am sharing my thoughts on the camera performance. Spoiler alert: I really, really like the OnePlus 11 and I personally think it is currently the best smartphone camera out there in the market. I have made a video review of OnePlus 11's camera performance, accompanied by POV footage from video screen recording showing the camera in action, while I was composing and capturing the sample images in the field! You can find the video here (click). 

During my recent trip back home to Kuching, Borneo back in December 2022, I followed my friend Kieron Long (Leica Ambassador, Malaysia) to a nearby fishing village for some shutter clicking adventure. I only had one camera with me for that short trip, the Panasonic LX10, and this particular outing was totally unplanned. We walked around the village area, speaking with the friendly locals and of course along the way got some cool portraits of them. It was a fun day out, and I really love the slower pace and relaxing vibes of rural settlements, versus what I normally get from urban city life. I did a POV video for this session, you can watch it here (click). 

For travel and some documentary work, I think a compact camera truly shines. Easy to bring around without adding bulk or weight, and the 1 inch image sensor in the LX10 performed admirably under good light. I also treasure the versatile zoom range of the lens, allowing me to do more with such a small package. I should definitely explore more locations outside of the city!

The latest lens I added into my camera bag is the Panasonic Leica 9mm F1.7. I bought this ultra-compact wide angle prime to replace my Olympus 8-25mm PRO zoom and 12mm F2 simultaneously. I needed an ultra wide for some situations in my paid shoots, though I don't use it (8-25mm PRO) a lot admittedly, and I also need the ultra wide lens for vlogging purposes (I used 12mm F2 previously), especially for my second YouTube channel. I now use the Panasonic 9mm for ultra-wide shooting both for stills and video. 

I also have a full review video for the Panasonic 9mm F1.7, you can watch it here (click).