Author: Benoist

Night Flower

Night Flower

Shooting at night with a large aperture and IBIS—thank you, Fuji! The combination makes capturing sharp, low-light shots so much easier, letting me fully take advantage of that dreamy depth of field. Night photography feels effortless with this setup.

Cemetery Hanami
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Cemetery Hanami

It’s great to be in Tokyo this year (and not away on a business trip) for some fresh Hanami opportunities. This time, I joined the “boys” at a famous cemetery in Tokyo—an unexpectedly lovely spot for cherry blossom viewing. The peaceful atmosphere and the sakura in full bloom made it a unique and memorable experience….

Edogawa Hanami

Edogawa Hanami

After more than 10 years in Iidabashi, I finally made it to Edogawabashi—just a 20-minute walk or one quick subway stop away. Can’t believe it took me this long! The area has its own charm, with quieter streets and little surprises waiting to be discovered. A great reminder that there’s always something new to explore,…

Night Temple
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Night Temple

Captured a night temple shot wide open at f/0.95, and this lens continues to amaze me! The shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh create such a dreamy, atmospheric vibe. It’s perfect for low light and really brings out the magic of nighttime scenes. Absolutely loving this lens!

South Exit
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South Exit

Still testing the 10-24mm on the X-H1, and while I still can’t push beyond 1/4s, it does feel like the hit rate at this limit is noticeably higher thanks to the IBIS. The added stabilization seems to make a difference in consistency, even if the ultimate threshold hasn’t changed much. Overall, it’s a solid improvement…

First Sakuras

First Sakuras

The first sakuras are blooming in Tokyo, and this year, no business trips will whisk me away during Hanami season—so happy! Finally, I’ll get to fully enjoy the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, soaking in the serene views and vibrant atmosphere without any interruptions. A perfect start to spring! 🌸😊✨

Subway Speed
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Subway Speed

Testing the X-H1 with the 10-24mm to see if IBIS makes a difference, but it turns out I still can’t push beyond 1/4s—about the same as I could manage with the X-T2. Not that I’m complaining, as 1/4s is already pretty solid for handheld shots. Just wanted to see if the IBIS would let me…

Platform Light
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Platform Light

The light on this JR platform in Tokyo is just perfect! The interplay of shadows and highlights creates such a cinematic feel, turning an ordinary moment into something special. Tokyo’s train stations always seem to have that unique atmosphere that’s a joy to capture.

Sushi Night

Sushi Night

With the ZhongYi Optics 35mm f/0.95 at the front and the Fuji X-H1 at the back, I captured an old sushi restaurant in Tokyo glowing softly at night. The fast lens perfectly highlighted the cozy, nostalgic vibe of the place, with its wooden signs and warm lighting creating a scene full of character. The APS-C…

Temmaru

Temmaru

With the ZhongYi Optics 35mm f/0.95 at the front and the Fuji X-H1 at the back, I captured the entrance of Temmaru restaurant in Kagurazaka at night. The warm glow of the lights, the shallow depth of field, and the creamy bokeh brought out by the fast lens make the scene feel inviting and cinematic….

Red Bicycle

Red Bicycle

Using the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II at the front and the Fuji X-H1 at the back, I captured a red bicycle glowing under the streetlights in Kagurazaka at night. The APS-C sensor with IBIS, combined with this ultra-fast manual lens, really is a dream setup. The shallow depth of field and creamy…

Japanese Roofs

Japanese Roofs

With the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II at the front and the Fuji X-H1 at the back, I captured the old rooftops glowing softly at night in Kagurazaka. The APS-C sensor, paired with IBIS and this ultra-fast manual lens, feels like the perfect combo. The stabilization makes low-light handheld shots a breeze, and…

Yebisu Sign

Yebisu Sign

Using the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II up front and the Fuji X-H1 at the back, I captured the Yebisu sign glowing at night in Kagurazaka. The APS-C sensor paired with IBIS and a fast manual lens feels like a dream combo for me. The stabilization lets me push the limits in low…

Weirdo

Weirdo

Spotted something strange near the south exit of Shinjuku Station—a guy was, well, humping his bag in plain sight. Definitely not your typical Tokyo moment! Let’s just say the city never fails to surprise with its share of oddities.

Greek Restaurants
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Greek Restaurants

Snapped a few shots in Athens while indulging in some delicious local delicacies. From freshly baked pita to creamy tzatziki, and of course, souvlaki straight off the grill, every bite was a treat. The vibrant markets and cozy tavernas made it all the more memorable. Athens is a feast for both the eyes and the…

787 Narita
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787 Narita

Took two shots with the Zhong Yi Optics 35mm f/0.95, one wide open and one at f/5.6, and the difference is fascinating! At f/0.95, the dreamy, creamy bokeh takes over, isolating the subject beautifully with a soft, artistic vibe. It’s perfect for creating that shallow depth of field look. At f/5.6, the scene becomes much…

Snow White
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Snow White

Had a great time playing with the 55-200mm in Naeba! The reach and sharpness of this lens were perfect for capturing the snowy landscapes and distant details on the slopes. It’s versatile, lightweight, and a joy to use in the winter scenery. Definitely a lens I’ll keep coming back to!

Fresh Powder
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Fresh Powder

There was quite a lot of snow to deal with that morning in Naeba, but the little X-T2 handled the cold like a champ. Despite the freezing conditions and all the snow, it kept performing flawlessly—impressive for such a compact setup. Made capturing the snowy landscapes all the more enjoyable!

Platforms
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Platforms

Train platform: the place where a working day typically begins in Tokyo. Commuters line up in neat rows, coffee in hand, as the rhythm of the city kicks into gear. It’s a scene of order, routine, and quiet anticipation before the rush of the day unfolds.