Released in 1993, the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM is something of a classic in the world of telephoto lenses. Designed for wildlife, sports, and bird photography, it has built a reputation for being lightweight, sharp, and relatively affordable for an L-series prime. While it lacks image stabilisation, it compensates with excellent optical quality and…
Released in 2014, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM was the long-awaited successor to the original push-pull zoom version. This second-generation lens brought major improvements in optical quality, image stabilisation, and usability, making it a favourite among wildlife, sports, and aviation photographers. It delivers the reach of a super-telephoto lens while remaining compact…
The dragon fountain at Kitaguchi Hongū Fuji Sengen Jinja is a stunning example of traditional Japanese artistry and spiritual significance. Located at the entrance of this ancient Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess Konohanasakuya-hime, the fountain plays a key role in purification rituals. The dragon, intricately carved from bronze, appears mid-roar, its mouth serving as…
The Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning Gothic chapel located on the Île de la Cité in Paris, built in the mid-13th century as part of the royal palace. Commissioned by King Louis IX, it was designed to house precious Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns. The chapel is renowned for its magnificent stained glass windows,…
A classic Paris Métro sign stands proudly atop a green metal pole, a true icon of the city’s streetscape. The sign features bold, red Art Nouveau typography framed by ornate green ironwork, a nod to early 20th-century design. The lamp glows softly, adding a vintage charm as it lights up at dusk. This timeless detail…
The Opéra Garnier is nothing short of a masterpiece and a favourite for many who fall in love with Paris. This 19th-century architectural marvel, designed by Charles Garnier, embodies opulence in every detail. From the grand façade adorned with sculptures of muses and gilded accents to the breathtaking interior, it’s a feast for the eyes….
Galerie Vivienne in Paris is a true gem tucked away in the city’s vibrant 2nd arrondissement. Stepping into this covered passage feels like stepping back in time, to an era when Parisian arcades were the height of fashion and sophistication. Built in 1823, its mosaic-tiled floors, intricate ironwork, and glass ceilings create a luxurious yet…
Visiting Versailles these days demands meticulous planning, especially during holidays when the crowds swell to near-unmanageable levels. The serene experience of wandering the palace and gardens at leisure, once a hallmark of the visit, feels like a distant memory. Back then, the grandeur of the Hall of Mirrors or the charm of the Petit Trianon…
Many AMG 53 and 63 models in Japan likely never get the chance to truly stretch their legs, often serving more as status symbols than performance machines. In Tokyo’s dense traffic and tightly packed urban areas, there’s little opportunity to unleash the full potential of these high-performance vehicles. Instead, they’re more about presence, both visual…
In Japanese supermarkets, nearly everything is carefully wrapped in plastic, reflecting a cultural focus on cleanliness and presentation. From individually wrapped fruits to vegetables packaged in neat trays, the attention to detail is striking. However, there are a few notable exceptions: corn and onions, often left unwrapped and displayed in their natural state. Their hardy…
A family visit to temples during New Year is a beautiful way to embrace the fresh start with tradition and tranquillity. Temples come alive with an air of reverence and quiet celebration as people flock to offer their first prayers of the year, a practice often called hatsumōde in Japan. Families queue patiently to toss…
There’s something hypnotic about the way a train platform comes alive through a large aperture lens. The shallow depth of field transforms a mundane moment into a dreamy tableau, isolating the details that would otherwise blur into the chaos of daily life. Or maybe it’s the gleaming edge of a train track, the leading lines…
First introduced in 2018, Sparking Elian was Evian’s stylish answer to the growing popularity of sparkling waters, but with their signature alpine twist. You’d think, “Evian’s already fancy enough, do they really need bubbles?” Apparently, yes! First time to come across this in Tokyo.
A pocket-sized restaurant in Tokyo is a treasure trove of culinary charm. These tiny establishments, often tucked away in narrow alleys or between towering buildings, are all about intimacy and flavour. With only a handful of seats, sometimes just a counter, the chef is often within arm’s reach, preparing each dish with precision. The vibe?…
Released in 2014, the Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS was Fujifilm’s first ultra-wide zoom lens for the X-mount system. Offering a 15-36mm full-frame equivalent focal range, this lens became a go-to choice for landscape, architecture, and interior photography. It combined excellent optical quality, a lightweight design, and built-in image stabilisation (OIS), making it a…
Released in 2015, the Fujinon XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR is one of Fujifilm’s best prime lenses, offering exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and lightning-fast autofocus. With a 137mm full-frame equivalent focal length, this lens is ideal for portrait, sports, and low-light photography. Thanks to its weather sealing and robust construction, it is also well-suited…
Released in 2014, the Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is a specialised version of the standard XF 56mm f/1.2 R, featuring an apodisation (APD) filter that enhances the smoothness of the bokeh. With an 85mm full-frame equivalent focal length, this lens is designed primarily for portrait photography, offering an ultra-fast aperture and a unique…
Released in 2013, the Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for Fujifilm’s X-series cameras. Covering an 83-300mm full-frame equivalent focal length, this lens is ideal for portrait, wildlife, and sports photography. It offers a solid balance between optical performance, portability, and affordability, making it a popular choice…
Released in 2015, the Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR is a compact and weather-sealed standard prime lens for Fujifilm’s X-series cameras. With a full-frame equivalent focal length of 53mm, it provides a classic normal perspective, making it ideal for street, portrait, documentary, and everyday photography. It offers a smaller, faster, and more durable alternative…
Released in 2012, the Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R is one of Fujifilm’s most beloved prime lenses, known for its exceptional image quality, beautiful rendering, and distinctive character. With a full-frame equivalent focal length of 53mm, it provides a classic normal perspective, making it ideal for portrait, street, and documentary photography. Despite its age, this…