Gears Expansion

I have recently upgrading my arsenal, and bought some accessories as well. The last time I purchased a lens was in August 2008. I bought my Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 back then. So, after about 18 months, it is time to get a better tele zoom lens. Initially, I wanted to get a prime 85mm first, but after much thought, I’ve decided to go for tele zoom.

Being with Canon system, there isn’t much choice. There’s only one range to go for now, which is the 70-200mm focal length. There are 4 choices to choose from this range, f/4 with and without IS (Image Stabilization) and f/2.8 with and without IS.

EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

Ideally, I would have wanted to go for f/2.8 with IS, but that lens is way out of my budget. I can’t afford it. So, in the end, I’ve decided on getting a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM. It’s the most affordable 70-200mm on the market. Nevertheless, the lens is superb, producing excellent images. I took snapped a few of my friend’s mini Gundam at his place at high ISO. If it were to use my older lens, 90-300mm, the noise is highly visible. However, that is not the case here in the sample images below:

1/60 | f/4 | ISO3200 @ 200mm

1/60 | f/4 | ISO3200 @ 200mm

1/60 | f/4 | ISO3200 @ 135mm

1/60 | f/4 | ISO3200 @ 135mm

1/60 | f/4 | ISO3200 @ 135mm

1/60 | f/4 | ISO3200 @ 135mm

All the images above were shot at ISO3200, and without flash, without enhancement. It’s straight from the camera. I have posted some test shots in my Facebook account and my Flickr too. Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM is available at Shashinki for MYR 2,950.00 (Canon Malaysia), or MYR 2,850.00 (Import).

I have also ordered another few accessories, here I’ve added a Think Tank Photo Pixel Pocket Rocket, which is a CF card holder. Pixel Pocket Rocket can hold up to 10 pcs CF Cards. It’s pretty safe to use, as you can hook it to your clothes or bag.

Think Tank Photo Pixel Pocket Rocket

Think Tank Photo Pixel Pocket Rocket

Think Tank Photo Pixel Pocket Rocket

Think Tank Photo Pixel Pocket Rocket

Think Tank Photo Pixel Pocket Rocket

Think Tank Photo Pixel Pocket Rocket

I got Think Tank Photo Pixel Pocket Rocket  from Shashinki, and it is available at MYR 60.

4GB CF Sandisk Ultra

4GB CF Sandisk Ultra

Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket

Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket

I also bought SanDisk Ultra CF 4GB, well as replacement to the 2 pcs I dropped recently. :( SanDisk is also available at Shashinki at MYR 108.00.

Also, I’ve bought myself a Lowepro lens case for my Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L lens, and Lowepro’s Lens Case 3 fits well. It only costs MYR 107.00 at Shashinki.

Lowepro Lens Case 3

Lowepro Lens Case 3

EF 70-200mm f/4L USM inside the Lowepro Lens Case 3

EF 70-200mm f/4L USM inside the Lowepro Lens Case 3

Withe the lens case, it will be more convenient for me to swap lens when I cover wedding or events. It can be very handy.

And last but not the least, I have also acquired a Phottix Battery (for 50D), and with that additional battery, I can shoot more images with one charge. I don’t have to worry about running low on battery on critical moments. Phottix Titan series battery is available at only MYR 48.00. It proves to be a cost saving solution for me.

Phottix Battery

Phottix Battery

Lastly, I wish to thank Shashinki’s team for the fast response to attending all my order in such a prompt manner. It has been such a pleasure dealing with them. Thank you.

Remote Swith/Controller – EOS 350D Compatible

When I reached home on Monday, I got this in my mailbox. 

 

Your Courier Item is with Us

 

It’s a “Sorry Note” from Pos Laju, our National Courier Service provider. Apparently no one answered the door when they delivered my thing. Too bad, I had to collect the parcel myself the following day. I placed an order with Shashinki.com again, my third time shopping from the online camera store. 

 

Sorry Note from PosLaju

 

This time round, I decided to get a remote switch, which I think it’s useful when it comes to long shutter exposure. It definitely helps in eliminating handshake and saves time too. (You don’t have to use the 2 or 10 second self-timer to eliminate the handshake).

Wireless remote controller/switch is another alternate tool to use, but I’m not getting that just yet. I was thinking of getting this accessory from Canon, but I couldn’t really find it anywhere, except for Shashinki’s 3rd party compatible. Pazuzu got one exact same unit himself too, and he said it’s quite worth the money. 

 

Remote Switch Controller for Canon 350D

 

Well, this piece of controller sure comes cheap at only MYR 59.50. If you would like one yourself, click here to go straight to the item from Shashinki, or browse under Photographic Accessories if you’re using other camera models. Comparatively, at MYR 59.50, it is way cheaper than Canon’s model at any time. It’s a bargain.

 

Made in China

 

Why MYR 59.50? Well, you can see the reason from the picture above. It’s a China product. (I’m not implying all China products are cheap, or bad or anything). It’s just that they brilliantly applied their reverse engineering to produce similar product at lower cost. I’ve tested the controller, and it works like a champion! 

 

Remote Switch - Close-Up Look

 

Here’s how the other side looks like, and it is also where you control your shutter. It’s a one button controller, where you can trigger the auto-focus in your camera by holding the button half-way down. You can release the shutter by pressing the button all the way down. Long exposure control is possible by holding and lock the button on the remote trigger there. You can lock the button by holding the button down, and then push the button according to the arrow’s direction (where you can find on the button). In order to do so, you must first turn your camera to Bulb mode. 

 

I can’t elaborate those above with pictures, simply because I do not have a second camera to show how the cord is attached to my camera. I’m a poor dude with no compact, or second camera. Haha. 

 

So, if you like this remote controller, place yourself an order. And I must say, this is not a sponsored post. I’m simply sharing something that might be useful for you all. ;-)  

 

P/s: I hope to get things done within this week, but it seems unlike as my weekend is packed with one assignment and the Rainforest World Music Festival coming this weekend.