Batis-simo!

I decided to go for a dedicated wide-angle lens to go with the full frame setup after trying out the wide-angle Fujinon zoom on my X-pro 2. There were not many choices to go with unless I go for Leica glass and manual focus them. The alternative would be to go with the Zeiss range with auto-focus built in.

I went with the Zeiss and picked up the Batis 18mm. Although the Fuji could go wider, I felt that 18mm was wide enough. It gave me a different perspective, allowing me to capture the scene in its entirety. I could also crop the photos in post, and the 42 MP coming out from my Alpha 7R mark II gave plenty of leeway.

I only managed to take the new setup out for a couple of outings due to my work schedule. But so far I had been impressed. The distortion were definitely there, but it added to the charm of this particular combination. The chromatic aberration was something to watch out for but it could be easily corrected using Aperture later.

I found the snaps to be rich and contrasty. Sometime to get the right frame I had to go uncomfortably close to the subject. But that was just part of the fun!

The Batis lens focussing speed was quick and the photos appeared sharper when I stop it down to f4. That was not an issue when you were outdoors in plenty of light .... Would definitely be posting more of this combination in the future especially in indoors setting, capturing the Raya decorations. Combine this with the a 35mm prime attached to the X-Pro would make a for a great day out ....

The Route

The Heritage Trail is well known route amongst tourist in Kuala Lumpur. It took the walker along Central Market towards Chinatown, doubling back towards Masjid Jamek and Dataran Merdeka stopping at a few temples along the way.

With the right guide, there were much to take in as the route snake through the old part of KL steep with history as well as showcasing the diversity of the locals in terms of race and religion. It was a mix of the old and the new, some really nice colonial, art decor-inspired architecture as well as the modern. As flat route which was not too challenging but one had to be vigilant of the traffic. And pick pockets.

It started hereReady to go ...The congregation point as it has been for the last few walks ...We were moving ...The route for the Kelby Walk this year borrowed the path while adding in a few extras. It took us into Pasar Karat as the entrance to Chinatown, then going past a wet market before going to the Sri Maha Mariamman Indian Temple. Then came a couple of Chinese Temple - Guan Di and Sin Sze Si Ya - as we make our way towards Medan Pasar.

There we took a short break to enjoy an exhibition at RUANG which is the site of Urbanscapes House. Apart from the cool photographs on display, we were also treated to air conditioning - which was equally as important.

Nice colour ...Looks like some of the building needs rejuvenating ...Pasar KaratChinatown as next ...Having a discussionUnfortunately, the weather took a turn as we left RUANG. It started to rain as we filed along the route towards Masjid Jamek. We were there to enjoy the sights of River of Life but unfortunately the water features were switched off at the time.

Half of the grouped ventured on towards Dataran Merdeka while I slowly made my way back towards Central Market where I parked my car. It was drizzling then, and I decided to take off.

Graffiti Rediscovering the route ...Some hot work in progressThe weather was certainly turning ...Few who stayed on actually got a reprieve from the rain as the sunshine returned. I was already halfway to Gombak by then ...

The route was a great one, but I had enough of the temples to be honest after stopping by there a few times before. We had to take our shoes off when we enter the Indian temple of which I decided to give that a miss. I should have spent more time at Pasar Karat and Chinatown but the place was getting too crowded for good photos.

Kelby Walk 2017

The weather didn't look promising at the start of the day. After waking up extra early, I must say that I was disappointed when I pulled the curtains. There were heavy clouds, even threatening to rain at certain parts of the horizon.

Selfie with the walk leader, RipiHalimi brought his own transport ...Catching up with the news ...And so we embarked ...Making my way to the hospital for an extra early rounds, I was happy to see that the cloud had begun to dissipate. I was even more optimistic as I made my way into town for my yearly meeting with my friends. It was that time of the year again. The Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk. And this year, we would be following the Heritage Trail starting at Central Market.

Time for a pose ...A mural near Pasar KaratA peaceful Chinese teahouse. Business started early ...Looking up as we approached Pasar KaratThe gear I took with me this year was the the X-Pro2 with a wide angle zoom as well as the Ricoh GR as backup. I also brought the 35mm f1.4 lens just in case it started to rain and I needed a faster lens.

After meeting up at one of the mamak shop along Kasturi Walk, we confer gated at the Central Market main entrance for the obligatory group photos. This was followed by a short briefing by Ripi who was again the walk leader.

Welcome to ChinatownFollowing my own shadows ...Stop for a second breakfastAnd the weather turning gloomy ....We were soon making our way to Pasar Karat and Chinatown. All in glorious sunshine ....

River of Life Video

I was on call yesterday and to be honest, rather to tired to bring up an a blog entry. But the video I recorded last Saturday night at the River of Life in the City Centre would serve as another teaser of what coming in the next few entries ...

A Teaser

From last weekend when the Kelby Photowalk group reached Chinatown. More write-up on the walk in the coming few entries ...