I rented the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L II USM from the Camera Rental Centre for the Hari Raya long weekend. Establishments like these are a godsend because they help poor sods like us save lots of money which we would otherwise spend on the procurement of exorbitant camera equipment and lenses which we occasionally use. They also allow would-be buyers to make informed decisions, thus averting any costly mistakes. The zoom lens I rented costs in the region of SGD3400 to SGD 3600, so it made perfect sense to try it out first. The reviews for this particular lens has been phenomenally good with most reviewers claiming that it makes a good travel lens and a must have for any intrepid photographer. Nevermind the price, this is one hefty lens in terms of its weight and lugging it around makes the Canon 100mm macro feel like a dream to carry around. In terms of its quality, I think this lens does live up to its review. Its solid built, weight and weather resistance renders it competent. And the photos? Well, I believe it depends on the photographer, but even if you are rubbish or mediocre like me, you would get pretty sharp images, even with its maximum zoom.
Determined to make my money's worth, I took the lens out with me to the vet (for Lex's weekly amitraz wash and acupuncture) on Saturday as Venus Drive was just around the corner. Venus Drive is a haven for nature and macro photographers alike due to its rich biodiversity. There is something to look at with every step. Even the stream is filled with interesting life from dragonflies to halfbeaks and a particular type of barb. Venus Drive is also the entrance to the MacRitchie Treetop Walk. I did not venture deep enough to get to the treetop walk (because of my schedule), but I did get to click my lens more than a hundred times for the first 300m. The next time I visit, I will take my macro lens, speedlite and tripod with me. In the meantime, these are some of the things I shot with the Canon zoom lens.
*All images taken with Canon 7D and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Zoom Lens*
