Japan in winter through the lens of @bongtographer_ | Featuring FE 20-70mm F4 G
Self-proclaimed laid-back traveller, South Korean photographer Bong Ha-sung explores the world to capture wondrous sights and shares them on his Instagram profile, @bongtographer_.
With the FE 20-70mm F4 G and Alpha 7 IV, Ha-sung captures a winter wonderland in Hokkaido, Japan during the Christmas season.
Lens highlights | FE 20-70mm F4 G
Compact and lightweight with fast AF, the FE 20-70mm F4 G redefines the standard zoom with an even wider focal length range, becoming a choice lens for versatile creators who are always on the go.
Focal length: 20-70mm
Min. focus distance: 0.30m (W), 0.25m (T)
Max. magnification ratio (X): 0.39
Weight: 488g
The lens covers a wide range from wide-angle to telephoto, enabling me to capture everything I encountered on this journey.”
The lens covers a wide range from wide-angle to telephoto, enabling me to capture everything I encountered on this journey.”
Why Ha-sung chose FE 20-70mm F4 G
As Ha-sung was travelling during winter when physical activity tends to be limited, he was looking for a versatile lens that could cover a wide range of focal lengths. “From expansive landscapes to distant subjects, the FE 20-70mm F4 G proved to be versatile, allowing me to capture it all.”
Travel Q&A with Ha-sung
Tell us about the images you captured.
I wanted to capture the vastness of the snowy landscape. In the village, I aimed to capture the way people live in a snowy city and the small moments of their everyday lives.
What was your experience like with your camera gear?
When I was in a village called "Biei,” snow was pouring down so heavily. Despite the challenging conditions, I managed to consider the focal length and capture the shots. Even if the subject was far away and difficult to reach, I used the crop mode to capture the shot. This allowed me to cover up to 70mm, which was great. Since the houses in the village were designed higher than eye level, shooting with a wide-angle lens would have resulted in distortion when trying to capture the entire scene. However, at 20mm, I was able to avoid distortion.
What should fellow photographers look out for in winter?
I recommend trying slightly overexposed settings. Snow tends to appear darker than expected, so overexposure is often used to capture the bright feeling that snow gives. Also, since it's travel photography, I recommend capturing shots from various angles. With the swivel LCD monitor, you can shoot from eye level, as well as low or high angles, which is crucial for ensuring the diversity of your photos.
In travel photography, even the coldest moments can become warm memories.”
In travel photography, even the coldest moments can become warm memories.”
Get inspired
If you’re heading to Japan too, give Hokkaido a visit. Its landscapes are especially stunning in winter, and it’s renowned for its snow-covered scenery.
See through the lens of more photographers.
Admire New York through the lens of @jinifoto | Featuring FE 20-70mm F4 G
