This has to be my favorite of all photoshoot opportunities. For all you lovers of the low light challenge, there's nothing better in my opinion than Loi Krathong.

This was Loi Krathong in 2010, handheld using the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5, post-processed in Silkypix. Not bad really for such a small sensor and only f/2.0 maximum aperture.

Anyway, this year we come armed with a classic f/1.2 manual mounted on a 16 megapixel APS-C (I mention 16 megapixel because this is in my opinion the optimum megapixel density for APS-C, as new owners of the noisy Pentax K-3 are now finding out to their dismay). Also tripod and a remote shutter release.

Any advice on ISO, EV, apertures and priority settings are welcome in advance!

Really looking forward to this! Been looking forward to this for three years!

(I mention 16 megapixel because this is in my opinion the optimum megapixel density for APS-C, as new owners of the noisy Pentax K-3 are now finding out to their dismay)

fools... should've bought a D7100

(I mention 16 megapixel because this is in my opinion the optimum megapixel density for APS-C, as new owners of the noisy Pentax K-3 are now finding out to their dismay)

fools... should've bought a D7100

I'm avoiding the K-3.

Sony A7r with Novoflex PK > NEX adapter. Can find the A7r here no problem and much cheaper than the UK. Just can't find the adapter.

Preparations are complete . . .

Temple balloons are cleared for lift off.... T minus 10 - 9 - 8 -

We got rained out on Samui! No one wanted to go out this evening!...

This is as much as I got today... at least the pussies had fun!

I'm going to add to the set over the coming days but here's to kick off . . .

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56053365@N07/sets/72157637767926075/

Pattaya/Jomtien

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Tonight at Phuket

Eatable Krathongs - Saphan Hin

Sending lantern - Saphan Hin

Patong Beach

Goodnight.

I make no attempt at the low light thing but I did go for a fish this morning and in backwaters of the river.........

I hope all these peoples wishes come true.

Lot's of nice pictures, but this is my favorite. Love the fire.

I make no attempt at the low light thing but I did go for a fish this morning and in backwaters of the river.........

loi.JPG

loi 2.JPG

I hope all these peoples wishes come true.

Robby, I find that doing low light is the best way to learn how to use a camera. You need to take the whole device to it's computational limits to get anything out of the thing. Soon you find yourself pushing buttons and clicking control wheels without having to look at anything, you just know where you are on ISO and EV and aperture and metering.

What I did find out on last night's exercise was:

1. I do prefer manual focus;

2. The 1970's Pentax K 50mm f/1.2 manual focus is a thing of magic, although still at f/1.2 I find the shallow DoF tricky to focus;

3. My Pentax 77mm Limited needs some serious AF adjustment, it did not perform well with regard to AF;

4. The 16 megapixel APS-C sensor in my K-5 IIs cannot really handle ISO's above 1600 without looking like a $50 PoS, the new 24 megapixel K-3 is likely to be noisier;

5. EV and metering are things I need to work on for low light, my brain still hasn't figured out the formula yet;

6. An A7r with Novoflex PK adapter and the 50mm f/1.2 would likely have been a cracker last night. A full frame sensor that's excellent in low light is something I want.