Capture the essence of Jeju Island with @_gnal | Featuring FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Lee Jong Hyun, widely recognised as @_gnal on Instagram, is a South Korean photographer acclaimed for his exceptional travel and landscape photography. His latest photographic endeavour leads him to the scenic Jeju Island.
Jong Hyun shares insights into creating his engaging Instagram Reels in his travels. He highlights the use of the compact and lightweight FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens in capturing the beauty of his surroundings.
Lens in focus | FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens is a versatile wide-angle zoom lens known for its exceptional performance in a compact and lightweight form. Ideal for various photography styles such as landscapes, architecture, and street scenes, it offers a broad focal range with a fast F2.8 aperture.
Focal Length: 16mm - 35mm
Min. focus distance: 0.22(Wide, Tele)m, 0.73(Wide, Tele)ft
Max. magnification ratio (x): 0.32
Weight: 547g
It's surprisingly light and easy to handle when shooting in portrait.”
It's surprisingly light and easy to handle when shooting in portrait.”
Jong Hyun’s take on the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
The FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens, with its wide 16mm to 35mm focal range, enabled Jong Hyun to perfectly capture the diverse landscapes of Jeju Island, from sprawling hills to the vast sea. This lightweight and compact lens, along with its broad field of view, is ideal for navigating the island's varied terrains and scenic spots. This allows every shot to beautifully frame the unique beauty of Jeju's hills and coastal lines. "It offers a wide field of view while maintaining sharp image quality at the edges, enhancing landscape shots."
3 Reel Questions
What particular mood were you trying to convey in this Reel?
My aim for this Reel was to capture the essence of travelling in Jeju Island. By showcasing scenes of hills, the sea, and distinctive spaces, I wanted to inspire people to think, "I want to visit there too."
How do you plan and execute your Reels?
I typically select a theme for my Reels, such as landscapes or spaces. Then, I create impactful transitions for the introduction of the video. This approach helps pique people's curiosity. Following this, I sequentially edit the cuts to align with the flow of the space.
Many people use their smartphones for Reels. How does professional photography equipment compare?
Professional equipment such as the Alpha 7C II camera and FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens offers significant quality improvements over smartphones. The camera has superior colour correction and focusing capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions. Additionally, the lens is renowned for its exceptional image quality and sharpness, which is a huge advantage.
Words of encouragement
As Jong Hyun travels globally, he aims to showcase diverse travel destinations through photography and Reels production. “With each Reel you film, your skills will improve. Employing a camera and lens adds a more refined and professional look to your videos.”
