MICK DUCK PHOTO

Sirui Professional Landscape Filter Kit Review

18:10

I was selected by the photography brand Sirui to test and review their Professional Landscape Filter Kit. Probably 90% of my shoots are long exposure seascapes where I am using a filter kit, so I was excited to test out another brand.

Bronte Beach Ocean Pool
Canon 24-70mm, 36 Seconds, f11, ISO 200, Sirui SoftGND16 & ND1000

So for the month that I have had the filter kit to test there has probably been more rain in this month than the whole year. Not ideal conditions for testing as i would have liked some amazing sunrises or sunsets but cloud cover can create some dramatic photos.

South Coast NSW
Canon 24-70mm, 46 Seconds, f11, ISO 100, Sirui SoftGND16 & ND1000

Whats in the Kit:

* 1x Sirui Filter Holder – 100mm

* 1x Sirui Soft GND16 (1.2) Filter – 100x150mm

* 1x Sirui ND1000 Filter – 100x100mm

* 1x CPL Filter

* Adapter Ring 67-82mm

* Adapter Ring 72-82mm

* Adapter Ring 77-82mm

* Padded Carry Bag

* Allen Key

* 4x Short Allen Screw

Sirui Professional Landscape Filter Kit

Overview:
I really love that this kit gives you everything a landscape photographer needs in a filter kit straight out of the box. The filter holder, circular polariser and soft graduated ND filter and a ten stop filter to really allow you to slow down the shutter speed is the perfect landscape photographers kit. You can add aditional filters as your skills and requirements develop. The protective pouches are great to safely transporting the kit to a location and the variety of adaptor rings are a thoughtful inclusion.

The other brand of filter kit that i use doesn't offer the circular polariser or the adaptor rings in their kit . Having these included and not an additional purchase is another fantastic offering.

Bronte Beach Ocean Pool
Canon 24-70mm, 10 Seconds, f9, ISO 200, Sirui SoftGND16 & ND1000

Packaging:
Well packaged with lots of padding as it arrived from Sirui in a big box. Very fast delivery directly from Sirui. Filter holder and Circular polariser are in protective pouch. The circular polariser is protected in a hard case that fits inside the pouch with the filter holder. The ND soft grad filter and ND1000 each come in their own padded pouch with soft interior to protect the glass

Build quality:
The build quality of the filter holder is excellent. It is well constructed out of strong metal which lots of other brands filter holders are made of plastic. The Circular Polariser (CPL) is easy to install and the filter has well designed wheels that give the functionality that is required. It is so easy to use in the field and the CPL is well made and cuts the glare from water and highlights the sky. They have also designed it so that you can easliy remove the CPL and shoot without it.

Colour cast:
During my testing the filters have not shown any colour casting that you can get with other filters. The images are producing true colour so post processing is simpler

Summary:
The kit is really easy to use and highly recommended to not only those that are looking to get their first landscape filter kit, but to those that have other brands that are looking for an improved quality kit. This kit is definitely going to be staying in my bag and getting plenty of use

Thanks to Sirui for sending me the Filter Kit to test and review

featured

this month - episode 1

09:52

Australia

Bondi to Bronte walk

17:03

Check out this information and directions for the Bondi to Bronte walk that I have put together. The Bondi to Bronte Walk is the best way to take in the some of the best beaches and coastline in Sydney.

Once you have arrived at Bondi Beach you need to take it all in. There is a lot to see and experience but this post isn't just about Bondi Beach. This is about walking the beautiful coast line and Eastern Suburbs beaches on the Bondi to Bronte Walk.

Bronte Beach at Sunrise

Getting There:

The best way to get to Bondi from the CBD is to take the suburban train (Eastern Suburbs Line) to Bondi Junction station from Central, Town Hall or Martin Place stations. Then catch the bus down the hill to Bondi Beach. When you arrive at Bondi Junction station, take the escalator up and go through the gates. From here take the escalator up again to the bus depot. The buses to Bondi Beach leave from stands A1 and A3. The bus will take 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. You will know when you are at the beach as you will see if when you get to the bottom of Bondi Road.

Bondi Icebergs ocean pool at sunrise

The Walk:

The Bondi to Bronte walk is fairly straight forward. While there is plenty to explore at the north end of Bondi Beach there will be a chance to do that later in the day when you come back to explore Bondi Beach. Once you are looking at the ocean make your way down to the promenade on the sands edge. The walk goes to the south (right as you look at the ocean) to Bronte Beach. The walk will take around 30 minutes but longer if you are stopping and taking photos. Best to allow a few hours so that you can take your time and stop for swims at the beaches and the return walk. There are quite a few steps and it can be uneven ground in some places.

Make your way along the promenade and head up the stairs towards Icebergs Club with the pool below. There are some great photo opportunities with the pool in the foreground and ocean and headland like the shot above. When you get to the top of the stairs turn to your left and follow the path along the road towards Icebergs. Take the ramp down as you arrive at Icebergs. This will take you down to the walkway directly above the ocean pool.

Follow the path down the stairs and along the wooden board walk. There are some great rock platforms for shooting the ocean but always be cautious of waves and the rising ocean.

Head down the stairs to a little bay known to locals as 'the boot'. When the waves are small there will be local fishermen here on the rocks. Follow the path and the bay around and up the stairs.

You will have some great views back towards the Ben Buckler headland of Bondi. Continue to follow the path along the headland remembering to take in the views. you will get towards the end of the headland and follow the steps up to the top of the Headland at Marks Park. There is a circular lookout point that is worth taking some time to not only get your breath back but to take in the amazing views and the open ocean! Take a few minutes to go up the grassy hill for an even more elevated view.

Follow the path down the hill hugging the cliff. If you are there between May and September keep an eye on the ocean for passing whales. At other times check out the surfers and maybe spot a dolphin. At the bottom of the hill you will come to a place called Mackenzies bay.

Follow the path around Mackenzies Bay. There are a few paths off to the right but continue following the path to the left and up the hill. At the top of the hill there is another rock platform worth taking some time to sit and enjoy the views. You will start to see Tamarama Beach and the surf club to your right. Head past the surf club and follow the ramp or steps down to the beach. You can continue to follow the path around the sand and then when you get to the back of the beach take the path and steps back up to the road from the park.

Back up on the road follow the path along the cliffs and as you move along you will see your destination of Bronte Beach. Take the steps down to the promenade past the surf club. Follow the promenade around to the Bronte Beach ocean pool. If you are hot from the walk take a swim here or between the flags on the beach.

Now you have the choice to turn around or head to one of the cafes across the road from the beach for some coffee and something to eat.

Look out for the Bondi Lifeguards

Eating:

There are so many eating options in Bondi. Try and get away from the touristy Campbell Parade restaurants and cafes. Just walk up Hall Street for heaps of delicious options or wait until you get around to the cafes at Bronte Beach.

Take some time to enjoy a Coffee

Accommodation:

If you want to stay overnight in Bondi there are quite a few options. Check out my post about accommodation in Bondi or my other post accommodation in Sydney.

Surfing at Bondi

Main Activities:

On this walk the main things to do are the walk itself, take photo, enjoy the amazing views, swim at the beaches or ocean pools and eat at the cafes!

If you want more then you can continue along the cliffs and actually walk all the way to Coogee Beach. Follow the path from Bronte up the hill. There is a section that you will have to walk along the road until you get to the local cemetery that you can walk through. On the other side of the cemetery is the Clovelly Bowling club. Follow the path down the hill to Clovelly Beach. A great place to stop for a swim or a snorkel. To get to Coogee there is still quite a way to go. Follow the path and cliff past the gorgeous Gordon's Bay. Up the hill and around through the park and then along the headland and you will finally arrive at Coogee Beach. It is about 1 hour walk from Bondi without stopping for photos and breaks. You can catch a bus from Coogee back to Bondi Junction and take your train back to the CBD.

Bronte Beach Pool

Australia

Top 10 things to do in Sydney

07:48

These are my top ten things to do in Sydney. Being a Sydney local there are probably a hundred things to do Sydney that I could recommend, but I am keeping this to my top 10 things to see in Sydney or your Sydney bucket list. Having been living around the Bondi Beach area for over ten years I am bias towards the eastern suburbs of Sydney, but this list isn't about the east. It is more about the Sydney icons and ticking places off your Sydney bucket list for first time visitors.

1. Sydney Harbour
There are many ways to explore the Sydney Harbour by boat and by foot. Use the public transport ferries to get to places like Manly Beach, Watsons Bay or Taronga Zoo. There are man other boat cruise options including sightseeing cruises, lunch and diner cruises. You can explore on foot the North and South Heads and the many harbour beaches and bays like Rose Bay, Neilson Park, Camp Cove, Milk Beach and Balmoral. You could even hire a kayak, stand up paddle board or boat.

Sydney Harbour

2. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is not only a fantastic walk it is a great way to experience Sydney beaches, ocean cliffs and beach side suburbs. Starting at Bondi Beach you will get to check out the Bondi Icebergs Pool and Restaurant, then walk up to the cliffs at St Marks Park, then around to see the beautiful people on Tamarama Beach. You will head around past Bronte Beach with its beautiful ocean pool and then up the hill to the Waverley Cemetery. Your next stop should be Clovelly Bowls Club for a quick drink, head down the hill to the concrete jungle that is Clovelly Beach which is a great spot for snorkelling. Following the coast around you will be delighted with Gordons Bay and then up the last hill before strolling down to the wonderful Coogee Beach.

Bondi Beach Ocean Pool called Icebergs

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge

There are a number of ways to explore and view the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you can afford to climb it you should do that. It is a once a life time experience walking up the famous arch. If you cannot afford to do that the next best thing is to walk across it on the pedestrian walkway and go up one of the pylons to the viewing platform. This will also give you an amazing view of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House. You get a pretty amazing view of it from the Opera House side and particularly from the Opera Bar with a beer or wine in hand watching the sunset.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

4. Sydney Opera House

While the Sydney Opera House is spectacular from the outside, it is equally spectacular from inside as well. At a minimum I recommend that you do the guided tour for around $40 per person. This gives you an amazing insight into the building itself and the chance to see all of the various halls and concert rooms. If you can see a show as well as the tour that will give you the best experience. There are shows for everyone's taste from opera to contemporary plays to rock concerts and music festivals on the forecourt.

Sydney Opera House

5. The Rocks

Exploring The Rocks is best done on foot. There are many walking tours, from free walks that are run by volunteers, to paid walks or just exploring yourself. The Rocks is the oldest area of Sydney and there are many interesting sandstone buildings and cobbled walkways filled with shops and restaurants. I recommend that you take a guided walk as there are many back alleys and the stories of the area help to paint the picture of the area that Sydney was built upon.

Foundation Park in The Rocks

6. Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is worth exploring and a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner. There are so many dining options here and something for everyone with basic food courts to beautiful restaurants. This is a touristy place so expect to pay tourist prices. Walk up and over the bridge and do a loop around the little harbour and wander into the shops, go to the Aquarium or wildlife world or checkout a movie at the IMAX theatre. If you want to see fireworks you can head there on Saturday night at 9pm.

7. Manly Beach

Pick a nice sunny day and catch the iconic Manly Ferry from Circular Quay across Sydney Harbour. When you arrive on the ferry you are going to be on the harbour side, not the beach side. Walk down 'The Corso' to the beach past all of the shops and cafes. The Corso is directly across the road once you come out of the ferry terminal. Follow all of the people! Manly is great for having a swim between the flags or wandering around to Shelley Beach. When you are heading back to the ferry stop at 4 Pines Brewery for some delicious lunch and craft beers.

The sands of Manly Beach

8. Mrs Macquarie's Chair

This is probably the best place to view both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House from one place and to get them both into one photo. It is a bit of a tricky place to get to, but the best way is to walk from the Opera House around through the Botanical Gardens. Pack a picnic lunch and find a spot along the way or around at Mrs Macquarie's Chair.

9. Hyde Park

You have to take some time and walk through Hyde Park. Start at the end of Oxford Street and wander in and meander all the way down to the start of Macquarie Street. There are fountains, statues and art work, but one of the most amazing parts is the Anzac Memorial. If you are lucky enough to be there for the few weeks a year when the Night Noodle Markets are on you are in for a foodie treat.

10. Taronga Zoo

Part of the Taronga Zoo experience is catching the ferry across Sydney Harbour and then taking the cable car to the top of the zoo. From Koalas to Crocodiles and Echidnas to Emus, the Taronga Zoo has plenty of Australian animals. Plus the Giraffes with their view of the Opera House are hard to forget. Oh and the Penguins....don't forget the little Penguins.

See the view of the Opera House the the giraffes have

With this list of top ten things to do and see in Sydney, I think that you will have enough to keep you busy for a while. If you are looking for accommodation options in Sydney you can read my accommodation options in Sydney article or accommodation options in Bondi you can ready my accommodation options in Bondi article.

1. Sydney Harbour

2. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge

4. Sydney Opera House

5. The Rocks

6. Darling Harbour

7. Manly Beach

8. Mrs Macquarie Chair

9. Hyde Park

10. Taronga Zoo

Sirui Professional Landscape Filter Kit Review

this month - episode 1

Bondi to Bronte walk

Top 10 things to do in Sydney

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