Travel with a 50mm lens to Customise Photography Private Tour Singapore
RICKY GUI . 5 MINUTES READING TIME . UPDATED 10 NOV 2025
For my private photography tour in Singapore, although I usually recommend guests to bring a 70–200mm lens and a wide-angle lens — that combination is more than enough to cover the city. Of course, this suggestion is only for those who already own these lenses. There is another group of photographers, who prefers shooting with a fixed lens, like a 35mm, 50mm, or 85mm, feel free to bring it along. I’d rather you use what you’re comfortable with, instead of adjusting to gear you rarely utilize — especially when you’re traveling overseas.
Above all, I encourage my guests to travel light. Carrying a heavy backpack for 3.5 hours under Singapore’s heat and humidity can be draining, especially if you’re not acclimatized. A lighter setup means you can focus on enjoying the experience, seeing creatively, and capturing great shots — instead of worrying about gear.
During the tour, we handle the navigation for you, bringing you to off-the-beaten-path spots and elevated viewpoints that most visitors miss or wouldn’t know about. As your photography guide, one of my goal is to help you develop idea to capture great shots in your own style while sharing insights and teaching beginners the art of seeing. And of course, we’ll also help you take memorable photos at iconic landmarks or popular venues using your own camera.
f/10, 1/500 sec, ISO 200, Sunny weather
f/9, 1/800 sec, ISO 200, Sunny condition
Why I enjoy using a 50mm lens for my street walk and event
One of my personal favorites is the classic 50mm prime lens . Why? Because the 50mm sits right at the sweet spot — close to what the human eye naturally sees. Prime lens offer better sharpness and clarity; with fewer layers of glass and compartments, there are fewer opportunities for aberrations like spherical and chromatic aberration to occur. Sometimes I want a 50mm to shoot subject from a far distance instead of close to mid range. And it’s exactly this practice that makes street and travel photography so rewarding and a joy to use.
The 50mm also shines in event photography, particularly in low-light settings. Opening up the aperture allows the subject to stand out beautifully against a busy background, creating depth and focus in a crowded space. It’s that perfect balance of simplicity, performance, and creative freedom that keeps me coming back to this lens again and again.
f/8, 1/125 sec, ISO 800, Indoor condition, sunny weather
f/4, 1/1000 sec, ISO 200, Indoor condition, sunny weather
The beauty of traveling light
When I head out with just a 50mm, I immediately feel lighter — both physically and mentally. Carrying a backpack full of lenses can be exhausting, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. With a 50mm mounted, I know I can walk easily for hours, focus on composition, and capture split second moments quickly without being weighed down. It also makes you looked less “threatening” when you approach human subjects.
f/8, 1/1250 sec, ISO 200, Sunny weather
f/8, 1/1250 sec, ISO 200, Sunny weather
Finding opportunities in everyday life
The 50mm is incredibly versatile for urban photography. On my city tours, I’ve used it to:
Capture interesting candid portraits of people I may meet along the way.
Snap street scenes with cultural settings
Frame iconic landmark architectural details with minimum distortion.
Each shot feels like an excitement, and I often surprise myself by the result I can make do with just one lens for my exploration.
f/8, 1/800 sec, ISO 200, Sunny weather
f/2.8, 1/5000 sec, ISO 200, Outdoor condition
A lesson for my guests
When I guide guests through places like Chinatown, Marina Bay Sands, or Little India to Kampong Glam, I would like to share through my experience, rather than textbook coaching, photography is not about having the most gear and shooting at everything that comes across your sight. It’s about seeing differently, your intention and personal interest. If you’re comfortable with your 35mm, 50mm, or 85mm — bring that! It’s far more important to be confident with your equipment than to carry something you rarely use.
f/5 , 1/30 sec, ISO 200, Indoor condition
f/5.6, 1/200 sec, ISO 200, Sunny condition
Final thoughts
This series of photos was taken entirely with my 50mm lens, and it reminded me to challenge myself, do not get too comfortable with the usual gears I always carry. Especially on days I want to travel light. Sometimes, the limitations of a prime lens open up new possibilities — forcing me to think, judging at a certain distance, and see my subjects in a different moments I might otherwise miss.
So, whether you join my tour with a zoom or a prime, the most important thing is to keep your gear light, stay open-minded, and let Singapore surprise you through the lens.
What are the available tours in Singapore?
Customized Private Photography Tour (Day / Night / Both)
Explore your way with a personalized photography tour designed around your interests and schedule. Choose from 6, 8, or 10-hour sessions, and decide whether you’d like to shoot during the day, at night, or both.
Simply mention your preferred duration and start time in your email. We’ll discuss your photography goals, plan your route, and confirm the appointment before booking.
This experience is highly recommended for travelers who want to cover more ground, capture stunning visuals, and learn valuable photography coaching along the way.
📷 Tour Rates:
6 hours — $650
8 hours — $865
10 hours — $1080
Little India to Kampong Glam Private Photography Tour
📍 Meeting point: Little India MRT station, exit C
🕒 Duration: 3.5 hours
A.M. session: 09:00–12:30 hrs
P.M. session: 17:00–20:30 hrs (Late afternoon to night)
💰 Price: SGD $380
👉 Book your Singapore Photography Tour
Marina Bay Private Photography Tour
📍 Meeting point: Bayfront MRT station, beside 7-Eleven
🕒 Duration: 3.5 hours
A.M. session: 09:00–12:30 hrs
P.M. session: 17:00–20:30 hrs (Late afternoon to night)
💰 Price: SGD $380
👉 Book your Singapore Photography Tour
Chinatown Private Photography Tour
📍 Meeting point: Outram Park MRT, exit 4
🕒 Duration: 3.5 hours
A.M. session: 09:00–12:30 hrs
P.M. session: 17:00–20:30 hrs (Late afternoon to night)
💰 Price: SGD $380
👉 Click here to book your Singapore Photography Tour
Quarry Hiking & Exploration Private Photography Tour (Day)
📍 Meeting point: Hillview MRT, after gantry
🕒 Duration: 3.5 hours
💰 Price: SGD $380
👉 Please email for booking.
All tours does not include transportation and food.
That’s me out in the street!
