Travel with a 50mm lens to Customise Photography Private Tour Singapore
RICKY GUI . 3 TO 4 MINUTES READING TIME
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, my goal is to help you 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 in Singapore
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.
Singapore Photograph Tours
Join our private photography tour with an open mind. While you may enjoy the shots I’ve captured and want to replicate them — which is awesome — sometimes the weather may not be in our favor. That’s part of the adventure. Whether it’s sunny, overcast, cloudy, or even raining, each condition presents unique picture opportunities. With the right mindset and a positive outlook, every journey becomes a rewarding experience.
Our private tours of Chinatown, Marina Bay Sands, and Little India–Kampong Glam are priced at just S$380 for a 3.5-hour journey. For customized tours, please note that transportation costs are not included, though we occasionally take a bus or train to save time. Rest assured, our guides know the streets inside out, so you can focus on your photography without worrying about navigating or pulling out Google Maps.
👉 Ready to capture Singapore through a photographer’s eye? Book your tour today and bring home images you’ll treasure for years to come.
