By 工藤瑛志 / Eishi Kudou
In this immersive and visually stunning video, photographer and videographer Eishi Kudou explores spring landscapes across Japan using the SIRUI AURORA Series 85mm F1.4 full-frame autofocus lens. The journey takes viewers through a variety of natural and urban scenes, capturing the essence of spring from blooming cherry blossoms to glittering nightscapes. Notably, Kudou shoots everything handheld without a tripod, showcasing the lens’s portability and practicality.
The video begins with an overview and unboxing of the SIRUI AURORA Series lens, highlighting its lightweight 540g build and superb F1.4 aperture, ideal for low-light environments. Kudou provides sample footage and images from Showa Kinen Park (昭和記念公園) in Tokyo and various scenic spots in Nagano Prefecture. These nature-rich areas are adorned with spring flora, especially cherry blossoms, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting perfect for testing the lens’s bokeh and depth of field.
Moving into the urban realm, Kudou shifts focus to Yokohama, specifically the Minato Mirai area, known for its sleek waterfront and modern architecture. He also documents the energetic Yokohama Chinatown during the evening and ends the day capturing the city lights from Yokohama Marine Tower. These transitions effectively showcase the lens's performance from day to night, demonstrating its versatility in different lighting conditions.
Throughout the video, Kudou shares not just technical details but also personal reflections on using the lens over a 6-hour walk in Yokohama, noting its ergonomic advantages and fatigue-free experience. Aimed at both amateur and seasoned photographers, the video emphasizes how a single fixed lens can adapt to diverse shooting scenarios, from wildlife and landscapes to urban explorations and architectural shots.
This beautifully crafted visual journey highlights key travel destinations—Showa Kinen Park, Nagano's countryside, and Yokohama—making it particularly appealing to photography enthusiasts interested in both gear and Japanese tourism.