Autumn Scenes from Shinjuku Gyoen
November 16, 2008 · Print This Article
This past Saturday was supposed to be my 7th summiting of Takigo-yama, but unfortunate events with the Chuo Line lead to the nixing of that, but on the positive side led to a very good autumn afternoon in Shinjuku Gyoen. It was unbelievably Aya’s first ever time to this famous Tokyo park! I of course have been 20+ times as it’s within walking distance to my apartment.
It was a totally overcast day, so I used my Nikkor 50mm 1.8D lens exclusively. The not so spectacular weather didn’t keep many people away, however, as the park had a good energy in it from many families and couples enjoying an autumn afternoon at their leisure. Kids hunted for acorns, obasans chatted, an ojisan took a shoeless nap (photo in gallery below), and of course there were photographers looking for great autumn shots.
Then there was the romantic aspect. Shinjuku Gyoen has numerous bunches throughout it, many in picturesque, romantic spots. I actually set my Nikon D80 down to enjoy one of these benches with Aya and eat a sandwich and stare across one of the ponds.
This might have been my last visit to my favorite park in Tokyo, as I will be leaving in less than three months. If this turns out to be the case, then this visit will stand as a proper farewell to a place I have spent some of my best afternoons in Japan at.
AUTUMN SCENES IN SHINJUKU GYOEN:
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Very nice pics. I think I might head out to Gyoen next Sunday and just chill for awhile.
Wish I had me a nice camera, though.
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Jason Collin Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Thanks Billy.
DSLR cameras may not be as expensive as you think . . .
. . . the camera and lens I used to take these shots (Nikon D80 with Nikkor 50mm 1.8D lens) would cost you only ¥64,000 at Map Camera in Shinjuku (used gear).
I love to go camera gear shopping so if you ever want to go just let me know!
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billywest Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Thanks Jason.
I’m actually considering buying a video cam in the near future. If you’re into those as well, yeah, let’s hit up Shinjuku.
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Jason Collin Reply:
November 18th, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Hey Billy…yes, I’m into video too. I love my Xacti HD700.
What are you thinking of getting? I hear nothing but good things about Canon’s HV20. Sample video of Japan using that cam here:
http://www.vimeo.com/1537826
My friend has the same camera as yours! Nikkon D80 and a 50mm 1.8 Lens he got last Saturday (it was the reason we decided to get out that day).
So we went to that same park (Shinjuku Gyoen) last Sunday, but we were met with rain and it was already closed when we got there. The weather’s been ruining my weekends these recent weeks…
Your photos are stunning, and that 1st pic is just amazing!
Thanks for sharing the pics!
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Jason Collin Reply:
November 18th, 2008 at 9:26 PM
Hi Megane. Thanks for your comment and complement. I’ve seen your comments on Mike’s Blender before.
That’s a big coincidence going to Shinjuku Gyoen with the same camera and lens just a day later Where did your friend buy his 50mm lens? Did he buy it new or used? I bought mine new at Yodobashi Camera, as the used one at Map Camera was only ¥3,000 cheaper.
Yes, the weather does suck on the weekends far too often.
Does your friend post his photos online anywhere?
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[...] brilliant as the previous Japan autumn scene collection photos nor as interesting as Jason’s Shinjuku Gyoen photo gallery but still a colorful reminder that now is the time to go outdoors, bask in the sun and observe the [...]
Keep the photos coming, you’re inspiring me to get out more and shoot. I just got a new d80 in the mail today. I couldnt cave for the d90!!!
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Jason Collin Reply:
November 19th, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Hi Jay….congrats on the D80 purchase!
What lens (lenses) did you get?
If you ever come up to Tokyo, be sure and let me know. I look forward to seeing your shots with the D80.
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I tried to buy just the body only deal from B&H Photo, but they discontinued it. So, I bought it with the 18-55 vr. I think santa is going to bring me the nifty fifty for xmas and i plan on buying the Tokina 11-16 2.8 when i get my bonus in late december
You should start seeing a lot of shots coming from my direction in the next month or so!!
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Jason Collin Reply:
November 19th, 2008 at 11:35 PM
I see by your lens choices you are into the wide side of things. I can recommend the Nikkor 50mm 1.8D lens as one I’ve used to get many of my favorite shots. It’s infinitely cheaper than the 1.4D, which costs nearly as much as the D80 body itself.
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The picture of the leaves falling on the kid is beautiful, really timeless. Seeing pictures like this make me want trade in my digi for a good slr camera. But the price and learning curve both seem very high…
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Jason Collin Reply:
April 15th, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Thank you.
A good SLR might be cheaper than you think. For example the photo of the leaves falling that you like was taken with equipment that would now cost about $500 (Nikon D80 with Nikkor 50mm 1.8D lens). It depends on where you live. If you live in Tokyo, you have great used gear options. I almost always bought used lenses when I lived in Tokyo. No reason not to. Much much cheaper. Even a used SLR body is sometimes ok.
The learning curve takes as little as your excitement level. No doubt if you have no one to give you pointers, it can take a few weeks perhaps before you get one good image you like. But if you read the manual and read a few key photography websites for tips and study the settings of photos you like on flickr, you can learn pretty quickly.
Give the DSLR world a try!
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