The first thing that surprised me when I got my hands on the Sigma 20–200mm F3.5–6.3 DG | Contemporary was its light weight.

I must admit that I had always thought of high-power zoom lenses as something for amateur photographers. But now that I’ve actually used one, my prejudice has been completely overturned.

I spent two nights and three days at a camp site called ist – Aokinodaira Field in the forests of Nagano.

I always feel inspired when I’m spending time in nature, and I’ve photographed there many times before.

This time, I wanted to use the new lens to convey what it feels like to spend time in nature – to capture the air, the light, and the quietness of the forest not through explanations or descriptions but through feelings.

I quickly learned that one of the main strengths of this lens lies in how easy and intuitive it feels to move between the various focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 20mm all the way to 200mm at the tele end. Everything seemed to happen naturally – from bold close-ups and dynamic wide-angle shots to quickly capturing subjects in the distance.

One day, I made use of the lens’ macro capabilities to photograph dew drops resting on a leaf after a rain shower. Another day, I managed to capture a rainbow in the sky using the lens’ ultra-wide 20mm. It appeared only for a few brief moments – if I had needed to change lenses first, I would have missed it entirely.

Usually, I photograph with prime lenses. I simply want to be in full control and compose my shots with care and conviction. I had always assumed that a zoom lens would make me doubt which precise focal length to use, and dull my sensibilities rather than sharpen them.

But this lens is different.

It responds so well, so naturally to my impulse to photograph.

It allowed me to notice and capture things that last only briefly, never to occur again – a unique reflection on the surface of a river, for example, or a bird taking a short rest on a tree branch.

Instead of doubt, the zoom ability gave me the freedom to choose.

As soon as I realized this, the Sigma 20–200mm F3.5–6.3 DG | Contemporary became no longer just a convenient tool but a lens that allowed me to reliably capture the momentary beauty around me.

For me, photography is a way to express my perspective on the world and make it resonate with others. I felt that I’d be able to capture something worthwhile if I focused on the calm, quiet moments in Nagano’s forests. Thanks to the Sigma 20–200mm F3.5–6.3 DG | Contemporary, finding the right sense of distance for each moment felt completely natural.

I have a feeling that this lens will greatly expand the possibilities of my photography in the future.

SYUHEI INOUE
Photographer (Studio NEUTRAL)

Syuhei Inoue’s work explores the connections between nature and people, memory and aesthetics. Working mainly in corporate advertising and outdoor photography, he aims to capture the essence and beauty of each subject in simple yet striking images that convey emotion, texture, and the subtle gradations of light.

Behind the scenes photography & editing: Yuki Namakura (studio oundulation)

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Writer: Sayoko Limuro (Kowane)

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With special thanks to to ist - Aokindoaria Field

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