Nikon Z 35mm F1.2 S – Thaipusam Night Photography Test | Low Light & Fast Action

Photographing Thaipusam 2025 with the Nikon 35mm f/1.2 | Low Light, Fast Action & Emotion

Thaipusam is one of the most visually intense and sacred festivals in Singapore, filled with deep devotion, piercing rituals, and an atmosphere unlike any other. Capturing it through photography is a real challenge—fast-moving subjects, dim lighting, and constantly shifting moments of raw emotion. This year, I put the Nikon 35mm f/1.2 to the test, documenting the night procession through my lens.

Why Thaipusam is Unique for Photography

Thaipusam is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, the deity of war and virtue. Devotees embark on a pilgrimage from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, carrying kavadis—symbolic offerings of devotion. Some kavadis are simple pots of milk, while others are towering, elaborately decorated structures attached to the body with metal spikes and hooks. The intensity of faith is unmatched, making it a powerful event to photograph.

Nikon 35mm f/1.2 Performance in Low Light

Shooting in near darkness requires a lens that excels in low-light conditions. The Nikon 35mm f/1.2 delivers:
Wide f/1.2 aperture for clean, bright images
Dreamy subject isolation with incredible background separation
Fast autofocus that locks on even in dim lighting
Crisp image quality with rich colors and deep contrast

From intimate close-ups of devotees in deep prayer to dynamic motion shots of the procession in the streets, this lens handled everything I threw at it.