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Edward Fielding

3 Years Ago

Your Last Photography Equipment Gear Purchase And Why

During the pandemic, my interest in new photography gear reached level 0. I wasn't shooting much and haven't traveled.

But with the hope of traveling in the not-so-distant future becomes a reality due to the growing number of vaccinations going into people's arms, perhaps that will change in the coming months and my interest in gear will increase.

I did recently purchased a Canon RF 85mm f2.0 lens for my mirrorless Canon RP. Mainly for the macro capabilities as I'm shooting a few cigar boxes of old slides from my Dad. I currently have the RF 35mm macro but it doesn't provide a very big image of the slides. The 85mm will be great for portraits also.

It's also an upgrade for my older Canon 85mm f1.2 lenses which I'll probably trade-in. The new 85mm is built for the new R cameras while the old one requires an adapter which makes it bulkier.

How about you? Any photography gear purchases lately? Please provide the reasoning behind the purchase for our eager readers. Everyone enjoys insight into the thought process behind gear purchases.

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Mel Steinhauer

3 Years Ago

I have been using Nikons forever and last year ( before Covid-19 ) began, I grabbed a Best Buy deal on a Sony A7II mirrorless with a 28-70mm lens. Then for a scheduled Viking Europe river cruise last July, I got a deal on the Sony 24-240mm lens for more reach with distant subjects. Plus, I just wanted to try and keep up with newer technology and see what using a mirrorless and a full-frame camera was like.

But alas, all of that was cancelled, we went nowhere and my photography interest dropped way down to almost nothing. So the new camera & lens became dusty paperweights for the rest of 2020 and I concentrated on trying to stay healthy.

I finally started to use my new Sony & lenses early this year and hope to try and get back into some creativity this year. But that will be my last gear purchase for quite awhile.

 

David Smith

3 Years Ago

Just ordered a 22mm EF-M lens for the Canon M6II I bought last summer.

I want to start doing some street photography as the pandemic abates (hopefully) and wanted to make the camera as inconspicuous as possible.

 

Matthias Hauser

3 Years Ago

My last photography equipment purchase was no expensive lens but a pretty cheap gooseneck cell phone holder.

It allows me to capture videos and photos from above while working on my art. I used it last weekend to record videos of me (well, my hands, wearing gloves) creating some acrylic pour paintings.

The expensive lens comes into place as soon as I take pictures of the result (to upload them to FAA) ;-)

 

Mary Bedy

3 Years Ago

My last one was in 2019. I had a dedicated macro, a really good 300 zoom, but the 24-105 kit lens that came with my Canon 6D was crap even though it was supposed to be "L glass". Really crummy lens, so I bought a Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens recommended by Kathleen Bishop. What a world of difference! I have everything I need now, and I don't get into the "collecting" thing any more like I did with the film cameras. I really do need to sell that crappy lens back to B&H. I got an estimate of 200 bucks from them for it.

 

Andrew Pacheco

3 Years Ago

Just last week, I made 2 photo gear purchases. Overall, I pulled the trigger because my wife and I both turned 50 in Feb and Mar and decided to gift ourselves cool things as well as a weekend getaway.

I bought a DJI Mini 2, because I'd like to add some aerial photos to my portfolio, once I'm licensed. I am also planning on using video on youtube and instagram to grab some followers and attention for my print sales.

At the same time, I got a used Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, because I needed a longer lens. I had been avoiding buying one because of the cost of a decent quality telephoto. I mostly wanted it for landscapes and lighthouses, but I may start doing a little wildlife too. I'm very pleased with the lens.

 

Jason Fink

3 Years Ago

Sony SEL16F28 16mm f/2.8 with an ultra wide converter that takes it down to 12mm (18mm w/ crop I guess). For someone trying to sell landscape photography, I was missing a decent prime wide angle lens. Closest lens in my kit was an 18-35mm zoom that was doing a fare job, but a lot of my wider images have been multiple shots stitched together creating some unusual ratios.

 

Joseph C Hinson

3 Years Ago

Thinking my camera was dying, I bought the same kind, body only, another Canon 60D. (I operate on a budget) The original 60D keeps ticking, but doesn't get as much use now. It is convenient for when a train is coming to me and I want to shoot with both a long and a short lens.

 

Joseph C Hinson

3 Years Ago

Andrew,

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the DJI Mini 2 once you've had the oppurtunity to use it a llittle. I got my eyes on it for down the road

 

Peggy Collins

3 Years Ago

My last purchase was a Canon 100-400mm f4.5/5.6L IS II lens to replace my old and somewhat broken (won't retract anymore) lens. Bought it about a month ago because springtime brings a lot of opportunities for wildlife photography and even though it's a bit of a beast to have around my neck, I walk long distances with my camera and I like to have the range of a telephoto zoom...I never quite know what I'm going to come across.

 

Brian Kurtz

3 Years Ago

I bought a Sony 100-400mm 4.5/5.6. Wanted a telephoto for a while. Have used it to photograph some birds but plan on mostly using it to photograph maritime scenes. Ships and stuff.

You can “fill the frame” by flying a drone out to a boat...but the lenses on drones are so wide that the look is different.

 

Steven Ralser

3 Years Ago

We bough a canoe last September, so I will go paddling with my camera gear. This opens up some more options with the lakes around Madison. But photo gear - I bought a flash for some wedding photography I did last year (this was as a favor for the birthmother of our daughter). It's not something I plan to do again. My last lens was the Panasonic Leica 12-60mm for my micro 4/3 set up.

 

My most recent purchase was a Sigma 105mm for macro. It’s been a game changer. I was just using focusing rings before with a 50mm or 70-200mm. Now I have a dedicated macro lens. Got it used for $100 and it’s in perfect condition. I’ve been photographing all kinds of bugs with it in the studio during this whole pandemic thing (no bug photos yet for sale in our portfolio) - working on a series for a gallery. The pandemic saved me from wedding photography (brutal in Florida heat) and I’ve found my passion now with dramatically lit macro photos!

- Ali

 

Renata Natale

3 Years Ago

I bought myself a full sensor camera, Canon 5 DSR that I've been wanting for 3 years. I took more photos during the pandemic than I have in years.

 

Iris Richardson

3 Years Ago

I am looking into switching my gear. I had a eye on Sony for quite some time and did not switch because of the investment in the canon lenses I have. But now especially with the overheating problem on the one Canon I considered and the lens change it is the time to make the switch. I am researching studio lights as well as my old ones seem bulky and many of the new ones now can be run using batteries. It would be nice to not have to worry about access to outlets on locations.

 

Mike Savad

3 Years Ago

i got an insta360 one R camera and instantly regretted it.

it took blurry images, it froze all the time. the interface was terrible, software terrible, hard to edit. it was just terrible, took very bad photos, blurry photos. and the tech support was horrible. you opened the box? you can't return it. you activated it? you can't return it.

both of those things are needed to to see if it works.

and then it took like 2 months to do a chargeback. with them after the first month pleading with me that they will send me my money finally if i send them the camera back... yeah right, don't believe you. i've heard stories of people sending it for repairs then leaving it in hong kong and they never got it back.

now it sits in a box, i bought a new faster card, but the photos are still terrible. i thought it would be nice to be able to shoot where i've been in a 360 photo, but in reality it takes too long to set it up needs a really bulky case to mount it to a stick. the photo quality is terrible. you need the phone to get the gps. and when its linked, you can't use bluethooth or wifi for anything else, even though it doesn't even use the wifi. and the lens is impossible to protect or keep clean.

it totally destroyed my thought in using this for the future. maybe when those new Fresnel lens versions come out, then i'll look at it again.

i can only assume there are better models out there, because while i'm sure people used an slr with a 180 lens on it, there are shots that look really nice, that looks like it came from a small unit, according to the shadows. but i don't know what models those are.

----Mike Savad
http://www.MikeSavad.com

 

Philip Preston

3 Years Ago

Although I have done virtually no photography in the last 12 months (due to travel restrictions, staying at home etc), I bought a Fujifilm 100-400mm zoom lens last November. Fuji usually do a couple of 'cashback' schemes about twice a year, so my new gear is usually purchased during then to save some money on the normal purchase price.

When I start going out and about again, I want to try some new photography subjects, so the 100-400 will be used for animal photography, eg, wildlife parks, zoo's etc, and possibly motorsports. I already have a 50-140mm lens (75-210 full frame equivalent) but the reach on that is generally too short for wildlife parks, etc. Managed to try the new lens a few times before the current lock down, and I'm happy with the purchase. Just waiting for more opportunities to use it now.

 

Chuck De La Rosa

3 Years Ago

I haven't bought any gear in a long time. In fact I can't remember the last hardware purchase I've made. Last year despite the pandemic I shot more than I did the previous couple of years and I've been just trying to get back to some basics and getting reacquainted with my the equipment I do have.

What I have done is upgraded software that hadn't been for a long time. And new features have led to new approaches to my images. I've had a lot of fun with that.

 

Patti Deters

3 Years Ago

I took the big jump to full frame mirrorless...bought a Canon R5 with the adapter ring so I could use my existing lenses. I love the new camera and am glad I made the switch, but now I think I might need to by a native lens or two...

 

Edward Fielding

3 Years Ago

My wife got a new motorized desk for her new home office (sadly it used to be mine!) and then she didn't need the stand/sit contraption that moved her monitor and keyboard up and down. Now the entire desk moves up and down.

I was all ready to return it to her former office when the thought hit me. Can I mount a camera on this VESA mount? Low and behold I found a camera mount made for VESA monitor mounts.

Now I have a nice setup for shooting straight down for food, still life or document reproduction.

This is the mount (under $20) -- https://amzn.to/2PoJnl0

 

Edward Fielding

3 Years Ago

The new lenses for the Canon R line are really expensive. But finally, there are some affordable ones including the 35mm f/1.8 macro - $400 85mm f/2 macro $600 and the 50mm f1.8 $200

 

Louis Dallara

3 Years Ago

I wanted to see what the birds sing about so I bought DJI Mavic Air 2 - Fly Farther, See Clearer

 

Douglas Brown

3 Years Ago

Grip Tight Pro Tripod with Impulse Remote Shutter and has i believe made a difference to my end result. Makes me more comfortable when simply lining up the shot. Great buy for less than £100.

 

Suzanne Luft

3 Years Ago

A new 400mm lens because I want to work on my wildlife photography.

 

Ava Reaves

3 Years Ago

After 1 year, I recently purchased a Fuji 70-300mm lens. Hopefully it will arrive soon. I wanted a Fuji 100-400, but the thought of lens weighing 3 pounds, was a big no. This new lens should give me the reach, plus I can add my 1.4 Fuji teleconverter adds additional reach. Ironically I purchased a Helios 44-6 lens and it took months to arrive, only to discover it won't focus. I'm so disgusted with this. Another photog friends swears that he can fix it.

 

Tom Schwabel

3 Years Ago

As a travel photographer with very limited ability to travel in the past year, I took the plunge into astrophotography, so my last purchase was a star tracking mount - the iOptron Skyguider Pro. I'd had it in my mind to try out deep-space astrophotography for a while and it really opened my eyes to the surprising number of things in the night sky that can be seen/photographed without fancy equipment or expensive telescopes. Paired with my 200-500mm lens that I used primarily for wildlife on safari, I was happy with the results - have been able to photograph a few nebulas and a galaxy or two. I was planning on blogging about it soon, it's a whole new area and set of skills to learn and grow into...

 

Abbie Shores

3 Years Ago

M1x
Because I didn't have it

:-)

 

Bradford Martin

3 Years Ago

Funny you should ask because this morning I am going out to do my first photoshoot with a lens I bought last week. It is a Nikon 16-35mm f/4 compatible with a full frame camera. So 2 weeks ago I was asked to apply to be an approved photographer for an international e-commerce company involved in Real Estate. They wanted me to use a full frame camera and a lens capable of 16 mm as it's widest focal length.

Last summer I bought a refurbished FF camera, just so I could take advantage of such opportunities and because I wanted to gradually move into FF photography for a lot of my work. I also purchased a 10mm FF macro lens and a 50mm f/1.4 FF lens and an 25 - 85 FF lens some months ago, but lenses are not cheap and I am not rich, so I didn't have a 16-35.

I applied for the free lance position and was approved. They immediately offered me a photoshoot and said if I accepted it there would be many more. I had to turn it down because I was not ready or available for that day and told them as much. I got the lens off ebay and soon after was offered another shoot, which I am doing this morning.

I also bought a drone and a new crop frame camera. The drone was because I get asked a lot if I have one. I have not had a lot of use for it but I am glad I have it because sometimes just being capable of drone work can get me the job, even if they don't order any.

The crop frame camera was just an upgrade to the one I was using. It has a flip up viewfinder which is a real back saver and I use it a lot on my commercial work. I also found I can up the ISO a few stops and still get noise free images, so that has helped my bird photography as well as my commercial work.

My regret about my full frame D 610 is that it doesn't not have a flip up viewfinder. If I get more work for it I will be upgrading to a later model such as the D750 which has a flip up viewfinder. I shoot RE at 4 feet and bending over makes it difficult. I knew a guy that went on his knees and he had to have knee surgery. I have a right angle optical viewfinder but that is no replacement for a flip up viewfinder and I use both.

 

Eric Glaser

3 Years Ago

Except for tripods, which I purchase myself, its been many years since I bought gear as I rent it from a vendor in Memphis. Generally I use a Canon 5D Mk IV paired with Zeiss primes and the occasional Canon lens. I find it such a pleasure to use different focal lengths and those amazing German optics. Inspired by Richard Powers’ wonderful book “The Overstory,” soon I’ll be photographing some old growth forest in Kentucky and Tennessee. I’ll have with me:

Canon 5D Mk IV
Zeiss Milvus ZE 35mm f/1.4
Canon 14mm f/2.8L II

For the Zeiss lens, I bought a Hoya infrared filter as well to try out.

 

John Haldane

3 Years Ago

I haven't bought anything since the pandemic started. Before our trip to Antarctica, Galapagos, and Machu Picchu in 2018, I bought an Canon 100-400 zoom lens. It was my go-to lens for that trip and then again in 2019 when we spent 4 weeks on safari in Africa.

I now have more equipment than I can take with me traveling but I may still spring for something in the 600mm range when we go to Iceland, Greenland, and much more in 2022. We'll see. Money doesn't matter because what I spend isn't mine - it is my kids' inheritance. ha!

 

Debbie Oppermann

3 Years Ago

I just bought a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM macro lens and sold my older version of this lens with no IS as I do a fair bit of macro photography and while I loved my older version lens this one is so much better
I am now trying to decide which landscape lens I want

 

Susan Rissi Tregoning

3 Years Ago

Wimberley WH-200 Gimbal Tripod Head and LensCoat LensSack Pro Jr Beanbag with the mounting plate.

I've been wanting the Gimbal head for a long time but couldn't justify the cost.

I started having some pretty serious problems with my forearms, mostly caused by my long lenses' weight. Because of that, I haven't shot much wildlife in the past couple of years. When we relocated from Virginia to Nebraska, I knew it was time to buy it since I'd be here for another Sandhill Crane season. There was no way I'd be able to tolerate hand-holding my camera for any period of time.

You blind in your car during the crane season, so the beanbag fits over the car door and takes the place of my tripod.




 

Kathleen Bishop

3 Years Ago

In February, I bought the Induro GIT305L Grand Series 3 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod and a Sirui K-40X Ball Head. Being it's carbon fiber, I thought I could lug it around while hiking but it's really too heavy to carry far, given that I'm a small old woman and not strong. It will either end up in a closet, I'll sell it on Craigslist (or here) as it's in pristine condition and never been used, or I'll use it when I don't have to carry it far, like on road trips when I see landscapes and wildlife nearby. Certainly not one of my smartest purchases given that it will rarely be used (if ever) and it cost a mint, but at least it is quality gear.

On Wednesday, I received the Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM. I got it to fill a gap, and hopefully replace a Sigma. I have the Canon 16-35, the Canon 100mm macro, the Canon 24-70, then it skips to Sigma 50-500 & Sigma 150-600. The 50-500 is my go-to for wildlife photography and I've gotten some beautifully sharp shots with it but those have been flukes - not the norm. And I've never been able to get sharp shots if I push it past 400mm. The 150-600 just isn't as versatile.

My logic was to put a 2X extender on the 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM, hoping I could get a higher percentage of sharp keepers than with the 50-500. After consulting with pros here I learned that adding a 2X extender may not improve percentage of sharpness over the 50-500. I'm going to keep the lens though, and use it for its natural range. I tested it yesterday when my cat was sitting in a spot of sunshine on the roof, and it is an amazingly sharp lens. At some point, if I can afford it, I hope to get a 1.4X extender to add a bit of reach.

 

Randy Pollard

3 Years Ago

Purchase the Fujifilm XT-2 mirrorless camera when I got the 1st stimulus check early in the year. Couldn't afford the more epensive XT-3 or 4. Along with that I bought two used Tamron lenses 28-70 and 70-200mm, both are fine lenses and sharp.

 

Drew

3 Years Ago

I purchased a SAMSUNG GALAXY S21. Move over Ansel Adams!

 

Greg Norrell

3 Years Ago

I recently bought a DJI Mavic Air 2 in a combo with a DJI Smart Controller. I haven't used it much yet, and use is not allowed in national parks, where I most frequently shoot. DJI says in has a 48 MP camera, but it's really 12 MP. The camera automatically takes four adjacent 12 MP images and combines them to achieve 48 MP. It's definitely different composing shots as opposed to a handheld camera. Hope to take is for a spin along the Salmon River in a canyon next week.

 

Robert Yaeger

2 Years Ago

Bought a used Canon EF 28-300 lens, because I wanted an all in one lens for travel.

 

Kathleen Bishop

2 Years Ago

How do you like it so far, Robert? I was highly tempted.

Got the Canon EF 1.4x II extender a couple days ago to work with the 70-200 that I bought recently. Made the mistake of looking at other compatible lenses and saw the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. Called B&H Used and they scrounged up a 9+. Dithered a bit, hoping to come to my senses but no one here did an intervention (in fact they encouraged me so it's all their fault, lol). My wildlife photos aren't great sellers so that doesn't justify the expense but I get way more joy shooting birds and other wildlife than shooting landscapes so that should count for something.

 

I recently purchased the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR AFP for my Nikon Z7. This lens is light years ahead of the older Nikon lens that I've owned, the AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR in terms of sharpness and speed and is equal in terms of sharpness to the Nikon 300 F/4D IF-ED.

I really wanted a Z mount 70-200 f/4 or 70-300 but those lenses have not been given a release date. I didn't want to spend $2,600 for the 70-200 f/2.8 and more importantly, didn't want to carry a 3-pound lens. The next lens that I need to fill out my kit will be the Nikon 85 f/1.8 Z lens and its just a matter of time until I find a good used one on KEH.com Between the 70-300 and the 85, I will save $1,600 over that 70-200 and I'll still be at least a pound lighter :)

 

Edward Fielding

2 Years Ago

I might pick up a travel lens - the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM.

"the smallest and lightest lens for the RF mount, measuring just 40.5mm long and weighing a paltry 160g."

That's a travel lens, not these forearm breakers you guys are talking about. ;-)

At less than $200 it will have earned its keep in short order.

(the old 85mm has been traded into KEH and the proceeds are in the bank).

 

Jeff Folger

2 Years Ago

I know what you mean Ed, my mini 2 weights 245 grams and it carries itself! (When it's flying) 😀

 

Janet Marie

2 Years Ago

A great thread Edward. I always learn so much from others who share there stories here in these discussions. Thank you.

I have not made a purchase, but my Dad passed away in December at age 89, and I inherited most of his cameras and photography equipment, as well as his original negatives and color slides. They go back to 1952. I have not even had a chance to see what all it is. He was a professional photographer in the United States Air Force for 21 years, and worked for the newspaper in Tucson, Arizona, retiring in his late 50's. He shot a lot of his work in the early days, with his Rolleiflex cameras (one was for color slide, and the other for black and white). I saw one on eBay for $3,868.40. He took very good care of his equipment. He even has a padded bag full flash bulbs.

I am looking forward to going through all that he had, probably not going to use it, as it is all film cameras, but want to photograph his legacy of work. Black and white photography being his specialty. All of his developing equipment will go to my grandchild who is a filmmaker. I remember being with him in his dark room, watching him developing his photography and mine. My love for photography comes from him.

I just thought I would share this with my fellow artists.

 

Edward Fielding

2 Years Ago

Saw an article recently that made a good argument that film is cheaper than digital. Even with the processing, the initial setup is cheaper.

At least with film cameras, there isn't this race for megapixels. The film itself is what it is and it holds a high resolution and dynamic range.

In the high art world, film is still king as it is considered more of a craft. Especially as it become rarer and rarer to shoot on film.

 

Mary Lee Dereske

2 Years Ago

ND Filters, so I can make images like this one: https://pixels.com/featured/jemez-creek-new-mexico-mary-lee-dereske.html

 

Kathleen Bishop

2 Years Ago

Edward, does Keh pay better than Adorama or B&H for used?

 

Doug Swanson

2 Years Ago

I've been holding back on hardware purchases since the stuff I do have has spent most of the year on the shelf, but I decided to "treat" myself to some new UV filters because my old ones were getting sketchy. That's a vote for the fact that I have two needles in my arm now, the weather is improving and it's time to get back out. It's also time to think about replacing my trusty iPhone 6S, which has provided me with so many good photos at moments when I didn't have a camera bag on my shoulder.

I'm a reformed hardware fan, so, as long as my hardware is better than I am, I'm not planning any new purchases for the moment. I might save that moment for when I can take the train up to New York and go to B&H in person. Because I have a local camera shop right down the road from me (Service Photo), I will probably stop in at B&H just for the experience and then buy local. It's quite a place to see for the camera geek, has everything from point-and-shoot cheapies to pro level broadcast hardware, although you can't do it on Saturday because they are closed for the Jewish sabbath. If you're a camera fan and in NYC, it's a must-see place.

 

David Dorrell

2 Years Ago

I am largely a painter, but I've made a few camera purchases this past year. I bought a Nikon D3500 kit with an 18/55 lens, so I could photograph and post my art on here. Now to add to the camera's usefulness as a source for photos I can use as references to paint, I bought my latest purchase a used Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm F/3.5-5.6 G IF ED VR Aspherical AF Lens. I got it from KEH, one of their Bargain level lenses. It seems to work great and it was about 1/4 the cost of a new one.

 

Rod Best

2 Years Ago

My last photography purchase was new FLM CP-30 L4 II. I wanted a tall tripod with no center column and I was unhappy with my last one. I had a Vanguard Alta Pro 263 AT which was fine for the longest time and was the best tripod I had ever owned. More recently I noticed I was getting some shots that seemed like they were suffering camera shake even though I was on the tripod. I noticed that the center column seemed to have developed a slight amount of play in it and I wasn't able to tighten anything to eliminate it. So I went for what I consider a big boy tripod and got a carbon fiber. So far I couldn't be happier! It's lighter, taller and rock solid though I have only had it for a few months now. Also, no center column means I can go low too!

 

Bob Decker

2 Years Ago

A lightly used, Sigma 150-500mm 'C' super zoom. Because an extra 100mm over my previous 150-50mm is nice for wildlife and birds.

 

Rebecca Herranen

2 Years Ago

Recently purchased a Nikkor 200-500 for wildlife photography. I looked at all the competitors in the same category and decided to pay a bit more for the Nikkor. Really happy I did. Love it. Only drawback, camera and lens weigh 8 lbs now. Ugh. May not seem like a lot, but when you carry it for 2-4 hours, swinging it up and down, it feels a lot heavier then 8 lbs.

 

Edward Fielding

2 Years Ago

Years ago I was at a balloon festival with my micro-four-thirds Panasonic camera and a little older lady showed up next to me.

She was bent over with a huge backpack of gear, a DSLR and a giant bazooka lens.

She said "how do you like that camera? I can't handle all this weight anymore..."

We were right down there with the balloons. If anything, a 24mm lens would have been the best choice. I don't know why she felt the need to strap every bit of gear she ever owned into a backpack.

 

Doug Swanson

2 Years Ago

That's my cautionary moment about the equipment thing. For photogs, I think we have a tendency to think that "if only" I had that super-camera, 4-foot lens or additional 50 megapixels, that would have been a good photo. I have that tendency in my little hominid brain - bigger equipment = better results. Sometimes it IS true, but since it often isn't too, I've tried to keep the equipment mania under control.

I've tried to recall an iconic Maryland photographer from decades ago, a guy named A Aubrey Bodine (check Google Images). His photos of Md and the Chesapeake Bay came to define our view of some of those places and yet, his equipment was seriously meager. I saw it on a shelf once (I lived across the hall from the person that had inherited it) and remarked, "That's IT? Are you kidding me? That's all that guy used?" Bodine was a master of darkroom magic, layered negatives, etc, but worked with very little in the way of camera equipment.

 

Earth And Spirit

2 Years Ago

My last purchase was a Nikon D7100 camera body. I had to get something after the old DSLR I had died tragically. It drowned as I tried to swim into a lagoon in the Philippines. I thought I had it "secured" in a "waterproof dry-bag." What was I thinking trusting that "waterproof" claim..??! A very rough lesson learned as it was the only camera I had.
I couldn't get it repaired, was too broke to buy another, & spent the next 3 weeks in South East Asia camera-less.
Once I was back in the US I got the D7100 used on Ebay. I went Nikon cause I always go Nikon. It fits great in the hand. I know their system and I have the lenses already. And it was relatively cheap. Its a big factor when you're broke. That model has some nice upgrades and capabilities that my old camera didn't. And I'm pretty happy with it.

 

This discussion is closed.