Too many: 1. Cheapo ball heads. 2. Camera straps 3. Strobes 4. Legacy M42 lenses 5. Old, low capacity (below 500GB) hard drives 6. Flashlights - I get a three pack every time I am at Costco. Reason, they become useless once the batteries are corroded due to lack of use!!
Insurance is the thing I avoid. Two reasons: 1. I appreciate the discipline of assessing my environment and responding accordingly, this in the knowledge that, should I get it wrong, it's all on me. 2. I feel no need to susidize others for their lack of awareness or carelessness. Does this cost me? Yes... but it would either way and I prefer to own my actions, for better or worse.
Large aperture primes; from wide angle to telephoto; I believe that unless you specifically work with portraiture or as a BBC photographer you don't need a GM 85mm 1.4 II or a GM 600mm f4. My go to would be old prime lenses if one wants to, which is what I did, I bought a Minolta 50mm 1.7 and a Minolta 85mm 1.4, both are fantastic and have better transition at f-5,6-f10 than the lenses of today that basically delete anything else behind the focus point.
Brand name only stuff …Really Right Stuff L bracket ($120) …Amazon special for the same camera ($40) with no real difference. It is a hunk of aluminum that allows me to use my camera in two orientations on my ball head. I would apply the same logic to ball heads and tripods (Gitzo!). There is always a great middle ground option if you don’t care what the name badge says. Second would be cheap screw on filters. The one area I choose to invest a little more money is my filters. I buy nice glass …I am not going to buy cheap filters. I prefer the Maven magnetic filters.
I think that it’s really important that other people buy new cameras and lenses, that they don’t really use enough, and then in five years I can buy them at a substantial discount.
Well, that's what marketing is all about isn't it. To convince you that unless you upgrade your life will practically have no meaning, and they are doing a damn good job by the looks of it.
Agree Bionic , Years ago when I started in Photojournalism all my gear was pre loved and all the lenses were as good as new. A note, lenses are expensive but outlast the cameras generally.
It's true, in a way. The photos modern cameras make possible would have required impossible technical abilities in earlier times. A sharp, perfectly focused image of a bird in flight, for instance, would have been a major tour de force for someone working with a manial focus, manual exposure camera. With a sophisticated modern camera, not such a big deal.
@@ingopaul1569Your analogy actually argues against your point. Electronic keyboards make writing much faster, and it could be argued that this improves writing quality by expediting the capture of ideas. Copy and paste, for instance, save so much time compared to writing with a stylus. The same is true with insert and delete. This argument is even more compelling when applied to photography. Cameras with functions such as high fps, auto-exposure, auto-focus and eye focus make it possible for a competent photographer to consistently acquire images that would be impossible, or highly unlikely, using a camera lacking those features.
I have been a professional photographer all my life, doing a lot of motorsport. When touting for business people would often say 'it's alright,my wife has a camera'. My reply was frequently 'I have a pair of scissors, it doesn't make me a dressmaker'.
There is a difference - as a photographer you face the "million monkey problem", because now everyone is equipped with a camera via smartphone, but not with scissors. And those millions of people take many millions of photos every day - and 10 of them (that will be widely published) will be better than what you would consider a "once in a career shot" - every day. So people see amazing photos taken by amateurs every day - how could they not think that it's easy, or that anyone can do it, or that professional photographers also take extraordinary shots only by chance (which, to be honest, is half the truth for any great shot).
On Filters: Clear filters are advisable when photographing things that can damage your lens. Examples: 1. in a workshop where welding, sanding, and cutting take place. 2. Near a smelter where liquid metal is being poured, 3. High wind in deserts where blowing sand can scour optics. I have photographed in all three of these situations and have gotten pits or abrasions in the filters. Filters are a lot cheaper than a 2k to 3k lens. You get the idea.
2nd to this. Over the years, it can damage the front element, heck day to day usage if you are not careful of the environment even dust n sand can get in unknowingly (nearby contruction sites particularly)
@@maggnet4829 The lens hood will only work on tele lenses. On a wide angle they are nearly worthless because they are much too small. Lens hoods are also a problem if you are travelling with a very small camera pack. You either have no space for them or you need to mount and unmount them all the times. I sometimes need to take photos during rain. I prefer not to wipe the front lens for every picture but instead a filter. Also it helps in cramped surroundings where you easily smash it into something. I have some filters with scratches here and even one which is destroyed. The lenses are OK. Only one filter threading got a light dent one time. I only take them off if I have a very controlled situation where I really need the best quality.
@reinhard8053 You are probably speaking about ultra wide angle lenses. Lens hoods find their limit there, but that's not the realm of people who would ask for advice on this matter. Filter is a tricky topic for those lenses, too. Plenty don't even have filter threads. Risk of vignetting another one, and probably you actually want to use a square filter for those. The glass of most filters is less sturdy than that of the actual lens, but it is likely it got streched because it was in front and not protected by a lens hood. I'm using the chunky Sigma 28-45mm f1.8 in a rather small camera bag. I keep the lens hood mounted when it's in the bag. The only lens where I actually unmounted the lens hood during transport was the Sony 200-600 (which is ridiculously big). Since I sometimes place the camera and lens on the floor, I'd still 100% screw the hood back on once taken out of the bag. I'm fairly often bumping into things, admittedly, and all my lens hoods show scratches on the end. My lens glass, however, is prestine. Proper care while cleaning is key here.
The UV filter on my lens, which broke, recently saved the lens from damage when it took a knock. I’ll be continuing to use such filters for that purpose!
I have one on my TTartisan 27mil. It's my edc so i don't want to put on a lens cap. Much quicker when there's something i want to take, so I don't have the hassle taking off the lens cap.
How can you be sure the filter saved the lens? Filters are far more fragile than the lenses and there is a good chance the lens would have survived without the filter.
I was on Brighton beach last week and took a fall...thankfully i had the lens hood on my R5 & 24-105...it 100% did the job...my lens lived to snap another tale....now my knees?? They are still bruised....
My lens hoods are always attached, reversed in my bag, properly when I shoot. They not only protect lens (and threads!) but also unwanted extraneous light and glare - whether from sunlight or spot-lights. I can't endorse tossing a lens into a camera bag without the lens cap, either. Every bit of care matters and if you get a bit of grit in your bag, it can damage your front element, especially if you don't have a UV or NC filter on the front.
someone on a recent social photo walk criticised my usually reversed lens hood. He said if you never use it why bother? Well, it takes up minimal space and when I do need it to rminimise lens flare, it's there
Same story here, lenshood saved my 14-30/4 and I took the big hit against the rock with my forehead instead (slippy leaves) - concussion an blue eye for four weeks, but lensok 😂
I used to carry my photo equipment in a backpack when travelling. I got tired of sore backs and bought a well-known brand wheel case with a retractable handle. It fits in overhead storage on aircraft, and it has saved my back, and it reduces travel fatigue.
@@samskeeter1 I carry a camera on a long, wide neck strap, with the camera on my side and with one lens on long hikes. The roller case is for traveling and goes from home to airport to hotel. If I am on a vehicle-photo shoot, it stays in the back of the auto. I don't have a need to use it over rough terrain. My old backpack really got heavy and started hurting my back when I traveled.
I think we all do different things with our photography, and so we all need different tools. I saw a video of a ex National Geographic photographer that these days uses a wheel case like yours for travelling. He then just leaves it in the hotel and takes what he needs on the day in a small side bag he sticks in his suitcase. This seemed to be a nice idea and seems to work for him. Me, I like a backpack. And I find that if I don't take my stuff with me, it doesn't get used. And if it doesn't get used, what is the point in having it? Yes, my backpack is really quite heavy at about 9kg. But a lesson I learned from a previous hiking expedition I did when I was young is that when you carry a heavy bag for a while, after a few days you get used to it and you will stop paying attention to it. Your body quickly builds the muscles and adapts to the extra weight. At the end of our hiking trip I really stopped noticing I had the very heavy pack we were all carrying. It just became part of me. I guess my body thought I had gained weight and just adjusted accordingly. These days, I work from home. As I don't get the exercise of going into the office any more, instead I do a daily hour long walk with my girlfriend to the local park. A few times a week I will take my camera backpack with me, not because I intend necessarily to take pictures, but because I want keep my body used to carrying the weight. Yes, I do notice it is a bit heavy when I first put it on, but 10 minutes later and it no longer bothers me. I have become used to the weight. Now when I go on photo walks, I am quite happy to carry the backpack, and I have all the gear I need at my disposal. However, if I go into town, I will generally carry a much smaller shoulder bag, as the environment there means I don't want to carry a big, bulky backpack that might knock into people.
Careful with these tips, you might make some enemies. Rick: Anything with photography written on it incurs a crazy markup... Just like 'wedding' Wedding Photographers: He's onto us, get him!
Great video. I think an exception to - it’s not the equipment, it’s the photographer - is wildlife. You need lots of megapixels for cropping in on distant subjects. You need great autofocus. You need focal length. And you get much better results with 20-30 FPS on moving subjects. Then, the artistry comes in in Lightroom!
You need different gear for different photography styles. For wildlife you can have all those things and still get bad images, so yes, to get impactful nature photographs it's always the photographer; how you understand the light and the wildlife's behavior to get impactful images. Remember the objective is not to capture images of something but about something.
Ergonomics and workflow is another big area where the saying breaks down. I've gotten great photos off my T1i....but I'm SO excited about getting a modern mirrorless for Christmas because the screen will be articulated for the weird angles I love to shoot from, I'll be able to better judge if I got the shot from the screeen, it'll be lighter, and I won't have to go through a multi-step process including SD card adapters to transfer things from my camera to my iPad for editing. That I'll have more MPs to play around with when cropping, significantly better AF, and that I won't be struggling as much with dynamic range, are kind of just the cherries on top compared to the rest.
One of my friends is a fairly accomplished landscape photographer with a decent following. I asked him what his favourite piece of photography gear was and he said it was a camper van. i.e. it's the thing that gets him to the landscape to take the shot vs any camera or lens.
On lens, I find what stops me from buying the latest and greatest is looking at the shots I do take with my current gear, the shots I want to but can't take reliably, and the shots I almost never take.
Tripod comments are right. I was in another state and was asked to video an event but hadn’t bought my tripod. I went to the local hardware store and found a Bosch tripod (for a level or theodolite) for around $49. Perfect. As you say if it had a photography tag it would have been at least double or more.
I've got a handy hack for camera bags and lens pouches. I used a fishing bag that has molle straps on the outside that allows me to swap out pouches etc as and when I need them. I've got a couple of cheap padded cubes like the one you showed for the main compartment and with them and the swap ability of the molle system I can quickly have all the kit I need for a specific shoot in a relatively small and comfortable bag. Plus the bag has lots of small compartments perfect for memory cards, cables and spare batteries etc It's like having an infinite number of bags.
Pointing back to your "The Camera Companies don't want you to know this" video reminded me just how great that video was. Truly cured a LOT of my GAS issues. Great post, Rick.
One set of gear you need, shoes/boots, pants, a shirt, jacket depending on weather, and just forget the gadgets, and shoot, and compose, and shoot some more. One camera, one lens, and just keep repeating that with another lens. Think we get too caught up in gear, or latest gear, and not enough “ caught up in having fun shooting”. Why we became photographers, 🤔 thinking sometimes we forget the why, and dwell too much on the maybe. I remember why I got into it back during high school. Kept looking around and “seeing images” in my mind, which drove me crazy, till I went out and bought my first set of film camera gear. Then started meeting like minded individuals, and even started the photography club in my high school, developing my own film and B&W photos. Then my love for it grew from there, and I no longer felt crazy. Though as many, being a younging, was slightly caught up in gear after the first little while. Still have my heavy pro tripod (bloody thing, is heavy and massive, extending to almost 6’, and luging that around was nuts), and my F2 , and accessories from back then. Probably can blame that on my neighbour, as he had all the fancy Nikon gear ( he could afford it) and was both a good and bad influence for that. Oh well, live and learn from experiences. Cheers
As a middle-aged newbie, still at the early stage of my journey and with a couple of pointless purchases under my belt, this is a great video and I’ve already reconsidered my ‘photography’ basket. Thank you.
Really like your reaction to ND grad filters, never bothered and glad to hear someone else has as much contempt for them, also totally agree on the constant upgrade that we are all advertised towards, I have been a photography teacher for TAFE and really advise students to learn their elements and principles of design for composition, its much cheaper!
I would recommend checking out the refurbished gear on the manufacturer’s website when you do need to purchase a lens or camera body and wait for a sale on that site as well. Often you get the same warranty as a new one and the manufacturer did the refurbishment. All of my cameras I have owned, I have bought either used or refurbished. I have never had an issue and I have saved a lot of money. I agree about your point on bags that can be a money pit. I currently use a Thinktank travel style bag and it works great. I’ll keep it until it falls apart. Thanks for the good video!
Great stuff, Rick. I would have to agreed with most. I only add a comment on to camera bags, as I often tell people unless you have a “standard torso,” what ever measurement that is, many backpack won’t fit a longer or shorter torso. I know that is one thing that has disappointed many buyer and pushes people towards the higher end bags with adjustable straps. As you said, once an item has “photography” put on it, it certainly increase the price and the perceived need.
I have "cheap" camera backpack - not waterproof and not a premium brand. However, what I love about it is that I was able to adjust where the straps are attached on the bag. When I did a lot of backpacking, that feature was absolutely critical on any ruck sack you bought, to keep the weight properly distributed.
Well made reflection of all those things which might go into the way! Just my adds: → Protection/Filters = UV filters (high quality) to be cleaned on the fly →Tripods: One is not enough. Lightweight (2kg) Video-Photo tripod (hiking) and older heavier larger stuff →Bags: Some Lowepro ProRunner 200 + 300. Since ~12 years, ordered two additional backpacks 2nd hand to have "spare". Light, two external meshes for water bottles, umbrella or small tripod. →Lenses: 24 - 105, 105 - 400 + two bodies (FF + APS-C (=640mm)) to have a compact universal setup - zooms got so great that I accept them now! →Camera Upgrades: Ergnomics beats feature lists and may be more expensive but it's worth it. Finally I think it is good to have a package which you know very well and which is reliable. But it is also good to have some additional lenses for "special effects" / situations where you need it.
Camera bags, Grrr! I use 3, depending on circumstance. I have the big backpack that takes everything, but don't want to carry it further than out to the car! A little 10 Litre sling bag (lovely!) that takes a camera & 2 lenses, and a tatty (vintage look, unbranded) backpack with a cube in. The big bag stays in the car with all the bits (well hidden) and I just take the stuff I'm planning on using! (APS-C camera & lenses, so not too mighty) Another fun video, thanks!
Thanks!! I’m running 3 as well (or is it 4?!) and I still feel like there’s something missing… like something isn’t quite right. Need another, clearly 🙄😂
Your opening statement is all foreside-back; the trick is to become as good as you can with the kit you have, analyse honestly whether it's the kit or yourself that's reached a limit; then upgrade when you know 'zackly what you want to acheive.
I love using my GoRuck GR2 (26L) as a camera bag; it's basically indestructible, super padded shoulder straps, great space & built-in pockets for internal organization, fits perfectly under (nearly) every airplane seat
I bought the 70-200 F4 G years ago for my travel photography. I also got the 24-70 GM and the 16-35 GM. On other people's advice. I did get some great shots on the Euro-tour I got the gear for. No complaints. But over the last few years I learned to shoot differently and have recently purchased the Tamron 28-200 and that pretty much lives on the a7R3 full-time now. I'm getting close to just trading in the others, since I haven't used them since pre-COVID.
You are right about images depending more on the photographer than the equipment. One of the best I've taken was with a fixed lens Minolta over 50 years ago. Now I depend on my 105mm, 14-24mm, 50mm, and 180-600mm because I can get images that cannot be captured any other way. No backpacks, just take what I need for each endeavor whether it is insects, people, birds, landscapes or architecture. My day use carry bag is over forty years old. I fix shoulder straps to my tripods. My mirrorless camera was a game changer for me.
If you’re interested in evening photography or photos with long shutter speech you definitely need a tripod and I agree with you that don’t go cheap is the right way to go. I’ll find myself 100% in your camera bag story
Great tube - Bags ! Hmm I have a few ! Conclusion the back bag is heavy to lug about & you do tend to fill every crevice - so I Store my gear in it @ home maybe if away pick goodies to take on the day . Favourite Bags are non photo bags For Street tourism etc small shoulder bag gorgeous 1 light SLR with 50mm & 24mm pancake & Canon G7 small pocket camera ( which generally lives in me pocket spare battery & card - For landscapes & general heavier higher Spec SLR 18 -135 zoom & maybe 70 -300 + KF magnetic filters ( in thier Pouch in a wide banded shoulder bag & wrist strap ( G7 still in pocket) tripod I carry on my belt. The above covers me for most things bothered fairly lite to carry & have room for a snack ! In separate compartment - so no crumbs etc on camera gear 😂
I use a lens hood and only a polariser if required. I agree on the ND grads, they were essential on film photography not so on digital. The best money I spent on photography was on a 2 x day course on wedding photography over in Weymouth. Nick Stubbs was his name, I learnt so much and I nailed the wedding I was tasked to do. The worst money I spent was on a street photography course in London. The instructor turned up with a raging hang over, arrogant, and only interested in the 'young' females on the course and I learnt nothing new. Thanks for video!
On the bag front, I found an old padded projector bag, and created my own dividers with a thick $9 yoga matt and some superglue. Fiddly to make, and relatively inflexible, but its so much cheaper to diy. Could easily make one of those cube things this way as well.
I use the Lowepro Pro Tactic 450 II, fits my needs perfectly. Good protection when snowmobile riding, skiing, flying, hiking or in the city. Holds my gear two bodies (1 dx mark iii and a 7d mark ii) and three lenses (14mm, 24-70mm and 60-600mm) with room for other stuff as well.
Regarding bags, I can recommend the LowePro Flipside 200. Probably the happiest I've ever been with a bag. Space is limited, tho. Also, the 70-200 2.8 is probably my most valuable lens when shooting candids at events. Then again, the 70-180 2.8 which is half the price would do very much the same thing.
Great video, completely agree with the principle of less is more and keep it simple! On bags in particular, dedicated camera bags look geeky, tend to be uncomfortable and advertise the fact that you’re carrying expensive gear around. Any bag you fancy, whether a shoulder bag or backpack (I prefer a shoulder bag for easy access) with a padded liner ( cheap as chips from Amazon) dropped in does the job just as well at a fraction of the price.
I own a lot of camera bags and actually use them all - depends on the shoot. Sometimes I just want to carry one or two lens, cards and battery so hence a small bag. I agree on exotic lens except for me my 100mm macro is my favorite portrait lens. For my long telephoto lens urges I bought a used Sigma 150-600 for $500 and it works just fine. Thank you for hammering in the point about gear obsession! I still shoot with a 12 year old Canon 5D3 and it's still great - have my clients ever complained? Never
I got rid of my 70-200 2.8, was too heavy, ever made it into the bag. Also, I recommend the 22L Thinktank Mindshift Rotation 180 bags, they are a game changer, even more so if combined with a capture clip on a shoulder strap.
Re: bags, I was looking for years for the right bag. The backpack styles just weren't efficient for my purposes. Then I found the Lowepro Passport Sling II Bag. It has room for a body/lens, a second lens, a water bottle, and has expandable space, good for an extra shirt or windbreaker. All set to go out and shoot.
Rick, you perfectly illustrate how bags are entirely subjective. I have both sizes of the PD Everyday Back Pack and have no issue with comfort of either of them and love the way they can be used without even taking them off. With you on lens caps - lost mine years ago, they are not missed. Tripods and photography - Nigel will tell you how essential they are. Stabilisation isn't an issue, but framing is. Lock the framing with a tripod and wait for conditions. So many more reasons too. Be well.
That's interesting, I despise mine 😂 That's true about tripods - I guess that element is, again, subjective. It all comes down to how you shoot. Not sure I have that level of patience!!
I've had the Nomatic McKinnon backpack for several years and I've found it to be a useful investment, even though it was chagrin-level expensive. I definitely haven't had any comfort issues with it. On the contrary, the straps design has ensured a supportive fit that I can wear all day. Note that I'm not advertising or encouraging anyone to buy it. Starting at $300, it's still really expensive.
Backpacks are designed to fit a specific body shape. So if it’s comfortable on you, it’s because it was designed to fit your body shape, in particular your width and slope of shoulders. You’ll see good hiking backpacks come in a variety of fits, including women specific fits. So the reason it was uncomfortable on the reviewer is…it wasn’t designed for his body shape. The designers of these photography equipment backpacks have definitely misunderstood what’s important in a backpack - comfort. Fit is principally achieved through the shape and placement of the shoulder straps, but also the shape of the back pad, and features like adjustable chest straps. People come in a variety of shapes and sizes, you can’t have one size fits all.
9:32 I agree for the most part, but not entirely. Let me explain: The camera could play a big role in Dynamic range and background blur. Compare a full-frame to a micro 4/3rds. Yes a micro 4/3rds sensor can be great, but full-frame looks better for most shots.
It depends on the setting, but for what I do, I'm not sure there's much in it. Especially given the sizes that I publish and print at. Of all my recent images, I'm not sure many people could say which I shot on a Full frame and which I shot on a crop. Never used MFT though so maybe that's more of a difference
There isn’t. I print A3 size from my five-year-old micro four thirds camera. If it’s a good photo no one cares what sensor size it is. And yes I have a camera with a larger sensor but I like the Panasonic better. I can use a Sony A7 IV from work any time I want but I like the Panny better and so I take better pictures with it.
As far as unnecessary (or perhaps just wrong) gear, I would say that one of the things that I think is the right idea, but is not made very well, is padded lens pouches. Although they were cheap, they were a complete waste of money. They were made based on older, more slender lens designs from the film era, and no one has bothered to update the physical specs. If they would update the sizes to match today's lenses, they would be great for using with a regular backpack. As for gear that has become indispensable for me, I've invested a bit of money into a system of quick change plates and receivers for tripod heads. Mine is by Leofoto, and I use the 60mm size - QS-60. If you have need of different tripod heads, this enables you to quickly and painlessly change them out, and they lock down tightly and securely. It's purely a convenience value-add, but very much worth it.
Agree completely with your assessments. In fact, I am quite surprised to find someone who thinks as closely as I do. Especially about not needing protective stuff any more. I also just put my camera and lens into my bag and don't bother with lens cap or protective bags. Thanks for the great common-sense video!
I found myself nodding vigorously when you got to the part about photography bags! It's like anything that is supposed to be built for purpose. All of a sudden you will find that the manufacturers of these things will start sticking 0's onto the price! I'm disabled and anything related to disability is just as bad! The electric wheelchair I use is a prime example. If I wasn't leasing it from motability I would have to pay £8,000 for it! By the way, you have a new subscriber! 😊😊
Thanks, appreciated. That's even worse if there's a premium for anything related to a disability - I'm pretty shocked at that if I'm honest (but not all that surprised).
I recommend a good quality sling if you use a heavy zoom lens on your camera. My $85.- strap is perfect for my Tamron G2 150-600 model. And it prevents back aches.
I've been cheap and lazy for the most part. I used a camera pouch that I got for $1 ten years ago. I finally got a proper bag two years ago. The Wotancraft 10L Pilot. I love it and that's the only bag I have. I've been using a $30 Velbon tripod for the last 12 years but that's starting to break down. I'm afraid it might fail so it's time to finally get a proper tripod and head that won't break the bank!
The only one of those you won't convince me about is a UV filter, apart from really cheap ones. I used to work in a camera shop, so I've seen what repair to a front element can cost. Yes, a lot of the time a lens hood will save the lens, but you only need this to go wrong once. I'd rather keep that money to spend on petrol/ train tickets to get to a location. Each to their own though.
Good advise, The gear is so good now, No longer need a bag full of primes because the zooms are so good, I call my genre Street + so primarily street but versatile. Less but quality ie Z6II 24-120 f4 S and 35 f1.8s, One of these lenses and a spare battery and I am away. I see a long life for this kit too. As you mention insurance is important. Cheers from Australia
I agree with everything except the tripod bit. Get a Sachtler tripod for video, and you will never want to go back. They start at $3000 USD and will last your lifetime and beyond. Don't get it to shoot landscapes, but it will change your life when shooting video. I will also push back on having a card reader, 1: almost always faster than your camera and 2: less wear and tear on your camera. Same for having a battery charger vs charging the battery in the camera. Nice to have but don't make it a habit.
Bag recommendation: Peak Design Messenger 13L. I've had this bag for 2 months, and it works very well as a briefcase, carry-on, qualifies as a personal item, and is a natural for day trips. It will take a 13" laptop, with room for a smallish body and 2 to 5 lenses. Like everyone, I've got too many bags, but this one is a delight.
Concerning photo bags, get one or more Tenba BYOB inserts (to cover the different setups that you use) and then use whatever standard (non-photographic) bag or rucksack that is suitable for your outing or trip. I haven't regretting moving from a full-frame DSLR system to micro four thirds. The bodies and lenses are smaller and lighter, and with advancing age they are better for photography when walking and travelling.
Good accessory would be a geared tripod head in place of a ball head. Yes, a bit bigger, but so much more precise, especially for macro work (but I prefer for whenever I am using a tripod). Another is a sling bag for light trips when you just need a camera and maybe a second lens and a spare battery.
I can see why some photographers would find that useful - I’ve actually never used one (one of the few things I’ve not convinced myself to buy!!). Love a sling bag, however it can be another potential minefield with added ‘photography’ tax!
With bags my take is that there is no one size fits all solution. Not just everybody has different needs but even one may need multiple ones. Don't just listen to other's opinion and buy blindly but go to the store, try it out, take critical items with yourself to see how it fits (for me that's my 16" water cooled laptop which does not fit into many bags), and also to feel how comfortable is it for you. After a long search I eventually settled on 3 bags for big, mid and light kit days. Tenba Axis 24L v1 is my big bag, when I go to work photoshoots thus I need to bring not just my regular kit, but spare bodies, lenses etc. MY mid bag is a Vanguard Veo Range T 37 when I only go to shoot for my own pleasure so I can slim the kit down. And my light bag is the Pentagon Tactical Talemon, which is a sling for tacticool larping or CC for example. Fits a body and 2 lens. I frequently bring it with myself for work so the big bag holds all the surplus and throughout the event I can keep spare batteries and 2 lenses with myself without adding too much bulk. All these bags' common feature is the PALS webbing so they are pretty modular, i can add pouches or other handy stuff when needed to, this was a must from me and it's sad that there is only a handful of companies doing PALS/MOLLE compatible photo bags
Absolutely refreshing! It's always "This ONE piece of gear will make your photography so much better" or "I can't believe I didn't buy THIS piece of gear earlier!". Finally a video on "Don't buy this..." Thanks for the great content!
Great video! 2 things: Recently, I was looking at some old slides from Navy days (1970, 1971) taken with a Minolta SRT-101, I wish I still had it. Also, I am thinking of getting a surplus military style shoulder bag (US$30) and adding dividers.
Re: taking a tripod as carry-on. That’s fine as long as the airline has a generous carry-on allowance. A lot of the Middle Eastern and SE Asia airlines have a strict 7kg limit for carry-ons (coupled with a generous allowance for hold luggage). I’ve seen Emirates passengers having their carry-on bags weighed at Manchester, for example.
Tripods were a must back in the pre imagestablization era. I purchased the best tripods and presently don’t even use them. I stopped using filters on my glass two decades ago and only use a protective filter on the occasion where I am in severely dusty situations. I only use my lens cap when I put my camera in a bag or storage. 30 years ago I scratched a lens glass when I was carrying it in my bag.
Interesting to hear your point of view. I suspect many (most) photographers will not agree with a lot of your comments. But you’re certainly entitled to offer them.
Thanks for uploading. Fortunately, I haven't been too crazy in my camera purchases. My first tripod was a Sachtler tripod with Flowtech - yes, it was expensive, but luckily, I could get an exhibition model for a slightly better price. It was worth it, and I still have it. For a long time, I had a Canon 5D Mark iii for taking pictures and a Blackmagic 4k pocket with a speed booster for film. I have sold it. Instead, I now have an R5C Canon and rent if it is a larger production or hire a cinematographer. A few weeks ago, I needed to shoot a few pictures but didn't have my camera at hand, so I just had to pull out my 5D, and it was just a pleasure to shoot it, and the customer was happy. We're a little too busy chasing the new. But when I see productions, many still use older models.
Tripod is a good point. I had bad GAS about buying a tripod and looked at some in the 200-300 range. One day after i came back from a hike i looked at my photos and i realised that a tripod would not have seen any use for these photos. For camera bag i bought a used Pgytech Onemo 25l (the first version) and it works well and is comfortable.
Regarding Camera bags, I think Backpacks are a bit of a waste of time. Mine has only been used to travel to a different country so that I could bring my stuff on as carry on. Otherwise I use a sling bag for every day use, bringing the lens that I intend to use that day in it. I definitely felt your comment about the 70-200mm F2.8, I brought my MFT equivalent along with me for a three week trip in NZ and it only left the bag twice.
My first Camera was an old rangefinder my Dad gave me when when I was 5, then a Zenit E, for years I only had these camera's with a standard 50ish mm lens. I still think going out with minimal kit and lenses forces you to concentrate more on composition and impact
Very interesting and of course I agree. I modified a standard back pack for my cameras. It now sits on my chest and is easily accessible and does not knock into things in shops as well as being harder to steal from. I also use a large "bum bag" that takes a camera and a lens. Very convenient. I learnt many years ago that if you wanted to improve your pictures get a better lense rather than a more expensive camera. I have many good pics from a 6 MP camera and I currently use a Fujifilm X Pro1. I might upgrade to an X Pro2 soon. Buy the camera that is good enough for what you are capable of when you are a Hoby Photographer. I feel the same way as you with try pods. They get in the way, are difficult to carry round and cost too much or are too flimsy.
For camera bags I think the best choice is a good trekking or military pack with clamshell opening + a camera insert inside. Brands like Mystery Ranch, Tasmanian Tiger etc. Better load carrying capacity, lower base weight, more flexibility and generally better price/quality ratio
One thing i want to tell new photographers is to look into RENTING gear for shoots. Often, you make your money back through the shoot you're using it for
Hi Rick. I could disagree about pluggin the camera to the computer. It's an experience I had on my last Canon 80D : transfer was slow when using plugged in camera. So I bought a cheap card reader. And it was way faster. Maybe more recent camera have better transmission rate ?
Vincent, I am with you with “older” cameras. Older USB was definitely slower than popping out the SD card but “modern” cameras with the USB-C goes just as fast if not faster. My Nikon Z6ii is just as fast as my card reader with either the Cafe press or SD card.
My Canon 5D Mk II (a tank of a camera) uses CF cards with 50 pin connectors between the camera and the card. I'm fearful of bending one of those pins deep in the camera each time I remove the CF card, so I generally just leave it in the camera and download the photos directly from the camera to the computer.
I couldn't agree more . Nothing more annoying when shooting outdoors is fiddling with lens caps and filters . I will use a polariser or ND occasionally but never want to see a grad ever again. I bought a new lighter tripod recently, but now renovated my 25 year old one to use constantly.
I am a firm believer in buying something expensive, but with good quality, but one. Like one good tripod, more expensive, but sturdy, same with bags. Use them with care as much as possible and when they are done , then buy next piece of gear.
Doesn't work in a lot of cases. Quite often, the most expensive equipment won't last any longer or work any better than kit that is of a more moderate price.
@@ArmyDr I go with the cheapest thing possible the first time. If it breaks, replace with something higher quality. If it doesn't break, I either didn't use it, or it was good enough. Sadly, expensive is not the same as quality.
1 tripod is not enought. One general use, sturdy tripod for general use, one small that can get really close to the ground for macro (still sturdy enought to fit macro rail on it).
@@anupew3276 For me, it's one heavy and high quality one for the studio when photographing paintings, and a cheap monopod for outdoors. I do have a couple of others I picked up/was given over the years which I use for studio lights.
Large dedicated camera bags are not necessary. You’re really just carrying your fomo. Understand where you’re going and what you need for that day. That’s it!
Bags - most of them are made to carry camera gear and nowt else. I did a long walk last summer with my old bag, trying to include food, water and tripod and it wasn't fun to carry. I got a Lowepro Flipside Trek 450 since then which is better and more comfortable, but could still use more room for food, water and extra clothing: I'm waiting to see how it does on next year's long walks. At least it was used, so not a fortune.
Completely agree about filters, complete waste of money and hamper the effective quality of any lens. Bags, yes, definitely a minefield, and I can never find a suitable one for my kit, there's always something in the wrong place, or that doesn't quite fit correctly, so you end up with your kit moving around in the bag. Camera straps is another one for me, they either go straight in the bin, or remain in the box, or sold. Can't stand straps, they get in the way, damage the camera, and are just a pain.
I started photography as a hobby not to long ago. But I didnt want to spend alot of money. Bought a Canon 700d used with only 2200 shutter actuations for 200€. It needed a new battery for like 25€. The efs 18-55 is stm used for 70€, 55-250 is stm used for 250. SD card and reader for 25€ And an Amazon Basics camera backpack for 35€. So roughly 600€ in total. Of course it is not professional high end stuff but for a beginner like myself its more than enough.
The thing I'd suggest is a waste is megapixels - at least above a certain level. I have 40 or whatever, and honestly have discouraged friends who were thinking of upgrades for the sake of more than 20-odd. Their resolution works perfectly fine for me.
I have a few bags depending on the situation. If I need a large amount of gear, I take my Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II bag. If I need only a few lenses I go with an eiken Yellowstone backpack which is almost always loaded with my basic kit.
Totally agree- do not need the newest greatest, fastest camera! I still use an I-phone 11, a Pentax K1000 for B&White film work, and a Fuji S1500, 10 megapixel just for fun. My other cameras are the 2018 model, Canon EOS R and the latest addition to my gear- the original Canon EOS R5. Could have bought the R5 Mark II but opted for the heavily discounted predecessor instead. Perhaps in a few years when the Mark II is being surpassed by a newer model, I might consider an upgrade. Meanwhile, I have all the camera capability I could ever hope to use.
Like you, I carry a small camera bag around the size of the one you have, but with one of the two compartments further subdivided. My camera with my most used lens attached goes in one compartment, and, in the first smaller section, my next two most used lenses and a torch (flashlight), set of closeup lenses and a variable ND filter in the other. Spare batteries and charger go into a zippered pouch in the lid together with a USB cable. It's all I need for travel, and, for weekends away, I can fit the camera bag, laptop, toothbrush & razor and three days' worth of summer shirts and underwear in an ordinary laptop bag. The other camera bag contains all the stuff I have acquired and might use one day, like a few Pentax lenses and an adapter etc. Tripods mainly come out for supermoons and other rare astronomical events. One tripod was from Aldi and reasonably light, the other was picked up by my wife from a Salvation Army shop for $10. Its main virtue is that it is sturdy. I also have a monopod which doubles as a hiking pole. I've used it as a hiking pole. But I am a belt and braces man, perhaps having lost my trousers too often through distraction and lack of concentration. So UV or CP filters on lenses, just in case!
I started last year with my first Camera (Fujifilm XS-20) and i am so glad that i didnt invest more for bigger and more advanced sensors which brings more extra costs etc. For myself i think it took me one year to learn how to handle the camera, all functions etc. and the Photos are great! Now i invest in lenses only to have a good choice between zoom and fixed focal lenghts. The learning curve is really steep, there is so much to discover. Never missed any extra gear so far. I think the most important is to be able to use your Camera right and knowing it well. The rest is some cherry on the top which doesnt make you a better photographer.
Well said. It’s not the camera but the photographer What I would add is video. If you are a still shooter primarily and may wish to dabble in video I would recommend seeing how much video you really shoot. The gap from very good to excellent video is huge. Not only do you have to invest in probably a hybrid body , lenses, fluid head tripods and most of all skills in editing I have a Sony a74 a very capable video / photo hybrid What do I use most of the time ? A GoPro 12 or my iPhone. I am still learning Final Cut. Editing images vs video and dealing with audio, grading , timing etc is not easy to be as proficient as my still images that I have done for years.
My first bag was a Manfroto Pro Light. It was sufficient internally for storage but the outside was bothersome. The shoulder straps were not curved and very much the same on either side so they would flip when putting the bag on. The sternum strap rode too high was in my neck most of the time. The one other problem that annoyed me the most was the hip belt. I backpacked a lot and was use to a nice wide hip belt that rode properly. The Manfroto was so narrow that it just would not sit on my hip. I tried the pack on in the store but without any weight in it. My current bag is the Mindshift Pro Light 40 L. I have had this for 4 years now and all of the previous bag problems are gone. Some essential gear that I believe is a must is cleaning cloths ( mcrifiber), lens wipes, sensor cleaning swabs and appropriate fluid and a blower.
I had a Manfroto bag about 6-7 years ago and I honestly think it's the worst bag I've owned!! So uncomfortable and it pinched my lower back - far from ideal. Yes to the cleaning stuff, but just search 'microfibre cloths' rather the 'camera cleaning cloths' and you'll save some money (aforementioned 'photography tax'!!)
The biggest jump I noticed on camera upgrade wasn't maxxum 9000->a77, but a77->a77ii. I think another piece of kit I've bought and rarely use is a flash. Doubt they'll ever get used beyond once every 2-3 years with me
I'm 65 now and have been doing photography since I was 11. I've taken a couple of courses that have given me more technical insight but not composision. That's practice. I have 4 cameras now, an early Konica Minolta 5D, Sony SLT-A57 I bought new in 2014. An A58 and A77. These are great given I can buy A-Mount lenses of high quality for pence. I'm doing more video now. These are great stills cameras but not brilliant at video despite IBIS. I've just bought a 4 year old Sony AX53. Different game.
Team no UV filter! I treat my gear the same as you and have never got any kind of scratches or anythng on my lenses or their coatings. I only use lens caps when i stow the lenses. If its on my camera the cap is off.
Agreed with much if not most of it. Exceptions being tripod. If you shoot a lot at night with really long shutter speeds (bellow 1/30) I think you have to stabilise with a tripod. Also when it comes to camera upgrades. Lenses are much more important then bodies. But often when people start out they don't want to or can't afford what they really need/want and it makes sense to upgrade when you can. But yeah 100% agree if you think you will make better pictures with better gear you are in for a bitter disapointment in most cases.
Can’t do Astro without a tripod. Also, not being smarmy, just noting you don’t spend on caps/temp filter covers, etc. and you have benefitted from insurance coverage. Was that for anything you could have been protected in another way? I agree on avoiding shooting through filters whenever possible.
Totally get that, but the amount of people I've seen using expensive tripods when it's just not needed is mad. I've only ever claimed o insurance once, and that's because I slipped with my camera and tripod in hand. Nothing any amount of UV filter or lens pouch would have done there 😂
They don't make the camera bag I have any more. The lowepro jr trekker aw. Doesn't hola a laptop but it holds two bodies, one with lens attached 6 lenses including an 80 -200 2.8. This is for storage on the back seat of the truck. If hiking i use the soft bags as padding and throw the equipment in a regular backpack depending on what i am doing. Grad filters harken from film days because slide film had a 5 stop latitude and was used to hold the highlights. Not needed any more.
A friend scratched her front element when a bramble brushed against her lens - it poked inside the lens hood and had a good rummage around. I mostly don't use filters and I'm more careful when walking now but I will put filters on at the beach when photographing windsurfing.
Hi Rick. With the bags for my everyday camera. I moved away from a normal backpack and move to a sling bag and it helps to keep your camera out to reduce the weight on your shoulder still enough room for little bits you'll need
Backpacks are the most silly & stupid thing to carry (if & when u r shooting) in a city over 8M; even in the field/hills u have to drop them on wet/snowy grounds to get at or change anything. The only time they are good is when u r walking. I've been looking for bags for a while. U don't want to pay in blood for sth. like a Billingham which is not that practical anyway (& still use cotton straps?). One of the bags I still have was bought some decades ago when back to the little old college town called Boston; I paid $13 or 16 for this dirty & blk sooty (prob. fire/water damaged) but looked otherwise ok. After washed & dried , it's a fine tough low (9"?) & longish bag. Still looking for some old Domke type & whatever its name in various sizes, & at least one easy for packing away an a7n w/ vertical/power grip & a lens attached. A good camera bag is hard to find & should NOT cost more than a pair of real leather shoes. On the last few 15-hr intern'l flights, in a laptop backpack I had o.c. a 15.6" , a couple of bigger lenses, batteries, chargers , cards & cords, a small body, papers & a small book. At least I don't carry rolls of heavy films any more , & one time I also carry a 100' bulk loader & some reusable cartridges. Never a camera bpk ! In the 90's I managed to carry a Bogen ( l-t agent for Manfrotto) monopod onboard. Haven't tried & shouldn't after 9xx. A nail-clipper is also wea__p_on.
I have one good tripod that I never use anymore. I could honestly sell it tomorrow and never miss it. I do like using a monopod with my 200-800 gigantic lens though. As for my bag(s), I bought Amazon Basic bags that work very well for me. Two small ones and one large one that fits my super zoom. I'm also finding the 3-lens rule working well even as I own more than that, I'll never take more than three lenses anywhere. I'm not a pro. I make nothing from my photography. I only do it as I enjoy the learning and getting results that satisfy me and go flip-off to how anybody else sees my photos. There've been many times where I've gotten shots with my phone I've been very happy with that would have taken me too long to get set up for. That's okay too!
When on safaris I really think that the newer camera's (like the R5) with good autofocus is a real step foreward. I get much more keepers and I am able to shoot scenes that I would otherwise miss because of too much time needed to focus. That said, I don't think of upgrading to the R5 II or similar. This R5 is indeed good enough.
I use a tripod for property photography and long exposure photography, I use my macro lense for product photography. And my 70-200 lense for events, photography is one of those things where we are all different in our needs and styles. To make money from photography we have to diversify, and with that comes various bits of kit, it would be nice just to be in one genre and tailor your kit for that specifically.
I feel lucky, used my phone for last ten years and after five years of looking at reviews bought a barely used camera that’s been out 4 yrs so half the price than when first came out, and bought used older lens, one cheap camera bag, one good quality used tripod for Astro and saved thousands. Personally I like to keep everything in great condition as its resale value and the fact a lot of people like me look for mint used gear at the right price as if I decide to sell it all I’m not loosing out much.
I upgraded to a new camera body 7M4 for a few reasons. One the battery life is better. Two image stabilization. And the main reason my daughter camera was broken so I gave her my 7M2. On graduated filters I use them a lot. for me it is a tool to help me compose a landscape. A lot of the times I am shooting long exposure on a tripod. On a tripod I bought a carbon fiber and added spikes to the feet. The tripod also, doubles as a walking stick when out on the trail. Backpacks, I find I do not use most of the stuff in there. I try to plan my outing.
A side note on bags, you fill the space you have. If you have a large bag you fill it with things you don’t always use. Your bag doesn’t need to carry all the gear you own. On a trip I’ll bring a second bag and rotate gear.
But camera bags and UV filters are both sub-$100 items that can save you the expense of replacing a $1k lens or $2k camera body. Tripods are necessary for slow shutter speed photography, timelapses, using long lenses, etc. I appreciate the idea of not over-buying but I think most of these items you listed are actually incredibly useful things to have
I think the point is that if you have a real good reason to use any of those items (and often) then they become must haves. If you use it maybe once, meh, perhaps not.
Anything you'd add to this list??
Too many:
1. Cheapo ball heads.
2. Camera straps
3. Strobes
4. Legacy M42 lenses
5. Old, low capacity (below 500GB) hard drives
6. Flashlights - I get a three pack every time I am at Costco. Reason, they become useless once the batteries are corroded due to lack of use!!
@@bizpixvegas7651 all camera straps??!
Insurance is the thing I avoid. Two reasons: 1. I appreciate the discipline of assessing my environment and responding accordingly, this in the knowledge that, should I get it wrong, it's all on me. 2. I feel no need to susidize others for their lack of awareness or carelessness. Does this cost me? Yes... but it would either way and I prefer to own my actions, for better or worse.
Large aperture primes; from wide angle to telephoto; I believe that unless you specifically work with portraiture or as a BBC photographer you don't need a GM 85mm 1.4 II or a GM 600mm f4. My go to would be old prime lenses if one wants to, which is what I did, I bought a Minolta 50mm 1.7 and a Minolta 85mm 1.4, both are fantastic and have better transition at f-5,6-f10 than the lenses of today that basically delete anything else behind the focus point.
Brand name only stuff …Really Right Stuff L bracket ($120) …Amazon special for the same camera ($40) with no real difference. It is a hunk of aluminum that allows me to use my camera in two orientations on my ball head. I would apply the same logic to ball heads and tripods (Gitzo!). There is always a great middle ground option if you don’t care what the name badge says.
Second would be cheap screw on filters. The one area I choose to invest a little more money is my filters. I buy nice glass …I am not going to buy cheap filters. I prefer the Maven magnetic filters.
I think that it’s really important that other people buy new cameras and lenses, that they don’t really use enough, and then in five years I can buy them at a substantial discount.
Haha!!! An excellent point!
Good point !!!
Definitely.... it's the only way I got started in photography! 👍
Well, that's what marketing is all about isn't it. To convince you that unless you upgrade your life will practically have no meaning, and they are doing a damn good job by the looks of it.
Agree Bionic , Years ago when I started in Photojournalism all my gear was pre loved and all the lenses were as good as new. A note, lenses are expensive but outlast the cameras generally.
To the comment “Lovely photo, you must have a good camera”, my response is usually along the lines of “Lovely dinner, you must have good saucepans”.
Camera is more like ingredients, less like saucepan. 😂
I usually reply that Ernest Hemingway must have had a really good typewriter.
It's true, in a way. The photos modern cameras make possible would have required impossible technical abilities in earlier times. A sharp, perfectly focused image of a bird in flight, for instance, would have been a major tour de force for someone working with a manial focus, manual exposure camera. With a sophisticated modern camera, not such a big deal.
Lovely comment, you must have a good keyboard.
@@ingopaul1569Your analogy actually argues against your point. Electronic keyboards make writing much faster, and it could be argued that this improves writing quality by expediting the capture of ideas. Copy and paste, for instance, save so much time compared to writing with a stylus. The same is true with insert and delete.
This argument is even more compelling when applied to photography. Cameras with functions such as high fps, auto-exposure, auto-focus and eye focus make it possible for a competent photographer to consistently acquire images that would be impossible, or highly unlikely, using a camera lacking those features.
I have been a professional photographer all my life, doing a lot of motorsport. When touting for business people would often say 'it's alright,my wife has a camera'. My reply was frequently 'I have a pair of scissors, it doesn't make me a dressmaker'.
There is a difference - as a photographer you face the "million monkey problem", because now everyone is equipped with a camera via smartphone, but not with scissors. And those millions of people take many millions of photos every day - and 10 of them (that will be widely published) will be better than what you would consider a "once in a career shot" - every day. So people see amazing photos taken by amateurs every day - how could they not think that it's easy, or that anyone can do it, or that professional photographers also take extraordinary shots only by chance (which, to be honest, is half the truth for any great shot).
On Filters: Clear filters are advisable when photographing things that can damage your lens. Examples: 1. in a workshop where welding, sanding, and cutting take place. 2. Near a smelter where liquid metal is being poured, 3. High wind in deserts where blowing sand can scour optics. I have photographed in all three of these situations and have gotten pits or abrasions in the filters. Filters are a lot cheaper than a 2k to 3k lens. You get the idea.
That's the proper advice. Use them in extreme situations. Otherwise, use the lens hood.
2nd to this.
Over the years, it can damage the front element, heck day to day usage if you are not careful of the environment even dust n sand can get in unknowingly (nearby contruction sites particularly)
I agree, so many times clear filters saved my front element on harsh situations shoots. It’s worth replacing it than buying or repairing the lens.
@@maggnet4829 The lens hood will only work on tele lenses. On a wide angle they are nearly worthless because they are much too small. Lens hoods are also a problem if you are travelling with a very small camera pack. You either have no space for them or you need to mount and unmount them all the times.
I sometimes need to take photos during rain. I prefer not to wipe the front lens for every picture but instead a filter. Also it helps in cramped surroundings where you easily smash it into something. I have some filters with scratches here and even one which is destroyed. The lenses are OK. Only one filter threading got a light dent one time. I only take them off if I have a very controlled situation where I really need the best quality.
@reinhard8053 You are probably speaking about ultra wide angle lenses. Lens hoods find their limit there, but that's not the realm of people who would ask for advice on this matter. Filter is a tricky topic for those lenses, too. Plenty don't even have filter threads. Risk of vignetting another one, and probably you actually want to use a square filter for those.
The glass of most filters is less sturdy than that of the actual lens, but it is likely it got streched because it was in front and not protected by a lens hood.
I'm using the chunky Sigma 28-45mm f1.8 in a rather small camera bag. I keep the lens hood mounted when it's in the bag. The only lens where I actually unmounted the lens hood during transport was the Sony 200-600 (which is ridiculously big). Since I sometimes place the camera and lens on the floor, I'd still 100% screw the hood back on once taken out of the bag.
I'm fairly often bumping into things, admittedly, and all my lens hoods show scratches on the end. My lens glass, however, is prestine. Proper care while cleaning is key here.
Finally a vid that reduces consuming.
The UV filter on my lens, which broke, recently saved the lens from damage when it took a knock. I’ll be continuing to use such filters for that purpose!
Me too. On my 50mm. I tripped and the filter smashed, but the lens is fine. You just never know what is around the corner.
I have one on my TTartisan 27mil. It's my edc so i don't want to put on a lens cap. Much quicker when there's something i want to take, so I don't have the hassle taking off the lens cap.
How can you be sure the filter saved the lens? Filters are far more fragile than the lenses and there is a good chance the lens would have survived without the filter.
@@TheBigBlueMarblepossible, but the front element would definitely have been badly marked
@@TheBigBlueMarble A lens hood does a better job.
I was on Brighton beach last week and took a fall...thankfully i had the lens hood on my R5 & 24-105...it 100% did the job...my lens lived to snap another tale....now my knees?? They are still bruised....
I should have mentioned lens hoods - all the protection you need (and they're free with the lens!!). Hopefully you weren't too badly hurt.
My lens hoods are always attached, reversed in my bag, properly when I shoot. They not only protect lens (and threads!) but also unwanted extraneous light and glare - whether from sunlight or spot-lights. I can't endorse tossing a lens into a camera bag without the lens cap, either. Every bit of care matters and if you get a bit of grit in your bag, it can damage your front element, especially if you don't have a UV or NC filter on the front.
someone on a recent social photo walk criticised my usually reversed lens hood. He said if you never use it why bother? Well, it takes up minimal space and when I do need it to rminimise lens flare, it's there
@@emerana re hoods and lens flare... they also tend to up the contrast too, even when there's no flare.
Same story here, lenshood saved my 14-30/4 and I took the big hit against the rock with my forehead instead (slippy leaves) - concussion an blue eye for four weeks, but lensok 😂
I used to carry my photo equipment in a backpack when travelling. I got tired of sore backs and bought a well-known brand wheel case with a retractable handle. It fits in overhead storage on aircraft, and it has saved my back, and it reduces travel fatigue.
Good luck with that going over rough terrain .
@@samskeeter1 I carry a camera on a long, wide neck strap, with the camera on my side and with one lens on long hikes. The roller case is for traveling and goes from home to airport to hotel. If I am on a vehicle-photo shoot, it stays in the back of the auto. I don't have a need to use it over rough terrain. My old backpack really got heavy and started hurting my back when I traveled.
@@samskeeter1there are backpacks that have wheels it saves your back when you’re on smooth surfaces.
I think we all do different things with our photography, and so we all need different tools. I saw a video of a ex National Geographic photographer that these days uses a wheel case like yours for travelling. He then just leaves it in the hotel and takes what he needs on the day in a small side bag he sticks in his suitcase. This seemed to be a nice idea and seems to work for him.
Me, I like a backpack. And I find that if I don't take my stuff with me, it doesn't get used. And if it doesn't get used, what is the point in having it?
Yes, my backpack is really quite heavy at about 9kg. But a lesson I learned from a previous hiking expedition I did when I was young is that when you carry a heavy bag for a while, after a few days you get used to it and you will stop paying attention to it. Your body quickly builds the muscles and adapts to the extra weight. At the end of our hiking trip I really stopped noticing I had the very heavy pack we were all carrying. It just became part of me. I guess my body thought I had gained weight and just adjusted accordingly.
These days, I work from home. As I don't get the exercise of going into the office any more, instead I do a daily hour long walk with my girlfriend to the local park. A few times a week I will take my camera backpack with me, not because I intend necessarily to take pictures, but because I want keep my body used to carrying the weight. Yes, I do notice it is a bit heavy when I first put it on, but 10 minutes later and it no longer bothers me. I have become used to the weight. Now when I go on photo walks, I am quite happy to carry the backpack, and I have all the gear I need at my disposal. However, if I go into town, I will generally carry a much smaller shoulder bag, as the environment there means I don't want to carry a big, bulky backpack that might knock into people.
Yes I’d add square space! It s expensive and not at all easy to use! Really sick of their sponsorship of every TH-camr.
Careful with these tips, you might make some enemies.
Rick: Anything with photography written on it incurs a crazy markup... Just like 'wedding'
Wedding Photographers: He's onto us, get him!
Haha!! Having been a wedding photographer in the past, I mean except wedding photographers, obviously 😂
hey they gotta eat too
Great video. I think an exception to - it’s not the equipment, it’s the photographer - is wildlife. You need lots of megapixels for cropping in on distant subjects. You need great autofocus. You need focal length. And you get much better results with 20-30 FPS on moving subjects. Then, the artistry comes in in Lightroom!
You also need a lot of patience, which I think is why I leave wildlife to other!!
You need different gear for different photography styles. For wildlife you can have all those things and still get bad images, so yes, to get impactful nature photographs it's always the photographer; how you understand the light and the wildlife's behavior to get impactful images. Remember the objective is not to capture images of something but about something.
Ergonomics and workflow is another big area where the saying breaks down. I've gotten great photos off my T1i....but I'm SO excited about getting a modern mirrorless for Christmas because the screen will be articulated for the weird angles I love to shoot from, I'll be able to better judge if I got the shot from the screeen, it'll be lighter, and I won't have to go through a multi-step process including SD card adapters to transfer things from my camera to my iPad for editing. That I'll have more MPs to play around with when cropping, significantly better AF, and that I won't be struggling as much with dynamic range, are kind of just the cherries on top compared to the rest.
One of my friends is a fairly accomplished landscape photographer with a decent following. I asked him what his favourite piece of photography gear was and he said it was a camper van. i.e. it's the thing that gets him to the landscape to take the shot vs any camera or lens.
On lens, I find what stops me from buying the latest and greatest is looking at the shots I do take with my current gear, the shots I want to but can't take reliably, and the shots I almost never take.
Great way to look at it 👍🏻
Tripod comments are right. I was in another state and was asked to video an event but hadn’t bought my tripod. I went to the local hardware store and found a Bosch tripod (for a level or theodolite) for around $49. Perfect. As you say if it had a photography tag it would have been at least double or more.
At least!!
I've got a handy hack for camera bags and lens pouches.
I used a fishing bag that has molle straps on the outside that allows me to swap out pouches etc as and when I need them. I've got a couple of cheap padded cubes like the one you showed for the main compartment and with them and the swap ability of the molle system I can quickly have all the kit I need for a specific shoot in a relatively small and comfortable bag. Plus the bag has lots of small compartments perfect for memory cards, cables and spare batteries etc
It's like having an infinite number of bags.
Pointing back to your "The Camera Companies don't want you to know this" video reminded me just how great that video was. Truly cured a LOT of my GAS issues. Great post, Rick.
Thanks Chris. There are times when I need to watch that video back myself!
One set of gear you need, shoes/boots, pants, a shirt, jacket depending on weather, and just forget the gadgets, and shoot, and compose, and shoot some more. One camera, one lens, and just keep repeating that with another lens. Think we get too caught up in gear, or latest gear, and not enough “ caught up in having fun shooting”.
Why we became photographers, 🤔 thinking sometimes we forget the why, and dwell too much on the maybe. I remember why I got into it back during high school. Kept looking around and “seeing images” in my mind, which drove me crazy, till I went out and bought my first set of film camera gear. Then started meeting like minded individuals, and even started the photography club in my high school, developing my own film and B&W photos. Then my love for it grew from there, and I no longer felt crazy.
Though as many, being a younging, was slightly caught up in gear after the first little while. Still have my heavy pro tripod (bloody thing, is heavy and massive, extending to almost 6’, and luging that around was nuts), and my F2 , and accessories from back then. Probably can blame that on my neighbour, as he had all the fancy Nikon gear ( he could afford it) and was both a good and bad influence for that. Oh well, live and learn from experiences.
Cheers
One thing most of the time is overlooked. Staying cool or warm with dry feet lets me focus on composing and staying out in the field longer.
As a middle-aged newbie, still at the early stage of my journey and with a couple of pointless purchases under my belt, this is a great video and I’ve already reconsidered my ‘photography’ basket. Thank you.
Really like your reaction to ND grad filters, never bothered and glad to hear someone else has as much contempt for them, also totally agree on the constant upgrade that we are all advertised towards, I have been a photography teacher for TAFE and really advise students to learn their elements and principles of design for composition, its much cheaper!
I would recommend checking out the refurbished gear on the manufacturer’s website when you do need to purchase a lens or camera body and wait for a sale on that site as well. Often you get the same warranty as a new one and the manufacturer did the refurbishment. All of my cameras I have owned, I have bought either used or refurbished. I have never had an issue and I have saved a lot of money.
I agree about your point on bags that can be a money pit. I currently use a Thinktank travel style bag and it works great. I’ll keep it until it falls apart.
Thanks for the good video!
That's true. All of my Fuji lenses are from their refurb site. Thanks!
Great stuff, Rick. I would have to agreed with most. I only add a comment on to camera bags, as I often tell people unless you have a “standard torso,” what ever measurement that is, many backpack won’t fit a longer or shorter torso. I know that is one thing that has disappointed many buyer and pushes people towards the higher end bags with adjustable straps. As you said, once an item has “photography” put on it, it certainly increase the price and the perceived need.
Thanks Andy! That's an interesting thing to look out for, thanks for the tip 👍🏻
I have "cheap" camera backpack - not waterproof and not a premium brand. However, what I love about it is that I was able to adjust where the straps are attached on the bag. When I did a lot of backpacking, that feature was absolutely critical on any ruck sack you bought, to keep the weight properly distributed.
Well made reflection of all those things which might go into the way! Just my adds:
→ Protection/Filters = UV filters (high quality) to be cleaned on the fly
→Tripods: One is not enough. Lightweight (2kg) Video-Photo tripod (hiking) and older heavier larger stuff
→Bags: Some Lowepro ProRunner 200 + 300. Since ~12 years, ordered two additional backpacks 2nd hand to have "spare". Light, two external meshes for water bottles, umbrella or small tripod.
→Lenses: 24 - 105, 105 - 400 + two bodies (FF + APS-C (=640mm)) to have a compact universal setup - zooms got so great that I accept them now!
→Camera Upgrades: Ergnomics beats feature lists and may be more expensive but it's worth it.
Finally I think it is good to have a package which you know very well and which is reliable.
But it is also good to have some additional lenses for "special effects" / situations where you need it.
Camera bags, Grrr! I use 3, depending on circumstance. I have the big backpack that takes everything, but don't want to carry it further than out to the car! A little 10 Litre sling bag (lovely!) that takes a camera & 2 lenses, and a tatty (vintage look, unbranded) backpack with a cube in. The big bag stays in the car with all the bits (well hidden) and I just take the stuff I'm planning on using! (APS-C camera & lenses, so not too mighty) Another fun video, thanks!
Thanks!! I’m running 3 as well (or is it 4?!) and I still feel like there’s something missing… like something isn’t quite right. Need another, clearly 🙄😂
Your opening statement is all foreside-back; the trick is to become as good as you can with the kit you have, analyse honestly whether it's the kit or yourself that's reached a limit; then upgrade when you know 'zackly what you want to acheive.
I love using my GoRuck GR2 (26L) as a camera bag; it's basically indestructible, super padded shoulder straps, great space & built-in pockets for internal organization, fits perfectly under (nearly) every airplane seat
Too expensive. Is that an ad ?
sounds like u need to get your money up homie
I bought the 70-200 F4 G years ago for my travel photography. I also got the 24-70 GM and the 16-35 GM. On other people's advice. I did get some great shots on the Euro-tour I got the gear for. No complaints. But over the last few years I learned to shoot differently and have recently purchased the Tamron 28-200 and that pretty much lives on the a7R3 full-time now. I'm getting close to just trading in the others, since I haven't used them since pre-COVID.
You are right about images depending more on the photographer than the equipment. One of the best I've taken was with a fixed lens Minolta over 50 years ago. Now I depend on my 105mm, 14-24mm, 50mm, and 180-600mm because I can get images that cannot be captured any other way. No backpacks, just take what I need for each endeavor whether it is insects, people, birds, landscapes or architecture. My day use carry bag is over forty years old. I fix shoulder straps to my tripods. My mirrorless camera was a game changer for me.
If you’re interested in evening photography or photos with long shutter speech you definitely need a tripod and I agree with you that don’t go cheap is the right way to go. I’ll find myself 100% in your camera bag story
Great tube -
Bags ! Hmm I have a few !
Conclusion the back bag is heavy to lug about & you do tend to fill every crevice - so I Store my gear in it @ home maybe if away pick goodies to take on the day .
Favourite Bags are non photo bags
For Street tourism etc small shoulder bag gorgeous 1 light SLR with 50mm & 24mm pancake & Canon G7 small pocket camera ( which generally lives in me pocket spare battery & card -
For landscapes & general heavier higher Spec SLR 18 -135 zoom & maybe 70 -300 + KF magnetic filters ( in thier Pouch in a wide banded shoulder bag & wrist strap
( G7 still in pocket) tripod I carry on my belt.
The above covers me for most things bothered fairly lite to carry & have room for a snack !
In separate compartment - so no crumbs etc on camera gear 😂
I use a lens hood and only a polariser if required. I agree on the ND grads, they were essential on film photography not so on digital. The best money I spent on photography was on a 2 x day course on wedding photography over in Weymouth. Nick Stubbs was his name, I learnt so much and I nailed the wedding I was tasked to do. The worst money I spent was on a street photography course in London. The instructor turned up with a raging hang over, arrogant, and only interested in the 'young' females on the course and I learnt nothing new. Thanks for video!
On the bag front, I found an old padded projector bag, and created my own dividers with a thick $9 yoga matt and some superglue. Fiddly to make, and relatively inflexible, but its so much cheaper to diy. Could easily make one of those cube things this way as well.
Nice!
I use the Lowepro Pro Tactic 450 II, fits my needs perfectly. Good protection when snowmobile riding, skiing, flying, hiking or in the city. Holds my gear two bodies (1 dx mark iii and a 7d mark ii) and three lenses (14mm, 24-70mm and 60-600mm) with room for other stuff as well.
Regarding bags, I can recommend the LowePro Flipside 200. Probably the happiest I've ever been with a bag. Space is limited, tho. Also, the 70-200 2.8 is probably my most valuable lens when shooting candids at events. Then again, the 70-180 2.8 which is half the price would do very much the same thing.
agree, the 70-200 is an awesome portrait lense.
Great video, completely agree with the principle of less is more and keep it simple! On bags in particular, dedicated camera bags look geeky, tend to be uncomfortable and advertise the fact that you’re carrying expensive gear around. Any bag you fancy, whether a shoulder bag or backpack (I prefer a shoulder bag for easy access) with a padded liner ( cheap as chips from Amazon) dropped in does the job just as well at a fraction of the price.
I own a lot of camera bags and actually use them all - depends on the shoot. Sometimes I just want to carry one or two lens, cards and battery so hence a small bag. I agree on exotic lens except for me my 100mm macro is my favorite portrait lens. For my long telephoto lens urges I bought a used Sigma 150-600 for $500 and it works just fine. Thank you for hammering in the point about gear obsession! I still shoot with a 12 year old Canon 5D3 and it's still great - have my clients ever complained? Never
I got rid of my 70-200 2.8, was too heavy, ever made it into the bag. Also, I recommend the 22L Thinktank Mindshift Rotation 180 bags, they are a game changer, even more so if combined with a capture clip on a shoulder strap.
Re: bags, I was looking for years for the right bag. The backpack styles just weren't efficient for my purposes. Then I found the Lowepro Passport Sling II Bag. It has room for a body/lens, a second lens, a water bottle, and has expandable space, good for an extra shirt or windbreaker. All set to go out and shoot.
Rick, you perfectly illustrate how bags are entirely subjective. I have both sizes of the PD Everyday Back Pack and have no issue with comfort of either of them and love the way they can be used without even taking them off. With you on lens caps - lost mine years ago, they are not missed. Tripods and photography - Nigel will tell you how essential they are. Stabilisation isn't an issue, but framing is. Lock the framing with a tripod and wait for conditions. So many more reasons too.
Be well.
That's interesting, I despise mine 😂 That's true about tripods - I guess that element is, again, subjective. It all comes down to how you shoot. Not sure I have that level of patience!!
I also love my PD Everyday backpacks, I have both large and small. They are my perfect backpacks
I've had the Nomatic McKinnon backpack for several years and I've found it to be a useful investment, even though it was chagrin-level expensive. I definitely haven't had any comfort issues with it. On the contrary, the straps design has ensured a supportive fit that I can wear all day.
Note that I'm not advertising or encouraging anyone to buy it. Starting at $300, it's still really expensive.
Backpacks are designed to fit a specific body shape. So if it’s comfortable on you, it’s because it was designed to fit your body shape, in particular your width and slope of shoulders. You’ll see good hiking backpacks come in a variety of fits, including women specific fits. So the reason it was uncomfortable on the reviewer is…it wasn’t designed for his body shape. The designers of these photography equipment backpacks have definitely misunderstood what’s important in a backpack - comfort. Fit is principally achieved through the shape and placement of the shoulder straps, but also the shape of the back pad, and features like adjustable chest straps.
People come in a variety of shapes and sizes, you can’t have one size fits all.
9:32 I agree for the most part, but not entirely. Let me explain: The camera could play a big role in Dynamic range and background blur. Compare a full-frame to a micro 4/3rds. Yes a micro 4/3rds sensor can be great, but full-frame looks better for most shots.
It depends on the setting, but for what I do, I'm not sure there's much in it. Especially given the sizes that I publish and print at. Of all my recent images, I'm not sure many people could say which I shot on a Full frame and which I shot on a crop. Never used MFT though so maybe that's more of a difference
There isn’t. I print A3 size from my five-year-old micro four thirds camera. If it’s a good photo no one cares what sensor size it is. And yes I have a camera with a larger sensor but I like the Panasonic better. I can use a Sony A7 IV from work any time I want but I like the Panny better and so I take better pictures with it.
Agree on all, i have spent too much money over the years. Now i am looking into selling some and buying good small compact.
As far as unnecessary (or perhaps just wrong) gear, I would say that one of the things that I think is the right idea, but is not made very well, is padded lens pouches. Although they were cheap, they were a complete waste of money. They were made based on older, more slender lens designs from the film era, and no one has bothered to update the physical specs. If they would update the sizes to match today's lenses, they would be great for using with a regular backpack.
As for gear that has become indispensable for me, I've invested a bit of money into a system of quick change plates and receivers for tripod heads. Mine is by Leofoto, and I use the 60mm size - QS-60. If you have need of different tripod heads, this enables you to quickly and painlessly change them out, and they lock down tightly and securely. It's purely a convenience value-add, but very much worth it.
Agree completely with your assessments. In fact, I am quite surprised to find someone who thinks as closely as I do. Especially about not needing protective stuff any more. I also just put my camera and lens into my bag and don't bother with lens cap or protective bags.
Thanks for the great common-sense video!
I found myself nodding vigorously when you got to the part about photography bags! It's like anything that is supposed to be built for purpose. All of a sudden you will find that the manufacturers of these things will start sticking 0's onto the price! I'm disabled and anything related to disability is just as bad! The electric wheelchair I use is a prime example. If I wasn't leasing it from motability I would have to pay £8,000 for it!
By the way, you have a new subscriber! 😊😊
Thanks, appreciated. That's even worse if there's a premium for anything related to a disability - I'm pretty shocked at that if I'm honest (but not all that surprised).
I recommend a good quality sling if you use a heavy zoom lens on your camera. My $85.- strap is perfect for my Tamron G2 150-600 model. And it prevents back aches.
I've been cheap and lazy for the most part. I used a camera pouch that I got for $1 ten years ago. I finally got a proper bag two years ago. The Wotancraft 10L Pilot. I love it and that's the only bag I have.
I've been using a $30 Velbon tripod for the last 12 years but that's starting to break down. I'm afraid it might fail so it's time to finally get a proper tripod and head that won't break the bank!
The only one of those you won't convince me about is a UV filter, apart from really cheap ones. I used to work in a camera shop, so I've seen what repair to a front element can cost. Yes, a lot of the time a lens hood will save the lens, but you only need this to go wrong once. I'd rather keep that money to spend on petrol/ train tickets to get to a location. Each to their own though.
Good advise, The gear is so good now, No longer need a bag full of primes because the zooms are so good, I call my genre Street + so primarily street but versatile. Less but quality ie Z6II 24-120 f4 S and 35 f1.8s, One of these lenses and a spare battery and I am away.
I see a long life for this kit too. As you mention insurance is important. Cheers from Australia
I agree with everything except the tripod bit. Get a Sachtler tripod for video, and you will never want to go back. They start at $3000 USD and will last your lifetime and beyond. Don't get it to shoot landscapes, but it will change your life when shooting video.
I will also push back on having a card reader, 1: almost always faster than your camera and 2: less wear and tear on your camera. Same for having a battery charger vs charging the battery in the camera. Nice to have but don't make it a habit.
Bag recommendation: Peak Design Messenger 13L. I've had this bag for 2 months, and it works very well as a briefcase, carry-on, qualifies as a personal item, and is a natural for day trips. It will take a 13" laptop, with room for a smallish body and 2 to 5 lenses. Like everyone, I've got too many bags, but this one is a delight.
Concerning photo bags, get one or more Tenba BYOB inserts (to cover the different setups that you use) and then use whatever standard (non-photographic) bag or rucksack that is suitable for your outing or trip.
I haven't regretting moving from a full-frame DSLR system to micro four thirds. The bodies and lenses are smaller and lighter, and with advancing age they are better for photography when walking and travelling.
Good accessory would be a geared tripod head in place of a ball head. Yes, a bit bigger, but so much more precise, especially for macro work (but I prefer for whenever I am using a tripod). Another is a sling bag for light trips when you just need a camera and maybe a second lens and a spare battery.
I can see why some photographers would find that useful - I’ve actually never used one (one of the few things I’ve not convinced myself to buy!!). Love a sling bag, however it can be another potential minefield with added ‘photography’ tax!
@RickBebbington if you decide to try a geared tripod head, I strongly recommend the one from Benro. Great price, well built, and precise.
I have stopped using tripod heads. Only using old and slim tripods with no head. Prefer that for many reasons.
With bags my take is that there is no one size fits all solution. Not just everybody has different needs but even one may need multiple ones. Don't just listen to other's opinion and buy blindly but go to the store, try it out, take critical items with yourself to see how it fits (for me that's my 16" water cooled laptop which does not fit into many bags), and also to feel how comfortable is it for you.
After a long search I eventually settled on 3 bags for big, mid and light kit days. Tenba Axis 24L v1 is my big bag, when I go to work photoshoots thus I need to bring not just my regular kit, but spare bodies, lenses etc.
MY mid bag is a Vanguard Veo Range T 37 when I only go to shoot for my own pleasure so I can slim the kit down.
And my light bag is the Pentagon Tactical Talemon, which is a sling for tacticool larping or CC for example. Fits a body and 2 lens. I frequently bring it with myself for work so the big bag holds all the surplus and throughout the event I can keep spare batteries and 2 lenses with myself without adding too much bulk.
All these bags' common feature is the PALS webbing so they are pretty modular, i can add pouches or other handy stuff when needed to, this was a must from me and it's sad that there is only a handful of companies doing PALS/MOLLE compatible photo bags
Absolutely refreshing! It's always "This ONE piece of gear will make your photography so much better" or "I can't believe I didn't buy THIS piece of gear earlier!". Finally a video on "Don't buy this..." Thanks for the great content!
Great video! 2 things: Recently, I was looking at some old slides from Navy days (1970, 1971) taken with a Minolta SRT-101, I wish I still had it. Also, I am thinking of getting a surplus military style shoulder bag (US$30) and adding dividers.
Re: taking a tripod as carry-on. That’s fine as long as the airline has a generous carry-on allowance. A lot of the Middle Eastern and SE Asia airlines have a strict 7kg limit for carry-ons (coupled with a generous allowance for hold luggage). I’ve seen Emirates passengers having their carry-on bags weighed at Manchester, for example.
Tripods were a must back in the pre imagestablization era. I purchased the best tripods and presently don’t even use them. I stopped using filters on my glass two decades ago and only use a protective filter on the occasion where I am in severely dusty situations. I only use my lens cap when I put my camera in a bag or storage. 30 years ago I scratched a lens glass when I was carrying it in my bag.
Interesting to hear your point of view. I suspect many (most) photographers will not agree with a lot of your comments. But you’re certainly entitled to offer them.
Thanks for uploading. Fortunately, I haven't been too crazy in my camera purchases. My first tripod was a Sachtler tripod with Flowtech - yes, it was expensive, but luckily, I could get an exhibition model for a slightly better price. It was worth it, and I still have it. For a long time, I had a Canon 5D Mark iii for taking pictures and a Blackmagic 4k pocket with a speed booster for film. I have sold it. Instead, I now have an R5C Canon and rent if it is a larger production or hire a cinematographer. A few weeks ago, I needed to shoot a few pictures but didn't have my camera at hand, so I just had to pull out my 5D, and it was just a pleasure to shoot it, and the customer was happy. We're a little too busy chasing the new. But when I see productions, many still use older models.
Tripod is a good point. I had bad GAS about buying a tripod and looked at some in the 200-300 range. One day after i came back from a hike i looked at my photos and i realised that a tripod would not have seen any use for these photos. For camera bag i bought a used Pgytech Onemo 25l (the first version) and it works well and is comfortable.
Regarding Camera bags, I think Backpacks are a bit of a waste of time. Mine has only been used to travel to a different country so that I could bring my stuff on as carry on. Otherwise I use a sling bag for every day use, bringing the lens that I intend to use that day in it.
I definitely felt your comment about the 70-200mm F2.8, I brought my MFT equivalent along with me for a three week trip in NZ and it only left the bag twice.
My first Camera was an old rangefinder my Dad gave me when when I was 5, then a Zenit E, for years I only had these camera's with a standard 50ish mm lens. I still think going out with minimal kit and lenses forces you to concentrate more on composition and impact
Very interesting and of course I agree. I modified a standard back pack for my cameras. It now sits on my chest and is easily accessible and does not knock into things in shops as well as being harder to steal from. I also use a large "bum bag" that takes a camera and a lens. Very convenient.
I learnt many years ago that if you wanted to improve your pictures get a better lense rather than a more expensive camera. I have many good pics from a 6 MP camera and I currently use a Fujifilm X Pro1. I might upgrade to an X Pro2 soon. Buy the camera that is good enough for what you are capable of when you are a Hoby Photographer.
I feel the same way as you with try pods. They get in the way, are difficult to carry round and cost too much or are too flimsy.
For camera bags I think the best choice is a good trekking or military pack with clamshell opening + a camera insert inside. Brands like Mystery Ranch, Tasmanian Tiger etc. Better load carrying capacity, lower base weight, more flexibility and generally better price/quality ratio
Great tips 👍🏻
One thing i want to tell new photographers is to look into RENTING gear for shoots. Often, you make your money back through the shoot you're using it for
Hi Rick. I could disagree about pluggin the camera to the computer. It's an experience I had on my last Canon 80D : transfer was slow when using plugged in camera. So I bought a cheap card reader. And it was way faster. Maybe more recent camera have better transmission rate ?
Vincent, I am with you with “older” cameras. Older USB was definitely slower than popping out the SD card but “modern” cameras with the USB-C goes just as fast if not faster. My Nikon Z6ii is just as fast as my card reader with either the Cafe press or SD card.
That's fair enough, a cheap card reader is much more sensible than a kevlar one!!
@@AndyCuthbert you are right. There are still old gear out there and for their owners it's a relevant stuff.
My Canon 5D Mk II (a tank of a camera) uses CF cards with 50 pin connectors between the camera and the card. I'm fearful of bending one of those pins deep in the camera each time I remove the CF card, so I generally just leave it in the camera and download the photos directly from the camera to the computer.
I couldn't agree more . Nothing more annoying when shooting outdoors is fiddling with lens caps and filters . I will use a polariser or ND occasionally but never want to see a grad ever again. I bought a new lighter tripod recently, but now renovated my 25 year old one to use constantly.
I am a firm believer in buying something expensive, but with good quality, but one. Like one good tripod, more expensive, but sturdy, same with bags. Use them with care as much as possible and when they are done , then buy next piece of gear.
Doesn't work in a lot of cases. Quite often, the most expensive equipment won't last any longer or work any better than kit that is of a more moderate price.
@@ArmyDr I go with the cheapest thing possible the first time. If it breaks, replace with something higher quality. If it doesn't break, I either didn't use it, or it was good enough.
Sadly, expensive is not the same as quality.
1 tripod is not enought. One general use, sturdy tripod for general use, one small that can get really close to the ground for macro (still sturdy enought to fit macro rail on it).
@@anupew3276 For me, it's one heavy and high quality one for the studio when photographing paintings, and a cheap monopod for outdoors. I do have a couple of others I picked up/was given over the years which I use for studio lights.
Large dedicated camera bags are not necessary. You’re really just carrying your fomo. Understand where you’re going and what you need for that day. That’s it!
Bags - most of them are made to carry camera gear and nowt else. I did a long walk last summer with my old bag, trying to include food, water and tripod and it wasn't fun to carry. I got a Lowepro Flipside Trek 450 since then which is better and more comfortable, but could still use more room for food, water and extra clothing: I'm waiting to see how it does on next year's long walks. At least it was used, so not a fortune.
Completely agree about filters, complete waste of money and hamper the effective quality of any lens. Bags, yes, definitely a minefield, and I can never find a suitable one for my kit, there's always something in the wrong place, or that doesn't quite fit correctly, so you end up with your kit moving around in the bag. Camera straps is another one for me, they either go straight in the bin, or remain in the box, or sold. Can't stand straps, they get in the way, damage the camera, and are just a pain.
I started photography as a hobby not to long ago. But I didnt want to spend alot of money.
Bought a Canon 700d used with only 2200 shutter actuations for 200€. It needed a new battery for like 25€.
The efs 18-55 is stm used for 70€, 55-250 is stm used for 250.
SD card and reader for 25€
And an Amazon Basics camera backpack for 35€.
So roughly 600€ in total. Of course it is not professional high end stuff but for a beginner like myself its more than enough.
The thing I'd suggest is a waste is megapixels - at least above a certain level. I have 40 or whatever, and honestly have discouraged friends who were thinking of upgrades for the sake of more than 20-odd. Their resolution works perfectly fine for me.
Oh god yes!! Not sure how I missed this but sort of alluded to it in the last point. To me, the mega pixel raise is insane.
I have a few bags depending on the situation. If I need a large amount of gear, I take my Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II bag. If I need only a few lenses I go with an eiken Yellowstone backpack which is almost always loaded with my basic kit.
I used to use that bag and loved it for a time, I just thought it just wasn't great for carrying anything else as it was just one big pocket.
Totally agree- do not need the newest greatest, fastest camera! I still use an I-phone 11, a Pentax K1000 for B&White film work, and a Fuji S1500, 10 megapixel just for fun. My other cameras are the 2018 model, Canon EOS R and the latest addition to my gear- the original Canon EOS R5. Could have bought the R5 Mark II but opted for the heavily discounted predecessor instead. Perhaps in a few years when the Mark II is being surpassed by a newer model, I might consider an upgrade. Meanwhile, I have all the camera capability I could ever hope to use.
Like you, I carry a small camera bag around the size of the one you have, but with one of the two compartments further subdivided. My camera with my most used lens attached goes in one compartment, and, in the first smaller section, my next two most used lenses and a torch (flashlight), set of closeup lenses and a variable ND filter in the other. Spare batteries and charger go into a zippered pouch in the lid together with a USB cable. It's all I need for travel, and, for weekends away, I can fit the camera bag, laptop, toothbrush & razor and three days' worth of summer shirts and underwear in an ordinary laptop bag.
The other camera bag contains all the stuff I have acquired and might use one day, like a few Pentax lenses and an adapter etc.
Tripods mainly come out for supermoons and other rare astronomical events. One tripod was from Aldi and reasonably light, the other was picked up by my wife from a Salvation Army shop for $10. Its main virtue is that it is sturdy. I also have a monopod which doubles as a hiking pole. I've used it as a hiking pole.
But I am a belt and braces man, perhaps having lost my trousers too often through distraction and lack of concentration. So UV or CP filters on lenses, just in case!
I started last year with my first Camera (Fujifilm XS-20) and i am so glad that i didnt invest more for bigger and more advanced sensors which brings more extra costs etc.
For myself i think it took me one year to learn how to handle the camera, all functions etc. and the Photos are great! Now i invest in lenses only to have a good choice between zoom and fixed focal lenghts. The learning curve is really steep, there is so much to discover. Never missed any extra gear so far. I think the most important is to be able to use your Camera right and knowing it well. The rest is some cherry on the top which doesnt make you a better photographer.
Agree 100% on the camera bags - finding one that’s just right is impossible. I have bags that are too big, too small - I’m hard to please.
Well said. It’s not the camera but the photographer
What I would add is video. If you are a still shooter primarily and may wish to dabble in video I would recommend seeing how much video you really shoot. The gap from very good to excellent video is huge. Not only do you have to invest in probably a hybrid body , lenses, fluid head tripods and most of all skills in editing
I have a Sony a74 a very capable video / photo hybrid
What do I use most of the time ? A GoPro 12 or my iPhone. I am still learning Final Cut. Editing images vs video and dealing with audio, grading , timing etc is not easy to be as proficient as my still images that I have done for years.
I like my ThinkTank Airporter bag. Great for travel, not to difficult to get into to get the camera out.
My first bag was a Manfroto Pro Light. It was sufficient internally for storage but the outside was bothersome. The shoulder straps were not curved and very much the same on either side so they would flip when putting the bag on. The sternum strap rode too high was in my neck most of the time. The one other problem that annoyed me the most was the hip belt. I backpacked a lot and was use to a nice wide hip belt that rode properly. The Manfroto was so narrow that it just would not sit on my hip. I tried the pack on in the store but without any weight in it. My current bag is the Mindshift Pro Light 40 L. I have had this for 4 years now and all of the previous bag problems are gone. Some essential gear that I believe is a must is cleaning cloths ( mcrifiber), lens wipes, sensor cleaning swabs and appropriate fluid and a blower.
I had a Manfroto bag about 6-7 years ago and I honestly think it's the worst bag I've owned!! So uncomfortable and it pinched my lower back - far from ideal. Yes to the cleaning stuff, but just search 'microfibre cloths' rather the 'camera cleaning cloths' and you'll save some money (aforementioned 'photography tax'!!)
@@RickBebbington auto supply part stores sell microfiber in packs. When it comes down to it their probably a $1 or less each.
The biggest jump I noticed on camera upgrade wasn't maxxum 9000->a77, but a77->a77ii.
I think another piece of kit I've bought and rarely use is a flash. Doubt they'll ever get used beyond once every 2-3 years with me
I used to use my flash loads (weddings, studio shoots etc) but I'm not sure I'd even know how to use it now!
I have wandrd prvke camera bag and liked it so much that i got prvke lite also as a daily bag where i can also carry camera with me.
I'm 65 now and have been doing photography since I was 11. I've taken a couple of courses that have given me more technical insight but not composision. That's practice.
I have 4 cameras now, an early Konica Minolta 5D, Sony SLT-A57 I bought new in 2014. An A58 and A77.
These are great given I can buy A-Mount lenses of high quality for pence.
I'm doing more video now. These are great stills cameras but not brilliant at video despite IBIS.
I've just bought a 4 year old Sony AX53. Different game.
Team no UV filter!
I treat my gear the same as you and have never got any kind of scratches or anythng on my lenses or their coatings. I only use lens caps when i stow the lenses. If its on my camera the cap is off.
Agreed with much if not most of it. Exceptions being tripod. If you shoot a lot at night with really long shutter speeds (bellow 1/30) I think you have to stabilise with a tripod. Also when it comes to camera upgrades. Lenses are much more important then bodies. But often when people start out they don't want to or can't afford what they really need/want and it makes sense to upgrade when you can. But yeah 100% agree if you think you will make better pictures with better gear you are in for a bitter disapointment in most cases.
Can’t do Astro without a tripod. Also, not being smarmy, just noting you don’t spend on caps/temp filter covers, etc. and you have benefitted from insurance coverage. Was that for anything you could have been protected in another way? I agree on avoiding shooting through filters whenever possible.
Would you need a macro lens if you did macro photography?
Totally get that, but the amount of people I've seen using expensive tripods when it's just not needed is mad. I've only ever claimed o insurance once, and that's because I slipped with my camera and tripod in hand. Nothing any amount of UV filter or lens pouch would have done there 😂
They don't make the camera bag I have any more. The lowepro jr trekker aw. Doesn't hola a laptop but it holds two bodies, one with lens attached 6 lenses including an 80 -200 2.8. This is for storage on the back seat of the truck. If hiking i use the soft bags as padding and throw the equipment in a regular backpack depending on what i am doing.
Grad filters harken from film days because slide film had a 5 stop latitude and was used to hold the highlights. Not needed any more.
A friend scratched her front element when a bramble brushed against her lens - it poked inside the lens hood and had a good rummage around. I mostly don't use filters and I'm more careful when walking now but I will put filters on at the beach when photographing windsurfing.
Hi Rick. With the bags for my everyday camera. I moved away from a normal backpack and move to a sling bag and it helps to keep your camera out to reduce the weight on your shoulder still enough room for little bits you'll need
I'm with you on the Neil - I have a sling bag too but for its size and functionality, it was so overpriced!! I do like it though...
Yeah there are, I agree with you on the price. But like you said it's the whole camera thing
Backpacks are the most silly & stupid thing to carry (if & when u r shooting) in a city
over 8M; even in the field/hills u have to drop them on wet/snowy grounds to get at
or change anything. The only time they are good is when u r walking. I've been looking for bags for a while. U don't want to pay in blood for sth. like a Billingham which is
not that practical anyway (& still use cotton straps?). One of the bags I still have was bought some decades ago when back to the little old college town called Boston; I paid $13 or 16 for this dirty & blk sooty (prob. fire/water damaged) but looked otherwise ok. After washed & dried , it's a fine tough low (9"?) & longish bag. Still looking for some old Domke type & whatever its name in various sizes, & at least one easy for packing away an a7n w/ vertical/power grip & a lens attached. A good camera bag is hard to find & should NOT cost more than a pair of real leather shoes.
On the last few 15-hr intern'l flights, in a laptop backpack I had o.c. a 15.6" , a couple of bigger lenses, batteries, chargers , cards & cords, a small body, papers & a small book. At least I don't carry rolls of heavy films any more , & one time I also carry a 100' bulk loader & some reusable cartridges. Never a camera bpk ! In the 90's I managed to carry a Bogen ( l-t agent for Manfrotto) monopod onboard. Haven't tried & shouldn't after 9xx. A nail-clipper is also wea__p_on.
sling bags are often problematic for the female shape - I despise them. Backpacks only for me
How true you are, Rick I hope you change people's minds where it applies.
Thanks David!
I have one good tripod that I never use anymore. I could honestly sell it tomorrow and never miss it. I do like using a monopod with my 200-800 gigantic lens though. As for my bag(s), I bought Amazon Basic bags that work very well for me. Two small ones and one large one that fits my super zoom. I'm also finding the 3-lens rule working well even as I own more than that, I'll never take more than three lenses anywhere. I'm not a pro. I make nothing from my photography. I only do it as I enjoy the learning and getting results that satisfy me and go flip-off to how anybody else sees my photos. There've been many times where I've gotten shots with my phone I've been very happy with that would have taken me too long to get set up for. That's okay too!
A monoped is an often overlooked tool. It beats a tripod in most cases unless you are doing table top or closeup photography.
When on safaris I really think that the newer camera's (like the R5) with good autofocus is a real step foreward. I get much more keepers and I am able to shoot scenes that I would otherwise miss because of too much time needed to focus. That said, I don't think of upgrading to the R5 II or similar. This R5 is indeed good enough.
i found a great camera bag. HelI Hansen ullr 30. Its made for ski touring. Very comfortable. Accidentally amazing camera bag.
I use a tripod for property photography and long exposure photography, I use my macro lense for product photography.
And my 70-200 lense for events, photography is one of those things where we are all different in our needs and styles.
To make money from photography we have to diversify, and with that comes various bits of kit, it would be nice just to be in one genre and tailor your kit for that specifically.
I feel lucky, used my phone for last ten years and after five years of looking at reviews bought a barely used camera that’s been out 4 yrs so half the price than when first came out, and bought used older lens, one cheap camera bag, one good quality used tripod for Astro and saved thousands. Personally I like to keep everything in great condition as its resale value and the fact a lot of people like me look for mint used gear at the right price as if I decide to sell it all I’m not loosing out much.
I upgraded to a new camera body 7M4 for a few reasons. One the battery life is better. Two image stabilization. And the main reason my daughter camera was broken so I gave her my 7M2. On graduated filters I use them a lot. for me it is a tool to help me compose a landscape. A lot of the times I am shooting long exposure on a tripod. On a tripod I bought a carbon fiber and added spikes to the feet. The tripod also, doubles as a walking stick when out on the trail. Backpacks, I find I do not use most of the stuff in there. I try to plan my outing.
A side note on bags, you fill the space you have. If you have a large bag you fill it with things you don’t always use. Your bag doesn’t need to carry all the gear you own. On a trip I’ll bring a second bag and rotate gear.
A good place to buy camera bags is a camera fair. they can be extremely cheap as with camera gear. but mainly collectors cameras
But camera bags and UV filters are both sub-$100 items that can save you the expense of replacing a $1k lens or $2k camera body. Tripods are necessary for slow shutter speed photography, timelapses, using long lenses, etc.
I appreciate the idea of not over-buying but I think most of these items you listed are actually incredibly useful things to have
I think the point is that if you have a real good reason to use any of those items (and often) then they become must haves. If you use it maybe once, meh, perhaps not.