He's British rather than N American, so not very surprising. Only older British people use lbs/oz now, and not all of them. Most commonly we encounter these units in recipes. Anyway when your currency is Pounds (sterling) and the price of gear comes up often with Roman's subject then the confusion is unwanted.
When I started watching photography videos several years ago on TH-cam, nearly everyone I encountered with English or Australian and they used metric all the time obviously although sometimes they would not use it. Since I know both the metric system very well and the US English system very well, and since I'm American, it doesn't bother me because it helps me reinforce my knowledge of the metric system. I prefer the metric system anyway.
A physiotherapist told me years ago that one of the easiest ways to a bad back is to carry a single shoulder-strap camera-bag with a camera and a couple of lenses for a day, She advised me to get a small rucksack and wear it properly. Unfortunately, by the time she told me this the damage had already been done. Worst purchase ever--- a really strong camera bag with heavy-duty nylon fittings, D-rings and hooks, specifically for the once in a lifetime wildlife safari holiday. It's not until you get to the really eerily quiet, early mornings, when you can hear a pin drop and the smallest sound carries for miles, that you realise that a nylon D-ring and the strap's nylon hook squeak as they rub against each other with every step you take. It doesn't make you the most popular person with either the early-morning animals or the other photographers!!! Excellent video with some new takes on old vantage points. I'll re-visit some of them now that the autumn brings a more realistic time for 'early-morning' sunrise photographs.
I like this channel, but this video would've benefited greatly from some pickup/insert shots of the various things discussed. As an example, when discussing the pro mist filters and the blooming, you should've shown a couple sample pics and likewise for the similar affect you can achieve in Photoshop. Same when discussing the tripods (e.g., should've shown the problems and the solutions tripods)
When it comes to filters, there's only 2 I use... Polarizing (can't edit out reflections in Photoshop) and ND filters. UV are a waste of money, even if you want to protect the lens, just put a hood on it. You will get better contrast in your images anyway in certain light and reduce flares.
I think the concern is around cleaning for most people. Yes a hood provides a lot of protection from direct impacts, but when eventually you want to clean dust or some minor splash off, if your cloth has hard dust in it, or one of the bits of dust on the lens is harder rock type dust or dirt you could scratch during cleaning. With a near 0 stop filter you can be less paranoid, clean more regularly, and replace every few years if scratches appear.
@@artgreen6915 I'm with Roman though, that unless you spend a *lot* on a clear or UV filter then you're always sacrificing a little image quality when you use them. Honestly, do what I did when I was deciding if I should stop using them and try shooting the same scenes with and without the filter for a bit, especially in stable lighting conditions so you can make direct comparisons. I always found the images without the relatively cheap Hoya or Tiffen filters I was using had slightly better colours and contrast straight out of camera and needed less editing. For situations where it's raining or very dusty, or if I'm shooting a gig with lots of sweat and beer, I'll still throw on a filter to protect the lens, but for most situations I'd rather just have a hood to protect the front element from most small knocks than have a filter that's actually detracting from my image quality, even if only slightly.
The whole point of a camera bag with huge logo on it is to make sure everyone knows you're a photographer. So I have a cheap, generic bag for my cheap, vintage lenses. I also bought a surplus backpack from Czech army - it's rubber-coated for weather proofing. It's on the heavy side, but I don't mind additional exercise...
@@urgon6321 Shoot film and you don't have to worry about having expensive gear lol. Olympus XA2 super sharp, Rollei 35 XF also supper sharp. Neither break $100 lol
@@Zetaphotography, believe it or not, but I have a collection of old analog cameras. Unfortunately with my eyesight I can't shoot any of them via viewfinder. So I use a mirrorless instead...
Camerabags. Been there, done that. Too many empty and unused bags in random closets or the attic. I disagree regarding your UV-filter point. Everything that is THAT close to the lens opening, will not render unless it is an effect filter like a promist, or a polarizing filter. Try to make a small dot on a UV-filter and see if you can see it. It won't render onto the censor. I've done tests to see if I can notice different quality UV-filters. I couldn't. There are several tests on the net that claim to see a colour shift, but online you can't see what they are talking about. Almost all tests I've seen haven't even shown a noticable shaprness decrease in the real world. I find it better to regularly clean my UV-filter than it is to clean the lens element. Some of my fuji lenses are quite small, and I can't always get rid of all the oils that tend to get pushed to the sides.
I think statements like "why put cheap glass in front of expensive glass!" makes it sound like such an obvious negative that few people test the assumption. It just 'makes sense', and so the myth lives on. It makes sense to me too, but in practice I can't see much impact on my shots
Haha - by the same token, a small ding on your lens will not have any impact on the image. I religiously use a lens hood. Improves the contrast and protects the lens.
UV filters are a complete waste of money imho. If they work for you, absolutely go for it. But the exact same thing you said about the UV-filter applies to the surface of the lens as well - you won't see any small imperfections and if you have to clean the surface of the glass, even a couple of t-shirt-wipes will do (I generally find the rugged, rounded lens surface easier to clean than filter glass). For protection against impact and rain, lens hoods are much better. However, I think it's good you make a point for cheap UV-Filters. Crazy price tags for UV-filters are borderline criminal
@@crazysheepfilms Yes, I agree with the scratches on the front element. Normally they won't show, but they'll decrease the resell value. Many UV-filters are overpriced! I only use those brands I like and trust. And on my X100 I need a filter to keep it WR
The discussion about being crap for regular use is probably why I love the Peak Design messenger bag so much, the dividers just fold over and around to fit whatever I'm wanting to take that day. I didn't realize how useful that'd but I've yet to go "Darn the bag would be big enough to hold all this stuff I want but I just can't get them in". Much better than the other camera bags I've had in the past
One, of many, of the things I love about Roman’s channel is that he’s always direct, honest, and to the point through his EXPERIENCE…and never acts arrogant or hiding his knowledge from you. Not many people like him on TH-cam/social media. Definitely a class act with the photo skills to back it all up!
I can agree with you 100%. Two drawers full of stuff are my witnesses. During the last stripping out, I built a macro stand out of flash rails, ball heads, magic arms, quick-release clamps and plates, L-rails, screws and a center column. But the drawers are still full.
Tupperware containers lined with closed cell foam inside an ergonomic rucksack - been doing it for over 30 years. Pro Mist filters are highly overated - try a Nikon Soft No 1, it’s really subtle, controllable and fantastic on skin tones. UV filters, I spend a fortune on them - run a pencil lead around the threads and they will never bind. Gorilla Pods - pointless.
Good honest points well made. No hype, no crap just truth based upon experience. You get my vote having been there too. Wish this video came out 4 years ago. Great job Roman. 👌
As an amateur photographer and architecture background person I liked this video a lot. Reminds me of when I was in London 2 years ago photographing and framing the architecture there. This channel has got me starting to look into street photography. Thanks!
I'm not sure I can agree with the bags section. Depends entirely on what you do of course but having a nice camera bag is essential for me personally. For local shoots that I may need a full kit with, I take a Tenba DNA Messenger 16 Pro. Fits 1-2 bodies and 2-3 larger lenses in it no problem. Can also take the insert out completely and it's just a nice large bag. I have a Lowepro 350 AW II that I took to Iceland with a full kit that I needed, which with its hard shell/padding and quick access to the waterproof cover helped me a great deal in weird weather. If it's just a day trip around town or something we're talking about, the Brevite bags can also be used as camera bags or just standard backpacks. Low profile and good quality. I just wish the camera pocket opened from the back instead of the front. I even have a sling for if I'm just walking around and want to carry a single camera/lens combo. A good bag should never be underestimated. Similarly, a nice UV filter can cost 60-120 USD that WILL protect that front element. I've dropped a $2400 lens right on its front and the only reason the front element wasn't mangled in some rock/gravel is due to having a filter on the front. Quality ones don't impact IQ at all, either.
It is such a light-hearted video, got me laughing on the gorilla tripod for sure. All valid points and I am happy to know I am not alone. I really appreciate your videos.
Totally agree with you in all camera gear, even though I’m very picky to what I add or purchase, I’ve done my fair share of hype purchases and all theses items you mentioned not only have costed a lot of money (luckily I’ve sold them), but also have been useless. Now I’ve kept everything to a minimal and has been a tons better for the wallet, back and for the creative process. Also, great tips and photos mate!
On the subject of cheap light bags .... Tenba Packlite Travel bag ( fits a Tenba BYOB 9) £16.99 and Duragadget five pocket insert £13.99 .... both from ebay. The Duragadget insert also goes into a plain canvas bag that I bought from Asda for £9.99 two years ago.
The bag that I am using only costs $7, but it can carry 5 apsc lenses plus a lot of small accessories such as battery and sd card. What's more, its design is pretty simple and practical, allowing me to switch lens in less than 15 seconds. And it's lightweight. However this camera bag was manufactured by a little-known manufacturer.
Camera bags - my pet peev is that majority of them are designed by marketing departments who make arbitrary guesses about what the compartments should be like. I like my DSLRs with vertical grips - good luck trying to find a backpack for that. Then once you loaded up your backpack while laid down, you'd find out that either everything collapses down on itself while in the upright carry position and/or you couldn't pull anything out of it without losing half your other things falling on the ground. And don't get me started on weather proof materials. There are few companies who address those issues but they charge a premium so high that it competes with other gear expenses and loses its value. My best experiences were with good'ol photographer's shoulder bag and a motorcycle backpack. As for UV filters - it took me a looong time to figure out what those star ghosts were on the nightscape photos - a many lost times/locations never to be repeated again - hard lessons. I still use'em though, but now I am deliberate about the choices and it's only in crap weather/conditions, when i know i'll be wiping sh!t off many times without worrying what muck was there to start with. And yes, I killed one filter but saved the lens once. What i don't use UV filter for is to cut the UV light - that's the dumbest idea ever - unless you're using quartz lenses, in which case why are you complaning about UV 😄
Was going to make the same comment.. Domke's are strong light and have a neutral appearance if you get a dark colour... I got my first one back in 1985 and have just purchased the 803 messenger bag for my Fuji cameras. RE: Pro-mist.. got one in a video filter set, never used it... Re: UV, I personally do use then as I don't use but rather lose lens caps... RE: Gorilla pod.. got given one.. agree rubbish, but I only use a tripod for video..or for photos when using a 600mm or longer for say cricket or other sports otherwise never needed one... A monopod does a better job for most situations.. but for 200mm and below never used one.
I own 2 camera bags. A Chrome one and a Manhattan Portage. Both are good for transporting gear with padding around them. But both really suck for quick access to the camera. Both of them I bought to replace an old Manhattan Portage messenger that is really thrashed. I keep going back to the messenger bag because it's less obvious that it's holding $4k of camera gear, but also I can have my camera in my hand in 1 second without any buckle or velcro noises. I've tried a bunch of filters, some I got with a package deal from B&H or Adorama, some I picked up by themselves. One of the most useful is the polarizing filter. It's the difference between a great shot over a body of water and a boring one. It also works wonderfully on window fronts, classic cars and some kinds of landscape. The UV filters like you said always added CA or flares in random spots.
Is there something wrong w/the continuous autofocus in the is video? The camera appears to have trouble staying in focus. Especially on the head shot when your in front of the camera
Monopod will forever be my favorite gear lol. No need to set up legs, and I always have a clean steady shot, and walking stick lol. Idk why more people don’t use them. Of course, it could never replace a tripod for astrophotography, self shots, etc.
I was looking at these promist filters and they are definitely not cheap… in the end I found it is easy to make a similar effect in Affinity Photo (or PS I am sure) by selecting highlights and applying a blur. As you say you can then adjust the intensity to your heart’s content as well! Good video, I can’t wait to get back into London.
Good video. Got a bad back myself and have gotten in the habit of leaving my big camera bag in the car (or at home if it's hot) and transferring what ever I need for a location to a smaller cheap shoulder camera bag. Not only does this lighten the load, but it makes me look like a tourist instead of a photographer which makes shooting around people and going unnoticed easier for me.
I use a 1/8 black pro mist all the time and it keeps good contrast while slightly blooming highlights naturally and with elegance, an effect you cant get in post.
Used a UV filter in my early days, but quickly found out it just screws up the quality of my photos, so now I'm perfectly fine doing without. If I already need some sort of lens protection, I'll just apply my lens hood. And vey recognizable regaring the Gorillapod. Thought it would come in handy, tried it a couple of times, and ended up returning it as it wasn't very practical at all in the end.
After my father died I inherited a little bit of money. Not much, but enough to buy any camera I wanted including a Leica. I chose the Fuji XT4 that came with the 16-80 mm and one nice strap. I don’t even use a camera bag. I have an old canvas side bag that allows a quick tuck of the camera on the fly. Other than that? That’s it really. I bought one prime lens and barely even use it. I find that by limiting myself, I’m actually freeing myself. I’m very happy with my limitations. I suggest everyone else try it. ✌️
Hysterical, luv the video. This is the gear that, for me, beat out anything in my collection as keepers though… Bags: 1) think tank airport 2. Works in all planes, used it, abused it. Also doubles as storage for the gear when not in use! 2) think tank turnstyle 20. This bag is light, quick and my constant use bag. Comfortable to wear, I can change lenses while rotating it around to my front. Wish it had more outside pockets but it keeps it light! 3) tenba byob. Love these. Pack my gear into one and chuck it into a nondescript bag. No one knows you are carrying camera gear. Kewl little side pockets holds batteries, small flashes, gels, lens paper! No so good bags? Any shoulder bag… gave up on those as soon as I found the turnstiles. I use them to store gear. Cases: Kaza deluxe for my fuji gear…. Practical, durable, light, great conversation piece, and they add a good grip with the fuji xt3! Pro-mist …. Yeah you can mess a good image… but when you learn how to use them….magic… like night scenes in the rain. Uv filters… guilty… it’s more to protect my sanity than the lens. Camera stores love the upsell! Gorilla tripod… yeah very special use… but keep em in the bag…. Nothing matches it! The big surprise to me was shoulder bags … especially for street photography….. bouncing on you hip like a caffeinated 5 year old, competing with your camera regarding off centered weight… change you shooting pose and it swings around an assaults and/or metoo’s you it’s fine Italian leather…😂. Admit it…. As impractical as a teaspoon in chunky soup!
Strongly agree with everything except the mist filters. I like their look, and I think it's just a warning about using them properly, like any filter. I wouldn't settle for post processing, firstly because I have much more confidence in my photographic skills than my photoshop skills, but more importantly because I want to spend my time outside taking photos, and minimise my time sitting in front of a PC processing images. That said I do take your point that some peoples' expectations about these filters are either misplaced or overrated.
Definitely look up getting some camera filter wrenches. They're just little plastic loops that grip around the filter and lens barrel but they work a treat! Had a UV filter apparently hammered onto my vintage Olympus 50mm lens by the previous owner that I'd tried everything in my toolbox on to no avail, but I had the thing off in under a minute with a pair of these things. Think I got mine from Speedgraphic here in the UK, but I'm sure they're available online in most countries if your Google-Fu is solid. 👍
i feel the same way about camera bags... I use a basic work backpack with a cheap camera insert for when I am biking around. For walking, I love the Domke F2 bag. It is canvas and simple looking. It was designed by a photojournalist who hated normal camera bags. It doesn't look like a camera bag but it has a lot of room for cameras, lenses and accessories
So nice to see someone doing the almost exact same walk I did in the summer with a friend. Great suggestions on the angles, and shots. I agree pretty much with everything you said. Bags have become a bug-bear. I've got so many of them, and none of them are perfect. As I've got older, I've wanted lighter equipment, and the bags just add too much weight to it. I've just got a small 10L backpack that seems better, and doesn't scream camera bag, so hoping that will work for me. As for gorilla pods, yes, I have one, and never use it. UV filters I don't use. I moved from Canon to Olympus a few years ago, mainly because the Canon was just too heavy, but then I found out about Olyumpus's Live Bulb mode, and that was a complete game changer for long exposure night photography. Seems like you are a London photographer, like me. Cool!
Beautiful scenery. I agree completely, especially about the bags and the useless gorilla pod. Mine went into the trash years ago. You can also easily overspend on tripods - either too expensives ones, or just too many. The catch-22 is lenses. Do I really need to keep all those lenses my father used? I always say yes... but it really is too much.
I'm so happy I found your channel, not many are using fuji cameras, by the way I'm coming in London next year (in LSE) for my master, and I just can't wait to shoot there, I'm so so so excited
Yeah, any camera bag with prominent branding or tacticool styling is just a bad idea. The best way to go in my experience is to just get a good normal bag that can fit a camera cube or padding or to get an actual hiking pack and put camera cube(s) in that. There are also some outfitter brands that happen to make camera bags and those tend to be better than many of those made by popular camera brands.
Try Manfrotto Street Series backpack. It doesn’t look like a camera backpack, comfortable, big but not too big, the cube is removable. I’ve spent almost 3 years with it, using it both for trips and as everyday backpack. It’s just perfect, but not really weather protected.
I would agree that the Pro Mists are overhyped but despite that I still find myself using them because it is my preferred look most of the time. Especially with my portraits. I started off with a 1/4 which I only like for video now, but have started using a 1/8 for pictures as it's not too overwhelming.
freaking love your channel, very informative and you having a fuji gear is a plus for me! I'm a newb to the Fujifilm ecosystem in general (but fairly knowledged in photography). But with the two combined, it's awesome!
Agree with the uv filter, don't use those no longer for many years now. However when using a very expensive magnetic adapter on my 9 mm wide angle, my tripod fell. Ofcourse with lens and adapter/filter on the rocks. I can tell you rocks are way harder....had to use pliers too to unscrew the adapter and the thread of the lens was scratched but still useful afterwards.( luckily). It taught me to be extra careful when using a tripod. The Risk for going through that with a UV......no way, I leave it in the shop.
I can say the following regarding Filters: there are professional uses of filters and you would rent it for exactly the purpose you need. The Pro mist Filter is a filter that you very often use on professional film Shootings. We also use haze and other things to get away the clean air. So that the light can show off. And the others thing is, that you may simulate filter in post, but sometimes I take pictures with and without filter and combine them! And you can see something instant that you will only see later in post. So it’s helpful to learn too. But maybe 🤔 I am to nerdy about that. I just love to shoot with filter.
I have a shit load of Camera Bags, 34! I only regularly use 4 of them. The one I use by far the most isn't one of the pricey big name models, it is an Endurex extra large backpack ($109). It is the bag of choice every time I fly. It is about the right combination of capacity, compartments, lightweight, and can just barely fit under an airline seat. I have added extra shoulderstrap pads because the ones it has were never meant for the load I put in the bag and due to the bag's advanced age (going on 6 years) they are not as effective as they once were. Otherwise the bag is in great shape still.
I saw a Nikon AF-S 24 -70 f2.8, you know the one? Big expensive pro standard zoom, going cheap because there was a chunk of the filter thread broken clean off. Turned out his 'protection' filter had welded itself to the lens and he had to resort to drastic measures to get it off again. I just use a lens hood.
Thanks for the visit of lovely London city by the river side. I wish I could come back soon to enjoy again these places that I discovered few years ago. Regarding camera bag I find ONA bag to be really pleasing, easy to use and not saying « hey I’ve got thousands of euros gear in it!!!
I agree on the Gorilla Pod. Bought it, used it once, and since then it has not seen the light of day. On the other hand I'm really happy with my PD bags in various sizes. Still debating with myself whether I should take the UV filters off my lenses. They've bee living there for years, maybe I take them off he little primes and see whether there's a difference in image quality. Might cause some camera shake for fear of scratches, though ;-)
I kind of agree with your opinion on camera bags. I'm kind of into PeakDesign as a brand so I use an Everyday Bagpack (30 liters) which is quite big so I can hardly imagine it being an everyday bag and yes, normally it works great for me, I can put quite a lot of camera gear inside (two full frame bodies, pretty much all the lenses I need) but when I went hiking I had one camera with a 24-70/4, a 50/1.8 (that I never used but I had it just in case) and I had problems like where to put a jacket, where to put something to eat, a bottle with water, etc. Also, the fact is that the bag is very expensive. So finding some camera cubes that could be put into a normal bag seems like a good solution. About the Pro Fog filters - I think they are more useful for like portraits in a studio, with some interesting lighting (like LED bars with different colours), I would never think about taking them outside for street photography or natural light portraits. So I understand why you think what you think. I don't use UV filters anymore. On my previous crop DSLR I had them for every lens but now I chose not to buy them anymore and I don't see the need to have them. My lenses are doing fine without them. I've never used Gorilla Pod, I see it everywhere on TH-cam but I would probably consider it only for either vlogging, or taking advantage of its flexible legs to find some crazy creative angles but honestly I don't know how much it can carry if you do something crazy with the legs. So I think buying a good tripod, even if much more expensive, makes more sense :) Also thanks for the chance to explore London a little bit. I've never been there so hopefully someday I can go and then I will know where to shoot. Cheers!
I've just found this channel ,and you know that saying first impressions, well my first impression is I LIKE IT, at last I'm not trying to be sold something I don't want "YES", good on you Roman, your saying what many of us think, so if you don't mind I'll stick around.
More photo sense spoken than in most YT videos (and hopefully money saved)! Well done. Love the images of the Shard where I used to work a third of the way up.
To think that such down-to-earth, honest assessments are, unfortunately, becoming rarer and rarer on social media - covert sponsorship, fanboyism and all. Your vid is great food for thought without sounding patronizing and/or like you're just on a ranting spree. Cheers from a Brazilian street photog who used to love roaming his way through the streets of London, film camera in hand - from W1C to Tower Bridge - when he lived there back in the noughties. Subscribing right now for more and hoping you do something similar to camera systems. ;-)
Spot on about camera bags. I have three. They have become just a means of safely storing various outfits at home or transporting them in my van. When It comes to actually going out and taking photos I use an army surplus canvas bag, a couple of lenses in padded pouches and a flash in the bag and the camera plus lens on a strap over my shoulder or round my neck. I still have enough space for some other odds and sods. If I cut out the flash or the extra lenses I can get the camera and lens in the bag too. I would add lens hoods to the list. Well not actually ALL lens hoods, just many of the ones supplied by the lens manufacturers. They are often too large, too fragile and too easily fall off the lens and get lost and broken. Unless a lens comes supplied with a decent hood I use cheap generic screw in round ones. I have tried all sorts - bayonet hoods, vented hoods, square hoods, petal hoods, hoods that fit over the lens and are secured with a grub screw, hoods that require a special filter adaptor and various combinations of these. All a waste of time and money - just get a screw in round one for few quid.
Pro mist filters are tight for long exposure film photography. I was a dingus about bought the hype and bought my first one for my digital camera.. I use it for video clips but not for stills when shooting digital.
I use a cheap padded camera cube from amazon, which I put in to any ruck sack or sling bag of my choice. As Roman is correct there is no 1 bag that can do all situations !
Roman. So true on bags and UV filters. Bags. Been there, got two or three to sell. All those lovely dividers! You hit the spot. My favourite bag is Crumpler shoulder bag. I bought it in Lewes in that old fashioned entity a chemists that is also a camera shop. Yes one still exists and has nice kit and a range of quality printer papers, books and other lovely stuff. I can get the X-T4 plus 70-300, 15-55, x1.4 and batteries, filters etc. Brill. Listening to you I don't feel like such nugget for having splashed so much cash. I've just bought a Mountain Warehouse Pace 30 for a walking holiday. Camera gear will go in padded containers alongside my sandwiches and flask. Filters. I just followed the crowd and the only time I've been glad I had one on was when my brand new X-T4 took a dive into gorse, mud and gravel on Dartmoor in a rain storm. Otherwise a waste of space. Looks like eBay beckons. Really like the down to earth opinions. Too many people out there trying to flog stuff and it's great to have. realistic and perhaps slightly cynical view.
Filters are an old paradigm. With the exception of a circular polarizing filter, you can replace all with post processing and a bit of planning during the shoot e.g. bracketing exposures.
About UV filters and lenses actually being sturdy: I had an EF 55mm-250mm that went at least a year and a half without a cap. It got so bad that i managed to break the screw that would hold a new cap/filters but I kept using it. Still produced a ton of images I'm proud of and that I still keep it in my portfolio. I live in a rural area and my camera's happily been through hell with me, but this lens never had a scratch. I traded it for another 55-250, only this was less beat up (and had a cap!)
I remember back in the Dark Ages when I was learning photography (1970's) I used a scrape piece of my Mom's old black stockings and a rubber band to create the look of what we now call a Black Mist filter. It was a long rectangular piece with a hole burned in one end do I could choose to have a clear spot.
I did a kickstarter on one (fashionable) camera bag - and the cover is just so thick that theres no more room to put anything in on the inside of the camera itself. a big disappointment - looks cool but not practical. the cube idea is actually pretty good cause i still dont want my gear to bounce around inside so i refrain from putting extra in but the cube will help protect it
Agree, No glass in front of your expensive glass. Only exception, CPL, cannot be emulated in photoshop for reflections and ND for slowing water/clouds although you could do it in photoshop with multiple exposures, probably better for IQ but I have never done it so I don't know how much time you waste in photoshop.. I disagree on bags. If you shoot more than street photography, you need different bags. Will any of your bags hold a 600 F4? You need a special bag for that. Buy used bags cheap people who bought a new bag and decided not needed/used always watching on craigslist. My favorite street photography bag I bought used looked brand new $10, does not scream steal me until you take your camera out of that bag.
I have an XT20 and the HexBrand Mini-Sling has been really great for just walking around with a camera and a couple of lenses. You might need the next size up (ranger?) if you're shooting XT4s. Underhyped gear is def Manfrotto MP3, best 20 bucks I've spent on photo gear...
My thing with camera bags - I like to use just a camera case with a shoulder strap. And I'm having a heck of a time finding one I like. Most of them are too bulky. A big problem: most of them aren't shaped like a camera with a lens on it! (I had an idea for a camera case with an interchangeable part for different lenses.)
Hi Roman! Love your channel and have learned quite a lot from you. Was wondering what template it is you use for your Squarespace website? Building my own and want to try out different looks and your, looks awesome. Cheers, Peter
Bags. I use Camelbak Quantico backpack with padded insert for camera and lenses. I can easily take out the insert and I can pack everything for bushcraft hike or something else. Now I want to make my own custom leather messenger bag (one or two) so that I can fit couple of cameras (analogue and/or digital) and couple of lenses + laptop and some everyday day carry items. I have made a drawing, now I need to print it out in 1:1 ratio and check if everything fits. Than I can put it on the leather, make some stitching holes and start stitching all together. First pancake of course will be burned and ugly, but the second to third one must be perfect. Pro mist filters - I have one thanks to my friend. I know it's not polite to say about gifts but... I hate it. It never gives me any good result and I don't understand why it is needed. Protective filters - I have several but I'm not using super expensive lenses, my lenses all are used and the most expensive cost me 350€ and cheapest cost me 15€ incl. the camera. I have filters on couple of lenses and they are warming filters mostly as I'm shooting film 70% and digital only 30%.
I shoot film only, and mostly medium format. I (nearly) fully agree with all of your points. My partial exception would be the UV or clear filter. UV light can degrade film images. Further, as I am mostly out in mother nature, I have to contend with blowing dust, rain, and such, where that filter keeps me from having to clean/wipe dry my lens front element. I use lens hoods, so I do not value what little physical protection such a filter might afford. I acquired must of my filters 25-40 years ago, when they did not command the ridiculous prices charged today. I use these and other filters only when circumstances require. "Gorilla Pod", I remember when they first came out, thinking that they were about the dumbest sucker bait junk I'd seen in years.
Couldn't agree more on the Job tripods. Bought two in my Lifetime. Not once did I enjoy using either of them. One was the 5k too. As you said in your video - All those points I experienced too. I also find that when its an accessory more than a main tripod these issues are more obvious because you're almost sometimes trying to justify having the accessory as apposed to relying on it because its your sole tripod. Same thing goes for the filters too. Had a few merge with the lens and it was not a gentle exercise to remove them. Made it worse by screwing on an additional ring for a LEE filter system which just added to over tightening the UV.
Fun discussion. Mist filters: not "undoable" but "un-undoable", I think. (Former English major...) Cheap UV filter: Yes, a lens hood is a bit clunky, but it helps a lot to prevent scrapes on the lens surface. Not magic, but helpful. And this San Diego resident has enjoyed much of the walk you have here; very nice to see the sights again.
100% agree on the camerabag. I have a lowepro terraclime 100 ( I really had to look for the model), which is a medium-to-small shoulderbag that doesn't scream "camera". I always carry my camera with a 18-140 and a 10-24 (both are big sized lenses) plus batteries, remote and a filter. Is not the most padded bag ever but, I've been using it for more than 10 years, traveled all around the world and my gear has never been damaged (because it's always right next to me and not throw away like a regular bag). Good bag
about dedicated Camera Bags yes, there is simply none that can be good in any situation and they are very expensive and very distinctive. Best option in my opinion are inserts that can be moved from a bag to another (or to a backpack) that best fits the situation, larger, smaller, more rough for outdoor activities or more nice and elegant for more "mondane" environments. I ended up pretty much settling for a padded insert in a "transformer" laptop bag that can be used both as a messenger bag or as a backpack. An affordable versatile, stealthy alternative for almost every need can be found among thermal/cooler bags, they are available in many formats/rigidities/shapes/straps arrangements, volumes, colors(they definitely don't scream "expensive gear" as much as branded camera bags, especially in unusual colors), they are usually weatherproof and are made with a load of drink bottles in mind(that's a rather heavy load even compared to photographic gear). The insulation material usually acts as a reasonable padding and they are usually so cheap that you can buy a small assortment of different thermal/cooler bags/backpacks for the price of a single average camera bag. I agree on gorillapods being pointless, they are a nightmare to set up and you can't rely on them being reliably firm, that is usually what you really want from a tripod. In my opinion if you know that when you will need a tripod you will not have a "true" full scale tripod and want at least something similar to always carry inside your bag I would suggest a small but sturdy and versatile "tabletop" tripod like the Manfrotto PIXI. In many situation you can even find a suitable elevated surface(a wall, a pillar, a trash bin, whatever) to place it in subtitution of a true tripod that is not with you. way more convenient and useful than gorillapods
Couldn't agree more with so many of your points. Camera bags make no sense if you're actually traveling. Putting my camera in a separate protected container while keeping the rest of the bag for everything else you needed is much more useful. I also had a clear UV filter wield onto my lens on a trip to Seoul and no one wanted to touch it because they were scared to break the lens trying to remove it. Thankfully I found a Sony store that was willing to risk it and half a day later I learned my lesson.
hi) Good points. Unfortunately my experience with front glass on lenses isn't so bright as yours, I have tiny little scratches on 16-55 f2 and 35mm f2, idk how I got so unlucky. Total loser. Never had this on other lens brands besides fuji tho... Btw are you going to try replacing your 23mm and 35mm f2-s with the newly released 23mm f1.4 and 33mm f1.4 ones?
that sucks man…. i throw my f2 primes into my small cross body bag without any lens caps on when changing on the fly and i think i only have 1 tiny mark from 2 years of this kind of use.. as for 1.4 not sure yet…. given i will be doing a lot more travel i will be back to the zoom for most photos so will see if its worth upgrading or not
I bought my first DLSR camera back in 2005 and they sold me a little Lowe camera bag to go with it. Essentially just right to hold the camera and the lens. I still have that and use it when I go out shooting with just a single lens. My other camera bag is a backpack that holds multiple lenses and the camera and it's perfect for travel. But since it only holds a certain number of lenses it also forces me to chose carefully what I want to take along. Camera bags are essential, but it's a good idea to be super fussy while shopping and know precisely how you will use it.
I managed to scratched front element of one of my lenses quite heavily. I very often cycle with with camera and have a special handlebar bag for my photo gear which contains usually xt20, 3 lenses and some other small staff. Once one of my batteries on a bumpy road managed to jump from its pocket to the top of one of the lenses. I don’t know how long I was cycling like that but it left huge amount of scratches which are clearly visible but generally not visible in pictures. Still I am not UV filter guy 😅
Great video. The one that I was completely aligned to was in relation with camera bags. On our last trip I even placed one of my 2 lenses on my 9y.o. child bag.
there are special filter wrenches that help get difficult filters off. I use step up rings, and those wrenches have always helped. They wrap around the outer edge of the filter, or ring.
It's so refreshing to hear someone talk in Kilos. 🙂
Yeah. Metric systen is the proper system.
Um...that's English, duh. 🙄
He's British rather than N American, so not very surprising. Only older British people use lbs/oz now, and not all of them. Most commonly we encounter these units in recipes. Anyway when your currency is Pounds (sterling) and the price of gear comes up often with Roman's subject then the confusion is unwanted.
When I started watching photography videos several years ago on TH-cam, nearly everyone I encountered with English or Australian and they used metric all the time obviously although sometimes they would not use it. Since I know both the metric system very well and the US English system very well, and since I'm American, it doesn't bother me because it helps me reinforce my knowledge of the metric system. I prefer the metric system anyway.
I enjoyed the talk about the camera gear, but I absolutely loved the photo walk with composition tips in between. Please keep on doing that!
A physiotherapist told me years ago that one of the easiest ways to a bad back is to carry a single shoulder-strap camera-bag with a camera and a couple of lenses for a day, She advised me to get a small rucksack and wear it properly. Unfortunately, by the time she told me this the damage had already been done.
Worst purchase ever--- a really strong camera bag with heavy-duty nylon fittings, D-rings and hooks, specifically for the once in a lifetime wildlife safari holiday. It's not until you get to the really eerily quiet, early mornings, when you can hear a pin drop and the smallest sound carries for miles, that you realise that a nylon D-ring and the strap's nylon hook squeak as they rub against each other with every step you take. It doesn't make you the most popular person with either the early-morning animals or the other photographers!!!
Excellent video with some new takes on old vantage points. I'll re-visit some of them now that the autumn brings a more realistic time for 'early-morning' sunrise photographs.
I like this channel, but this video would've benefited greatly from some pickup/insert shots of the various things discussed. As an example, when discussing the pro mist filters and the blooming, you should've shown a couple sample pics and likewise for the similar affect you can achieve in Photoshop. Same when discussing the tripods (e.g., should've shown the problems and the solutions tripods)
Indeed. A prime example of "don't just tell, show it".
Whoever is interested to know more can simply search videos for these things.
@@sleepless51 we could, sure. But we should also strive to make videos better, this is just lazy TH-cam video making.
isnt the point that he didn't buy them?😂 @@MickBenjamins
When it comes to filters, there's only 2 I use... Polarizing (can't edit out reflections in Photoshop) and ND filters. UV are a waste of money, even if you want to protect the lens, just put a hood on it. You will get better contrast in your images anyway in certain light and reduce flares.
I think the concern is around cleaning for most people. Yes a hood provides a lot of protection from direct impacts, but when eventually you want to clean dust or some minor splash off, if your cloth has hard dust in it, or one of the bits of dust on the lens is harder rock type dust or dirt you could scratch during cleaning. With a near 0 stop filter you can be less paranoid, clean more regularly, and replace every few years if scratches appear.
@@artgreen6915 True, that's why I hardly ever touch my lens. Always use a blower. If anything else it on it, I'm very careful when wiping it
@@artgreen6915 I'm with Roman though, that unless you spend a *lot* on a clear or UV filter then you're always sacrificing a little image quality when you use them. Honestly, do what I did when I was deciding if I should stop using them and try shooting the same scenes with and without the filter for a bit, especially in stable lighting conditions so you can make direct comparisons. I always found the images without the relatively cheap Hoya or Tiffen filters I was using had slightly better colours and contrast straight out of camera and needed less editing. For situations where it's raining or very dusty, or if I'm shooting a gig with lots of sweat and beer, I'll still throw on a filter to protect the lens, but for most situations I'd rather just have a hood to protect the front element from most small knocks than have a filter that's actually detracting from my image quality, even if only slightly.
The whole point of a camera bag with huge logo on it is to make sure everyone knows you're a photographer. So I have a cheap, generic bag for my cheap, vintage lenses. I also bought a surplus backpack from Czech army - it's rubber-coated for weather proofing. It's on the heavy side, but I don't mind additional exercise...
It's very helpful for thieves.
Do you prefer nobody knows you’re a photographer?
@@JimiCanRead, I prefer not advertising that I might have expensive gear in my bag...
@@urgon6321 Shoot film and you don't have to worry about having expensive gear lol. Olympus XA2 super sharp, Rollei 35 XF also supper sharp. Neither break $100 lol
@@Zetaphotography, believe it or not, but I have a collection of old analog cameras. Unfortunately with my eyesight I can't shoot any of them via viewfinder. So I use a mirrorless instead...
Camerabags. Been there, done that. Too many empty and unused bags in random closets or the attic.
I disagree regarding your UV-filter point. Everything that is THAT close to the lens opening, will not render unless it is an effect filter like a promist, or a polarizing filter.
Try to make a small dot on a UV-filter and see if you can see it. It won't render onto the censor. I've done tests to see if I can notice different quality UV-filters. I couldn't. There are several tests on the net that claim to see a colour shift, but online you can't see what they are talking about. Almost all tests I've seen haven't even shown a noticable shaprness decrease in the real world.
I find it better to regularly clean my UV-filter than it is to clean the lens element. Some of my fuji lenses are quite small, and I can't always get rid of all the oils that tend to get pushed to the sides.
I think statements like "why put cheap glass in front of expensive glass!" makes it sound like such an obvious negative that few people test the assumption. It just 'makes sense', and so the myth lives on.
It makes sense to me too, but in practice I can't see much impact on my shots
Haha - by the same token, a small ding on your lens will not have any impact on the image. I religiously use a lens hood. Improves the contrast and protects the lens.
UV filters are a complete waste of money imho. If they work for you, absolutely go for it. But the exact same thing you said about the UV-filter applies to the surface of the lens as well - you won't see any small imperfections and if you have to clean the surface of the glass, even a couple of t-shirt-wipes will do (I generally find the rugged, rounded lens surface easier to clean than filter glass). For protection against impact and rain, lens hoods are much better.
However, I think it's good you make a point for cheap UV-Filters. Crazy price tags for UV-filters are borderline criminal
@@crazysheepfilms Yes, I agree with the scratches on the front element. Normally they won't show, but they'll decrease the resell value. Many UV-filters are overpriced! I only use those brands I like and trust. And on my X100 I need a filter to keep it WR
@@jeremyhendersonphotography It wont't show if it is small enough, but it can decrease the resell value
I really enjoy this mix of a walkaround combined with the content
The discussion about being crap for regular use is probably why I love the Peak Design messenger bag so much, the dividers just fold over and around to fit whatever I'm wanting to take that day. I didn't realize how useful that'd but I've yet to go "Darn the bag would be big enough to hold all this stuff I want but I just can't get them in". Much better than the other camera bags I've had in the past
One, of many, of the things I love about Roman’s channel is that he’s always direct, honest, and to the point through his EXPERIENCE…and never acts arrogant or hiding his knowledge from you. Not many people like him on TH-cam/social media. Definitely a class act with the photo skills to back it all up!
I can agree with you 100%. Two drawers full of stuff are my witnesses. During the last stripping out, I built a macro stand out of flash rails, ball heads, magic arms, quick-release clamps and plates, L-rails, screws and a center column. But the drawers are still full.
I find the 1/8 and 1/4 pro mists invaluable. Love that look. I don’t see myself getting tired of it, been 15 years.
Tupperware containers lined with closed cell foam inside an ergonomic rucksack - been doing it for over 30 years. Pro Mist filters are highly overated - try a Nikon Soft No 1, it’s really subtle, controllable and fantastic on skin tones. UV filters, I spend a fortune on them - run a pencil lead around the threads and they will never bind. Gorilla Pods - pointless.
Good honest points well made. No hype, no crap just truth based upon experience. You get my vote having been there too. Wish this video came out 4 years ago. Great job Roman. 👌
As an amateur photographer and architecture background person I liked this video a lot. Reminds me of when I was in London 2 years ago photographing and framing the architecture there.
This channel has got me starting to look into street photography. Thanks!
I'm not sure I can agree with the bags section. Depends entirely on what you do of course but having a nice camera bag is essential for me personally. For local shoots that I may need a full kit with, I take a Tenba DNA Messenger 16 Pro. Fits 1-2 bodies and 2-3 larger lenses in it no problem. Can also take the insert out completely and it's just a nice large bag. I have a Lowepro 350 AW II that I took to Iceland with a full kit that I needed, which with its hard shell/padding and quick access to the waterproof cover helped me a great deal in weird weather. If it's just a day trip around town or something we're talking about, the Brevite bags can also be used as camera bags or just standard backpacks. Low profile and good quality. I just wish the camera pocket opened from the back instead of the front. I even have a sling for if I'm just walking around and want to carry a single camera/lens combo. A good bag should never be underestimated.
Similarly, a nice UV filter can cost 60-120 USD that WILL protect that front element. I've dropped a $2400 lens right on its front and the only reason the front element wasn't mangled in some rock/gravel is due to having a filter on the front. Quality ones don't impact IQ at all, either.
Use filter wrenches to remove stuck filters, a soft sided cooler as your camera bag and a monopod for walkaround fotos.
soft sided cooler: brilliant! love this idea.
It is such a light-hearted video, got me laughing on the gorilla tripod for sure. All valid points and I am happy to know I am not alone. I really appreciate your videos.
Snap on Gorilla pod.
Totally agree with you in all camera gear, even though I’m very picky to what I add or purchase, I’ve done my fair share of hype purchases and all theses items you mentioned not only have costed a lot of money (luckily I’ve sold them), but also have been useless. Now I’ve kept everything to a minimal and has been a tons better for the wallet, back and for the creative process.
Also, great tips and photos mate!
On the subject of cheap light bags .... Tenba Packlite Travel bag ( fits a Tenba BYOB 9) £16.99 and Duragadget five pocket insert £13.99 .... both from ebay.
The Duragadget insert also goes into a plain canvas bag that I bought from Asda for £9.99 two years ago.
The bag that I am using only costs $7, but it can carry 5 apsc lenses plus a lot of small accessories such as battery and sd card. What's more, its design is pretty simple and practical, allowing me to switch lens in less than 15 seconds. And it's lightweight. However this camera bag was manufactured by a little-known manufacturer.
Camera bags - my pet peev is that majority of them are designed by marketing departments who make arbitrary guesses about what the compartments should be like. I like my DSLRs with vertical grips - good luck trying to find a backpack for that. Then once you loaded up your backpack while laid down, you'd find out that either everything collapses down on itself while in the upright carry position and/or you couldn't pull anything out of it without losing half your other things falling on the ground. And don't get me started on weather proof materials. There are few companies who address those issues but they charge a premium so high that it competes with other gear expenses and loses its value. My best experiences were with good'ol photographer's shoulder bag and a motorcycle backpack.
As for UV filters - it took me a looong time to figure out what those star ghosts were on the nightscape photos - a many lost times/locations never to be repeated again - hard lessons. I still use'em though, but now I am deliberate about the choices and it's only in crap weather/conditions, when i know i'll be wiping sh!t off many times without worrying what muck was there to start with. And yes, I killed one filter but saved the lens once. What i don't use UV filter for is to cut the UV light - that's the dumbest idea ever - unless you're using quartz lenses, in which case why are you complaning about UV 😄
Really enjoyed this, especially your informative spot of interest around the city throughout. Thanks Roman!
Very informative and all to the point. 👍
The Domke bags have been my favorites for many years exactly because of their light weight.
Was going to make the same comment.. Domke's are strong light and have a neutral appearance if you get a dark colour... I got my first one back in 1985 and have just purchased the 803 messenger bag for my Fuji cameras.
RE: Pro-mist.. got one in a video filter set, never used it...
Re: UV, I personally do use then as I don't use but rather lose lens caps...
RE: Gorilla pod.. got given one.. agree rubbish, but I only use a tripod for video..or for photos when using a 600mm or longer for say cricket or other sports otherwise never needed one... A monopod does a better job for most situations.. but for 200mm and below never used one.
I own 2 camera bags. A Chrome one and a Manhattan Portage.
Both are good for transporting gear with padding around them. But both really suck for quick access to the camera.
Both of them I bought to replace an old Manhattan Portage messenger that is really thrashed.
I keep going back to the messenger bag because it's less obvious that it's holding $4k of camera gear, but also I can have my camera in my hand in 1 second without any buckle or velcro noises.
I've tried a bunch of filters, some I got with a package deal from B&H or Adorama, some I picked up by themselves.
One of the most useful is the polarizing filter. It's the difference between a great shot over a body of water and a boring one.
It also works wonderfully on window fronts, classic cars and some kinds of landscape.
The UV filters like you said always added CA or flares in random spots.
Is there something wrong w/the continuous autofocus in the is video? The camera appears to have trouble staying in focus. Especially on the head shot when your in front of the camera
Monopod will forever be my favorite gear lol. No need to set up legs, and I always have a clean steady shot, and walking stick lol. Idk why more people don’t use them. Of course, it could never replace a tripod for astrophotography, self shots, etc.
I was looking at these promist filters and they are definitely not cheap… in the end I found it is easy to make a similar effect in Affinity Photo (or PS I am sure) by selecting highlights and applying a blur. As you say you can then adjust the intensity to your heart’s content as well! Good video, I can’t wait to get back into London.
I prefer the glimmer glass. It's effective enough for stuff I shoot.
Good video. Got a bad back myself and have gotten in the habit of leaving my big camera bag in the car (or at home if it's hot) and transferring what ever I need for a location to a smaller cheap shoulder camera bag. Not only does this lighten the load, but it makes me look like a tourist instead of a photographer which makes shooting around people and going unnoticed easier for me.
I use a 1/8 black pro mist all the time and it keeps good contrast while slightly blooming highlights naturally and with elegance, an effect you cant get in post.
I'm so glad I found your channel. Fabulous photography and lots of good information.
Love your work Roman. Thank you.
Used a UV filter in my early days, but quickly found out it just screws up the quality of my photos, so now I'm perfectly fine doing without. If I already need some sort of lens protection, I'll just apply my lens hood.
And vey recognizable regaring the Gorillapod. Thought it would come in handy, tried it a couple of times, and ended up returning it as it wasn't very practical at all in the end.
After my father died I inherited a little bit of money. Not much, but enough to buy any camera I wanted including a Leica. I chose the Fuji XT4 that came with the 16-80 mm and one nice strap. I don’t even use a camera bag. I have an old canvas side bag that allows a quick tuck of the camera on the fly. Other than that? That’s it really. I bought one prime lens and barely even use it. I find that by limiting myself, I’m actually freeing myself. I’m very happy with my limitations. I suggest everyone else try it. ✌️
Yeah you’re spot on!
Hysterical, luv the video.
This is the gear that, for me, beat out anything in my collection as keepers though…
Bags:
1) think tank airport 2. Works in all planes, used it, abused it. Also doubles as storage for the gear when not in use!
2) think tank turnstyle 20. This bag is light, quick and my constant use bag. Comfortable to wear, I can change lenses while rotating it around to my front. Wish it had more outside pockets but it keeps it light!
3) tenba byob. Love these. Pack my gear into one and chuck it into a nondescript bag. No one knows you are carrying camera gear. Kewl little side pockets holds batteries, small flashes, gels, lens paper!
No so good bags? Any shoulder bag… gave up on those as soon as I found the turnstiles. I use them to store gear.
Cases:
Kaza deluxe for my fuji gear…. Practical, durable, light, great conversation piece, and they add a good grip with the fuji xt3!
Pro-mist …. Yeah you can mess a good image… but when you learn how to use them….magic… like night scenes in the rain.
Uv filters… guilty… it’s more to protect my sanity than the lens. Camera stores love the upsell!
Gorilla tripod… yeah very special use… but keep em in the bag…. Nothing matches it!
The big surprise to me was shoulder bags … especially for street photography….. bouncing on you hip like a caffeinated 5 year old, competing with your camera regarding off centered weight… change you shooting pose and it swings around an assaults and/or metoo’s you it’s fine Italian leather…😂. Admit it…. As impractical as a teaspoon in chunky soup!
Always very interesting, truthful & informative, thanks so much..
Strongly agree with everything except the mist filters. I like their look, and I think it's just a warning about using them properly, like any filter. I wouldn't settle for post processing, firstly because I have much more confidence in my photographic skills than my photoshop skills, but more importantly because I want to spend my time outside taking photos, and minimise my time sitting in front of a PC processing images. That said I do take your point that some peoples' expectations about these filters are either misplaced or overrated.
Great stuff! Love the photo walk tips and I’ve absolutely had that same issue with UV filters getting jammed onto a lens.
Definitely look up getting some camera filter wrenches. They're just little plastic loops that grip around the filter and lens barrel but they work a treat! Had a UV filter apparently hammered onto my vintage Olympus 50mm lens by the previous owner that I'd tried everything in my toolbox on to no avail, but I had the thing off in under a minute with a pair of these things. Think I got mine from Speedgraphic here in the UK, but I'm sure they're available online in most countries if your Google-Fu is solid. 👍
i feel the same way about camera bags... I use a basic work backpack with a cheap camera insert for when I am biking around. For walking, I love the Domke F2 bag. It is canvas and simple looking. It was designed by a photojournalist who hated normal camera bags. It doesn't look like a camera bag but it has a lot of room for cameras, lenses and accessories
Domke bags are great. I have the J1 and the F6.
Thanks for the video, I really enjoy this mix of a walkaround combined with the content..
So nice to see someone doing the almost exact same walk I did in the summer with a friend. Great suggestions on the angles, and shots. I agree pretty much with everything you said. Bags have become a bug-bear. I've got so many of them, and none of them are perfect. As I've got older, I've wanted lighter equipment, and the bags just add too much weight to it. I've just got a small 10L backpack that seems better, and doesn't scream camera bag, so hoping that will work for me. As for gorilla pods, yes, I have one, and never use it. UV filters I don't use. I moved from Canon to Olympus a few years ago, mainly because the Canon was just too heavy, but then I found out about Olyumpus's Live Bulb mode, and that was a complete game changer for long exposure night photography. Seems like you are a London photographer, like me. Cool!
Beautiful scenery. I agree completely, especially about the bags and the useless gorilla pod. Mine went into the trash years ago. You can also easily overspend on tripods - either too expensives ones, or just too many. The catch-22 is lenses. Do I really need to keep all those lenses my father used? I always say yes... but it really is too much.
I'm so happy I found your channel, not many are using fuji cameras, by the way I'm coming in London next year (in LSE) for my master, and I just can't wait to shoot there, I'm so so so excited
Totally agree with your opinions on camera bags.
Yeah, any camera bag with prominent branding or tacticool styling is just a bad idea. The best way to go in my experience is to just get a good normal bag that can fit a camera cube or padding or to get an actual hiking pack and put camera cube(s) in that. There are also some outfitter brands that happen to make camera bags and those tend to be better than many of those made by popular camera brands.
Try Manfrotto Street Series backpack. It doesn’t look like a camera backpack, comfortable, big but not too big, the cube is removable. I’ve spent almost 3 years with it, using it both for trips and as everyday backpack. It’s just perfect, but not really weather protected.
Do UV filters affect the quality of the image?
I would agree that the Pro Mists are overhyped but despite that I still find myself using them because it is my preferred look most of the time. Especially with my portraits. I started off with a 1/4 which I only like for video now, but have started using a 1/8 for pictures as it's not too overwhelming.
Totally agree with the UV filters I keep a lens hood on when I'm photographing in the city that offers enough protection.
freaking love your channel, very informative and you having a fuji gear is a plus for me! I'm a newb to the Fujifilm ecosystem in general (but fairly knowledged in photography). But with the two combined, it's awesome!
Agree with the uv filter, don't use those no longer for many years now. However when using a very expensive magnetic adapter on my 9 mm wide angle, my tripod fell. Ofcourse with lens and adapter/filter on the rocks. I can tell you rocks are way harder....had to use pliers too to unscrew the adapter and the thread of the lens was scratched but still useful afterwards.( luckily). It taught me to be extra careful when using a tripod. The Risk for going through that with a UV......no way, I leave it in the shop.
I can say the following regarding Filters: there are professional uses of filters and you would rent it for exactly the purpose you need. The Pro mist Filter is a filter that you very often use on professional film Shootings. We also use haze and other things to get away the clean air. So that the light can show off. And the others thing is, that you may simulate filter in post, but sometimes I take pictures with and without filter and combine them! And you can see something instant that you will only see later in post. So it’s helpful to learn too. But maybe 🤔 I am to nerdy about that. I just love to shoot with filter.
I have a shit load of Camera Bags, 34! I only regularly use 4 of them. The one I use by far the most isn't one of the pricey big name models, it is an Endurex extra large backpack ($109). It is the bag of choice every time I fly. It is about the right combination of capacity, compartments, lightweight, and can just barely fit under an airline seat. I have added extra shoulderstrap pads because the ones it has were never meant for the load I put in the bag and due to the bag's advanced age (going on 6 years) they are not as effective as they once were. Otherwise the bag is in great shape still.
I saw a Nikon AF-S 24 -70 f2.8, you know the one? Big expensive pro standard zoom, going cheap because there was a chunk of the filter thread broken clean off. Turned out his 'protection' filter had welded itself to the lens and he had to resort to drastic measures to get it off again. I just use a lens hood.
Thanks for the visit of lovely London city by the river side. I wish I could come back soon to enjoy again these places that I discovered few years ago.
Regarding camera bag I find ONA bag to be really pleasing, easy to use and not saying « hey I’ve got thousands of euros gear in it!!!
I agree on the Gorilla Pod. Bought it, used it once, and since then it has not seen the light of day. On the other hand I'm really happy with my PD bags in various sizes. Still debating with myself whether I should take the UV filters off my lenses. They've bee living there for years, maybe I take them off he little primes and see whether there's a difference in image quality. Might cause some camera shake for fear of scratches, though ;-)
I kind of agree with your opinion on camera bags. I'm kind of into PeakDesign as a brand so I use an Everyday Bagpack (30 liters) which is quite big so I can hardly imagine it being an everyday bag and yes, normally it works great for me, I can put quite a lot of camera gear inside (two full frame bodies, pretty much all the lenses I need) but when I went hiking I had one camera with a 24-70/4, a 50/1.8 (that I never used but I had it just in case) and I had problems like where to put a jacket, where to put something to eat, a bottle with water, etc. Also, the fact is that the bag is very expensive. So finding some camera cubes that could be put into a normal bag seems like a good solution.
About the Pro Fog filters - I think they are more useful for like portraits in a studio, with some interesting lighting (like LED bars with different colours), I would never think about taking them outside for street photography or natural light portraits. So I understand why you think what you think.
I don't use UV filters anymore. On my previous crop DSLR I had them for every lens but now I chose not to buy them anymore and I don't see the need to have them. My lenses are doing fine without them.
I've never used Gorilla Pod, I see it everywhere on TH-cam but I would probably consider it only for either vlogging, or taking advantage of its flexible legs to find some crazy creative angles but honestly I don't know how much it can carry if you do something crazy with the legs. So I think buying a good tripod, even if much more expensive, makes more sense :)
Also thanks for the chance to explore London a little bit. I've never been there so hopefully someday I can go and then I will know where to shoot. Cheers!
Always fantastic photos vs excellent photo tips!!!
I've just found this channel ,and you know that saying first impressions, well my first impression is I LIKE IT, at last I'm not trying to be sold something I don't want "YES", good on you Roman, your saying what many of us think, so if you don't mind I'll stick around.
More photo sense spoken than in most YT videos (and hopefully money saved)! Well done. Love the images of the Shard where I used to work a third of the way up.
To think that such down-to-earth, honest assessments are, unfortunately, becoming rarer and rarer on social media - covert sponsorship, fanboyism and all.
Your vid is great food for thought without sounding patronizing and/or like you're just on a ranting spree.
Cheers from a Brazilian street photog who used to love roaming his way through the streets of London, film camera in hand - from W1C to Tower Bridge - when he lived there back in the noughties.
Subscribing right now for more and hoping you do something similar to camera systems. ;-)
Spot on about camera bags. I have three. They have become just a means of safely storing various outfits at home or transporting them in my van. When It comes to actually going out and taking photos I use an army surplus canvas bag, a couple of lenses in padded pouches and a flash in the bag and the camera plus lens on a strap over my shoulder or round my neck. I still have enough space for some other odds and sods. If I cut out the flash or the extra lenses I can get the camera and lens in the bag too.
I would add lens hoods to the list. Well not actually ALL lens hoods, just many of the ones supplied by the lens manufacturers. They are often too large, too fragile and too easily fall off the lens and get lost and broken. Unless a lens comes supplied with a decent hood I use cheap generic screw in round ones. I have tried all sorts - bayonet hoods, vented hoods, square hoods, petal hoods, hoods that fit over the lens and are secured with a grub screw, hoods that require a special filter adaptor and various combinations of these. All a waste of time and money - just get a screw in round one for few quid.
Pro mist filters are tight for long exposure film photography. I was a dingus about bought the hype and bought my first one for my digital camera.. I use it for video clips but not for stills when shooting digital.
I use a cheap padded camera cube from amazon, which I put in to any ruck sack or sling bag of my choice. As Roman is correct there is no 1 bag that can do all situations !
Roman. So true on bags and UV filters.
Bags. Been there, got two or three to sell. All those lovely dividers! You hit the spot.
My favourite bag is Crumpler shoulder bag. I bought it in Lewes in that old fashioned entity a chemists that is also a camera shop. Yes one still exists and has nice kit and a range of quality printer papers, books and other lovely stuff. I can get the X-T4 plus 70-300, 15-55, x1.4 and batteries, filters etc. Brill.
Listening to you I don't feel like such nugget for having splashed so much cash.
I've just bought a Mountain Warehouse Pace 30 for a walking holiday. Camera gear will go in padded containers alongside my sandwiches and flask.
Filters. I just followed the crowd and the only time I've been glad I had one on was when my brand new X-T4 took a dive into gorse, mud and gravel on Dartmoor in a rain storm. Otherwise a waste of space. Looks like eBay beckons.
Really like the down to earth opinions. Too many people out there trying to flog stuff and it's great to have. realistic and perhaps slightly cynical view.
Great vid as always. How do you compose when there are no interesting place or subject?
8:26
Nice that you got the airplane in the left upper corner 🤩
Enjoyed your video. Thank you. I generally don't use filters. One point ; you didn't mention lens hoods. One item I always use
Filters are an old paradigm. With the exception of a circular polarizing filter, you can replace all with post processing and a bit of planning during the shoot e.g. bracketing exposures.
Some, yes, but ND filters? Color filters for b&w photography?
About UV filters and lenses actually being sturdy:
I had an EF 55mm-250mm that went at least a year and a half without a cap. It got so bad that i managed to break the screw that would hold a new cap/filters but I kept using it.
Still produced a ton of images I'm proud of and that I still keep it in my portfolio. I live in a rural area and my camera's happily been through hell with me, but this lens never had a scratch. I traded it for another 55-250, only this was less beat up (and had a cap!)
I remember back in the Dark Ages when I was learning photography (1970's) I used a scrape piece of my Mom's old black stockings and a rubber band to create the look of what we now call a Black Mist filter. It was a long rectangular piece with a hole burned in one end do I could choose to have a clear spot.
I did a kickstarter on one (fashionable) camera bag - and the cover is just so thick that theres no more room to put anything in on the inside of the camera itself. a big disappointment - looks cool but not practical. the cube idea is actually pretty good cause i still dont want my gear to bounce around inside so i refrain from putting extra in but the cube will help protect it
Agree, No glass in front of your expensive glass. Only exception, CPL, cannot be emulated in photoshop for reflections and ND for slowing water/clouds although you could do it in photoshop with multiple exposures, probably better for IQ but I have never done it so I don't know how much time you waste in photoshop.. I disagree on bags. If you shoot more than street photography, you need different bags. Will any of your bags hold a 600 F4? You need a special bag for that. Buy used bags cheap people who bought a new bag and decided not needed/used always watching on craigslist. My favorite street photography bag I bought used looked brand new $10, does not scream steal me until you take your camera out of that bag.
I have an XT20 and the HexBrand Mini-Sling has been really great for just walking around with a camera and a couple of lenses. You might need the next size up (ranger?) if you're shooting XT4s. Underhyped gear is def Manfrotto MP3, best 20 bucks I've spent on photo gear...
Good camera sling bag I will have to check out both
I send that PRO MIST FILTER right back to where it came from, thanks Roman!
My thing with camera bags - I like to use just a camera case with a shoulder strap. And I'm having a heck of a time finding one I like. Most of them are too bulky. A big problem: most of them aren't shaped like a camera with a lens on it! (I had an idea for a camera case with an interchangeable part for different lenses.)
Nice practical video. Agree with all the points. I have been contemplating the f-stop cubes. Could you do a quick review of them please? Thank you.
Hi Roman!
Love your channel and have learned quite a lot from you. Was wondering what template it is you use for your Squarespace website? Building my own and want to try out different looks and your, looks awesome.
Cheers,
Peter
Great advice! I love the pov shooting throughout the video !
Bags. I use Camelbak Quantico backpack with padded insert for camera and lenses. I can easily take out the insert and I can pack everything for bushcraft hike or something else. Now I want to make my own custom leather messenger bag (one or two) so that I can fit couple of cameras (analogue and/or digital) and couple of lenses + laptop and some everyday day carry items. I have made a drawing, now I need to print it out in 1:1 ratio and check if everything fits. Than I can put it on the leather, make some stitching holes and start stitching all together. First pancake of course will be burned and ugly, but the second to third one must be perfect.
Pro mist filters - I have one thanks to my friend. I know it's not polite to say about gifts but... I hate it. It never gives me any good result and I don't understand why it is needed.
Protective filters - I have several but I'm not using super expensive lenses, my lenses all are used and the most expensive cost me 350€ and cheapest cost me 15€ incl. the camera. I have filters on couple of lenses and they are warming filters mostly as I'm shooting film 70% and digital only 30%.
I shoot film only, and mostly medium format. I (nearly) fully agree with all of your points. My partial exception would be the UV or clear filter. UV light can degrade film images. Further, as I am mostly out in mother nature, I have to contend with blowing dust, rain, and such, where that filter keeps me from having to clean/wipe dry my lens front element. I use lens hoods, so I do not value what little physical protection such a filter might afford. I acquired must of my filters 25-40 years ago, when they did not command the ridiculous prices charged today. I use these and other filters only when circumstances require. "Gorilla Pod", I remember when they first came out, thinking that they were about the dumbest sucker bait junk I'd seen in years.
Couldn't agree more on the Job tripods. Bought two in my Lifetime. Not once did I enjoy using either of them. One was the 5k too. As you said in your video - All those points I experienced too. I also find that when its an accessory more than a main tripod these issues are more obvious because you're almost sometimes trying to justify having the accessory as apposed to relying on it because its your sole tripod.
Same thing goes for the filters too. Had a few merge with the lens and it was not a gentle exercise to remove them. Made it worse by screwing on an additional ring for a LEE filter system which just added to over tightening the UV.
Fun discussion.
Mist filters: not "undoable" but "un-undoable", I think. (Former English major...)
Cheap UV filter: Yes, a lens hood is a bit clunky, but it helps a lot to prevent scrapes on the lens surface. Not magic, but helpful.
And this San Diego resident has enjoyed much of the walk you have here; very nice to see the sights again.
100% agree on the camerabag. I have a lowepro terraclime 100 ( I really had to look for the model), which is a medium-to-small shoulderbag that doesn't scream "camera". I always carry my camera with a 18-140 and a 10-24 (both are big sized lenses) plus batteries, remote and a filter. Is not the most padded bag ever but, I've been using it for more than 10 years, traveled all around the world and my gear has never been damaged (because it's always right next to me and not throw away like a regular bag). Good bag
Just brought the Bellroy Classic 16L backpack that you recommended perfect comfortable every day camera bag, well made.
about dedicated Camera Bags yes, there is simply none that can be good in any situation and they are very expensive and very distinctive. Best option in my opinion are inserts that can be moved from a bag to another (or to a backpack) that best fits the situation, larger, smaller, more rough for outdoor activities or more nice and elegant for more "mondane" environments. I ended up pretty much settling for a padded insert in a "transformer" laptop bag that can be used both as a messenger bag or as a backpack. An affordable versatile, stealthy alternative for almost every need can be found among thermal/cooler bags, they are available in many formats/rigidities/shapes/straps arrangements, volumes, colors(they definitely don't scream "expensive gear" as much as branded camera bags, especially in unusual colors), they are usually weatherproof and are made with a load of drink bottles in mind(that's a rather heavy load even compared to photographic gear). The insulation material usually acts as a reasonable padding and they are usually so cheap that you can buy a small assortment of different thermal/cooler bags/backpacks for the price of a single average camera bag.
I agree on gorillapods being pointless, they are a nightmare to set up and you can't rely on them being reliably firm, that is usually what you really want from a tripod. In my opinion if you know that when you will need a tripod you will not have a "true" full scale tripod and want at least something similar to always carry inside your bag I would suggest a small but sturdy and versatile "tabletop" tripod like the Manfrotto PIXI. In many situation you can even find a suitable elevated surface(a wall, a pillar, a trash bin, whatever) to place it in subtitution of a true tripod that is not with you. way more convenient and useful than gorillapods
Couldn't agree more with so many of your points. Camera bags make no sense if you're actually traveling. Putting my camera in a separate protected container while keeping the rest of the bag for everything else you needed is much more useful. I also had a clear UV filter wield onto my lens on a trip to Seoul and no one wanted to touch it because they were scared to break the lens trying to remove it. Thankfully I found a Sony store that was willing to risk it and half a day later I learned my lesson.
The smaller gorillapod for GoPros and the like are great, the bigger ones for DSLR are a pain.
hi) Good points. Unfortunately my experience with front glass on lenses isn't so bright as yours, I have tiny little scratches on 16-55 f2 and 35mm f2, idk how I got so unlucky. Total loser. Never had this on other lens brands besides fuji tho...
Btw are you going to try replacing your 23mm and 35mm f2-s with the newly released 23mm f1.4 and 33mm f1.4 ones?
that sucks man…. i throw my f2 primes into my small cross body bag without any lens caps on when changing on the fly and i think i only have 1 tiny mark from 2 years of this kind of use.. as for 1.4 not sure yet…. given i will be doing a lot more travel i will be back to the zoom for most photos so will see if its worth upgrading or not
Love it! I will add the microfiber clothes… my first camera - Sony DSC 300h is still alive with occasional wipes with my T-shirt.
Good advice and some great photos.
I bought my first DLSR camera back in 2005 and they sold me a little Lowe camera bag to go with it. Essentially just right to hold the camera and the lens. I still have that and use it when I go out shooting with just a single lens. My other camera bag is a backpack that holds multiple lenses and the camera and it's perfect for travel. But since it only holds a certain number of lenses it also forces me to chose carefully what I want to take along. Camera bags are essential, but it's a good idea to be super fussy while shopping and know precisely how you will use it.
Agreed on the camera bag weight, danger of attracting thieves, and price.
I managed to scratched front element of one of my lenses quite heavily. I very often cycle with with camera and have a special handlebar bag for my photo gear which contains usually xt20, 3 lenses and some other small staff. Once one of my batteries on a bumpy road managed to jump from its pocket to the top of one of the lenses. I don’t know how long I was cycling like that but it left huge amount of scratches which are clearly visible but generally not visible in pictures. Still I am not UV filter guy 😅
Great video. The one that I was completely aligned to was in relation with camera bags. On our last trip I even placed one of my 2 lenses on my 9y.o. child bag.
I absolutely agree with your points on camera bags, they just make you stand out in a bad way.
I like my newest camera bag, because it is a backpack. Looks stealth, doesn't break my back and I have everything I need for a shoot.
Very good practical information.
there are special filter wrenches that help get difficult filters off. I use step up rings, and those wrenches have always helped. They wrap around the outer edge of the filter, or ring.