The main concern for all these videos is to land the shot. If it's raining and you don't have the water resistant camera and lens, welp maybe tomorrow. And making videos such as this is misinforming for people that want to join photography. And typically, people who gatekeep are afraid of competition. You miss the earlier shot 1 cause you haven't trained yourself enough, not because in trying to make a video. It takes fractions of a second to change a few settings on the fly. Why not buy the highest end Nikon and then have 1 camera instead of 2? And then some other lenses without a loss in economic opportunity
A rare sighting - someone talking sense on RUclips! 😇 Good On Ya - will have to swing by your gallery next time I'm lucky enough to be up in the Lakes!
Great video Stuart, I'm a wedding photographer and I have the Z8 and I have recently bought the Z6iii despite watching all the Videos saying about Dynamic ranges and I can honestly I've not had any issues even shooting in brought sunlight with the bride wearing a white dress. it's an absolutely awesome camera and the image quality is amazing.Have a great dude and keep up the great work.
Stuart, thanks for this discussion. In 55 years, I've never have left the U.S, until last month were I spent 2 weeks in Scotland with my camera in autumn. It now has a place in my heart and it looks like I need to next get down to the Lake District! Loved my experience in the UK. About gear, I've found that it isn't at all about all the gear people think about, the camera and the lenses. It is about the little things that make my enjoyment in the field enjoyable, removing the fussing about. Examples: self leveling tripod base, magnetic filter system, a well designed L Bracket, and a quick release arca-swiss clamp. Those of the things, that don't carry high price tags, that really matter to me. Thanks again!
Thanks Mark, yes you’re right little differences that make the experience seamless are worth investing in, IQ etc. is just a given at this point and will make almost no difference to the end result and as you say the actual experience itself.
Well said that man!!! I shoot with a D750 , I sell my prints regularly & am winning national & international medals, I know of lots of guys that have to have the latest gear, but to be honest I struggle to justify the cost of changing my camera & all the lenses I have, as apart from a few functions in the mirrorless cameras that would make a few things easier, they aren't going to make me take better landscape photographs.
Great video Stu, loved the comment about using the six inches between your ears. It’s the application of gear and visualisation of the subject that’s important for the end result. Someone taught me that just recently 👍
I admire your straight talking and honesty around gear etc and i see why a lot of the things you mentioned around things like weather sealing etc are high on your must list as a working pro photographer in the area of photography you are in and the locations you visit , it would make no sense to get a camera you cant trust in those environments. I had GAS for many years and took me a long time to realise the gear doesn't really matter , mostly. Getting yourself to a point you dont have to think about camera settings etc and then getting yourself in front of some great scenery at the right time yields far better results as the image at 13:09 proves , really nice that ! Hope your well and business is good from your new venture. Take care mate, all the best !
One of the most honest and refreshing videos Ive seen in a very long time! I promise if I'm ever lucky enough to visit your gallery and meet you, I will categorically not mention camera gear! lol. The photo displayed at 13 mins in is stunning! Cheers!
Used a nikon d90 for many years with nothing but a 50mm prime and a terrible 18-55. Some of the most enjoyable times I've had with images that you would never guess what kit was used!
Great rant, I picked up a Z6iii a little over a month ago and agree the noise about DR is much ado about nothing. This is compared to my Z6. I actually like the color that it gives better since it seems to render strong colors more naturally than Z6 files. The real breakthrough with the Z6iii being the first exceed 7 I have owned is I have mirrorless cameral that can turn on shoot and focus better than my D7500 a under appreciated member of the last generation of DSLRs. The responsiveness and speed is breathtaking. I love having a useable electronic shutter that has no compromises within its 1/70th of second scan speed. I have stopped a baseball on the end of bat not much faster action than that. Keep the content coming. It's always good to hear from somebody who actually makes his living shooting pictures. Great work with the 24-200, I love that lens for what it does in one package. I could only dream if they would offer us one with he S glass treatment with the same F4-6.3 apertures would be so nice to carry around shooting landscapes.
U’re absolutely right! In the end the pictures that stand out are taken by people that have an eye for the moment/scene/situation. I just bought my Nikon Z6III being advised by a very experienced Nikon employee, who took the time to ask me out on my purposes. And as I was considering the Z8 or even Z9 he advised me the Z6III together with the 24-70 lens (but took your 24-200;-), 180-600 and TC2x. That should do supporting me to execute the further development of having an eye for the right shot. THX a TON!
Thought provoking video, thank you. I upgraded from Canon full frame to mirrorless recently and have really appreciated the better dynamic range, image stabilisation and performance at higher ISOs, but then again I don’t just shoot landscapes.
By far the best video I have seen on RUclips in quite some time. I loved the unsaid but very much inferred observation that men talk about gear so much simply because they are crap photographers. How true! I like to photograph wildlife because I have always loved wildlife; ever since I was a young child (more years than I care to remember). I also now enjoy photographing sport (well rugby really) as my granddaughter is a great player. I was a full time photographer in the RAF back in the early eighties covering a range of subjects, mostly technical stuff and throughout the years any gear I have used has been considered to be 'tools for the job'. The only considerations when purchasing is "will it do the job" and can I avoid having to pay for higher end kit? I am a crap landscape photographer (some may say I'm crap at wildlife and sport as well) but I get enjoyment from my wildlife and sport photography. What I don't enjoy is talking about gear. On several occasions throughout my life I have I have joined local camera clubs and without fail I have quit within a very short period of time as in every instance the male dominated members talked incessantly about gear. You have what it takes to be a true professional. As I approach the age where I should be having a lot more time on my hands I may well finally apply myself to taking some decent landscape images. For certain, if I do get to do that, it will be with whatever gear I currently own. Best wishes and good health to you.
Big thanks to everyone that’s watched and engaged with this - for 99.9% of those you’ve clearly understood the message I was trying to get across. To the 0.1% of mouth-breathing idiots making comments like “but you’re using expensive gear…” this is my job, I use appropriate gear (not the most expensive by any means) just engage your brains a little.
Great video Stuart lovely images , totally agree with what you have said to me it’s a little bit about gear that you need but the most important thing is getting out there in nature and trying to take good photos of what is around you and enjoying the moment you are in just wish my photos were as good as yours 😍
A really interesting video Stuart. I suspect a lot of RUclipsrs spout on about gear these days to secure the lucrative sponsorship deals etc. I can’t take them seriously anymore, not since I realised that all of the points you’ve made in this video are spot on. The only gear I find that matters to me are things that help keep me out enjoying the hobby such as decent photography gloves in winter etc. I personally enjoy your channel because it’s predominantly about days in the field taking images and that helps provide inspiration for someone like me who is continuously striving to improve 👍
Great video! I have been watching your videos for some time now. I truly like your approach to photography, but more than that, you're landscape photography is truly outstanding. One can only hope to approach the skills you have obtained.
Excellent video. In a world almost completely without common sense, this was absolutely a shining example of truth. I think it’s such a shame that so many content creators pass themselves off as expert photographers yet seldom ever show their work. I feel sorry for the new generation of photographers who are just getting started. Way too much jaded information. Well done man!
Makes a lot of sense, stopped looking at influenzas ages ago, real photographers hold my interest. Love that scene at the lake, the 24-200 has given me some stunning images. Love your work
Great video Stuart!! Everything you say is so true! Why should we listen to all the folks sitting behind a desk and going on about specs? Specs don't matter if you don't get out and shoot!! Well done. Bring on the more videos of you out shooting and putting your camera to use. Cheers mate!
Hi Stuart, what true words. Especially about influencers on youtube. ... and this is what Wastwater looks like with some sun 😅 I'll have to come back to the Lake District when the weather is better. I continue to follow your channel with a lot of sympathy. please keep it up, best regards from Germany Holger
So true my man. Big respect that you are making your living from your camera. By the way - your images are gorgeous. Ninety percent of photographic Y/T'ers that I follow are nothing but gear shufflers or gear fiddlers. They couldn't take a decent photo to save themselves. I'm a working pro in Perth, WA, and like you, even among other pro's I see the focus on gear. When I shoot my events and see other photographers there, they all have Z9's 8's ZF's or z6iii's. I'm the only one still running my business with two older Z6ii's. They are much maligned now because the are 'old tech'. and they 'can't', focus properly. I shoot all fast moving gigs, bands events and would be lucky to get 2% of missed shots because of AFC. Like you I hate wasting good gear and hard earned money. Two new Z6iii's in Auss is around $8,500 - no thanks. Nikon also threw us photography only guys under the bus with that wretched selfie screen.
Thanks for a honest straight forward talk. When I shoot landscapes for clients they never ask about what camera gear I use, ever. They do ask about my portfolio.
Love your honesty Stuart, you get bombarded with information on various platforms and it can get very confusing on whats the best gear out there, I'm shooting with an aps-c camera,have done for many a year and find that it is more than adequate in what I need as an amateur and have resisted upgrading so to speak.
Great to find someone of like mind, so.. liked and subscribed. I run photography workshops in France and I've found that the latest cameras that guests bring are actually hindering their ability to learn and advance their photography. These 'state of the art' cameras have way too many unnecessary features and the most incredibly convoluted and confusing menu systems. In a video about composition that I uploaded in September, I said that the fundamentals of photography haven't changed one jot since photography became an art form almost 170 years ago, and I stand by that. The image simply needs to be properly exposed, correctly focused, and beautifully composed. Those are the fundamentals that I want to my photography students to learn and concentrate on rather than waste time trying to figure out a myriad electronic gimmicks. A phrase I now use regularly when talking to my students is, "Ignore that. Ansel Adams didn't need it, Don McCullin didn't need it - and neither do you."
Absolutely spot on Stuart. I’d go as far to say that your last point about lens should be the first consideration. Buy the best quality lens for whatever genre/style of photography you’re planning and then work backwards from there to work out the camera body you want. Lens quality is more important than body quality in my opinion and how someone spends their money should reflect that.
Thanks Stuart for another honest photography video with some lovely images. I am not gear focused but my choice in gear comes from having a particular need. YT and other reviews do play a part in narrowing down the field. In 2017, I purchased my D850 to replace my D5300 primarily because of the D850's low light capabilities as I tend to chase sunrises. I am now starting to narrow the field down for a replacement, not because the D850 is not still serving me well, but because after 3 knee surgeries this year, I need to dramatically reduce the weight of my kit. I am planning on getting back to your part of the world in the not too far off future and want to hike to the inspirational locations that you and others taunt us with. It will be more enjoyable carrying less weight.
Well said! I have a Nikon D750 and Z6II besides myself I don't think most people would be able to tell the difference in image quality between the two. I also have a Nikon F2 just to remind myself that you can get great images even with a mechanical camera from over 40 years ago.
Hi Stuart. Nice practical video. I love the Lakes and the Dales. I could not afford to buy a new Nikon so invested in a Lumix S5v2 which seems to do the job well enough. I agree with you. I'm finding that the hardest thing about Landscape photography is actually finding the best shots to take and the best lighting etc. My camera seems to cope well, even when the light is quite flat, but getting the right shot which is interesting is taking me longer. I suppose my criteria of a nice photo is "would I like to hang it on the wall!" I dont really care if its not perfectly sharp at the corners! Hopefully I will get better and will be able to produce some prints one day, like the ones in your shop.
THANK YOU!!! Not just for saying it like it is (as always) but for calling out the Northrups, which I personally feel are nothing but lying scammers, whom I've caught doing just that on MANY occasions! Most of the videos on this platform now about any genre of photography have turned into scammy, worthless gear reviews, most of which cannot get even the most basic spec sheet facts about the gear they're reviewing correct! Actual material about photography is either extremely poor in quality, or rare to find, cause the platform, gear manufacturers and "influencers" (the modern euphemism for scam artist IMO) have turned this into a gear review marketers wet dream, and that's truly unfortunate. Keep saying it like it is mate! And I promise, if I ever manage to make it out to the Lake District, I will stop by the gallery and NOT talk about gear :)
The reason that I like your channel is because it is about the photography. I'm not into gear reviews, either camera gear or ancillary stuff (why would I watch a photography channel to learn about your latest van?). I believe in and have often quoted the mantra 'its not about what gear you have but how you use it'. After all, a good photographer can still take great images with the most basic equipment.
Thanks very much yep give any great photographer even basic equipment and they’ll still take great images it’s just the process has become more efficient
spot on Stuart, I have a canon 5d m2 and its fine I don't need any more than that really ( if doing any bird shoots I would like a bit better iso but I mainly am landscape anyway).. as an aside you were talking about dynamic range Bruce Percy still uses a fim camera that has a dynamic range of somewhere between 3 and 5 stops! his work is fantastic! (so is yours).
Just got a D800 for 140eur. Getting a 24-70 f2.8 tommorow. It's a nice upgrade from my D90. It's honestly more than I will need for the next few years, but i'm so excited.
I think it is a good thing that gear has plateaued a bit when it comes to landscape photography, at least for now. Because it's absolutely true, you can find some amazing deals on older gear and basically buy a professional landscape setup for under 1.000 bucks. Everything moves towards either higher resolution or faster and more precise autofocus. But it has been demonstrated time and time again that the resolution doesn't matter that much and autofocus improvements are more or less irrelevant when it comes to landscapes. Unless I missed something and mountains suddenly started running away from us 🤪 Pesonally I only shoot landscapes occasionally. I'm more of a wildlife and animal shooter. And for that I kinda regret buying the Z7 II instead of the Z6 II. I had a Z50 before that and I feared that I would start cropping more with a 35mm camera. So I got the Z7 II. Turns out now I crop less than I did before! The Z6 II would have been fine for me but I do love the results I get with the Z7 II... That sensor is just nuts. The files are so easy to work with! But it's also very punishing because due to the higher resolution small mistakes, like when a shot isn't perfectly sharp, are much more noticeable.
If l were still only shooting landscape l would still be happy with my original Z6 but when l l got into wildlife l had to start looking toward the tech which is costly. As far as skill goes l reckon you could make a great landscape shot with a vacuum cleaner, love ya work Stuart.
watching this via The pub cast. (missed it when it came out) I agreed with everything you say, I only take photos for a hobby.Done weddings years ago. love the 6'" takes the photo .ive been saying that for years. keep up the great work.
Stuart, good video and one I would highly recommend to someone getting into landscape photography. I couldn't agree more. In terms of buying into a camera system, ergonomics, ease of use, weather sealing, durability of the equipment, lens selection and weight are my priorities, but all of this is way less important than learning to see and compose a photograph.
10:02 absolutely spot on. And let's be honest, a lot (read: most) of influencer 'content' is designed to feed into FOMO purchasing and consumerism. I'm always trying to curate my YT feed so that there's less of that, and instead, more content where the creator either: 1) actually makes good photos 2) makes me think / is good at teaching, or 3) just makes me laugh! 😂 Subbed
Good video Stuart, I gave up with a lot of the landscape photographers on RUclips as they seemed to spend more time changing camera gear than actually producing content. I'm sure I've seen Z8 and Z9 being used for landscape, three quarters of the functions on those two cameras will never be used. And don't get me started on the photographer and his flaming camper van build...... think I've come across 4 maybe 5 of those
I agree 100% with your argulentation in this video. And that's why I enjoy your channel: you're brutally honest! I bought a Z50 several years ago as a travel camera. That a 20 Mpixel crop sensor camera. The images that come out of it are simply stunning. I can't tell the difference between an image from my D850 and the Z50 when printed up to A3+. Anyway, The Lake District is on my bucket list and when I ever make it there I'll be sure to give you a visit.
Thanks Pascal, the reality will be there’ll be very little difference without looking at them at 200% in Lightroom, bigger sensors in my experience handle colour gradations a little better but that’s only really when the file is being pushed and pulled significantly.
I searched for this video, it had a message directly for me. I am shooting on a Nikon D600, and with the Nikon 85mm F1.8 I create superb images with crisp quality and bokeh and color and everything. But I often find myself mooning over new gear, window shopping online, and watching new gear reviews. This video realigned my perspective to what's really important. Just shoot and enjoy shooting.
Fantastic camera. Fairly light, great sensor and pretty fast shutter too for the price. Best part is if you break it by using the hell outta it, it won't bankrupt anyone to replace.
Totally agree with you Stuart I've took good shots with my phone that I love half way up a mountain in Glencoe, been in the right environment will get you better photos than watching videos about cameras 😊
From another pro' photographer, I 100% agree with what you say about camera kit, and many RUclips reviews. All digital cameras and most lenses made in the past 10 years or so are great, often more capable than the owner (and I include myself in that too!). The best camera kit is like a comfy pair of shoes, not necessarily the latest Nike trainers. Btw, very envious of your location...🙂
Good points, I was totally lost what to buy because my D7500 broke down. But you're right, it doesn't matter, they're all good nowadays! Buy what suits your budget and needs
Thanks so much for reminding us - so true. The internet is a dark deep hole one can be easily trapped in and get confused and „urged“ to buy the latest greatest, which is often not needed. I went from Nikon to Fuji, just because the tactile Fuji makes - for me - more fun to go out taking pictures. But that‘s only me. As you said, any DSLR or mirrorless from the last 10 years gets the ( landscape) job done.
Ahhh something we have in common.....I hate buying camera equipment right down to camera bags! I have seen people on here telling everyone how good this or that must have gear is when the people that they are talking to have a family to feed and a mortgage to pay for and quite often they are talking about Six grand or more! Yes you do need a camera to take pictures with I don't have a smart phone! You are right there is not much change in picture quality from cameras over the last ten years, all my gear is older than that! but I am happy to carry on using it until judgement day or when it packs up, I have yet to wear a camera out yet but I am still trying! Thank you for your excellent input on this matter. Oh I had better say I like your landscape pictures you show us! Please don't mention Electric bikes will you!!!!!
I am not a professional photographer and I don't play one on RUclips. Switched to the Fuji X system several years ago. Are they the best cameras? Probably not. Is it something I enjoy making images with? Yes it is. Keep doing what you do Stuart, with whatever equipment suits your needs. I certainly don't watch your content to see what kit you have.
I love my Nikon D750 for location pictures and my Olympus OM5 Mk II for everything else, both bought used from that well known site. Neither are cutting edge or recent but they serve me well. I got into the Olympus mirrorless just before Nikon brought out the Z series and occasionally think about making the switch but then I see videos like this and think again. My kit suits my needs - why be a gear slave? Thanks for the vlog - lovely picture by the way.
The main thing for me now is size and weight of the kit. I can fit my Sony A7R4 with 16-35 and Tamron 28-200 with filters, spare batteries and memory cards in a small bag insert that will fit most hiking bags or fit a shoulder strap and use it as a bag on its own. I love the little Tamron lens and sold my 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f4 once I convinced myself that the difference in image quality was not worth the weight / size. The A7R4 body is 60mp and I will use it until it breaks :)
Yep your approach mirrors mine, I have the Nikon equivalent set up which is use 90% of the time (I do have a 100-400 that I use sparingly) for static landscapes at F8 and beyond it’s more than enough. That body will last you years
I sold the 100-400 as it had so little use. The cropability of the Sony sensor gives me some scope but the only thing I miss out on is those super moon with some object in front of it type shots that have always fascinated me but are so bloody hard to get 😂
The only reason I am tempted to change from my Nikon 'Holy Grail' of three zoom lenses and my Nikon D810 to a the Z series is the weight factor when on long hikes. I don't think the Z series is ever going to get me better images than my D810! Well, not for me anyway. Good honest vid Stuart. Cheers, Ray.
Good talk... that's exactly what I'm preaching. We're back into film era, all cameras are the same - just switch the roll ;) except that some are still making good lenses, while others are cutting corners.
Stuart, I enjoyed your perspective. However, I am going to be culling a lot of gear in the near future to simplify for landscape photography specifically. My bent has been travel photography for years, and I have enjoyed getting to all my bucket list spots. But now I want simplicity with one good body and a couple of zooms for the landscape. Cheers! Great video....
Hell, even for lenses, my 40mm takes the cake for usability. Maybe a 35mm stabilized would be equal but the weight makes the 40 2.8 so useful. The 24-105 has more range than I often use for landscape, at least for the best photos
Yes, I would absolutely love to see picture comparison dynamic range with a Z63 and Z72. I just recently acquired a Z63, traded in my ZF, for the Z63. I shoot wildlife and landscape, and I hear so much negative on dynamic range and how the Z63 is not a capable landscape camera.I am no professional, I don’t sell pictures all the time, I just like to shoot and show my images on social media and print off sometimes. I just want to prove everyone wrong who keeps giving bad reviews of the Z 63 being a landscape camera and wildlife camera.
Hi Stuart, the older I get the more I think common sense is a superpower, one you have in abundance! I heard a saying a few weeks ago that is as applicable to photography as it was in the context I heard it ( Prof Kevin Fong at the Covid Enquiry as it happens ) "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted". Kinda sums up what you were saying. One of the biggest factors I found that improved my photography and cost me no money was getting how the camera works into "muscle memory", so I don't need to waste my very limited brain power on working out what buttons to press when I want to get an image, it is simply second nature .... leaving me both brain cells free to be creative ;-)
@StuartMcGlennon your work is amazing. You are so right about skill over gear. Photographers can’t really use the excuse that they really need the next new camera to get the best results. Any modern (or even not so modern) camera can deliver superb quality. I think there’s a big gap between talking gear and talking photography. Moving to taking about the art of photography and not mentioning the gear is a goal I think all photographers should aspire to. I’m sure it’s a sign of growth. If you really do just like buying the latest camera and all the research that goes into that then that’s also fine. Just be careful you’re not buying it to make your photography better; only you can do that with practice and passion 😊
i really enjoyed your points, and I agree. As a professional artist many people ask me about what software I use or what tablet or what god beware even what paper. And the answer is always... the greatest difference you will notice in the quality of your artwork will be experience and mileage. And same with photography I'm pretty sure. Some of the greatest photos taken in the 20th century have been on analog cameras with a lot less capabilities than what we have today. Buy one that feels good and then... shoot!!! And lovely accent haha Greetings from Germany
Now that this one dropped and got a bunch of likes and subscribes let’s see you continue to walk your talk! 👍🏾 Amazing image and I prefer the Z glass over my F glass so I agree halfway.
I know that’s a light hearted comment and I’ll treat it as such, but with respect I’ve little to prove to anyone and have no interest in RUclips popularity, my record in photography extends well beyond this place and did before I ever made a video. But thanks glad you liked the image 👍
Love the video Stuart. Dynamic range comparison? No thanks. However! I’m a Z6 owner and contemplating upgrading the Z6iii for the flippy screen. I do wonder about the loss of pixels when cropping aspect ratio’s though. Would appreciate a “real life” view on this on the Z6iii. Also, I purchased the 24-200 on the back of you using it and printing the size you do (against all the reviews on YT advising of poorer image quality). If you had any thoughts on the 28-400, I’d value your opinion.
If you mean destructive crops in-camera when using other aspect ratios that’s on all Nikon’s (frustrating). From what I gather the 28-400 is another great lens if you’re intending on only ever doing landscape with it around F8, I’d have probably bought one myself had it been around when I got the 24-200. I believe Tamron do a 70-300 for Nikon Z which is also excellent
As you know Stu, I'm still shooting with a D750 and it does the job I want it to, though there are times when I wish I could afford to update it to one of the Z Series, just for some of the newer features that I think I would find really useful, like focus stacking for instance. Anyway, another thought provoking vlog and to be honest, I came around to your way of thinking as regards gear a few years ago now. I guess this wouldn't be the time to ask you how much use I might make of a Black Mist Filter when shooting woodland?🤔😉🙃
Cheers Ian, black mist filter has fairly limited use cases though I’d say it’s more effective when there’s actual mist involved to soften highlights than actually being a tool to mitigate a lack of mist.
Upgraded to mirrorless from my DSLR recently. The question of which lenses to pair with it inevitably came up. Having owned some decent ones in the past, I've opted for one that actually isn't the absolute top-end, pixel-peeing quality. The lens I've chosen is repeatedly described as 'fun'. I don't do this for a living, and having 'fun' seems to be pretty good thing to aspire to for a keen hobbyist. From the online reviews I've seen, I'm confident it will still take awesome pics, and it means I've removed the hassle of choosing/carrying multiple lenses with me. One camera , one (fairly decent) lens, and hopefully a smiling face!
A very interesting, entertaining and honest video, Stuart. I enjoyed it. Funnily enough, I have just bought a new Nikon Z 24-200 lens to use on my Zf. I am travelling to a couple of places in Germany and wanted flexibility allied with as little weight as possible plus good IQ and this lens seems to offer it. I agree with you about the influencers, although there are a couple I do watch, and trust, but surely the worst has to be Ken Wheeler who, when finally persuaded to go out with Jason Lanier, proved to be an abysmal photographer. I have been to the Lake District (many years ago) and you are blessed with such wonderful scenery on your doorstep. Your Gallery looks good too and I wish I lived a little closer so I could visit it, but Keswick is quite a jaunt from London. Happy New Year for 2025 and Good Luck with everything photographic to you and your viewers.
Very refreshing, thank you! Allow me to add a question: which software do you use for editing? I’m trying to ditch LR and PS. The subscription model sucks and I don’t care much about the AI stuff.
Yup, you make great images and most of us love to fuss over gear because we can and it’s fun. Few will match your results but there is always that hope that we might get closer with newer gear...If everyone was so grown up about buying gear then the camera companies would have to raise their prices due to the lack of sales.
I photograph mostly birds or wildlife. Mostly right here on my property. As a hobby. I don’t justify equipment. But I am “budget constrained “. My last CF body was the 7D. And I have a 1D3. Upgraded a year ago to R7 to replace the 7D. Day and night -the R7 is a huge leap forward. But I am yet to get any serious RF glass. I do have serious EF glass. I do like new gear, but I am not buying the latest just because. But I will say, the R7 required me to change some techniques. The way the AF works required a mind shift- and I wont go back. I keep the 1D3 as a backup/ second body. It is worthless on the used market. But I think an R8 or used R5 is on the horizon. If I shot portraits or landscape, I think you are correct. But for birds in flight etc, if I could get an R1 , I would. How a professional actually justifies such a purchase though is beyond me.
I find small things like being able go shoot in 4:5 aspect ratio is far more important than dynamic range or megapixels. Image quality is a problem that's been solved over 10 years ago.
Loved the rant and I am so glad you put a little pic up of those two doylems from the US, they are using oxygen up. Too many sharp photos of lousy concepts. People need to think more about being creative rather than throwing money away. And yes it was an ethereal photo.
Cheers mate, I’ve no issue with those two as reviewers it’s when he starts spouting about being a pro which is total nonsense, they make a living reviewing gear, stay in that lane. Does a disservice to those skilled at actually doing it.
Very insightful. Thanks! Seems like pros are the ones that least change the equipment. My neighbor is a portrait and wedding shooter and he still work with DSLRs, the same ones he was using before the pandemics. I, as a hobbyist, only want an smaller kit. I was a bit overwhelmed with the number of options. I have Canon DSLRs but I want something smaller. That's it, an small overall kit. Seems like Fuji and Sony make small lenses and bodies and that's it. Thanks to your video I cleared my mind a lot about which system to buy. Thanks!
Gear vs experience/skill - Love it...made me smile with this bit - "....taking a photo 5 stops under exposed.. you're a bit of an idiot" I think thats an ethereal statement. ;)
No one needs new gear unless there are photos they want to take but literally can’t with the gear they have. As long as you’re able to create the photos you want to create, your current gear is fine. We should all focus more on skill and less on gear.
😅 So nice to see somebody calling these clowns out. Northrops have been saying stupid things for years. 💯 talking heads. Self appointed experts. I love my gear, but you are absolutely correct.
The main concern for all these videos is to land the shot. If it's raining and you don't have the water resistant camera and lens, welp maybe tomorrow. And making videos such as this is misinforming for people that want to join photography. And typically, people who gatekeep are afraid of competition.
You miss the earlier shot 1 cause you haven't trained yourself enough, not because in trying to make a video. It takes fractions of a second to change a few settings on the fly. Why not buy the highest end Nikon and then have 1 camera instead of 2? And then some other lenses without a loss in economic opportunity
😂😂😂😂
@@StuartMcGlennon Pin of shame? (I think it was invented by Levy Rozman @GothamChess) I seriously have no idea what this guy is talking about. 🤣
@@umue11correct
A rare sighting - someone talking sense on RUclips! 😇 Good On Ya - will have to swing by your gallery next time I'm lucky enough to be up in the Lakes!
Cheers Andy
Great video Stuart, I'm a wedding photographer and I have the Z8 and I have recently bought the Z6iii despite watching all the Videos saying about Dynamic ranges and I can honestly I've not had any issues even shooting in brought sunlight with the bride wearing a white dress. it's an absolutely awesome camera and the image quality is amazing.Have a great dude and keep up the great work.
Stuart, thanks for this discussion. In 55 years, I've never have left the U.S, until last month were I spent 2 weeks in Scotland with my camera in autumn. It now has a place in my heart and it looks like I need to next get down to the Lake District! Loved my experience in the UK. About gear, I've found that it isn't at all about all the gear people think about, the camera and the lenses. It is about the little things that make my enjoyment in the field enjoyable, removing the fussing about. Examples: self leveling tripod base, magnetic filter system, a well designed L Bracket, and a quick release arca-swiss clamp. Those of the things, that don't carry high price tags, that really matter to me. Thanks again!
Thanks Mark, yes you’re right little differences that make the experience seamless are worth investing in, IQ etc. is just a given at this point and will make almost no difference to the end result and as you say the actual experience itself.
Well said that man!!!
I shoot with a D750 , I sell my prints regularly & am winning national & international medals, I know of lots of guys that have to have the latest gear, but to be honest I struggle to justify the cost of changing my camera & all the lenses I have, as apart from a few functions in the mirrorless cameras that would make a few things easier, they aren't going to make me take better landscape photographs.
One thing people can never question is your honesty and integrity.
Not afraid to speak the truth, very much to the point. Great video.
Cheers fella
Great video Stu, loved the comment about using the six inches between your ears. It’s the application of gear and visualisation of the subject that’s important for the end result.
Someone taught me that just recently 👍
Haha cheers something went in 😂
I admire your straight talking and honesty around gear etc and i see why a lot of the things you mentioned around things like weather sealing etc are high on your must list as a working pro photographer in the area of photography you are in and the locations you visit , it would make no sense to get a camera you cant trust in those environments. I had GAS for many years and took me a long time to realise the gear doesn't really matter , mostly. Getting yourself to a point you dont have to think about camera settings etc and then getting yourself in front of some great scenery at the right time yields far better results as the image at 13:09 proves , really nice that ! Hope your well and business is good from your new venture. Take care mate, all the best !
Cheers mate hope you’re well, enjoyed your last video a couple of lovely images 👍
@@StuartMcGlennon Thanks mate, its like golf the more you shoot the luckier you get !
I am so pleased to hear that people like you can make a living from photography!
One of the most honest and refreshing videos Ive seen in a very long time! I promise if I'm ever lucky enough to visit your gallery and meet you, I will categorically not mention camera gear! lol. The photo displayed at 13 mins in is stunning! Cheers!
Thanks 👍👍
Used a nikon d90 for many years with nothing but a 50mm prime and a terrible 18-55. Some of the most enjoyable times I've had with images that you would never guess what kit was used!
Great rant, I picked up a Z6iii a little over a month ago and agree the noise about DR is much ado about nothing. This is compared to my Z6. I actually like the color that it gives better since it seems to render strong colors more naturally than Z6 files. The real breakthrough with the Z6iii being the first exceed 7 I have owned is I have mirrorless cameral that can turn on shoot and focus better than my D7500 a under appreciated member of the last generation of DSLRs. The responsiveness and speed is breathtaking. I love having a useable electronic shutter that has no compromises within its 1/70th of second scan speed. I have stopped a baseball on the end of bat not much faster action than that. Keep the content coming. It's always good to hear from somebody who actually makes his living shooting pictures.
Great work with the 24-200, I love that lens for what it does in one package. I could only dream if they would offer us one with he S glass treatment with the same F4-6.3 apertures would be so nice to carry around shooting landscapes.
U’re absolutely right!
In the end the pictures that stand out are taken by people that have an eye for the moment/scene/situation.
I just bought my Nikon Z6III being advised by a very experienced Nikon employee, who took the time to ask me out on my purposes.
And as I was considering the Z8 or even Z9 he advised me the Z6III together with the 24-70 lens (but took your 24-200;-), 180-600 and TC2x.
That should do supporting me to execute the further development of having an eye for the right shot.
THX a TON!
Thought provoking video, thank you. I upgraded from Canon full frame to mirrorless recently and have really appreciated the better dynamic range, image stabilisation and performance at higher ISOs, but then again I don’t just shoot landscapes.
Thanks Chris
By far the best video I have seen on RUclips in quite some time.
I loved the unsaid but very much inferred observation that men talk about gear so much simply because they are crap photographers. How true!
I like to photograph wildlife because I have always loved wildlife; ever since I was a young child (more years than I care to remember). I also now enjoy photographing sport (well rugby really) as my granddaughter is a great player.
I was a full time photographer in the RAF back in the early eighties covering a range of subjects, mostly technical stuff and throughout the years any gear I have used has been considered to be 'tools for the job'. The only considerations when purchasing is "will it do the job" and can I avoid having to pay for higher end kit?
I am a crap landscape photographer (some may say I'm crap at wildlife and sport as well) but I get enjoyment from my wildlife and sport photography.
What I don't enjoy is talking about gear. On several occasions throughout my life I have I have joined local camera clubs and without fail I have quit within a very short period of time as in every instance the male dominated members talked incessantly about gear.
You have what it takes to be a true professional.
As I approach the age where I should be having a lot more time on my hands I may well finally apply myself to taking some decent landscape images. For certain, if I do get to do that, it will be with whatever gear I currently own.
Best wishes and good health to you.
Very kind thanks very much for watching 👍
You just gained the subscriber! Love this video!
🙏
Big thanks to everyone that’s watched and engaged with this - for 99.9% of those you’ve clearly understood the message I was trying to get across. To the 0.1% of mouth-breathing idiots making comments like “but you’re using expensive gear…” this is my job, I use appropriate gear (not the most expensive by any means) just engage your brains a little.
Great video Stuart lovely images , totally agree with what you have said to me it’s a little bit about gear that you need but the most important thing is getting out there in nature and trying to take good photos of what is around you and enjoying the moment you are in just wish my photos were as good as yours 😍
Thanks John cheers for watching
A really interesting video Stuart. I suspect a lot of RUclipsrs spout on about gear these days to secure the lucrative sponsorship deals etc. I can’t take them seriously anymore, not since I realised that all of the points you’ve made in this video are spot on. The only gear I find that matters to me are things that help keep me out enjoying the hobby such as decent photography gloves in winter etc. I personally enjoy your channel because it’s predominantly about days in the field taking images and that helps provide inspiration for someone like me who is continuously striving to improve 👍
Thanks Anthony, yes sponsorships etc. obvs a huge part of it
Spoken with honesty, expertise and common sense! Totally agree with you 100% Stuart
Great video! I have been watching your videos for some time now. I truly like your approach to photography, but more than that, you're landscape photography is truly outstanding. One can only hope to approach the skills you have obtained.
Very kind thanks very much
Well said Stuart. This message needs to be got across to people.
Thanks Trevor 👍
Excellent video. In a world almost completely without common sense, this was absolutely a shining example of truth. I think it’s such a shame that so many content creators pass themselves off as expert photographers yet seldom ever show their work. I feel sorry for the new generation of photographers who are just getting started. Way too much jaded information. Well done man!
A brutally honest video Stuart, keep them coming mate. 👍😎
👍
Makes a lot of sense, stopped looking at influenzas ages ago, real photographers hold my interest. Love that scene at the lake, the 24-200 has given me some stunning images. Love your work
Enjoyed this Stuart, Gallery is looking fantastic
Great video Stuart!! Everything you say is so true! Why should we listen to all the folks sitting behind a desk and going on about specs? Specs don't matter if you don't get out and shoot!! Well done. Bring on the more videos of you out shooting and putting your camera to use. Cheers mate!
Hi Stuart, what true words. Especially about influencers on youtube. ... and this is what Wastwater looks like with some sun 😅 I'll have to come back to the Lake District when the weather is better. I continue to follow your channel with a lot of sympathy. please keep it up, best regards from Germany Holger
Thanks mate hope you’re well 👍 yes it’s nice down there when there’s some light 😂
So true my man. Big respect that you are making your living from your camera. By the way - your images are gorgeous. Ninety percent of photographic Y/T'ers that I follow are nothing but gear shufflers or gear fiddlers. They couldn't take a decent photo to save themselves. I'm a working pro in Perth, WA, and like you, even among other pro's I see the focus on gear. When I shoot my events and see other photographers there, they all have Z9's 8's ZF's or z6iii's. I'm the only one still running my business with two older Z6ii's. They are much maligned now because the are 'old tech'. and they 'can't', focus properly. I shoot all fast moving gigs, bands events and would be lucky to get 2% of missed shots because of AFC. Like you I hate wasting good gear and hard earned money. Two new Z6iii's in Auss is around $8,500 - no thanks. Nikon also threw us photography only guys under the bus with that wretched selfie screen.
Thanks for a honest straight forward talk. When I shoot landscapes for clients they never ask about what camera gear I use, ever. They do ask about my portfolio.
Thanks Ed, that’s all that matters really isn’t it
Love your honesty Stuart, you get bombarded with information on various platforms and it can get very confusing on whats the best gear out there, I'm shooting with an aps-c camera,have done for many a year and find that it is more than adequate in what I need as an amateur and have resisted upgrading so to speak.
Thanks Neil 👍
Great to find someone of like mind, so.. liked and subscribed.
I run photography workshops in France and I've found that the latest cameras that guests bring are actually hindering their ability to learn and advance their photography. These 'state of the art' cameras have way too many unnecessary features and the most incredibly convoluted and confusing menu systems. In a video about composition that I uploaded in September, I said that the fundamentals of photography haven't changed one jot since photography became an art form almost 170 years ago, and I stand by that. The image simply needs to be properly exposed, correctly focused, and beautifully composed. Those are the fundamentals that I want to my photography students to learn and concentrate on rather than waste time trying to figure out a myriad electronic gimmicks. A phrase I now use regularly when talking to my students is, "Ignore that. Ansel Adams didn't need it, Don McCullin didn't need it - and neither do you."
Absolutely spot on Stuart. I’d go as far to say that your last point about lens should be the first consideration.
Buy the best quality lens for whatever genre/style of photography you’re planning and then work backwards from there to work out the camera body you want.
Lens quality is more important than body quality in my opinion and how someone spends their money should reflect that.
100%
Thanks Stuart for another honest photography video with some lovely images.
I am not gear focused but my choice in gear comes from having a particular need. YT and other reviews do play a part in narrowing down the field. In 2017, I purchased my D850 to replace my D5300 primarily because of the D850's low light capabilities as I tend to chase sunrises. I am now starting to narrow the field down for a replacement, not because the D850 is not still serving me well, but because after 3 knee surgeries this year, I need to dramatically reduce the weight of my kit. I am planning on getting back to your part of the world in the not too far off future and want to hike to the inspirational locations that you and others taunt us with. It will be more enjoyable carrying less weight.
Hi Andrew, if you don’t need autofocus speed and mainly shoot landscapes I’d say I used Z7 is probably the best you can get hold of really
Nice one. Great shots. Received your calendar I really pleased with the shots lovely calendar.
Thanks Gary glad you like it
All great points Stuart and all are very true. Thank you for your videos.
Cheers Paul
Well said! I have a Nikon D750 and Z6II besides myself I don't think most people would be able to tell the difference in image quality between the two. I also have a Nikon F2 just to remind myself that you can get great images even with a mechanical camera from over 40 years ago.
Hi Stuart. Nice practical video. I love the Lakes and the Dales. I could not afford to buy a new Nikon so invested in a Lumix S5v2 which seems to do the job well enough. I agree with you. I'm finding that the hardest thing about Landscape photography is actually finding the best shots to take and the best lighting etc. My camera seems to cope well, even when the light is quite flat, but getting the right shot which is interesting is taking me longer. I suppose my criteria of a nice photo is "would I like to hang it on the wall!" I dont really care if its not perfectly sharp at the corners! Hopefully I will get better and will be able to produce some prints one day, like the ones in your shop.
Breath of fresh air Stuart, I'm still happy with my seven year old kit. Thanks once again. Chris M
Cheers Chris
THANK YOU!!! Not just for saying it like it is (as always) but for calling out the Northrups, which I personally feel are nothing but lying scammers, whom I've caught doing just that on MANY occasions! Most of the videos on this platform now about any genre of photography have turned into scammy, worthless gear reviews, most of which cannot get even the most basic spec sheet facts about the gear they're reviewing correct! Actual material about photography is either extremely poor in quality, or rare to find, cause the platform, gear manufacturers and "influencers" (the modern euphemism for scam artist IMO) have turned this into a gear review marketers wet dream, and that's truly unfortunate.
Keep saying it like it is mate! And I promise, if I ever manage to make it out to the Lake District, I will stop by the gallery and NOT talk about gear :)
Thanks Edison much appreciated 👍
The reason that I like your channel is because it is about the photography. I'm not into gear reviews, either camera gear or ancillary stuff (why would I watch a photography channel to learn about your latest van?). I believe in and have often quoted the mantra 'its not about what gear you have but how you use it'. After all, a good photographer can still take great images with the most basic equipment.
Thanks very much yep give any great photographer even basic equipment and they’ll still take great images it’s just the process has become more efficient
well said, i must visit your gallery ASAP!
spot on Stuart, I have a canon 5d m2 and its fine I don't need any more than that really ( if doing any bird shoots I would like a bit better iso but I mainly am landscape anyway)..
as an aside you were talking about dynamic range Bruce Percy still uses a fim camera that has a dynamic range of somewhere between 3 and 5 stops! his work is fantastic! (so is yours).
Great grounding video and back to basics photography Stuart 🙂👍
Cheers 👍
Bedankt
Thank you for being you, Stuart.
👍
Just got a D800 for 140eur. Getting a 24-70 f2.8 tommorow. It's a nice upgrade from my D90. It's honestly more than I will need for the next few years, but i'm so excited.
That’s great 👍 brilliant landscape camera
Best YT video I've viewed in 2024! Kudos Stuart! 👊💥🙏
potographing since 55 years now I only can say : " I love your honest words °"
I think it is a good thing that gear has plateaued a bit when it comes to landscape photography, at least for now. Because it's absolutely true, you can find some amazing deals on older gear and basically buy a professional landscape setup for under 1.000 bucks. Everything moves towards either higher resolution or faster and more precise autofocus. But it has been demonstrated time and time again that the resolution doesn't matter that much and autofocus improvements are more or less irrelevant when it comes to landscapes. Unless I missed something and mountains suddenly started running away from us 🤪
Pesonally I only shoot landscapes occasionally. I'm more of a wildlife and animal shooter. And for that I kinda regret buying the Z7 II instead of the Z6 II. I had a Z50 before that and I feared that I would start cropping more with a 35mm camera. So I got the Z7 II. Turns out now I crop less than I did before! The Z6 II would have been fine for me but I do love the results I get with the Z7 II... That sensor is just nuts. The files are so easy to work with! But it's also very punishing because due to the higher resolution small mistakes, like when a shot isn't perfectly sharp, are much more noticeable.
If l were still only shooting landscape l would still be happy with my original Z6 but when l l got into wildlife l had to start looking toward the tech which is costly. As far as skill goes l reckon you could make a great landscape shot with a vacuum cleaner, love ya work Stuart.
Haha cheers very kind thanks
watching this via The pub cast. (missed it when it came out) I agreed with everything you say, I only take photos for a hobby.Done weddings years ago. love the 6'" takes the photo .ive been saying that for years. keep up the great work.
A breath of fresh air. Subscribed!
Stuart, good video and one I would highly recommend to someone getting into landscape photography. I couldn't agree more. In terms of buying into a camera system, ergonomics, ease of use, weather sealing, durability of the equipment, lens selection and weight are my priorities, but all of this is way less important than learning to see and compose a photograph.
Thanks yes totally agree
10:02 absolutely spot on. And let's be honest, a lot (read: most) of influencer 'content' is designed to feed into FOMO purchasing and consumerism. I'm always trying to curate my YT feed so that there's less of that, and instead, more content where the creator either:
1) actually makes good photos
2) makes me think / is good at teaching, or
3) just makes me laugh! 😂
Subbed
Very much agree, thanks for the sub 👍
Good video Stuart, I gave up with a lot of the landscape photographers on RUclips as they seemed to spend more time changing camera gear than actually producing content. I'm sure I've seen Z8 and Z9 being used for landscape, three quarters of the functions on those two cameras will never be used. And don't get me started on the photographer and his flaming camper van build...... think I've come across 4 maybe 5 of those
Thanks Ian much appreciated
I agree 100% with your argulentation in this video. And that's why I enjoy your channel: you're brutally honest! I bought a Z50 several years ago as a travel camera. That a 20 Mpixel crop sensor camera. The images that come out of it are simply stunning. I can't tell the difference between an image from my D850 and the Z50 when printed up to A3+. Anyway, The Lake District is on my bucket list and when I ever make it there I'll be sure to give you a visit.
Thanks Pascal, the reality will be there’ll be very little difference without looking at them at 200% in Lightroom, bigger sensors in my experience handle colour gradations a little better but that’s only really when the file is being pushed and pulled significantly.
I searched for this video, it had a message directly for me. I am shooting on a Nikon D600, and with the Nikon 85mm F1.8 I create superb images with crisp quality and bokeh and color and everything. But I often find myself mooning over new gear, window shopping online, and watching new gear reviews. This video realigned my perspective to what's really important. Just shoot and enjoy shooting.
Fantastic camera. Fairly light, great sensor and pretty fast shutter too for the price. Best part is if you break it by using the hell outta it, it won't bankrupt anyone to replace.
Totally agree with you Stuart I've took good shots with my phone that I love half way up a mountain in Glencoe, been in the right environment will get you better photos than watching videos about cameras 😊
Yep totally agree
Good on ya fella for saying this. Enjoy the rest of ya weekend.
Thanks 👍
From another pro' photographer, I 100% agree with what you say about camera kit, and many RUclips reviews. All digital cameras and most lenses made in the past 10 years or so are great, often more capable than the owner (and I include myself in that too!). The best camera kit is like a comfy pair of shoes, not necessarily the latest Nike trainers. Btw, very envious of your location...🙂
Thanks Andy much appreciated, completely agree 👍
Ich beneide jeden Mensch der Fotos in solch schönen Landschaften machen kann, er kann sehr dankbar dafür sein.
Good points, I was totally lost what to buy because my D7500 broke down. But you're right, it doesn't matter, they're all good nowadays! Buy what suits your budget and needs
Thanks so much for reminding us - so true. The internet is a dark deep hole one can be easily trapped in and get confused and „urged“ to buy the latest greatest, which is often not needed. I went from Nikon to Fuji, just because the tactile Fuji makes - for me - more fun to go out taking pictures. But that‘s only me. As you said, any DSLR or mirrorless from the last 10 years gets the ( landscape) job done.
Ahhh something we have in common.....I hate buying camera equipment right down to camera bags! I have seen people on here telling everyone how good this or that must have gear is when the people that they are talking to have a family to feed and a mortgage to pay for and quite often they are talking about Six grand or more! Yes you do need a camera to take pictures with I don't have a smart phone! You are right there is not much change in picture quality from cameras over the last ten years, all my gear is older than that! but I am happy to carry on using it until judgement day or when it packs up, I have yet to wear a camera out yet but I am still trying! Thank you for your excellent input on this matter. Oh I had better say I like your landscape pictures you show us! Please don't mention Electric bikes will you!!!!!
Thanks, yep it’s a bit concerning 10k cameras etc. are talked about on here in such a normalised way to be honest.
I am not a professional photographer and I don't play one on RUclips. Switched to the Fuji X system several years ago. Are they the best cameras? Probably not. Is it something I enjoy making images with? Yes it is. Keep doing what you do Stuart, with whatever equipment suits your needs. I certainly don't watch your content to see what kit you have.
I love my Nikon D750 for location pictures and my Olympus OM5 Mk II for everything else, both bought used from that well known site. Neither are cutting edge or recent but they serve me well. I got into the Olympus mirrorless just before Nikon brought out the Z series and occasionally think about making the switch but then I see videos like this and think again. My kit suits my needs - why be a gear slave? Thanks for the vlog - lovely picture by the way.
If you’re happy with the results you get and the systems work well for you then it’s job done 👍
100% spot on Stu, great video! 👍
Cheers mate
The main thing for me now is size and weight of the kit. I can fit my Sony A7R4 with 16-35 and Tamron 28-200 with filters, spare batteries and memory cards in a small bag insert that will fit most hiking bags or fit a shoulder strap and use it as a bag on its own.
I love the little Tamron lens and sold my 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f4 once I convinced myself that the difference in image quality was not worth the weight / size. The A7R4 body is 60mp and I will use it until it breaks :)
Yep your approach mirrors mine, I have the Nikon equivalent set up which is use 90% of the time (I do have a 100-400 that I use sparingly) for static landscapes at F8 and beyond it’s more than enough. That body will last you years
I sold the 100-400 as it had so little use. The cropability of the Sony sensor gives me some scope but the only thing I miss out on is those super moon with some object in front of it type shots that have always fascinated me but are so bloody hard to get 😂
The only reason I am tempted to change from my Nikon 'Holy Grail' of three zoom lenses and my Nikon D810 to a the Z series is the weight factor when on long hikes. I don't think the Z series is ever going to get me better images than my D810! Well, not for me anyway. Good honest vid Stuart. Cheers, Ray.
Good talk... that's exactly what I'm preaching. We're back into film era, all cameras are the same - just switch the roll ;) except that some are still making good lenses, while others are cutting corners.
Stuart, I enjoyed your perspective. However, I am going to be culling a lot of gear in the near future to simplify for landscape photography specifically. My bent has been travel photography for years, and I have enjoyed getting to all my bucket list spots. But now I want simplicity with one good body and a couple of zooms for the landscape. Cheers! Great video....
Hell, even for lenses, my 40mm takes the cake for usability. Maybe a 35mm stabilized would be equal but the weight makes the 40 2.8 so useful. The 24-105 has more range than I often use for landscape, at least for the best photos
I use an old Nikon D7000 and it makes wonderful photos. Thanks for the video, made me subscribe
Thanks 👍👍
Yes, I would absolutely love to see picture comparison dynamic range with a Z63 and Z72. I just recently acquired a Z63, traded in my ZF, for the Z63. I shoot wildlife and landscape, and I hear so much negative on dynamic range and how the Z63 is not a capable landscape camera.I am no professional, I don’t sell pictures all the time, I just like to shoot and show my images on social media and print off sometimes. I just want to prove everyone wrong who keeps giving bad reviews of the Z 63 being a landscape camera and wildlife camera.
Hi Stuart, the older I get the more I think common sense is a superpower, one you have in abundance!
I heard a saying a few weeks ago that is as applicable to photography as it was in the context I heard it ( Prof Kevin Fong at the Covid Enquiry as it happens ) "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted". Kinda sums up what you were saying. One of the biggest factors I found that improved my photography and cost me no money was getting how the camera works into "muscle memory", so I don't need to waste my very limited brain power on working out what buttons to press when I want to get an image, it is simply second nature .... leaving me both brain cells free to be creative ;-)
Thanks for watching Steve
@StuartMcGlennon your work is amazing. You are so right about skill over gear. Photographers can’t really use the excuse that they really need the next new camera to get the best results. Any modern (or even not so modern) camera can deliver superb quality. I think there’s a big gap between talking gear and talking photography. Moving to taking about the art of photography and not mentioning the gear is a goal I think all photographers should aspire to. I’m sure it’s a sign of growth. If you really do just like buying the latest camera and all the research that goes into that then that’s also fine. Just be careful you’re not buying it to make your photography better; only you can do that with practice and passion 😊
i really enjoyed your points, and I agree. As a professional artist many people ask me about what software I use or what tablet or what god beware even what paper. And the answer is always... the greatest difference you will notice in the quality of your artwork will be experience and mileage. And same with photography I'm pretty sure. Some of the greatest photos taken in the 20th century have been on analog cameras with a lot less capabilities than what we have today. Buy one that feels good and then... shoot!!! And lovely accent haha
Greetings from Germany
Refreshing Stuart. Thanks.
Wise words and a lovely 10 stop image, mate. Was that the spot you took us to? Seemed familiar 🙂👍
Cheers pal yes same spot
I love going to camera shows, just to watch the guys with their big cameras and lenses, dont forget the big flash.
Spot on. Love your videos and pictures.
👍
Now that this one dropped and got a bunch of likes and subscribes let’s see you continue to walk your talk! 👍🏾 Amazing image and I prefer the Z glass over my F glass so I agree halfway.
I know that’s a light hearted comment and I’ll treat it as such, but with respect I’ve little to prove to anyone and have no interest in RUclips popularity, my record in photography extends well beyond this place and did before I ever made a video.
But thanks glad you liked the image 👍
Love the video Stuart. Dynamic range comparison? No thanks. However! I’m a Z6 owner and contemplating upgrading the Z6iii for the flippy screen. I do wonder about the loss of pixels when cropping aspect ratio’s though. Would appreciate a “real life” view on this on the Z6iii. Also, I purchased the 24-200 on the back of you using it and printing the size you do (against all the reviews on YT advising of poorer image quality). If you had any thoughts on the 28-400, I’d value your opinion.
If you mean destructive crops in-camera when using other aspect ratios that’s on all Nikon’s (frustrating). From what I gather the 28-400 is another great lens if you’re intending on only ever doing landscape with it around F8, I’d have probably bought one myself had it been around when I got the 24-200. I believe Tamron do a 70-300 for Nikon Z which is also excellent
Great thoughts Stu!
The three bits of gear that made the biggest improvement to my images are..... spikes on the tripod. Seriously 😊
😂
As you know Stu, I'm still shooting with a D750 and it does the job I want it to, though there are times when I wish I could afford to update it to one of the Z Series, just for some of the newer features that I think I would find really useful, like focus stacking for instance. Anyway, another thought provoking vlog and to be honest, I came around to your way of thinking as regards gear a few years ago now.
I guess this wouldn't be the time to ask you how much use I might make of a Black Mist Filter when shooting woodland?🤔😉🙃
Cheers Ian, black mist filter has fairly limited use cases though I’d say it’s more effective when there’s actual mist involved to soften highlights than actually being a tool to mitigate a lack of mist.
Thanks🙏👍
Upgraded to mirrorless from my DSLR recently. The question of which lenses to pair with it inevitably came up. Having owned some decent ones in the past, I've opted for one that actually isn't the absolute top-end, pixel-peeing quality. The lens I've chosen is repeatedly described as 'fun'. I don't do this for a living, and having 'fun' seems to be pretty good thing to aspire to for a keen hobbyist. From the online reviews I've seen, I'm confident it will still take awesome pics, and it means I've removed the hassle of choosing/carrying multiple lenses with me. One camera , one (fairly decent) lens, and hopefully a smiling face!
A very interesting, entertaining and honest video, Stuart. I enjoyed it. Funnily enough, I have just bought a new Nikon Z 24-200 lens to use on my Zf. I am travelling to a couple of places in Germany and wanted flexibility allied with as little weight as possible plus good IQ and this lens seems to offer it. I agree with you about the influencers, although there are a couple I do watch, and trust, but surely the worst has to be Ken Wheeler who, when finally persuaded to go out with Jason Lanier, proved to be an abysmal photographer. I have been to the Lake District (many years ago) and you are blessed with such wonderful scenery on your doorstep. Your Gallery looks good too and I wish I lived a little closer so I could visit it, but Keswick is quite a jaunt from London. Happy New Year for 2025 and Good Luck with everything photographic to you and your viewers.
Very refreshing, thank you! Allow me to add a question: which software do you use for editing? I’m trying to ditch LR and PS. The subscription model sucks and I don’t care much about the AI stuff.
I use Adobe too though I’m hearing a lot of good things about DXO (I use the pureraw plugin)
@@StuartMcGlennon Thanks for replying so quickly. I’m currently testing DXO. Looks promising.
Yup, you make great images and most of us love to fuss over gear because we can and it’s fun. Few will match your results but there is always that hope that we might get closer with newer gear...If everyone was so grown up about buying gear then the camera companies would have to raise their prices due to the lack of sales.
Yep we’re all to blame lol 😂 and they exploit our weakness
I photograph mostly birds or wildlife. Mostly right here on my property. As a hobby. I don’t justify equipment. But I am “budget constrained “. My last CF body was the 7D. And I have a 1D3. Upgraded a year ago to R7 to replace the 7D. Day and night -the R7 is a huge leap forward. But I am yet to get any serious RF glass. I do have serious EF glass. I do like new gear, but I am not buying the latest just because. But I will say, the R7 required me to change some techniques. The way the AF works required a mind shift- and I wont go back. I keep the 1D3 as a backup/ second body. It is worthless on the used market. But I think an R8 or used R5 is on the horizon. If I shot portraits or landscape, I think you are correct. But for birds in flight etc, if I could get an R1 , I would. How a professional actually justifies such a purchase though is beyond me.
For those that shoot fast moving stuff the modern AF systems are absolutely worth investing in
I find small things like being able go shoot in 4:5 aspect ratio is far more important than dynamic range or megapixels. Image quality is a problem that's been solved over 10 years ago.
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Loved the rant and I am so glad you put a little pic up of those two doylems from the US, they are using oxygen up. Too many sharp photos of lousy concepts. People need to think more about being creative rather than throwing money away. And yes it was an ethereal photo.
Cheers mate, I’ve no issue with those two as reviewers it’s when he starts spouting about being a pro which is total nonsense, they make a living reviewing gear, stay in that lane. Does a disservice to those skilled at actually doing it.
Thanks for your videos ❤
Thanks 🙏
Very insightful. Thanks!
Seems like pros are the ones that least change the equipment. My neighbor is a portrait and wedding shooter and he still work with DSLRs, the same ones he was using before the pandemics.
I, as a hobbyist, only want an smaller kit. I was a bit overwhelmed with the number of options. I have Canon DSLRs but I want something smaller. That's it, an small overall kit. Seems like Fuji and Sony make small lenses and bodies and that's it. Thanks to your video I cleared my mind a lot about which system to buy. Thanks!
Gear vs experience/skill - Love it...made me smile with this bit - "....taking a photo 5 stops under exposed.. you're a bit of an idiot" I think thats an ethereal statement. ;)
No one needs new gear unless there are photos they want to take but literally can’t with the gear they have. As long as you’re able to create the photos you want to create, your current gear is fine. We should all focus more on skill and less on gear.
Very very informative and interesting.
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😅 So nice to see somebody calling these clowns out. Northrops have been saying stupid things for years. 💯 talking heads. Self appointed experts. I love my gear, but you are absolutely correct.
Stu bringing the heat.
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