Why I have shot Nikon for over 20 years
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 29 авг 2024
- I've shot Nikon for over 20 years. Will I continue shooting Nikon in the future?
Squarespace: www.squarespac...
Check out my new gallery pages - www.nigeldanso...
RUclips viewers get $100 off Mastering the Art of Landscape Photography - www.nigeldanso...
New book Seascapes - geni.us/seascapes
A big thanks to Rick for the help with filming and editing this video - / rickbebbington
Sign up for my newsletter - geni.us/nigeln...
Where I get my AWESOME MUSIC - geni.us/amazin...
Kase Filters (my fav filters) - geni.us/Kase | And use code NIGEL for 5% off
Instagram (follow my daily stories) - / nigel.danson
NIKON GEAR (Main STILLS camera)
Current landscape camera - Nikon Z7 - geni.us/nikonz7
Awesome telephoto lens - Nikon 70-200m f/2.8 - geni.us/nikon70200
Great ultra-wide angle lens - Nikon 14-30mm f/4 - geni.us/1430mm
Hiking mid lens - Nikon 24-70mm Z f4 - geni.us/nikon2470
Sharpest mid lens - Nikon 24-70mm Z f2.8 geni.us/2470mm28
Very long lens - Nikon 500mm F5.6 - geni.us/nikon5...
FILM GEAR
AWESOME DRONE - geni.us/dji_ma...
Nikon Z6 - geni.us/z6nikon
Nikon 20mm Z F1.8 - geni.us/nikon2...
Nikon 24mm Z F1.8 - geni.us/nikon24mm
Nikon 50mm Z F1.8 - geni.us/nikon5...
Nikon 85mm Z F1.8 - geni.us/nikon8...
OTHER PHOTO GEAR
Clever camera strap (peak design) - geni.us/PDstrap
Microfibre Cloths - geni.us/microf...
Rab Downpour Pants - geni.us/rainpants
Awesome sensor brush - geni.us/brush4...
GorillaPod - geni.us/Kb9mV
The great printer I use Canon P1000 - geni.us/cIIc
Great bag for hiking - Tenba 24L - geni.us/orPwh
Great bag for travel (carry on) - Tenba 32L - geni.us/tenba32l
Super light Benro Travel Tripod UK - geni.us/Benrot...
A must have for tripod (L bracket) - geni.us/myLbra...
Lightweight tripod - Benro Mach3 Carbon Fiber Tripod - geni.us/benrom...
Paper I use for all my prints - Fotospeed - geni.us/fotospeed Use DANSON10 to get 10% off your paper.
Another Nikon Ambassador (Joe McNally) was asked recently what he felt about all those influencers talking gear and brands all the time. He answered, paraphrased, that they were probably camouflaging a deficit in the creative domain. Sic.
That or gear related content draws more views.
😯. Agree with the other comment. Gear reviews create views and discussion, maybe some sponsor benefits.
@@Nico-bc4ir Well, belive it or not but there actually are people who can have an interest in photography AND gear as well. Who would have thought?... 🤫
So many RUclipsrs talk gear but never seem to show any actual photography from the gear. Nigel is out most weeks and getting amazing photos.
Just look at (the once great) Ted Hughes and the way his channel has gone. He may as well get an hour long slot on QVC selling cameras.
Good video, Nigel. Let me give you a suggestion for something I learned in a surveying course in College over 50 years ago: best way to set a tripod is to have one single leg on the higher part of the slope, and the other two legs on the lower part. It's much easier to adjust a single leg to have the camera well balanced.
Quality tip!
The best gear in harsh environments is the gear that you can depend on. I've shot beach weddings and portraits in Florida for almost 20 years and Nikon never fails. Thanks, Nigel, for great content, as always.
It is great content. I'm a Pentaxian and feel comfortable with the weather proofing of the Pentax series, (lenses and cameras). As you say, it's the gear you feel you can depend on. You feel for Nikon, (understandably so), and others for theirs. Nice post, thanks.
I remember being there... couldn't even see the landscape because of all the fog.... 😅
- and I got one of my all-time favorite photos from that morning! 😁
ok ok
@@NigelDanson 😂
Ok I'll say it "Jammy git"
I have no problem with your explanation of “why”. There’s a lot to be said for loyalty to a quality brand and as a canon advocate, I can respect your choice but won’t be changing brand any time soon, as my investments in glass and bodies do tie me in but quality, range and durability are the final determinant for me. Some great images, as always Nigel. Love the longer Len’s ones. 👍👏
Ergonomics, so true Nigel. It’s why I chose to go with Canon.
Now using the R5, and it fits into my hand so well.
Been shooting with Canon’s since 1985.
Stay safe 🇦🇺
Thanks Nigel! I am a Nikon user too. They make great tools. Ultimately I can shoot any type of pic with my Nikon gear. I don't care what brand names others may use. Every camera today can run circles around the ones used by the masters of the past. The creative spark comes from the soul.
In 2024 I will be 20 years old using Nikon. I started with a Nikon D200, which I have so far working perfectly.
What makes me loyal to the brand is its ergonomics and especially the robustness and durability of Nikon products. I currently use the Nikon Z6II.
Big hug from Brazil.
No matter what you shoot, would follow you. Am used to Nikon, have used for around 15 years, love the menus, know where things are for changing settings, great images, why change? Will be staying Nikon. You are so fortunate to have such gorgeous scenery.
Great video (as always!) and I fully agree with your statements. I’ve shot with Nikon and Hasselblad since 1985 and never felt the urge or need to change. They do what they do, and very well. The weak link is more often me! Keep up the great work Nigel; you really do bring inspiration 👍🏻🙂
Amen💯💯
I love Nikon! I almost went to Sony when I went to mirrorless but I'm SO glad a photography friend talked me out of it. I've also had the Nikon Z6ii with the 70-200 out in the pouring rain. It worked well! I do weddings, family sessions, and landscapes. I'm very happy with the results I get from the Z6 and Z6ii. Keep up your amazing work Nigel!
Love my Nikon’s and have been shooting with Nikon for 15+ years…don’t see that changing. 😎📸
I feel very much the same way regarding my Nikon camera. After all, it’s just a tool, but it’s important to feel as comfortable as possible with your tools. I’ve been shooting with Nikon for more than 40 years. I know where all the settings are in the menus and I don’t feel like stumbling around trying to learn new menus and possibly missing photographs. One piece of kit that I just purchased and LOVE is the geared tripod head from the ArcaSwiss, the D4. It’s so easy to adjust the position of the camera in fine increments.
I started about 45 years ago, as a 6 year old kid, with a manual Pentax ME. Some years later a Pentax Super A. Still manual focus.
Somehow I ended up with Nikon in 2008 and never left. Love the feal of those body.
Nigel, would it be a great idea to make a comparasion between your old photos (style, composition) and yours today?
I am very curious about that!
I got into Nikon as a photojournalist long before digital and I've kept with it mostly because of the lenses. Would be an expense to change systems. Does the job, dependable, plus I can be in the radical in my camera club! D300 was the king for shooting sports and I still have my D300s as a backup to shoot parades and wildlife.
I still have my D300s since 2011 and has been my workhorse since. Even if I now have my Z5 I would probably keep it with me going forward. Same goes for my D50 which I have since 2006.
Well argued. I've shot Nikon for 40 years. My first move into mirrorless was with Fuji, which I enjoyed, but moving back to Nikon and the Z7 was like coming home and I have no desire to change. I now have the lens setup that gives me everything I need. (14-30, 24-70 f 2.8, 100-400 (w/ 1.4tc), 105mm MC and a Voightlander 35mm f2.
It feels like every single scene (not a photo) in this video can be a good picture on itself, the composition is spot on! I am learning so much, thanks Nigel 🙏
I have shot with Nikon since 2017, came back to photography after a long break (Chinon CE4), I went from aD5300 to a D810 and then took the plunge with a Z6 last year. Staying with Nikon but missed the workflow of my DSLR and have since sold the Z system and now heading back to DSLR but moving down to 16-24MP. This is a photography style choice but going to take advantage of some cheaper high end glass. I also think the menus are some of the most user friendly in the business (IMO). Your thinking processes around reasons not to change are sound and the analogy around your Dad’s hammer is a good one. Too many people get GAS or feel they need to have the latest tech as it will make their photography better. The tech will make their photography easier but not necessarily better. Love the channel Nigel and the FB group, such a great safe space with likeminded people.
Great to hear that Nigel. I can't take photographers serious that are constantly changing gear because they are mostly more obsessed with gear than being creative with photography. To know your gear needs time and practise. I am using Nikon since 2012 and know that tools inside out.
Seems to me there’s nothing necessarily wrong with this behavior, as long as photographers don’t think it (newer, more expensive gear) is the key to better photographs. I see similar behaviors in fly fishing (will one really catch more fish with the $1500 rod/reel?), golf (is that new set of clubs really going to take an 18 handicap down to 4?), will one really hit more clay or feathers with that $3000 shotgun rather than the old Remington 11xx?). Seldom. Regardless, many enjoy experimenting with new gear just for interest and the pleasure of doing so. I have too many Nikons and never truly mastered one before moving “up.” Some of us eventually realize that our limitation is not gear-but that doesn’t take the fun out of trying new stuff.
I work construction, and it's just like choosing your power tool platform. DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita. Pick which color you like best and roll with it. Companies might be a little stronger or weaker in certain areas. But they're all top of the line. I started with a Nikon point and shoot so that's what I'm going to stick with. 99% of us aren't getting photos published in magazines or having 4 ft wide prints installed in corporate headquarters. Whatever feels good in the hand and makes sense when it comes to the menus is good enough.
I’ve been watching you for years now Nigel. I have to say your videos are so informative always a pleasure to watch . Please stay safe you always seem to have yourself on the edge of a snowy mountain 🙏🏻
One great thing about the Nikon Z system, is that you can adapt any other lenses to it. I myself use the Sony 14mm f/1.8 and the Sigma 100-400 for E mount on my Z6 by issuing a Megadap ETZ adaptor which allows for full autofocus. So all the cheap third party lenses for the E mount will also work on the Z mount, along with all of Nikon's F (DSLR) and I'm pretty sure the Canon DSLR glass as well.
Thanks for the info. Much appreciated!
I'm newer to photography, doesn't this apply to most mirrorless systems?
Thank you Nigel so much for your love of Nikon. I can add my very positive experience with Nikon Service, which never let me down and returned my repairs and cleaning of my lenses within 2-4 weeks to my complete satisfaction.
Yes the water protection is better than with Sony. My Sony A7R4 was for one second under water. I lost the lens completely and needed to dry the body in the oven at 220F for 8h. The body still after four years works as new.
I actually use both systems. Nikon for landscape and Timelapse, Sony for birding. At the end it's the film we use and that is in all cases the same - Silicon. Handling and color setup can be done in both systems to everybody's liking.
Service is the one point I really think where Nikon is far ahead.
Please, keep your great work coming.
I bought my first digital camera back in 2005 just before my daughter was born, so I could capture photo memories as she grew up. I had a choice between Canon and Nikon. I chose Canon at the time and have stayed with Canon since then as I grew accustomed to their cameras, functionality and menu layout, etc. I have no brand loyalty, I'm simply used to the camera system I own which helps me produce the photos I want to make.
I was glad you mentioned the feel of the camera in your hand. As a Sony shooter, when people ask me about buying a camera, that's the first thing I tell them to do. They think I'm going to say they need to shoot Sony. Go to a camera store and pick up all the cameras and see how they feel. It doesn't matter what camera system you use as long as it works for you.
Well explained, it's exactly how i respond to questions about gear in forums. I have chopped and changed a lot but always return to Nikon, because they 'fit' me best. Olympus comes close second for me.
It has always been Canon for me and I am very pleased with my R5 and the RF lenses and also it has a sensor cover which I find really useful when changing lenses as I hate cleaning my sensor!!
It’s Refreshing to here & feel the soulful depth that a professional creative brings to the table! As you combine skills & gear & knowledge in your presentation your perspective is truly appreciated 💯💯
Thank you so much 😊
I have used both Nikon and Canon over the years. The last decade mostly Nikon. I went from the D850 to the Z9 this year. The Z9 is an amazing camera. Your comments about Nikon are correct. They have to be listening to you, and others like you, and will bring out those features you mentioned, and more, on next iterations of the Z6 and Z7 devices. But mentioning it on your channel does put the pressure on them. Stay well!
From 1963 (Nikon F) to now (Nikon Z), I've always depended on Nikon to deliver excellent and robust camera equipment. But, I agree familiarity is a key ingredient for remaining loyal. Also, I think it's good to have the same brand as your photo club members. In my area, about 85% of the members share their knowledge about, and enthusiasm for, Nikon!
Thanks Nigel! People over the years have asked me what camera to buy and I always have said that it is the feel of the camera in your hand. Back in the 80's Nikon was known for it's sleek design which is why I too have always had a Nikon. Thanks for always making it look easy even though we know it isn't.
I've been shooting Nikon since June of 1985, so that is almost 38 yrs. Prior to that I shot Canon. My 1st Nikon was the F3HP. It was a Bulletproof Camera. I went thru several Nikon Bodies since, and with the Exception of One, they were all excellent Cameras. The Exception being the D850. I can truthfully say, the only thing it could do well was act as a Paper Weight. After suffering with that POS, for 18 months, I unloaded it and got the Z9. It has restored my faith in Nikon.
A few years ago, my Aunt was looking a collection of my Pictures, and she said that I must have a very good Camera. About 2 weeks later there was a Family Social at her home. After Dinner, as Dessert was served, I told her that it was a Delicious Meal, and that she must have an Excellent Stove
Nikon user too 😊 I totally agree, not having the screen tilting vertically is frustrating… besides that, I love my Nikon cameras. They also have been working in horrendous conditions and still working 🥹 Lovely photos Nigel 🤩
It was so relaxing watching the beauty of the changing landscape and listening to you frame the shots.
I started with Nikon. Then Olympus, Pentax & Samsung. Now back to Nikon (Z5) and I plan to keep using Nikon as long as possible. Maybe something like Z7 III is my next one.
Right with you there, Nigel! (It's frosty here in British Columbia too). I've been shooting with Nikon cameras and lenses for more than 4 decades. It would make no sense to switch just because one brand or another pulls slightly ahead in one function or another.
I did buy into Fuji's X system for a while to try out mirrorless, before Nikon released the Z System ... and, incidentally, that Fuji kit worked well on my last visit to the UK, in 2016. But, as soon as Nikon released the Z System, I was on board.
Agree with your minor criticisms. Glad to have the vertical tilting screen on the Z9 (not to mention its other advanced features). Hoping Nikon brings some of that to a smaller, lighter camera. Z8 anyone?
Another great video Nigel! I think, constant temptation to change systems is more newbie thing, when people are just learning what they like and what they need. When you know what you need, you just choose once and stick to it for a long time.
The hill looks like a pyramid btw:)
Completely agree about the screen; I won't buy another body without a fully articulating screen. People often only think about it as a video feature, but as a photographer (no video) I'm tired of not being able to see the screen when shooting low vertically, it comes up all the time.
Thanks for the video.
I took my first photo on my Dad’s medium format camera when I was five years old. I shot medium format cameras for about 15 years.
In the late 1960s, when I started working as a newspaper photographer, I began shooting Nikon 35mm SLR cameras. Over the decades, I shot with Nikon F, F2, F3, F4, N70, N2000, EM, L35, and Nikonos. The Nikon F2T titanium was my personal favorite.
Over the years, I also accumulated over two dozen Nikon prime lenses from 14mm to 1000mm and about six Nikon zoom lenses.
Loved the durability, reliability, and versatility of the Nikon system. Regretfully, Nikon took too long to release digital cameras that I liked. Instead, I used Canon, Olympus, Fuji, and Leica digitals.
One of the reasons I think you like the feel of the Nikon camera bodies is that they have a design going back to the F3 by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Also Nikon are first and foremost an optics company which is why I think they have the sharpest lenses.
Great video Nigel as always. I shoot Canon and my main reason for not changing is lenses. Changing systems would be very expensive, and there's no way I could afford to do this. The best camera system is, the one you have with you. 👍
My grandfather was trained in the RAF as a photographer..... He shot Nikon..... thus these cameras sit in a display case in my "photography" room.... He himself was a Nikon ambassador... I now am looking to follow in his shoes on the photography side of things..... I have been shooting Nikon.... and love it.... currently shooting with the d780.
I grew up with Nikon, but chose Canon once I started buying my own gear. I agree with your point about focusing on the system. The ecosystem of bodies and lenses and the ergonomics and your proficiency with it all.
Thanks Nigel for sharing your experience with great comments & results..... I am only a hobbyist but I love Nikon gear and I am still using my D500 & happy with pics... camera feels so good in my hands & location of buttons are perfect for me....love the location of the video... cheers from Australia 😀
Nikon shooter here as well. You hit so many great points. I started on my Dad's Nikon FE2. When I got back into photography seriously I came back to Nikon. I mean, these days all the major camera vendors are good - you really can't go wrong. Which is why I always recommend going to the local camera shop and holding them in your hand. No camera feels as good in my hand as a Nikon. The ergonomics are perfect for me - and a big factor as to why I keep shooting Nikon. Great video!
Like many others here, I've been shooting Nikon for over 40 years and only fairly recently upgraded to a D850. Apart from reliability/build quality etc, Nikon just make the best looking cameras out there!
The Z system now has all a landscape photographer needs, mostly in just the 24-120 and 100-400 lenses. Lovely video in my favourite Peak District location. Yet to get the ‘perfect’ conditions but who cares, a great location whatever the weather (usually cold when I can get there)👍
If I could poach 2 lenses from other camera systems it would be the Nikon 24 120 and the Canon 100 500
@@samtaylor4592 a good choice.
When choosing system I really wanted to go Nikon but their lenses are just too pricey for me, as are competitors but sony has amazing third party offerings which was what sealed the deal, all things being equal I’d still go Nikon.
@@ChrisClayton There are no ‘cheap’ options I’m afraid. You go with the system that you like and suits you, that’s all that matters. No point in buying into a camera brand just because of the name.
@@peternickols2687 I didn’t buy for the name I bought for the price. £1k lens isn’t cheap for a sigma e mount but it’s cheaper than a £2k z lens. Yes the Nikon is better but we need to buy within our means.
I always appreciate your videos. I have been shooting Nikon since 1972 (Nikon F), I am an enthusiast not a professional, and I have stayed with the Nikon System because I really like it and because I have spent many years learning more and more about the system. My attitude is pick one thing and learn everything you can about it.
agreed with you Nigel, Nikon please,have full articulation LCD screen so we can take vertical shots.
Great video Nigel. Very excited 😀
Once you get to know your system, then 95% of your focus can be on the image, composition, light. Changing systems puts you back to square 1. Nikon has always been reliable, consistent, and top quality.
i changed from nikon to sony recently and one of the things i like most in your videos is that doesnt really matter... as you said, is much more interesting to see the composition and thinking than the brand itself.
It is good to hear that you like using Nikon. I am preparing to go to surgery. I was doing mountain photography in Kentucky. I slipped and fell down a small slope. After an MRI we discovered that I damaged my left rotator cuff. At least I didn't damage the camera.
Hi, I hope that your surgery goes well and that you fully recover soon.
@@nb7524 Thank you very much. The surgery went well and I am recovering slowly. Safety is an issue while doing landscape photography.
Having a camera system, that becomes complete second nature to you, so that muscle memory takes over allows you to the freedom to focus all of your energy and mind on the creative process, finding compositions, experimenting, enjoying where you are and taking it all in.
I’ve shot Nikon since 1979 with the F2AS. But could have just as easily been shooting Canon as I was debating on the old Canon A1 at the time. I do like Nikon and see no reason to ever change at this stage of life. I agree that they need a screen that flips vertically as well. My Nikon Z50 doesn’t either and my D810 does neither.
I’m relatively new to photography and started my journey in 2018. At that time I didn’t know if I was going to take to it but did want to make sure I was spending my money wisely so did much research on RUclips and physically tried lots of cameras. I soon came to the opinion that the Nikon was ergonomically superior for me so that’s the way I went and based on budget at the time bought a D7200 with 18-140 kit lens and 50mm prime. I then upgraded a year later to a D750 and then the beginning of 2022 went completely mirrorless. During this time my wife also took up photography with a Z6 and we both couldn’t be happier. It’s all about ergonomics for me and the way I feel with the camera in my hand and as for the glass I’m absolutely blown away with it. Yes I look at other cameras but still very happy with Nikon and can’t see myself ever changing.
I sold all my Sony APSC gear because it's an ergonomics nightmare. I tried the Nikon Z50 and was blown away for the feel and ergonomics, very good, perfect for me.
Hi Nigel,Ihave 2 Nikon D300 for years and with PureRaw from DXO, eaven if those cameras are old,I have amazing results.
I’ve been Canon for a very long time, since the 5d days, now having upgraded to the R5 and upgraded my favourite lenses on the RF system, 15-35 2.8, 50 1.2 and the 85 1.2, I’m quite satisfied that Canon will be my line up till I’m gone from this world. I have friends that use Sony & Nikon they all have pros and cons, but ultimately they all do the same job.
Nikon just has the legacy. The camera bodies are iconic, peak ergonomic design, the image quality has historically always been top of class, the F mount is a living legend with its lens catalog. A Nikon DSLR is a peak camera. Now the Z9/Z8 is smoking everyone else. Apple of Cameras, they’re not trying to be first, they’re just the best.
I've stayed with my D850. No sensor cleaning problem. No problem with battery charging! It also fits my man size hand.
I've been following your RUclips channel for a few years but I think this is one of the best (about gear) because you've not been seduced by the camera reviews that tell us to constantly change brands and so on. I got as far as the D850 and unless it gets nicked, broken etc, I am happy with it, and the four nikkor lenses I own. Each time I use it, pretty much, I learn something new, despite being very experienced these days. It is too heavy, built like a tank, but, that is also reassuring and makes me keep going out with it. I agree about covering the body opening though, I hate changing lenses as that is the best way to get dust onto the sensor. I guess if you give Nikon time, they will eventually have that on a new Z body at some point. Thanks Nigel, very enjoyable and thoughtful edition.
Hi Nigel, As you stated, the best gear is one that you can use. I have been a Canon user since 1976. I know where the buttons are and it feels good in my hand. Thanks for the video and have a great day!
Excellent upload! Your compositions are so good that every other key-frame from your video stands out as a landscape beauty I wish I could shot! I too am sticking with Nikon, started with Coolpix, used D5200 for almost a decade and just bought the Z5 + 24-120 f/4. As far as landscape photography is concerned, I'd say all the Z-bodies are fabulous still shooters and only feature missing is a sensor-shift multishot mode. The real revelation however are the Z glasses - nothing short of phenomenal!
Good to see you out and about again, Nigel 🙂
Thanks Steve
Impressive to see how you implemented your iPhone's view of the scene so elegantly into the video - great work! As I have just realized: The same is true for your Nikon! Video inside a video 👍
Had my Nikon d3100 twelve years, been all over the world, in the rain, covered in sand, dropped it a few times, and its still working. Its built like a tank.
Great video as usual Nigel. I have used Nikon since 1983. My first one was an FM which still works.
Being a Canon shooter for 20 years I agree with everything you say about being comfortable with your system. I’m familiar with the Canon system and see no reason to try and learn a one. I would rather spend the time improving my photography. Really enjoy your work.
Love the location around Chrome Hill / Park Head Hill. I've never used a Nikon, the new f4 lenses look great for landscape work. When I went all-in with mirrorless Nikon were nowhere to be seen so I'm fully embedded in Sony. Hard to change without swalling huge losses at this point
Many thanks, Nigel! Love your work, and videos. Over time - D90, D300, D3S, D750, D850. I love the D850, have all the lenses I need, so I can’t see spending so much more to get to the Z.
Love Chrome Hill. Thats quite a climb to the top :) . Took one of my favorite images from there. Great video again Nigel. Thank you
I totally agree with your point about the ergonomics. I’ve had nikons for almost 20 years as well. Recently I bought a used Fuji to try and its a fantastic camera but I spend a lot of time thinking about how to use it. I tried the new Z30 the other day and it works just like my D7500. I can just pick it up and go. Thats worth a lot.
Thanks for your videos and more tutorialling and giving me ideas in photography; yes followed same path like you with D100, D200 and then branched downwards to D70-> D300, then the FF amazing D700, D800 and moving across to Z system with Z50, Z7 and Z9 - and sharing between excellent F and Z glass. Don't see any need to invest in another system but more and more for occasional / fun / casual shots been using my Mobile Phone which like in early DSLR era is getting better and better in its iteration - feel that now Mobile image quality equals (in good - fair light) on par with Sony RX100
Nigel, if you have a bad back, you should use the belt on your camera backpack and adjust the shoulder straps to let the weight off your shoulders and onto your hips. Any backpacker can tell you that carrying a heavy pack is much easier with a properly adjusted hip belt. I also have a Tenba, and a bad back, and I can tell you that this works.
Ken
Thank you for your feedback.
I agree with you. Brand isn't the matter actually. They all do great gear.
May I suggest to add a lens hood to protect the front element better when falling or/and not keeping your tripod with a so pronounced angle? It freaks me out 😂
He gives a shot 6/10 that would be the best I ever could wish for 😄 Great video as always, Nigel!
That shot at 13:41 is lovely, Nigel.
There was something really important in here for me. I've been shooting on my Sony camera and experiencing a grass is greener effect for other cameras after watching people produce amazing results with them (andy mumford on fuji and you on Nikon, ect). I've recently invested more in photography education and really working on my editing instead of expecting the tool to do the work. You really can get the color and image out of the system you have, and its far more important for it to be familiar and to get out of your way when shooting a scene.
Enjoyable video as always Nigel. I started out with Canon in 1981 and then they came out with their EOS system, which was not compatible with their older lenses. I switched to Nikon (F3) because their newer cameras were compatible with their older lenses. Now I have a Z7II and have remained loyal to Nikon for all the reasons you listed (as well as being annoyed by all their faults that you mentioned!) BTW, really nice to see that your back is allowing you to hike up a steep hill with your gear. Hope it only gets better!
Nikon is on their own timeline, and does things their own way. I'm totally fine with that (and there are advantages to that approach). Looking forward to seeing what 2023 brings.
And your images are always amazing, your landscape composition skills are top-level. Thanks for the content!
A great location - I visited a couple of years ago when the weather was miserable but still managed a couple of shots I was pleased with. I like the balance you strike when discussing gear. I have a Pentax system (K3II) and appreciate your approach.
I love my Nikon gear through the years. For a few years they took a while to get serious on the mirrorless cameras but it was worth the wait. Loving my Z8. Their lenses are amazing too.
I started using Canon because that’s what my wife was using. Between us, we’ve got many thousands of pounds worth of lenses, so are unlikely ever to swap. She originally wanted a Nikon, but the camera shop didn’t have the one she wanted in stock. If they had, we’d no doubt both be Nikon users.
Been using Nikon exclusively since 1976. The gear simply works, and that goes all the way back to the first FM that I got for Christmas.
All great comments and so true. I also am nikon user. D300 and still have it. Recently got the z50, enjoying it so much.Tried the fuji due to size, never felt comfortable.
I agree, the tree bracketed by the light made a nice photo.
Don't matter what anyone shoots, it's YOU the user who chooses to shoot with what ever brand they want. But in saying that, it does depend on what you actually shoot. Nowadays there's not a lot of difference between them. Shoot what you're happy with.
Love your work Nigel
Great video, Nigel. Nowadays everyone is chasing the latest shiny thing and here I am still using my Nikon DSLRs for my Birding. 😆 Will probably change to mirrorless in a few years time when things mature a bit. Did try a few mirrorless systems but didn't find it meeting my expectations for birding yet.
I hope and believe that all the points you raised will come with the Nikon Z8.
As usual.....excellent presentation and amazing shots
Brilliant images Nigel. What a fantastic place to be photographing, plus the conditions.
Nigel, thanks for the thoughtful commentary on all this. I have been a Nikon shooter for decades now and I've grown increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of their mirrorless roll-out but have still held the course. Lately I've taken hard looks at both Fuji and Cannon as a possible solution to my frustrations. But honestly, I can't do it. For all the reasons you identified here. Nikon has been a part of my life for so long and I know exactly how the two of us work together in good days and bad. I'll hold the course on Nikon and switch over from FX to mirrorless this year.Patiently waiting, still, and very curious, still, to see what a Z8 may one day bring to the table. Cheers, and thanks, and I hope all is well.
Hello Nigel, I think that my first Nikon was ` Nikon F in 1980, (That dose make me feel old) since then I have update my film cameras A number of times but alway with Nikon in 35mm format. Always getting Nikon lenses as and when either I need them for a job or had the money to buy them. Yes my work and own 5x4 cameras and a Hasselblad or two as my work expanded. Then I was slow into the digital age only starting with the D90 and camera that was so easy to use giving me some nice result for my own images. Then I just love the way the Nikon grow the menu sicking to the same format but updating in as the technology grow. Yes I had a number of D range of camera like the D700, d750(the only Nikon camera I was never liked), D800e and the amazing D850. As mirrorless started and Hasselblad came out with the X1D I got one and was just stunned at the image quality of both the camera and its lenses, Yes it is a slow camera but I am OK with that and for a digital Hasselblad a good price, Yes I have upgraded to the X2D just blow me away. Then I saw the Z cameras I did give the Z6 and Z7 a miss but got the Z7ii as I am loving working with this mirrorless format. Saying that I do find the Z7ii just a bit slow for the jobs I was hopping to do with it. But the Z9 came out and what a delight to use, Yes it is a bit weigh more than the Z7ii but with longer lenses it is better balanced. Love your work keep well, keep safe and please continue to inspire.
In this day and age, all modern camera systems are phenomenal. Its all use case and comfort, really. Started on Minolta as a teenager in the 80s and still have all my glass and bodies….and use them! But I started with Nikons many decades ago, expanding my gear both backwards and forwards over time, to the point that I have access to a whole slew of lenses, some as old as 50 years, that still work well, even today. My Z7ii and 24-120 f4Z may be my go to landscape combo, but, man, I also enjoy pulling out my 50mm f1.2 MF Ais lens too! Some days I am old school Nikon F2 and film. Other days DSLRs and vintage and/or modern F glass. Still others, my Z mirrorless and the computer designed S line optics, that are mind blowingly good. I really cannot ever see me switching brands.
Also, with the wind it will be around -40C here tomorrow morning….THAT is cold LOL
Another great video! I'm a Nikon user too and ergonomics and quality build is the main think. Congrats. One question, where is the location of this video? Fantastic! Regards from Portugal!
I've been away for a few days so my comments are a bit late. I've used Nikon for at least 40 years and never had a problem or, equipment failure.
Prior to that I used Olympus, never had any trouble with that system either.
Two things were drummed into me many years ago when I was just 11, by an amazing art teacher at school, who ran an after-school photography club. I think back now and understand that the most common question he was asked was, what sort of camera did you take that picture with Sir? I'm almost 75 now and have never forgotten these two things he told us.
1) Better the devil you know, so learn to use properly whatever camera you've got.
2) No-one ever asked William Shakespeare or Charles Dickens what kind of pen they used.
He had to explain that one to a few of us, we were only 11.
The moral being... You take the photograph, not the camera.
OK present day tech' gives tremendous scope to enhance the image, either in-camera or later but, your vision and skill is what matters.
Although a long time Canon shooter, I agree with many points you made. The camera's a tool. Ergonomics so important so you're not spending time fiddling with menus in the dark or epic lighting. Great glass rules! Finally, the most important tool the photographer. My Canon R5 features a sensor curtain cover to help minimize sensor dust. I own a Sony A7III I use in astro work. I used your video to teach me how to clean the sensor because Sony's sensors become dust magnets. Thanks for the great video.
I've been using Nikon since I started taking photos. Maybe if I had bought a Canon or Sony, I'd be using one of them right now, but I bought a Nikon. I know how to use my camera and how to fix pretty much any issue that I or someone else might have (unless it involved artificial lighting, which I never have reason to use). That's far more important than chasing the latest features.
I'm also Nikon. I was once told that when you get some really good lenses that it doesn't make sense to change systems. My first good lenses were with Nikon, and when I switched to digital I got a full-frame (D700) so I wouldn't have to replace my lenses.
I swear sometimes that you're reading my mind, that's 3 weeks running your either somewhere I've just been, somewhere I was just going or somewhere I was at!
Think I was there last Saturday, amazing cloud inversion, nothing in the sky, but had a great morning.
Good to see your back seem "better" but I guess its one of those horrible places that takes forever to deal with, at least it didn't seem to stop you too much, looked like you got some nice shots out there 👍👍