Great advice. Biggest tip.... buy used. The majority of depreciation occurs when the first person buys it. You really dont lose money at all if you buy used.
Thanks for the tip Dean! This is definitely something that I should have mentioned in the video!! Thinking back, I have bought quite a few lenses second hand and saved a lot of money in doing so. You just need to know what to look for. Thanks for watching 😁👍
I did it, but it can also be dangerous. I purchased a 70-200 Tamron g2 and the stabilizer went out on it, had to spend hundreds to get it fixed instead of it being under warranty. I'd recommend it for manual lenses with no stabilizer but it's risky to buy an expensive lens with autofocus/stabilization without warranty
A plug for the nifty-fifty: For someone who is just beginning and only has a kit lens, I would heartily recommend a nifty fifty or equivalent. They tend to be of very high quality, have great light gathering ability, and they are as cheap as dirt. They resemble, to some degree, what you see with your eye (though the 35mm does too). A fifty millimeter can be used in a lot of situations, so it is generally useful. For Canon EF-S (e.g. EOS 1000D/Rebel XS/Kiss F, EOS 100D/Rebel SL1/Kiss X7, EOS 10D, EOS 1100D/Rebel T3/Kiss X50, EOS 1200D/Rebel T5/Kiss X70, EOS 1300D/Rebel T6/Kiss X80, EOS 1500D/EOS 2000D/Rebel T7/Kiss X90, EOS 200D/Rebel SL2/Kiss X8, EOS 200D/Rebel SL2/Kiss X9, EOS 20D, EOS 20Da, EOS 300D/Digital Rebel/Kiss Digital, EOS 30D, EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT/Kiss Digital N, EOS 4000D/Rebel T100, EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi/Kiss Digital X, EOS 40D, EOS 450D/Rebel XSi/Kiss X2, EOS 500D/Rebel T1i/Kiss X3, EOS 50D, EOS 550D/Rebel T2i/Kiss X4, EOS 600D/Rebel T3i/Kiss X5, EOS 60D, EOS 60Da) cameras. The 35mm is much more expensive, so try the 40mm, which is close enough to 50 full frame equivalent: Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM For EF Canon cameras: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM For Canon M mount cameras, the only good 30mm is from Sigma and it is north of $400. For Canon R mount cameras: Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens For Nikon FX cameras: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G If you have a camera with a screw drive (D1, D100, D2, D200, D3, D300/D300S, D4/D4S, D5, D500, D600, D610, D70/D70S, D700, D7000, D7100, D7200, D750, D7500, D80, D800/D800E, D810, D810A, D850, D90, Df), then this one is cheaper: Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D For Nikon DX cameras (Nikon D3xxx, D5xxx): Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G For Sony E mount cameras: Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS The Sony 35mm is much more expensive than these other lenses. Aftermarket 33-35mm lenses will all be more than $400 unless you get one of those cheap manual focus knock-offs {not recommended}. Assuming you have a kit zoom, you can look at the metadata in your photos to see what sort of focal length you shoot most with your kit lens. This can be helpful if you want to know what primes might be interesting. I would suggest that ultra-wide is not a good lens for beginners. Long telephoto is very expensive, so make sure it is what you really want or rent one first.
Thanks for the tips and information Dann! All great stuff. The nifty fifty is a great little lens, although I found that when I got one, all those years ago for the crop sensor camera I had at the time, it was a little limiting compared with the 35mm. So it all depends on which camera you have ... but like you said, the 40mm would be a more budget friendly option for the Canon system. Thanks for watching 😁👍
Went out yesterday and shot with my 35mm prime. Nothing else. Got great shots BUT I'm going to go wider so...10-20mm DX. I know zooms are popular but I'll give the 10-20 a go. Maybe get the 16-80mm later, then practice and learn and maybe even later get my D750🙂Thanks Mike. The vids are great.
Sometimes it is good to go out with just one lens. It can teach you so much about how it works, what are its strengths and weaknesses and also it can help you develop as a photographer. For instance in your outing with the 35mm, it made you realise you want to go wider. As always thanks for watching David 😁👍
Another good video Mike.! As many photographer's would say : Good photography is all about the glass"; and in terms of gear it is true. One type of photography you really didn't touch on was astrophotography, getting those surreal milky way images. If one truly wants to delve into using a wide angle or wide angle zoom for landscapes but also wants to "shoot the stars" than getting the wide angle lens with a larger aperture than F4 is more favorable. A F2.8 capturing more starlight will serve both types of photography. Although somewhat more expensive than an F4 lens, you have the ability of capturing those dark skies much easier and still use it for landscapes.
You're right Jim ... I really need to get out under the stars again as I have almost forgotten that side of photography that I love so much! Thanks for the tip and the reminder. 😁👍
Well, FWIW, before I found this or a similar vid from you (highly liking your output)....Canon 200D/EF-S 10-18/55-250mm & a Tamron 17-50XR DiII NOT VC (Canon I wanted for that type range was too expensive for something not sure about & small and light also important sometimes for me.....). All up call it £520 ish the lot (US$625 all based on Aussie$1020 using recent exchange rates but IMO that's a good feels-like price between UK and Aus at least) AND that's RETAIL from a V reputable dealer (1year used warranty fwiw)....IMHO (NOT a Pro) APSC is a very valid growing family format as MOST of the time you simply want most things in good focus (although particularly that Tamron you can blow backgrounds out "easily"). All this (and an EF-S24mm I just got LOL) will be a good present soon for that family purpose and will do for a few years for that and more if needed, I hope. For general learning, and a bit beyond it can be "affordable"..........JMO
Nice!! You're right, the crop sensor cameras are fantastic and with a bit of practice you can get some great photos with them. Thanks for watching James 😁👍
I have a rebel t7 and to kit lenses that came in a bundle and I'm thinking of getting a sigma 150-600 because a 75-300 is not cutting it for bird photography
I'd say that the 150-600mm would be a great lens for bird photography. That extra reach would get you so much closer, especially with the t7. Thanks for watching 😁👍
Ahhh... Lenses... I think my main problem with this topic is "I want them ALL". I have had my eye on the 100-400 Sony lens for a while, however, you have me looking hard at the Tamron 50-400. I have been taking photos of small birds lately and my 70-200 just does not allow me to fill the frame as much as I would like. Of course I could go for the 600mm F4 for $13,000, but the cost of that + the alimony that I would have to pay is just a bridge too far. As always, great suggestions on choosing a kit. I hope you guys are warming up over there and doing well. Take care.
Haha! $13,000 would be a worthwhile investment ... I think. 🤔😆 The 50-400 is a fantastic lens, but the smaller widest aperture might be a bit limiting for wildlife. Although the weight is rediculously low for what it is, and with the new denoise option in lightroom, this makes shooting with higher Isos an option. We're all good, it's still pretty cold here but hoping for some better weather soon ... Before summer ends 😆😁👍
Mike, thank you for the video. I have a Sony A7iii. It came with the kit lens, which, as you say, is a 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6. It got me started in photography, and it takes fine photographs. I wanted a more open aperture, so I bought a Sigma MC-11 adapter and, for less than $100, a Canon 50mm, f/1.8. It takes outstanding images, and I have been using it a lot this spring to shoot the tulips and other flowers blooming. Since I had the adapter, I then spent about $400 for the Canon 85mm, f/1.8 USM. Its a good lens, but I have so much to learn about it; I don't think I'm getting out of it anything close to what it has to offer (so I'll have plenty to work on in this journey. I should take some portraits with it, but my potential models run like the wind when they see me with a camera...). Then, for business trips and street photography, when I don't want to worry too much about my kit going through the airport security or on sketchy streets, a recently bought a used Canon EOS Rebel T3i DSLR for $225 and a Canon 28-105mm zoom for just $24 (the web site described it as "as is") and took it on a business trip to Washington D.C. And, well... it takes fantastic images -- well exceeding my expectations! I probably should have started there, but I didn't know what I didn't know when I started, and the Sony, of course, looked so sexy. Now I have too much kit! (But I didn't spend too much for it.) So, I need to avoid the lens paralysis you described in one of your other videos. I could have worse problems, though, for sure. And, really, its all about the composition and being there to shoot it, no matter the kit. The most "likes" I got recently was for a photo I took on my iPhone 7. That's what I had at the time, when I was there, in that moment.
Thanks for sharing your journey with your kit so far Robert. It is a bit of a minefield when it comes to choosing the right kit. With photography a lot of people that have gone through the process of buying a lot of different kit say to get the biggest and the best straight away to avoid all of the perceived hassle ... but there is a lot to be learned from going through that process. Photography is definitely not the hobby to buy once and buy right. It is more about buying what is right for your level right now. When I was shooting architecture and real estate, I had a wide angle lens and a telephoto, and that is all I needed. Then when I was shooting corporate headshots, I would just take a 35mm and the 85mm prime. Nowadays, when hiking it is all about saving weight so I can walk further with a lighter bag and still get some great images. The main thing for you to do with your kit is to not think you need to take it all with you, every time. This is one thing I did a while back and it really did stop me from enjoying photography. Also selling kit can feel quite liberating!! 😆 Thanks for watching 😁👍
I sold the kit lens 18-55 and bought the Tamron 16-300mm. Added the 50mm f1.8 later on. My 5dmk4 came with the 24-105mm F4L as kit lens, so I used that and the 50mm f1.8.
@@bamsemh1 I haven't been lucky with the weather so far ... every time we've had a good forecast, I've either been in the wrong place or I've had work commitments that I couldn't get out of. 😩🤦♂
Good advice, Mike. Especially about old, manual lenses. So much fun and really slows you down. Just bought a Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f2 for £50. 70 years old and really enjoying using it.
There is a lot to be gained from using those older lenses and it is awesome that we can use them on mirrorless cameras! I bet the 58mm will produce some really interesting photographs!! Thanks for watching 😁👍
I have the kit lenses that came with the camera and have acquired several vintage lenses including a 50mm prime and a 55mm prime but my main lenses are the sigma 17-50mm f2.8 and the sigma 150-600mm contemporary f5.6-6.3 I've used both for astrophotography as well as landscape and wildlife and I find that the 17-50 is bit power hungry if you have the image stabilization on if you can get by without it I strongly recommend it because it will make your batteries last longer. unless you're a very steady person I do recommend using the stabilization on the 150-600mm especially if you are using a crop sensor camera which will make it the full frame equivalent of a 240-960mm lens yes it's like a small telescope at night!😮😊
Thanks for sharing your process of shooting as well as the lenses you have Alvin! Intersting to hear about the 17-50mm being power hungry. Sometimes those IS systems do burn through batteries more than usual. As always thanks for watching 😁👍
Great video, Mike. When I got a hand me down SLR I didn't even know I could change the lens. I used it for a year before it died, saw it again last year, embarrassed that I never noticed. After a kit lens, I got a 50mm like everyone says and hated it. I need to be able to take pictures both close and far but changing a lens on a boat with sea spray is not wise. That Tamron is a life saver. Stay safe.
Thanks very much Lance!! The great thing with photography is that we have so many different options so one persons setup can be completely different to another persons. When I got the 50mm all those years ago with a crop sensor camera, it seemed very limiting with the framing, but the 35mm worked so much better for me. Haha!! I bet when you saw it was removable you thought, "no way!! 😆🙈" As always thanks for watching my friend 😁👍
Great explanation of one of the fundamental pieces of the photography set up. I'm sure we've all bought lenses that we never really needed, but surely that's part of the process and steep learning curve we all enjoy. As you say, you don't really lose much on good lenses, especially if bought secondhand in the first place. As for rental, Fuji has a great online site where you can book and rent kit for 48hours for free (cameras and/or lenses). This was invaluable when trying out some of their new releases last year. There is a large deposit to pay up front, to prevent the shady types from running away with the kit, but it's always paid back promptly. They even come and collect it from your home when the rental period is over.
Thanks very much! You've made a great point about it being part of the process of photography ... and it all falls under that umbrella of retail therapy, just really expensive retail therapy!! Great tip with the fuji 48 hour hire ... I saw that years ago but completely forgot about it as I was out of the country and couldn't take advantage of it, but now you've reminded me, you might just see a video with a fuji in it in the future. Good to hear they are quick to repay the deposit. I was looking at hiring the GFX with a few lenses and the deposit comes to over 4 grand!! As always thanks for watching Darren 😁👍
Just bought my 1st lens (after my 18-135mm USM kit lens that came with my camera, which I think is a great lens) for my Canon 90D yesterday. A Canon 10-18mm wide lens. Mainly to be able to do handheld vlogs at a wider angle because the APSC crop makes 18mm seem really close in my videos so far. The 10-18mm lens is also a really light and small lens too, which might be easier to hold up for a while.
Hey Barry, That lens will be great for vlogging. I shoot at 17mm with my A7C handheld (so similar to about 11mm on the 90D). You really do need it when doing those talking pieces to camera. Thanks for watching 😁👍
I have a a6500 for about 6 years. I used the kit zoom lens and the kit 55-210 lens the whole time. I recently got a Tamron 28-200mm, loving it so far! I mostly do automotive photography as a hobby
Hey Mike.. please make a video on how to safely carry a camera while hiking multiple days. Carrying it inside rucksack is not efficient. The peak design capture clip is a good option but expensive. Would you recommend some options to keep the camera handy and safe while hiking? Thanks
Hey Prasad, I'll see what I can do... but in the mean time; for long hikes I keep my camera on the capture clip when I am out walking and then I would have a padded insert for a space for my camera inside my travel rucksack just in case it rains. If the capture clip is too expensive for you, you might want to look at the f38 system from ulanzi. amzn.to/42CmZVr That is about half the price and looks to do a similar job. And you probably know this already, but don't listen to SD. Take your camera with you as you will be able to get much better quality photos than just with your phone, especially when it starts to get dark. Thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography Thanks Mike, I will check the f38 clip. And yes I do prefer the control and quality of a dslr over a phone. I use my old compact companion Nikon d5300 (which is a crop sensor) with tokina 11-16 f2.8 and the Nikon 18-55 kit lens. Looking forward to more amazing content.
I got my Sony APS-C camera a couple of months ago. If this video came much earlier I would have preferred to get the 35mm instead of the 50mm..Another great video Mike! ❤
It is a tricky one to do, and expensive. I don't regret doing it though... What are you shooting with at the moment and what are you thinking of switching to?
@@mikesphotography Now that’s a lengthy conversation! I currently use a Nikon D750, which does almost everything I want it to very well (and I do really like it), and an iPhone with a gimbal for video work. But switching between the 2 on a shoot proves awkward and cumbersome. I hope to expand the video work so mirrorless cameras with IBIS and their improved autofocus systems consequently present a very convenient package in one camera. I’m torn between switching to Sony or maybe Fujifilm. Unfortunately even switching to Nikon mirrorless means the lenses are not directly compatible. As we’ve previously discussed, I shoot portraits in low light, and now I’ve just tried out Lightroom’s new AI noise reduction and suddenly made me start to reevaluate things and appreciate the results I can get with the D750 even more. I’m in no rush so just saving up in the mean time.
Haha! I always enjoy a good old conversation about kit. For video work the Sony system is fantastic, especially with the gyro data saved in the file giving you the option of stabilisation in post. I use this all the time for my handheld stuff and it works really well. I haven't used Fuji yet, but they also look good for both video and stills. Like you said, since the Denise update in LR, it has kind of changed the way we can shoot. 👍 I'd say to research it as much as possible, but it sounds like you're already doing that. 😁👍
@@mikesphotography Cheers for the heads up on the Sony. I do like the Fujis, but can’t help but feel that the full frame Sonys will be better in low light. I will be comparing the signal to ratio as you suggested, though a whole new range of cameras will probably be available before I get around to replacing what I have.
I bought it from MPB... The previous owner had already put a collar on it. Well worth getting as otherwise it is a heavy lens hanging off the mount. I think there are a few 3rd party companies that make them as well. 👍
Really interesting video Mike and some great advice for a newbie like me. I recently got the Tamron 28-200 as my upgrade from the Sony kit lens and as you say in the video, it’s ideal for me as i like to go on long hikes so don’t want to carry a load of camera kit with me. I also bought the cheap 50mm 1.8 Sony lens and it’s a lovely lightweight set up, but i very rarely use it. Shame really as it’s good for the price but the convenience factor of the zoom wins all the time!
Great to hear what you are shooting with Anthony! The 28-200mm is such a versatile lens ins't it!! I find that having a prime like the 50mm in the bag is great, even if you only use it once in a while. I find that sometimes I don't use my prime for months, and then other times, I spot a few photographs that would work well and break it out! One thing I would say is to go out for a short walk with just the 50mm and see how you get on. If you do this every now and then, it'll help your photography and really push your creativity ... and then when you are out on the bigger hikes, you might start to spot some potential compositions that would work better with the 50mm prime. Thanks for watching 😁👍
That shot of Bromo was so good 😁 I think for beginners, it’s totally worth finding a long telephoto than a super wide. Super wide when I started got me thinking “i need to get everything in frame!” and the thought that more stuff in frame was better 😂
Ah man, Bromo is such an amazing place to shoot. I can't wait to go back there and film the experience!! You're completely right there. A good telephoto lens works wonders for the motivation and in getting some good, unique shots quite quickly! Super wides are fun, but they do require a lot of practice to get totally unique shots. I use mine for about 5% of my photos. As always thanks for watching dude 😁👍
Thanks again Mike. I'm currently looking at a lens to complement my 12-24mm, 18-140mm and 55-200mm. The Nikon 70-300 AF-P FX version is a candidate. And since it has the VR On/Off switch I can use it without restriction on my Nikon D7200. But I'm also considering the 28-300, more expensive, but also more versatile. Having to swap lenses all the time can be cumbersome. It is hard to come to a decision.
It is tricky isn't it. Sometimes you have to just make that decision and stick with it. Having a lens that covers a whole host of focal ranges is quite liberating! I'm loving shooting with the 50-400mm ... I seldom change lenses any more when I am out! As always thanks for watching 😁👍
Im rlly into Macro so my plan for my next lens is a macro lens :) I still have my kit lens to do most other genres but I absolutely love macro so I know I definitely want a macro lens :)
I have a kit lens that came with my Rebel T7 (18-55mm and 3.5-5.6f) as well as two lenses that were left over from my brother's old camera. A 28-70mm 2.8-5.6f Sigma lens, and a 75-300mm 4.0-5.6f canon lens, I love them all very dearly but have found that the 75-300mm definitely gets the sharpest photos, especially when it comes to portraits, and the sigma gets the best colors and lighting, while the canon kit lens gets the all around average of everything haha
Hi Mike, Thanks for the great video on L-Brackets.Your presentation has exposed the negative aspects of each product and I'm sure has helped many people decide. I have one question concerning any L Bracket that has the vertical mount side offset to totally clear the flippy screen. With it being "more forward" than the Horizontal plate and doing vertical panoramas, does it mess with the nodal point and parallax condition? I will be updating my Canon 5DIII without a flippy screen to a R5 with a flippy. I'd like to settle this issue before I proceed.
Good question. I'd say it would almost help with the nodal point. If the mounted point of the L-bracket was further forward it would bring the pivot point closer to the point of convergence. However, if you used a nodal rail, it would mean that you would have to change the position on that rail for the vertical mount. Thanks for watching 😁👍
Haha! Great to hear the binoculars are helping!! I hear the new iphones are going to have a really long optical zoom in them as well!! As always thanks for watching 😁👍
Thanks for a great video. As a beginner who just purchased an Olympus E-M10 Mark IV, what is your opinion on using dslr lenses on mirrorless cameras? I have quite a few of them which I inherited from my mom. Also, can you please tell me where you shot this video? I must go there! Thank you!
If you're asking about the vintage one, I have the Canon FD 50mm f1.4. A great little lens that let's in so much light, and the one I have is surprisingly sharp! Thanks for watching Olegs 😁👍
Ah yes, sorry. I have an adapter for it from eBay. It's the canon FD to Sony e mount adapter. You can find them for most mirrorless camera mounts nowadays. 👍
Hi Alan, I have the ProTactic 450AWii from Lowepro. It is a fantastic bag that does the job for me and my needs. Here's the link to it: geni.us/Lowepro450AWii Thanks for watching 😁👍
I'm going round and round trying to decide on a new lens for my Nikon D5500. I have a 18-55mm kit lens, a 35mm prime and a 55-200mm zoom (no VR). Right, I'm going to JUMP and get a NIKON AF-S 16-80mm 1:2.8-4E ED VR. No, maybe a AF-P DX 10-20mm F/4.5-5.6 VR G Lens No, maybe a AF-S DX VR 18-200/F3.5-5.6G IF-ED. Arghhhhh!!!!🙃🙃
Hi David, It is a struggle! 😆🙈 Ask yourself what are you missing? Is it a wide, is it low light or is it stabilisation with a telephoto? The first thing you lean towards is probably what you want to get. Photography is tricky and you probably wont get it right every time, but the more times you make a decision and stick with it, the more decisive you will become. I hope that helps, and good luck! 😁👍
I bought a fujifilm x-t4 with a 16-80mm f4 lens the other week and have been out getting used to working with this system. There's been times where I would have liked to zoom in closer but I think the main limiting factor I've ran into is light sensitivity. Early hours in the morning and late evenings start pushing shutter speeds up to levels where ibis can't make up for my hand stability. Seeing as I can't possibly afford a 70-300 lens at this point I'm pondering looking into a bright prime at some reasonable focal length for indoors or evening photos, but not sure what length would be most suitable or just how fast it needs to be. Is a 2.8 or 2 sufficient how much better is the 1.4> and are they worth the money?
You will notice a bit of difference with the f2.8, but if you can afford it, I'd go for an f1.8 or an f1.4 if you can. For indoor photography, on the x-t4, I'd go with either the 35mm or maybe a 28mm if they do one ... you might even like the 24mm. It does come down to personal preference and the size of the space you will be shooting in. One way to work out which would be best for you, is to set your kit lens to those focal lengths and see what coverage you would get. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching 😁👍
Question for the experienced: I bought a Nikon D7200 recently and upgraded the kit lens to a 17-50 2.8. i am out shooting more than I expected. Should I invest into more APSC DSLR lenses (dying system?) Or look to saving for mirrorless?
It all depends on your budget really. Even though the dslrs are being phased out, there are so many on the second hand market that they will be around for years to come. You have a few options. You could buy more aps-c lenses and keep with the system you are shooting with currently. You could invest in FX lenses so in time, when you are ready, you could upgrade your camera body to a full frame nikon camera and already have the lenses for that system. Or you could just sell it and invest in the new Nikon mirrorless range. You will probably find that the mirrorless system will be a lot more expensive ... I have since switching across to the Sony's from Canon, this is why I have got Tamron lenses instead of the Sony Pro lenses. If you stick with DSLRs you can also buy second hand and save even more money and probably end up selling them for a similar price. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography Thanks a lot Mike, really helpful. I think I'll continue honing my skills on the DSLR a bit longer and then as you say hopefully it all holds decent value to trade in/sell in a year or more. Tbh I'm more than happy with the results I get from it.
Beginners read this. You really DON’T need a 2.8 for landscape photography. I sold my sigma 24-70 2.8 to get the Sony 24-105F4. I’d rather have the range to just get the shot. If you do Astro or need low light a wide prime is the way to go
First, I wouldn't actually buy any lenses, but rather I would do research. See what types of photography you like FIRST, and then decide. So with that, I can't say which lens someone should get next because this will depend on what they want to shoot. Recommending a wide angle to an aspiring a macro or portrait shooter makes no sense, and recommending a 600mm prime to a landscape photographer probably makes no sense either (or very little). Of course there are the safe options, like a 50mm or a 35mm which are versatile for many types of photography (50 is probably the most versatile, but it's also not for everyone -- you have to like the 50mm "standard" view to commit to it, not that 50mm's are outrageously priced or anything --most are $500 or less). After you've decided what you like to shoot, then I would rent the lenses you feel might fit well (or that you've researched). Only after doing these two things, you can decide on what your next lens purchase will be, as it will ultimately depend on what you want to do (shoot).
OOOOR, you could ask Alexa, Siri, or one of the on-line chat bots for advice😊. Candid and comprehensive run through of buying decision-making process, Mike. Budget, field-of-view, and ergonomics topmost on my list. Rental costs mention a plus - specific pricing seldom said on YT. What we can really use, IMO, are photographic club/co-op lens lending libraries - no kidding (possible business opportunity). New picnic table - nice, no splinters.😊 Cheers!
Haha!! I'm sure ChatGPT would have a few vague options!! 😆 Photo clubs would be a great option with lens lending libraries!! It's a shame there isn't one standard mount because this would make it a great option. I suppose this is why hire companies are so expensive, because they have to have so much different kit in to make it a viable business. As always thanks for watching dude 😁👍
Great advice. Biggest tip.... buy used. The majority of depreciation occurs when the first person buys it. You really dont lose money at all if you buy used.
Thanks for the tip Dean! This is definitely something that I should have mentioned in the video!! Thinking back, I have bought quite a few lenses second hand and saved a lot of money in doing so. You just need to know what to look for.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
I did it, but it can also be dangerous. I purchased a 70-200 Tamron g2 and the stabilizer went out on it, had to spend hundreds to get it fixed instead of it being under warranty. I'd recommend it for manual lenses with no stabilizer but it's risky to buy an expensive lens with autofocus/stabilization without warranty
Just purchased my first lens today. Went with the Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 for my Sony A6000
Awesome!! That focal range is so much better than the kit lens, giving you a little more reach... and all at f2.8!
Thanks for watching Steven 😁👍
Just purchased the Sony 200-600 for wildlife and landscapes. Great purchase so far.
Awesome!! I bet that is a fantastic lens for both landscapes and wildlife!!
Thanks for watching Jay 😁👍
I’m so pleased I found you on this site.
My kit has changed so much but I think I finally may get rid of my 28-75, and go 35-150 that way from 16 I have a nice range to 400
Sounds like you are getting there with the best setup for you James.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
You are so nice and experienced, great video
Thanks very much!!
A plug for the nifty-fifty: For someone who is just beginning and only has a kit lens, I would heartily recommend a nifty fifty or equivalent. They tend to be of very high quality, have great light gathering ability, and they are as cheap as dirt. They resemble, to some degree, what you see with your eye (though the 35mm does too). A fifty millimeter can be used in a lot of situations, so it is generally useful.
For Canon EF-S (e.g. EOS 1000D/Rebel XS/Kiss F, EOS 100D/Rebel SL1/Kiss X7, EOS 10D, EOS 1100D/Rebel T3/Kiss X50, EOS 1200D/Rebel T5/Kiss X70, EOS 1300D/Rebel T6/Kiss X80, EOS 1500D/EOS 2000D/Rebel T7/Kiss X90, EOS 200D/Rebel SL2/Kiss X8, EOS 200D/Rebel SL2/Kiss X9, EOS 20D, EOS 20Da, EOS 300D/Digital Rebel/Kiss Digital, EOS 30D, EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT/Kiss Digital N, EOS 4000D/Rebel T100, EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi/Kiss Digital X, EOS 40D, EOS 450D/Rebel XSi/Kiss X2, EOS 500D/Rebel T1i/Kiss X3, EOS 50D, EOS 550D/Rebel T2i/Kiss X4, EOS 600D/Rebel T3i/Kiss X5, EOS 60D, EOS 60Da) cameras. The 35mm is much more expensive, so try the 40mm, which is close enough to 50 full frame equivalent:
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
For EF Canon cameras:
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
For Canon M mount cameras, the only good 30mm is from Sigma and it is north of $400.
For Canon R mount cameras:
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
For Nikon FX cameras:
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
If you have a camera with a screw drive (D1, D100, D2, D200, D3, D300/D300S, D4/D4S, D5, D500, D600, D610, D70/D70S, D700, D7000, D7100, D7200, D750, D7500, D80, D800/D800E, D810, D810A, D850, D90, Df), then this one is cheaper:
Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D
For Nikon DX cameras (Nikon D3xxx, D5xxx):
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
For Sony E mount cameras:
Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS
The Sony 35mm is much more expensive than these other lenses. Aftermarket 33-35mm lenses will all be more than $400 unless you get one of those cheap manual focus knock-offs {not recommended}.
Assuming you have a kit zoom, you can look at the metadata in your photos to see what sort of focal length you shoot most with your kit lens. This can be helpful if you want to know what primes might be interesting.
I would suggest that ultra-wide is not a good lens for beginners. Long telephoto is very expensive, so make sure it is what you really want or rent one first.
Thanks for the tips and information Dann! All great stuff.
The nifty fifty is a great little lens, although I found that when I got one, all those years ago for the crop sensor camera I had at the time, it was a little limiting compared with the 35mm. So it all depends on which camera you have ... but like you said, the 40mm would be a more budget friendly option for the Canon system.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Went out yesterday and shot with my 35mm prime. Nothing else. Got great shots BUT I'm going to go wider so...10-20mm DX. I know zooms are popular but I'll give the 10-20 a go. Maybe get the 16-80mm later, then practice and learn and maybe even later get my D750🙂Thanks Mike. The vids are great.
Sometimes it is good to go out with just one lens. It can teach you so much about how it works, what are its strengths and weaknesses and also it can help you develop as a photographer. For instance in your outing with the 35mm, it made you realise you want to go wider.
As always thanks for watching David 😁👍
Another good video Mike.! As many photographer's would say : Good photography is all about the glass"; and in terms of gear it is true. One type of photography you really didn't touch on was astrophotography, getting those surreal milky way images. If one truly wants to delve into using a wide angle or wide angle zoom for landscapes but also wants to "shoot the stars" than getting the wide angle lens with a larger aperture than F4 is more favorable. A F2.8 capturing more starlight will serve both types of photography. Although somewhat more expensive than an F4 lens, you have the ability of capturing those dark skies much easier and still use it for landscapes.
You're right Jim ... I really need to get out under the stars again as I have almost forgotten that side of photography that I love so much!
Thanks for the tip and the reminder. 😁👍
Great video thanks for sharing
I love going out with the “wrong” lens. Keeps it interesting and challenging.
I’m with you on the value. I keep telling myself they’re investments
Haha! It is fun to take out a completely different lens from time to time.
I keep trying to tell my wife they are investments!! 😆😆
@@mikesphotography 🤣 good luck with that!
Well, FWIW, before I found this or a similar vid from you (highly liking your output)....Canon 200D/EF-S 10-18/55-250mm & a Tamron 17-50XR DiII NOT VC (Canon I wanted for that type range was too expensive for something not sure about & small and light also important sometimes for me.....). All up call it £520 ish the lot (US$625 all based on Aussie$1020 using recent exchange rates but IMO that's a good feels-like price between UK and Aus at least) AND that's RETAIL from a V reputable dealer (1year used warranty fwiw)....IMHO (NOT a Pro) APSC is a very valid growing family format as MOST of the time you simply want most things in good focus (although particularly that Tamron you can blow backgrounds out "easily"). All this (and an EF-S24mm I just got LOL) will be a good present soon for that family purpose and will do for a few years for that and more if needed, I hope. For general learning, and a bit beyond it can be "affordable"..........JMO
Nice!! You're right, the crop sensor cameras are fantastic and with a bit of practice you can get some great photos with them.
Thanks for watching James 😁👍
I have a rebel t7 and to kit lenses that came in a bundle and I'm thinking of getting a sigma 150-600 because a 75-300 is not cutting it for bird photography
I'd say that the 150-600mm would be a great lens for bird photography. That extra reach would get you so much closer, especially with the t7.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Ahhh... Lenses... I think my main problem with this topic is "I want them ALL". I have had my eye on the 100-400 Sony lens for a while, however, you have me looking hard at the Tamron 50-400. I have been taking photos of small birds lately and my 70-200 just does not allow me to fill the frame as much as I would like. Of course I could go for the 600mm F4 for $13,000, but the cost of that + the alimony that I would have to pay is just a bridge too far. As always, great suggestions on choosing a kit. I hope you guys are warming up over there and doing well. Take care.
Haha! $13,000 would be a worthwhile investment ... I think. 🤔😆
The 50-400 is a fantastic lens, but the smaller widest aperture might be a bit limiting for wildlife. Although the weight is rediculously low for what it is, and with the new denoise option in lightroom, this makes shooting with higher Isos an option.
We're all good, it's still pretty cold here but hoping for some better weather soon ... Before summer ends 😆😁👍
Just the first 40 seconds of your video resonated so much with me, lol!
Haha!! The struggle is real!! 😆
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Mike, thank you for the video. I have a Sony A7iii. It came with the kit lens, which, as you say, is a 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6. It got me started in photography, and it takes fine photographs. I wanted a more open aperture, so I bought a Sigma MC-11 adapter and, for less than $100, a Canon 50mm, f/1.8. It takes outstanding images, and I have been using it a lot this spring to shoot the tulips and other flowers blooming. Since I had the adapter, I then spent about $400 for the Canon 85mm, f/1.8 USM. Its a good lens, but I have so much to learn about it; I don't think I'm getting out of it anything close to what it has to offer (so I'll have plenty to work on in this journey. I should take some portraits with it, but my potential models run like the wind when they see me with a camera...). Then, for business trips and street photography, when I don't want to worry too much about my kit going through the airport security or on sketchy streets, a recently bought a used Canon EOS Rebel T3i DSLR for $225 and a Canon 28-105mm zoom for just $24 (the web site described it as "as is") and took it on a business trip to Washington D.C. And, well... it takes fantastic images -- well exceeding my expectations! I probably should have started there, but I didn't know what I didn't know when I started, and the Sony, of course, looked so sexy. Now I have too much kit! (But I didn't spend too much for it.) So, I need to avoid the lens paralysis you described in one of your other videos. I could have worse problems, though, for sure. And, really, its all about the composition and being there to shoot it, no matter the kit. The most "likes" I got recently was for a photo I took on my iPhone 7. That's what I had at the time, when I was there, in that moment.
Thanks for sharing your journey with your kit so far Robert. It is a bit of a minefield when it comes to choosing the right kit.
With photography a lot of people that have gone through the process of buying a lot of different kit say to get the biggest and the best straight away to avoid all of the perceived hassle ... but there is a lot to be learned from going through that process. Photography is definitely not the hobby to buy once and buy right. It is more about buying what is right for your level right now.
When I was shooting architecture and real estate, I had a wide angle lens and a telephoto, and that is all I needed. Then when I was shooting corporate headshots, I would just take a 35mm and the 85mm prime.
Nowadays, when hiking it is all about saving weight so I can walk further with a lighter bag and still get some great images.
The main thing for you to do with your kit is to not think you need to take it all with you, every time. This is one thing I did a while back and it really did stop me from enjoying photography.
Also selling kit can feel quite liberating!! 😆
Thanks for watching 😁👍
I sold the kit lens 18-55 and bought the Tamron 16-300mm. Added the 50mm f1.8 later on. My 5dmk4 came with the 24-105mm F4L as kit lens, so I used that and the 50mm f1.8.
Great to hear about your setup Villiam!
As always thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography still waiting for your aurora landscape photography 💪😉
I captured aurora dancing with the Moon and Venus the other day 😊
@@bamsemh1 I haven't been lucky with the weather so far ... every time we've had a good forecast, I've either been in the wrong place or I've had work commitments that I couldn't get out of. 😩🤦♂
Good advice, Mike. Especially about old, manual lenses. So much fun and really slows you down. Just bought a Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f2 for £50. 70 years old and really enjoying using it.
There is a lot to be gained from using those older lenses and it is awesome that we can use them on mirrorless cameras!
I bet the 58mm will produce some really interesting photographs!!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
You made a lot of great points....Thank you
No worries, thanks for watching Tony! 😁👍
I have the kit lenses that came with the camera and have acquired several vintage lenses including a 50mm prime and a 55mm prime but my main lenses are the sigma 17-50mm f2.8 and the sigma 150-600mm contemporary f5.6-6.3 I've used both for astrophotography as well as landscape and wildlife and I find that the 17-50 is bit power hungry if you have the image stabilization on if you can get by without it I strongly recommend it because it will make your batteries last longer. unless you're a very steady person I do recommend using the stabilization on the 150-600mm especially if you are using a crop sensor camera which will make it the full frame equivalent of a 240-960mm lens yes it's like a small telescope at night!😮😊
Thanks for sharing your process of shooting as well as the lenses you have Alvin! Intersting to hear about the 17-50mm being power hungry. Sometimes those IS systems do burn through batteries more than usual.
As always thanks for watching 😁👍
Great video, Mike. When I got a hand me down SLR I didn't even know I could change the lens. I used it for a year before it died, saw it again last year, embarrassed that I never noticed. After a kit lens, I got a 50mm like everyone says and hated it. I need to be able to take pictures both close and far but changing a lens on a boat with sea spray is not wise. That Tamron is a life saver. Stay safe.
Thanks very much Lance!!
The great thing with photography is that we have so many different options so one persons setup can be completely different to another persons. When I got the 50mm all those years ago with a crop sensor camera, it seemed very limiting with the framing, but the 35mm worked so much better for me.
Haha!! I bet when you saw it was removable you thought, "no way!! 😆🙈"
As always thanks for watching my friend 😁👍
imagine someone bought bridge camera (fixed lens wide to telephoto) and thought they can change it later 😅😅
@@pannonianfit1582 Funny because I did get a bridge after and loved it. I wish a large sensor bridge would show up. Stay safe.
Great explanation of one of the fundamental pieces of the photography set up. I'm sure we've all bought lenses that we never really needed, but surely that's part of the process and steep learning curve we all enjoy. As you say, you don't really lose much on good lenses, especially if bought secondhand in the first place. As for rental, Fuji has a great online site where you can book and rent kit for 48hours for free (cameras and/or lenses). This was invaluable when trying out some of their new releases last year. There is a large deposit to pay up front, to prevent the shady types from running away with the kit, but it's always paid back promptly. They even come and collect it from your home when the rental period is over.
Thanks very much!
You've made a great point about it being part of the process of photography ... and it all falls under that umbrella of retail therapy, just really expensive retail therapy!!
Great tip with the fuji 48 hour hire ... I saw that years ago but completely forgot about it as I was out of the country and couldn't take advantage of it, but now you've reminded me, you might just see a video with a fuji in it in the future. Good to hear they are quick to repay the deposit. I was looking at hiring the GFX with a few lenses and the deposit comes to over 4 grand!!
As always thanks for watching Darren 😁👍
Just bought my 1st lens (after my 18-135mm USM kit lens that came with my camera, which I think is a great lens) for my Canon 90D yesterday. A Canon 10-18mm wide lens. Mainly to be able to do handheld vlogs at a wider angle because the APSC crop makes 18mm seem really close in my videos so far. The 10-18mm lens is also a really light and small lens too, which might be easier to hold up for a while.
Hey Barry,
That lens will be great for vlogging. I shoot at 17mm with my A7C handheld (so similar to about 11mm on the 90D). You really do need it when doing those talking pieces to camera.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Great use of camera angles and moves 🙂👌🏻
Thanks very much Kristian! I have a lot of fun shooting and editing my videos so great to hear you like it!!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
I have a a6500 for about 6 years. I used the kit zoom lens and the kit 55-210 lens the whole time. I recently got a Tamron 28-200mm, loving it so far!
I mostly do automotive photography as a hobby
Awesome!! Great to hear you are liking the 28-200mm Yifei, the focal range is fantastic isn't it!!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Hey Mike.. please make a video on how to safely carry a camera while hiking multiple days. Carrying it inside rucksack is not efficient. The peak design capture clip is a good option but expensive. Would you recommend some options to keep the camera handy and safe while hiking? Thanks
Leave it at home! Shoot with your phone
Hey Prasad,
I'll see what I can do... but in the mean time; for long hikes I keep my camera on the capture clip when I am out walking and then I would have a padded insert for a space for my camera inside my travel rucksack just in case it rains.
If the capture clip is too expensive for you, you might want to look at the f38 system from ulanzi. amzn.to/42CmZVr
That is about half the price and looks to do a similar job.
And you probably know this already, but don't listen to SD. Take your camera with you as you will be able to get much better quality photos than just with your phone, especially when it starts to get dark.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography Thanks Mike, I will check the f38 clip. And yes I do prefer the control and quality of a dslr over a phone. I use my old compact companion Nikon d5300 (which is a crop sensor) with tokina 11-16 f2.8 and the Nikon 18-55 kit lens. Looking forward to more amazing content.
I got my Sony APS-C camera a couple of months ago. If this video came much earlier I would have preferred to get the 35mm instead of the 50mm..Another great video Mike! ❤
Ah man, sorry for the bad timing! 😆🤦🏻♂️
The 50mm is quite tight on the aps-c system.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Great video as always, Mike. Yeah, I’m kind of considering the nightmare that is a brand change.
It is a tricky one to do, and expensive. I don't regret doing it though...
What are you shooting with at the moment and what are you thinking of switching to?
@@mikesphotography Now that’s a lengthy conversation! I currently use a Nikon D750, which does almost everything I want it to very well (and I do really like it), and an iPhone with a gimbal for video work. But switching between the 2 on a shoot proves awkward and cumbersome. I hope to expand the video work so mirrorless cameras with IBIS and their improved autofocus systems consequently present a very convenient package in one camera. I’m torn between switching to Sony or maybe Fujifilm. Unfortunately even switching to Nikon mirrorless means the lenses are not directly compatible. As we’ve previously discussed, I shoot portraits in low light, and now I’ve just tried out Lightroom’s new AI noise reduction and suddenly made me start to reevaluate things and appreciate the results I can get with the D750 even more. I’m in no rush so just saving up in the mean time.
Haha! I always enjoy a good old conversation about kit.
For video work the Sony system is fantastic, especially with the gyro data saved in the file giving you the option of stabilisation in post. I use this all the time for my handheld stuff and it works really well.
I haven't used Fuji yet, but they also look good for both video and stills.
Like you said, since the Denise update in LR, it has kind of changed the way we can shoot. 👍
I'd say to research it as much as possible, but it sounds like you're already doing that. 😁👍
@@mikesphotography Cheers for the heads up on the Sony. I do like the Fujis, but can’t help but feel that the full frame Sonys will be better in low light. I will be comparing the signal to ratio as you suggested, though a whole new range of cameras will probably be available before I get around to replacing what I have.
Mike. Your 50-400 Tamron. Have you put an aftermarket tripod collar on it? We got ours without a tripod collar on?
I bought it from MPB... The previous owner had already put a collar on it.
Well worth getting as otherwise it is a heavy lens hanging off the mount.
I think there are a few 3rd party companies that make them as well.
👍
Really interesting video Mike and some great advice for a newbie like me. I recently got the Tamron 28-200 as my upgrade from the Sony kit lens and as you say in the video, it’s ideal for me as i like to go on long hikes so don’t want to carry a load of camera kit with me. I also bought the cheap 50mm 1.8 Sony lens and it’s a lovely lightweight set up, but i very rarely use it. Shame really as it’s good for the price but the convenience factor of the zoom wins all the time!
Great to hear what you are shooting with Anthony! The 28-200mm is such a versatile lens ins't it!! I find that having a prime like the 50mm in the bag is great, even if you only use it once in a while. I find that sometimes I don't use my prime for months, and then other times, I spot a few photographs that would work well and break it out!
One thing I would say is to go out for a short walk with just the 50mm and see how you get on. If you do this every now and then, it'll help your photography and really push your creativity ... and then when you are out on the bigger hikes, you might start to spot some potential compositions that would work better with the 50mm prime.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
That shot of Bromo was so good 😁 I think for beginners, it’s totally worth finding a long telephoto than a super wide. Super wide when I started got me thinking “i need to get everything in frame!” and the thought that more stuff in frame was better 😂
Ah man, Bromo is such an amazing place to shoot. I can't wait to go back there and film the experience!!
You're completely right there. A good telephoto lens works wonders for the motivation and in getting some good, unique shots quite quickly! Super wides are fun, but they do require a lot of practice to get totally unique shots. I use mine for about 5% of my photos.
As always thanks for watching dude 😁👍
Thanks again Mike. I'm currently looking at a lens to complement my 12-24mm, 18-140mm and 55-200mm. The Nikon 70-300 AF-P FX version is a candidate. And since it has the VR On/Off switch I can use it without restriction on my Nikon D7200. But I'm also considering the 28-300, more expensive, but also more versatile. Having to swap lenses all the time can be cumbersome. It is hard to come to a decision.
It is tricky isn't it. Sometimes you have to just make that decision and stick with it. Having a lens that covers a whole host of focal ranges is quite liberating! I'm loving shooting with the 50-400mm ... I seldom change lenses any more when I am out!
As always thanks for watching 😁👍
Are you going to buy the tamron 35-150 f2-f2.8?? It looks great for the price
I'd love to but can't afford it at the moment... it does look like the ultimate allrounder!!
Best lens for car photography? I have a a7 iii with lens kit
Im rlly into Macro so my plan for my next lens is a macro lens :) I still have my kit lens to do most other genres but I absolutely love macro so I know I definitely want a macro lens :)
Awesome! It's great when you know what you want to shoot and you have a specific lens in mind!!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Go for the laowa probe macro lens!
@@bamsemh1 god no 🤣🤣 Im either getting the 65mm Laowa Macro or the Fuji 80mm Macro.
I have a kit lens that came with my Rebel T7 (18-55mm and 3.5-5.6f) as well as two lenses that were left over from my brother's old camera. A 28-70mm 2.8-5.6f Sigma lens, and a 75-300mm 4.0-5.6f canon lens, I love them all very dearly but have found that the 75-300mm definitely gets the sharpest photos, especially when it comes to portraits, and the sigma gets the best colors and lighting, while the canon kit lens gets the all around average of everything haha
It is amazing how different lenses have different characteristics!!
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the great video on L-Brackets.Your presentation has exposed the negative aspects of each product and I'm sure has helped many people decide.
I have one question concerning any L Bracket that has the vertical mount side offset to totally clear the flippy screen.
With it being "more forward" than the Horizontal plate and doing vertical panoramas, does it mess with the nodal point and parallax condition?
I will be updating my Canon 5DIII without a flippy screen to a R5 with a flippy. I'd like to settle this issue before I proceed.
Good question. I'd say it would almost help with the nodal point. If the mounted point of the L-bracket was further forward it would bring the pivot point closer to the point of convergence.
However, if you used a nodal rail, it would mean that you would have to change the position on that rail for the vertical mount.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Nice info video! The camera on my phone is good enough for my photo’s, and with binocular’s, it get’s a bit better😅 but i can’t wait to buy a camera.
Haha! Great to hear the binoculars are helping!! I hear the new iphones are going to have a really long optical zoom in them as well!!
As always thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography heheh yeah, i got to use what i can find 🙈 and i didnt know that the newer iPhone's will have more zoom 👀 Happy Weekend 😁
Thanks for a great video. As a beginner who just purchased an Olympus E-M10 Mark IV, what is your opinion on using dslr lenses on mirrorless cameras? I have quite a few of them which I inherited from my mom. Also, can you please tell me where you shot this video? I must go there! Thank you!
10:53... What make and model of the 50/1.4 lens You are talking about, Mike? Thanks.
If you're asking about the vintage one, I have the Canon FD 50mm f1.4. A great little lens that let's in so much light, and the one I have is surprisingly sharp!
Thanks for watching Olegs 😁👍
@@mikesphotography And You using that without an adaptor? Is it E(EF) Mount lens?
Ah yes, sorry. I have an adapter for it from eBay. It's the canon FD to Sony e mount adapter. You can find them for most mirrorless camera mounts nowadays. 👍
May i ask what bag you use.
Hi Alan,
I have the ProTactic 450AWii from Lowepro. It is a fantastic bag that does the job for me and my needs. Here's the link to it: geni.us/Lowepro450AWii
Thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography would it take a nikon d7500 and sigma 150-600mm
I'm going round and round trying to decide on a new lens for my Nikon D5500. I have a 18-55mm kit lens, a 35mm prime and a 55-200mm zoom (no VR). Right, I'm going to JUMP and get a NIKON AF-S 16-80mm 1:2.8-4E ED VR. No, maybe a AF-P DX 10-20mm F/4.5-5.6 VR G Lens No, maybe a AF-S DX VR 18-200/F3.5-5.6G IF-ED. Arghhhhh!!!!🙃🙃
Hi David,
It is a struggle! 😆🙈
Ask yourself what are you missing? Is it a wide, is it low light or is it stabilisation with a telephoto?
The first thing you lean towards is probably what you want to get.
Photography is tricky and you probably wont get it right every time, but the more times you make a decision and stick with it, the more decisive you will become.
I hope that helps, and good luck! 😁👍
I bought a fujifilm x-t4 with a 16-80mm f4 lens the other week and have been out getting used to working with this system. There's been times where I would have liked to zoom in closer but I think the main limiting factor I've ran into is light sensitivity. Early hours in the morning and late evenings start pushing shutter speeds up to levels where ibis can't make up for my hand stability. Seeing as I can't possibly afford a 70-300 lens at this point I'm pondering looking into a bright prime at some reasonable focal length for indoors or evening photos, but not sure what length would be most suitable or just how fast it needs to be. Is a 2.8 or 2 sufficient how much better is the 1.4> and are they worth the money?
You will notice a bit of difference with the f2.8, but if you can afford it, I'd go for an f1.8 or an f1.4 if you can. For indoor photography, on the x-t4, I'd go with either the 35mm or maybe a 28mm if they do one ... you might even like the 24mm. It does come down to personal preference and the size of the space you will be shooting in. One way to work out which would be best for you, is to set your kit lens to those focal lengths and see what coverage you would get.
I hope that helps.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Question for the experienced: I bought a Nikon D7200 recently and upgraded the kit lens to a 17-50 2.8. i am out shooting more than I expected. Should I invest into more APSC DSLR lenses (dying system?) Or look to saving for mirrorless?
It all depends on your budget really. Even though the dslrs are being phased out, there are so many on the second hand market that they will be around for years to come.
You have a few options.
You could buy more aps-c lenses and keep with the system you are shooting with currently. You could invest in FX lenses so in time, when you are ready, you could upgrade your camera body to a full frame nikon camera and already have the lenses for that system. Or you could just sell it and invest in the new Nikon mirrorless range.
You will probably find that the mirrorless system will be a lot more expensive ... I have since switching across to the Sony's from Canon, this is why I have got Tamron lenses instead of the Sony Pro lenses.
If you stick with DSLRs you can also buy second hand and save even more money and probably end up selling them for a similar price.
I hope that helps.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
@@mikesphotography Thanks a lot Mike, really helpful. I think I'll continue honing my skills on the DSLR a bit longer and then as you say hopefully it all holds decent value to trade in/sell in a year or more. Tbh I'm more than happy with the results I get from it.
No worries, and that's the main thing. As long as it is serving you well, then there's no point in changing it. 😁👍
I have a lot of lenses, but the lens I need is always the one I haven't bought yet 😆
Haha!! The struggle is real!! 😆😆
Thanks for watching Jason. 👍
I'm constantly having to resist the temptation to get 'one more lens'. I know better, but it's hard.
It is hard isn't it!! I have my eyes on the 14-24mm from sigma for astro, and I keep trying to talk myself out of buying it!! 😆😆
Beginners read this. You really DON’T need a 2.8 for landscape photography.
I sold my sigma 24-70 2.8 to get the Sony 24-105F4.
I’d rather have the range to just get the shot. If you do Astro or need low light a wide prime is the way to go
First, I wouldn't actually buy any lenses, but rather I would do research. See what types of photography you like FIRST, and then decide. So with that, I can't say which lens someone should get next because this will depend on what they want to shoot. Recommending a wide angle to an aspiring a macro or portrait shooter makes no sense, and recommending a 600mm prime to a landscape photographer probably makes no sense either (or very little). Of course there are the safe options, like a 50mm or a 35mm which are versatile for many types of photography (50 is probably the most versatile, but it's also not for everyone -- you have to like the 50mm "standard" view to commit to it, not that 50mm's are outrageously priced or anything --most are $500 or less). After you've decided what you like to shoot, then I would rent the lenses you feel might fit well (or that you've researched). Only after doing these two things, you can decide on what your next lens purchase will be, as it will ultimately depend on what you want to do (shoot).
Thanks for your thoughts HR.
OOOOR, you could ask Alexa, Siri, or one of the on-line chat bots for advice😊. Candid and comprehensive run through of buying decision-making process, Mike. Budget, field-of-view, and ergonomics topmost on my list. Rental costs mention a plus - specific pricing seldom said on YT.
What we can really use, IMO, are photographic club/co-op lens lending libraries - no kidding (possible business opportunity).
New picnic table - nice, no splinters.😊 Cheers!
Haha!! I'm sure ChatGPT would have a few vague options!! 😆
Photo clubs would be a great option with lens lending libraries!! It's a shame there isn't one standard mount because this would make it a great option. I suppose this is why hire companies are so expensive, because they have to have so much different kit in to make it a viable business.
As always thanks for watching dude 😁👍
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