Daily Archives: March 4, 2014

Rush Limbaugh coined the phrase, Seasoned Citizen, I thought it was cute back then, now I guess I am one!   This would be a good time to preface my remarks with a few important points. I started the Pilgrim’s Chronicles to share my faith and what God is teaching me, and to expound (a fancy word for share), my thoughts on photography.  I get occasional notes, not often, but every once in a while, from people that don’t like my doing either thing!!!  I always wonder why they come here if they don’t believe in God, or they think I know nothing worth sharing about photography and gear.  So here is some sincere, friendly advice; if you are adverse to talk of faith, what are you doing here?  If you think I don’t know anything about photography, you may not be alone, but once again what are you doing here!!!???  All I can give anyone is what I believe to be the truth, in both matters of faith and photography.  So today’s subject;

 

 What should I buy?

 

The answer is simple, What you Need!!!!  Now knowing what you need as opposed to what you think you need is two different things!  Now, the next question;  are you and equipment collector or a photographer?  If you just love to buy and fondle equipment, and there’s nothing wrong with that, (ala Jerry Seinfeld), but if you are a photographer you need cameras and lenses that will help you make wonderful photographs.  Now this complicates things so lets pull some things out of the mix, if you do any kinds of highly specialized work, medical, wildlife, serious sports, scientific, then my recommendation will not fully apply.  So here goes

 

For most generalists, travel, nature, close-up, landscape, Americana kinds of photography I recommend the following:

 

Two bodies: (best if they are identical so the control functions will be the same)

Each with a Really Right Stuff  “L” brackets

A Wide Angle Lens:   (if a zoom in he 16-35 / 12-24 focal length range)

A Medium Range Zoom:   (24-70 or 28-80 focal length or equivalent)

A Telephoto Range Zoom:  ( 70-200 or 80-300 range)

Some method of close-up Lens or device: (90, 105, or 200 Micro lens, Diopters, or Auto Extension Tubes)

Accessories needed in any camera bag:  

Spare batteries and chargers

Polarizers for each lens

Neutral Density Filters (I carry Singh Ray 5 – 10 -& 15 stops)

lens hoods for each lens

Tools:  small pliers (Clutch by Gerber), small blade screwdrivers, allen wrenches)

cable release for your camera bodies

lens cleaning supplies (I use Zeiss cleaning wipes)

toothbrush and camels hair brush for cleaning camera body

Visine or your preferred eye drops

Small container of Advil.  

 

A tripod and ball head ( I use several; one heavy, one mid size, and one small, I use all three with Really Right Stuff ball heads.

 

Ah, but what brand???????  Well that is up to you, but I do have some suggestions:

 

I think the two best current cameras in a full size 35mm size sensor are the:
Nikon D800/800e and the Canon 5D Mark III                                                                        

The D4/D4s and the 1Dx are both great, but heavy.  

 

 

How about Sony, Panasonic, and whoever?  They are all getting much better, but for me not ready for prime time yet. 

 

 

If you need something lighter my choices are:

the Fuji X-T1 and the Olympus OM-D1

The Olympus has a bigger variety of lenses, but not all are critically sharp, (some are).

The Fuji X System has a very complete and awesome quality, everyone!

 

Now something VERY IMPORTANT!   Whatever works for you, works for you, just consider my ideas as the raving of a Garrulous Old SEASONED CITZEN!  Cheers!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim