Words of Wisdom from a “Seasoned Citizen”
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
This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 4th, 2014 at 8:21 pm
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I have 6d and 70d bodies. 16-35 and a 70-200. Im happy with that. With the crop and the full frame I just switch lenses on bodies to add the crop factor if I need the lens “longer”.
Sounds like a solid plan and those Canon bodies seem to be very respected among Canon folks!
I need l bracket help. Mine came yesterday. I put them on but will haven’t got to try them. Is the l bracket on the camera stable enough to hold to tele or do I need a tripod plate on the tripod ring. I’ve seen both ways and heard different experiences but what would you suggest. Thank you.
The biggest lens so far is the 55-200 and does fine, some of the heavier lenses coming will have tripod collars!
I now have the Fuji X-T1, 18-55 and 55-200 lens. I don’t do any specialized photography or portrait work. What two additional lens would you recommend? Thanks.
Definitely the 10-24 or the 14mm, the 14 is equiv. to a 21mm and is a f2.8, the soon to be released 10-24 is an F4 all the way through, but has Optical Image Stabilization. Even though the 10-24 will be a few hundred more it should be much more versatile.
If you do portraits the new 56mm (85 equiv.) f1.2 looks incredible. I love the 60mm Micro, f2.4 is tack, tack sharp, but focuses very slowly, but man when it locks on wow is it sharp!
I guess the 10-24 would be a for sure, what to do after that would depend on what kind of stuff you shoot!
Honestly, I come here for your talk on God. I find it refreshing that people still do speak outwardly on their beliefs. I get wisdom and contentment from what you say. I am a Nikon shooter and always liked your talk on and images of photography too. I can appreciate you getting new gear because I too find my equipment a bit heavier as the years go by. Keep up the good work on both fronts. I don’t often comment here, but I do read all your posts. I suppose my comment references the post of March 5th too.
Thanks, Donna, please keep joining me!
Love your website and your articles, particularly about the Fuji X series cameras and lenses. I don’t have to go into detail about why they are so good. You do a pretty good job on that score. There is one thing I can’t get my head around though and that is how to use a circular polariser on the X-Pro and the X-T1 effectively.
Do you use the polariser and if so how do you make the necessary adjustment. I think this is about the only thing I can’t conquer in making the switch from a DSLR. Many thanks Peter