If you’ve watched any of my recent videos, you’ve undoubtedly noticed a Sony in my hands (probably the a1). I’m continually asked if I’m switching – or have switched – to Sony. Watch the video to find out!
In this video, I also discuss why it doesn’t matter what brand of gear is in my bag (or anyone else’s). Finally, we’ll talk about the real benefit new gear brings to the table – as well as the part of a great image that’s always up to you. Check it out!
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PS – If you enjoyed this post, I think you’ll REALLY like my e-books and video workshops! Thousands of pages and hours of videos filled with tips, tricks, and techniques – all my best content! Check ’em out – click here (hey, it’s free to look).
Great video as usual. I am so glad I bought your eBook on the A1 setup. The easiness of understand and implementing your suggestion as to your own setup was the best help ever and now I can’t wait to put it all into practice. Many thanks, Grace
Will you be doing an A-1 settings guide fir birds? Do you use BBAF on the A-1?
Will you be doing a Sony A-1 settings guide? Do you use BBAF on the A1?
Thanks for the latest video. Couldn’t agree more – and I say that being a bit of gear guy! But the notion of brand loyalty is silly except for one reason, I think; knowing your way around the camera architecture. I don’t shoot enough (period, unfortunately) to switch from one system to another. I know my Nikons (850, 810, 500, 700) pretty well and love their ‘feel’. I would feel the same way about any other brand after shooting with them for years. This is part of technique since finding those controls quickly and without thinking leaves your mind in… Read more »
Love you point about 80/20 rule!!!
You can get great shots from the top of the line equipment from any of these manufacturers. There is no reasonable answer to the question: which is better, Nikon, Sony or Canon. But within a brand, the quality of image you can get definitely depends on the camera features and lens quality–there is no way a Coolpix is going to produce images equal to a D850 with a 70-200 lens. I shoot almost entirely landscape photography, so advanced features are not that important to me. I have plenty of time to set up my exposure and focus, and my subject… Read more »
Really great information! It is always a great help
I am just pleased I have more than one option for shooting. Used new Z6ii for Milky Way and my D500 for fast paced soccer and birds in flight. Sony A1 is a bit pricey for me. Thanks for the video.
Steve, Another great video. I started shooting Nikon in the late 70’s. My brother-in-law was a pro and he shot Nikon so I bought a Nikkormat. I was shooting a D800 and a D500 until I joined the mirrorless craze, replacing my D800 with a Z6. Your Nikon Autofocus book helped my photography exponentially. I loved the shots I was getting with the Z6 and 300 PF and the D500 with the 200-500 5.6. Then for reasons I won’t get into, I switched to Sony. Did it help me get better shots? Absolutely. Do I hate Nikon? Absolutely not. I… Read more »
Thank you so much!
Nice video, Steve. I’ve made four trips to Africa the last five years. My camera bag is similar and different. I’ve increasing shot more photos with the Nikon 70-200mm. About 55% with the Nikon 500mm(used to shoot the f4, now use the f5.6). I use the long lens for birds. Just returned from safari in S. Africa and used the new Nikon 105mm occasionally. Used the macro to get some photos of baby double-banded grouses…Used the 24-70 for scenics.
Hopefully, going to Antarctica in January. Your gear suggestions should apply to that trip, too.
Thanks for all you do.
Jeff
Absolutely.
How about a new 80-20 rule? Spend 20% of your gear budget on books, courses and videos that help with the art of producing engaging images.
What’s an engaging image? One that you haven’t forgotten seconds after viewing it.
Love it!
So glad I found your website some years ago and have since purchased several ebooks and the video on focus shift photography & post processing. Having these and watching your videos been very beneficial. Love your can-do style.
Hi Steve. For several years you have been my Nikon guru, so I respectfully tell you, for me, it would have mattered if you had switched to Sony or any other brand, so I am pleased that you are staying “with us”, so I understand and agree with you on what is the purpose of why you should know the different brands for your workshops. Of course, each person is free to go from one brand to another as many times as they want, personally I am loyal to Nikon and I will not change because Sony or other circumstantially… Read more »
IMO a camera is a tool, not a tribe.
Very refreshing commentary. Too often people are looking for a magical silver bullet as it is easier to buy new gear than to invest their time and effort in becoming better photograpers.
Agree 10000%
So glad I found you when looking for help with my new Z6ii… the book on autofocus was so helpful and have thoroughly enjoyed the Birds in Flight book…. on my second read over of key parts! Also loving the vibe in the forums so you’ve got a new adherent, whatever you choose to shoot! – me – D500 and Z6ii….Cheers Steve!
Thanks so much!
Steve, really enjoy learning from you. Your videos and your manuals are easy to follow, even for me. Look forward to your review on that Nikon lens you used for the video. I would be using it for stills, primarily. I recently moved from D-750 to Z7II. Still shoot both.
Thanks again.
Thanks!
I am and will continue to be a Nikon shooter and I want you to continue to explain this Nikon-centric s**t to me. That said, you are in business and you can’t tie your self exclusively to a brand that is having its difficulties in the marketplace these days. As for obsession with gear, it’s easier to believe that buying gear will make you a better photographer rather than working hard.
LOL, no worries. A good portion of my income is from Nikon-related books, so I’m here for ya! And I agree – I think a lot of people believe they can buy their way into better images, but that’s not how it works.
Totally agree, I began shooting Nikon in 1978 with the FM. Now I am shooting wildlife with the D500’s, 200-400 F4 V2, and the 70-200 F2.8 which is my go to gear for the majority of wildlife photography! I have looked at Sony and Canon but will stick with Nikon as I am very satisfied with the results! I hope we see the same technology from nikon as we have from Sony and Canon with follow focus eye detection which will be my next Nikon camera bodies!
I think Nikon will get it together. I have a feeling some new firmware for the Z cameras and the Z9 itself are going to bring them up to par.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us again Steve. Even the tips you shared on this short video are so helpful in understanding what can lend toward capturing a great image. I still love seeing the wildlife – so if I get more keepers that’s a bonus.
Thanks 🙂 I’m with you – for me, it’s more about the wildlife than the pics. I’m often happy just watching through my binoculars.
Heh Steve this is so on the money for me. I only shoot the Nikon gear I have, D850 and 500PF as my main go to set up and almost always hand held so chasing gear or trying to keep up with the Jones’s holds absolutely no interest for me. This is also the reason I have every book you have produced and use them constantly to help improve my technique and capability with the gear I have as well as getting out and shooting as often as I can. Brilliant unbiased video as always Steve. Keep em coming mate.
Thanks David!
Hi Steve,
Just watched your latest video and it got me to reflect back as-to why I love Photograpgy so much. I don’t “love my gear I love being out shooting and being in the wild capturing the moment. As I get older however the gear does start to be a burden and I’m thinking about lightening up my load.
I’m going to buy your new book and work on my bird in flight techniques. Hope to see you and rose again soon at the resort.
Warm Regards
Bryan Johnson
Great to hear form you – and thanks! We’ll be there next July 🙂