Quick note: I re-uploaded this video with a small edit as I sounded like a spoilt brat when talking about kit lenses. My new edit does a better job at explaining my thoughts on using kit lenses :)

@richardsmith5249

3 жыл бұрын

Definitely sounds better...

@ronaldojoe3011

3 жыл бұрын

Alright I have to ask. Did you actually refilm the entire video, edit, and upload it or did you just refilm the part about kit lenses? And whilst we're on the topic of kit lenses, are you going to upgrade your fuji kit lenses?

@Blechsch_you

3 жыл бұрын

I wondered haha

@mattmaber

3 жыл бұрын

Saw this pop up then disappear.

@tombuck

3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate your willingness to edit and refine 🙌🏻

The best lens is undoubtedly the one you left at home and you only discover this logistical error when you have just hiked up a mountain in Scotland in Winter.

@newenglandlight8724

3 жыл бұрын

I arrived at my shooting spot a few days ago to discover I had my lens in the bag, but not the camera body. Arrrgh!

@jamesscarborough9545

3 жыл бұрын

@@newenglandlight8724 I went to Iceland and had the wrong charger and batteries for my camera body. Luckily I was able to use a charger from an AirBnB host throughout the trip for the only battery I had was the one in the camera.

@Steph_davis

3 жыл бұрын

🙋🏼‍♀️ tried my hand at some wild camping and only took 35mm to keep the weight down. Really wish I had that 24mm when I decided to do some astro 😑

@zenphotojourney

3 жыл бұрын

I once drove two hours to get to a friend's property to do some photography only to realize I'd forgotten the key to the gate.

@davidpowell5437

Жыл бұрын

Naaah! The best lens is the one on the camera when IT happens!

My most stressful photography excursions have been when I’ve had several lenses in my bag. By the time I got to a location I was already exhausted and I began to fumble around frantically searching for the “perfect” lens for that scene so I could get a shot before I lost the light. My most relaxing excursions have been when I only had one camera and one prime lens. Then I just casually tried to find a composition to suit what I had. For me, photography is about stress relief so I now choose to go out with less options not more. Great video!

@Molybdan42

3 жыл бұрын

I would switch the prime against my 24-80 because I know I can shoot almost everything with it. Thats pretty relaxing too ;)

@rhbraly

3 жыл бұрын

Molybdan42 That’s true. I used to have a 24-120 which stayed on the front of my camera for a long time. It meant I seldom had a situation where I thought I could have gotten a better shot if I had a different lens. I just think that for me less is more. The more relaxed I am the more creative I can be. The less gear I have the more “in the moment” I can be. I’ve been down the track of thinking I needed to have every focal length covered only to find that I didn’t enjoy what I was doing anymore. I’m not a pro and I don’t have to make a living with my camera and I’m not winning any major competitions with my photos so take what I say with a grain of salt. 😊

@collodionpositive554

3 жыл бұрын

I do really enjoy the less is more approach too. Spend a few years with just a 23mm (on Fuji) and it's been great, I added a 70-200 (well 50-140 on Fuji) for some specific event work / portraits but it only comes with me if I know I need it, and since I have been missing the longer reach when on casual trips / traveling with just the 23mm. So adding a 16-80 which hopefully will be the single lens I take with me for travel / weekends. So I have added more to my kit, but still only taking one lens out at a time

@brandonshin4808

3 жыл бұрын

I really like that thought!

@davidpowell5437

Жыл бұрын

I'm watching an older video during the slack season... But I find I'm agreeing with you - "This is what I have - I must make the most of it" - is just so relaxing. No gear choices to distract - Just do it! The real challenge is finding a subject, not taking a photo!

“Master the lens you have” - I reckon that would definitely improve your photography

@AlbertoWangYang

3 жыл бұрын

Yup, Photography in the end is about creativity and if you splash the money and buy the trinity of lenses at once without previous experiences in those focal lengths, you will need more time getting used to those lenses and hence affect your creativity.

@zenphotojourney

3 жыл бұрын

Yes having to think through the problem of what to do when you don't have the lens you want helps your problem solving and creative skills. Still I'm always planning which lens or other gear I'm going to get next. 😆

@alexandermenzies9954

3 жыл бұрын

Cold comfort for a photographer who is fighting chromatic aberration, poor resolution and rotten contrast. Thank goodness lens manufacturers have not been satisfied with second best and strive to produce better products.

@alexandermenzies9954

3 жыл бұрын

And, how will he/she know when they have finally "mastered" their lens?

@zenphotojourney

3 жыл бұрын

@@alexandermenzies9954 I don't think there is ever a time when we "master" anything in this life. The word implies that there is no more to be learned. While in reality there is always more to learn and greater skill to strive for.

"Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop" - Ansel Adams. So perhaps we should expect the same.

10 - 200mm f1.4 is obviously the answer. We just need a manufacturer to bend the laws of physics and build one. Oh, under 500 grams please too :-)

@bp-blackshark

3 жыл бұрын

And...in the size from a pancake lens, lol! Together with the fist size featherweight mini tripod, which turns into a 10 pounds king size tripod monster, if you extend the legs from it.

@flatearthreality8683

3 жыл бұрын

maybe neil deasse tyson can do it, or anyone who is a spinning ball beLIEver, they reject physics every day :)

@markjwilcox

3 жыл бұрын

And priced at around £150 please. 😎

@dillybob3248

3 жыл бұрын

Sony’s 18-105 is as close you can get sadly

@HokKan

3 жыл бұрын

Panasonic has a 28-280 ff equivalent, and it's small + light

"Most photographers don't get an epic shot every time they go out." Too true, just get out and enjoy the moment. If you get an image, it's a bonus.

First thought: In my opinion the 24-70 is a very good lens to start. First, with actual cameras (at least 24mp) you can crop to get a more tighter composition. And if you like a wider shot you can do a 24mm pano. Second thought: Don't buy F2.8 lenses for landscapes, it will save money and weight to invest into the f4 ones! Thanks for the video, love that kind of videos :) Regards Stefan

@keithpinn152

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Stefan: Agree with your comments about f2.8 lens. I have bought them in the past and while I primarily shoot landscapes/travel, I really didn't need an f2.8 lens. Money wasted....experience learned. Keep safe, Keith

@alexandermenzies9954

3 жыл бұрын

Good comment, Stefan. The "one you have on your camera" - brigade poses as the receptacle of some sort of smart-alec wisdom while offering nothing of a practical nature. Nor would I try to "master" a 600mm telephoto to shoot a scenic mountain range (ok, no panoramas).

I now realize that I'm totally liberated! I never get the shot...

@S.tebban

3 жыл бұрын

I realized that I now know more about how not to get the shot then the other way around.

@franksamet

3 жыл бұрын

learning from mistakes in nature’s way of self improvement!

The importance of lenses is the reason why I am baffled by the obsession with larger sensor sizes these days. You can get lenses that each cover a wider range of focal lengths while maintaining the same level of quality and size/weight for APS-C and m4/3 and at a lower price. Nikon 24-70 F2.8 costs almost twice as much as 17-55mm F2.8 for example. In the long term, high quality lenses are the smartest investment for a photographer but the focus is almost entirely on camera bodies now. When I bought my first interchangeable lens camera last year, it was the lens that dictated it. I researched and I chose one lens, THE one lens that I must have, and I based my choice of camera body on that. Even if this video is about gear, it is still kinda refreshing, bring the discussion back to lenses. I also think maybe photographers now think too much about how their equipment is limiting them and holding them back. I'm not sure that is really the right mentality to have. Of course, that mentality is good for the camera companies, but for actual photography? I'm not so sure. Personally, I'd rather think about my own limitations and the ways in which I could improve. When I look at my photos, I usually don't think it is my camera that is holding my photography back. That's why I like to like to buy photography books and visit Instagram and Flickr and watch KZread channels like this. I try to immerse myself and experience other photographers work and hopefully learn from them and grow as a photographer. I think that will help me more than any new lens, even if I didn't already have a pro-grade lens.

@giac01

3 жыл бұрын

Which lens dictated your choice out of interest?

@SeanandOreo

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, this is why I love Fuji. Lenses are awesome. But more importantly, camera is small so I can take it everywhere.

@zenphotojourney

3 жыл бұрын

I'm also interested in knowing which lens you got.

@doady69

3 жыл бұрын

​@@zenphotojourney The lens was Olympus 12-100mm F4 IS Pro. Before COVID, I was planning to visit relatives overseas this year so I wanted a single travel lens with constant aperture. Optical IS would help me keep weight down for the trip as well (less need to bring a tripod), and I needed weather-sealing for a rainy, tropical environment. With that decided, it was easy to choose a body with matching weather-sealing and sensor IS (Olympus E-M1 II). I won't say that they're weren't any features of the camera body or the system that attracted me, but I think maybe people focus too much on that stuff now and neglect the lenses in comparison. After using a fixed-lens camera for 15 years, I will choose the lenses very carefully. I don't want to sacrifice the lens quality or "miss the shot" just because of affordability, otherwise why move on from fixed-lens cameras in the first place? I got pro-grade quality covering 24-200mm EFL for $1450 CAD. Lots of pro-grade lenses for Fuji X system as well. I am not sure it is a sacrifice people actually need to make so much, not even non-pros like me, especially if we avoid thinking about upgrading bodies so much.

Thomas - thank you. This is probably one of my favourite videos of yours. It’s honest and cuts through the crap that others sometimes put out about “MUST HAVES”. There’s a shot for every focal length, and I believe that learning how to shoot with what you’ve got is the key to producing better photos. Was really considering buying your book before, and I think this has pushed me over the edge. Thanks again.

Thomas! I can’t tell you how much I appreciated this video. As a hobbyist, and still relatively new photographer this was probably some of the best advice I’ve received. I’m always appreciative of your perspective and suggestions. Keep them coming!

"Is tought (when you can't get the shot you want) and it takes time (to get used to take the pictures that you can with what you have). But it's liberating and its fantastic. You really start to enjoy the true meaning of photography. Which isn't to be the biggest/best person in Instagram. It's to be out there, connect with the outdoor and to have a nice momento to yourself." So good to hear that. That is what keep us photographers going on and on with what we have and taking pictures of what we can.

I really enjoyed this video but may be for reasons you wouldn't have expected. Firstly, let me say that I'm an amateur photographer on a very tight (kit lens) budget. I've been viewing your vids during lockdown and I'm now venturing into landscape photography, mainly due to you. The reason this video spoke to me so deeply is that, prior to lockdown I used to give talks to cancer patients and their family / carers for a cancer charity, to help them with the psychological and emotional issues related having cancer. The courses were based on a process called ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The first part of this is, Acceptance and we try to encourage people to apply Acceptance, not only to cancer but to all parts of their life. I don't know if you've previously experienced ACT but you're non-rant was was an excellent demonstration of how to apply it to any part of your life. Thank you for this and all the other videos. I will be sharing this one with people who will make use of it in a way I don't think you expected. Wayne John

Really like the idea of going out with just one lens with a specific idea in mind of how you want to apply that lens in a given situation. So much more liberating and also less to carry on a long hike.

This is why I like your channel, it's about the really important things: photography, nature, hiking, mastering difficult circumstances, failure, rules and braking rules (in photography), hopes, luck and disappointments... just honest. This is pretty rare nowadays on KZread. Thank you for the great content since years! (sounding like a fanboy..)

I don't think I will ever be bored of your videos. I really enjoy your content Thomas! It is so broad and very genuine.

Thanks Tom, I always appreciate your honesty. We have the same issues with wildlife photography, we see the lenses the pros use and think we need those to get the best shots, when you can get very nice shots with much more affordable gear. I agree with your comments re social media, it can be very overwhelming when starting out seeing all these epic shots when your own shots don't look anything like them. Over time I have learnt to enjoy the process more than the result, that way you still have a good time regardless of the final shot. Cheers, Duade

Quick tip: if you’re a landscape photographer, do not ignore quality older lenses, especially manual focus or adapted glass.

I’m a beginner photographer. I travel and love landscape photography. So I ended up buying the nikon 18-300. While it might only be a step up from kit lens it is perfect for me or someone you who can’t or doesn’t want to carry so many lenses. For now it works for me. While I might not be the advanced photographer that follows you but I love your videos and look forward each week to them. Thanks for your hard work to producing great content each week.

Let's see if I can remember what I wrote first time round. Many years ago when I first started in photography, I could only afford a camera and one lens. If I was starting out today I would choose an a73 and a 24-105mm G lens. Of course one lens will not cover all situations. But, the 24-105mm will cover most. Oddly enough though, if I had to choose 2 lenses it would be the 16-35mm and 70-200mm. And for 3, I'd either add a 50mm prime or keep the 24-105mm which is what I chose. I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to get a great shot whenever I traveled. But, these days I still try to get the best shots I can, but I don't worry if I don't get a great shot. I just try to enjoy the beauty of nature wherever I am first and if I get a great shot that's even better.

Very thoughtful comments... “master the lens that you have” ...and the camera! So true. I have to admit I have too many Fuji lenses... and the ones I use most are the light and underrated 18-55 and the nearly-do-it-all 18-135 which is surprisingly good at its f8 sweet spot. As another person said, if you want a stress free day, just take one camera and one lens. If you have a particular shot/location in mind then work out exactly what you need and take only that.

“Master the lens you do have” best advice ever!!!

@alexandermenzies9954

3 жыл бұрын

No, it's not. It's patronising nonsense, there is a huge range of lenses and some will have characteristics much more suited to outdoor landscapes than the rubbish with which some poor sod is plumbered.

Next week's video why s 40mm prime is what you really need 😂

@DavidSmith-ov3vu

3 жыл бұрын

Yes . well thats what I use , and a 12 - 24 and a 28 - 74 and a............... and primes too

'Be ok not having it, but master the les you do have'... This is so true! I used my 30mm 1.4 lens for years before I saved enough for some good glass. I learned so much by using only one lens. Thanks again Thomas for another great video!

Your advice on not getting a shot every time and all the influence of social media is the best advice you've ever given out of all the good advice you do give. Very true and good to hear from a pro....

“Master the lens you do have” genius !! Thanks for all you do

That is such a positive mind-set to be in. Its also nice sometimes to just enjoy what's happening and not focus on taking images

Tons of thanks for a Wonderful video on photography. This is a liberating experience for me to listening to you. You literally saved my time and energy for watching countless videos on KZread. Subscribed.

Best lens is the one you can actually carry.

@carlestrada

3 жыл бұрын

the best lens is the one that your back appreciates XD

Best video on this topic, and I have watched a fair few trying to decide which lens to purchase. Thanks Thomas, you were entertaining as well as being realistic. It helped me to know what to do.

I keep coming back to this video, much like body dismorphia you see the online content and often smite down your own because all of theirs are bright and beautiful. For someone like myself with very little financial backing this gives me much comfort. Cheers Tom

Great points! This is one of the best answers to this question that I’ve heard. It’s easy to feel restricted by your gear, but I look at it as a challenge to exercise my creativity.

I'm okay (at the moment) using kit lenses because they serve the purposes of my photography. But I also appreciate understanding other options and love those AHA moments when you pros articulate something I was thinking. It makes me feel better about where I'm at in my photography journey (and budget!). Love the new calendar that arrived this week!

It’s so easy to fall into “if I buy this lens then I’ll get the shots I want” but honestly that’s an endless cycle. I’ve found I’ll carry multiple lenses “just in case” but I usually only use one of them. I also have found that I don’t like zoom lenses. Having every focal length between A to Z is just another thing I’m focusing on instead of the scene, and moving around to frame the shot is one of the fun experiences of photography for me. I like the last part of this video. Maybe the answer to “which lens do I need for this shot” should be “the one you have”

Love your work Thomas, really interesting, sincere and inspiring.

Hi Thomas. I've been an avid watcher of your vids for ages. Always educational and inspirational. I particularly liked this rare rant though about fake shots on Instagram and social media in general. V refreshing!

My first "professional" lens was second hand 70-200 f4 L. I instantly fell in love with it and I still use it till this day even on mirrorless system. As hobbyist I don't need nothing more fancy.

Good to see the thought processes are felt by others! I personally think that this issue of 'getting the shot' is compounded when you are a hobbyist and have a social media account....I myself suffer with this. I find that i can slip out of the moment by pressurising myself to have some kind of 'result' for the effort. I therefore went for the many lenses option that put a hole in the wallet. Looking back i think you are right by focusing more effort on asking yourself 'why' you are taking the photo.

Thank you for such sound advice from someone who really does know their craft.

This is the hardest thing I had to learn over the years : to not be frightened by not getting a shot. I now take the time to look at the scene with the two best lenses I always have with me, my eyes.

thank you. I just switched to the Mirrorless R6 and had to pick which images I needed. Finally settled on the ones that work for me and my photography.

I liked the video, bought one of your books, and now I'm commenting. Mad support for you, Thomas. I enjoy your photos, your channel, and your pleasant tones (even when you're ranting). Thanks for doing what you do and bringing us along for the ride. :)

Wise. Definitely wasn't expecting that turn of thought. But that´s enormously true. Dont stress on needing new lenses, get to know the gear you already have and search for compositions that you are able to create with the gear you already have.

Thomas, It is so good to get your reality check on which lens to use. I choose the lens based on the framing of the picture and composition. Sometimes a long lens and sometimes an 18-36mm

5D Mark IV still one of the best Cameras out there at the moment imo EF glass rules 🤗😂😂😂

As someone who has worried too much about what lens to bring and use, what should I upgrade to, etc. it really does boil down to what do I have on me. Lately, I've just been having fun keeping my 50mm on for landscapes. I have a wide angle lens and a telephoto, but the fixed focal length has been forcing me to readjust my thinking on composition. Granted 50 can still cover a wide area, but having options sometimes causes me to 'miss shots'. After I get more comfortable with this, I'm aiming to swap for my tele, keep it on my camera for a good while, and challenge myself to readjust again. I think you hit the nail on the head bringing up social media. Everyone is different, but I think most of us are in photography for the joy it brings. And when you produce a shot, one that you are proud of, after a challenging day or what have you, it's a wonderful feeling. Keep it up, your videos are great

Great advice that - to be ok with not getting the shot. Being outdoors is the best part of it anyway and gives you a reason to go out again.

Hey Tom, great message. I’ve always been happy, and avoided all ‘gear anxiety’, by just shooting with a single prime. That’s it. Nothing else. It’s all you need to make images, and you can spend all the rest of your money on travel, trips and experiences... You win, hands down, in the end. Love the channel.👊🏻

@dizlys

3 жыл бұрын

Same here, and so true.

Solid advice and appreciate your honesty...I've been struggling and feel a lot better...thanks for a sane commentary.

Great video! I have that struggle. I have both primes and zooms but my newest upgrade has been a life saver as it covers pretty much anything. I upgraded from 24-85 to the 24-120 and that extra length has been such a bonus. I now only really go out with that lens and my wide angle.

Once again a great and informative video. Cheers!

I went to my local woodland last weekend. I normally go out with my 80D, 3 lenses, a tripod, filters, batteries... etc. This time though, I went with just an X100F with its fixed 35mm eqiv, shot nothing but jpg and loved every minute. No bag, no fussing around with a tripod, no swapping lenses.. it was so much fun!

I think this is really one of the best videos about this topic on KZread. One thing I would recommend to new photographers is buying cheap old manual lenses in the focal length they're 'missing'. Nowadays almost everyone shoots mirrorless and you can get old Minolta lenses with adapters from eBay for less than 50$ each. They're primes, and a bit limited, but perfect to start and get great results. Just get a 135mm and 200mm and you're good to go next to your kit lens and a potential extra wide angle!

As it happens, you gave some great advice. The options are: aim to cover all your needs with good lenses and if you can't afford them all at once; as many people can't, build the collection one at a time. Sorting through your images to check which types of shot you have preferred could be a good starting point. We must remember though that in choosing those shots in the past may have been limited by the lack of lens choice at the time.

Too true. I've had a bad back for a while now just taking the camera and 24-105 has made me more selective about images. Love the vid.

Well thought out, Tom. Great words

Thank you for being so honest. It helps a lot👌🏼

Alright broseph, whatever you were sipping on before shooting this video has been deemed a new prerequisite for all future videos. For it is with this attitude that you will help the most people. And yes, not getting the shot is absolutely the correct way to look at photography. Hell, that's the correct way to look at life itself. Bruh, so deep. (also, "buy all the lenses" is a perfectly valid answer as well, mainly because I sleep better with that justification after having gone that route myself)

Happiness is wanting what you have..... Struggled with that in the past...one just has to get it or you'll never be happy. Now onto your site to look at the book and such. Keep the videos coming - frankly, the telephoto is a good option video you did meant a lot to me. Jeff

Thank you for this video. I am currently switching from DSLR to mirrorless and am currently facing this dilemma. Happy to know that I’m not the only one. Purchased book & calendar and waiting for delivery. Keep up the great job.

Adam Gibbs has done some fantastic work with his 24-120 ‘kit’ lens on the D850, so it certainly can be done. Of course he is now shooting the Fuji GFX, so you may want to check with him if interested in trying that route.

Great video...agree with the importance of lens quality. That's why I stayed with Canon when going mirrorless. My high quality EF L lenses adapted easily when I upgraded to the mirrorless system. I slowly accumulated a few RF L lenses ( pricey, but worth every penny). Their quality surpasses any other. My favorite is the RF70-200 2.8 L- very compact and outstanding! If I have to travel with only one lens, it would be the RF 24-105 f4 L.

Great video Thomas! You mentioned upgrading your camera, I recently upgraded to the Canon R5 and found it to be phenomenal! The RF mount glass is amazing but expensive, but the EF glass adapt perfectly. Hope you are having a great day!

Very interesting video Thomas! When I recently upgraded my camera to the canon eso r, I got the 24-105 kit lens with it, and I’ve been planning on getting the other f4 wide and telephoto when the come out, but I found that as of right now, with the photography I’ve been shooting, I haven’t even need those focal lengths. Sorry that was probably unnecessary, great video though! Keep it up man!

such an honest guy. appreciate your hard truth👍

Great video, great shot anxiety had really got its hook into me and I hadn't realised. Also totally agree with the pro lense comment, I am currently regretting a couple of purchases where I went quantity rather than quality. Love the channel

I appreciate your comments on feeling the visceral pain of missing a shot, which has happened to me numerous times over the years. I'm glad you have come to terms with it. I'm not there yet, but maybe your thoughts can help.

Great rant! So much truth in what you’re saying.

The best advice on lenses!

Interesting. Definitely something to think about. Good idea about seeing which lens you use the most from editing software. 👍

Thank you for using "close-up" cuts when editing. I find it so much more comfortable than that horrible thing people do with second cameras off to one side (I always feel I'm being ignored and the presenter is talking to someone else when that gets used). I'd even be OK with jump cuts, to be honest!

If it is just a hobby and not your main source of income, then as soon as you start stressing out about your photography then it is time to look for a different hobby. I have made do with ‘kit lenses’ for a number of years and I am satisfied with the results I get. Thank you Thomas for a realistic viewpoint on this...

I'm really glad you're thinking about moving onto mirrorless soon. For those of us who have to buy secondhand, if people at your level are going to be selling their gear then the camera and lenses I want should drop in price a bit 👍

Lol I think you did nail it though, “WA for seascapes, 24-70 for forests and telephoto for mountains.” Pick one of those and master that and be ok with not getting every shot. Solid advice.

Great video Thomas, your 16-35 also makes a great mid-range option adapted to your Fuji. It's a pretty sweet combo!

Great video Tom, very helpful, thank you!

Wise words. I've only recently started getting back into photography and taking it more seriously. At the moment I'm fine with my kit lens and find it great for learning. I know at some point I'm probably going to get some more dedicated lenses. But you just can't do it all, and I'm fine with that.

Good update, thank you Tom. I appreciate the update. More expensive better be better otherwise why does it exist, but is it better enough to notice? What I look for is a lens that let's me do something I can't do with my current kit - longer, wider, faster, lighter? Perhaps more flexible because of a couple of those? I appreciate your examples - seascape with UWA zoom, woodland with standard zoom, peaks with long zoom.

Acceptance of not always getting the shot is such a golden advice. Sometimes I feel a prisoner of that 'get everything' approach. That being said I got tamron 28-200 f2.8-5.6 for Sony e, to cover as much as possible, with surprisingly good optic quality. Cheers!

I can live with the fact of taking all my lenses everywhere (great pain for my back but no regrets!) and coming back with no shot. But I can't live with the idea of coming home with no shot because of that lens I didn't take with me :D

Good and interesting comments. I keep filling in my collection with 14, 16-35, 70-200, and 200-500. But when it comes to walking around weight and flexibility, I still mostly use the f4 24-120 that came with my D750.

I teach classes in the evening. Sometimes on a summer evening I'll look out the window during class and see an epic sunset and wish I could be in two places at once! I'm still working on getting that Zen mindset that is accepting of what is instead of wishing for what isn't.

Excellent - video...as I continue on my photo journey i find it's more more a mental aspect that I'm learning about...thank Thomas....

I love my Sony 18-105 f4 and it is what I used almost the whole time on my recent (first trip) to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. A couple of times I did put on my Sigma 16mm prime but it was just a few shots. Great advice here Thomas and it is a difficult question to answer because everyone has different tastes in the shot they want in landscape photography.

Great inspirational video as always

Great perspective here. There’s something to be said for being OK working within the constraints of the kit you have.

I feel the best minimalistic option is the duo of 16-36 f4 and 70-200 f4 zooms. The main thing you need is a sturdy tripod that is light enough that you'll actually carry it with you.

Great advice Tom. I've been struggling this with issue for years, and due to my age i need to carry less weight.

What most of us probably do at some point in our photography (esp for those with perfectionist traits) is try to carry all our kit everywhere. Then we get annoyed at lugging the bag around then we reduce to our favourite lenses and what we’re comfortable with for the scenes. I’ve come to the point where if I’m on holiday and may not return to that place I’ll take my wide angle and telephoto or just the wide one as that’s my favourite lens. If I’m on trips out more locally then I may just pick one lens and often the kit lens. I had this experience this weekend where I couldn’t be bothered to bring all the gear so went with only wide angle and no tripod and accepted it. The only other option is to go travel lens where the compromise is likely to be of less quality. Again, it’s down to what suits you and what you are content to accept. Where you intend to go and the likely type of shots you desire will answer the lens choice too.

Thought I had lost it when suddenly the video disappeared... glad its back :-) Great advice, I would also suggest its better to buy a good quality secondhand (L type) lens than a similar priced new kit type lens. That's what I had to do and I am very happy I did, the glass makes all the difference as you say :-)

@PMCN53

3 жыл бұрын

Agree, before going to Lofoten in Feb 2020 I purchased a 16-35 f2.8 SECOND HAND. It was half the price of the lates version but a brilliant lens, well worth paying 1/2 price LOL :)

@bobkent007

3 жыл бұрын

@@PMCN53 I own a Sony a7r2 and cannot afford the Sony glass other than the Ziess 24-70 (kit) that came with it. So have the cheaper 17-40mm L f4 and the older 70-200mm L f4 non IS. Love them both as they are very sharp and my body as IS if needed. To be honest when out in the Peak District I use the 70-200mm most of the time.

I don't know why KZread was suggesting this to me today, but nice to go down memory lane. I do have 2 things relevant to this conversation. 1. It does not matter which lens you get (in terms of focal length). Hear me out here... If you asking the question you are fairly new to photography. Creativity is inspired by the limitations we impose upon ourselves. Just pick one and use it to death. Learn it inside out. Your images are more likely to be affected by the time you get up in the morning, the weather, the research you do on your locations. So just don't sweat it.. regardless of what lens you buy... you are going to look back and think most your old images are not great anyway (because it is the practise and experience that gets you compelling images). Point 2 - One of my favorite lenses is my 24-240mm travel zoom. It is freeing to just hike with and I have printed images with it that are 20x30" with 'good enough' quality (if people a pixel peeping... you don't have a compelling image). But here is the real thing... why does no-one make a good quality travel zoom? They all have like 68mm or 72mm filter thread and generally are compromised for people who want to spend $700-$1000. I wonder what would happen if a lens manufacturer decided to make a good superzoom that actually lets in enough light, has better lens coatings, and optical design? Ok it would be a bit heavier... but it would be lighter than carrying 2 lenses. I guess that's what Tamron did with the 35-150mm F2-F2.8 but its not wide enough. I would love to see a 24-200 F2.8-F4 with a 82mm filter thread and a $2K-$2.5K price point... I think it would be doable... and I bet it could actually replace 2 lenses.

I agree that taking one quality zoom lens on a photo shoot helps achieve the best outcome by concentrating your thoughts. However I often take a macro lens also. The right light is important for a landscape shot but not so with macro photography. Having spent time enjoying the wide vista and the last of the right light I like to then visit the miniature world at the other end of the spectrum. This approach can illustrate so much more about a place and lead to an even better result.

Hi Thomas, enjoyed your little rant. I have been shooting with one lens for about a year now the Fujifilm 32-64mm, it is a superb lens and the only one I own for that camera. A couple of advantages with only having 1 lens, my bag is a lot lighter now and it makes you focus more on composition and you become more attuned to your surroundings.

"Master the lens you have" Well said and that about sums it up. Be it camera, lens, guitar, or whatever.

Man... So many hikes I thought I got the shot but didn't realize it till after I uploaded the files... Then I remembered people used to have to come home and develop the film or even send it off and then finally realize they didn't have anything. We are blessed and spoiled. We have time but no time.

My son recommended your videos to me. Really excellent. Well done.

True! Cheers man!

Have book, ordered calendar a couple weeks ago, love the vids... a devote follower that loves yer your shots most! Keep er up Thomas... from BC Canada 🇨🇦

I read this with a grin when I think of the thousands of images I made with a Nikkor 50mm 1.4 lens. Master the lens you own before you waste money on a lens that you think might make you a better photographer. Buy a good bowl head tripod with a leveling base, a decent mid range zoom, and go master them. It will be fun and enlightening. Thomas is giving you solid practical advice.