What Photography Gear Do You Really Need?
What Photography Gear Do You Really Need?
What Photography Gear Do You Really Need?
“Nuts and Bolts”
I get a lot of questions about what photography gear I use. Instead of just rattling off a list, I thought I’d share some gear recommendations tailored to different types of photographers—from curious beginners to serious hobbyists.
Start With the Basics: Your Lenses Matter
Your lens (or lenses) are just as important as your camera body. Invest in quality, and cover them with a good UV filter (see below).
For Beginners and Casual Shooters
If you want great photos without fiddling too much with settings, consider a high-end point-and-shoot:
- Sony DSC-RX100 V or VI
- The RX100 VI offers more zoom (24–200mm), making it versatile for travel.
- The RX100 V has better low-light performance with a larger aperture (f/2.8).
- Both are compact, powerful, and give you access to manual settings when you want to play around.
For Enthusiasts Who Want More (Without Going Full DSLR)
If you’re ready to step things up but still want to stay relatively light:
- Sony a6300 or a6500
- Pair it with the Sony Zeiss 16-70mm OSS lens for a versatile, high-quality setup.
- Add a 35mm prime lens for lightweight street photography.
These APS-C mirrorless cameras offer a great balance of quality, size, and price—especially if you’re buying used on eBay.
Nuts and Bolts
For Serious Photographers
If you’re fully committed to the craft and want full-frame performance:
- Sony a7R III
- This camera delivers amazing autofocus, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
- It might be more than most people need, but it’s a powerful choice if you’re looking to future-proof your gear.
Recommended Sony Lenses:
- For landscapes or environmental portraits:
- Sony Zeiss 16–35mm f/4 – sharp and wide.
- For street & astro photography:
- Sony 16–35mm f/4 again—versatile in different light and settings.
- For all-around use:
- Sony 16–70mm f/2.8 – great walkaround lens with better low-light and bokeh than the heavier 16–105mm f/4 I’ve been using.
- For macro & portrait:
- Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G – outstanding detail for close-ups and soft portraits.
- For wildlife:
- I don’t own one yet, but the Sony 100–400mm GM is the go-to lens for serious wildlife work. It’s on my wish list for trips to Africa or Alaska.
Must-Have Accessories
- UV Filter: Hoya UV Haze HMC NXT – protects your lens and cuts haze.
- Graduated ND Filter: Tiffen Grad ND 0.6 – ideal for balancing skies in landscape shots.
Final Thoughts
No matter what gear you use, remember: equipment doesn’t replace good composition. Even the best camera won’t save a poorly framed shot. I’ll dive into composition tips in a future post!
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