r/Photography_Gear

Hi all,

I have been a serious photography enthusiast for around 20 years now, but in the past 6 to 7 years I have gone through issues that kept me away from photography and all the gear news that came out during that period.

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My current setup (from back then) is:

• Nikon D800
• 24-70mm f2.8 G
• 35mm f1.8
• 50mm f1.8
• 85mm f1.4
• 135mm f2

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I mainly shoot:
Portraits, studio work, street, and travel photography, mostly focused on people. No video.

I also freelanced as a side-career for a few years doing events and commercial work with studios.

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More context:

With my life being back on track now, I've been having the urge to get behind the viewfinder again. I did a few outings with my trusty D800, which felt great, and had no issues. The D800 still holds up well even with a 400k+ shutter count. That said, getting back into photography now feels like the right time for a proper gear refresher/'upgrade'.

With mirrorless cameras having matured a lot since I was last active 7 years ago, and liking the idea of a lighter load on my shoulder while I am out and about, I have decided to move to a full-frame mirrorless system.

I initially looked at the Nikon Zf and Z6III. Both seem great for different reasons, but then I thought, why not consider other systems/brands while I am at it.

I know switching brands means having to get the corresponding glass, but I am financially comfortable for such a move. And, my Nikon gear isn't going anywehere, just in case.

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What I am looking for: Recommend a full-frame mirrorless system (body) and explain why you think it fits my use case well. Criteria:

1. Has a strong glass ecosystem, especially the focal lengths I use
2. Proides a strong hybrid performance for both studio and outdoor work
3. Offers Value for money*, reliability, and handling/comfort

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Budget: Flexible within reason. I don't mind paying more if the value provided is worthwhile. So, convince me.

Location/currency: Netherlands/Euro

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After a short investigation of the current Nikon offering, the Zf feels like the best value option to me despite some concerns about ergonomics and handling. The Z6III also looks solid, but the price jump from the Zf did not feel fully justified compared to the difference in specs.

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TL;DR: Longtime Nikon shooter returning to photography after a 7-year break, moving to mirrorless, and open to switching brands if the system makes sense. Looking for a worthwhile full-frame mirrorless setup based on the criteria above.

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*) Value for money doesn't mean cheap. I don't mind paying more if the added value is worthwhile.

Hi all, I am finally picking up work as an events and product photographer/videographer.

I currently am stuck with my Sony A6100 with an F 3.5 - 5.6 28-70mm and Godox IM30 flash. I also own a dirt cheap amazon tripod which I use on occation.

I am considering upgrading my arsenal but don't know where to start.

• I was thinking of getting a basic lights set up (softbox, stands etc) on Amazon for headshots I may have to do in the coming weeks.
• I also was thinking of getting an attachable softbox for my Godox Flash for events.
• I think I need a new lens for events/profiles too.
• I also need a new tripod/tall camera stand. I was thinking the Victiv 78''.
• I think I need mics/gimble if I do more video content for clients going forward.

As you can imagine I am a little overwhelmed by where to start and I am looking for some guidance.

TLDR: I need lights, lenses and tripods what first?

I need help finding a camera bag that will work for me. It’s needs to be able to:
Hold Nikon D500, and at least 2 lens. (18-70, 70-200 or 150-600 I’d love to carry both zoom lens but thinking that might be difficult )
Able to take on light to medium hikes.
Rain resistant.
Able to fight under plane seat.
Able to hold a laptop, kindle, cords, chargers, small purse like stuff (wallet/chap stick/ect), bonus if I could squeeze more in.
Also I am a 5’2 female. Has to be comfortable for me to wear.
Bonus if it aesthetic and doesn’t look like a camera or hiking bag. :)

Right now I am considering:

Wandrd PRVKE 21 (I really like the option to add on the tech bag and then I have a sling purse when traveling)

Shimoda Women’s Explore V2 25

But my goodness they are pricey.

Any thoughts? Or anything else I should consider??

I’m looking into buying a Nikon off MPB. Im using my birthday money so I really wanna make sure that whatever I get will actually work and I won’t have to deal with any repairs or difficult returns.

Could I really reliably buy a camera and lens off of MPB?

I scored a seemingly killer deal on a 'broken' camera at the pawn shop. $40 for a canon 60D body w/ battery grip. It's labeled as 'for parts/broken' but I can't seem to find anything wrong with it.

• powers on
• sees a memory card
• records photos/video to memory card
• AF functions
• spot focus functions

I'm sure there are other functions I'm not mentioning, which is the point of this post.
Please, make suggestions of what I should test/try/etc. to verify the functionality of this 'parts' camera.

Hello,

I’ve been taking photos regularly for 7 years now. I settled on Sony pretty quickly and realized early on that the lens selection is really a pain.

That problem was solved for me when I bought the 70-200mm lens. Now I want to expand my gear and I’m frustrated all over again. So frustrated that I’m even thinking about switching systems.

I want to dive deeper into sports photography. For that, I’m looking for a fast lens with at least a 300mm focal length. So, Sony only offers unaffordable or relatively slow lenses, and third-party manufacturers don’t have anything decent either.

Canon, for example, has the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 for 2500€. A 300mm prime lens from Sony costs €5,000. I’m considering using the Sigma with a teleconverter. But I haven’t heard anything good about that either, and I might also want to use a converter.

Could you please share your thoughts on this? I’m considering switching systems, which might solve this lens issue, but I might run into other problems, and it also comes with costs.
Or should I go with my converter solution?

Let’s discuss together, thanks for sharing your thoughts!