This has been a billboard year for camera and equipment releases as all the big players have launched impressive products of some description. What have you bought and what have your favorite purchases been?
In this video, Eli Infante goes through what he considers the best purchases he has made in 2021. With the likes of the Canon R5 on his list, it sounds like Infante had a billboard year of his own, but it's an interesting question. I tend to buy far less gear than I used to, but I have made some acquisitions this year that I'm happy with.
The first is the (now rather outdated but still brilliant) Fujifilm GFX 50R which I have wanted since using one for a week in Tokyo back in 2018. It might not have the 100-megapixel sensor of its newer siblings, image stabilization, or even been "true" medium format, but I love shooting with it and I'm pleased with the shots I've taken with it.
The second mention I'd give is to my Aputure Light Storm LS 60d. I've now got a few Aputure lights and I see them as brilliant value. They are also pushing me further and further towards shooting with LEDs over strobes. There are shoots that I still lean on strobes almost entirely, but for the bulk of my work, LED lighting plays a role.
So, what was your best purchase of the year?
Godox V1
Stabilens gimbal ring. A super simple device that changed how I shoot my gimbal and saves tons of time.
I didn't buy a single piece of gear this year.
Rolleiflex
3 legged thing Winston has changed my photography for the better. But I also bought an M1 MacBook Pro that has made editing a pleasure again.
Have to say though, loving the Fuji XF70-300
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 Art lens. Excellent lens.
Canon R5. And people say it's not the equipment...
Oh? How big are you printing it?
I would not have bothered asking you the question, Lee. The question was highly elliptical, and I received precisely the response I expected.
As far as cameras go id partly agree with them, my 5yr old X-T2 is still producing stunning pictures. Id say lenses are far more 'its about the gear' than any camera will ever be.
I moved to the R5 from a 5DMKIII. With its eye and face detection, shooting portraits while I or the model moves is much easier and I don't have to worry about recomposing at or near wide open. The 1.5.0 update was a phenomenal upgrade as Canon's Camera Connect doesn't focus hunt nearly as much anymore.
Sony A7r4, DJI Air 2S, DulePro camera bags (x2 in different sizes). The Tamron 70-180/2.8 and Samyang 24/1.8 are both fantastic lenses. The Insta 360 was great fun but the Insta X2 looks like the upgrade for next year.
Tamron 35-150 f2.8-4. A peach of a lens.
Sony 24-105mm F4
Congratulations on your awesome purchases.
I'm a hobbyist nature and wildlife photographer. As an old school lover; I bought quite a number of gears this year to augment my collection. Mentioning the best as hereunder:
a. A used Canon EOS 5D Classic body for landscape and lifestyle photography. I already own 5DII for more than 3 years but, got the Classic for the classic film-look in its images. It's like yesterday once more.
b. A used Canon EOS 1D Mark IV for wildlife photography. I had been using 7D for this purpose but, had been craving for the 1DIV since long as it has so much more to offer. Especially, love the IQ, burst rate, battery life, two card slots and extremely powerful and reliable build quality. I expect it to be durable as well because it had 42k shutter count at the time of purchase.
c. A brand new Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens. I used one copy of the same lens for the last twelve years and couldn't have been happier with a prime telephoto lens. I exchanged it with a new one from my regular camera dealer after paying him $ 500/- together with the old lens.
d. A brand new Manfrotto monopod.
e. A brand new Lowepro model 450 camera bag for my overseas wildlife photography tours.
Nikon D850
I've gone through a number of budget Sony lenses over the last couple of years. I'm on a budget but splurged on a used Sony 24-105 f4 lens. Wow. So much better than the decent Rokinon fixed lenses and budget Sony zooms. Sharper and great colors.
The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM has been a phenomenal lens - speed, sharpness, bang for the buck.
Flashpoint XPLOR 600 HSS/Godox AD600BM - couldn't resist the Black Friday sale. I've only used it twice but I find it an outstanding complement to my other Godox equipment.
I bought a 150-600C as well. So far, it's performed quite well.
Easy- My Flashpoint Evolv 600 light. Thing is a beast!
I didn't buy any gear this year and am happy about it.
A couple of third party Nikon batteries and a charger. Because that’s the only gear I bought this year.