I can't remember the last piece of gear I bought new. I usually buy used in services like KEH or MPB which are trustworthy and provide warranty. You won't see me using the last gear in the market as I like to wait until it gets real world use, and the price go down a bit.
Much better deals can sometimes be found on eBay, but is very important to research on the seller, not only watch for the negative reviews, in case it has some, but read the reviews. Sometimes people only complains for simple stuff, and you can let go that. Others are actual problems, so you want to stay away from that seller. All my Sony gear was acquired on eBay, for very good prices. And all my Micro 4/3 gear was sold on MPB.
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Check My Switch Story
SONY A7R IV
The 61 Megapixel Sony sensor produces the largest image real state of any camera I've owned. I don't need this kind of resolution, as I don't print that large, but the ability of freely crop and still get a usable image is invaluable.
With the push of a button it can turn into an APS-C camera multiplying the focal length by a factor of 1.5X, delivering a 26 Megapixel files. So is truly a multi-format camera.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/456p808
Lumix G95
Combined with the 12-35mm f:2.8 is a good travel kit, and also a good video solution until I can get an Alpha body for that purpose.
The main reason I'm keeping it is because is the only camera that will give me Live Composite, which is a feature I love for Fireworks and light painting.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4m9b0cR
SONY FE 20-70mm f:4 G
This is the one lens that made me realize it was time to jump ship, something I had been thinking about for years but didn't have the courage, or budget.
It can replace two of the three essential lenses: an ultra-wide zoom and a standard zoom. The standard zoom is usually a 24-70mm, while the base for ultra-wide is 20-35mm. Although there are ultra-wide options down to 16mm or 14mm, I feel this is a good compromise.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3S1D0RS
Sony FE 70-200mm f:4 OSS II
20 years ago I bought the best lens I have ever owned. The mighty Canon 70-200 f:4L. The Sony version is as good or better, due to new technologies and features not available at that time, like the very advanced Optical Steady Shot (OSS) and highly regarded Macro functionality.
Paired with the 1.4X TC becomes a very flexible lens with focal lengths ranging from 70mm up to 420mm leveraging the Alpha APS-C mode.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/44RkKlC
Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter
Multiplies the focal length of any compatible lens by the factor of 1.4X reducing one stop of light, so an f:4 becomes an f:5.6. With the A7R IV and the 70-200mm f:4, it can work in the following ranges:
- 90-280mm f:5.6 at 61 Megapixels
- 147-420mm f:5.6 at 26 Megapixels in APS-C mode
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YgsBoN
Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 35mm F2.8 ZA
Really light and small. Perfect companion for a walk around the city.
My 2nd Carl Zeiss lens ever. The first one was a very old m42 manual lens which I never really used, but it rendered beautifully.
Super light and snappy, makes the kit with the A7R IV a super compact package. Beautiful minimalistic lens hood.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mvE7r1
NOMATIC Peter McKinnon 8L Sling
I've been coming and goin from this sling to the Peak Design 7L outdoor, but after the clip accidentally disconnected, I didn't want to risk my camera to hit the floor, so the Nomatic sling has no closure, meaning no point of potential failure.
Is definitely more rigid, one thing I value from the PD, but is also definitely more secure. I'll have some travel going so I'll report back how it goes.
Nomatic: https://www.nomatic.com/collections/camera-slings/products/mckinnon-camera-sling-8l
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43sKIJS
NOMATIC Peter McKinnon 25L Everyday Backpack
The one that makes more sense after many years testing.
Configurable with or without camera cubes. You can even leave it empty and just stuff things up, although I love organization. Used cubes on my MFT system, but they don't fit my Sony kit, so I configured the dividers on the empty space.
The main thing that I like about this bag is the fact that is rigid and things just stay put. The camera dividers have a great texture and is not "fluffy” like many other bags I've used.
It won't fall over when placed on a desk or the floor. It will keep its standing position which is great to access the “loft", as they call it.
A bit on the pricey side, but they run sales regularly so check their website often.
Nomatic: https://www.nomatic.com/products/mckinnon-camera-backpack-25l
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SLLKLI
Apple M4 Pro MacBook Pro 14 inch
My main workhorse. It gives me all the computing power I'll need for the next 5 to 10 years, I hope.
I use a bunch of external storage options. Having Thunderbolt 5 on all its USB-C ports is the perfect way to keep your big files (RAWs and videos) out of the internal storage. I used to edit video on an iPad with Lumafusion, but I started using Final Cut Pro a few weeks ago, and is fast and easy, and super intuitive. I'm not going back.
Apple: https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RH8fkN
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
This is my 3rd camera body. And sometimes even my 1st. The one I use the most, as is always with me. I can shoot 4K video and RAW stills. Performance in low light continues to be its main handicap, but that is changing rapidly. The new 16 Pro camera button is quite handy, although it has its learning curve and muscle memory keeps reaching for the screen for snapping photos.
Apple: https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-16-pro
Amazon (Renewed): https://amzn.to/3G2uOxX
K&F Concept Magnetic filter system
I hate dealing with filters. Is so inconvenient and time consuming to screw on and off. I even tried acetate square filters to speed up the process, but ended up not using them.
I don't know who came with the idea of magnetic filter but it changed the use of filters completely. The only thing you need to screw in once is the magnetic adapter. Especially good for polarizers, as there is no need for a rotating mechanism they can make it way slimmer. You simply rotate it in the adapter and the magnet will hold everything together. I think is brilliant.
Amazon (Polarizer): https://amzn.to/3wuNa5S
Amazon (ND): https://amzn.to/4c8tDsf