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 V
An almost perfect machine. It does what is supposed to do in an exceedingly high level way. Refreshing features like the new menu, improved AI AF and 8 stops of in-body image stabilization are worthy upgrades to an almost perfect previous model.
It has many other hidden upgrades, not very noticeable, but making our lives way easier.
SONY keeps adding features to an already capable camera which I don't think it'll be outpaced anytime soon.
Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD
This is a “Standard Zoom” killer lens, in my opinion. Standard zooms (usually around 24-70mm) and neither here nor there. Meaning they are either not wide enough, or have not enough reach.
While the 28-200mm lacks a bit on the wide side, it gains in f/2.8 speed and unbeatable reach.
I did a quick search using Lightroom metadata, and realized that 90% of my photos are shot at 28mm or longer, and those requiring wider coverage, I tend to shoot vertical panos. So this was a logical choice for my style of shooting.
Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
Used to have the smaller and lighter 50-300, but now owning the 28-200mm it was too much overlap on the long side, so it's the logical choice. The aperture could be faster, but it would make it larger and heavier. The Alpha 61 Megapixel sensor really do wonders these days in low light. Very configurable via de USB-C port, fully weather sealed and a nice 50 to 100mm extra range on the short side, no many other zooms this type have.
Is neither small nor light, but the extra reach makes up for versatility.
TTArtisan AF 75mm f/2
Sometimes manufacturers develop a lens that after too much though you still can't understand how they did it.
You could expect a Manual Focus lens at this price point, but AF, f/2 maximum aperture, Full Frame, amazingly sharp, with a gorgeous Bokeh, and less that $200.
How?
Benro Tortoise Two / GX30
For years I forgot what a good stable tripod was.
The Benro Tortoise is my first tripod from this manufacturer and not only is stable and sturdy, but the ballhead have dual pano capabilities, which I do quite often, and the arca swiss closure is a dream to use. Several levels of magnitude better than any tripod I've used before, even the concoction Peak Design decided to use for their tripod.
It lacks a center column, which is a good thing for 2 reasons: 1) Is more stable and 2) the legs can fold closer together making it similar width when folded as a water bottle.
The name Tortoise comes from the ability to spread the legs so it can set it very low to the ground.
Peak Design 7L Outdoor Sling
Use it as daily driver to carry my A7R IV and the Zeiss 35mm f/2.8. It could fit with the 20-70mm or even the 50-300mm, but is a bit of a stretch. Not much structure, very fluffy side, but great for walking around the block.
NOMATIC Peter McKinnon 13L Sling
I have the 8 liter version of this bag, and while I kind of like the overall design and build quality, is way too rigid and lack external pockets. This is no different, but the size makes up for the lack of places to carry your gear. The front side opens like a clam shell and is the perfect working space for changing lenses. This is the one that goes with me on any shooting occasion and is perfect for traveling. The elastic string closure is brilliant for quick access not having to zip and unzip all the time.
Bonus point for fitting my M4 Pro Macbook Pro in the rear waterproof zipper pocket.
NOMATIC Peter McKinnon 25L Everyday Backpack
Configurable with or without camera cubes. You can even leave it empty and just stuff it freely, although I love organization. Used cubes on my MFT system, then configured the dividers on the empty space, and finally found a way to use the cubes again, but for top access, which is brilliant. Check my blog frequently as I'll have an article on that subject.
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 so perfect for top access.
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 2nd 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
Jupio Pr1me Gear Tri-Charge
This is one of the most amazing gadgets I've bought this year. It can store 3 NP-FZ100 batteries, 3 SD cards, 3 CFexpress cards, and 2 microSD cards, but it can also charge all 3 batteries at once by using the USB-C IN port on the side. But wait, the Jupio Pr1me has a 3rd personality: It is also a Power Bank, that uses the power of the NP-FZ100 batteries to charge your phone, tablet, airpods, you name it. Just connect the cable to the USB-C OUT port and press the button on the right side.
Ran out of juice on your camera batteries, but your phone is still full? no problem. Invert the cable and connect the phone to the IN port, and now you phone charges the NP-FZ100 batteries.
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