One thing I have learned over the years, as many other photographers has, is what equipment is important and what would be fun to own.
I’ve put myself in danger financially and have gotten myself out of the slum.
All because I wanted a lens or a camera or a flash and so on.
Today I am here to tell you that you do not need that expensive $3,000 lens or the $600 flash.
Today I am here to tell you that you need a few essential things.
1. Camera
The first item on the need list is a camera. I don’t care what camera it is, but as long as you can change lenses you are good.
2. Lenses
The second item(s) on the need list is a lens or a couple of them. As I said before you don’t need the $3,000 lens that Zeiss sells. Heck you do not even need the $2,000 lens from Nikon or Canon. You can do perfectly fine with simple f/1.8 prime lenses which cost under $500 each, some even under $300 each. Pick up a 35mm, 50mm and 85mm or 135mm and you could be set for practically any photography unless it’s a niche field requiring macro or longer lenses.
3. Your Brain
Without your best tool you won’t get by anyway. So think about what services you are offering, what you are photographing, and purchase only the equipment that you need.
You Don’t Need That
If the time comes where you need a different camera body or lens and you do not own it… rent it.
There are so many great equipment rental companies, but one of the most popular is Borrow Lenses which is owned by Shutterfly. If you’re photographing sports and need the extra speed of a Nikon D4 then rent the camera body. Need the 400mm lens? Rent it.
Depending on the type of photography you do, a tripod might be needed. I personally do a lot of tripod shooting so I invested in a Really Right Stuff tripod. However, there are many less expensive brands out there that can also do the job perfectly fine for you. So again, use your head and think about what you need and invest wisely.
Many photographers call this Gear Acquisition Syndrome or G.A.S. Here are two articles on the subject. Don’t forget this video from Zack Arias as well.
So next time you see an ad on Facebook or anywhere that looks like this – don’t be afraid to rent instead of buy. That lens is over $2,000 and while it is amazing it’s not a lens that every photographer needs.
If you have questions about what equipment to buy please don’t go to the store and ask a salesman. Ask someone who has been there, done that, and wants to help you rather than sell.
Thanks for reading and happy shooting,
Scott
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