Personally, im a Nikon user. I have no particular reason for this other than, when i started my photography journey i picked up a Nikon and it felt right in my hand. I havent tried anything other in all these year’s.
I started with a entry level d3300. I still own it to this day but it rarely gets used. These days i use my trusty d7200. Still an old body now but i cant bring myself to change. I love that camera and its always produced great results for me, (or at least in my eyes), so why upgrade.
Lenses… Ok, for airshows i use what probably 60% of photographer’s use, the sigma 150-600 f5-6.3
My statics are prety much always taken with my incredible Nikon 17-55 f2. 8. That lens is insanely sharp. Im currently looking for another mid range lens. Heavily leaning twords the sigma 70-200mm f2.8, i have heard this is a fantastic lens by many. All my gear gets hauled round in a large lowepro flipside.
I seriously need to think about lightening the load (litterally) as hiking mountains at my age with a bad back is becoming quite challenging at times.
I started with Canon, I think a Digital Rebel as they were called in the US. Moved on up through the different D series and then paused the hobby and sold my gear.
I bought Nikon gear when I got back into shooting which I again sold when I saw the mirrorless systems gaining steam and I thought I rather get some cash now before it’s worthless.
Now I am renting and shoot both Nikon or Canon, depending on who has the best gear. I can’t afford a whole new outfit, so renting is perfect for me. It does mean I have to relearn every time I shoot and it takes a while to get back into the groove. But I’m not a pro and it’s a hobby, so that’s fine.
I am looking at bodies again though… I think the latest generation finally is mature enough to compete with DSLR’s as for speed and quality.
I’ve gone: Zenith E, Canon AE-1, EOS-1, Minolta 7000, Canon EOS10, 1d2, and most recently Nikon D3, D800, D750, D7200. I’m now cameraless completely after selling my Nikon kit to MBP. When and if I get the chance to get out and shoot again, and if I have the funds by then I’ll get a Canon mirrorless kit. Like you I loved my D7200, I think that was my favourite body for aircraft and wildlife. Best long zoom I’ve ever had was the Nikkor 200-500, sharper even than the old 200-400 F4 I had for awhile and a bargain price.
Interesting you both mention a switch to mirrorless… Can i ask why.
Its crossed my mind in the past but my view is my 7200 produces fantastic photos. i cant justify selling everything and starting again with mirrorless for very little if no image quality gain.
If i was taking photos for a living, i would perhaps look further in to it but for what i do. The dslr systems are perfect (imo)
Since I’ve sold my kit, I would have to start over, and I’d like to have my gear last as long as possible. Sure, DSLR gear will last a long time, but if I look at how fast the new mirrorless systems are, I think I’d rather invest in a new system, with new lenses (and that’s of course what the manufacturers are counting on )
One thing I’ll never do again is buy new, all my bodies after the D800 ( mad on the spur purchase in Las Vegas the morning of a Red Flag media day, back to the hotel, charge the battery and straight onto the 45 degree ramp at Nellis ) are from ebay. I’d rather stay one body behind the curve and save money, i.e. would now be looking at used R5s now the mk2 is out. Same with lenses.
Last new lens I bought was the 200-500 when it was fairly new and tbh even the new price was great, plus I wanted it quickly for my trip to Japan. Loved that lens!
I think while ever companies like MPB exist, who offer 3-to 6 months warrenty, buying new seems pointless to me. Unless of course the item needed isnt in stock
My ideal kit, as it stands today, would be a R5 mk2 body, R5 or R6 spare body, RF24-120L RF70-200L RF200-800. And a superwide zoom. Of course by the time I’m looking at gear there’ll be even better options I’m sure. But a R5mk2 and 200-800 for aircraft and wildlife would be awesome.
Hmm, looking at my old shots, I love a full frame with a lot of pixels. Gives me some room for error, as I can crop a bit here and there and not lose too much detail. So an R5 maybe? Second hand now the MK II’s are in fashion?
I only see rolling shutter as being a problem for action shots with the R5… newer cameras are way faster with their sensor readouts, with some having almost an instant readout from top to bottom (like the Sony a9 III with a global shutter).
I see that as less of a problem with aviation when youre keeping the main subject stationary in the frame. Youll get the odd bent light pole or tree. It matters more in sports with balls and bats travelling across the frame. And there is always the mech shutter.
I’ve not had an issue with rolling shutter on aviation photos, as Kevin says it’s more of an issue with sports. The biggest issue I have with the R5 is the black out in the view finder when taking a long burst of shots.
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