Get rid of the difficulty of choosing: Things to know when purchasing photographic equipment

People often ask what aspects should be paid attention to when purchasing photographic equipment. I don’t know where to start. I have the impression that many friends claim to love photography, but they prefer to use their mobile phones to play ***. Although mobile phone photography is convenient, it is not a professional equipment after all and has certain limitations. If you want to do your job well, you must first sharpen your tools. I personally think that every friend who likes photography should be equipped with photographic equipment.

Of course, having no money is all nonsense. So please remember to make your decision on equipment selection within your budget. When you have set your financial limit, refer to the following points.

As long as the body is sufficient

For beginners, a camera with manual transmission (M) function is essential, because a fully automatic camera may not allow you to fully Understand the principles of photography. Therefore we recommend mirrorless and DSLR cameras. As for the frame, as the saying goes, "The big camera will kill you." Of course, full-frame cameras are relatively better, so if you have sufficient funds, it is recommended to go directly to full-frame. But the problem is not absolute. As sensor technology matures, APS-C and even M4/3 format SLR or mirrorless cameras are also quite mature.

Photographic equipment

In summary, if you have sufficient funds, you can consider full-frame products such as Canon 5D3, Canon 6D, Nikon D810, Nikon D750, and Sony A7 series. camera. If funds are limited, you can also refer to mirrorless cameras such as Canon 760D, Nikon D7200 or Sony A6300, Olympus E-PL7.

Reasonable selection of lens configuration

It is still essential to buy a fixed focus lens when learning photography. So beginners are confused again, which focal length fixed focus lens should they choose? For beginners, it is recommended to choose a 50 focal length fixed focus lens as an entry lens. There is a saying that "any photographer needs a 50 focal length fixed focus lens." Fixed focus lens”, this statement is true.

Lens

Whether this lens is Canon or Nikon, the price of 50mm f/1.8 is very cheap, only between 500 and 700 yuan. It is the most suitable lens for practice.

After mastering the 50mm fixed-focus lens, those who like to take portraits can also consider the 35mm or 85mm focal length. 35mm is more suitable for cultural landscapes, and 85mm is more suitable for portraits, which can create a blurry feeling.

A must-have wide-angle lens for travel

A wide-angle lens is a must-have, because landscape photography is inevitable with any equipment. You don’t have to buy a super wide angle (usually between 10mm and 20mm), because it’s too wide and difficult to control, and the distortion is relatively large.

Wide-angle lens

The wide-angle lens with a focal length of 24-35mm to 50mm is the most commonly used. Whether traveling or ordinary photography, you will usually mix in this focal length. It is recommended that you buy a wide-angle lens that covers the 24-35mm focal end. There is no need to pursue ultra-broadness, nor to pursue "one mirror to cover the world".

Lens factor ratio

However, it should be noted that if used on an APS-C format camera, there is a certain lens factor ratio. Canon's is 1:1.6, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax are 1:1.5. That is to say, the 24mm end is for 135 full frame. For APS-C cameras, you have to multiply by 1.6 or 1.5, then it becomes 38.4 mm or 36mm. In this way, it is no longer a wide angle in the general sense. So a reminder is that users of APS-C format cameras must not forget the lens coefficient ratio when purchasing a wide-angle lens. The focal length needs to be appropriately widened to 18mm~35mm.

Recommend a few travel zoom lenses

The focal length of 18-200mm is cheap and practical. Canon, Nikon, or Tamron and Sigma from subsidiary manufacturers are all good travel lenses.

Travel lenses

Mirrorless lenses

Mirrorless camera kit lenses are generally sufficient, whether it is Sony’s 16-50mm or Olympus 14 -42mm generally covers the commonly used focal lengths from wide angle to medium telephoto, which is sufficient for daily use.

Choose the telephoto lens carefully

Telephoto lens

For beginners, the telephoto lens will not make you very entangled, because the telephoto lens you use The chances are actually not that great. For street sweeping, bird shooting, close-up, and some landscape photography, telephoto is irreplaceable. The suggestion is that beginners should not focus too much on telephoto and focus on affordability and cost-effectiveness. Telephoto zooms such as 70-300 or 70-200 are sufficient for most shootings. Telephotos above 300 are larger in size and have limited general uses, so choose carefully.

A tripod is very important

A good tripod can provide a stable shooting environment, and is also a necessary executor of slow shutter speed or B door. If you think a tripod is troublesome, a monopod is also an option (it is said that it can also be used as a crutch, but I can't bear to part with it anyway), but the premise is that you must buy such a thing.

Tripod

Although a good tripod is important, it is not a necessity. For landscape lovers and those who often shoot long exposures and night scenes, a tripod is indispensable. But for humanities and portrait photography, a tripod is a dispensable accessory.

As for brands, Gitzo is of course good, mainly because of the price. Nissan’s Admiralty is good, and the price is relatively reasonable; Benro is the best in China, and Sirui is also There is great potential to catch up. The brand doesn't mean much. It is recommended to buy the carbon fiber material instead of magnesium aluminum alloy, because you have to consider the load capacity when you go out. Of course, relatively lightweight carbon fiber is also expensive.

Accessory peripherals are optional

UV mirror (protective mirror)? If you care about your lens, it doesn’t hurt to buy one. Flash? If it comes with the camera, there is no need to spend thousands to buy an external flash. You won’t often take close-ups of weddings and outdoor models.

Accessory peripherals

CPL mirror? We still need contrast, but if you are not a travel enthusiast or don’t go to places with particularly good weather, hundreds or even thousands of B+W There is no need for filters, and as I said, it’s mainly cheap. Air blowers and lens pens? They are usually given as gifts by camera sellers or tricked you into buying them. Of course they have uses, but you don’t have to pursue the brand too much. It’s enough.