Avoid Buyer's Remorse, Learn From My Mistakes!
I share my biggest purchase regrets after buying thousands of dollars worth of camera gear. I hope you can learn from my mistakes and I would love to hear your own purchase regrets and why. Cheers, Duade
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Chapters
00:00 Biggest Regrets
00:17 #1 Flash
02:23 #2 UV Filter
03:34 #3 Camera Upgrade
06:21 #4 2x Extender
08:07 #5 Second Hand Gear
10:02 #6 Paying Retail
11:10 #7 Cheap Memory Cards
12:30 #8 Buying Cheap
13:58 #9 Not taking more photos
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Yeah, your last regret is my biggest. I love taking photos of wildlife, primarily birds. But the pictures that will really matter to me 10 years down the road are of my friends and family - especially pictures of those who won’t be there any more to share them. I have a hundred thousand pictures of wildlife in my Lightroom catalog, but only 10s of pictures of my wife of 44 years who passed away unexpectedly earlier in the year. Thankfully, there are more photos of her in my phone (backed up, of course!) There are even fewer photos of my close friends who share my love of wildlife photography and, frankly, make my outings infinitely more enjoyable. Great video, Duade. Thank you for your insights. On my next outing, you can bet I will be taking more pics of my photography buddies!
Such incredible advice!
That`s so true!!!!
Just a suggestion, But some times photos just stay locked up on our digital media hard drives. Go get then printed now.
Yeah. I was at a vacation last month, of around 5,000 clicks hardly any was family ! So last Wednesday when we went out, I made sure we clicked a lot of human ! Was happy to see them later ! Lot more than a perfect bird click.
Thanks for the wonderful comment and it makes me happy to hear you will be sure to take shots of your friends. So sorry to hear about the loss of your wife, you must have shared many wonderful memories in 44 years. Take care, Duade
Here's my two cents. Stay off of Amazon or B&H if you've been drinking. In fact, even if it's late at night and you're sober, wait until the next morning and look at it again.
Amazing how the those diabolical UV/Clear filters destroy an image whereas a polarizer, ND, graduated ND filter, even stacked, magically do no harm.
Another supremely helpful video. Candid. Concise. Correct. You’re doing lots of folks a great service, Duade, and I’ll continue to sing your praises.
Tiz always nice to hear that others regret spending on “STUFF” not needed because then I can tell my wife I’m not the only one… Over the last 40 years I’ve probably wasted $5K - $10K U.S. on “buyer’s regret”. Here's the list of a few items. 1. Monopod with head - I don’t need it as I rarely use it. Image stabilization works great and lenses are small enough for the hand. 2. Memory Cards - Same here. Upgraded to the R5 and had to toss lots of CFast cards, painful. 3. UV Filters - Yep. 4. Lens - too many. Expensive paperweights so I sold (at a loss) the two I never used. 5. Ball heads - bought several of the cheap units which slipped continuously. Bought a high end ball head and now I’m happy. 6. Bought a 80L dry cabinet, should have bought the 125L 7. Regret Selling - Fujifilm X100V - loved it for street and travel
Duade’s advice on used gear is golden. In my experience (in Canada) in the last few years, people started being totally dishonest about the condition of their gear.
Absolutely, I won't buy anything if I don't get the opportunity to fully test it. Canadian as well, found plenty of bodies that don't match shutter count stated or have major damage/malfunctions and lenses that have evidence of fungus or of a few occasions visible fungus or condensation in them, or evidence of being dropped, etc. Half the time they have card slots that don't work.
I've had probably one bad experience out of the dozen or so times I bought used gear in MTL personally. And I could've avoided it. Always in person on Facebook. Prices are usually very good compared to other used markets I see elsewhere, and I've had a few ridiculously good deals so far. Prices on EF L are so good these days here! I'm extremely careful though, as a rule of thumb, anything over 200-300$ for me is almost always at least a 2 meeting transaction. One meeting to thoroughly test the gear, check the results at home on the computer, then set up the transaction.
@simonthibodeau7082 That is a good way to do it with several meetings, I personally always test whatever I'm considering buying and check it thoroughly. I've never bought a bad body or lens but have come across a lot when checking them out.
@@michaelmorris1865 I've also walked out of a few bad deals out of the dozen or so that went well. When buying used it's important to be knowledgeable not only on the gear itself you're after (price and whatnot), but also, simply put, how not to get scammed in general when buying used camera gear. And, if you're extra, what specifically to look out for on what is it you're buying. Common issues and whatnot. Many many times I've posted an exact listing to FB groups or forums asking for advice on the exact deal about to go down. People online can be so very helpful when it comes to avoiding bad experiences! I will add, after some experience on the used market, you kinda also learn to get a flair on the seller by their profile, or who/how they are when you meet them in person. And it's also why 2 meeting transactions are ideal. Scam artists are just that, artists, and in heat of the moment you don't always have time to process everything. Just going home and thinking it through can save you a lot of trouble down the line. Even just recently I found a mint 70-200 2.8 ii for 1000 cad (an almost too good to be true price). Asked about it online, one very friendly user sent me an entire essay on what to look out for. I followed it to a T and it was such a smooth transaction. But if that guy had tried to scam me, I doubt there is much I couldn't have spotted, it was literally a 12 step program 😅
The world really has gone to crap if we can't even trust Canadians.
Remember the other rule of thirds. The final image is a combination of equipment, technique and post processing skills. Items 2 and 3 are cheaper than 1, so work on them also.
Hey Duade. Great video, especially the heartfelt advice on taking more photos of friends. More of us need to bring back the photo album sitting on the coffee table.
So true!
Dear Duade, thank you for this reminder, especially with the RF 200-800 coming up😀 I think we also must never forget that, while any new gear probably will be slightly better than your old gear, there is so much more to gain from getting closer to your subject, or better light etc. No new lens or camera body will make up for that difference. Cheers!
Thanks and I totally agree, the best way to improve your photos is get close and shoot in nice light. Cheers, Duade
It's also easy to get the misconception that gear will overcome lack of knowledge. I think we've all made this mistake, being disappointed in our results and thinking "if I just had better gear." Yet learning to truly get better is the best thing you can do. At first, you feel overwhelmed because there's just so much to know. Gear is a much easier solution than wrapping your head around everything. Especially when "everyone" is getting this camera, or lens, or accessory. That's what you need! There's also a feeling of missing out on new and better equipment. What if you could get those few extra MP, or that bit more reach with that longer lens, or better dynamic range with that sensor. It's incredibly appealing to upgrade. While it can make up for some lack of skill, an obsolete setup will do far better with the right skills than a brand new one without them. I speak from experience of course. I think people underestimate how complicated photography can be. I've found it's best to take it one step at a time. Don't try to learn and do everything at once. Just choose one new skill to focus and work on. Test it out. Experiment. See how it works for you. Don't ignore your instincts. Sometimes I notice that early photos I took some years ago were good in ways I've almost lost, simply because I was following instinct. Now, it's almost like I have too much information in my head battling to frame, excuse the pun, photo. So t here's a balance of information, knowledge, experience, skill, and instinct. Perhaps skill is the mix of the former three with instinct. However, blind instinct doesn't often work well either. That's where we come back to feeling inadequate and looking to gear to resolve this. Because instinct without understanding what you're doing can take you down the wrong road. Then, sometimes things are plain counterintuitive to what we think should work best. Thus knowledge and experience come into play. I ramble now. Apologies.
@@jonathanscherer8567 it’s because people forget that photography is an Art form. Learning the technical side will get the picture. Learning composition and how to capture an emotion will make you a photographer. Like most art there are few universally accepted greats.
@@jonathanscherer8567I totally agree with you! I still strive to match the images l captured forty years ago with my faithful FM2 and kodachrome!
The last one taking photos of yourself and friends is GOLD. Thank you, Duade.
I just love to watch your videos! Waiting for your review on the canon RF 200-800mm 🤩
Thanks for being so candid and open. Having buyer’s remorse is natural but keeper’s remorse can be worse. That is, holding onto gear which you no longer use or just reminds you of buyer’s remorse!
The only regret I have is not getting an R5. Instead, I purchased the R6, which is still a great camera. I now have R5 and it's just a much better camera for wildlife especially for small birds, that 45 megapixels makes a huge difference. I still use the R6 but with an RF 28-70mm for astro, landscapes and portrait photo and it's a great combo with that lens.
Thanks for sharing, I am exactly the same as you, I probably need to sell my R6 now as I rarely use it. Cheers, Duade
@Duade I've been thinking about doing the same thing, but then I think that I should keep the R6 incase something goes wrong with my R5.
Yes, good idea to have a backup, I have the R6II now so no real need for the original R6 for me. Cheers, DUade@@mjchayphotography
I'm waiting for some RF 200-800 talk also :) Will be nice to see how it compares to RF 100-500, Z 180-600 and Sonys 200-600. Love your videos!
Yep, also waiting for some RF 200-800 talk and reviews. Kinda having buyers remorse on the RF 100-400 I just purchased mid Sept. I heard about the 200-800 about 20 minutes after the 100-400 arrived ! Dang !
The big plus of not having money and basic gears is that buyer remorse is easy to avoid. (it's replaced by gear frustration)
Not Learning about lenses and if they run well for the camera's software was my biggest mistake so far. And it's one thing I study the hell out of now.
As always Duade, excellent commentary and points made. You are always so grounded in your approach - and it works. Personally, one of the biggest upgrades I've ever done (camera body wise) was a move from the D500/D850 to Z9. I prepared a list I held onto for 4 years of features I wanted including blackout free shooting, good battery life, fast frame rates, silent shooting, and the like. So, when the Z9 came out, I knew it was a move I had been waiting for. The question is: Did it change or help my photography? Yes AND No. There were immediate MASSIVE improvements in AF speed, subject detection (humans), now birds, and AE mistakes were immediately a thing, mostly, of the past. Silent shooting allowed me to capture images I would never have gotten before and the same with frame rates that made the work easier. I had less photographer fatigue and more FOCUS on my subject and backgrounds. If you factor in the time you spend in the field, traveling to these places, and the cost in fuel, and then ask the question: "Was it worth the upgrade?" Absolutely. Was it a "need" or a "want"? Answer: Want since I don't shoot professionally, but my time is worth something as well, and it increased my enjoyment of photography (with my friends). These improvements have now led me to focus on improving perhaps the most important aspect of my photography. Making an emotional connection of the images to the viewer. That's up to me, and between my ears! Thanks for the retro look into mistakes many of us make thinking it will help us make better images.
My biggest regret is after 4 and a half years not knowing the exposure triangle till i saw duade do a fantastic video that explained the subject very well
Fantastic tutorial, Duade. I hope many photographers see it. The last point really hit hard. I don't like my photo being taken. I need to get over that and take photos with my friends while out shooting. Tomorrow is never promised. On further thought, for me, those photos are more important than the birds. Thank you, Duade.
Thanks to you and a few other KZheadrs, I have very little buyers remorse. Thank you so much Duade for all your help, research and years of experience. It has helped me to become a much better wildlife photographer than I would be without you. Cheers mate!
Hopefully you can test the new 200-800 and save me some buyers remorse👍 also If you get a chance can you put a 1.4 x on your 100-500 and test it against that - cheers Duade
Yes! R8/6ii on 200-800 vs R7 on 100-500 will be very interesting at the same FOV. I wonder just how much better the former is against the latter in low light. Optical theory says 2/3 stops when you consider all the crop factors involved, but it might be more due to the bigger pixels. Certainly lots to test with it, I just know Duade's review will be amazing.
Nice video, Duade. I appreciate that you’re one of the very few humble photographers here on KZhead willing to share mistakes. It benefits us all. I agree about UV filters. Never use them and restrict filters to rare instances of polarizers for slow exposures. I also relate to the idea of high expectations upon upgrading bodies. We are all guilty of that, I think. As always, thank you for your videos! 😊
RF 200-800 would be your next video, right? :-)
Everyone's excited for it !
Your transparency and your integrity are greatly appreciated. Thank you for all you do. You are appreciate it.
Guilty on the flash, cheap tripods, and UV filters. UV filters are still on my lenses. I will take them off for my next outing. Thank you!
Can relate to so much of that equipment you discussed Duane. Thanks for an informative and enjoy video and yes I agree take photos of friends in the field as they do provide cherish memories and what photography is great at doing.
Thanks for this!
Thanks for sharing!
Brilliant final point there Duade - great wildlife photos are to be prized, but photos of our friends and loved ones are the real treasure.
My buyers regret in my is my canon eos r7 (AK-47). This time I’ll wait for your review on the canon rf 200-800. Thank you for your helpful videos.
Brilliant advice, thank you!
Can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your channel. Your advice on the memory cards really helped me from wasting money. When I got my R5 I didn't go cheap on the CF Express Type B thanks to your advice. Although in the past on my 70D I did buy a cheap few SD cards before learning about how they effect the buffer. Your genuine passion really comes through. I watch your channel and Jan's channel now as well. I found him through you, ironically, as he encouraged you to get involved on KZhead. Keep up the great content!
Thank you for the information. My condolences about Matt. Would you be able to say more about Matt? Any links to his work? Thanks
Great advice, thanks Duade!
very useful advises ! thanks a lot Duade.
Great video, Duade! You had me laughing so hard watching this video - not laughing at you but at myself because nearly everything you spoke about, I've done too - and regretted nearly all of the same purchases - even the 5D Mark 4! One piece of advice that I might suggest is actually going to a physical camera store and checking out gear before buying. It can be a little more expensive, but in the long run it can save money because you might think you want something but once you hold it in hand and maybe even try it out in the store, you might discover little things about the item that change your mind about the purchase. I still buy a few things online but I've started going to my local camera store more often than I used to. Again - great video and glad to see that you're feeling better. :)
Great advice Mark and I totally agree, holding the gear, especially the weight of some of these kits is very important to do. Yes, finally feeling a bit better, Cheers, Duade
Great way to end it on that note. I needed to hear that.
photos of your friends is a very good advice!!!
Thank you so much for these infos. You’re so right about it and confirmed what I really believed.
Great video on a topic seldom covered!
Really great questions Duade for when we go looking at gear - second hand or new. And for that last piece of a regret - yeah, well worth taking photos of those we share time with - however we share time with them.
Very informative and useful advice!!! greatly appreciated!
Great video, thanks for sharing!
Duade, I really appreciate that you are taking a different path than most and not saying that every new gear is a must for everyone. That is a great exception and very commendable. Looking back, I myself have improved my skills in many very small steps. This includes better equipment, but that is only one factor of many and not the most important. What I can't quite understand is your opinion of the 5D IV. When I had the Mark IV, I hardly touched the Mark III because I thought the new one was so much better. In retrospect, I even regret that in some once-in-a-lifetime moments, I only had the Mark III, although the result with the Mark IV might not have been so much better after all... ;-) And I've already made mistakes with my current R5 that perhaps wouldn't have happened to me with the Mark IV.
I got the R6 for birding, firstly with the F11 600mm and then, when I found that limiting, the f11 800mm. I tend to crop heavily and the R6 is just not that camera. It's mostly in the cabinet now whilst I'm out with my ancient 5Dsr and Tamron 150-600, a combination that works for me. I think that the 5Dsr is one of the best bodies Canon made. I still have my Ef 400 f4.5 - still sharp as a tack!
An extremely helpful video. So many good points made and solid advice.
Thanks Duade. I am such a novice that I don't know what my camera can't do yet. But I will check back later as I progress through my learning curve.
Well done and very brave of you to admit your remorse. Thanks for the great tips!
Awesome video. Yes I had already observed most of what you recommend, but it's never a bad idea to have the checklist at hand when buying, or to go through it like watching this, so not to forget the important things in the future deals. I've been buying second hand now for 15 years or so. One rule that emerged: if the seller is reluctant or rude in the communication about any aspect, impatient or grumpy about any question you have, abort the process immediately and look elsewhere. I've learned another rule from a woman so much younger that she could easily be my (grand)daughter. I was considering a second hand G9 close by, cheap, but the seller had behaved strangely. So I casually put my dilemma on the table that sunny summer Sunday afternoon next to a glass of white wine. She said: "When buying second hand, if there's even a single one cloudy aspect of the whole situation, I give up, don't consider it buying any more!" Indeed, there is so much stuff to buy out there, and your finances are limited and impeccable, unlike the gear that's being sold. That said, I have had so many nice experiences with second hand bought even without seeing it first. It could be a local treat, having to do with the mentality and culture in the Netherlands. Guess you are right for the UV filters, but a good polarizer makes so much difference, especially for the landscape photography. It's a good idea when you are out there shooting to always have several extra SD-cards lying in your bag, even if the cheapest old ones. I have had at least three times on a climb or a small trip - all heavy gear with me, batteries and spares fully loaded, and then the shocking discovery that the SD slot is empty - the card I had left in the laptop. Those cards are the smallest essentials without which you can't do anything at all, and they weigh literally nothing. One more helper that I recently use has to make with the 3, 7, and 8 points on your "Consider before you buy" list. There was a nice deal for the Olympus E-M1 Mark III which I so much craved for years (€800 with under the 1000 shutter count, battery grip included, reliable known seller). But then I thought, this camera can't be better than the G9 Mark II which is much newer, and most of my lenses are Panasonic. If I got now by some stroke of magic an offer €400 off the new price of the G9M2, I'd go and buy it. So why not save those €800 and use it for the G9M2 soon with the next price fall, instead of buying a much older Olympus? One important point about regrets. So often you have to push a little to photograph something when the people _seem_ reluctant, or you yourself are. If you don't, within seconds it can be too late. If you do, and not succeed, nothing is lost anyway. When people clearly let me know they don't want to be photographed, that's end of story, OK. But if not, go ahead. I have only had regrets for the snapshots I have missed, never for those I have got. My "best snapshots" actually are those that I have missed, due to the lack of speed, readiness, assertiveness or due to laziness.
Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts, well done.
Good on ya Duade. I always enjoy your videos and your straightforward upfront assessment of stuff. I've got a big decision coming up. Do I go the 200 to 800 canon lens or do I wait for the new R5-2. I will go through your list before I give anyone my credit card details
Thanks Duade. This is a great video. Very frank and useful. Love the reflection on taking more photos of friends. So true!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Well done, Duade. When possible, I will rent an item and try it out before I commit to the purchase. For me, there is less "buyers remorse" that way.
Ngl I make good use of my local shop's lenient 30 days return policy at times, renting can get expensive. I always buy their gold protection and never buy on Amazon so I figure we're even 😅 and if I do like it I keep it, win win.
Very interesting ! thank you for sharing !
Great video! You touch on subjects that we should know about. I don’t buy new gear until it is out for awhile. I read reviews and actually read the negative reviews looking for a common thread. I think the positive reviews are nice but they just reflect the marketing hype. My regret is I bought 4 speed lights thinking I can illuminate better. ( I had come into some money so it wasn’t a problem to do so.) it turns out I can do everything with 2. Maybe if I applied myself more I can use them for some extensive night illumination.
Such a great video, thanks!
I bought my 5D4 because of the GPS, my regret is that it isn't on the R6 and R5 as it is sometimes difficult returning to a location after a couple of years.
Nice Stilt shot Duade!
Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge!
My pleasure!
Concerning Canon 2X teleconverters: In about 2000 I purchased the EF600 f/4L IS (v.1). I tried using the EF2X TC with it. TERRIBLE! The forums suggested it must be a bad one. Really? The "bad copy" routine? So I bought another EF2X. Same terrible results. Sold 'em both. After that fiasco, I've made a promise to myself . . . I'll NEVER buy another 2X TC! Not for any lens!
Solid video Duade, and I can relate...big time.:) I agree with your thoughtful and important advice to capture images of your buddies. You will find you have a higher percentage of keepers of your buddies. Even the soft images can put a smile on your face as time goes by.
Thanks, very true indeed, Cheers, Duade
Two thumbs up to Prograde as well! Since I started using their V90 SD cards, I no longer had to worry about buffer limits on my R7!
Very helpful Duade. We recently lost a dear friend in our small photogroup and I am grateful I had taken lots of photos of him.I have made lots of poor photography purchase decisions as much as with printers and scanners as with cameras. cheers geoff
All excellent advice! I’ve been lusting over a new mirrorless camera but my current DSLR keeps exceeding my expectations. I’ve almost saved the cash from photography jobs, but now I’m fearing buyer’s remorse because they are so expensive. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
very helpfull video information, thank you :) once again. i can relate my self in lot of things you said in your video, but the best way is too learn from our mistakes
This is a good and worthwhile video, Duade. It addresses some real issues we all need to consider. Thank you.
My pleasure mate, I think we can all relate, Cheers, Duade
You're the best mate! Good job:]
Wonderful video and suggestions. Thanks Duade.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Duade, I upgraded from the 6D II to 5D IV and I just loved it. I still own it and love it so much. I find the metering so good and the sensor is so good. Now I use mirrorless but the 5D IV is still a trusty reliable camera. When I take a picture with the 5D IV I am never never disappointed with the shot I take with it. I have no plan to sell it. Have a great day !
I dont need anymore camera gear......Said no photographer ever. Great advice, i think we are all guilty of buying gear we didnt really need.
Good points! My last upgrades has been succesful as I actually asked my self the important questions before choosing the models. Inspecting the used camera well enough; nah. I was so eager! Well - the things at fault can be fixed and the functionality is there, so I love it!
Great channel. Like you many many mistakes with equipment but as you you know the more you photograph you tend to find what you actually need and when you have to carry it great distances you soon thin your bag down. After many years now i have exactly what i require (but a garage full of rubish). research and the best you can afford on your budget.
Great points. I identify with the anecdotes you share. They remind me of so many year in law enforcement. Always chasing after the next greatest piece of safety equipment or technology. The reality is, this speaks to life in general. If the grass is greener on the other side, it probably needs mowing
Nice to hear more about you and your journey as a photographer on the Photowalk Podcast, released on November 10, 2023!
Great video… I totally fell for the UV filter myth and tried putting a cheap one on my RF 100-500mm. I nearly went crazy trying to figure out how to take good photos until I finally took it off.
Good day Duade! I would say my number one regret was buying a heavy tripod. I wasn't getting sharp handheld shots, so I began doing research on getting better results. I started to see a common theme in a lot of videos where one of the main recommendations was to use a tripod. Now that tripod sits in a closet because it's too heavy and bulky to carry around. To make it worse, I also bought a gimbal head for it that's collecting dust as well. I also have a flash that sits doing nothing because it's nearly twice the size of the camera itself and I hate using it.
Once again, a quality and informative video. I always appreciate your reviews and thoughts, Duade. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure!
Pro Grade is one of my favorite investments, thanks to your suggestions in previous videos. I will admit I've had buyer's remorse more often than I'd like to admit. I've learned to keep it simple and only purchase what is truly needed.
Great video!! 👍 Was wondering how do you store your camera gears.? Do you have dry cabinet or do you just store and keep the gears in backpack
Excellent advice. I have several items gathering dust on my shelves that would not be there if I’d followed these ideas.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful video with lots of useful tips. I have made many of those mistakes myself. To bring costs down, I have acquired gear that only elevated the IQ a tad compared to the setup I was using. End of the story, I ended up with more or less redundant lenses and bodies. I also made the mistake of coupling teleconverters with entry-level slow lenses. I have mostly positive experience buying second-hand gear but then I buy from retailers with a solid reputation, or from people I know or trust.
Duade, good advice.
Thanks for the this incredible share on "Avoiding Buyer's Remorse " with purchased camera gear. Amazing... Several of the products you mentioned here have been previously hyped to the max on the internet..
When we are starting out it is very easy to make these mistakes . Thanks to people like you I learned to avoid some of these impulse purchases . Thank you 😊
Glad to help
This man is correct, i can't stand my 2x converter (nikon) and only keep it for moon images. However the 1.4 converter has worked well for me. His comments about UV/protection filters vary on who you ask. I've never had image problems while using high end protection filters. I'm not so worried about scratches from use, but getting something nasty on my lens and then scratching it while cleaning is my concern. I've had this happen with eyeglasses.
Excellent. Solid un- biased information as usual.
Great advice Duade.
Thanks mate, Cheers, Duade
Another excellent video Duade. Thanks for sharing this candid view.
My pleasure mate, Cheers, Duade
I watched a few videos on the OM-1 and I looked at the specifications. It just happens to be a bout half the weight of my Nikon D7500 with the Nikkor 200-500mm lens when I paired the OM-1 with the Olympus 100-400mm lens (my neck thanks me for it because of the use of straps). The electronic shutter, high read-out speed of the sensor, tracking auto focus, plus the price to reach was going to be what I was prepared to pay. Also it is much easier to travel with because of said small size.
Brilliant and honest video.
So many of us experience GAS - Gear Acquisition Syndrome . A certain thrill and excitement builds during the search and buying process. Then another release of feel good chemicals upon opening and unboxing (popularity of unboxing channels) then comes the let down. Enjoy the ride
Second hand gear has saved me a TON over the years. If its your first purchase, new is better, but as soon as you are familiar with you system, you should test and be solid. Having bought 5+ nikon bodies and 10+ lenses second hand, I always made sure to handle hte items and test them with a body to make sure there is focus and no issues.
Best camera /photography video i have ever seen and heard , subscribed today , cheers 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks and welcome, Cheers, Duade
Thank you . @@Duade
The concept of your comment about if your current kit doing everything you want it to then why upgrade, has saved me a ton of money. I currently use an R10 paired with the EF 24-70 F4 L😅 macro, and even though I want to upgrade to the R6/6MKii, at the end of the day I just don’t have a reason to upgrade my current camera body and lens because my current setup does everything I want it to do
Most interesting and useful topic. Congratulations on being the first or one of the first to record a candid video on the subject. Interesting on how one mans regret can be another mans most pleasing purchase. I.E. my regret on a camera body was the 1D MKlV. I loved my 5D’s I owned the 2 - 3 and 4 . I learned bird photography in the tropical rain forest and without a flash, Better Beamer and appropriate bracket I would have very few images from those 3 years in Suriname. I also regret all of my UV filters and would dearly love to have all those $ back. The lens I regret was the 100-400 L pump I sold it and purchased the 400 L f5.6. To much rambling on my part. I found your tips to be spot on, thanks for a most excellent video.
I'm relieved to hear you preferred your 5Diii over the 5Div, I still shoot on the 5Diii and sometimes I question if I should upgrade it, but realistically with my budget, or lack there off (wife doesn't like me spending money while interest rates are fluctuating 😂) to get what I need which is a mirror less camera with good eye af I wouldn't be on much if a budget, especially when I own a sigma 150 - 600 which doesn't work well on mirrorless... Maybe I will have some faith in the ol' 5Diii for a bit longer (unless you want to swap me for the r5 😝 I kid)
Oh man. been there done that on almost every example you addressed. I changed systems to have the faster and more resolution newer ML camera. I soon discovered with my style of shooting my older Nikon DSLR and the many lenses I had were more than good enough. I have rebought some of the Nikon cameras and lenses all used now. I am shooting with two different systems and gosh what a pain....Your last point is so true. Not many in my circle of family or friends are into photography. However when someone passes I am comforted knowing I have some memories I can hold in my hand to view and remember.
I have been shooting with a 5d Mk3 now for 11 years, and it has been an amazing camera and taken an absolute beating. After nearly 12 years I was due for an upgrade and nearly took the plunge on an R5. However, for the past 5-6 years, I have primarily been shooting macro and DOF has often been an issue along with weight. I kept hearing a lot about M4/3 and seeing great results, I also wanted to finally get serious about birding. So yesterday, I took the plunge and ordered an OM-1, 60mm 2.8 macro, 90mm 3.5 and the 100-400 6.5 which I got for not a lot more than what I would have paid just for the body of the R5. I am really nervous about switching systems, but also super excited, especially after seeing your video at Winton Wetlands with the OM-1 and the 100-400, which is how I discovered your channel. Great content! Oh and my biggest regret is also a 2x teleconverter for my Sigma 70-200, absolutely terrible!
I'm with you on the flash unit Duade thankfully bought a much cheaper set up than yourself don't think I've ever taken it out into the field ! Never had a problem with any uv filters though. As always another very clear and informative vid. Cheers 👍
i've been really lucky with my many lens buys, nearly all of them i still use, in my later years i've been using mpb for used gear and i've been able to send a couple back without a problem, one was not as sharp as i expected the second one i go was spot on and one didn;t work well with my body, so when it comes to an older lens or one thats not highly documented as being compatable then a good returns is worth alot. its also great to know alot of the points you mention when buying gear i already do, like asking if its going to solve the issue or if the upgrade in price is worth the money