Mark Denney Thank YOU for making landscape photography easy so i can complete my dream of someday being one of the best landscapes photographers like you 📸
I definitely agree with the L-Bracket. I avoid it for many years but now I made the switch and it´s fantastic. After one day in the field I won´t go back to a usual quick release plate. Cheers Jürgen
It's easy to see that you have"grip" on your essential gear. Knowing what is needed and how to use it and most importantly: Keep It Simple! Also noticed your shelving on the studio wall behind you. It looks sturdy, well designed, different and NOT from Ikea. Thanks for the video.
San Warzoné Thanks San! Glad you liked the video! Keep things simple - that’s what I’m always telling myself. I have a tendency to sometimes overthink a situation.
Great suggestions, I use a heavy duty pack with an insert. The reckoning from kifaru. Not your typical camera bag but I could toss off a cliff and it would not hurt it.
Fascinating Mark and good solid advice too to anyone just getting started. I agree with everything you listed but I would have a real hard time leaving my grads at home.
Thanks Chris - I appreciate it! It was a tough decision between the filters. I ultimately went with the filter that its effects could not be replicated in post - so the polarizer was the winner, but if I were to bring 11 items, an ND grad would have made the cut.
Patrick Schmidt That’s a good idea, Patrick! I used to use one from time to time a few years ago, but actually completely forgot about it. I’ll check out the app you mentioned. Thanks for the reco👊
Awesome video! I agree with everything except for the Ball Head mount... I've tried 5 now, ranging from $120-$600 and... they were ok but I was kind of disappointed with all of them. Of course, I do have SOME heavy gear, and that seems to be where the problem lies. They all seemed to slowly drift, no matter how tight I tightened them, no matter how balanced I thought my gear was, they all did this. It's especially noticeable in long exposure shots. FINALLY decided to make the switch to a 3-axis geared head (for about $150) and omg... it makes all the difference in the world! Infinitely better than any of the ball heads I tried! PLUS IT'S CHEAPER! And I got one with kind of a "quick release" system that allows me to quickly position it to where I need it and then lock it into place and make micro adjustments very quickly if needed. I'll never go back to a ball head after this one. Again, just my two cents. Everybody has their own way of shooting, but if you plan on doing any long exposures, whether it be with ND filters or for astrophotography, I'd recommend a sturdy 3-axis head or even better, a 3-axis GEARED head! These are awesome :) Also on the L-Bracket... yes... best piece of photography gear EVER. Couldn't live without mine!
Thanks a ton - glad you enjoyed the video! Yes, if you're shooting with a heavy setup, I bet the 3-axis head is better! What camera lens combo are you shooting with?
Before I tell you what gear I use, I should preface it by saying that I mostly use photography equipment for photogrammetry (a type of 3D scanning) but my hobby has become photography recently :) so here it is: Cameras: - Nikon D850 - Nikon D810 - 8x Nikon D3300's - used for photogrammetry AND creating massive pano images + 360 HDRI's, etc. Lenses: - By far my favorite: Schneider 50mm 2.8 PC-TS Super-Angulon Tilt-Shift - a truly incredible lens for shooting amazingly sharp landscape panos as well as miniature effect photos (I mostly use it for the former). - Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary - NIkon 14-24mm 2.8 - Nikon 24-70mm 2.8 - Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 - Sigma 105mm Macro - Tamron 90mm 2.8 Macro - Rokinon 8mm 3.5 - 8x rokinon 14mm 2.8 - 8x 50mm 1.8 - 8x 35mm 1.8 Like I said, mostly for pro-level photogrammetry/3d scanning but just somewhat recently started to get into photography with all of it :) The Schneider tilt-shift and Sigma 150-600mm are by far, the heaviest out of the bunch (even though the Sigma is center balanced), but even some of the Nikon lenses would cause my ball head mounts to tilt downwards over long exposures (30 second to 20 minute exposures). And again, it was only really an issue when I was doing long exposures. Other than that, I do like ball head mounts. You have a lot of great videos btw! Subscribed :)
Absolutely love these videos and I have learnt so much from them. What made you switch from Nikon to Sony and choose mirrorless over a DSLR? Once I am no longer on a student budget I'd like to improve my gear and I am trying to get opinions on all sorts. Please keep up the amazing work and all the best for the future!!!
Just returned from 28 day road trip photographing America. Spot on recommendations but would add batteries and a charger. For a trip that long and far I'd add a back-up camera body...and I did.
2 Things Mark, first off, another great video, and I couldn't agree more concerning a quality bag, I've gone thru several before falling in love with the same Shimoda bag you have. However, I think Id trade your 16-35 for my 24-70. That lens is strapped to my camera most of the time these days! Keep up the quality work man!
Can't agree more....all 10 items! - Well, the polarizer may be included on "add some filters on your kit, it could help on many ocassions" as I consider also the soft-grad nd's as essential sometimes...and always carry the filter pouch. I'm now in the phase of upgrading the backpack, as my trusty lowepro computrekker is 9yr old and not really good for hiking. Considering the F-Stop Ajna + Medium ICU, what do you think? Great vid Mark, as always good content and perfect presentation :)
Thanks for the comment and glad to hear you enjoyed the video! The F-Stop Ajna is great solution and I would also look at the Shimoda bag as well. I've posted a couple videos on it if you want to take a look. This is the bag that I use now.
I just became aware of you and your work due to an article from The Photo Argus. Their newsletter included an article titled "GAS: What's in a Professional Landscape Photographer's Camera Bag". The article and list of equipment were both very long! It seemed way too much, not only to have to purchase but to have to carry around! The article mentioned your page on UA-cam. So, I looked you up and found this video. This was much better for me! This I could handle. Now, I have a question about a lens. You mentioned a 70-200 mm zoom range. This has been on my "need-and-must-get" list for a while. However, I am undecided between two different models: one is an f/2.8 and the other is an f/4. Canon makes both, and I have a Canon camera. I believe I like the f2/8 because it is lighter-weight, which is an advantage for me. I'd love to hear your opinion on this issue and your ideas for which you consider to be preferable. There is quite a significant difference in price. Thanks for your advice.
Pat Hopkins Hi Pat! It really depends how much of a price increase the 2.8 is over the 4. The f/2.8 will certainly be a better lens, but at what cost does the increase in quality justify the increase in cost - that’s the question. Will you be mostly shooting landscapes with this? Also, will you be shooting at night or in low light situations where you would need to use f/2.8?
interesting video .... however I dare to say you didn't mention a lot of stuff that is also crucial and instead you mentioned a camera and lenses which is obvious ... my top 10 would be 1) camera and lenses 2) tripod and ballhead and L-bracket 3) good ergonomics bag 4) reasonable clothing 5) my map system - I prefer physical map + orienteering compass + pencil and writing pad - what is on the paper and map is forever .. those online notes in smartphone are meh 6) compact binoculars 7) ofc remote shutter 8) !!! lightweight folding stool + flask of good Scotch !!! 9) filters (why do I have them #9 ?? - I use only magnetic circular filters, Kase for me ..) 10) Cleaning kit (must have to take it with me when I am going out ...) + honourary 11) the rain cover for my camera ...
Question about your use of the 70-200. Do you find you are pushing the top end of the 200 and wishing you had more or is 200 more than enough. I’m looking at adding a longer lens, currently have 16-35 and 24-105.
hey Mark, do you only use mirrorless cameras? if so why? is it just because it is small and compact or is quality better? just wondering why you chose that over a standard DSLR thanks!
Hi Mark. Re polarising filters. I have a Sony A6300 mirrorless camera. Am I right in thinking a linear rather than a circular filter is ok for my camera. Thanks. Regards. Roger Burt
Thanks for the video. There are a ton of different listed bags and equipment in your bio. Are you able to provide the ones you specifically suggest for this video?
Glad to do it, Grant! Here are the items that we're mentioned in the video - let me know if you have any questions. Sony A7rii amzn.to/2xyHJi2 Sony 16-35m f/2.8 GM amzn.to/2yZseRk Sony FE 70-200m F4 G OSS amzn.to/2GJbT86 Shimoda Explore 40L Backpack amzn.to/2q1T0X9 Really Right Stuff Tripod TVC 24L goo.gl/kb60Cz Really Right Stuff Ballhead BH-40 amzn.to/2HyIqgW Really Right Stuff L Bracket amzn.to/2Dp3Bzh Nisi 100mm V5-PRO Filter Holder Kit amzn.to/2EHXkkq Pelican Flash Memory Card Case amzn.to/2Ehkfp5
Im in my first few weeks of photography here and i finally stumbled upon your channel; finally a informative experience from someone who doesn't seem to be on speed and screaming at me with constant video cuts and constantly trying to sell me stuff or get me more instagram followers. Haha, touche my friend, thanks a lot. Ive watched your video of how to slow down water, and i cannot seem to get that flowing result without my exposure blowing out and everything turning white. My iso is as low as I can get it for this cheap camera, and shooting at F14 or above. What am i missing here? Is it just a matter of my camera and kit lens not being able to handle it? (nikon d3500) Thanks in advance if you have the time to answer or refer me to a video that may answer this for me. thanks and happy quarantine from Michigan ;)
You might need an ND filter, or try looking into bracketing to get those silky water shots. I believe Mark has a video tutorial on both of these techniques.
Amazing , good explanation and easy . You just gained one subscriber. Thanks
Awesome to hear - thanks so much!
Mark Denney Thank YOU for making landscape photography easy so i can complete my dream of someday being one of the best landscapes photographers like you 📸
Stumbled on your channel and love all of your tips! Can't wait to watch more videos!
Thank you so much Michelle🙏 That’s very much appreciated!
I definitely agree with the L-Bracket. I avoid it for many years but now I made the switch and it´s fantastic. After one day in the field I won´t go back to a usual quick release plate.
Cheers
Jürgen
I know what you mean! Did the same exact thing. The moment I used one I thought to myself how did I go so long without one.
Very helpful info Mark, thanks
Your videos are well done. Thanks for the help :)
Great video and very informative. I look forward to your insights and tips!
Regina Oster Thanks Mom! Glad you enjoyed the video👍
It's easy to see that you have"grip" on your essential gear. Knowing what is needed and how to use it and most importantly: Keep It Simple! Also noticed your shelving on the studio wall behind you. It looks sturdy, well designed, different and NOT from Ikea. Thanks for the video.
San Warzoné Thanks San! Glad you liked the video! Keep things simple - that’s what I’m always telling myself. I have a tendency to sometimes overthink a situation.
Except the shelves!
San Warzoné haha! Yes! Except the shelves👍
Great tips! Thanks, keep up the good work Mark :D
Marko Kiš Thanks a lot - much appreciated👍
Great suggestions, I use a heavy duty pack with an insert. The reckoning from kifaru. Not your typical camera bag but I could toss off a cliff and it would not hurt it.
Lance Prevost Photography Thanks Lance! I haven’t heard of that brand, but that’s probably one of the most important things - unlimited protection!
Fascinating Mark and good solid advice too to anyone just getting started. I agree with everything you listed but I would have a real hard time leaving my grads at home.
Thanks Chris - I appreciate it! It was a tough decision between the filters. I ultimately went with the filter that its effects could not be replicated in post - so the polarizer was the winner, but if I were to bring 11 items, an ND grad would have made the cut.
Beautiful work
Garry Williams Appreciate it Garry👍
I definitively like to use cabled shutter releases, but for Sony you should try using touchless shutter app. This is a real live saver, and its free!
Patrick Schmidt That’s a good idea, Patrick! I used to use one from time to time a few years ago, but actually completely forgot about it. I’ll check out the app you mentioned. Thanks for the reco👊
Great video, very informative! Love your channel!
Many thanks! Glad to hear you’re enjoying the videos👍👍
It never crossed my mind to get a tall tripod.. seriously, I didn't know they made them.
Thank you and I just subscribed
Salvatore Rapisarda Great to hear - thanks so much for subscribing!
Awesome video! I agree with everything except for the Ball Head mount... I've tried 5 now, ranging from $120-$600 and... they were ok but I was kind of disappointed with all of them. Of course, I do have SOME heavy gear, and that seems to be where the problem lies. They all seemed to slowly drift, no matter how tight I tightened them, no matter how balanced I thought my gear was, they all did this. It's especially noticeable in long exposure shots. FINALLY decided to make the switch to a 3-axis geared head (for about $150) and omg... it makes all the difference in the world! Infinitely better than any of the ball heads I tried! PLUS IT'S CHEAPER! And I got one with kind of a "quick release" system that allows me to quickly position it to where I need it and then lock it into place and make micro adjustments very quickly if needed. I'll never go back to a ball head after this one.
Again, just my two cents. Everybody has their own way of shooting, but if you plan on doing any long exposures, whether it be with ND filters or for astrophotography, I'd recommend a sturdy 3-axis head or even better, a 3-axis GEARED head! These are awesome :)
Also on the L-Bracket... yes... best piece of photography gear EVER. Couldn't live without mine!
Thanks a ton - glad you enjoyed the video! Yes, if you're shooting with a heavy setup, I bet the 3-axis head is better! What camera lens combo are you shooting with?
Before I tell you what gear I use, I should preface it by saying that I mostly use photography equipment for photogrammetry (a type of 3D scanning) but my hobby has become photography recently :) so here it is:
Cameras:
- Nikon D850
- Nikon D810
- 8x Nikon D3300's - used for photogrammetry AND creating massive pano images + 360 HDRI's, etc.
Lenses:
- By far my favorite: Schneider 50mm 2.8 PC-TS Super-Angulon Tilt-Shift - a truly incredible lens for shooting amazingly sharp landscape panos as well as miniature effect photos (I mostly use it for the former).
- Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary
- NIkon 14-24mm 2.8
- Nikon 24-70mm 2.8
- Nikon 70-200mm 2.8
- Sigma 105mm Macro
- Tamron 90mm 2.8 Macro
- Rokinon 8mm 3.5
- 8x rokinon 14mm 2.8
- 8x 50mm 1.8
- 8x 35mm 1.8
Like I said, mostly for pro-level photogrammetry/3d scanning but just somewhat recently started to get into photography with all of it :) The Schneider tilt-shift and Sigma 150-600mm are by far, the heaviest out of the bunch (even though the Sigma is center balanced), but even some of the Nikon lenses would cause my ball head mounts to tilt downwards over long exposures (30 second to 20 minute exposures). And again, it was only really an issue when I was doing long exposures. Other than that, I do like ball head mounts.
You have a lot of great videos btw! Subscribed :)
Baronial10 wow!! That’s a ton of gear - lol!! Glad you’re enjoying the content and thanks for subscribing👊
Absolutely love these videos and I have learnt so much from them. What made you switch from Nikon to Sony and choose mirrorless over a DSLR? Once I am no longer on a student budget I'd like to improve my gear and I am trying to get opinions on all sorts. Please keep up the amazing work and all the best for the future!!!
Great work! Loved the video. I'm just starting out so much appreciated.
Hannah Oneda Thanks Hannah! Thanks for watching and glad to hear you enjoyed it👍
Just returned from 28 day road trip photographing America. Spot on recommendations but would add batteries and a charger. For a trip that long and far I'd add a back-up camera body...and I did.
2 Things Mark, first off, another great video, and I couldn't agree more concerning a quality bag, I've gone thru several before falling in love with the same Shimoda bag you have. However, I think Id trade your 16-35 for my 24-70. That lens is strapped to my camera most of the time these days! Keep up the quality work man!
Appreciate the comment and glad to hear you're enjoying the videos!
Great video. Just found your channel and love the videos
Awesome👍 Thanks for subbin - glad to hear you enjoy the videos!
Can't agree more....all 10 items! - Well, the polarizer may be included on "add some filters on your kit, it could help on many ocassions" as I consider also the soft-grad nd's as essential sometimes...and always carry the filter pouch.
I'm now in the phase of upgrading the backpack, as my trusty lowepro computrekker is 9yr old and not really good for hiking. Considering the F-Stop Ajna + Medium ICU, what do you think?
Great vid Mark, as always good content and perfect presentation :)
Thanks for the comment and glad to hear you enjoyed the video! The F-Stop Ajna is great solution and I would also look at the Shimoda bag as well. I've posted a couple videos on it if you want to take a look. This is the bag that I use now.
Good stuff, i do like that ballhead! I've been reading the lever may be too tight with a non RRS L-bracket, i've got the Kirks one for my a7r3..
Rexx Fernandez Thanks! It’s a great ballhead. Can’t speak though to the fit with other L-brackets.
I just became aware of you and your work due to an article from The Photo Argus. Their newsletter included an article titled "GAS: What's in a Professional Landscape Photographer's Camera Bag". The article and list of equipment were both very long! It seemed way too much, not only to have to purchase but to have to carry around! The article mentioned your page on UA-cam. So, I looked you up and found this video. This was much better for me! This I could handle.
Now, I have a question about a lens. You mentioned a 70-200 mm zoom range. This has been on my "need-and-must-get" list for a while. However, I am undecided between two different models: one is an f/2.8 and the other is an f/4. Canon makes both, and I have a Canon camera. I believe I like the f2/8 because it is lighter-weight, which is an advantage for me. I'd love to hear your opinion on this issue and your ideas for which you consider to be preferable. There is quite a significant difference in price. Thanks for your advice.
Pat Hopkins Hi Pat! It really depends how much of a price increase the 2.8 is over the 4. The f/2.8 will certainly be a better lens, but at what cost does the increase in quality justify the increase in cost - that’s the question. Will you be mostly shooting landscapes with this? Also, will you be shooting at night or in low light situations where you would need to use f/2.8?
10k congrats man, i bet youll hit 100k in 2019
Keep up the good work
MatAttack35 Thanks bud!
interesting video .... however I dare to say you didn't mention a lot of stuff that is also crucial and instead you mentioned a camera and lenses which is obvious ... my top 10 would be
1) camera and lenses
2) tripod and ballhead and L-bracket
3) good ergonomics bag
4) reasonable clothing
5) my map system - I prefer physical map + orienteering compass + pencil and writing pad - what is on the paper and map is forever .. those online notes in smartphone are meh
6) compact binoculars
7) ofc remote shutter
8) !!! lightweight folding stool + flask of good Scotch !!!
9) filters (why do I have them #9 ?? - I use only magnetic circular filters, Kase for me ..)
10) Cleaning kit (must have to take it with me when I am going out ...)
+ honourary 11) the rain cover for my camera ...
Question about your use of the 70-200. Do you find you are pushing the top end of the 200 and wishing you had more or is 200 more than enough. I’m looking at adding a longer lens, currently have 16-35 and 24-105.
My second hand Olympus EM-1 was about £280 and two older lenses came in at £150, one of those lenses is top draw.
hey Mark, do you only use mirrorless cameras? if so why? is it just because it is small and compact or is quality better? just wondering why you chose that over a standard DSLR
thanks!
Hi Mark. Re polarising filters.
I have a Sony A6300 mirrorless camera. Am I right in thinking a linear rather than a circular filter is ok for my camera. Thanks.
Regards.
Roger Burt
another NC person. I feel your pain :)
Thanks for the video. There are a ton of different listed bags and equipment in your bio. Are you able to provide the ones you specifically suggest for this video?
Glad to do it, Grant! Here are the items that we're mentioned in the video - let me know if you have any questions.
Sony A7rii amzn.to/2xyHJi2
Sony 16-35m f/2.8 GM amzn.to/2yZseRk
Sony FE 70-200m F4 G OSS amzn.to/2GJbT86
Shimoda Explore 40L Backpack amzn.to/2q1T0X9
Really Right Stuff Tripod TVC 24L goo.gl/kb60Cz
Really Right Stuff Ballhead BH-40 amzn.to/2HyIqgW
Really Right Stuff L Bracket amzn.to/2Dp3Bzh
Nisi 100mm V5-PRO Filter Holder Kit amzn.to/2EHXkkq
Pelican Flash Memory Card Case amzn.to/2Ehkfp5
So how important is moving to FF , for landscape ?
Steve Kunder Not very! You can get incredible images from an APC camera.
Where in NC do you live if you don’t mind me asking? And do you have any favorite places to shoot around here?
Im in my first few weeks of photography here and i finally stumbled upon your channel; finally a informative experience from someone who doesn't seem to be on speed and screaming at me with constant video cuts and constantly trying to sell me stuff or get me more instagram followers. Haha, touche my friend, thanks a lot. Ive watched your video of how to slow down water, and i cannot seem to get that flowing result without my exposure blowing out and everything turning white. My iso is as low as I can get it for this cheap camera, and shooting at F14 or above. What am i missing here? Is it just a matter of my camera and kit lens not being able to handle it? (nikon d3500) Thanks in advance if you have the time to answer or refer me to a video that may answer this for me. thanks and happy quarantine from Michigan ;)
You might need an ND filter, or try looking into bracketing to get those silky water shots. I believe Mark has a video tutorial on both of these techniques.
Could you link your remote shutter release please?
Mark, you can't zoom with your feet. You don't change the focal lenth of a lens by walking...
And i got a question, i want to shoot landscape photography, im canon user and im 14 so on a budget.
What Lens would you recommend me
MatAttack35 If I had to pick one lens to start with it would be a 16-35 wide angle lens.
Instead of an L bracket, you could use a vertical grip.
Mark :- what are the cameras which ur currently possessing for ur shoots ?
Lets go 4 Subs left before 10k
MatAttack35 Only 1 more to go😱😱
What’s the best landscape camera on a pretty low budget maybe below $1000