As I said in my first blog I have been the proud owner of a Canon 20d for sometime. Since 2004 to be exact. It had served me well. From time to time i still use it in order to remind myself what a fantastic upgrade it was to my previous digital cameras. After all it had helped to inspire me to take a much more serious look at developing my photography skills. However it was clear that if I was to become a more confident and serious photographer then I would need to add to my camera bag. It is very frightening to think that I only had my trusty 20d at Sam and Louisa's wedding. I shudder to think what would have happened had the excellent piece of kit failed me on the day.
Thankfully it did not and I was able to enjoy, what will always remain a massive highlight in my photography career. Although I only owned one camera at the time, I did have more than one lens. At the time I had a Sigma 70-300 f4-f5.6 APO lens.It was doing me proud. alongside the 18-55mm Canon kit lens that came with the Canon 20d. I also had a Canon 50mm f1.8 prime lens, which is superb for portraits, as well as being very nifty in low light, hence the title "Nifty Fifty". Plus it was a great Fathers Day present for less than £90.
You simply can not go wrong with this lens. Even despite since purchasing three much more expensive Canon L professional lenses. I found myself using this lens as the sole lens at a recent Mother's Day shoot. Great pictures from a great and very affordable lens.
Talking of lenses. My next addition to the ever growing camera bag was the Canon 70-200 f4L IS lens. Now the big question. Was it my first choice?. If money had been no object then perhaps not, given that there was the Canon 70-200 F2.8L IS available as an alternative.
But I let my heart rule my head as well as my wallet as the f4 weighed in at almost half the price of the f2.8 model. So it was the right and sensible decision to make without doubt.
Upon reflection it has proved to be the right decision.As although the f2.8 is a monster of a lens, it is also very heavy.
Not so bad if being used on a tripod or monopod, or if it is the only lens being carried around. But for use at family parties etc, I think I would have wished I had gone for the smaller and less weighty option had I gone for the f2.8. So I was pleased that I made the decision that I did. Having said that there is every possibility that the f2.8 might one day find its way to Werrington (it did in October 2018).
Back to the cameras. Given that I was taking mainly sporting photos such as football. I had also started talking pictures at golfing events. Now I have never been into golf, if I am honest but I have found it very rewarding when on occasions the best shot on the course has been mine. You have to love a good old bunker shot.
Anyway I had eagerly awaited the launch of the Canon 7d mark II. So I was really pleased to be able to add this to my collection just after its launch in 2014. I was not disappointed as it was and still is an an exceptional camera for both sports and wildlife photography. Ideal for pet photoshoots. Superb camera.
Now it has to be said that it is impossible to keep up with the releases of cameras these days as technology is always moving forward with great pace. So having purchased this superb camera is would be over three years before I was able to add another camera to my bag. You have to be careful as you can easily just buy for buying sake. One thing for sure though, in my honest opinion is if you buy well, then you do not have to buy as often.
That is is particularly true with lenses. Having purchased the above Canon L Lens above, there was massive difference in quality of pictures taken as compared to my kit lens and the Sigma. However in defence of these lenses that they have served me well. Infact the Sigma is still to this day being used by a fiend who I sold it onto. Oh yeah I forgot before the Canon 7d mark II arrived I had treated myself to a second L lens with the purchase of the Canon 24-105L IS lens for my 50th birthday. This was to replace the kit lens (18mm-55mm) purchased with the Canon 20d way back in 2004.
Once again I was not to be disappointed as this quality lens soon become my go to lens as it was attached permanently to my 7d. I have had hours of fun using this, not for just portrait photos, but taking some quality sporting photos, for example at golfing events.
I have been so impressed with both of my existing L lenses, it is difficult to see me buying anything but L lenses in the future. Its not to say that I will buy for the sake of it more that once you have bought one, it is difficult go back to lesser lenses. To that end I am awaiting delivery of a new addition with the purchase of the 17-35mm f/4 L. Whilst this has been around for several years it will be a welcome edition to my inventory.
As I said earlier when writing about the 7d mark II. It would be three years until I was able to purchase another Camera. And what a camera it was. As the birth of Mark Chambers Photography became reality in August 2017. it was only right that this moment in time was celebrated with the acquisition of a Canon 5d Mark IV. The first time I had purchased a full frame camera, as opposed to my two crop sensor cameras. It was very much like the time I added the Canon 7d Mark II to my Canon 20d. Its arrival filled me with much confidence to move my fledgling business forward.
Having used this camera for six months (at the time of writing) since its purchase. I have to say the results have been stunning. It has to be said that maybe it should be expected given the price. However even allowing for that the results have more than exceeded my expectations so far. Since this purchase I added a second 5d mark IV to my bag. In addition I sold my 20d to a young photographer last Christmas. I hope she has as much enjoyment with the camera as I have had.
It have to say that photography is a very expensive hobby, or should I say business now. However I am very fortunate enough to have been able to buy such fantastic equipment that should stand me in good stead for a number of years to come.