Want PRO RESULTS but own BUDGET GEAR? How to get AMAZING PHOTOS with any equipment!

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3 ай бұрын

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My name is Simon d'Entremont and I'm a professional wildlife and nature photographer from Eastern Canada. This video will show you how to get pro results from budget gear.
I use Topaz Labs software for noise reduction, sharpening and upscaling:
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Пікірлер: 565

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

What budget piece of kit were you able to get great results from, punching above it’s weight? Let me know!

@birdswithbeau 3 ай бұрын

I used an old(er) used Nikon d7100 ($350) with the new(er) used DX af-p 70-300mm ($150) for a while, it was a great budget setup! It really surprised me sometimes!

@ilyasovich 3 ай бұрын

As I said in a previous comment, I use an EOS R10 with an EF-S 55-250mm, with crop factor it gets to 400mm equivalent, this is one of the reasons I don't want to switch to FF, I want as much reach as I can without breaking the bank

@reteip9 3 ай бұрын

An old Vivitar 100-200 mm zoom lens that I got along with another lens for a grand total of €10. I was pleasantly surprised by this one as it wasn't very well photographed by the seller but it's in a mint condition and produces images which are a lot better than I expected.

@alozborne 3 ай бұрын

I'm a novice photographer, so I say with humility that my Panasonic Lumix G85 takes great photos in most conditions. I would say that it's auto focus is just OK and it's not the best in lower light conditions. However, as a hiker I take mostly landscape photos and for that the 12-60mm kit lens, along with the 45-150mm lens I purchased is all I need. The camera body is nice and light, it's weather resistant, and the lenses are both compact and lightweight.

@ardscorner 3 ай бұрын

Either my Raynox DCR2020 or a cheap set of extension macro rings.

@c-k-h 3 ай бұрын

Finally, an expert that shows me why I am an amateur - but gives me the tools to improve with what I have today. Top Shelf information.

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

Glad to help

@soumaSR 3 ай бұрын

Finally my aka 'poor man's wildlife photography vid' is here, I was waiting for this for a long time😅😂

@ardnfast 3 ай бұрын

I thought that I appreciated the angles needed to produce quality, first class, wildlife photos until I watched this video 👏🙌

@cortanathelawless1848 Ай бұрын

I saw a video where someone was asking should I get a budget camera and his advice was eh just use your phone. Unless you have 1500$ dollars Instagram filters will be enough. Like why would you do that? I respect everyone who wants to make the field more accessible.

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

Hey folks. Hope you enjoy the video. Sorry I can’t comment much, but I recorded this in advance to play while I was in Kenya. I’m in Amboseli right now. Enjoy!

@theWZZA 3 ай бұрын

Simon, this is one of your best videos, and worth watching over and over again. There is so much gold here.

@alozborne 3 ай бұрын

Hope you're having fun while also crafting some beautiful photos. 🇨🇦

@jeffgordon8346 3 ай бұрын

Safe travels. I can't wait to see your photos.

@jeffmccallum4714 3 ай бұрын

Have an awesome trip!

@tomdearie5165 3 ай бұрын

Travel safe and good hunting! 😎

@JorenVaes 3 ай бұрын

Recently, I was on the fence for a new purchase: The Nikon 180-600, or a more expensive, 'S'- series prime from Nikon. I couldn't choose - until I watched Morten Hilmers' Osprey video. In that video, he was using the 180-600, and it made me realize that all this too-and-from I was doing in my head was mental. If a 180-600 is good enough for Morten Hilmer, it's good enough for me. I'm glad I didn't choose to go for the more expensive lens, as that money I saved enables me to go on a trip to actually take pictures --- which is the entire reason we are in this hobby in the first place.

@NotSoGoodGamingTV 3 ай бұрын

Both Sonys 200-600 and Nikons 180-600 are stunning value for money, and youll be hard pressed to find better wildlife lenses without spending WAY more. 600 F6.3 is a awesome sweetspot in Price/Perf. and with the right techniques will net you great images and a lot of fun outside.

@Kayakphotography 3 ай бұрын

I looked at the 180-600 when it was released. But the older 600 f4 vr’s were going for about $1,000 more. I’m glad i put down a little extra cash for the 600 f4 over the zoom. You’re probably a much better photographer than me. I definitely don’t deserve a Z8/600 f4 combo 🤣

@shoop4040 3 ай бұрын

You know what's crazy, after watching your videos sometimes I catch myself repeating your last name, it just sounds so cool anyway thank you for all your teaching moments.

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

Interesting!

@Msutty26 2 ай бұрын

I was just thinking about how sometimes I click on his videos that I’ve seen just to hear him say his last name lol

@Beck-rv7xr Ай бұрын

I repeat his name every time without thinking-such a cool sound!

@boatman222345 3 ай бұрын

When people ask me why my photos are sharp I typically say, "Good Light!" because good light brings out the best in both the lens and the subject. I shoot wildlife with a $600 Nikon Zoom lens and often get better results than friends using $12,000 600 mm lenses. As is pointed out in this excellent video expensive gear really helps but good technique can often yield excellent results while using budget gear.

@markankone9362 Ай бұрын

💪 You are never to good to forget the basics

@MurrayVader-xp8iv 3 ай бұрын

Simon I have yet to own a starter camera. I most likely in my 50 year photography have always owned what is being called entry-level gear. For me I have never thought of my gear as entry-level. It is what my budget would handle and I have built my skills around the gear I have. I do appreciate your help with information to improve on my skills. Have a great fun time on your trip.

@lesath7883 3 ай бұрын

Well, if one looks at all photography, from toy cameras to the latest and most expwnsive mirrorless, any reflex "entry-level" camera is waaaaay up in the top shelf. It's great you've enjoyed photography for so many years.

@petergrove5132 3 ай бұрын

I think you also need to consider your editing software in closing the gap. Modern editing software can minimise a lot of the weaknesses in the cheaper gear, e.g. reduce noise in low light, fix focus issues and improve sharpness. It is considerably cheaper to use an 85mm F2 lens than an 85mm F1.2 lens and then use software to increase the bokeh and reduce noise, which is what I am doing.

@ConcealedWeapon 3 ай бұрын

I agree with noise, but even then, the pro gear results can be improved too, maintaining the gap.

@scoppens1000 3 ай бұрын

Agree to certain point: for me using DXO - for my 11mm pictures for example - the program together with the lens and camera definition in it makes a nice architecture picture a very good one for me. THNX to Viewpoint. Using: DXO PhotoLab; Viewpoint; PureRaw.

@lesath7883 3 ай бұрын

Increase bokeh? How would you do that?

@dluci4n 3 ай бұрын

by adding more blur to the already blurred areas. @@lesath7883

@petergrove5132 3 ай бұрын

@@lesath7883 Luminar Neo has a Portrait Bokeh function that allows you to adjust the bokeh in portrait photos. It also has a Blur function where you can apply a level of blur to selected parts of your photo. Not as good as an expensive lens but closes the gap from a cheap one. All depends on what result you want and how much money you have to achieve it. My 85mm F2 lens was $AUD650 secondhand. I was offered an 85mm F1.2 lens secondhand for $AUD3,500. That’s a big difference.

@Felarof_TV 3 ай бұрын

I was very surprised the day I switched from the 18-55 kit lens to a 50mm 1.8. The difference was quite significant. Thank you very much for your explanations.

@Mr.DMZ. 3 ай бұрын

I had the same experience!

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

Glad it helped!

@tyleremery7088 3 ай бұрын

I just recently got a 50mm 1.8, and I was blown away when a test shot I took with mediocre composition looked far more "professional" than most of my kit lens shots. It's such an amazing upgrade when all you've ever used is the kit lens.

@lauriveijalainen3869 3 ай бұрын

"Nifty fifty" sure is an institution for a reason. Sure, on a crop sensor Canon 450d it was an 85mm before I learned about crop vs FF. But still.

@LookingThroughOsLense Ай бұрын

I'm thinking of getting a 50mm 1.8 for my canon t7. Right now, I have that 18-55 kit

@pluggedfinn-bj3hn Ай бұрын

Lens first, then camera. I'm still a beginner, but I'm so glad that I made that choice. Went from 55-250mm to 150-600mm, and then from an old entry level dslr to a 80d. Both jumps were HUGE, especially for wildlife photos, but every time I try to shoot on the 80d with the old lenses, it just feels so bad. The AF motors are slow and the reach is just so lacking.

@schwierigerhase8822 3 ай бұрын

Great video! Can you also make a video about cleaning your gear?

@dominikmilien 3 ай бұрын

Yes please

@astronomicallybased545 3 ай бұрын

I believe he did one a few months back

@7784000 3 ай бұрын

Dishwasher but not too hot. Afterwards it goes to the tumbledryer asap to avoid funghi growth

@curtsuneson6161 3 ай бұрын

It's not that complicated. Just lick your finger and give your sensor a good rub with it. You'll be fine

@dominikmilien 3 ай бұрын

@@7784000 Thank you for the reminder to not have it too hot. I tried your advice immediately but I think 70°C was too much so I now have some weird lens aberrations and flares. I will try to use my screwdriver to pop the glass lenses out and clean it more thoroughly. Will report on further progress.

@fiver-hoo 2 ай бұрын

When I can't get good auto-focus, I use this life hack. I learned it from my father 35 years ago when he trained me how to take photos on his F2. My one simple trick? I manually focus.

@escortturbo98 3 ай бұрын

I have a budget camera, canon 550D, and pro lenses from almost 30 years ago, EF 70-200 L and and EF 100-400 L both stabilized. From the relative low use that I've given them so far due to work, just a couple hours they have yelded some amazing fotos. Best money I ever spent in gear, results/budget. Way sharper than everything I ever had so far. If memory serves me right you already mentioned this in some previous videos. For wild life photography its a very low frames rate, but it helps honing the skills of when to shoot as opposed to ever growing spray and pray. Good fun 😊

@Twobarpsi 3 ай бұрын

I have a Canon 250D/SL3. I also have a Canon 5D MKII. With good glass, and my experience, you cannot tell a difference.

@BoReynolds 3 ай бұрын

I KNEW not to get rid of my M50! Now I need to get that R8. FANTASTIC info Simon, thank you. Bo

@lauriveijalainen3869 3 ай бұрын

I have an M50 as my every-day-carry camera, and I have that 30mm Sigma mentioned at 14.05 on it most of the time (that or 22mm f2 Canon). Epic bokeh + great image quality + classic 50mm -equivalent FOV makes for a street photography monster!

@BoReynolds 3 ай бұрын

@lauriveijalainen3869 Yup, GREAT COMBO. I've git 22mm and the Sigma 16mm f1.4

@tocto6939 3 ай бұрын

As a beginner in enjoying wildlife and photography in general, I cannot say how much your videos help me. I am using a Panasonic M43 camera, and a big reason for this is the price of the lenses (and size/weight). Right now, I just got a 14-140mm (or 28-280 mm in FF) and still got some shots I really like. Still dreaming of that Panasonic Leica 100-400mm lens though.

@bernym4047 3 ай бұрын

I have the Panasonic Leica 100-400mm and am pleased with it. Keep an eye out for reduced prices or 2nd hand versions.

@tocto6939 3 ай бұрын

@@bernym4047 yeah, I will definitely buy used. It's about 900-1000€ used in my region. The 100-300 is tempting because it's half the price, but I already feel like I would miss out a bit on IQ and reach. Would be my by far most expensive lens so far.

@David_Quinn_Photography 3 ай бұрын

don't forget used, you may get one for a really good price

@excalibro8365 3 ай бұрын

I've been using a Panny too with the 100-300 for a few years now. It's sufficient enough for my current level of wildlife photography, but new gears have been really tempting me to upgrade. The only thing holding me back is my wallet 😂

@alozborne 3 ай бұрын

With respect to value for money, my Panasonic Lumix G85 has been even better than I hoped for. It's not perfect, but it's a lot of camera for the money. Simon helped me to realize that a 16 MP camera can still capture great photos, provided I use good technique and don't over crop. Basically, I need to spend a little extra time composing photos because I can't afford to lose too many pixels when editing - for a beginner photographer, that's probably a good thing!

@annoholics 3 ай бұрын

This is why your video's are so great. You explain very well why it is not so black and white as some YT-bers make it look like. Some think they have to explain why gear does not matter and they just highlight that side of the story while of course using the best gear themselves. On the other side there are people who exaggerate why you can only make the best pictures if you use the best gear, which is also not true. Then a bonus tip from me (a very average amateur photographer). If you want to make great extremely sharp pictures of birds, go to a zoo where you have the option to walk between these animals. Think about tropical butterfly gardens. Often they have also other animals there like birds. I made my sharpest bird photo's there with a macro lens. And nobody can see the difference with real wildlife because you can get so close that the whole background is blurred out.

@BoBnfishy 2 ай бұрын

Something I always try to remind myself. 2 days inexpensive year would have absolutely blown the minds of people 10 or 15 years ago. And a lot of their photos still hold up really well so I think we're doing okay

@alb9229 3 ай бұрын

As a beginner product photographer for the needs of my business i decided to start with an M50 with the kit 15-45 lens along with a faster 7artisan 60mm F2.8 Macro lens for a total of 500 eur and i couldn't be more happy with my choice. Although i could afford to go with much more expensive gear, the budget oriented gear has allowed me to greatly increase my understanding of photography in order to make the most out of it. I do plan to go with a full frame body in the future but i have much more confidence in myself now that can make good use of the full frame . Last but not least, i couldn't thank you enough Monsieur d'Entremont . Your channel has provided me invaluable knowledge !!!

@kingshukpal6848 3 ай бұрын

Hey hi @alb9292 your comment kind of got me interested to product photography. I too have got my first camera. Can we connect somehow?

@lesath7883 3 ай бұрын

A 60/2.8 sounds like a solid point to enter product photography. Another pro/youtuber used to shoot food for ad campaigns on a 90mm for years, and swore that was enough for the job. I hope this setup lasts you years, and you are able to switch when your needs go beyond its capability.

@5vete 3 ай бұрын

great choice,so many good ef lenses on the market at a reasonable price( adapter needed )

@lauriveijalainen3869 3 ай бұрын

All this sounds awesome! And I'm guessing that in product genre you have more control over your surroundings (light, shooting non-moving targets, tripods etc) so you get most out of the lower tier (so to speak) gear. First time I realized I was running out of specs was the first time I was shooting a live band in a club.

@alb9229 3 ай бұрын

@eijalainen3869 Indeed, I believe I would not take much risk saying that lighting is by far the most important factor in product photography , with second most important being scenery/backdrops then followed by gear. Shooting non moving subjects inside a confined space provides tons more flexibility in terms of light control , shutter speed etc , so you don't have to be as demanding on the gear as you would otherwise have to be with outdoors / wildlife photography. May i ask what were the limiting factors for you ? If i had to guess it would be low light performance but keen to learn from your experience .

@careylymanjones 3 ай бұрын

Simon neglected to mention crop factor as an equalizer. The 100-400mm lens crops to 600mm full-frame equivalent, when mounted on an APS-C body, or 800mm on a micro four-thirds body. Mounting a full-frame lens on an APS-C body is like using a 1.5x teleconverter.

@destroyerxd4499 3 ай бұрын

My first video of watching you and now definitely a fan! With the constant gear wars, it's nice and refreshing to see a great teacher and positive voice in the photography world. Thanks for the great techniques and hope to see more of your videos.

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

Welcome aboard!

@mithinsagar 3 ай бұрын

It feels illegal fr me to watch such a beautiful content with top tier info without any subscription… u deserve a lot. Thank you!

@NSA.Monitored.Device 3 ай бұрын

That's why I love Simons content! Maybe because it reminds me of my everyday issues when dealing with colleagues and customers: a fool with a tool is still a fool. Meaning: If you don't know HOW something works, you can't work with it properly. In this context: If you don't know how better cameras and lenses work - saving you a lot of manual adjustments that you had to do before - you just operate on the level the tool enables you to.

@DanielPetukhin 3 ай бұрын

This is a 1st! Never have I encountered such a detailed compilation of tips in a single video... usually those are given as a remark here and there in other videos. GREAT ONE! Thanks again, Simon!

@SilentTrip 3 ай бұрын

I absolutely agree with you! my only issue is audio, which I can not find on a budget. I want to develop my skills so much so I can photograph night sky and stars

@driftfits 3 ай бұрын

Before i get past the intro, I believe the photographer is the biggest part of a photograph.

@markusbolliger1527 3 ай бұрын

Very true all your points, as always, Simon 😇! Yesterday I went out for a walk in the nearby forest, only equipped with my beloved Nifty Fifty on the Canon R6 Mk II, a F/1.8- lens I bought for ridiculous 120 Swiss Francs. Back at home I was excited about the results! The gap does nearly disappear in so called "environmental portraits", when you want to show the environmental of a person (or animal as well) and therefore have do shoot at f5.6 or even smaller. By the way: The biggest gaps exist between the persons behind the cameras 😂

@zandzak90 3 ай бұрын

Budget gear can also be what once was, and maybe still is , pro gear. I have the same 70-300 lens, and got since a month the Canon 6d (classic) plus the tamron 28-75 f2.8, for a total price of €450 ($485). This camera is an absolute champ when it comes to low light!

@weaverrealestatephotograph7716 3 ай бұрын

I don’t think that’s what he’s aiming for her. Even older pro gear can still be exponentially more expensive than budget kit lens gear.

@StasAbrosimov 2 ай бұрын

Equipment can help if you know how to use it. The appropriate equipment will simplify the task more than universal ones. But if you don’t know how to use the equipment, then specialized equipment may complicate the task, while universal equipment may work better. The tool will not work instead of you, it will work for you.

@radical43 3 ай бұрын

This is all solid advice. Now that I feel I'm getting everything my sigma 70-300 f5.6 can possibly achieve, I feel I'm ready to move up, but I'm glad I learned the right techniques first, it means I can get a lighter super Tele (for m43) and compromise so I use it more, rather than quality and sharpness over everything thinking I need it

@cash3612 3 ай бұрын

I agree completely that skill and technique is what matters most. Case in point, i am a brand new photography enthusiast who has only been learning the basics since July. I bought a R6M2, RF 85 1.2 and an RF 70-200 2.8 and am JUST now beginning to see decent results….not from the expensive gear but through learning how to PHOTOGRAPH. huge difference. Videos like yours are a huge help. Not only for the obvious reasons, such as lighting and other techniques, but more importantly, encouragement. It can be frustrating and can also make a person stop trying. Videos like yours teach a fledgling photographer to not give up,but rather learn WHY I’m not getting the desired results instead of pushing for more expensive gear. Hiigh end cameras and lenses don’t make one a pro… technique,experience and execution do.

@lesath7883 3 ай бұрын

It's great you are investing time and effort on improving yiur skill and knowing your gear. In casole nobody has said it before, welcome to this world.

@bobk4438 3 ай бұрын

An inexpensive prime is a great upgrade to the kit lens. I got a used Lumix 20mm for my EM10 and it is an amazing upgrade. And it's a pocketable camera.

@ikechadmedia3116 3 ай бұрын

Gear matters! This may sound weird coming from a professional photographer who uses budget gear. I shoot on a Canon M50ii with a variety of lenses Tamron 24-70 f2.8, Viltrox 33mm f1.4 (the best lens on the planet 😊) and a nifty 50. I found that understanding photography techniques, editing and your photographic perspective makes the difference. However I’m aware of my limitations as my budget doesn’t allow for a full gear upgrade at the moment. So my photography falls within my ‘limits’ I WILL upgrade to a Cannon R I’m thinking the R7 (that’s me manifesting better gear) I am a freelance photographer from Jamaica.

@shadow.chicken Ай бұрын

another way to close the gap on stabilization, is learning to stabilize the camera using your body better. brace your leg against something, bunch the camera strap in your hand, hold your breath, and use your brow to sorta hold onto the viewfinder If you do it right, you can get sharp images without image stabilization or a tripod at 1/15th, 1/10th, sometimes even 1/2 second if you are particularly steady. Ever since I started doing this, I've been able to shoot 400 iso film at night handheld and get good results while my tripod sits in the corner and collects dust.

@jeff8289 3 ай бұрын

Hi Simon. Enjoyed the video greatly. I too, own an M50. I bought it for some video work. However, I'm completely amazed on how good and versatile this camera really is. While not my go to camera, I really appreciate its light weight, since I'm not getting any younger. It's a shame that Canon has decided to drop this line. I'll take another look at a lens adapter /Sigma combo. Thanks!

@shiltoob 3 ай бұрын

This video will kick start new photographers to get the looks they want in camera faster than anything I've seen so far. Thank you for the wisdoms as always.

@goodearthrecordings1989 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for another great video Simon! I have myself pretty well covered in the budget world right now with a Canon EOS 70D camera body, Canon 10-18mm Ultra wide, Canon 18-135mm, and a Tamron 70-300mm lenses. The Tamron is old and cost very little money but is in new condition and will get 1:2 close ups which is fun even though it's not true macro. I'm getting some fine images by following your advice!

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

Great to hear!

@tylercarter4348 3 ай бұрын

Absolutely fantastic video! I love how welcoming Simon is with these videos. Never understood why some people can be exclusionary with their craft.

@careylymanjones 3 ай бұрын

Skill matters. Back in the day, when I was taking violin lessons, my teacher could get better tone from my cheap student violin than I could from his professional-grade violin.

@MA-no8tz 3 ай бұрын

These were all excellent points and I wish someone had told me when I started my photography journey. Have a safe trip.

@seaeagles6025 3 ай бұрын

Hi Simon, this video was very relatable to me as i have a Nikon d3100 camera and the lens that i choose makes a big difference. It's true what you say Simon it's better to have a good lens and an average body. When i use my 50mm F/1.8, or my 35mm F/1.8 or my 40mm F/2.8, i get great image results compared to my 18-55mm kit lens, what a difference the lens makes. For shooting Birds, Planes, and fast action i use my Nikon 80-400mm and in good light the image is sharp. When my Niece got married the professional photographer said he could've done the wedding with my camera. Great examples you gave Simon to get the best out of an entry level camera. This video was so helpful to me having an entry level camera. Thank you. 😊

@AlpcanAras 24 күн бұрын

As always, great video Simon! One way to get faster lenses might be collecting vintage lenses, especially if you are using a mirrorless setup. You sacrifice autofocus but get a much faster lens and sometimes it renders authentic results.

@dalloiselle7274 3 ай бұрын

So much information in such little time: powerful and impactfully put. Thank you.

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@cega1445 3 ай бұрын

Finally, someone who doesn't say that cheaper gear isn't good becouse its not as sharp as the expensive ones. IT IS STILL GOOD 😅 Very good, informative video again 😁

@robertcarey3383 2 ай бұрын

I have a Nikon D90 with a Nikon AF300 Prime lens, and a Tripod. I bought the lens for $225.00 including shipping on e-bay ( I believe these sold for more than $1,500.00 when they were new 25 years ago.) and it honest to God looked brand new, the d-90 cameras are now readily available for $170.00, with shudder counts of less than 10,000 The tripod I have had for a while, but it was probably $50.00 when I bought it, so all in.... less than $500.00. We live 1/4 mile off a river in Idaho and have lots of birds to photograph without going anywhere so I get a lot of practice. I have watched every video you have made trying to learn and so far, my results are far exceeding anything I thought would have been possible. I would like to thank you for sharing your knowledge, that is cutting down the learning curve by years. I have played guitar for 40 years as well and I learned long ago an expensive guitar doesn't make you a great guitar player and an expensive camera doesn't make you a great photographer, to become either requires a hell of a lot of practice and knowledge, but if you enjoy the challenge then the journey is fun.

@simon_dentremont 2 ай бұрын

Welcome!

@chrisbartlett8146 Ай бұрын

I used to use a Canon M5 and bought a Canon 300mm L series lens and did get some amazing shots with it. I now use a fuji system XH2s with good lenses and do get the quality I want but cant afford to go more expensive or heavier so just choose the right light.

@rcpmac 2 ай бұрын

There is a middle range. I bought Nikon d750 with AF-s 35mm f1.8 in perfect condition for $750. I later added an older but exceptional 28-70mm Nikon zoom for $41. Finally I located a Tamron 150-600 tele zoom for $350. These were all local purchases so no tax. Total is $1,041 fo what I consider a great setup. I’m definitely the weakest link to perfect results and there is the challenge. So don’t go crazy with equipment but go far enough to not have that as an excuse.

@physixger 2 ай бұрын

The other but more finicky way to blur backgrounds and normal focal lengths with low-ish budget is to convert a large format camera to a DoF adapter with collimator and custom clean ground glass. Normal sized projector lenses like 325mm f/3.6, 400mm f/4, 420mm f/3.6 are cheap-ish, 50-200€ - and they give you the same DoF as a 200mm f/2 on FF but with a 50mm field of view. You can find an 8x10'' or 18x24cm large format camera used from about 200€. Fresnels, two for 30€ a pop. Float glass panels, like 5€ a piece. SiC or Aluminium oxide powder 400 grit for grinding the ground glass, some 20-30€. Some pieces of plywood for a frame and screws, 50€. Filter adapters to screw in a taking camera, some 20€. All in all that's a kit for under 500€ with a bit of DIY work and woodworking knowledge, but delivers very good studio results when done correctly.

@xinqiwang3301 2 ай бұрын

My philosophy, getting the most out of any gears in hand. I have been exploring, you give great enlightenment. Your French toned English pleases me most.

@simon_dentremont 2 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you!

@fredrickjo9356 3 ай бұрын

I enjoy Simon's teachings, advice and guidance

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

Glad you like them!

@azungu1190 3 ай бұрын

It’s like the entry level gear forces us to become better photographers. Then when we’re ready, we’ll have the experience to make the most of the more advanced gear.

@vzshadow1 3 ай бұрын

My 10 year old granddaughter likes to "take pictures" when she comes to see grandpa and grandma. Rather than hand her my Nikon Z8 with the 100-400mm lens, I decided to get a Nikon D90 with an 18-105mm lens for about $300 (US). It was introduced in 2008 with a 12 megapixel sensor. I was so impressed that I got myself a Nikon D700 (also released in 2008) 12.8 megapixels but full frame, and a Nikon D800 (released in 2012 with a full frame, 36.3 megapixel sensor. I get a real charge out of entering photography contests using the old gear to see if I can compete with people who are using the latest and greatest equipment.

@DanaPushie 3 ай бұрын

Great video Simon. Bookmarked this one to ensure I grasp all the details you've offered. Very helpful, thank you.🙏

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@RetrieverTrainingAlone Ай бұрын

Excellent! I am a newbie using a used bridge camera (Nikon p900) having fun learning from my mistakes. Opportunity, Skill, and Equipment are three important factors. Since we live in Montana and Alaska, I have lots of opportunities. Eventually I will upgrade equipment, but for now skill is what I need most improvement. Not just camera skill, but also skill in blind setup and patience. THANK YOU!

@joshuaburton7163 2 ай бұрын

I just started with photography. My wife and mother are into it. My mom gave me a cannon eos r camera and I just bought that same 70-300 lens at the local camera store for $150. After the adapter it seems to work great. Anyway big fan of your work and channel. Thank you for the advice

@greygoose3936 3 ай бұрын

Great video. The comment at the end about upgrading your lens before your camera was exactly what I did. I was doing bird photography with a Sony A7RII and an adapted sigma 150-600 lens. It was fine for still birds but focusing was kinda slow and it would hunt. Upgraded to a native Sony 200-600 and the AF felt like it had a huge upgrade. Waited at least 2 more years before I upgraded the body.

@ScubaShark--8964 3 ай бұрын

Thank you!! You inspired me to step into photography with a compact camera my mom left me, working up from there!

@lesath7883 3 ай бұрын

That's great! Every hour of practice you get out from that will make all your pictures, even ones made with your phone, better and better.

@zachbenson9548 3 ай бұрын

I recently upgraded to a pro setup last year, my niece is running track and field at her university and going to take photos of that last season really exposed the limitations of my gear and gave me the justification to upgrade. I gifted my last kit to my friends daughter, she's only 14 but loves photography and is quite the talent! It's a huge upgrade for her as she was shooting on a bridge camera from the mid 2000's. I do have to say though, my last setup was much better for street photography so it's not all sunshine and rainbows.

@usssoutherncross377thmsgme6 2 ай бұрын

"Thank you, Simon, for creating this helpful video. As a beginner photographer, I appreciate your guidance and the way you encourage us to capture great shots with basic equipment. Your videos have made a significant impact on how I approach photography and have given me confidence in my abilities."

@victortomasso3116 3 ай бұрын

Thank you Simon! As always another great video. Safe travels! ✈️

@nabman_ 3 ай бұрын

Great spot-on advice. In any trade, understanding the tools and and having the know-how to work around its limitations is in many cases more important than the grade of the tools themselves.

@matthiasdamm3608 2 ай бұрын

For genres like street photography, portrait, architecture … there are also great low-cost lens options with the all-manual lenses from companies like 7Artisans or TTArtisan. f0.95 lenses for less than 300 USD with great optical and build quality? You got it! All manual of course, but just just those like in Av mode. Manual focus with a modern mirrorless camera is nothing like an old manual SLR - the information those cameras give you in the viewfinder are so helpful that even with AF lenses I sometimes prefer manual focusing.

@ulftornert2855 3 ай бұрын

Always something to learn on this channel. Very well presented, thank you! 👍

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

@brunocastelowildlifephotog5674 3 ай бұрын

It's finally out, a very important video for those who are just starting out, or who haven't managed to buy better equipment yet. Congratulations Simon, perfect video

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@triplewinlin5576 3 ай бұрын

You really explained well the differences, and more importantly, the ways to mitigate them, between pro and budget gear items! Hope your trip is wonderful for you. I can't wait to see some more of your gorgeous images.

@CobraShuttle Ай бұрын

This is an amazing video for those starting out. Real useable and simple techniques to get near pro-level results. Starting out myself I knew some of these and it worked well but of course I still learned a lot from this video!

@simon_dentremont Ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@joncothranphotography9375 3 ай бұрын

Great advice Simon. I have been working through this my self. I got better lenses and then a slightly better camera. Now I am "focused" on an even better camera to pair up with my good camera. All the while, practicing with the gear that I have and pushing the bounds to get the best and most creative images that I can. Thanks for the video!

@gazala141 3 ай бұрын

you are a great photographer and a great teacher! thank you!

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

You're very welcome!

@mattipalmunen3276 3 ай бұрын

Thank you again! So enjoyable!

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@trentc7329 3 ай бұрын

My tip is to actually test your budget gear. I got a LUMIX GX85 a few weeks ago for a small budget kit to take for personal use when I travel for work. I was resigned that I needed to start immediately looking for good used lenses. But I tested the two kit lenses in my bedroom by lamplight to see the limit I could handhold and was shocked at how well they did. The image stabilization, bracketing and post focus each took those lenses much further than I expected. They’ll do fine for now. Find your failure point before you start shopping. It might be much higher than you think.

@timothykieper 3 ай бұрын

Nice video! I just started shooting wildlife using a budget zoom lens on a micro 4/3 system. This setup provides a bit more reach by effectively doubling the available focal length. Still learning, but getting a few good shots in the process.

@carldufault 3 ай бұрын

Salut Simon, I really enjoy watching your videos. I like shooting nature, birds and astrophotography. ALL your vids are really helping me. A big thank you for your work and dedication!

@robertYTB78g 3 ай бұрын

Superb as usual, thanks for posting.

@bastian8597 2 ай бұрын

I love your content! You always deliver reeeeally good tips i've never heard in another videos and your nice attitude makes it even better. Keep the work, man. Great images by the way💯👌🏻

@MeAMuse 3 ай бұрын

Very well covered Simon! I am always surprised how soo many gear videos focus on the difference in image quality, where as, in reality the more important benefits focus on making it easier to get a shot, or have to compromise in less situations!

@juanitakelly3082 3 ай бұрын

"Closing the gap with good technique". I love it! You always make us feel better about the gear we have and the comparisons answer a lot of questions about what we may OR may not need. I am picturing you in Kenya focusing on that elephant's trunk right now!

@ArtFancyImaging 3 ай бұрын

Simon, as always... another amazing video. You really help the beginner get a better grasp on photography. Thanks, Paul & Wendy.

@kelvinwilson9217 3 ай бұрын

Simon I really enjoy your uploads, and you have a way of explaining your extensive knowledge in an understandable way. My kit is a Nikon D5300 with just a few budget lenses to cover most needs, and your knowledge helps me get more from my humble setup.

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

Great to hear!

@derbyshirewalker 3 ай бұрын

Another excellent video full of information all explained in an easy to understand way. Thank you.

@romy4593 Ай бұрын

I Love this Simon Sir! I am getting my best bird photos with my 70mm to 300mm lens on the Nikon D5300 instead of the Sony A73! Reason is I don't have the proper lens with the Sony. I get such beautiful boca with the Nikon with the right settings! I even put this camera on the action shot auto button for fun today...got very clear shots of birds?? I would never have thought I would get them and they beat the Sony with the 210 lens it has. I went outside and sat on a chair.....then was able to get a great shot of bird in the rhodie bush that is fully bloomed. Tomorrow morning out with coffee and I will try it again....

@michaeltillman886 3 ай бұрын

I'm an old school shooter from the mid 1990s. Before digital was popular. I had and still do have a Minolta SRT 202 film camera with a 50mm lens that came with the camera. entry level all the way. I purchased a used Phoenix 90mm 2.8 prime lens. With that phoenix lens I've got some of the most incredible shots you can imagine. Camera bodies are important. But, It's all about the lens. All the bells and whistles of the new digital cameras are great. It's all about the glass. I also have a Nikon 6006 film camera (fully electronic). I purchased the body separately from the lens. I purchased a Sigma 50mm 2.8 macro Along with a 28-200 Sigma zoom. God I love that camera set up. I now own a Nikon D3300 with an 18-55 kit lens which is not that bad. I also had to get the Nikon 55-300 lens to go with it. It's all about the lens and your imagination and skill. I am glad to see film making a come back. Most people are missing out not shooting film. With film you'll find out what you're made of. Nice article my friend. Peace!

@hamsterneckliving 2 ай бұрын

Given that I use an m50 but with better (non-kit) lenses, I very much appreciate this video. The tips to make the m50 shoot better quality were eye opening. Someday I plan to upgrade as I have a very mild tremor in my hand and would love be able to shoot hand held once in a while with IBIS. But until then… thanks for the tips!

@kimberlygillott9360 3 ай бұрын

Always informative!! Thanks!

@simon_dentremont 3 ай бұрын

Any time!

@otoskope Ай бұрын

Excellent and empowering advice. Do the most with what you have is a very good philosophy, which often drowns in the YT gear review swamp. Thanks so much for going against the stream.

@simon_dentremont Ай бұрын

Thanks, will do!

@George_Bland 3 ай бұрын

That 70-300 lens is the telephoto I use, and I think it's great for the price, I also have a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 which is amazing for the used price if you don't mind lack of image stabilisation.

@tonykeltsflorida 3 ай бұрын

This is the video that people should watch. You really can make good photos with good, lower priced lenses. My highest priced lens is a Tamron EF 24-70 f/2.8. I got it for $500, others in that class are at least $1k.

@ilyasovich 3 ай бұрын

For my bird photos, I use an EOS R10 + EF-S 55-250mm (telephoto kit lens I had with my old camera), I managed to squeeze a lot from it (ducks, blue jays, chickadees, grackles, all around HRM) some people get surprised when I tell them which lens I'm using 😂

@Joshua82PDX 3 ай бұрын

Canon has some decent telephoto primes that aren't terribly expensive. The EF 300mm F4 L IS and 400mm F5.6 L, both go for between US$400-600 each. Add a 1.4x teleconverter, and you'll have some reach on a budget. 🤠📷 🦅

@pashedu_if 3 ай бұрын

imho best channel for beginners! thanks for your work!

@preflightdrip8672 3 ай бұрын

For anyone interested in car photography genre, what I've noticed as my gear got better is your main full car pictures, like a 3/4 shot don't necessarily get that much better, but better gear makes detail shots of the car, as well as dynamic situations like roller pics, come out substantially better

@BrentODell 3 ай бұрын

When comparing the level of detail/sharpness in heavy crops, it's also important to remember that a lot of that is just the difference in MP.

@MileyonDisney 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for all the great tips!

@mariaxsonarmstrong 3 ай бұрын

This video has been an extremely useful one for me! Thank you for the great info!

@Dani.P.F. 3 ай бұрын

I use the Sony a6000 with the Sony 55-210mm for Wildlife. While I have managed to take a few decent pictures, I want to upgrade to the Sony 70-350mm. It's not anything special, but will give me the range to capture the many animals I have missed. Small birds and squirrels, for example. I'm not able to spend more money on more focal length, so that lens will have to do. And I'm only looking for better quality, a little more range and a better performance. Maybe one day I'll be able to buy better gear. But for now I'm going to have fun with what I have.

@jonbielby 3 ай бұрын

The 70-350 will be a great upgrade, I have it for my a6100. With the aps-c 1.5x focal length multiplier, it is actually a 525mm lens :) and a lot sharper

@evanlomioan 3 ай бұрын

Most of the information in the video are things I already knew but the way Simon explained it helped me remember these things I’ve learned in the past and motivated me to take more pictures. Thank you for uploading this and I just subscribed after over a year of watching your videos! :)

@logic_sp2ce157 Ай бұрын

The best video on youtube!

@wildlife_phtography_Crete 3 ай бұрын

I did it! First I took a good len and after of allot of shoots i changed the camera! This is the way!

@carrywu 3 ай бұрын

This is a top tier content! Good job mister Simon! I hope this content will make us improve our photography more rather than lusting for better gears.

@sonjamedic634 3 ай бұрын

Your tips are much appreciated! It was exactly what I needed to hear, at the right time! I realized instead of new gear I only need knowledge, experience and the right techniques (and your videos provide so much of that, thank you). So I am going to make the best of what I already own - an EOS 700D, a couple of kit lenses (EF-S 10-18 and 55-250), a couple of cheaper prime lenses (EF 40, EF-S 24, EF-S 60 Macro), my tripod - for landscape, architecture, night and macro photography. Good noise reduction and sharpening software (I tested DxO PureRAW and Topaz Photo AI) helps a lot with my combo.