Many times I’ve asked myself: If I were starting over, would I stick to the same system of gear I’m using now? Sony wasn’t even a player in the DSLR game when I started photography, and so inertia has led me (mostly) towards Canon and Nikon over the years. But today’s new photographers are spoiled for choice. which way to go?
One perspective on that question comes from landscape and street photographer Arnulfr Hakonarsson, aka that icelandic boy on Youtube. As a Sony shooter, he recommends starting with one of their budget APS-C models, such as a6400 Or a6300I think there are pretty standard options, but where he expanded on lenses was that he suggested beginners stay away from kit lens options and go for a fixed aperture zoom instead. In the video he suggested Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 (And just as a note, he mistakenly calls it a 16-50mm, but that’s what he means) It’s a good starting point for its quality and constant aperture.
I never thought about going that route when talking to beginners, but it makes sense. Having a constant aperture makes it much easier to understand and learn the exposure triangle because you don’t have to deal with changing aperture as you zoom. Additionally, kit lenses let in so little light compared to something like the aforementioned Sigma that you have to kick the ISO up a lot, and image quality suffers as a result. Therefore, it is very good advice to try something high-end from a reputable third-party company. If you’re looking for something with a little more range (and a little more money), Tamron makes the 17-70mm f/2.8 lens Also for Sony E-mount.
There are also some helpful gear recommendations that Hakonarson makes, like variable neutral density filters (especially important for people coming to the video) and tripods. You can watch the rest of his video above for more advice and gear recommendations.
But this brings me back to my burning question from the top of this post: What gear would you choose as a beginner?
For me, someone with years of Canon memory, I find their cameras very easy to use. I’ve dipped a toe in Sony waters here and there (I’ve borrowed one). A7 IV a few weeks and a boss ZV-1), but I find the menus too confusing to understand and lack ergonomics. If I were starting out, I would steer beginners toward a budget Canon EOS R50 Or, if they had more budget, R8– Full frame due to the wide lens selection available for large sensors. While Canon’s reluctance to open up the mount to more companies lacks third-party support, there’s still a lot to be said about what the system offers in terms of upgrade paths for developing new photographers. . For the most part, there’s a uniformity of design that I like.
And as for the tripod? Anything from a reputable brand that’s well made, like Manfrotto or Peak Design. Realizing that a good tripod never ends, I bought a lot of $20 tripods in the early days.
What are your thoughts on the best gear for beginners? Especially those who shoot other brands that I haven’t mentioned in this article, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
