So what's the story with the camera gear?
From the mid 80’s to around 2010, I used film cameras and bridge cameras, never bothering with DSLRs. I was happy with the shots I got from these, so there was no need to go DSLR. However, when studying at the University of Sheffield, I wanted to take a photography module but didn’t have the prerequisite DSLR and lenses. I was a bit miffed as my bridge camera at that time had full manual mode and I could still have used it, albeit less effectively. That experience got me curious about DSLRs though. Cost was inhibitive for me at that time.
Nikon Fanboy?
So I started out with DSLR’s on the Nikon platform. The first DSLR body I bought was a second hand Nikon D3200, which I used for a few months but soon got the itch to upgrade. I then bought a used D7100 and used that for a few years. Around 7 or 8 years ago I bought another used camera, the Nikon D800, a full frame 36MP professional camera. It wasn’t the latest and greatest camera at that time, but it has helped me capture some beautiful shots in the years since I bought it.
I started to get fed up of the weight of my kit though, especially as I was nearing 50 years old and long hikes with my camping and camera gear were getting more demanding for me. So I looked into mirrorless cameras. I bought a new Fuji X-T3 with a couple of lenses and all was good for a while. I don’t know what it was exactly, but I was never happy with it. So I ended up selling it on and going back to my heavy but well loved D800.
Sony the way forward?
Fast forward to a few weeks ago, I was reading up on improvements to mirrorless cameras. So I decided to give them another try. This time I thought I would give Sony a go. I don’t have a bottomless pit of dosh to spend on camera gear though, so again I opted for a used body, specifically the Sony A7 III. The body I bought was like new, in perfect condition. Buying a new body meant that I needed new glass too, so I done some homework on available lenses.
Eventually I opted for the Sony FE 24-105mm f4 G OSS Lens. I bought this lens new and it wasn’t cheap either. The available focal range is perfect for my photography and the lens delivers sharp, clean images.
Time will tell if I end up keeping the Sony kit. I’m committed to it though, having sold my Nikon lenses to help fund the Sony kit. I’m off to Edinburgh soon, so will be putting the camera through its paces more there. I did use it at a Freedom of the City parade my daughter took part in as an army cadet in Hull though and was impressed with it! Some images are below from the day, all captured with the A7 III
