Which should you buy first if you really want to upgrade your gear- a camera or a lens?
Let’s say you only have enough money for ONE.
Well- it depends on what you shoot and what is expected.
Let’s say you are shooting pretty much every weekend. Let’s say that most of the things that you’re shooting are in the same kind of environment.
For example, if you are a sports photographer and you were under dim stadium lights- then having a quick enough camera to capture motion and detail and low lighting would be essential.
Let’s say you’re a real estate photographer so getting sharp Photos in low light situations might not be a high priority.
For you, having a wide enough lens to get the entire space might be a bigger need.
Ask yourself these questions first before upgrading your camera or lens:
Will I be using my gear very often?
Would renting year be better? or should I really strive to own what I need for the shoots I’m getting?
Is the gear that I’m trying to save up for for a one-time shooting event? or is it something on a consistent basis that I can justify spending money?
Will it help me get sharper and clearer photos and help me to capture images faster?
Is the gear that I’m saving up for just something I really want? or is it something I absolutely need to do my job?
Is there any gear that I can sell so that I can take a portion off the cost?
I know for me, I am so tempted to buy gear all the time, but I really have to think through what I’m getting hired to do and what might be a high priority for the work that I’m getting.
I really want the new Nikon Z 85 mm 1.8, but I am not getting that many portrait, fashion or family shoots to justify the cost. I am getting a lot more studio, commercial and real estate jobs so I might have to save up for a wide angle lens instead.
I always like to tell my students that you can cut a tree using a hatchet or a chainsaw. Both do the job. But one will save you more energy and time and have a cleaner look at the end of the day.
So if you’re trying to buy gear to make your job easier and to cut your editing time in half then this is a good pursuit. If you’re just trying to buy gear because you want the next thing, then it’s probably not the best idea.
Christal Marshall is the owner of Virginia Photos and Films, www.virginiaphotosandfilms.com. Virginia Marketing and Media www.virginiamarketingandmedia.com and Virginia Beach Photobooth Company www.virginiabeachphotoboothcompany.com
She lives, breathes and does media and marketing pretty much 24-7 for over 14 local business through social media management, website design, photo, video or media coverage or graphic design.
She lives, breathes and does media and marketing pretty much 24-7 for over 14 local business through social media management, website design, photo, video or media coverage or graphic design.
She is a homeschool mom of three, cat lover, sushi eater and poke fan! She started her business in 2011 with nothing but a $400 camera from Amazon, now she is has been published in over 60 different blogs and websites for her media work and rank top Wedding Photographers in Virginia