Gear You Need To Get Started

[@kojack2469]

Have you tried any Godox that’s what I use as a wedding photographer and they work great.

[@MattHernandez]

No I haven’t. I’m actually a westcott top pro so I only use their lights. I think Godox is very similar with the exception that westcott has much better customer service with people here in the US who will always take care of you. I know godox has good stuff though!

[@jqcreative1030]

Great content Matt! Thanks for explaining things in detail

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you for taking the time to let me know that! I really appreciate the support.

[@monikasutton5174]

Was wondering why did u recommend Manny Ortiz’s white instead of silver interior. Thank you.

[@RyanHalvorsen]

You read my mind! Ditto question.

[@MattHernandez]

I’ve actually not tried the silver, but I would lean toward white because it’s softer and generates plenty of power because of its size. I’m sure the silver is great too. It would be more specular and have a little bit more pop because of the reflective nature.

[@Iamkitkatbar]

Is the A7iv worth buying for sports photography?

[@MattHernandez]

I have the a7r V. I’ve personally not shot with the a7iv

[@chuckwalker3103]

Your link to the Manny Ortiz Beauty Dish brings you to Joel Grimes 16" beauty dish instead. Also, which light stands do you use for the FJ400?

[@MattHernandez]

Fixed! Thank you for letting me know! I use a few different kinds of stands. Check out my video Wednesday for another video on all the gear in my bad I have with me on a day to day basis. I’ll have those included!

[@glongSJK]

You are the first person I've seen with the battery grip for the Sony a7rv since the issue of the grip not fitting properly. Question, I've considered buying the camera to upgrade from my a7r3 but where did you buy your battery grip for the a7rv and does it fit properly? Thanks in advance

[@MattHernandez]

Yes I did and it fits great. I’ve actually not even heard of that issue. I’d say it’s well worth the upgrade.

[@bethsmith825]

Will the FJ200 have enough power to light up smoke etc in full sun?

[@MattHernandez]

Smoke in full sun is probably not going to work as well as inside or later in the day. You can try it but may need more power or a different scenario for shooting.

[@okeefest]

Hey Matt, another great video as usual. A few questions, you didn’t mention the fog machine in your video but it was listed in the description. Have you tried the portable hand-held smoke machine like the SmokeGENIE? What’s the difference between the haze machine and the smoke machine? How many of the deep-focus reflectors would you recommend? I didn’t see any recommendations for the light stands. Is that another video? Getting all of the equipment to the location can’t be easy. Thanks again.

[@MattHernandez]

I have no tried those. Have you? I AM curious about them. The difference is the amount of atmosphere that comes out at a time. Fog machine put a lot out at once and can only go for so long. Haze machines put out the atmosphere more slowly but can stay on. You see haze machines being used in movies a lot because you can see the beams of light from windows or cars or whatever because I’d the texture in the air created by them. They aren’t as noticeable a lot of times, it provide a constant haze to the scene. I would say two deep focus so you can either use them as mirroring edge lights or as cross lights. I am actually coming out with a new video with stand suggestions soon!

[@okeefest]

Thanks Matt. Right now all I have is the spray can. I haven’t tried the hand held smoke machines yet; although I did shoot with one at a Summit Workshop in NY. Unfortunately, everyone was just learning how to use the machine. I don’t think it was a good test. I’ll have to pick up a second deep focus reflector now. Looking forward to the video on stands.

[@juneiam]

I was just wondering what you meant when you said there wasn’t a whole lot of room for extra 5:32 I was just curious what you meant

[@MattHernandez]

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you…I meant there’s no extra unused power when trying to underexpose.

[@juneiam]

@@MattHernandez thank you so much for getting back to me! I really appreciate your videos!

[@joeclaymore]

This is a great overview with the only disclaimer I would add that you don't need Sony or Westcott. There are plenty of fish in the sea where you could pinch a little to get started. However, the two camera bodies, lights, lenses and the modifiers are all spot on. I can't echo this more, than to learn from others that have gone before because you'll often fall into the trap of buying gear you simply don't need. Solid content Matt!

[@MattHernandez]

Of course haha. You can get whatever brand you want. Those are just my personal preferences. The main thing here is the functionality of what I was suggesting. Thanks for watching and the kind words. I appreciate it!

[@gregdoherty6850]

Always love you content Matt.

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you!

[@mikegraham2477]

Fantastic video, appreciate the budget options and the differences between them and the higher cost. For those of us who are getting started with this type of photography it can be a bit overwhelming so this definitely helps.

[@cbrumley317]

But there are more budget long throw reflectors. I have 3 that were all $50 or less. Glow, Phottix, Andoer

[@MattHernandez]

Nice! Hadn’t seen those before.

[@cbrumley317]

@@MattHernandez Adorama carries the Glow. The other 2 were admittedly harder to find

[@monikasutton5174]

I think the Glow reflectors don’t come with the grid and diffusion.

[@mommad77]

@@monikasutton5174yes they do, I love my glow dish, highly recommend

[@okeefest]

The Westcott 45 degree long focus reflector comes with two grids. The Glow is about $40 cheaper but doesn’t have the grids. Getting one of each may be the budget solution.

[@jamesbarron5590]

If you are recommending the a7cii I would recommend the a7iv. Same sensor with a bigger evf, dual card slots, full size hdmi. It doesn’t have the newest ai autofocus but still great. You can find a lot on the used market. It will also feel better with bigger lenses. I have the a7c and added an a7iv for the listed reasons. I will probably get an a7cii but I need to buy some Fj400’s and some Manny Ortiz beauty dishes first. Thank you for the recommendations @MattHernandez

[@MattHernandez]

No problem. Thanks for watching!

[@kifley19]

A7CII is limited to 1/4000 shutter speed.

[@philanderearglephotography1912]

The transmitter is feeling left out. 🥲

[@MattHernandez]

🤣