One Lens, One Country. (Sony 135mm f1.8 GM in Iceland)

[@stew_redman]

A lot of creative KZbinrs are often sponsored by various subscription-based, royalty-free music services that claim to have thousands of tracks. I seem to hear the same 10 to 15 tracks over and over again :D

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Have you heard this one before?

[@stew_redman]

@@JamesPopsysPhoto Nope. It's a new experience for me :)

@@JamesPopsysPhoto I did… I think Nigel has used it in some of his videos 😉

[@sara505sings]

I have read that a couple of the bigger and more popular subscription based services are curated so there's more of a chance that the same tunes will rise to the surface and be used more often. I don't know enough to know if that's true but I do know that picking out the music for my own videos is one of the most fun yet most challenging parts of creating a video. Eventually they all start sounding alike to me.

[@andrewhoulihan7940]

@@JamesPopsysPhoto why do you play music in the first place ? I’m an autistic Photographer and i find it very distracting. As I always say its like going to collage and been in a lecture and the teacher playing music and your trying to take it all in. Silence is golden. Love the channel James BTW. Love from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@NigelDanson]

I was really looking forward to this video coming out. Didn't disappoint! Absolutely awesome! As Mads says the shots at the black sand beach of Raynisdrangar were incredible. And the drone footage!!! Great memories and awesome video mate.

[@JMR-1953]

"Talk amongst yourselves" is one of the reasons I love this channel. You always make me laugh. And, of course, your photos are amazing!

[@andrewknowles6731]

Just shows how forcing yourself to use a single focal length really turbo charges the creative process. Great video thanks James

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

It definitely does 👌🏻

[@anthonys3906]

Don't be fooled, this lens is so god damn good you won't want to take it off lol

[@Keenonhang]

Agreed. I recently bought this and it's stunning and I'm loving the challenge of just having 1 focal length and being creative with it.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

The photos at Eystrahorn were beautiful but my god, that shot of Raynisdrangar at 2:36 WOWSA! :D

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks Mads! Just copying Nigel on that one… 😃

[@IslamicTalksPodcast]

I went Iceland and was too lazy to go see the black sands. Biggest regret

[@julianrohloff2811]

I own the 135 GM since a few weeks & it's so inspiring to see this video from you!

[@the_daniel_life]

wonderful shots, thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas, Daniel

[@elialderfer5630]

One of my favorite on location videos yet! Absolutely majestic photos there James!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Wide aperture 135mm primes are such an underrated lens. Even though it's not very flexible, some of my favorite images are from the 135mm f/2. Even though this focal length is usually pegged as a portrait lens, with some creativity like yours it makes some stunning landscape images. Great work!

[@martyryan2706]

Glad to hear mpb are supporting you. I’ve bought a 300mm a 1.4 extender, and a 24-70 off them over the last few months and the quality of the second hand gear is 👌

[@joelowthianYT]

Cannot believe I’ve never hear of MPB…game changer. Thank you!

[@mountains_and_moors]

Loving the idea of the Sony 135mm f1.8 over the 70-200 GM/GM2 as it is lighter, smaller and a lager aperture. Also the 82mm filter thread being the same size as my 24-70 GM so no need for step-up rings. Recently got the 14mm GM and loving this lens, highly recommend giving this a go! Loving the video in Iceland. The black sand and landscape looks amazing. Looked a little chilly seeing you all wrapped up! Cheers, Ant 👍🏻😉

[@Ornamech]

Regular viewer of your videos, and one thing I've always really enjoyed aside from the amazing camera/photography content has been the music choice. Jazzy, lofi hip hop beat music is dope and really fits your style.

[@steveboys5369]

Great images again James, and thanks for sharing. Your style of presentation both informs and cracks me up … after all what else would you spend money on … priceless!

[@WilliamAlvarez86]

I use a GM 135mm for landscape and yes it’s pretty zoomed in whenever you spot a cool view. For me, that means moving or walking back for awhile to get an image you want. I love the 1.8 low light capabilities. Super sharp lens and I love it.

[@ryanscottmurphy86]

Your shots are so beautiful dude... And the colours on this video really pop hard!!!

[@olegaertner]

Ohh I'm so glad you partnered up with MPB. Bought two lenses for surreal prices there and both are as functional as new ones. Can't recommend it enough

[@sebastiantreloar6045]

YES! I've been waiting for a new video ♥️

[@Martin-nu6ym]

A pleasant surprise for me with the 135 GM, it is one of the few GM lenses that I can enjoy using for infrared up to f8. This is one amazing lens and it has lessened the need for the 70-200 GM considerably. Loved all the shots.

[@akoskiss7320]

Nice to hear that. What about the 14mm GM for IR?

[@Martin-nu6ym]

@@akoskiss7320 My current camera is a full spectrum conversion, so I'm waiting for Kolari to release their filter to put over my sensor for that test. Hopefully sometime this Spring I will find out.

[@nickcruz1231]

I just received your book in the mail yesterday and it's soooo sweet!! Thank you for signing it!

[@anthonys3906]

The GM 135mm is top 3 must have, do not hesitate to buy it. The separation, the sharp focus, the color, everything is perfect!

[@TheJoshuaPeg]

Nice to see you using a prime lens again mate, feels like it's been a while! And, I've literally just had a delivery from MPB this morning, looking forward to playing with my new lens! :) Also, great to see some of your Iceland footage. It's properly giving me the travel bug.

[@PRHeli]

A master of his craft. Lovely imagery!

[@rob9386]

so good to see you pumped up by images again. LOVED THIS VID

[@joshuagow3150]

Awesome photos. That back/side light against the black rock/sand looked amazing. Also, love MPB, been using them for years too. Great service!

[@millymucci]

jazzhop 🐾🎼 glad waited to watch this on christmas day. very enjoyable! 🙏🏼

[@seb6stian]

Wow! The first 2 shots are incredible!!

[@EmoEmu]

The Sony 135/1.8GM is such an awesome lens. I love that focal length for portraits in the wild.

[@declanc5372]

Love MPB, I have only ever got my gear from them, always as described and the best prices you can find anywhere. Unfortunately I am broke so can't go for the higher end gear

[@VlogPhotography]

Great video James. I've used the 135mm before but never really felt comfortable with it and always needed that extra push so sent it back and continued to use my 70-200 2.8. Ive used MPB previously and never had any problems. Iceland looks like a great location for landscape photogrsphy so it will have to go on my bucket list. Really enjoyed watching this one, althought you did make me feel like I was freezing at the same time. Thanks for sharing James!

[@vincentfalardeau141]

I own this lens, and I was very happy to see your work done with it, and as mentioned by Mr Danson, great drone footage! As regarding the shoot with the geese, these are, for your information, Whooper Swans.

[@geofff6671]

Great illustration of why zooms make more sense for landscapes.

[@TheFLOYD67]

Lovely work bro ,its show how inportant a lens make your work .

[@alchemist_x79]

I love the 135 GM. You'll pry it out of my cold dead hands. I used to shoot my telephoto landscapes on the 100-400 GM, but I find I don't use that as much as I used to once I got the 135. Lately I've been carrying two cameras -- the a7RIV for cropability with shorter lenses like the 24 GM, 24-70 Sigma or the 50mm 2.5 G and the a7RIII with the 135GM -- so I don't have to switch lenses back and forth and that's been working well for me, albeit it's a heavier load.

[@yendor2043]

Fantastic video! I recently purchased an a7c and although I had never considered a 135mm, your video has opened up some possibilities for me.

[@EstelonAgarwaen]

i bought my complete "big" photo/video setup from mpb. i still shoot m4/3. got an em1 mk2, the battery grip and the 12-40mm lens.

[@travelwithlenses]

I was waiting for a Iceland video since I was following this trip on IG.... Hope to see more videos from Iceland!

[@Morgan-fi8cm]

Lovely begining tune

[@timrober75]

Superb shots James. Sometimes we benefit our skills by restricting our options. Beautiful :)

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Definitely! I’m a big fan of primes for that!

[@CalMukumoto]

I love that lens. I shot a rodeo at night for a client on the GM 135. Sharp! Love it for portraits, and landscapes. Lately I’ve been lugging a 14mm GM, 24 GM, 50mm GM, and the 135mm GM for landscape outings. Plus one zoom, 100-400 GM. Too much weight, but good exercise. I ordered the Tamron 35 to 150. Im thinking of leaving the primes when I travel and just carry the 16 to 35 GM, and Tamron. Of course, a sigma i series or a 40 mm g might sneak into the bag. All I can say is I am glad I am not also packing a drone or video camera like you do.

[@GregSewellTRFC]

Jazz hop, chill hop, trip hop, lofi, chillstep - there are loads and you’ll love them all! Especially when people on here redo nostalgic music in those genres (like the Zelda theme or other childhood goodies)

[@bartjes2509]

Nice, thanks for sharing. With landscapes like these it's wide to at least start with. Nice to also challenge yourself using different focal lenghts and be creative

[@TiffanyM3]

Never heard of jazz hop before today, but I'm obsessed too. Also obsessed with your channel -- new subbie!

[@coffeeandspice]

I love my 135mm; it's my go to lens when I'm shooting for myself. Like you said, I think 135mm for landscapes is very much about isolating specific areas of the scene and giving it an objective perspective. It's definitely brave of you to go on such an extensive trip with just one lens though. I also want you to know that I love listening to you rant about minutiae. Only person on KZbin that can make me sit down for that kind of stuff.

[@MortAllachie]

Finally. Your books arrived today. I'm now on page 3 in the 2018 book, and you crack me up. Haven't gotten to the first picture yet and I love the book 😬 Also thanks for the handwritten note and for signing all the books 😊

[@DavidStella]

135 GM has been a dream lens for me since it was announced.

[@philforrester4142]

Just stumbled on your channel really enjoying it many thanks Phil in sunny blackpool

[@avoidingbadlife]

Just got my Sony A7IV and seriously thinking of getting one of those 135's for myself. Just so tempting and crisp. Might just have to do it!

[@KoljaEngelmann]

This! Exactly this! You being in arctic conditions, that is what I like watching the most. It was funny, it was educational, it was beautiful!

[@kophotograph1803]

Fantastic shots. The light at the sunset shots looks incredible!

[@julianheritage6436]

The Sony 135 is supposed to be a fantastic lens and certainly looks it from your images James. I’m actually finding I’m using my Sony 100-400 GM lens more and more. Didn’t get on with it to start with, but using it more and more

[@warrenswales5693]

100-400 is essential arsenal for landscapes. Never understand why 70-200mm so recommended as part of the triumvirate of landscape lenses, as only useful if you happen across a wedding ceremony when out rambling! 😁 Not sold on the long prime either for landscapes. 🤔

[@Realletsplaygrey]

Beautiful images

[@cindytaylor5962]

Just traded and upgraded at MPB! Waiting for my Fuji X100f to arrive, process was very simple. Great work James, glad to see you without the tripod 🤣

[@ewenrobertson5763]

very talented photographer, great work!!

[@marximus4]

That shot with the wave crashing against the columnar basalt is fantastic.

[@robinnshaw]

Iceland is a must one day ! wow

[@4gharpure]

Thank you for introducing me to Jazz Hop. I like your work.

[@ShawnPerryVideoPhotoS5]

Great tips! Thanks so much!

[@mikemackenzie9064]

Great video, thanks

[@Robservatory]

Really nice work, Iceland always delivers!

[@MSmith-Photography]

You forgot to bring your beach towel and flip flops. 🤣

[@TheArtofKAS]

JUST WWOWO.....This truly top notch James. And thanks for the music recommendation as well👏

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much 😃

[@JACKnJESUS]

Great video...some of those shots were dreamy good. I do have this lens, and it is ridiculously sharp.

[@gaborpal3993]

James, you complain about the limitations of this lens and take those jaw-dropping shots I am so jealous of! :D On my Iceland trip, I used a sony camera worth £50 (though I did catch a snow fox by accident), still enjoyed the adventure. I am spellbound by this lens and use it for Everything. Your photos further inspired me!

[@BR34K]

Got the 135 GM used for 1200 usd a couple months back. A steal. Best lens I've ever had. Just ordered an A1 to go with it, can't wait to see how it handles on the new body.

[@stuartschaffner9744]

The A1 and the 135 GM make a wonderful combination. You're going to love it!

[@thedavidbrother2]

I must admit, sometimes I'm not overwhelmed by all your photos, James. But this time I am! Maybe the best photos gathered in your single one video ever. Could be Iceland though, or the lens, or the one who put it all together. Cheers.

[@francochamps3855]

I really like MPB too. Nice bunch - just got my A7c off them.

[@Michael-Bennett]

8:00 "taking pictures of pebbles, no no no no no...." literally laughed out loud!

[@georgecochrane]

Really digging the content recently

[@lisabradley9288]

Beautiful images from black sand beach, Sólheimajökull glacier and Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon! 🇮🇸📸❤️

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

Nice video ! I recently bought a Viltrox 85 1.8 for Fuji cameras and I love the look of that lens, but I'm sometimes a bit clueless with the compositions, this video is definetly a good start to get ideas !

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Great images! I have recently discovered that site and the prices are quite good. Thanks!

[@DimitrisVoutsas]

"talk among your selves..." hahahaha

[@diesel_man99]

Ok there some pictures.well done ✅

[@CookedLight]

Was one of your ancestors a lift operator? Might explain your music ear 😁 MPB are superb, I have bought a lot of kit from them and p/x a couple of times, they are very fair and honest. A 28-300 I bought didn't pair well with the D800 I had at the time, they took the lens back in trade against another one and that was as sharp as everyone says. Highly recommend them.

[@TomrerenDK]

This is crazy! I bought the sony 135mm gm yesterday! I am absolutly loveing it! Cant wait to hear your opinion! .... "Mom! Get the popcorn!!"

[@joycady8325]

Oh my, Beautiful photos of Iceland! We were supposed to go there in 2020 but had to cancel hoping to get there Dec. 2022.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Fingers crossed for you! It’s well worth the wait 😃

[@Noparticularcontext]

Just come across your channel and really enjoy the content, I love photographing with a longer lens, I have tried wider lenses but they just aren’t my cuppa tea. My go too lens at the moment is the 100mm f2.8 Stf, absolutely the most awkward lens but absolutely stunning.

[@icanhearyoucanyouhearme9164]

DAMN! nice shots.

[@samiam1025]

Love your channel. Great video. Just traded a bunch of Nikon stuff for a Sony A1.

[@danielnorrie2260]

Nice video, really want to go to Iceland to use my new lens I actually just got from mpb. Irix 15mm adapted onto my sony

[@jasper2771]

I love the new tunes

[@itsjustash1094]

Haha love how you was wearing yellow and orange jacket together 🥶

[@bobmcdonald4834]

Fantastic set of images, James. You must have been totally made up with that trip. Thank you for sharing.

[@samvholt]

Love the shot at 8:26, the sense of scale is lovely

[@mockit_rockit]

Did you end up selling the 70-200 for the prime? On the fence about whether to pick up the 135 or go for the zoom. The prime is very appealing.

[@freyjaborger3123]

Love how you kept the time at 11:11. Suits the theme of the video 😁

[@golfkhakis]

Best lens ever made

[@TheJustinMueller]

Oh wow. That shot of the rocks off Reynisfjara... You are right, 🤌

[@paulanderson24]

Which camera are you using for the videos now. Great shots with the 135. I recently got a 56 sigma for m43 and think I’ll take it landscape shooting now

[@beanbuilding7158]

What audio kit were you using during your time near the ocean? Sounds pretty good!

[@andrewbaxter9395]

So thats where I’m going wrong with MPB, I keep giving them my bank account details. Ill ask to borrow lenses going forward 😬

[@Keyloggs1]

Loved the video and all the shots! very well done! Im going to visit iceland this year in september. I got a a6000 right now but im thinking of upgrading that old lady before travelling. Would love to hear your recommendations! Im prob going for A7iii and a 24-105 f4 (loving the 17-70 2.8 on apsc from tamron). What else you think should be in my bag? Probably got some euros left for 2 lenses.

[@jeffolson4731]

The sunset was amazing. I laugh more during your videos than any other photographer. Rogue waves are no fun. I have gotten caught off guard myself. Never while lying on the beach with a camera though.

[@pizza_lovers]

7:00 wooooow look at that

[@stuartschaffner9744]

Nice video! Love the 135 GM. With its tack sharpness, low flare and creamy bokeh, it brings out all the luscious colors and textures of the natural world. I wish you wouldn't use the derogatory term "detail shot". How about "tightly composed"? I also do some painting. Art teachers are always pointing out that any big composition almost always has one or more even more compelling croppings within it.

[@Rob.1340]

Thank you 👍📷😎

[@tannerswan9885]

Need an opinion because I haven’t found a comparison between the new Sony 70-200 Gen ii and the Sony 135 1.8. I currently own the 135 (love it) and thinking about selling it to pick up the 70-200, having shot with both lenses is that a good choice?

[@Edwin--]

While not my everyday focal length, I think the 135mm GM is one of the best lenses in the E-mount line-up. Besides for telephoto work, I absolutely love it for panoramas as well as it gives a gorgeous amount of detail, sharpness and rich colours for that purpose too. I can recommend you to try the 100mm GM STF as well if you haven't. It is a bit of an unloved lens in the line-up, but once you got the hang of it with the STF filter it is absolutely fantastic. Two telephotos that won their way to my heart, more than the GM zooms ;-) Thanks for another great video!

[@janehlers4629]

Ohh, Iceland! I never saw pictures from Iceland so far.