Want PRO RESULTS but own BUDGET GEAR? How to get AMAZING PHOTOS with any equipment!

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My name is Simon d'Entremont and I'm a professional wildlife and nature photographer from Eastern Canada. This video will show you how to get pro results from budget gear.
I use Topaz Labs software for noise reduction, sharpening and upscaling:
topazlabs.com/ref/1943/Simon/...
Music in intro: "Nicer", by Houses on the Hill. Find that, and other sound effects at Epidemic Sounds
share.epidemicsound.com/0fbndn
My equipment:
Canon R5 body amzn.to/3S5jtBf
Canon R6 body amzn.to/3ZYu6HC
Canon R8 body amzn.to/3M0Xoj7
Canon R5 battery grip amzn.to/3PVg8Sy
Canon RF 600mm f4 amzn.to/494Zd8S
Canon 100-400 EF II amzn.to/3FhWrPP
Canon RF 70-200 f2.8 amzn.to/45zDP8F
Canon 17-40 L lens amzn.to/3y71MGt
Canon RF 16mm f2.8 amzn.to/3M3i0HI
FLM Tripod (CP 34 L4 II) and Levelling Head (HB 75) www.flmcanada.com?aff=sdentrem
Sigma Art 50mm f1.4 lens amzn.to/3FjGkkW
Sigma Art 20mm f1.4 lens amzn.to/3Fhj7zD
Rokinon 135mm f2 lens amzn.to/3QfqIFi
Sirui x-k40 ball head amzn.to/3rRzIHf
Sirui lightweight Traveler 7C tripod with head amzn.to/3M0XDe1
Manfrotto Video Head amzn.to/3tpUzBO
Wimberley Gimbal Head amzn.to/3rSijhC
Hollyland Mars M1 field monitor amzn.to/3rQCRaa
Jackery portable 240 lithium-ion battery amzn.to/3QgBmvg
ProGrade Gold 128 GB CF Express amzn.to/46wv40g
ProGrade Cobalt 325 GB CF Express amzn.to/3RSUtNo
ProGrade Gold 256 GB SD amzn.to/48R3CMq
Zoom H1n field recorder amzn.to/3tAoJCE
Comica shotgun mic amzn.to/3REWN73
Rode Videomic NTG shotgun mic amzn.to/3tCeAW8
Rode Wireless GO II mic set amzn.to/45vsIxw
Lenscoat neoprene camera bags amzn.to/3SNiqmz
Lencoat rain cover for 500mm F4 amzn.to/3SGtyl2
Falconeyes F7 LCD panel amzn.to/3y75z6F
Lowepro 450 AW large backpack amzn.to/3xZOHyL
Lowepro Flipside 300 small backpack amzn.to/3SOTWt7
Mindshift 36L (closest available) backpack amzn.to/3ZXIiAH
GuraGear 30L bag for 600mm f4, use Code Simon for 10@% off
guragear.com/?ref=fKL1R1coS7su99
DJI Mavic Air 2S drone (flymore combo) amzn.to/3M3ijSS
B&W circular polarizer, 77mm amzn.to/3SKc6Mx
B&W 2 stop ND Filter amzn.to/3URyIN6
B&W 6 stop ND filter amzn.to/3y6gs8G
B&W 10 stop ND filter amzn.to/3fwRIjs
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 binoculars amzn.to/3rXt2qX
Blackrapid retro-classic shoulder strap amzn.to/3y0wUHt
FjallRaven trekking pants amzn.to/3rSisSc
Heat 3 gloves (shell only) www.theheatcompany.com/en-us/...
Heat Company Merino Wool liners www.theheatcompany.com/en-us/...
HP Omen 17.3" performance laptop amzn.to/3S1vd7O
Synology NAS storage amzn.to/3RVfFSX
16 TB hard drives for NAS amzn.to/3S03Hrk
Follow me on:
Facebook / sdentrem
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Website www.simondentremont.com/

[@simon_dentremont]

What budget piece of kit were you able to get great results from, punching above it’s weight? Let me know!

[@birdswithbeau]

I used an old(er) used Nikon d7100 ($350) with the new(er) used DX af-p 70-300mm ($150) for a while, it was a great budget setup! It really surprised me sometimes!

[@ilyasovich]

As I said in a previous comment, I use an EOS R10 with an EF-S 55-250mm, with crop factor it gets to 400mm equivalent, this is one of the reasons I don't want to switch to FF, I want as much reach as I can without breaking the bank

[@reteip9]

An old Vivitar 100-200 mm zoom lens that I got along with another lens for a grand total of €10. I was pleasantly surprised by this one as it wasn't very well photographed by the seller but it's in a mint condition and produces images which are a lot better than I expected.

[@alozborne]

I'm a novice photographer, so I say with humility that my Panasonic Lumix G85 takes great photos in most conditions. I would say that it's auto focus is just OK and it's not the best in lower light conditions. However, as a hiker I take mostly landscape photos and for that the 12-60mm kit lens, along with the 45-150mm lens I purchased is all I need. The camera body is nice and light, it's weather resistant, and the lenses are both compact and lightweight.

[@ardscorner]

Either my Raynox DCR2020 or a cheap set of extension macro rings.

[@c-k-h]

Finally, an expert that shows me why I am an amateur - but gives me the tools to improve with what I have today. Top Shelf information.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad to help

[@soumaSR]

Finally my aka 'poor man's wildlife photography vid' is here, I was waiting for this for a long time😅😂

[@ardnfast]

I thought that I appreciated the angles needed to produce quality, first class, wildlife photos until I watched this video 👏🙌

[@cortanathelawless1848]

I saw a video where someone was asking should I get a budget camera and his advice was eh just use your phone. Unless you have 1500$ dollars Instagram filters will be enough. Like why would you do that? I respect everyone who wants to make the field more accessible.

[@simon_dentremont]

Hey folks. Hope you enjoy the video. Sorry I can’t comment much, but I recorded this in advance to play while I was in Kenya. I’m in Amboseli right now. Enjoy!

[@theWZZA]

Simon, this is one of your best videos, and worth watching over and over again. There is so much gold here.

[@alozborne]

Hope you're having fun while also crafting some beautiful photos. 🇨🇦

[@jeffgordon8346]

Safe travels. I can't wait to see your photos.

[@jeffmccallum4714]

Have an awesome trip!

[@tomdearie5165]

Travel safe and good hunting! 😎

[@JorenVaes]

Recently, I was on the fence for a new purchase: The Nikon 180-600, or a more expensive, 'S'- series prime from Nikon. I couldn't choose - until I watched Morten Hilmers' Osprey video. In that video, he was using the 180-600, and it made me realize that all this too-and-from I was doing in my head was mental. If a 180-600 is good enough for Morten Hilmer, it's good enough for me. I'm glad I didn't choose to go for the more expensive lens, as that money I saved enables me to go on a trip to actually take pictures --- which is the entire reason we are in this hobby in the first place.

[@NotSoGoodGamingTV]

Both Sonys 200-600 and Nikons 180-600 are stunning value for money, and youll be hard pressed to find better wildlife lenses without spending WAY more. 600 F6.3 is a awesome sweetspot in Price/Perf. and with the right techniques will net you great images and a lot of fun outside.

[@Kayakphotography]

I looked at the 180-600 when it was released. But the older 600 f4 vr’s were going for about $1,000 more. I’m glad i put down a little extra cash for the 600 f4 over the zoom. You’re probably a much better photographer than me. I definitely don’t deserve a Z8/600 f4 combo 🤣

[@shoop4040]

You know what's crazy, after watching your videos sometimes I catch myself repeating your last name, it just sounds so cool anyway thank you for all your teaching moments.

[@simon_dentremont]

Interesting!

[@Msutty26]

I was just thinking about how sometimes I click on his videos that I’ve seen just to hear him say his last name lol

[@Beck-rv7xr]

I repeat his name every time without thinking-such a cool sound!

[@boatman222345]

When people ask me why my photos are sharp I typically say, "Good Light!" because good light brings out the best in both the lens and the subject. I shoot wildlife with a $600 Nikon Zoom lens and often get better results than friends using $12,000 600 mm lenses. As is pointed out in this excellent video expensive gear really helps but good technique can often yield excellent results while using budget gear.

[@markankone9362]

💪 You are never to good to forget the basics

[@MurrayVader-xp8iv]

Simon I have yet to own a starter camera. I most likely in my 50 year photography have always owned what is being called entry-level gear. For me I have never thought of my gear as entry-level. It is what my budget would handle and I have built my skills around the gear I have. I do appreciate your help with information to improve on my skills. Have a great fun time on your trip.

[@lesath7883]

Well, if one looks at all photography, from toy cameras to the latest and most expwnsive mirrorless, any reflex "entry-level" camera is waaaaay up in the top shelf. It's great you've enjoyed photography for so many years.

[@fiver-hoo]

When I can't get good auto-focus, I use this life hack. I learned it from my father 35 years ago when he trained me how to take photos on his F2. My one simple trick? I manually focus.

[@mithinsagar]

It feels illegal fr me to watch such a beautiful content with top tier info without any subscription… u deserve a lot. Thank you!

[@pluggedfinn-bj3hn]

Lens first, then camera. I'm still a beginner, but I'm so glad that I made that choice. Went from 55-250mm to 150-600mm, and then from an old entry level dslr to a 80d. Both jumps were HUGE, especially for wildlife photos, but every time I try to shoot on the 80d with the old lenses, it just feels so bad. The AF motors are slow and the reach is just so lacking.

[@petergrove5132]

I think you also need to consider your editing software in closing the gap. Modern editing software can minimise a lot of the weaknesses in the cheaper gear, e.g. reduce noise in low light, fix focus issues and improve sharpness. It is considerably cheaper to use an 85mm F2 lens than an 85mm F1.2 lens and then use software to increase the bokeh and reduce noise, which is what I am doing.

[@ConcealedWeapon]

I agree with noise, but even then, the pro gear results can be improved too, maintaining the gap.

[@sjaakcoppens1000]

Agree to certain point: for me using DXO - for my 11mm pictures for example - the program together with the lens and camera definition in it makes a nice architecture picture a very good one for me. THNX to Viewpoint. Using: DXO PhotoLab; Viewpoint; PureRaw.

[@lesath7883]

Increase bokeh? How would you do that?

[@dluci4n]

by adding more blur to the already blurred areas. @@lesath7883

[@petergrove5132]

@@lesath7883 Luminar Neo has a Portrait Bokeh function that allows you to adjust the bokeh in portrait photos. It also has a Blur function where you can apply a level of blur to selected parts of your photo. Not as good as an expensive lens but closes the gap from a cheap one. All depends on what result you want and how much money you have to achieve it. My 85mm F2 lens was $AUD650 secondhand. I was offered an 85mm F1.2 lens secondhand for $AUD3,500. That’s a big difference.

[@escortturbo98]

I have a budget camera, canon 550D, and pro lenses from almost 30 years ago, EF 70-200 L and and EF 100-400 L both stabilized. From the relative low use that I've given them so far due to work, just a couple hours they have yelded some amazing fotos. Best money I ever spent in gear, results/budget. Way sharper than everything I ever had so far. If memory serves me right you already mentioned this in some previous videos. For wild life photography its a very low frames rate, but it helps honing the skills of when to shoot as opposed to ever growing spray and pray. Good fun 😊

[@annoholics]

This is why your video's are so great. You explain very well why it is not so black and white as some YT-bers make it look like. Some think they have to explain why gear does not matter and they just highlight that side of the story while of course using the best gear themselves. On the other side there are people who exaggerate why you can only make the best pictures if you use the best gear, which is also not true. Then a bonus tip from me (a very average amateur photographer). If you want to make great extremely sharp pictures of birds, go to a zoo where you have the option to walk between these animals. Think about tropical butterfly gardens. Often they have also other animals there like birds. I made my sharpest bird photo's there with a macro lens. And nobody can see the difference with real wildlife because you can get so close that the whole background is blurred out.

[@logic_sp2ce157]

The best video on youtube!

[@Felarof_TV]

I was very surprised the day I switched from the 18-55 kit lens to a 50mm 1.8. The difference was quite significant. Thank you very much for your explanations.

[@Mr.DMZ.]

I had the same experience!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it helped!

[@tyleremery7088]

I just recently got a 50mm 1.8, and I was blown away when a test shot I took with mediocre composition looked far more "professional" than most of my kit lens shots. It's such an amazing upgrade when all you've ever used is the kit lens.

[@lauriveijalainen3869]

"Nifty fifty" sure is an institution for a reason. Sure, on a crop sensor Canon 450d it was an 85mm before I learned about crop vs FF. But still.

[@LookingThroughOsLense]

I'm thinking of getting a 50mm 1.8 for my canon t7. Right now, I have that 18-55 kit

[@driftfits]

Before i get past the intro, I believe the photographer is the biggest part of a photograph.

[@BoBnfishy]

Something I always try to remind myself. 2 days inexpensive year would have absolutely blown the minds of people 10 or 15 years ago. And a lot of their photos still hold up really well so I think we're doing okay

[@Twobarpsi]

I have a Canon 250D/SL3. I also have a Canon 5D MKII. With good glass, and my experience, you cannot tell a difference.

[@DanielPetukhin]

This is a 1st! Never have I encountered such a detailed compilation of tips in a single video... usually those are given as a remark here and there in other videos. GREAT ONE! Thanks again, Simon!

[@shiltoob]

This video will kick start new photographers to get the looks they want in camera faster than anything I've seen so far. Thank you for the wisdoms as always.

[@NSA.Monitored.Device]

That's why I love Simons content! Maybe because it reminds me of my everyday issues when dealing with colleagues and customers: a fool with a tool is still a fool. Meaning: If you don't know HOW something works, you can't work with it properly. In this context: If you don't know how better cameras and lenses work - saving you a lot of manual adjustments that you had to do before - you just operate on the level the tool enables you to.

[@tylercarter4348]

Absolutely fantastic video! I love how welcoming Simon is with these videos. Never understood why some people can be exclusionary with their craft.

[@victortomasso3116]

Thank you Simon! As always another great video. Safe travels! ✈️

[@markusbolliger1527]

Very true all your points, as always, Simon 😇! Yesterday I went out for a walk in the nearby forest, only equipped with my beloved Nifty Fifty on the Canon R6 Mk II, a F/1.8- lens I bought for ridiculous 120 Swiss Francs. Back at home I was excited about the results! The gap does nearly disappear in so called "environmental portraits", when you want to show the environmental of a person (or animal as well) and therefore have do shoot at f5.6 or even smaller. By the way: The biggest gaps exist between the persons behind the cameras 😂

[@BoReynolds]

I KNEW not to get rid of my M50! Now I need to get that R8. FANTASTIC info Simon, thank you. Bo

[@lauriveijalainen3869]

I have an M50 as my every-day-carry camera, and I have that 30mm Sigma mentioned at 14.05 on it most of the time (that or 22mm f2 Canon). Epic bokeh + great image quality + classic 50mm -equivalent FOV makes for a street photography monster!

[@BoReynolds]

@lauriveijalainen3869 Yup, GREAT COMBO. I've git 22mm and the Sigma 16mm f1.4

[@Apollolabsphoto]

This is all solid advice. Now that I feel I'm getting everything my sigma 70-300 f5.6 can possibly achieve, I feel I'm ready to move up, but I'm glad I learned the right techniques first, it means I can get a lighter super Tele (for m43) and compromise so I use it more, rather than quality and sharpness over everything thinking I need it

[@destroyerxd4499]

My first video of watching you and now definitely a fan! With the constant gear wars, it's nice and refreshing to see a great teacher and positive voice in the photography world. Thanks for the great techniques and hope to see more of your videos.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome aboard!

[@schwierigerhase8822]

Great video! Can you also make a video about cleaning your gear?

[@dominikmilien]

Yes please

[@astronomicallybased545]

I believe he did one a few months back

[@7784000]

Dishwasher but not too hot. Afterwards it goes to the tumbledryer asap to avoid funghi growth

[@curtsuneson6161]

It's not that complicated. Just lick your finger and give your sensor a good rub with it. You'll be fine

[@dominikmilien]

@@7784000 Thank you for the reminder to not have it too hot. I tried your advice immediately but I think 70°C was too much so I now have some weird lens aberrations and flares. I will try to use my screwdriver to pop the glass lenses out and clean it more thoroughly. Will report on further progress.

[@nabman_]

Great spot-on advice. In any trade, understanding the tools and and having the know-how to work around its limitations is in many cases more important than the grade of the tools themselves.

[@Sadieazuki]

I learn so much by watching your videos, Simon. Thank you once again for sharing.

[@MA-no8tz]

These were all excellent points and I wish someone had told me when I started my photography journey. Have a safe trip.

[@tocto6939]

As a beginner in enjoying wildlife and photography in general, I cannot say how much your videos help me. I am using a Panasonic M43 camera, and a big reason for this is the price of the lenses (and size/weight). Right now, I just got a 14-140mm (or 28-280 mm in FF) and still got some shots I really like. Still dreaming of that Panasonic Leica 100-400mm lens though.

[@bernym4047]

I have the Panasonic Leica 100-400mm and am pleased with it. Keep an eye out for reduced prices or 2nd hand versions.

[@tocto6939]

@@bernym4047 yeah, I will definitely buy used. It's about 900-1000€ used in my region. The 100-300 is tempting because it's half the price, but I already feel like I would miss out a bit on IQ and reach. Would be my by far most expensive lens so far.

[@David_Quinn_Photography]

don't forget used, you may get one for a really good price

[@excalibro8365]

I've been using a Panny too with the 100-300 for a few years now. It's sufficient enough for my current level of wildlife photography, but new gears have been really tempting me to upgrade. The only thing holding me back is my wallet 😂

[@alozborne]

With respect to value for money, my Panasonic Lumix G85 has been even better than I hoped for. It's not perfect, but it's a lot of camera for the money. Simon helped me to realize that a 16 MP camera can still capture great photos, provided I use good technique and don't over crop. Basically, I need to spend a little extra time composing photos because I can't afford to lose too many pixels when editing - for a beginner photographer, that's probably a good thing!

[@bobroberts6155]

Bob sees the Canon 70-300 zoom, once his pride and joy and now an outdated secondhand cheap lens, pulls sad face.

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Great advice Simon. I have been working through this my self. I got better lenses and then a slightly better camera. Now I am "focused" on an even better camera to pair up with my good camera. All the while, practicing with the gear that I have and pushing the bounds to get the best and most creative images that I can. Thanks for the video!

[@carldufault]

Salut Simon, I really enjoy watching your videos. I like shooting nature, birds and astrophotography. ALL your vids are really helping me. A big thank you for your work and dedication!

[@stevemadrid6522]

Gear does matter, just not the way people think. Great vid. I always tell anyone who asks about buying a new camera to really think about what you're going to shoot. Had I known what I was going to shoot when I first started, I could have gotten buy with 2 lenses and a single body.

[@ArtFancyImaging]

Simon, as always... another amazing video. You really help the beginner get a better grasp on photography. Thanks, Paul & Wendy.

[@triplewinlin5576]

You really explained well the differences, and more importantly, the ways to mitigate them, between pro and budget gear items! Hope your trip is wonderful for you. I can't wait to see some more of your gorgeous images.

[@bastian8597]

I love your content! You always deliver reeeeally good tips i've never heard in another videos and your nice attitude makes it even better. Keep the work, man. Great images by the way💯👌🏻

[@cega1445]

Finally, someone who doesn't say that cheaper gear isn't good becouse its not as sharp as the expensive ones. IT IS STILL GOOD 😅 Very good, informative video again 😁

[@luismanuelmendoza789]

This video is gold! Thanks!

[@usssoutherncross377thmsgme6]

"Thank you, Simon, for creating this helpful video. As a beginner photographer, I appreciate your guidance and the way you encourage us to capture great shots with basic equipment. Your videos have made a significant impact on how I approach photography and have given me confidence in my abilities."

[@DiningWithTara]

What a great video! The information you provide in this video can be a game changer for everyone

[@czaralfeojerusalem1252]

This channel always makes sense😊

[@maggnet4829]

Brilliant video that summarises all the the important parts!

[@johnmerry4666]

It's pretty much the same as it has always been, skill, glass and body! Great video as always, thank you Simon.

[@KirstenBayes]

Another terrific video. My wildlife set up is decidedly entry level (as indeed am I in that genre), so this will help me raise my game.

[@omeuteacherdani]

Hi Simon. I loved this video. I've recently got my first ever camera. Guess what? I was looking at very expensive top notch gear such as mirrorless full frame, but I decided to go the very opposite direction and give it a go with the lowest budget possible. So here's some of my background. I've been shooting amazing photos since I got a pro iPhone, which impressed most of my family and friends in many different occasions (moon, landscape, portrait, etc). So I thought that having a great camera would make a huge difference, and so there I was doing all this research and figuring out how to fit the new camera to my real budget. I simply turned to a 2014 NIKON D3300 and I couldn't be happier. It came with the standard 18-55 lens and for my amusement, after taking a "crash KZbin photography course on how to shoot manual", I've taken some delightful photos that led people asking me to shoot them in a near future business wise. So, to reinforce your arguments, it's not the gear, it's how you use it. Btw, I've just ordered a pair of lenses, 50mm and 200mm since I always wanted to shoot wildlife. Anyway, If you would like to see any of the pictures I have been taken I'll follow you on Instagram, because I should have done it already LOL, and if you feel free to do so, give me some feedback on my work. Keep up the good work, and who knows we'll meet in Canada someday, or in Galicia if you wish to visit this beautiful Spanish Northern corner. See you around.

[@greygoose3936]

Great video. The comment at the end about upgrading your lens before your camera was exactly what I did. I was doing bird photography with a Sony A7RII and an adapted sigma 150-600 lens. It was fine for still birds but focusing was kinda slow and it would hunt. Upgraded to a native Sony 200-600 and the AF felt like it had a huge upgrade. Waited at least 2 more years before I upgraded the body.

[@sonjamedic634]

Your tips are much appreciated! It was exactly what I needed to hear, at the right time! I realized instead of new gear I only need knowledge, experience and the right techniques (and your videos provide so much of that, thank you). So I am going to make the best of what I already own - an EOS 700D, a couple of kit lenses (EF-S 10-18 and 55-250), a couple of cheaper prime lenses (EF 40, EF-S 24, EF-S 60 Macro), my tripod - for landscape, architecture, night and macro photography. Good noise reduction and sharpening software (I tested DxO PureRAW and Topaz Photo AI) helps a lot with my combo.

[@MeAMuse]

Very well covered Simon! I am always surprised how soo many gear videos focus on the difference in image quality, where as, in reality the more important benefits focus on making it easier to get a shot, or have to compromise in less situations!

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Excellent! I am a newbie using a used bridge camera (Nikon p900) having fun learning from my mistakes. Opportunity, Skill, and Equipment are three important factors. Since we live in Montana and Alaska, I have lots of opportunities. Eventually I will upgrade equipment, but for now skill is what I need most improvement. Not just camera skill, but also skill in blind setup and patience. THANK YOU!

[@dalloiselle7274]

So much information in such little time: powerful and impactfully put. Thank you.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DanaPushie]

Great video Simon. Bookmarked this one to ensure I grasp all the details you've offered. Very helpful, thank you.🙏

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@vladavdeev2182]

So much useful advice. Thank you Simon.

[@pashedu_if]

imho best channel for beginners! thanks for your work!

[@andyzehner3347]

This is really great. Thanks for the encouragement and empowerment.

[@shastabob56]

Excellent video! Very informative. Thanks!

[@mutedmutiny9542]

Fantastic video!!! Keep up the good work

[@MileyonDisney]

Thanks for all the great tips!

[@bobk4438]

An inexpensive prime is a great upgrade to the kit lens. I got a used Lumix 20mm for my EM10 and it is an amazing upgrade. And it's a pocketable camera.

[@Mariner1460]

Awesome tips for getting pro-look results from cheaper gear. Thanks! The biggest benefit I see for the more expensive gear is that it allows me to get good results under a wider range of conditions and with less effort.

[@dvd-ws4vz]

What an amazing video! I really enjoyed watching an am hyped to go out and shoot some images and video.

[@careylymanjones]

Simon neglected to mention crop factor as an equalizer. The 100-400mm lens crops to 600mm full-frame equivalent, when mounted on an APS-C body, or 800mm on a micro four-thirds body. Mounting a full-frame lens on an APS-C body is like using a 1.5x teleconverter.

[@brunocastelowildlifephotog5674]

It's finally out, a very important video for those who are just starting out, or who haven't managed to buy better equipment yet. Congratulations Simon, perfect video

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SilentTrip]

I absolutely agree with you! my only issue is audio, which I can not find on a budget. I want to develop my skills so much so I can photograph night sky and stars

[@marcellennartz8762]

This is a fantastic explanation video, and its message goes beyond photography. In triathlons, I often see cyclists with top-of-the-line gear who move at a leisurely pace. They seem to believe that expensive equipment equals speed, forgetting that there's no substitute for dedicated training. Your videos keep getting better and better, providing a huge motivational boost for trying new things. Thanks for dedicating your time to make all of these videos

[@juanitakelly3082]

"Closing the gap with good technique". I love it! You always make us feel better about the gear we have and the comparisons answer a lot of questions about what we may OR may not need. I am picturing you in Kenya focusing on that elephant's trunk right now!

[@ikechadmedia3116]

Gear matters! This may sound weird coming from a professional photographer who uses budget gear. I shoot on a Canon M50ii with a variety of lenses Tamron 24-70 f2.8, Viltrox 33mm f1.4 (the best lens on the planet 😊) and a nifty 50. I found that understanding photography techniques, editing and your photographic perspective makes the difference. However I’m aware of my limitations as my budget doesn’t allow for a full gear upgrade at the moment. So my photography falls within my ‘limits’ I WILL upgrade to a Cannon R I’m thinking the R7 (that’s me manifesting better gear) I am a freelance photographer from Jamaica.

[@cash3612]

I agree completely that skill and technique is what matters most. Case in point, i am a brand new photography enthusiast who has only been learning the basics since July. I bought a R6M2, RF 85 1.2 and an RF 70-200 2.8 and am JUST now beginning to see decent results….not from the expensive gear but through learning how to PHOTOGRAPH. huge difference. Videos like yours are a huge help. Not only for the obvious reasons, such as lighting and other techniques, but more importantly, encouragement. It can be frustrating and can also make a person stop trying. Videos like yours teach a fledgling photographer to not give up,but rather learn WHY I’m not getting the desired results instead of pushing for more expensive gear. Hiigh end cameras and lenses don’t make one a pro… technique,experience and execution do.

[@lesath7883]

It's great you are investing time and effort on improving yiur skill and knowing your gear. In casole nobody has said it before, welcome to this world.

[@seaeagles6025]

Hi Simon, this video was very relatable to me as i have a Nikon d3100 camera and the lens that i choose makes a big difference. It's true what you say Simon it's better to have a good lens and an average body. When i use my 50mm F/1.8, or my 35mm F/1.8 or my 40mm F/2.8, i get great image results compared to my 18-55mm kit lens, what a difference the lens makes. For shooting Birds, Planes, and fast action i use my Nikon 80-400mm and in good light the image is sharp. When my Niece got married the professional photographer said he could've done the wedding with my camera. Great examples you gave Simon to get the best out of an entry level camera. This video was so helpful to me having an entry level camera. Thank you. 😊

[@alexw.5995]

As always: a great, intelligent video with a realistic look at a complex topic. Finally an explanation that is free from the interests of the photography industry and explains connections neutrally. Thanks and keep it up!

[@reycubantv]

This man just made me love my m50 even more now. Thank you

[@robertYTB78g]

Superb as usual, thanks for posting.

[@jhossbert14]

As always, thanks for your wisdom Mr. D'entremont. I'm saving to buy a pro camera right now (my father reccomended me a sony a57 for now), and my principal genres are concert and tribal dance photography. And many told me, the lenses are the difference to everything, and you just confirm it. cheers!

[@CarlaReyes-ke3gy]

I know what I'm doing this weekend - practicing all your techniques!

[@philsymons9614]

G'day Simon, Great video, thanks for the way your share your wealth of knowledge in such a way that it helps the average snapper. Your tips have helped greatly.

[@derbyshirewalker]

Another excellent video full of information all explained in an easy to understand way. Thank you.

[@AlpcanAras]

As always, great video Simon! One way to get faster lenses might be collecting vintage lenses, especially if you are using a mirrorless setup. You sacrifice autofocus but get a much faster lens and sometimes it renders authentic results.

[@carrywu]

This is a top tier content! Good job mister Simon! I hope this content will make us improve our photography more rather than lusting for better gears.

[@wildlife_phtography_Crete]

I did it! First I took a good len and after of allot of shoots i changed the camera! This is the way!

[@joshuaburton7163]

I just started with photography. My wife and mother are into it. My mom gave me a cannon eos r camera and I just bought that same 70-300 lens at the local camera store for $150. After the adapter it seems to work great. Anyway big fan of your work and channel. Thank you for the advice

[@ampegor]

I started with a Canon T5 and a 55-250 lens I got a few amazing shots with this ultra low budget system. My next upgrade was a tamron 100-400Di VC USD that helped my reach a lot. I just got a used 7Dmk11 that is like new with very low shutter count at a great price. Looking forward to summer of great photos. So far this camera/lens combo is amazing me. I know its very old school to some but its great for me and my budget. Looking forward to using some of your tips to get better shots this year. Thanks for your videos they have helped a lot.

[@evanlomioan]

Most of the information in the video are things I already knew but the way Simon explained it helped me remember these things I’ve learned in the past and motivated me to take more pictures. Thank you for uploading this and I just subscribed after over a year of watching your videos! :)

[@charlenenagel7962]

This was very informative and useful. And a good reminder for getting the best out of slower gear that might be lighter to take on a hike. Thank you!

[@torftee2235]

Brilliant video as always!!!

[@lphilpot01]

I had an EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS for years. For the price it was an excellent lens and the "complaints" I had were minor: rotating front element, coatings weren't the best. But otherwise a good lens for the money. I eventually replaced it with a used EF 70-200 f/4 (non-IS). I shoot almost all landscape, so the lack of IS isn't a huge factor, nor is f/4. But the better glass and coatings as well as full-time manual focusing is nice. Either way, neither lens was exactly expensive. I found that learning to sharpen wisely (i.e., minimally / targeted) and watching other factors that contribute to (or detract from) good sharpness was more important than fretting over the gear. Excellent video.

[@tonykeltsflorida]

This is the video that people should watch. You really can make good photos with good, lower priced lenses. My highest priced lens is a Tamron EF 24-70 f/2.8. I got it for $500, others in that class are at least $1k.

[@EF-69]

I have that same 70-300 zoom and I too bought it used. It does exactly what I expect it to. Okay, it doesn't have to glass in a L series. But in good light for a suitable scene, such as something with a deep background, it does a very fine job.

[@mariaxsonarmstrong]

This video has been an extremely useful one for me! Thank you for the great info!

[@zachbenson9548]

I recently upgraded to a pro setup last year, my niece is running track and field at her university and going to take photos of that last season really exposed the limitations of my gear and gave me the justification to upgrade. I gifted my last kit to my friends daughter, she's only 14 but loves photography and is quite the talent! It's a huge upgrade for her as she was shooting on a bridge camera from the mid 2000's. I do have to say though, my last setup was much better for street photography so it's not all sunshine and rainbows.

[@fredrickjo9356]

I enjoy Simon's teachings, advice and guidance

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@Dani_Makhoul]

Thank you so much! Another excellent video and great explanation, i appreciate your time and your experience 👍🏻

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@cjduque8397]

This is what ive been waiting for! Thanks again for the insights =)

[@xinqiwang3301]

My philosophy, getting the most out of any gears in hand. I have been exploring, you give great enlightenment. Your French toned English pleases me most.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@CobraShuttle]

This is an amazing video for those starting out. Real useable and simple techniques to get near pro-level results. Starting out myself I knew some of these and it worked well but of course I still learned a lot from this video!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lovmytruk44]

Loved this video. Thanks

[@vzshadow1]

My 10 year old granddaughter likes to "take pictures" when she comes to see grandpa and grandma. Rather than hand her my Nikon Z8 with the 100-400mm lens, I decided to get a Nikon D90 with an 18-105mm lens for about $300 (US). It was introduced in 2008 with a 12 megapixel sensor. I was so impressed that I got myself a Nikon D700 (also released in 2008) 12.8 megapixels but full frame, and a Nikon D800 (released in 2012 with a full frame, 36.3 megapixel sensor. I get a real charge out of entering photography contests using the old gear to see if I can compete with people who are using the latest and greatest equipment.

[@nancymckay7691]

Wow! So helpful. Thanks