The ONE LENS I always choose for Hiking

[@alexkopf]

You are the most impressive and likeable landscape photographer there is on KZbin. Your love for landscape photography and the freedom of nature are contagious.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks so much Alex

[@RichardEllaPhotography]

I'm biased of course but West of Scotland, with its changeable light and weather offers some of the best photo opportunities in the world. Your passion and enthusiasm for this type of adventure shines through, as it did in the Luskentyre series. It just reinforces that you don't get great images just because of equipment. you need to put yourself in the landscape, in the elements, to truly experience all that nature can create. If you're not there to see it then no amount of equipment will help. Please more of this type of content.

[@NigelDanson]

Glad you enjoyed it Richard and will do!

[@jonesnax]

Not biased. This part of the world is very special... (and I live in Hampshire!) 😊

[@KatherineMann]

To be honest, as the clouds gathered and grew thicker I found myself thinking "Get OFF that mountain before you can't see where down is!" But what a view! Thank you for all that you do. So inspiring!

[@AJRich-pw1zm]

I find myself experiencing life on a spiritual level when I am out in nature, on the hunt for a great photo. Yes, like you Nigel, I also find myself praying for fantastic conditions and when the conditions manifest in the form of a blessing (light, color, dynamic scene), all of my life problems seem to disappear-even if just for a little bit-and I am supercharged with hope and vitality for my upcoming days. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@1Adventures2]

Thanks!

[@ericmeter8269]

Nigel, I wish I had more than one Thumb Up to offer you for this. Your expression of joy is priceless. Thank you for the gift of your inspiration.

[@NigelDanson]

Wow, thank you!

[@TicaHikes]

Hi Nigel. I sold my Fuji xt5 and 3 lenses and bought a Nikon z 7 II with the 24-200. I just walked 7 days along the Kungsleden trail in North Sweden with a heavy pack but that camera/lens combination was absolutely perfect. It didn't feel at all heavy and I shot a lot at both 24 and 200. I even got good quality photos of the northern lights at f4. I am very grateful that you have been highlighting the use case of this lens. I finally have a good all in one solution because I was hating the changing of lenses often while walking under the rain or mist.

[@acaixaquevoa7753]

Same setup as mine. Add the 50mm 1.8S and you are set for life. Great gear!

[@jksteinhorst7723]

Nigel, thanks for this video and for your descriptions of why and how you see your shots as they are taken. Having recently returned from a too quick and too short visit to the West of Scotland, you brought back some memories of shots my wife and I took while we were there - meaning I need to get on with processing our pictures. I realize this is coming a year after your hike, but you mentioned that you weren’t too sure about how the pictures you showed us post-processing were “working for you.” To use an Irish phrase - it was a ‘soft’ day - so for me the softer edges, the melding of cloud and sky and mountain, the clarity of the foreground all work in recreating the conditions a body might experience and what the eyes see. In short, they work for me. Again, many thanks.

[@mikefarrance4936]

Couldn't wait to see this video after last week's in Glen Rosa. The views of the other peaks are stunning as is your enthusiasm and explanation. I was on top of Goatfell at 06:15 on Saturday, for sunrise due to the forecast of fog and mist. It was what we call a 'pea-souper' at the summit - zero visibility, other than for about 1 minute before sunrise. Next time maybe... Can recommend walking up the distant summit in your scenes and looking back towards Goatfell. All the summits are linked by ridges which catch the light and provide that elusive leading line through the scene. Keep up the great videos.

[@KestrelJo]

I like the immediacy of the photo with the red rocks. As a lifelong hiker and lover of those moments of solitude out there, I can get the vibe of what that must have been like, complete with the wind and the rain. It looks like a record of that hike, and I think that photo has all the elements that make it so. I'm newly retired and got myself a nice photo kit. I remember bounding about as you do in this video! The joy is there for all who share the love of nature, and I feel that kindred connection.

[@matthewbroome3720]

One of my favourite videos in a while. I think it’s because it’s more relatable for me as I’m not going to get the chance to shot in the amazing places you get to go but also the images from this video remind me why I absolutely love landscape photography. You are a stuck out the harsh weather when a lot of us would retreated and you were rewarded with stunning views. Fantastic images 👏👏👏

[@NigelDanson]

I nearly retreated to be honest. But glad I kept going!

[@stuartvh4562]

Hi Nigel, it's so good to see you so active again, post-op. You have inspired me to consider what I carry each time, rather than just taking it all. What stunning conditions you experienced, and some beautiful images captured.

[@chriscard6544]

I carry 8 kilos each time 😅

[@NigelDanson]

EEK!

[@dougstevens9973]

Your joy and excitement were very palpable and infectious. Welcome home, Nigel!

[@SuperDytube]

That last image is stunning, no question!

[@jennifercrouse]

Your joy and passion are so contagious! I caught myself grinning back at you! Thank you for sharing. I love the images, would enjoy seeing them every day.

[@donna.downey]

Nigel, how awesome to see you out hiking and thankfully for taking us along on the treks with you. I have been immersed in your book The Spirit of Luskentyre. It is beautiful and inspiring. My husband and I are in our early 70s and after a serious health issue with him last Fall are no longer able to do the longer hikes. So I relish each of your videos. Not as good as doing it myself with my hubby alongside but still fills me with awe, inspiration and gratitude for you and your videos. I realize how important my photography is to me and they help me accept that barring a miracle I must be grateful for what I can do closer to our home in Mississippi, USA. I had on my bucket list since I first started watching you a long leisurely trip to England and Scotland. It will remain in the bucket and each week I add another Nigel video to that bucket. Peace, Hope, Gratitude and Joy, Donna D. PS The images were incredible and the one you're not sure about I do love. They were all AMAZING! You always remind me why I love landscape photography.

[@macsprotte1436]

Your excitement is so inspiring!

[@Catisfaction1]

Your excitement is so infectious ❤ I don’t think we’ve seen you so thrilled since your back surgery. It’s so good to see you getting back to your core focus. It helps that Arran is my favourite place in the world too. Fab video.

[@morgankarno7335]

Love the 24-120 f4! What is even more fun is to just take one prime and even more unique experience is a manual focus prime.

[@markledbury3666]

Absolutely beautiful photos Nigel. The scenery, video clips and your enthusiasm and passion were truly a joy to watch. So inspirational!

[@douglasritchie2836]

I agree with you entirely, Nigel, this is what you do best, I am a little biased as I live just straight across from Arran. You got some really cracking shots in super conditions, wind aside, I loved your recent Artic trips but I feel these kind of shoots are much more interesting. I am really glad you had a great time on Arran and got some lovely shots.

[@DiverNico410]

Bedankt

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks - appreciate that

[@SteveZodiac777]

A great location, beautiful photos and your infectious enthusiasm - a winning combination!

[@ettoreleiduan]

Great great great…every place is the best place in the right moment with the right light!!!!

[@mauropanontin643]

Hi Nigel, this is the perfect application of hat you suggested last videos: don't care to much about having all the greatest gear, get out, and don't give up when wheather in not comfortable. Great photos can be made being in the right place at the right moment, not necessary with the right/perfect gear. Thank you for your passion and for your generosity to share all your experience

[@alandargie9358]

Another great video, Nigel, thank you! I agree with all those that have commented about your love for landscape photography which shines though in your videos. You have remained grounded in terms of remaining focussed on the photography which I personally really appreciate.

[@michaelj.1121]

Great fun for you - and for us watching. Stunning images. And by the way, this is why I am so happy with the Olympus/ OMD setup with the 12-100 f4 pro. So good, so versatile, so compact.

[@12symmo]

Fantastic lens, the IS is amazing, not only is the lens very light, but you don’t have to carry a tripod either.

[@shupingyin8082]

your enthusiasm is contagious. beautiful landscape images

[@spud1300]

I just always look forward to your videos. The enthusiasm, the excitement, I always feel like grabbing my camera and running out of the house after I watch your videos. (and sometimes I do!)

[@martharetallick204]

But for the fact that it is currently 106 degrees in Tucson, Arizona, I would also be out there with the camera. I think I will wait until tomorrow morning.

[@lewisjevons52]

I'm so glad to see you back out on the British hills. Your international trips are amazing, but I really connect with your content in Scotland and the Lakes. I'm dreaming of the day you release a Lake District calendar because it's my happy place!

[@schruty]

His is the best video for a long time. It just shows your joy in photograghy with a view tipps for us. Great. You don't need exotic location on a boat with 20 other people making the same shot. Your channel is about you and your own creative approach. 😊

[@paulasimson4939]

It's so much fun seeing your excitement about being in your happy place. And epic photos too.

[@richardshevalier9896]

Nigel, thanks again for a great video. The vertical pano is my favorite image from this trip. I think your inner voice was telling you the right thing. Fantastic image, fantastic video.

[@mawavoy]

Like the layered shots as well as the panoramic photos. Thanks for sharing.

[@erichstocker8358]

I am extremely pleased that you have resumed your videos in a modified version of your original approach. I always enjoyed those. I enjoyed this one also!!!!

[@bessyxyz]

Love the video. I think you’re right about the photo on @21:18 - there’s a ton going on. You got the ray of light in the back and the red in the front competing for your eye. If, perhaps, the silhouette of the peaks in the back were darker or more visible, that would have formed a curve in the middle of the picture that ties both the ray of light and the red together.

[@ChrisBrown-gu4ki]

Great video Nigel, it's lovely to see the "Duracell Bunny" Nigel back full of excitement and enthusiasm. Great images that were well worth a strenuous climb and I thought the last image was excellent. You didn't tell us anything more about the doggo.

[@NigelDanson]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@liljegren100]

Great to see you springing around like a puppy again, obviously your back is a lot better now. Love seeing you back in your happy place Nigel, very inspiring!

[@ericerickson6537]

I own the z8 and the same lenses you do but I am starting to use a z50 now just for weight. I am now in mid 70s so size and comfort are a factor when I travel. I would love for you to try the DX crop mirrorless cameras of Nikon. I find them pretty good. Maybe not up to z8 quality but much better than I expected.

[@NigelDanson]

Z50 is a great camera

[@FabulousPepper]

I have purchased the full frame 24-200mm for my Z50, giving me an extended range to 300mm. Very happy!

[@Retset]

I recently went full frame with a Z6 and the same 24-200 lens (both from MPB). I am blown away by the combination. I don't have any thoughts about another lens TBH so my sensor should stay dust free! Your enthusiasm really shone through in this video and it was great to see you jumping round the place since your op.

[@NigelDanson]

That will do you fine! No need

[@jamesvoiss7122]

Really enjoyed the video. Your enthusiasm as you anticipate all the good shots you hope for is contagious. Thank you for walking us through your evaluation of your shots. I’m learning a lot from the critique process.

[@paulwarrilow4103]

Arran looks absolutely awesome - stunning vistas in your video, which I loved! And most of all you pressed on in spite of the weather and as a consequence you managed those amazing photos. I love the final one - I know what you mean when you say there's a lot going on, but it's just gorgeous! Great video

[@Scotphotoamateur]

I agree it is such a stunning location. Great video. I had lived in Glasgow for 30 years before I made it across to Goatfell. I had seen its graceful outline from the mainland. Once you get to the top these stunning arêtes unfold and it is breathtaking.Also often windy; my camera and tripod got blown over. Glad your back stood up to the hike.

[@traceybartlam7737]

It’s lovely seeing someone’s joy in what they do. Amazing photos. I’ve just MPB for the first time, very fast and very efficient.

[@kristinaziegler6603]

The last printed image that you weren't sure about was definitely my favorite from this video. I love all the colors.

[@martincregg]

The first thing I thought when I saw your final image was that the rocks are red. I know you will have thought of this but you could desaturate. It is busy… but that said, I do like it. If nothing else, the technique you describe is very useful for people to try.

[@TLM823]

So glad to see your excitement, Nigel! Your narratives are always so clear... thank you! By the way, I like the different colors of red, browns, etc.

[@Daisy-bt7li]

It made me happy just to see how happy and excited you were. Also I have that lens and it was great to see what it was capable of in the hands of an expert!

[@oldmalty8412]

So good to hear that you’re returning to your roots. Some of the best Nigel Danson I’ve seen (and I’ve seen pretty much all of them) were on top of Chrome hill or Park House minus apple, or Loughrigg fell or some other lake district valley. Happy days 😊

[@siarlp3691]

I like the colour contrasts in the red rocks shot, reds next to gray blues next to greens and then the contrasts in the sky too, for me it works due to the contrasts.

[@CraigNiesenPhotography]

Nigel, I am not on the fence on the last photograph. It's a stunning image, and I love the composition. Thank you for sharing. Peace and Safe Travels.

[@DaveKingMusic]

I enjoyed all the Panormama’s!

[@JohnyGoerend]

Thank you Nigel for these great videos. Since I've been to Scotland this summer (although a family vacation and not a photo trip), I can "feel" your photos. It's hard to describe, but I also feel your joy when the light offers mindblowing views.

[@MrRooster1968]

So happy seeing you back doing this type of. Videos Iceland and all them exotic locations are. Nice but. U.K. has got some of the best locations in the word. Good to see you happy in the hills

[@robertwhitemoto]

It is heartwarming to see you in your element, doing what you love. Thanks for taking us along Nigel! The red on those foreground rocks makes that shot and I love it.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks!

[@martinpriest5446]

love the video Nigel, your face lit up when you saw the view on top of that peak, you just proved you do not need to travel around the world to get spectacular images like this also the most expensive lenses, brilliant, look forward to your next adventure, referring to your image, the vertical superb capture, I think a little bold foreground but that's my opinion. thanks.

[@philcowling6812]

Nigel - just wanted to say how inspiring your photos are. You simplify the equipment and take out the tech - which unfortunately shows that your true skill is all about your eye and composition. It's great to see that I or anyone else could take great photos with reasonable equipment - F4 lenses and 24-200 z lens etc. However your innate skill in composition brings some amazing vids and beautiful photos

[@brianeibisch6025]

Nigel, you have a great photographic eye. I really love the images that you end up with because they seem to capture the “Spirit of the Place”. (Glad your back is better too) cheers.

[@petersola2982]

These are breathtaking photos. The way you explain how you feel its like we are with you. Love your choice of music. It would be great knowing the title.

[@josevera8847]

Hi! Jose Vera from the island of Puerto Rico, USA. I like this one a lot. I think your four hour's of pure effort paid off. Vote it. Thank you.

[@dej2]

Nigel, simply gorgeous... thank you for sharing this with us

[@davidkipperman5218]

The excitement in your voice and face says it all!

[@alaikens6353]

Nigel, I love that you get, almost child-like, excited when the scene presents itself to you. I can feel the same way. The vertical pano is a wonderful image! It may be a little too bright on the bottom and you may want to try a mildly darkening linear gradient with some subtraction of dark tones to darken the foreground down a bit, but to not over darken the existing shadows.

[@NigelDanson]

Yep - spot on... I actually did darken the foreground for the post I made to Instagram

[@1Adventures2]

Can’t wait to visit!

[@BurfieldPhoto1]

I mean, all your videos are great, but it is really heartening to see you back doing these sorts of videos - not only do I enjoy them more, but it's pretty obvious you enjoy them more, which is the main thing.

[@missionlook]

Some of the most beautiful images I’ve ever seen. Thank you!

[@chrisromano8377]

That was the happiest I've seen you!!! You were like a little kid it's great to see

[@leoneldp]

Amazing video and gorgeous pictures. As a 4-year follower I can say this is the most Nigel Danson video in a long time. Please, I wanna see more of you hiking the mountains and forests of the British isles.

[@Studiomcfee]

I just love your enthusiasm at the top of the mountain. Wonderful photos, entertaining video and, as always, very informative. Thank you Nigel.

[@thomaswentworth6433]

If I took those photos I would be a very happy camper. I think the images you shoot are spectacular, which has raised your bar very high, so unless the image is absolutely striking, anything else can look a bit flat; however, may be seen in the 'flesh' they would look different. I hope the exhibition is a success. The photos in your book are simply sublime. They are absolutely striking and a fantastic piece of photographic art.

[@luciemalouin]

Always learning something when I watch your videos. I especially like when you critique your images at the end. I enjoy your analytic views. To me, these images are fantastic. You are inspiring! Thanks.

[@timrosenburgh8597]

Another great video Nigel. Glad the op went ok and your out and about. Definitely an amazing view up there. You captured some fantastic image's and i really liked the last one with the red in the rock's. Look forward to the next one.

[@laurelb8372]

Just did a road trip & 24-200 & Z7II was main set up, with Z50 & 16-50 as back up. Very happy with the latter as, like you, back issues impact my longer walks. Z50 gave me some great images and so much lighter.

[@haroldbielstein3530]

Nigel, you were like a kid in a candy store dealing with the light and conditions! That is so cool and inspiring!

[@artiedoc]

"Pano Pano Pano" Nigel your excitement, love, and passion for Photography and life shines through in this video ! Well done mate ..👏

[@rlau68]

Thanks for all of your hard work Nigel! Appreciate your excitement and enthusiasm! Nice shots and creativity!

[@jeremyjrpugh]

Great to see you up a mountain in your natural habitat and creating such fab photos. I love your vertical pano and for me there is not too much going on at all. I use the same lens for hiking so the vertical pano is a great trick for me to take on board. See you on Thursday at your exhibition.

[@Ausknutz]

Great video! As I am just an enthusiast, I use an old D5600 with a 18-140mm DX (27-210mm FX) lens when I go hiking. It's much easier and lighter to bring one lens.

[@NigelDanson]

Sounds great!

[@davidthompson8153]

Such an inspirational video Nigel, I so love your enthusiasm and know where you’re coming from. I’m going back to Nikon with the Z8 and of course will be picking up a copy of this lens. Keep up the great work, you are by far one of the most talented and exceptional landscapers out there.

[@ianslingsby3415]

It's great to see you doing what you do best, and it really comes across how much you are enjoying it as you say it doesn't get any better than that.

[@terrynewmanphotography]

I like all the shots from this trip. The sun rays coming through the clouds lighting up the mountain looked amazing. Enjoy watching your hikes.

[@colintraveller]

So yer on Arran , Weather always changes in a heartbeat . Wonder if you ventured along the coast or over to Holy loch

[@michael.roberts]

The stacked image looks fantastic. Stop overthinking it. My .02.

[@mzeeshanch]

Just loved the video... Amazing pictures, the way you present the videos, to your music choices... Magical...

[@philippr8600]

Thanks for this great video and your joy out in nature! Often the best images are taken in these mixed conditions and it's always worth going out...

[@galpiper9129]

A great video Nigel, what a great location the shots make the hike so worthwhile. It really comes through that this is what you love. Well done.

[@OscarKnutsson]

I really enjoy seeing the fun you had on this hike, also like that you will do more vidoes like this one. Kind of you getting back to basics wich i`m glad for. That light over those mountains looked so gorgeous!

[@peternickols2687]

A great video Nigel, I must admit it is the most relaxed and the most enjoyed I have seen you in a video for a long time. I love your other vids but this one was filled with real joy. (And great photos!!)

[@whfowle]

Nigel, you asked for an opinion of the vertical pano, so...I really like it. The colors on the rocks and the way the light beams blend with the clouds bring out the brutal nature of the scene. For me, I would hang that one on my wall.

[@kevins8575]

Great images of that stunning landscape. Great to see that your back held out.

[@greglarUK]

Wonderful video, wow your were so lucky with the light and so good to see your excitement and passion literally brimming over, it was infectious mate! Perfect!

[@NigelDanson]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jarokratochvil]

Loved this video Nigel, one happy man, running around like a kid in a candy shop. And absolutely epic shots - I liked the pano from the top the most, some incredible light and the composition worked out beautifully. But I think the rest of the shots worked out really well too. Thank you for sharing, great to see you in your element!

[@josephschimmer302]

Right video for me, since I‘m considering what to bring to my next city trip instead of all my GFX gear (but still not quite sure…) Love your ongoing enthusiasm! Very inspiring!!

[@nigelcaughey2119]

Nigel, I love it when you take us along on these amazing treks into the mountains and show us what is possible in inclement weather. I walk a bit in the Mourne Mountains here in Northern Ireland and this video especially has encouraged me to get the wet gear on and get up there in less than perfect conditions. Your pictures are absolutely amazing as always and I’m glad to see you fit enough again to face this terrain.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed it

[@keithw8646]

Beautiful photos and beautiful area. Where I live it is all trees. Climb up a hill and more trees. We don’t have any places with views like you have. It’s even hard to find a place without people!

[@p1pepper]

It is so great to see the genuine child like excitement that many of us can relate to . The passion is real , ain't it ? Great episode .

[@grahamegannon9708]

Some epic photos Nigel, and I am please you are out and about in your favourite environment where you produce excellent photos and I learn so much from you.

[@PrinceJvstin]

I'm becoming convinced that for me, being able to go "in" with longer focal lengths is what I need. My wide lens worked like a champ for Astrophotography but being able to pick out details really is key . So I grok the 24-200 one lens approach, especially on a 2700 ft elevation change on a hike.

[@matsfotografi]

I've really missed these videos of yours, the "slightly insane kid in a candy shop" is so close to home for most landscape photographers I think. Lately I've come to understand the importance of the apple break before shooting, nice to see the comeback of this technique... Welcome back to your environment Nigel😃

[@NigelDanson]

Slightly insane is about right!

[@dronepilotcontractors4094]

Glad to see you back in and enjoying the outing!

[@johndurham5629]

Great idea about a pano for a wide angle with a tele!