Don't believe LIES: "YOUR GEAR DOESN'T MATTER"

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We always hear people say, "Gear doesn't matter" so we decided to dig in and pick apart when gear DOES actually make a difference and how it might impact your photos.
Our music provided by: share.epidemicsound.com/Tony

[@jekyll7115]

I recently met a guy at an event who told me gear doesn't matter.... while holding an A7RIII (w/ cage, tripod, G master....) I was like "bro trade me for my plain 77D then"

[@genghis2510]

If you were on his left, he must have remarked intended for the guy on his right who had an A9.

[@juanduenas1943]

@@genghis2510 The A7R3 is better than the a9. XD

[@mehradlajevardi7581]

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH it is like Rich people saying OH MONEY DOESNT MATTER AT ALL :))))) hahahahha

[@alansach8437]

Gear makes it easier for a skilled photographer to get the image he/she wants, but it doesn't turn a hack into a skilled photographer.

[@Bike_Lion]

@@alansach8437 - Yeah, a good analogy is a professional artist using Prisma Colors (or some other high end color pencils) and some random 3 year old kid using whatever color pencils were cheapest at the store....The top quality pencil makes the pro's colors look a bit nicer and more vivid, but if he traded pencils with the kid, he'd still be making very nice artwork, and the 3 year old would still be scribbling (just with more expensive pencils). With photography, I'd say that quality is around 80% the photographer's skill/talent, and 20% the gear....And of that 20%, well over half is the lenses, as opposed to the camera body. So for a beginner with limited funds, it makes sense to get an older model DSLR, if anything splurge on quality lenses, and invest the most in photography courses and/or trips to go practice shooting!

[@tomscott4438]

David Gilmore (Pink Floyd guitarist) was asked during an interview if the band was simply all about their gear. His reply; "using that logic I could give anyone a Fender Stratocaster and they would sound like Eric Clapton". He went on to further elaborate that having the right gear helped broaden the creative process, but only if you have the skill to take proper advantage.

[@NGameReviews]

And that's why he's the best guitarist of all time imo ;)

[@markshirley01]

correctomundo

[@abmo32]

David Gilmour is my hero but I don't agree to this. I bet he has not touched a Fender fake in the last 40 years. Ofc a stratocaster and a les paul both sound amazing but that is like comparing a high end canon to a high end nikon and saying gear does not matter.....

[@NGameReviews]

@@abmo32 but it doesn't, depending on who you are. As he said, unless you can take advantage of it, there's little point in having it. Skill trumps gear more often the not. But you you may need that higher end gear if you need to take photos of sports, action, wildlife, etc. But where it may not matter, like Tony said, is when you don't need that gear to get the shot you want (e.g. landscapes). Or you don't care about sharpness. Even an entry level Canon shines when you plan your shots/composition.

[@NGameReviews]

@Zzzz oop and who the hell are you?

[@IamD9595]

I think the idea that 'your gear doesn't matter' is rooted in the understanding that success of your art is more dependent on you than the equipment you are using. I'm sure everyone realizes that purchasing more expensive lenses or camera bodies can incrementally increase the quality of their photos and video, but without experience, knowledge, passion and commitment your gear is useless.

[@oscarschindler12]

Well said.

[@laurencegr5338]

True. Camera gears are just tools. Use the ones that make your job easier. I use mine-smartphone and mirrorless systems. Just invest on good lenses and study the art of photography and you'll be fine.

[@alvaferjoe2117]

Truth

[@dacke13]

Well said, I sold one of my photos to a cruise company and it was taken with the Nikon D7100 + Nikkor 18-105mm kit lens. My other lens is a Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 It's just a tool, it's like having a sport car it doesn't mean you are a racer driver because you have a ferrari. Though the equpiment makes it easier for your needs. Just like having a good car that suits your needs.

[@mikepawlikguitar]

But a 3.5 - 5.6 tangibly restricts its usage when 2.8 or 1.8 or 1.4 or 1.2 is necessary to get the shot. All else being equal, proper bodies for correct ISO performance and fast lenses are paramount to success for example in low light conditions. All skill in the world can't get a shot at f/8 and ISO 3200 if that's what your gear is restricted to.

[@gizmophoto3577]

I want my gear to be good enough that I know it’s my fault if the photo stinks. When I was starting out, I would sometimes blame my lower-end gear for not getting a shot. It was even sometimes true, if the reason was I couldn’t make an adjustment as quickly or as accurately as I needed. Getting rid of that excuse improved my photography, both by giving me that extra flexibility, and by making sure I know that almost any problem is mine, not the gear.

[@Bike_Lion]

If you've got effectively unlimited funds to invest in your photography hobby then that might make sense, but for someone with a more limited budget, I'd argue that it would make more sense to start off spending less on gear so that they have more money to spend on things like photography courses, or trips to places where they can do a lot of shooting and get practice.....When it comes to good photography, I'd say it's around 80% the photographer's skill/talent, and 20% the gear....Of that 20%, well over half is the lenses, as opposed to the camera body.

[@atruceforbruce5388]

​@@Bike_Lion respect, highly doubt toney ever bought a lens from goodwill and wonders why he can't capture a lightning bolt in a storm.

[@maxsr3236]

If gear really didn't matter, all professional photographers would use cheap entry level cameras to save money, because they could get the same results.

[@fingerhorn4]

No I don't think so. Most pros feel forced to carry around ludicrously heavy stuff because if they brought a M43rds and a spare lens in a little bag, the clients might say "call yourself a pro and you are shooting with THAT?" There is a lot of penis envy (apologies to Mrs Northrop!) in pro photography. It goes with the general insecurity.

[@looneyburgmusic]

@@fingerhorn4 That is a HUGE part of the problem, always has been. For some reason people equate BIG with PRO, and it hasn't been like that in years. Not too long ago I shot an experimental film using a pair of Google Pixel 2 XL's with Moment lenses; a friend of mine thought it was a joke, until he saw the completed 4k video edited together.

[@EbrehemZiyek]

But why would you use cheap entry level camera when you can afford them as a pro ?

[@MASTEROFSAND]

@Alpha Centauri Could not agree more. I may be an extreme case, but while I have a sweet 8mm Meike f/3.5 Fisheye, and a Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 lens, I STILL got knife fever and ordered the Canon L Series 8-15mm f/4, and a Canon L series 24mm f/1.4. And that's likely just a personal problem. 😅🤣🤣

[@nickblyth166]

I shoot with M4/3s and it’s a massive camera I usually go around with a 40-150 2.8, TT685 and an EM1X

[@Alex_MB]

"your gear doesn't matter" *has the best gear available* ok

[@MaverickChristian]

Ha! I keep thinking the same thing when I hear that from people who own expensive gear.

[@mohdvideos1]

Because it really don’t do nothing without skill but also it mattersssss 🤣. I just shot a night event with m50+ speedlight + sigma 50-100 1.8 . It was great shoot and all but it’s not the best in low light. “Finally i find that more skill u have more ability to get the best out of what you have but there’s a limit to that”

[@dunnymonster]

Just get closer to the animals....Sure, I'll pop my 14mm prime on and get right up to that Wild Lion 😋

[@Kim_Miller]

Check out David Yarrow photography .com for somebody who gets up close with wild animals.

[@apassionfortangling3671]

LMAO!

[@Barrakada]

Nice one😂😂😋

[@stefanhensel8611]

That's why cat content is much more abundant.

[@stefanhensel8611]

@Tomek Rospondek Learn to fly. As simple as that 😁

[@joeltunnah]

Usually these arguments happen when a photographer assumes that everyone shoots only the scenarios he does, should only shoot the way he does, and that the only valid workflow is his chosen workflow.

[@looneyburgmusic]

^^^ This ^^^ Just had this exact argument this morning... a year after you made your comment ;-)

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Yes, that was my thought. There are types of photography where it's reasonable to expect that the photographer will get it right the first time most of the time. For example, most still lives and landscape photography can usually be correct the first time. Virtually anything that involves children, or animals, but I repeat myself, is probably going to be a crap shoot in terms of whether it's even possible to get the shot the first go, no matter how good you are at photography. Likewise, taking photos of bees hovering over flowers or the key moment at a sportsball game are likely going to benefit from having more shots taken. New technology has somewhat reduced the number of shots that it takes, but it's still substantially more than one in most cases.

[@TJuice1986]

That “Madelyn can’t read now” comment was hilarious! 😂

[@bobbob8229]

I haven't laughed that hard at ANY video in a long time😁😁😁😁

[@TJuice1986]

Bob Bob “RIP Madelyn” lmao!!

[@danieljones8706]

Gear is only as important as our needs say it is. That's basically it. We can say that everyone needs this camera or that lens, but your gear just has to meet your needs. And to be honest, most of us don't need much.

[@JimSamuel267]

You are correct. But they won't make as much affiliate income if you don't keep buying expensive gear.

[@chipdorman5385]

Seems that Tony and Chelsea have been talking around this very thing for years but have not ever addressed it directly. Most of the camera bodies and lenses made in the last few years are amazing and much better than the needs of the majority of photographers. Of course there are those who routinely push the limits of the best of the gear but those folks represent only a small percentage of the photographic community. For the bulk of photographers, the current generation of low to moderately priced gear is more than they will ever need. IMO

[@JimSamuel267]

@@chipdorman5385 Urging people to buy more high-priced gear means more affiliate income for them.

[@nordic5490]

On the Move Real Estate Photography I bet you always make sure you have the right gear with you when you shoot. Shooting wide ? Then I bet you have a wide lens packed = gear. Thus you prove every time you shoot that gear does actually matter.

[@steffenandersensahl9443]

@@JimSamuel267 Do you really think this video is about making $2 more in affiliate income a month? This video is just making the point that there is a possibility that expense gear might be better in some circumstances, depending on your needs.

[@RicardoJose-cw5ii]

"Your gear doesnt matter" depending on your situation. Sure let me get close to this lion with my 27mm . Im sure he wants his portrait taken and wont eat me.

[@ldstirling]

I, for one, am glad that videos like this are pushing people to focus on their gear and buy new and better stuff. It means a more robust and cost-efficient used marketplace for people like me who are happy buying used gear for cheap because people with more money than sense are always trading-up. Thanks Tony and Chelsea!

[@youknowwho9247]

If you actually thought that gear doesn't matter, you wouldn't shop used. You wouldn't shop gear at all.

[@alanhoughton6166]

it's a golden age in the DSLR market right now. I mean, sure the quality of the gear matters, but something that was great a few years back can still be great now when used by the right photographer Maybe a few years ago the gap between pro-consumer was wider and the price gap was relatively the same, now one can get pro gear from a few years ago and really get a super high level of performance at a very low cost

[@ldstirling]

@@alanhoughton6166 Honestly, at this point there's plenty of awesome used DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and lenses for each system, that it's easy to get reasonably priced, and very capable, gear.

[@michaelbowles420]

My wallet figures out my gear needs.

[@tilerman]

Mine also!

[@Lalitaditya100]

Broque

[@EsteeWhitePhotography]

Same :)

[@gutenbird]

No-one needs gear. You don't even need a camera.

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

Get a bigger wallet.

[@munkykng416]

if you want to get paid, gear matters. if you want redundancy, gear matters. if you want to shoot in a storm, gear matters. photography in general doesn't care about your gear, but how you shoot with your gear matters. i love shooting photos with my phone, its quick and easy and i get some great results. but when i have a project, i pull out a "real" camera. i use light modifiers, why, as great as available light is, its limiting. im just a hobbyist with a few paid gigs under my belt, but for me, gear matters.

[@chriscunningham1985]

mine was about size and what is easiest to me. So I'm used to Canon (I like their menus) so last year bought a M50, then went online and bought a load of cheap 7artisans lenses. Is it the best combination? Not at all. Do I enjoy shooting with it and it fits what I want to do? Absolutely :) As Victor has put above, it'd be a whole different matter if it's pro users!

[@vincencohan3626]

Nothing like a perfect lighting. Having soft box for paid work is necessary

[@munkykng416]

@Pixelchaser I think that was the point of the video.

[@keithmitchell6548]

@Pixelchaser The meaning of the title is that gear does matter. The lie being: Gear doesn't matter

[@flixxfotojenslindner]

I totally agree...

[@jeromemordido5521]

"Forget HDR, just bump up the contrast to 82" - Jared Polin

[@masononemine1702]

better yet, just under expose the image by 1 or 2 stops and then bring back the shadows. works great everytime but not more than 400 iso but then again, you dont really need HDR as much in night time.

[@MikeLikesChannel]

And if you add +82 saturation you just got Ken Rockwell!

[@chromaticvisuelle]

mykel8 when you get both jokes, you spend too much time on internet lol

[@Infinityskatemedia]

Actually just dont HDR! Boom problem solved

[@jeepjoseph9036]

You mean 100

[@eralar2]

I believe a better statement would be "Gear doesn't make you a good photographer." But in order to push your skill higher and higher, you eventually need better and better gear... and commitment.

[@scallen3841]

Practice practice practice , and just because it's said on the " tube " doesn't make it the gospel or it's written in stone .

[@InterMaus]

I think the argument is valid when said to counteract gear lust, to talk down yourself or friends from buying expensive gear they want but don't need.

[@Noksus]

If every need was based on how something was in the past, then people probably don't need - Fast internet - Reliable power - Easy access to clean drinking water - Smart phones - Access to health care People don't need those things because people were okay before without them!

[@Nate6571]

Actually we don't need smartphones... just a phone that is portable and a piece of paper and a stamp.

[@Noksus]

@@Nate6571 That point was more about the hypocrisy of those people. I'm sure they couldn't live without their smartphones.

[@problemat1que]

Those that survived XD

[@v32finish]

Man, I know I'm 2 weeks late to the party, but this video is just *golden*. I'm relatively new to photography but I am really glad to have found Tony and Chelsea's channel . The first video I saw was a tutorial and I'll be honest, I thought it was kinda dry and I didn't subscribe at first, but I'm Soooooo glad I stuck around. I love these guys. Thanks for the knowledge and the inspiration. :)

[@carstenortlieb5040]

Great Video. My shots just got so much better, when I switched back from beeing a full time photographer to part time and full time software developer. Finally had the money to buy a D810 and Holy Trinity of Leses. Gear can't stubstitute talent, but support it a lot. Sorry for my lousy English, I'm German / Swiss - so double handicapped...

[@VinnieChu]

Gear absolutely matters, to a point. If you're using a potato to take pictures versus someone with a multi-thousand dollar set-up. The point of the phrase "gear doesn't matter" means that having good gear doesn't guarantee your pictures won't be crap. You can take a great picture on a cheaper set-up or on an expensive set-up. All things being equal, skillwise, having the better gear will create a better result.

[@My-Opinion-Doesnt-Matter]

25:25

[@martyd5819]

At my age, 65, I find that gear matters in the sense that to get a particular shot I need the help that gear affords me. A tri pod. I'm a little shaky sometimes. Long lens. I can't climb up or down or over things like I used to. Camera with good auto focus with a reasonable FPS. My eye site isn't what it once was. Just my $.02 worth from an age demographic that after 50+ years still likes to get out there and take some photos. Loved the pic of the MF-2. Remember seeing something like that with a long lens at Canaveral for some launches. Your content is the best!

[@lylestavast7652]

I have shifted to higher ISOs to get a higher SS and cover some natural camera vibration. I used to be able to hand hold a normal lens down to 1/4 second in decent conditions just fine - now, 1/60 or higher all the time with any lens...

[@MrPhotographer101]

Love listening to the both of you discuss photography. Way cool and the fact you have been at this so long and yet rock it.

[@dramiya1]

watching this after a rough day at work makes me feel so happy - great topic!

[@EnormousSmartass]

Gear matters to me to a degree. A lot of my gear facilitated me to get a lot better. Certain situations got easier or at all possible, it was more fun, I learned more... Of course getting new stuff often is a lot of fun in itself and this is part of the whole experience. A mixture of modern consumption and acquiring new skills. I like it a lot, especially when you can create something that you can be proud of with great that you have fun with.

[@gurribuy]

Looks and gear matters. No matter what they tell you.

[@royhornyak8596]

Just listened to this 4 times while I was editing, love you guys. Great as usual.

[@davemorse8511]

Nice one Chelsea, you summed it up so well at the end, totally agree.😃👍🐾

[@FrogFWK]

Agreed. The moment you miss 1 of 100 pictures taken by bad focussing instead of 20/100, you realize, that Eye-AF is what you needed.

[@eoghanhennessy15]

Frog FWK or a lesson in focusing?

[@FrogFWK]

Of course Eoghan - Like lessons in chess might have prevented Kasparow from losing against Deep Blue... ;) This is 2019 and the eye-AF beats every human hands down. And by hands down, I mean: You could push the trigger with the tip of your nose and still hit the subject's eye.

[@stevenqirkle]

I recently got an a7iii and some proper lenses after years of shooting with cheaper gear. The biggest advantages are autofocus performance, the ability to shoot faster shutter speeds with good image quality, and of course those blurry backgrounds. My non-photographer friends and family immediately noticed the difference in my photos (without being told that I got a new camera).

[@goateyephotography808]

If gear does matter or not, depends on the price of said gear. The difference in capabilities between a 100$ point and shoot and a 1000$ interchangeable camera system is usually much larger than between said 1000$ camera and a 2000$ camera.

[@randomgeocacher]

The law of diminishing returns :)

[@scenicedge]

Just caught your podcast on the way to work this morning. I bought my first full-frame mirrorless camera. I'm a photographer on a budget (what a concept) and have held off purchasing a full frame camera, I thought, for way too long. FINALLY! With prices dropping on earlier models, I purchase a Sony A7ii. Now I can smugly answer other photographers' questions, "That's a full frame right?" "Yeah." Well let me tell you something. I ran comparisons with my kit lens Sony A7ii with a 24 megapixel sensor with my kit lens Nikon D5500 with a 24 megapixel sensor at 100 ISO, and, even with full frame, the resultant Sony images had the same resolution detail as my Nikon crop sensor. I ran several tests. Always the same result. There are other benefits I'm weighing although, at higher ISO's the full-frame camera had much less noise and I enjoy the narrower depth of field. But being primarily a landscape photographer, I was doing just as well with the crop-sensor Nikon. So now, I am realizing superior results with multiple frames stitched together for my landscapes. So my message to you is appreciate the technology of crop-sensors these days. They are actually performing or perhaps even out performing the earlier full frame models. Cheers!

[@lizaronni]

Oh it’s not the gear. It’s not the photographer. It’s the DOG that matters! (I love it when Pixel makes an appearance💕)

[@sammyblackchow9541]

I'll vote for the dog. :-)

[@mrDJKdnb]

Gear matters when you've learned enough to know why that particular piece of gear matters. OK gear with good glass will be enough for most people. Learning why something matters is worth more than the gear itself.

[@MBrady1970]

probably the best reply I've heard on this subject...

[@JimSamuel267]

Absolutely correct.

[@surplussingapore5221]

Love this talk! Thanks for making it as neutral and unbiased as possible and avoid dividing the house. I believe your podcast helped thousands who need to know where theyre at where they should be heading when choosing gear that sync with their skill sets. Cheers!

[@rumporridge1]

I shot the 2019 Westminster Dog Show and using the Canon 5D4 I was able to nail more keepers with the better dynamic range and focus tracking. Coupled with skill one photo out of a few hundred made the cover of a magazine. So hey to me my gear backed me up. Totally satisfied with whatever cost I laid out.

[@richpoinvil9618]

Damn Tony. You must be 60 pounds lighter. That's some baggage you just unloaded!

[@JetCityNinja]

spewing shit from both ends doubles weight loss within a given timeframe.

[@techone72893]

@@JetCityNinja According to you they are just "spewing shit", and yet, here you are, watching the video and commenting on it. Why is that? Do you not have anything at all better to do? Or is it your life's goal to post negative comments on videos that you think hold no merit? I don't understand people like you. Why do people like you waste their/your time watching videos you clearly have no respect for?

[@richpoinvil9618]

oakie Let's keep things respectful

[@kavorka8855]

@@techone72893 nicely said, thumb up to you!

[@JACKnJESUS]

@@techone72893 C'mon, lay off Oakie. He's one of those single slot guys, getting closer to animals and taking one shot only.

[@05glisedan]

Currently have a Canon 6D, was planning to upgrade to EOS RP. Found a KZbin channel of a photographer with 6D that has 1 million shots. Still running like a champ. Changed my mind, spent the money on glass. Glad I did... Glass is King.....

[@ratstrat1984]

I'm still learning about photography, but a friend let me use a really nice lens on my canon crop-sensor(T6i). Not sure of the exact model of lens, but it stops down to about f.8. That thing was miles better than the kit lenses I have. Even on my entry level dslr it was phenomenal. The clarity was astounding. I can flip thru my pictures and have no problem telling which pics I took with it. So, you're absolutely right. I would buy a nicer lens before buying a new body.

[@Qlicky]

Joe Man My 5DII has 400 000 shots, and was just recently replaced with 5DIII which I got used. I do have some nice glass though. So yeah, go for glass definitely. 6D is a very capable camera.

[@RiseUpToYourAbility]

Hey if that body doesn't limit your work then great for you. Everyone has different needs.

[@bigmaxcc]

Joe Man no thanks I sold my 6d and 7d brought 5d m3 and m4

[@MrFed-gh6gw]

''cars didn't have seat belts and some people didn't die'' this cracked me up ahah

[@squirming_squirrels]

What cracks me up is how Tony considers himself technical and 'scientific' yet doesn't know how ISO works and thinks that sensor size changes DOF. drrrrrrrrrrrrrp.

[@tangoingthekitchen]

@@squirming_squirrels where is you photography website?

[@squirming_squirrels]

@@tangoingthekitchen i don’t have one after changing career paths. But this does not change that ISO is a function of analog gain on the sensor, not a post process, and DOF is not a function of F ratio, rather that aperture is a parameter of CoF diameter. I also know what all that means, because i have a BFA in Art Technology. Do you?

[@neilbranch4054]

Gear matters when it comes to capturing images a photographer can imagine even before pulling out their camera out of the bag IMO. Thanks for another great video!

[@huntedghostsnero7035]

Gear only matters to the point where any additional investment or features don't have any significant improvement for the types of photography you do, beyond that you would already have a specialty and need an very specific gear, like photographing particles colliding.

[@chipsimons4694]

...it depends on what you are trying to shoot. NOT knowing how to use the gear you have, is the most common fault, that I come across with most everyone i have taught.

[@Belingle]

You brought up some points that I agree with for sure. Gear absolutely does matter in my mind, but ultimately, you're the one taking the shots, so you know what you want/need. On the note of eye AF, no it's not necessary, but will I use it if I got it? Absolutely!

[@Streamtronics]

Thank you so much for this. Honestly I started feeling bad at some point since my photos didn't turn out as good as I had hoped and I saw everyone just saying gear doesn't matter. But it does matter, if your low-light performance just isn't enough and you get weird stripes and bad darkness-falloff in your shadows. Or when your sigma lens constantly miss-focuses because you need vastly different micro-adjust values for near vs. far focus distances... or when you can't manage to handhold a 300/6.3 without IS on an APS-C body when trying out sports photography...

[@michaellewallen1149]

Saying “just get closer to the animal” made me think “how do I get closer to the moon?”. The almost unbelievable truth is that an exceptional artist seeks the correct tool yet the next great image requires a different truth. Something I think you were trying to say with your “right place at the right time” example Chelsea. Than you guys for being so real. I love your passion and humility. It is refreshing ;)

[@Bike_Lion]

For most wildlife photography you'll need *some sort* of super-tele lens (one that can zoom up to around 500 or 600mm or so), but IMO it'd make more sense for a beginner to get a *relatively* cheap lens of that sort - paying maybe $5-600 used, rather than buying a fancier new one for $2K or more. Then take the money one saved, and use it for more trips out into the wild to do actual shooting and get practice.....It's not that gear doesn't matter *at all* - you need some sort of gear at some level of basic quality (some more expensive than others, depending on the photography niche), but it's just that the gear isn't the main thing that matters.

[@jdandtheboys5219]

Understanding you gear is what really matters. When entering any photo opportunity, it is knowing your gear strengths and weaknesses is what matters to capturing a particular image. I will never own a Nikon 600mm F 4, or 500 f 4 or any other lens in the 10K range. What I do own and could afford was a 200-500mm f 5.6. I know what it can and cannot capture. In addition to gear, is surroundings. Long ago, I was fortunate to visit the Slot canyons in Arizona. A unique area of the world and a specific time of the year. This time was in April when the sun enters the canyons to produce the rays of light you have seen captured by many photographers throughout time. I paid for a guide where myself and one other photographer was on this tour. The guide was a Cherokee native who had conducted hundreds of tours over many years. The other photographer was a French native, working for a European magazine. He had a 35K Hasselblad body and probably another 10k in lenses. I had a Nikon D100, 18-55mm f 3.5-5.6, tripcord and a tripod. He split off from our guide and I stayed Cherokee's hip. He came away with virtually nothing, because he got tangled in the other tours and I came away with shots of a lifetime. Photos that are 40x30 inch metal prints that will last the next 50 years. If we all hit the lottery tomorrow and could afford any gear, would we be better? That is the question.

[@pixiedust1273]

You guys are awesome. I’ve leaned so much from you too. Thank you for all that you do.

[@peterlechowski2691]

Great video. Chelsea's example of Citizen Kane movie for the argument in this discussion was right on the spot.

[@Smoothblue90]

Back in the film days. We all used the same film. And we pretty much used the same lenses. If you bought a professional camera. It was built a little tougher. It had 100% viewfinder. And it had less shutter lag. But it was just basically a box. That's when we said the camera doesn't matter. But back then. We used to all talk about film. Hey what film did you use. Hey what film did that guy use. Hey did you hear about this new film. Today that's the sensors. And because the sensors come in the bodies. Well. Now. The camera matters.

[@foreigncreep92]

Interesting observation, haven’t thought of it that way since I was still young when film was going down. That’s why studying history is important, same patterns and arguments over and over with different disguises.

[@Razor2048]

Gear almost always matters. Realistically speaking, a high resolution sensor is needed for even smaller prints. When printing, supersampling is really good to achieve as perception of details can be improved. A large aperture is also important, especially in low light where you may need to increase the ISO. Even the current best DSLRs, lose some fine detail at as little as 800 ISO.

[@IamBlueDragon_]

I agree with you 100% on this one Tony. A friend of mine used to tell me that his phone is good enough to photograph his wedding and guess what, he didn’t have any pictures that worth keeping.

[@MrDman1331]

Great segment. I really like that the two of you came down preference and purpose. Preference = what you like and purpose = what your client likes. I have been photographer off and on for over 40 years and sometimes what I loved the client absolutely hated and vice versa, I quickly learned to keep my opinions to myself. I think that "gear" is great if you know how to use it. I am referring to photogs that have super expensive high-end gear and leave the camera on auto 100% of the time. If you have really expensive high-end gear and leave the camera on auto 99% of the time, you may not need all of that high-end expensive gear.

[@petrbenda3406]

Sometimes you just need the right gear for the job. For instance a good telephoto lens is a must for things like wildlife photography or successful stalking of ex-girlfriends :-)

[@stefanhensel8611]

Real stalkers use 28 mm primes. You have much more impact if you boldly jump into her face.

[@MASTEROFSAND]

🤣🤣🤣 This thread. Love it.

[@0ecka]

Great episode, Northrups! Usually, (most) photography vloggers are too artsy to make any logical sense of what they are preaching from their imaginary "high horses". But you guys are so far above all that childish "gear-doesn't-matter" tragicomedy. I really enjoy watching every second of your podcasts. Never stop making them, please :). Very informative, very funny, all makes perfect sense. And it's nice to know that I'm not the only "crazy" person who refuses to blend into this cult of ignorance and artsy preachers, who apparently are taking over photography by spreading silly ideas, lies and misusing science.

[@isiakahome5999]

I met Tony and Chelsea in Barcelona! They were there coolest! Thanks for being awesome guys!

[@kenneth_mirez]

"The greatest moments of photography are spontaneous". Couldn't agree more on this. I take a lot of street portraits of people and there is that difference between you taking their photos without them being aware and when them looking at the camera knowing that the are to be photographed.

[@Ashley-rj8up]

Gear to a certain extent does matter. Hard to take wildlife photos with a 24mm F2.8

[@cameratalk3057]

😂😂

[@nilssab]

why, just get closer. /s

[@Ashley-rj8up]

nilssab yes let’s just get closer to a lion to photograph it or to a fox that will run away if too close. Come on lol

[@terencerudkin6425]

In 1959 my dad gave me a camera, Argus C3. He said this camera will take better pictures then you ever will, meaning gear does not matter.

[@gavin92618]

Your dad gave you a gear and said you can get great shots with it. So it starts with the gear. If gear doesn't matter, you don't need that camera to get good picture.

[@terencerudkin6425]

@@gavin92618 My dad was saying I was the limiting factor, not the camera

[@raynaudier8622]

Terence Rudkin, no shade, but presumably you've gotten WAY better as a photographer in the last 60 years.. What do you shoot with now? (Just curious, not tryna be funny/prove a point..).

[@terencerudkin6425]

@@raynaudier8622 My EDC is a Fujifilm X-T3, recent transition from Sony A7II, mostly for the look and feel of a film camera. But I still shoot a Mamiya 7II and a Toyoview 4x5

[@raynaudier8622]

Terence Rudkin, 📷 you are the MAN.. 4x5 LIVes..

[@magyar5615]

I am relatively new to photography, and within the past 8 years have realized that gear does matter lenses matter, and as one becomes more serious about the level they want to be at this becomes obvious. Ans as Chelsea said it sticks that gear is expensive but it is what it is. I have taken really nice shots with my iPhone, and with my "cheaper" camera, and then I upgraded and the difference is huge. The bottom line, however, and other commenters have mentioned this, it is a personal thing and each photographer has to decide what works for them and what they are happy with and what their goals are that lead to that being happy with what they are utilizing. Great discussion !!!

[@johnellerman1]

Hi Guys, Just keep doing what you are doing. You are my go-to photography gurus. I have a science degree and so love Tony's approach to subjects. Also love the interplay between you guys (I've been married for 47 years so enjoy watching you relate to each other. Love you both. I mostly take macros of insects in my garden here in Sydney and have Sony gear and also a bellows with a microscope objective on it for insects' eyes with focus stacking.

[@EMBEVIDEO]

Gear matters to a certain amount, but it's no guarantee for good pictures. And esp. for photography you don't need to have the newest and best/hippest equipment. Invest in good hardware and you can normally use it for a long time. I still use my old Canon 5D Mark II and the images are still amazing and I cannot really see the difference to my Mark IV. Glass is a different story. Good glass is not cheap ... but when you take care of it - you can use it almost forever :)

[@grahamheath9957]

This whole "you only need one shot" thing is really not about moving subjects. Honestly, I think that the actual point that's valid, is that taking a lot of poorly thought out and composed photos is not an alternative to thinking about the photo you want and taking less photos with more thought.

[@phototaker121]

Graham, I agree. Back in the film days everything had to be calculated on paper or in your head with using a light meter and/or a gray card as the light changed. Of course, the composition and all the other factors came into play and then one did not know if the exposure turned out good; ie bracketing. Today, I see so many crappy shots that are too dependent on Photoshop to create a decent photo. Can we get an exceptional shot in one exposure with almost no post processing? Yes, but it is rare and all images need a little processing. I try to emphasis to my students to take less photos with more thought which includes composition, exposure and gear.

[@jackpine1033]

I'll think about that!

[@iseewood]

I got into it with a KZbinr that created a video telling new photographers to get the cheapest camera possible as gear doesn’t matter and if they gave up they wouldn’t be out a lot of money. Of course gear matters! It needs to be the right fit for your photographic goals. You hit the nail on the head when you said, “Sometimes the gear you need is expensive, and that sucks.”

[@GRAILTTRPG]

ive been kind of a un-subscriving fan before, but after stumbling upon this im sold, the personality and accuracy of the video is so real and i love it.

[@matus123karo]

Gear doesn't matter until you realise that your camera is stupidly slow to autofocus (my main reason to upgrade from my first camera) Also, did anyone else hear Kai W twitch when the point about bokeh was introduced?

[@joeltunnah]

For some scenarios slow AF isn’t a drawback, so you can’t generalize. Gear doesn’t matter *for some photographers*. For others it does.

[@MrAllenMo]

If AF is too slow, there's always manual focus 😁👍

[@Biring1]

I don´t think Robert Capa had AF when he shot pics of soldiers storming the beach at Normandy... Pull that lens, bro.

[@gullintanni]

@@Biring1 Maybe that's why most his pictures were out of focus?

[@apassionfortangling3671]

BOKKKKEH!

[@khoifoto]

Thanks for the vid. 10 years ago, I'm fine with my kit lens until I got my hands on my first 85mm f1.4 and got hooked by the bokeh quality.

[@Adriana.Gabriela]

Idk how and when I found out about your channel, but it seems like you've been here since forever, and I love it! 🙌

[@meredithpottery]

Oh so true! Can I say? I love Chelsea's honesty and Tony's kindness. You two are remarkable and I dont mean photographically. Although that is true too. Thanks for what you do.

[@50450720]

I’m still rocking my Nikon d700, I paid £200 for a mint body with 8k use on the shutter. For 90% of shooters, it’s all you actually need.

[@chromaticvisuelle]

50450720 until you do video as well lol great camera but so heavy !

[@fwfeo]

It is my first pro camera when I switched from Canon 5D mk2. I can't bring myself to sell it after I switched to Sony A7iii! I bonded with that camera and relied on it in many shoots and it's still a very able camera!

[@andyzehner3347]

From the complete amateur, hobby photographer end of the scale: Gear absolutely matters! Even when I'm just trying to get nice digital shots of grandchildren at family gatherings, the quicker focusing time and frame rate of my new Canon gives me lots more good images than I was catching with my previous camera. I was better than my equipment before; now my equipment is better than me, and I feel challenged to make the best use of what I've got. Thanks Tony and Chelsea for stoking my new enthusiasm.

[@GeraldBertramPhotography]

I think you nailed it here. For the lesser experienced gear greatly matters. All this modern technology helps more amateur photogs take photos that only years ago were only in the realm of the very experienced photographer.

[@Blue_Newt_01]

Nearly all cameras from the last few years are capable of great work. It’s really a great time to be into photography. I’ve switched to purchasing my upgrade or “just for fun” cameras like I purchase my cars with purchasing used or refurbs on sale, and last yr/s model. Recently purchased a used Nikon DF and some old school manual focus lenses and am having a blast!

[@alanhoughton6166]

Love how you mention the manual focus lenses. During their discussion of bokeh, I was thinking of how cheap it is to get the great portrait lenses from the past. I have a few, but the Nikkor-P 180mm f/2.8 AI converted is one of my favorites and it just does that beautifully

[@Jonbark03]

Bahaha. Great video. “Tony, look at my cats whiskers”. Classic.

[@lyfandeth]

Forget two card slots, I lost an entire concert, from right up front, when one tiny screw jammed the ONE shutter in the camera. One shutter, one memory card, one lens, all the same, one of anything is why we carry two cameras.

[@LangstoniusRex]

'Because they are misusing science!' -falls out of chair laughing. Is Tony my spirit animal?

[@JonathanAcierto]

LangstoniusRex Actually, a true scientist is a skeptic and would test the hypothesis rather than just dismiss it. Scientism isn’t the same as science. 😋

[@LangstoniusRex]

@@JonathanAcierto 'Thats just like your opinion, man'

[@JonathanAcierto]

@@LangstoniusRex Hm, then all my science teachers who taught me the scientific method must have been wrong.

[@LangstoniusRex]

@@JonathanAcierto i get it. you _really_ need to be right. So...ok? You can go and let those science teachers know you stuck it to some guy on the internet, even though the point of the comment went past you like a satellite in orbit. *gives you all the gold stars*

[@isaacgibbs]

Great knowledge & usage of the tools is crucial to understanding the value of tools! It’s hard to value something you never had. I agree with Tony! You buy because of the maximum capability that might be exposed to. Don’t be disabled, be enabled! Tricky and touchy subject I know ... Knowing what you want to shoot specifically will help you, and allow you to understand the uses of the gear.

[@GermanViking]

Gear really matters when you are limited in order to do your work but at the same time is the best way to learn because you need to get the job done in the best possible way and that is also the beauty of getting your gear in a hard way at the appropriate stage of your career step by step.

[@BiggMo]

My Wallet wishes gear doesn’t matter. As a casual hobbyist it’s hard to justify the cost of glass. In the old days, we didn’t have the choices like today and it really came down to mostly talent, regardless of your social economic position . But today, It’s become a professional or rich persons art.

[@MrIanfurniss]

Simple truth is that you need the right tools for the job. If you don't have them, you can bodge it to a degree, but how much you are able to do that, will depend on how close the gear you have is, to the right gear for the job.

[@MichaelHodge]

Learn what you think you know about photography and it shall define what you need. Thanks, Tony & Chelsea Northrup. For that defining moment. Cheers!

[@pbhalerao62]

Thanks Tony and Chelsea for the great podcast. Like I too used to believe that gear doesn't matter until I switched from Nikon 70-300, f/4.5~5.6G ED VR to Nikon 70-200, f/2.8E FL ED VR. Needless to add that the results now are stunning.

[@Artyomthewalrus]

I think the "your gear doesn't matter" stands true. Skill is infinitely more important than gear in the vast majority of instances. Making beginners think it's so important to have a $4000 camera to make good images is not really realistic. Yes, gear does make a difference, but so many people make it sound like it's the be all end all of photography.

[@randomgeocacher]

Beginners benefit a lot from having lens option , so a kit zoom and some cheap vintage primes could be a starting point. Presuming beginner doesn’t have ton of hours to train and research, they may not build skill at the pace they need. And skill does not make their scene brighter, only lens, lights or better sensor can do that. (Why does my indoor photos look bad is a fairly common beginner question.)

[@jeffreywrightphotography]

The video is a bit of a straw man argument. I don't think anyone believes gear doesn't matter at all. The real argument is that gear doesn't matter as much as talent, practice, and vision, which Tony and Chelsea frequently point out so I know they aren't trying to say gear matters more than anything. Still, everything is relative and a lot of the arguments here are so case specific they don't really apply to most photographers including, I'm guessing, most followers of this channel. It's just my opinion but my guess is that most people saying gear doesn't matter are simply resisting the fairly recent shift in photography as a hobby from learning actual photography skills, history, composition, etc. toward it being taken over by gear heads into it because they like gear more than they actually like photography. This causes shifts in the photo industry where you have less affordable equipment that would satisfy the needs of most photographers. The argument that anyone should buy gear based on the maximum need rather than the average need is a spurious one. This is exactly why less and less people buy cameras and lenses in lieu of using a smartphone to take pictures, it satisfies most of most people's needs and the added cost of camera equipment for most people is too much money for not enough improvement. Most people don't print their pictures at all anymore, let alone print 8x10s or larger.

[@MilVinote]

Chelsea you have a really great sense of humor that gets me everytime thanks :D

[@fofdeejay]

I make pictures with my old sony slt a58 and love it and still can use your tips. A couple of good lenses help 😉. Enjoyed it again 👍

[@etaabyarn]

Trust me, gear matters !

[@unclchunk]

No. I dont trust you

[@bobcartledge5250]

Gear totally matters. Try taking a photo with a YO-YO!

[@ronmorris1199]

Thanks for the tip. Great results. Who would've thought?

[@EduardBrichuk]

If only a YO-YO wasn't soo expensive compared to camera gear.

[@jeepjoseph9036]

I feel like people have on gurushots

[@danwray5626]

So right! I have tested landscape photos side-by-side between my Sony a9 and a Fuji GFX 50r using the 32-64 zoom. On screen it is easy to tell which has more dynamic range and resolution. Clearly the medium format.

[@SR-sg7qk]

I fully agree with everything you guys are saying. I bought a certain long lens 4 yrs ago and a new one came out and side by side. I ended up selling old one and bought new one. So its completely true on comparing. But it's all about a person's needs and pocket money to get gear. Pros and cons is what it comes to.

[@Alorand]

The "you don't need gear" photographer must think themselves to be the modern Diogenes who threw away his cup after he saw a child drinking water by cupping her hands.

[@yoganathannatarajan4835]

True gear doesnt make art. Its the man behind the machine. But at the same time, appropriate gear makes your work easier

[@Larimmar]

Good gear helps to emphasize your artistic work. It shouldn't be either one or the other.

[@jsavak99]

Glad you made this video to clear up the LIES being spewed by other photographers

[@bunkermagnus]

"She can't read now." that's the Chelsea humor, snappy and witty! This was a great entertaining episode, thanks!

[@JoeMaranophotography]

Your gear doesn't matter...unless its Micro Four Thirds in which case Tony and Chelsea can use it - just not you! 🤣

[@cyberwarfare9118]

Yeah, it annoys me that this video doesn't seem to address why people shoot certain formats to begin with, especially with the shallow depth of field argument. Obviously, you do a lot of wildlife photography and the Panaleica 100-400 is one of the best telephotos you can buy for the money, period, so the IBIS, reach and lens selection of M43 would suit you. Someone else might only do portraits in good light, so they could get away with the cheapest full frame camera possible and a single fast prime.

[@JoeMaranophotography]

@@cyberwarfare9118 Agree totally. I think its impossible to get the results I get for less. Someone with many many years more experience than me would be able to get NatGeo winning shots no doubt.

[@BertrandVan]

Of course gear matter but you deal with what you have and take out the best of your gear! I'm "stuck" in time with my 550d (t2i) and still have fun with it and it all matter....no?

[@gregdarroch1946]

I'll give you just one example where gear was not only important, but vital. An ex prime minister (of Australia) gave a speech in my home town. How did I get him to look at me for the photograph? I did it by having the best gear in the room, and he assumed I was a professional and therefore posed for me in particular. Not really the sort of reason you would expect, but it was a case where gear absolutely mattered. Politicians are like that. These days I don't have the best gear, because I'm retired and have a skiing addiction that costs around $20 000 per year. I can either ski, or have great camera gear, but not both.

[@michaelogden5958]

I love watching you guys! I don't always agree with you but you're always entertaining. Cheers!

[@squarekitchen4106]

The tools don’t make the chair, Better tools will not limit your creativity, rather will inspire you to learn and be better.

[@amespointer]

What matters is knowing how to use the gear and knowing which gear to use, and when. Just buying expensive stuff and expecting it to be amazing. Know your craft, fill your tool box, and know how to use the tools like an expert.

[@alansach8437]

Well put! Fact is that the majority of photographers, especially amateur photographers, never learn how to use the capabilities of the gear they own before they are convinced by manufacturers that they "need" new gear to "unlock their potential "! Bull! What they really need is to learn how to use what they have, and take lots of pictures! How many can honestly say, "I have pushed my current equipment to the limit!"? I've watched many photographer friends buy fancy new gear only to totally ignore the new features and shoot exactly like they shot the old one.

[@robertcudlipp3426]

The skills of the photographer, not the most expensive gear, have and will always be the most important piece of ""gear"" in the kit.

[@szbert]

Good episode. Interesting points. I keyed in on Tony's comment, "sometimes the greatest moments in photography are spontaneous, and you can't necessarily plan ahead. " This is so true. It's why I recently bought an a6000 and a few 'decent' lenses that I keep in my work briefcase/backpack. I have it with me throughout the work day, and because I have it, I've been able to get some very nice images of things that I'd never otherwise been able to capture (Don't even start on my phone camera LOL). This has helped to make me a better photographer because I'm shooting more. However, if I compare the quality of the images from that a6000 to my D850 with my best Nikon and Sigma glass -- it's not even close. Gear does matter. You can improve your skills with inexpensive gear. But when you need the best shot, you need the best gear you can afford.