My current roster of photo (and video) gear which I’ve accumulated over the years as a lifelong photographer and photo hobbyist / enthusiast is detailed on the various pages of the “gear” menu.
Nikon has been my camera & lens brand of choice since buying my first SLR, a Nikon Nikkormat, when I was sixteen. Even though there are other excellent professional camera brands on the market (e.g., Leica, Canon, & Sony), remaining loyal to Nikon over the years with its now over 100 years of market leadership, innovation, and optical excellence has been both practical and rewarding. While no camera brand and its system is perfect, Nikon still continues to consistently delight !!
Unless one has very little gear or is just starting out on a photography journey, would suggest sticking with one good brand with an existing, well developed system. Because once one has acquired a fair amount of gear (i.e., cameras, lenses, & accessories) to change brands one must accept the …
- financial cost of switching (i.e., selling the used gear of one brand and buying new of another),
- time required to learn the new brand features, functionality, and menu system and develop the necessary muscle memory to make using the gear automatic, and
- likelihood of missing out on exciting new products (like the Nikon Z9, Nikon Z8, and Nikon Z6III) from the brand just left.
Having access to all of this gear, however, does not make one a better photographer. This gear is merely an array of tools one can use to tell a story. And in many cases one could achieve the same results using the smartphone camera in one’s pocket.
🎈📸🎉 Arriving In 2025 🎉📸🎈
So far this year have added two new cameras to my kit (i.e., the Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z6III) and sold two older ones (i.e., a Nikon Z6II and Nikon Z6). Thankfully, purchased the new cameras before the US imposed a 36% tariff on imports from Thailand where the majority of Nikon cameras are manufactured. Timing is everything.
Might acquire a new lens later this year; either the Nikkor Z 600mm f/6.3 S VR or Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR. Would enjoy the additional reach afforded by these lenses with wildlife photography.
Would love to have my own copy of the Nikkor 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens, but it’s USD $15k+ cost and my limited use case for the lens would make it a poor use of my disposable income. But when a use case does present itself, will not hesitate to get a loaner from Nikon Professional Services (if available) or rent/buy used from Lens Rentals, KEH, or MPB.
Also continuing to explore the acquisition in the future of a high-end point and shoot camera such as a 28mm Leica Q3, 43mm Leica Q3 43, or 35mm Fujifilm X100VI for travel, family, and street photography.
Last updated 5-Apr-2025.
