Lots of people ask me what camera do you use. What lens do you use? I know photographers who like to keep everything secret but I’m not one of them so … here is my evolution of gear since I took my photography really seriously:

I started comparing many camera models and I came to a conclusion that I need something light, inexpensive because at that time I wasn’t sure if I will take this photography thing seriously or not. So, the answer was a used Sony mirrorless camera “Sony NEX-5N 16.1 MP Compact Interchangeable Lens”. However, I didn’t like their lenses so after doing an intensive research I ended up with buying new Nikon 35mm lens the “Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens “. But how can Nikon lens works with Sony camera? It can via adapter (either manual or electronic – or in other words with manual focus or auto focus). I bought “Nikkor G Lens To Nex Adapter” and I did my first photographic travel in October 2012 to Turkey. Went for 5 days alone and used only this combo.

After that I put a plan to buy lenses to cover the entire focal lengths (if you don’t know what “focal length” is? then check my photography 101 workshop) especially that I was going to U.S. that summer, I just love U.S. So, I decided to buy: A new “Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8” & a used “Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye” & a new “Techart EF to Nex” adapter.

After that I decided that I need to use auto focus instead of manual focus since I was losing many shots due to not having fast focusing camera and since the “Sony NEX-5N 16.1 MP Compact Interchangeable Lens” can’t do that I bought a new “5D Mark iii body only” (why not 5D mark ii because the technology is better, more focusing points and speed, high ISO performance, and many small functions here and there). I looked at my collection and I was missing a really fast lens so I invested in buying a New “Canon EF 50mm f/1.4” and I wanted to try Zeiss lenses since everyone swears buy it picture quality is different and it actually is so I bought at the same time a New “Zeiss Distagon ZE 35mm f/2 for Canon EOS”. Now, I covered focal lengths from 15 till 200mm all with no more than 2.8 aperture, that was my strategy. It is an expensive one but it is what I need.

A tripod is an important piece of equipment especially for certain kind of photography; I decided to invest in a good carbon fiber tripod since you buy it once in a lifetime. New “Benro Travel Angel II Tripod” plus a Used “Joby GP3 GorillaPod Tripod” were my choices.

I sent my Zeiss lens to be fixed since it was not working properly and that took time. So, I was about to travel and I needed that focal length and after doing an intensive research I decided to buy a new “Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8” ii and sell the Zeiss since the Zeiss team told me that they will replace it with a new one so no value lost here (or as i thought).

A backup camera is important thing to me since i carry my camera everyday to any place. So, in some days i don't want to carry the 5D, i wanted something lighter. After an intensive research, I settled on buying the super fast focus machine i.e. the Sony A6000. I didn't like the kit lens so i decided to buy the body only and to have Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens. Its light, covers a huge focal length (equivalent 27mm to 157mm) and its "an ok" fast at f4. 

after a while, I wanted to venture into landscape and printing my photos and thought Sony's A7r  will be the suitable camera for the job: Small form factor, high megapixel, and great Sony dynamic range and shadow recovery (not to mention Zeiss glass). This was the plan until Sony announced the A7rii … I was hooked. It was my first photography equipment I ever “pre-ordered”. Why? Because it blow me away with its specs.

So, this was the evolution of my gear. If you need any help with buying gear, by telling me your photographic aspirations and needs, I will direct you in the right way* **.

*How to buy  camera gear, which suits your photography style, will be part of “one-on-one critiquing session” workshop. Please go to the workshop page for more information.

**I'm registered with Amazon affiliate program and when you click on these products links Amazon gives me some commission (small piece of the pie). So please go and click on some links right now :) Khaled J. Abdulla is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to (amazon.com).