U4D: Looking back at the Photography Wishlist

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Back in May I did a post on my photography wishlist. I did it for some fun, but I also knew there were things on that list that I did really want. Since then, I’ve changed my mind about some of them, still want some and have got some. I am going to repost what I wrote here for you and put in the updates.

So here is my wishlist.

  • A new camera, a Nikon D810 or D750. I am not sure which. I think they are both great cameras.

I would still like a new camera, though I think I would go for the D810 by Nikon now. Still with what I know and the gear I have, it does make sense to stick with it. I’ve been noticing a lot of hot pixels when I do long exposures and I’m wondering if that is just something I have to put up with, or if it is something that happens with older cameras.

  • A 28-300mm lens by Nikon. I love this lens and would really love my own.

When I had this lens I couldn’t imagine living without it, but since I haven’t had it since June, I can’t say I have really missed it. I manage very well with what I have. If I could have anything I think I would wish my 24-70mm was a little longer, so maybe the 24-120mm would be a better lens for me. 

  • Maybe a Nikon 24mm Tilt Shift lens. I like architecture and wonder if I should get one, but then I was with someone recently who had one and it was a bit of mucking around to get the photos, so not so sure now.

I have now decided that I don’t think I could be bothered with it. So this is also coming off the list.

  • A slightly smaller tripod, I would like some new carbon fibre legs from Gitzo.

This is still on the list, though I think I have found the one I want, only it is from Benro instead. I’ve been loaned a travel tripod from them to try out and if I’m honest, I really don’t want to give it back. Actually, I think I’ve made up my mind I won’t be. Hoping I can get a good deal. It is exactly what I wanted. It is light to carry around most of the time and great for photographing the city.

  • A geared Really Right Stuff tripod head with a L bracket.

I finally got my L bracket, but not from them. I found a great alternative from Sunwayfoto. I also got a new top bit for my tripod so the L bracket fits it very easily. It is great. The bracket is like the Arca Swiss brackets, so fits all those as well.

I love the L bracket and it has been one of the best purchases I’ve made. I had got one from Manfrotto, a total waste of money. I hated it.

  • Complete set of Formatt Hitech ND Filters for my Nikon 14-24mm lens.

I have to say this has been a long time wish and I finally got some last week. I haven’t had a chance to try them out yet, but I will be very soon. I got the holder and the 10 stop and 16 stop for that lens.

  • Pay for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for about 5 years.

This is still very much on the wishlist. I couldn’t live without these programs so it would be nice to just get them.

  • Maybe a Tamron 150-600mm lens.

I haven’t really been out taking bird photos for so long, and, if I’m honest, I have never really thought of myself as a bird photographer. I think I could take this off my list.

  • New laptop.

This is still on it. My husband and I are having small disagreements over which I should get. He thinks I should get something that will be a lot more expensive, and I don’t think I need one that good.

I can’t think of anything else. Is your list close to mine? What would you get?

If you want to see what you might have said here is the link to the previous post, My Photography Wishlist.

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Bolte Bridge, Docklands. I used this image for MM, but it was monochrome.

Changes

There are things that have changed and things that I want that are more to do with photography in general rather than just with gear.

Ambassador

I keep seeing this word being used for many other photographers and it carries a lot of weight, but I don’t seem to be able to get anyone to think that I am good enough to be an ambassador for. It is frustrating and quite depressing really. I don’t know what else I have to do.

seafarers-bridge-yarrariver-docklands-melbourne

 

Writing

I am really enjoying the life of a writer and I would like to do a lot more of it. I would like to write for magazines as well. I would be more than happy to earn most of my money from it.  I don’t know if that is possible anymore, but I am going to continue trying.

I’m also planning on doing a lot more writing for this blog. As I said previously, I do want to start doing reviews, perhaps some tutorials, some articles on photography. Time is going to be my biggest factor. It would also be good if I could get companies to advertise or sponsor posts. Though, having said that, I need to be clear that the posts would always be about photography. I’ve been approached in the past and so far have turned many down because I don’t like what they want me to do for them.

Finally

I think that is about it really. I keep hoping that some of the opportunities that other photographers get will swing by my way, but it isn’t looking hopeful.

How is your wishlist going? Have you changed you mind about some things? Maybe you have been able get some of the items you wanted? Let me know.

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29 Comments

    1. That’s a great thing to wish for Julie, I hope you get it. Thank you Julie, and thanks for sharing what you would like.

  1. Hi Leanne. My evolving list is now one of three cameras; a Sony 5000 (prior model) an Olympus epl7 or a Panasonic DMV GM. All with kit lens as any of these would fit in cargo pockets or almost hide in your hand. I would also like a 20mm equivalent lens (10-15mm) for these crop sensor cameras as I find 28mm equivalent too narrow at times. A 55-200 (approximate) zoom would round this out pretty well as it would give me up to 400mm equivalent on two of those cameras and 300 on the Sony. These all have small batteries so spares would finish my list.

    I think your writing is great too, same as those who have said so here. Stay positive 😀

    1. Hey Robert, that sounds like a great wishlist.It looks like you have really thought about it. I hope you get some or all of it, well one of the cameras at lease.

      Thank you, that is wonderful of you to say. I will do my best, and thank you for sharing your wishlist. 😀

  2. I enjoyed reading your wish list, Leanne!

    New for me this year, and after much thought (and renting both to try them out), was the D810 and the 28-300.
    The 810 is an amazing camera. It is heavy (I also have the battery grip), but I knew that, and it does not affect anything that I do. Although some say there is no real need for those extra megapixels, I find that they come in VERY handy!! 🙂

    The 28-300 is SO versatile. It obviously does not replace every lens in that focal range, but when traveling, for the most part, this is the only lens I take with me.

    I hope you get many of the things on your list!

    1. That’s great Lisa.
      The D810 would be great and while I had the 28-300mm I loved it, I used it most of the time. It is heavy, but I think you get used to it, I don’t really notice it until someone else picks up my camera.
      Thank you Lisa, it would be nice, maybe one day.

  3. My wishlist, improving the eye and skill level. Equipment is nice but it always come down to the skill and vision in capturing the moment.

    1. That is a great thing to put on your wishlist, that I am sure it will just happen over time. So very true, thanks for that David.

  4. I love you’re images. They are some of my favorite art. How exciting that you are doing more writing. You are good at it. I can never stop reading before the end. Like this post, which is so good. What a great idea. I like seeing the progression of your wish list. Congrats on the ND filters. Since then I have acquired my long-awaited wide angle lens. I have to say it was a good investment. I use it a lot but also had to learn to take it off and use my other lenses. I did that with my Campbell shots so I’m congratulating myself. The wide angle is only for certain things.

    1. Thank you Nicci, what a lovely thing to say. I am enjoying the writing and seeing who else I can write for. That’s great to hear. Oh yes, the wishlist, always changing. That is great that you are figuring out that the wide angle shouldn’t be used for everything. It is hard to change lenses sometimes, it is something I’m getting much better at. Thank you so much Nicci.

  5. Interesting post, Leanne. Like many responders, my equipment wish list seems to evolve over time. I wonder what responses might show up on a “skills wish list.” In my case, that involves learning ways to improve my post-processing, as well as composition, abilities.

    1. Thank you Robin, that is an interesting idea. Though I am finding my post processing is coming along and I like what I’ve been doing. I think I’m okay with composition, I guess you could say my degree taught me that a lot. I suppose if it was away from gear, there are images I want to get. both here and overseas, so maybe I could do more on that. Great response Robin.

  6. Great post, interesting list, and some wonderful photos on your galleries (although Country Victoria and Tasmania don’t bring anything up – just a reference in square brackets). Based on your wish-list, I assume you’re a Nikon user at the moment – but there’s nothing on the site to tell me this. I actually think that’s a good thing – I’m one of those people that are more interested in the images than the gear – but I wonder if it might work against you in your drive to become an ambassador?

    Must confess I don’t have a wants list – maybe a CC subscription to LR and PS? A lightweight tripod does sound good though. But most of all… time!

    Keep up the great work!
    Derek

    1. Hi Derek, yes, I know about those galleries, I need to redo them. I was using a plugin and the plugin went weird and things stopped working properly. Yes, I use Nikon, I suppose I have been cagey about it because if you give away all that then what is the point in them sponsoring posts, etc. It is a bit of a catch 22 really. I have had information on the site before, but it still didn’t get me anywhere. I am a bit the same, but we still need certain things to get those images. We will see what happens.

      You are lucky, though mine is just a wishlist, and if I’m honest I have pretty much everything I want these days. The lightweight tripod has been great. I love the Benro one.

      Thanks Derek, will do my best to.

  7. My wish list hasn’t changed much. Today I probably would replace the M.Zuiko 300mm f4 IS Pro with a Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH. I am going on a cruise in Alaska next year and I think the 800mm equivalent will suit me well. It being a zoom will also allow me to use it in more situations.
    Unfortunately I haven’t acquired anything on the wish list.

    1. That sounds like a great upgrade. The cruise to Alaska sounds amazing as well. Keep wishing and maybe you will. Thanks for telling up yours.

  8. I really enjoy reading your posts and seeing your amazing work … I’m hoping that big ship comes in for you ⛴⛵️🚤 Great work Leanne. Liz x

  9. On my wish list, is less about new equipment, rather than another trip to India, than Myanmar and Cuba, to capture the spirit of those countries. These are my near future wishes, yet there are so many more countries I’d like to explore with my cameras Nikon D 600 and D 7000

  10. Great post Leanne. I like to read what professional photographers want to buy. In my wishlist is a LAOWA 15mm f/4 Wide Angle 1:1 Macro Lens. I like to take photos of my Lego and miniature toys. I found this lens watching videos on YouTube last week. I think I’m going to have better photos and compositions with the 15mm. For now I’m using my 24mm pancake lens of Canon.
    Thank you 🙂

  11. Enjoyed reading this Leanne, that’s a big list of photo goodies. I’ve no idea what the lenses you mention are for specifically. I have the Nikkor 70-300 which does everything I need for the moment but am sure I’ll try others in time. Been working lots, no time for getting better acquainted with my D3300. ☺️

    1. That is great John, I saw you got a new camera, which is great, I’m sure once you have time you will get out with it a lot more. Thank you.

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