Finding the right camera for YOU
Finding the right camera for YOU can be really tricky. Now I can only speak from my own experiences on this topic. This post will give you some of the resources you need to make that decision to purchase a new camera.
If you are considering purchasing a new camera there are a number of things to consider, mainly your budget and what you will be using the equipment for. For disc golf, I recommend getting a camera that is mirrorless and a 28-300mm lens.
If I had the opportunity to have one of every camera brand, without a doubt I would experiment with every single one of them to find out what I like best. But even then, every situation is different and I am sure that I would still enjoy having a variety of cameras for photographing different things.
Overall, I have always been a Canon user. The thing that always sold me on Canon is their glass – what can I say? I really love their lenses! I have owned three different Canon bodies over the years: the Rebel, Canon 7D and now the Canon EOS-R.
The best part about the EOS-R is having the capability to shoot mirrorless (without the noise of the shutter). Really, I don’t know how I ever managed to photograph disc golf without this capability before. Silence is golden and utterly necessary in the field in a sport that relies so much on concentration.
I’m not going to lie, it does have its quirks especially with movement. Warped looking images are not uncommon. I will often capture images where the disc in flight looks as small as a mini or the person/subject is distorted. The reality is that is an issue I have seen across the board with all mirrorless cameras. I personally need to do more research on this topic myself, but I just want you to know that it is an issue that will hopefully get corrected in time with changes in technology.
I always keep three lenses in my bag at all times: a 28-300mm, 24mm and 50mm. The 28-300mm is my do-it-all lens and is perfect for disc golf. I fell in love with my Tamaron 28-300mm in 2009 when I captured Avery Jenkins’ winning putt with it at the 2009 PDGA World Championships and since then I have upgraded to a Canon model. I use that lens at every event in almost all circumstances.
The Canon 28-300mm white lens was on my wish list for years until I eventually saved enough to purchase it. It’s not cheap, at $1,800 that is just the lens and I didn’t even buy it brand new, it was refurbished though Canon. In my opinion that is such a great way to save money on camera equipment (buying refurbished) because brand new it would have been $2,500.
The other lenses in my bag are the 24mm and 50mm. The 24mm is perfect for wide-angle images I love using this for landscapes or street photography. It is a pancake lens! The 24mm is so flat and has such a short focal length that allows for more light to hit the camera’s sensor faster – making it perfect for low light situations. In a disc golf tournament setting however, if I am not using my 28-300mm I will use my 50mm. What I love about this lens is the low aperture because I create images that look more stylistic and just the look of the final product from a fixed lens is so much more appealing.
Honestly, if I did not go with Canon it would have been Sony. Ultimately it was the Canon lenses that won me over. In my research before I made the decision between these two brands I looked at what two of my favorite photographers (Sam Hurd and Chris Burkard) were using and read their reviews before I made my $5,000 decision to buy new equipment.
Sam Hurd is a very well known portrait photographer in the Washington, D.C. area and he will often review camera equipment by posting those reviews on his website. Also Sam Hurd’s Patreon is very informative, I highly recommend checking it out. Chris Burkard is a Sony Ambassador and is widely known for his commercial photography work in the outdoor space. I consider both of these photographers highly reputable sources to look into.
In all when you do make that decision my number one recommendation is to consider your budget and what you will mostly be using this equipment for. If you are just getting started, you might want to get a base model like the Canon Rebel – though you might want to consider something that is mirrorless if you are getting into disc golf photography (note that the price does get a little bit steeper with this added feature).
You can always experiment before you buy. If there is a local camera shop near you, you can look at their different cameras in store just so you can get a feel for what you are looking for. You can also rent equipment online (ProGear and Lensrentals.com are two great sources for that).
I purchased the Canon EOS-R a few years ago now, they are constantly releasing new camera bodies. It is a battle you just cannot win with growing technology. Check out Canon USA’s website for the latest.
Remember that simple is always best! You don’t need to break the bank and get a whole lot of equipment. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions on this topic.
