What lens did you use? What camera was this taken with?

What lens did you use? What camera was this taken with? 


Cameras are exciting gadgets, and obsession with photographic gear can be a trap all too easy to fall into. But remember, a camera is just a tool. When a carpenter builds some stairs, you don't ask them what hammer they used to build them, do you? The hammer had no bearing on the outcome of the stairs. It's just a hammer. A camera, like a hammer, is just a tool needed to do the job.

In the past, I would obsess over my camera equipment, always wanting a new lens or more megapixels, and believe me, I've owned some 'rubbish' gear over the years. But with every new purchase, I'd take the same photos, in the same way, with the same outcome. The camera or lens was never an influential part of the process.


Yes, you have the medium format monsters from Hasselblad, Phase One, Fujifilm, and tired, misguided full-frame snobbery. I used to drool over those megapixel behemoths. Now I have no interest in any camera other than the one I own. OK, OK, I'd like a Fujifilm GFX! I did say gear envy was an easy trap to fall into, didn't I?

The best way to avoid camera gear envy is to imagine what a great photographer can achieve using your gear.

The answer. Amazing photographs. It's that simple. The internet is full of irritating quotes, such as "the best camera is the one in your hand" and the classic "your eyes are the best camera". And while these sayings sound like annoying, pompous waffle lifted from a photography book, they're true. They'll save you a fortune while helping you identify genuine ways to improve your photography skills.

So, back to the question.

What lens did you use? What camera was this taken with? 

It's not important. Go out and shoot with the gear you own, confident whichever camera you use to take a photo is more than up to the task.