I started my Photography journey way back in 1988 when I purchased a Zenit 12XP SLR. It was basic, but allowed me to learn the technical essentials of photography. Over the years I also dabbled with medium format - using a Lubitel 166U (6x6 and 6x4.5 negatives).
I gravitated towards nature photography from the outset.
In 1988, I decided to upgrade my SLR to a more modern, and featured camera and went with the Canon system. I chose an EOS630 and that lasted me until I bought an EOS 1n in late 1999.
My first digital camera was a cheap Panasonic Lumix 1.4mp digital compact, purchased circa 2002. By 2003, I had gone fully digital, purchasing a used Canon D60 (not to be confused with the Nikon camera of the same name).
After this, I purchased a heavily used Canon EOS1D. It may have been only 4mp, and 2mp less than the D60, but the image quality from the CCD sensor was amazing.
I sold my 1D to partially fund a used 1D Mark IIn and in all honesty, regretted it. I found the image quality simple not as good as my 1D.
I upgraded to a brand new 60D mid-2011 and used that camera until late 2022, when I switched to a used 7DII in November 2022. It was a nice step up from my trusty 60D.
In August 2022, after 4 months of my journey into birding photography, I decided to purchase a used, but mint Canon EOS 500mm f4 IS L version 1 lens. I found the step up in quality from my other L series lenses to be worth the cost.
In December 2022, I purchased a new R3 - my first foray into the world of mirrorless cameras. I followed this up with the R10 in April 2023. I am now happily migrated to the modern MLC and would never go back to a DSLR.
I bought my first Leica camera (IIIf) and several lenses to suit in May 2023. I'd always wanted a Leica! I also purchased a Voigtlander Bessa L at the same time.
I am amazed at how the camera has changed over the course of the past 35 years. Comparing my R3 to the Zenit 12XP is a night and day experience.
My current gear comprises of:
Canon EOS R3
Canon EOS R10
Canon EOS 1n
Leica IIIf
Voigtlander Bessa L
Canon 50mm f1.8 II
Canon 50mm f1.4
Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L (original, non-IS)
Canon 300mm f4 IS L
Canon 20-35mm f2.8 L
Sigma 150mm EX HSM APO macro
Canon 24-105mm f4 L
Canon 500mm f4 IS L v1
Kenko extension tubes (EF)
The camera and lens are simply a means to an end to record an image.