Tom Mason
Tom Mason
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Join me on Safari | Catch up and events happening this week (Birdfair + Wex Photo Video London)
Hey guys Tom here!
Just a quick video catch up really to tell you about a few things that have been going on / are coming up in the next week etc!
For those who rant already, if you want to keep ahead of what I'm up to be sure to join my mailing list, its the first place that workshops and tours get listed, so be sure to sign up here subscribepage.io/TomMasonPhoto
My Botswana Photo safari (re visiting the areas featured in my Africa video series) is now live. You can get all the details over on the Wildfoot pager here www.wildfoottravel.com/itinerary/6796/botswana-photo-tour-with-special-guest-tom-mason-small-group-max-8-pax
Its going to be a great opportunity to join me on safari with loads of tuition and photography focused time to help you with your own shooting! Places are very limited with some already sold out so be sure to book soon to avoid missing out, I probably won't be running this trip every year!
This week I'm at two events, giving a talk @WexPhotoVideo in Putney on Thursday night tickets on sale here with all the details!
events.wexphotovideo.com/in-conversation-with-tom-mason-on-photographing-local-wildlife-3711
and we can't forget the Birdfair coming up this weekend! I'll be with the @NikonEurope team on the stand all weekend, so drop by to ask any questions, try out gear or just say hello!
As I said, lots has been going on in the background here but don't worry I'll have videos for you all soon! Hopefully I'll have my Z6 III shortly so will have a chance to put it through its paces for some wildlife photography!
I hope to see some of you guys this week at any of the above but until the next one, get out there and enjoy your wildlife photography!
As always if you have any questions or want to know anything, drop me a message in the comments or you can find me on instagram @TomMasonPhoto.
zhlédnutí: 1 299

Video

5 Steps to IMPROVE YOUR WILDLIFE photography in 2024 | Pro tips to develop your work
zhlédnutí 6KPřed 5 měsíci
Hey Guys, So today I want to share 5 really important stages in taking your wildlife photography up a notch in 2024, looking at how to consistently and effectively improve your work, focusing not on the gear or easy camera knowledge but more the systems and processes and habits that are great to get into if you want to keep your work fresh and constantly evolving! I'd love to hear your tips for...
My WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY from 2023 | A look back at some of my favourite images from last year!
zhlédnutí 7KPřed 5 měsíci
How's it going guys! I hope you are doing well and 2024 has got off to a good start for all of you with some cracking wildlife photography opportunities! Now in this video I thought we would revisit last year and a few of my favourite shots from 2023, breaking down the images, how they were captured and a few of the reasons I personally love these photographs. One of the most important ways to ...
My wildlife photography CAMERA GEAR for Polar Bears | Nikon Z9, Z8, 600mm Z TC, 300 PF !
zhlédnutí 6KPřed 6 měsíci
As I'm always asked about the gear I use when out on location, I wanted to follow on from my last video (on photographing Polar Bears in Churchill) to give you a look inside the bag and kit I took with me up onto the ice! Choosing the right gear can be a headache sometimes, especially if you are limited with weight and baggage sizes for airline travel, so in this video I wanted to discuss some ...
Wildlife photography POLAR BEARS with the NIKON 600mm f4 Z TC a DREAM SHOOT with Churchill Wild!
zhlédnutí 9KPřed 6 měsíci
Hello and merry Christmas everyone! I thought I'd save this adventure for the festive season! Back in November I had the most incredible opportunity to head over to Canada, out onto the sea ice of Hudson Bay to walk alongside Polar bears! As you can imagine this was rather a dream trip for me, the Polar bear having been a subject of my ambitions for more than two decades, it was fantastic to ge...
Photographers desk setup | Office tour 2023, Image Editing and YouTube space as a wildlife pro
zhlédnutí 9KPřed 9 měsíci
Hey Guys! Today we are talking about my new office space! It's been a long time in the making, but having moved house I finally had a chance to redesign and build out my office space. A place for me to get to work editing images, filming videos and taking calls, whilst also providing a space to store and organise my kit and work on camera trap and other design projects right at home! There are ...
Nikon Z9 or Z8 for wildlife photography? What camera should you buy and why I have both!
zhlédnutí 28KPřed 11 měsíci
Hey Guys, Today I wanted to do a quick video talking about the Z8 and Z9 and discuss a few of the key reasons why you might want to pick one over the other for your own wildlife photography! I had a great time at the weekend discussing this very topic with loads of Nikon shooters at the Birdfair in the UK so thought this might help a few of you out, if you're looking at these two rather epic ca...
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY on location, getting close to Hares in the rain with Nikon Z9 + 600mm Z TC
zhlédnutí 9KPřed rokem
So I'm back with a second video from my time on Havergate island. I had some really varied conditions this year with myself spending a fair amount of time lying in the rain! In this episode I'm back out getting VERY close to the wildlife to give you a little taste of just how special it is out on Havergate! By popular request next year in 2024, I will be running a few select day tours to the is...
Photographing Hares with the Nikon 600mm f4 Z TC | Wildlife photography on location
zhlédnutí 11KPřed rokem
Hey guys well it's been a while, but I've been rather busy! Multiple shoots and jobs as well as some big life changes have mixed up the schedule somewhat, but a few weeks ago I was back on RSPB Havergate with my beloved Hares for some more wildlife photography with the Z9 and 600mm f4 Z TC! Oh and yes I know I say I "don't have the 300mm 2.8" but thats just for this trip, that lens isn't going ...
Nikon Z 400mm f4.5 for Wildlife Photography | Field test and review | lightweight long lens on Z9
zhlédnutí 32KPřed rokem
I'm back with another video and today we are talking about the Nikon Z 400mm f4.5! I was lucky enough to have this lens on loan for a few months and have been working with it in a variety of situations, photographing a range of subjects, a great chance to put this new lens to the test for some wildlife photography. I've certainly been impressed with the lens in all aspects, the focus is fast an...
Bird Photography with the Nikon 600mm F4 Z TC | Photographing Bitterns on location | Nikon Z9
zhlédnutí 18KPřed rokem
Hey Guys! So the kick off the new year I recently (and rather excitingly) took delivery of my own brand new Nikon 600mm f4 Z TC and couldn't wait to get it out into the field for some photography! One of the projects I've been focusing on lately is working with Bitterns close to home, with the birds often being shy and distant, it was the ideal time for a first real test of the 600mm. I love bi...
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY in the SNOW | on location with brown HARES | Nikon Z9 300mm 2.8 VR II
zhlédnutí 6KPřed rokem
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY in the SNOW | on location with brown HARES | Nikon Z9 300mm 2.8 VR II
Nikon 600mm F4 TC Z first look! Getting a first hands on with my next telephoto lens!
zhlédnutí 9KPřed rokem
Nikon 600mm F4 TC Z first look! Getting a first hands on with my next telephoto lens!
My tripods for Wildlife Photography : Gitzo Systematic, Ball head, Fluid Gimbal and traveller
zhlédnutí 31KPřed rokem
My tripods for Wildlife Photography : Gitzo Systematic, Ball head, Fluid Gimbal and traveller
Which Nikon Binoculars are right for you? Lineup rundown from the Birdfair | Monarch | Prostaff
zhlédnutí 28KPřed rokem
Which Nikon Binoculars are right for you? Lineup rundown from the Birdfair | Monarch | Prostaff
Nikon Z9 WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY in the UK | Alone with Brown Hares + Camera trap build
zhlédnutí 12KPřed 2 lety
Nikon Z9 WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY in the UK | Alone with Brown Hares Camera trap build
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY alone on an Island with the Nikon Z9 and 70-200 f2.8 | Hare Island Episode 1
zhlédnutí 7KPřed 2 lety
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY alone on an Island with the Nikon Z9 and 70-200 f2.8 | Hare Island Episode 1
Nikon 800mm f6.3 PF | Thoughts from the cabin | new ultra telephoto lens for WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
zhlédnutí 13KPřed 2 lety
Nikon 800mm f6.3 PF | Thoughts from the cabin | new ultra telephoto lens for WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
The Nikon 800mm 6.3 PF | Wildlife Photography in the Arctic
zhlédnutí 45KPřed 2 lety
The Nikon 800mm 6.3 PF | Wildlife Photography in the Arctic
Nikon 800mm 6.3 PF EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK | A fantastic new option for wildlife photographers!
zhlédnutí 25KPřed 2 lety
Nikon 800mm 6.3 PF EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK | A fantastic new option for wildlife photographers!
Nikon Z9 For Wildlife Photography | First Impressions from the field 2
zhlédnutí 31KPřed 2 lety
Nikon Z9 For Wildlife Photography | First Impressions from the field 2
BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY, In the Buzzard hide with the Nikon D850 | Wildlife Photography on Location
zhlédnutí 22KPřed 2 lety
BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY, In the Buzzard hide with the Nikon D850 | Wildlife Photography on Location
Quick look | The Gitzo Legende traveller tripod and backpack. Sustainable designed photo gear!
zhlédnutí 10KPřed 3 lety
Quick look | The Gitzo Legende traveller tripod and backpack. Sustainable designed photo gear!
Wildlife Photography with the Nikon Z6 II | Firmware 1.1 updates and field testing on local Hares
zhlédnutí 14KPřed 3 lety
Wildlife Photography with the Nikon Z6 II | Firmware 1.1 updates and field testing on local Hares
Win my camera bag! 20k Giveaway Gitzo Adventury 30L | Scouting local Wildlife Photography Spots
zhlédnutí 8KPřed 3 lety
Win my camera bag! 20k Giveaway Gitzo Adventury 30L | Scouting local Wildlife Photography Spots
BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY on location with the Nikon 600mm f4 FL | Photographing Short-eared owls!
zhlédnutí 35KPřed 3 lety
BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY on location with the Nikon 600mm f4 FL | Photographing Short-eared owls!
Wildlife Photography Gift Guide. Gifts for photographers or a little self care at the end of 2020!
zhlédnutí 7KPřed 3 lety
Wildlife Photography Gift Guide. Gifts for photographers or a little self care at the end of 2020!
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY on location : A dull day in the hide! First test of the Tragopan Hokki V3
zhlédnutí 15KPřed 3 lety
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY on location : A dull day in the hide! First test of the Tragopan Hokki V3
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS look at the new Nikon Z6 II. Hands on first thoughts review.
zhlédnutí 47KPřed 3 lety
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS look at the new Nikon Z6 II. Hands on first thoughts review.
Wildlife Photography EDC - Essential accessories, What's in my pockets? Gitzo Mini, Maps and more!
zhlédnutí 15KPřed 3 lety
Wildlife Photography EDC - Essential accessories, What's in my pockets? Gitzo Mini, Maps and more!

Komentáře

  • @joshuadavid6562
    @joshuadavid6562 Před dnem

    I can’t believe the month I move out of Falmouth I find out you’ve moved down to Cornwall - if you start doing local workshops I’ll be kicking myself!

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před dnem

      Haha well yes I now live very close to there indeed! I’ll be running a few UK workshops but a few planned for Suffolk rather than this way just yet!

    • @joshuadavid6562
      @joshuadavid6562 Před dnem

      @@TomMasonPhoto I’ll be keeping my eye out then, best of luck exploring the fal estuary and the lizard!

  • @ajc1482
    @ajc1482 Před 4 dny

    Just picked a D850 up on WEX for £1003!....grade 7 with a 200K shutter but I've seen 850s with 600k on the shutter etc

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před 2 dny

      That's awesome stuff, I loved my D850 and at that price it would be hard to find a more capable camera!

  • @user-hq9iu7uj8c
    @user-hq9iu7uj8c Před 5 dny

    my 30" Cinema Display died a few months ago.. I went and got myself a studio display but I gotta admit I love the 30" Cinema Display

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před 2 dny

      Yeah the 30" cinema just has something special about it, the Matte screen, gorgeous size and retro/modern look just make it rather special!

  • @Norshuttle97
    @Norshuttle97 Před 6 dny

    Heading to Masai Mara today, first time on safari. Got the A7iv and many lenses packed, ready for some classic safari shots 😍

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před 6 dny

      Have fun! Hope you get some cracking encounters!

  • @johnhjic2
    @johnhjic2 Před 7 dny

    Hello Tim, If you are on the Nikon stand at the Birdfair I will see you there on Saturday.

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před 7 dny

      I shall be around for sure, looking forward to the weekend!

  • @antonoat
    @antonoat Před 7 dny

    Enjoy Africa Tom, can’t wait to see the photos! 👍👏😀

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před 7 dny

      Africa should be good fun next year, although I’ve got a few places on my list before then with videos to come!

  • @NikCan66
    @NikCan66 Před 7 dny

    This is great

  • @ericaceous1652
    @ericaceous1652 Před 7 dny

    See you at Birdfair

  • @Karkawry1970
    @Karkawry1970 Před 9 dny

    Just looking back at this one Tom, have you looked into the Flexshooter Pro as a kind of 'best of both worlds' ball/gimbal replacement?

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před 7 dny

      I think in future I’ll just take the ball head + my wimberley sidekick! Although these days I’m also looking into fluid options as well for filming!

  • @Jazz16-we1qc
    @Jazz16-we1qc Před 12 dny

    The 200-500 is a great bargain lens right now. I use it for closeups while event shooting. VR is amazing. It's sharp. Nice to be able to stand way back out of the way and zoom in. Way better deal than the 500 5.6, which is way too expensive and no zoom option. My kit:-- Domke J-3 bag, D850, 20mm 1.8, 35mm 1.8, 50mm 1.8, 70-200 FL, and 200-500 with a soft carry bag and strap. No job is too big. No fee is too big..... ghostbusters.

  • @budisetiawan6404
    @budisetiawan6404 Před 18 dny

    I'm old guy with -7 sunglasses, is that binoculars can help a lot ?

  • @ArmaturePhotographer
    @ArmaturePhotographer Před 19 dny

    Nikon d850 ahhhh 😫🥵

  • @howareyou5899
    @howareyou5899 Před 22 dny

    Longest lens is 300mm? Or I missed so there?

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před 22 dny

      Yes when I was in Botswana my longest was the 300 2.8 but I did have my 1.4tc with me so 420mm f4

    • @howareyou5899
      @howareyou5899 Před 22 dny

      @@TomMasonPhoto interesting. I found it too inconvenient to change lenses too much. I usually have 3 bodies with 500mm and 300mm glued to main two. The third is split between 90mm 1.4 and wide angle in darker conditions and 80-200 and wide angle during the day.

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před 22 dny

      @@howareyou5899 Yes I did also have three bodies - the D850 on the 300mm 2.8, the D5 on my 35mm 1.4 most of the time and then the Z6 on the 70-200 for a lot of the trip, although swapping to my 24-70 as well.

  • @limagepicture9023
    @limagepicture9023 Před 28 dny

    I bought my BV-20K last month and am using it on a Gitzo GT4553S. I mount my ZV-E1 on it with the 200-600mm powered via a Vmount battery to film the wildlife of the lake near my home 😉👍

  • @johansuetens5213
    @johansuetens5213 Před 29 dny

    I have been using the D850 in combination with the Nikkor 200-500 mm for bird photography for a year now and it is a beast! You cannot go wrong with this combo for still bird or wildlife photography.

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před 28 dny

      Yes its still one of the greatest cameras ever made and a truly excellent lens for the price!

  • @alarak2159
    @alarak2159 Před 29 dny

    That Owl composition is absolutely stunning Tom.

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před 28 dny

      Thank you! glad you like it, I was pretty happy with the shot!

  • @nighthawkawandrewwilkinson37

    hi tom ,i think your the best for advice in wildlife photography , how much to spend day with you

  • @andrewblagden4059
    @andrewblagden4059 Před měsícem

    Hi Tom Can I ask which gimbal head you are using on the small tripod please. Many thanks

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před měsícem

      Using my Gitzo fluid gimbal, it’s what I also use on my main Gitzo as well!

  • @mariemattsson824
    @mariemattsson824 Před měsícem

    I usually say that there are three things: patience, knowledge and respect. But consistency and especially intentionality are very important too. Good advice!

  • @nighthawkawandrewwilkinson37

    nice to see you back

  • @williamkelly7507
    @williamkelly7507 Před měsícem

    Great video and helpfull I have being thinging of moving to a z8 or z9 I think I lean more to the z9 now, I am using a d850 at the moment maily with 500mm ,f/4 vr and 300mm 2.8 vr 11 if I was to use theses lens on the Z9 with the nikon mount adapter will I loose quality or do I need to use Z lens

  • @danpsharpe
    @danpsharpe Před měsícem

    Great vid Tom! Super random question, but I can’t find it online. What are the dimensions of the lens hood? I’m trying to determine if it will fit in my bag. 😊

  • @rasmus_mattsson
    @rasmus_mattsson Před měsícem

    Beautiful shots and story! The last shot at 17:10 or so was brilliant! 😀

  • @andyvan5692
    @andyvan5692 Před měsícem

    great video, I have one of the gitzo vintage replica tripods {GK2380VQR}, with the GH2780VQR ball head, works great, small and have used it with my H1 and 300mm lens, but YES, do want the 4 series systematic now, the size of that ball head, really what I need for MF and long lenses. I shoot mainly architecture, landscape and seascapes, the long lens work is just for details, from afar, not wildlife, but still a great recommendation, as You are the first to actually mention MF in regards to capacity, THANKS.

  • @1225KPH
    @1225KPH Před měsícem

    12 minutes in and this guy is still talking about the size difference between the two cameras. Somebody please slap him.

  • @PhotoTrekr
    @PhotoTrekr Před měsícem

    My main tripod is a Gitzo that I bought over 20 years ago. Still works as good as the day I bought it. No regrets at all.

  • @wildlife351
    @wildlife351 Před měsícem

    Can i spot a big difference between swarovski and monarch m7 10x42? (I don't have binoculars experienced eye) If it makes sense i'm from 3-4 years in wildlife photography with 200-500mm and d750

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před měsícem

      The 42mm Nikon Monarch HG will give a much better view and light gathering ability, for a more compact option the 30mm HGs are great and my personal choice for 90% of my time working with binoculars!

    • @wildlife351
      @wildlife351 Před měsícem

      @@TomMasonPhoto How about swarovski? Is it better or is it worth it?

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před měsícem

      @@wildlife351 personally I swapped to the Nikons

  • @wildlife351
    @wildlife351 Před měsícem

    Hi! I would like to ask about m7 10x42 and HG 10x42. Is there any notisable difference i would spot with ease or no? Which one would you recommend me? (I'm shooting with 200-500mm f5.6 and nikon d750 if it would help you to tell me about the binoculars)

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před měsícem

      So between the two the key difference would be the field flattener in the HGs, you’ll get better edge sharpness that’s ideal for watching across the entire frame. Personally I’d be going for the HGs if you want the best performance in the 10/42 range

    • @wildlife351
      @wildlife351 Před měsícem

      @@TomMasonPhoto What is the difference between 10x42 and 10x30? I mean, what f-stop is equivalent to 42 and what to 30 if it could be measured like this? (How much less light will be with 30 compared to 42). (Is m7 10x30 an option too because i'm trying to be as on a budget and lightweight as possible)

  • @OllyBPlayz
    @OllyBPlayz Před měsícem

    Great video, very informative! What’s the best CFexpress card you think would work in the Z9 or Z8 that’s fast and good reading. Thanks

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před měsícem

      I like the Angelbird cards as they have great write speeds and performance - I also use the Manfotto ones too as I’ve found them to work great in the Z8 and Z9!

  • @antonoat
    @antonoat Před 2 měsíci

    Great video Tom, still dreaming about owning the 600mmf4 Z TC, what an epic piece of kit! Wildlife watching supplies are ace, I'll never forget Kevin did me a big favour many years back when I needed a lens cover in a hurry for my first 200-400f4VR1 when they first came out, I drove to his place and he used my lens for a pattern and made the cover while I waited, fantastic service, incidentally I still have that cover and it's like new despite much use! Looking forward to seeing news of your other trips this year, have a good one. Cheers.

  • @lindonfc
    @lindonfc Před 2 měsíci

    Great review. Its a shame Gitzo have discontinued this bag not sure why that is? So bought a Lowepro photosport 35L instead. Would have loved to do a comparison between the 2 bags. The Gitzo is definitely a more photocentric bag by the looks of it.

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před 2 měsíci

      I have a photosport 45 In my kit these days, it’s a far more hiking focused bag but with still a significant amount of room for camera gears that’s perfect - it’s also a lot more comfortable on longer hikes!

    • @lindonfc
      @lindonfc Před 2 měsíci

      @@TomMasonPhoto Thanks for the info Tom. Much appreciated. I contemplated going for the 45 also. I like the adjustable torso harness & the extra straps on waist belt to fine tune the fit. Shame the 35L hasn't got the same. I don't understand why all camera bag manufactures don't include torso adjustment. I reached out to Lowepro on the matter. They said they may at least include torso sizings in the future with bag specs etc. Nice that they listen to their customers. Regarding the 45, it's just a bit too big capacity wise. I would end up taking the kitchen sink. 🤣 Would be interesting if you did one of your comprehensive reviews just like on the Gitzo. Cheers John.

  • @Foolercze
    @Foolercze Před 2 měsíci

    Budget? It’s more expensive than my car

  • @RaymondGregory-uf9zn
    @RaymondGregory-uf9zn Před 2 měsíci

    That looks like a robust tripod cradle for the Nk300 f2.8. What is it?

  • @RaymondGregory-uf9zn
    @RaymondGregory-uf9zn Před 2 měsíci

    What tripod setup do you use with the nikkor 300mm f2.8?

    • @TomMasonPhoto
      @TomMasonPhoto Před 2 měsíci

      Check my tripod video out but usually my Gitzo 4 series + gimbal head, but if I want to be lighter the traveller 2 series is also perfect

  • @davedewdney
    @davedewdney Před 2 měsíci

    what am I doing wrong with my CZcams channel as only 142 subscribers? I’ve not been on much as depression but I will be back on soon. Thanks for sharing. Always good to watch your videos. I’m also like you use Nikon D3500 crop sensor with a sigma 150 to 600 contemporary lens

  • @SulakvelidzeCustom
    @SulakvelidzeCustom Před 2 měsíci

    To save everybody the time - z8 is smaller, lighter and cheaper by £1500. Not a single word about comparing the af speed with 500f4 or other telephoto lenses, not a word about modes or settings. What a useless video rattling about size and balance and how low you can get to the ground by an inch.

  • @gomez88
    @gomez88 Před 2 měsíci

    Thanks for the great videos Tom, I find them very easy to watch and to understand. I’m going on Safari next month and taking a Nikon F100, F80 and D5500 with me. I’ve got a Sigma 150-600mm lens. Can you recommend another lens to take as well? 28-300mm or 80-400mm? Any other tips?

  • @kentfaithwendyzeng
    @kentfaithwendyzeng Před 2 měsíci

    These are some great tips for taking wildlife photography to the next level! Thanks for breaking down these strategies in a clear and actionable way!

  • @davidgrandy4681
    @davidgrandy4681 Před 2 měsíci

    Whenever I shoot a landscape or such I use a tripod and a cable release. When I don't a little voice in my head says "You don't really care about this do you?" and I HATE that little voice. A tripod liberates me, while some say it bogs them down. I can use pretty much any ISO, shutter speed or aperture, as long as the subject isn't moving. If I counted on IS, in any of its forms, I'd still wonder if it was being effective. As far as expense goes I have a large Gitzo carbon fibre tripod and an Arca-Swiss B1 ball head. The replacement cost in Canada is somewhere around $2500. I have maybe $350 tied up in it because it's all used. Tripods and accessories don't have to be state of the art as not a lot has changed. Do the newer leg clamps work better? Maybe. But is that worth $2K?