How to Choose the Right Photography Gear (Without Wasting Money)
- Malia Ditto
- Mar 30
- 11 min read
Updated: Apr 7
Let’s talk about photography gear- because WOW it can get overwhelming soo fast!!
There are so many camera brands, lenses, and opinions out there that it can be too easy to spiral and get lost in the questions of:
“What camera should I buy as a beginner photographer?”
“Do I need a full frame camera?”
“Why is everything SO expensive?!”
The truth is- photography gear IS an investment. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars and realize you bought something that isn’t going to work!!!
Soooo instead of telling you what to buy, I’m going to help you figure out what’s right FOR YOU!!
I’ve broken it down into 5 simple questions that can help guide your decision (and hopefully save you money and stress) with a little Q&A at the end!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.
HERE you can find all the gear mentioned in this post (+ other recommended products)
Quick Links:
Okay, let's get into it! 5 questions to ask before purchasing gear:
1) Where are you at in your photography journey?
Before you even look at gear, it might be helpful to ask:
* Are you a complete beginner or upgrading?
* Do you understand manual mode, lighting, and exposure?
* Have you outgrown your current gear or just feel like you have?
I personally started with a Nikon d3300 (crop sensor) when I was a sophomore in high school.
I’d always loved photography and capturing the beauty of the world around me, and really just wanted a nice camera that would take better photos than my phone.
I knew nothing. Like truly nothing.
My uncle who was into photography recommended a Nikon, and I didn’t even question it! Bought my first $400 Nikon d3300 with the kit lens (s/o to my dad for splitting the cost🥹) and started taking photos for friends and family.
This cheap camera forced me to learn how to shoot in manual mode, read light, and fix mistakes instead of relying on the camera itself.
And boy did I make mistakes.... let me just share some of the worst things that happened to me.. maybe you all can relate?!
I once shot an entire session in manual focus…oops :(
Often, my subjects would be insanely dark, and I'd have no idea why...
I would literally just move my buttons around until the photo looked right (while my subject just stood there awkwardly🤣) The exposure triangle didn't make sense to me!
BUT every mistake taught me something!! Working with limitations really did help me to become a better photographer. And at the end of the day, I didn’t need a super expensive lens when I was only charging $50-$100 a shoot that first year of learning.
Here’s what I think most beginners need to know:
A beginner camera for portrait photography will teach you more than an expensive one can!
When you don’t have top-tier low-light performance, perfect autofocus, or insane dynamic range, you truly have to understand light, get your exposure right, and be intentional with composition.
Ultimately- a camera is a TOOL for capturing light. I loved this article by SLR lounge that proves it really is not the camera, it’s the photographer:) Plus check out my natural light post to help you better understand lighting!
Here’s what I recommend if you’re just starting ⬇️
>> Start simple, start affordable, and dive into learning!<<
2) What are your photography goals?
Your goals determine what camera you need, what lenses are worth investing in, and how much $$ to spend. So ask yourself:
Is this for memories, a hobby, or a business?
Do you plan to make money eventually?
Will you be printing photos or just posting online?
My photography goals have changed overtime.
When I first started, my only goal was to learn more about photography and have a creative outlet. Overtime, it grew to starting a business, serving my clients, achieving high-quality photos, and eventually teaching photography.
I loved my Nikon d3300, but it came to a point when people started paying me to take their photos that I knew I needed to invest in a better camera to provide higher quality images for my clients. That’s when I invested in the Nikon d750 (full frame).
About a year later, I purchased the Nikkor 50mm 1.4.
I remember so clearly one of the first photos I took with that lens. I was with a couple I knew from church. The light was streaming through the trees, I had them posed in a sweet way, and BAM- snapped the shot. GUYS- I am not joking- I almost teared up looking at the back of that camera. I just could not believe the creamy dreaminess that the lens was able to help me capture… truly the photos of my dreams!!!!!
I absolutely LOVED this camera and lens combo. It was my ride or die for a while. Full frame really was a game-changer. The images were clear and sharp and had beautiful color.
It wasn’t until I understood the basics of manual mode, lighting, and editing, and then eventually invested in higher-quality gear- that my business truly started to skyrocket.
It all happened because I made specific plans based on my photography goals.
3) What do you actually want to photograph?
What are you drawn towards?
Portraits? Families? Seniors?
Fast-moving subjects (kids, sports)?
Low light or golden hour?
Your answer here especially affects what kind of lens you’ll want to invest in.
Because here’s the thing… the lens you use is way more important than the camera.
A nice lens can give sharper images, blurrier backgrounds, incredible contrast, and stunning color. Higher-quality lenses often have wider apertures (f/1.2, f/1.8) which let in more light and create beautiful bokeh that is hard to replicate in editing.
While camera bodies add features and convenience, it’s the lens that creates the look!!
When I first started, I did a lot of portraiture- families and seniors. For portraits, I highly recommend a prime lens!
If you crave the shallowest depth of field and pronounced bokeh, a prime lens with wider apertures, such as f/1.2, is your best bet. On the other hand, if you need to adapt quickly while shooting, a versatile zoom lens is the way to go.
I purchased a 24-70mm f/2.8 about 6 years into my business to have for traveling and when shooting occasional weddings. I’m grateful I have this lens to shoot wide when needed, but I don’t use it very often. It’s not meant to create the kind of bokeh and background blur that I strive for in my photos. However, it might be exactly what you’re looking for if you mainly do weddings, events, fashion photography, ect.
My Thoughts on Prime Lenses:
50mm (my forever favorite) -> dreamy, creamy & STUNNING!! I love that this focal length is so flexible and flattering. The majority of my images are taken with this lens. I’ve shot with it indoors and outdoors and it's a very natural lens. Great for families, portraits, weddings, ect.
85mm -> This lens is known as the ultimate portrait lens because of the background blur it creates. I’m learning to love the 85mm, although it’s sometimes hard for me to be so far away from my subject. It only took me 7.5 years of doing photography to finally invest in this one;) This one is great for portraits, but might be tricky for family sessions being so far and trying to get them all in frame.
35mm -> This lens is known for being more of a storytelling lens. Because it is a wider lens, you can capture more of the background and bring the whole scene into the photo. This is used especially in family portraiture and some senior photography (I do think senior photography trends now lean towards this lens) One downside to this lens is the difficulty of achieving background blur due to the wider focal length.
135mm -> I do dream of purchasing this lens one day 🤩 The creamy bokeh is magical.
EF VS RF (Canon):
When looking at Canon lenses, you’ll likely come across EF vs RF lenses.
EF lenses are more affordable (perfect for beginners). You'll just need an adapter for your Canon camera.
RF lenses are made specifically for Canon’s newer mirrorless cameras. They offer improved sharpness, and faster autofocus, but they're more expensive.
I'll link Canon Prime lenses here & on this list:
4) What is your budget & What to prioritize?
Photography gear can be so expensive!!
So ask yourself-
What’s your total budget?
Are you okay upgrading later?
Would you rather invest in the lenses or the camera?
After answering the first three questions, it’s time to create a budget. REMEMBER- Gear does not always mean better photos if you don’t understand the basics of photography. Start cheap if you’re just starting out. You can always upgrade later.
I would also prioritize the lens over the camera body.
Now, all this said… if you’re at a point where you understand the basics of photography and have the means to take the next leap and invest- I say go for it! (Growth costs money. Staying the same costs you more;)
I have a hard time spending money on really expensive things, so it’s always a really big deal for me to purchase a new camera or lens.
I had my Nikon d750 for about 5 years before upgrading again to my Canon R6.
I love to do a trial run and test the waters before making any big decisions.
One year I was in Oregon at a family reunion hiking with my extended family. My cousin had a mirrorless canon camera that he let me try out. I remember vividly the excitement I felt as I took a couple photos and looked at the back of the screen, realizing how SHARP the photos were!!!! What!!!! I was in awe. I just remember thinking, “man, I have to upgrade my camera. This is amazing." It spurred my desire for a gear change.
Like I said before, I have a hard time spending money, and the idea of switching brands was so scary to me. I spent lots of time thinking about it, making a pros and cons list, and talking to other professionals.
It took me about 6 months to finally make the decision to switch from Nikon to Canon and go mirrorless. I’m so glad I did. My image quality has been sharper ever since. It has propelled my business forward.
If you don't have friends or family you can test out new gear from, consider renting a camera or lens from a company like Lens Rentals (Use link for $25 off). I've used them a couple times and LOVE being able to try out new products for reasonable prices.
5) Does this system support your future growth?
Does this brand offer the lenses you’ll want later?
Are there upgrade paths within the system?
Are lenses available (and affordable) long-term?
When deciding to switch from Nikon to Canon, one decision that pushed me over the edge was the lens options for Canon. I felt there was more flexibility and opportunity for growth with the brand.
Canon has close to 50% of the market share. Most photographers I knew were shooting Canon. In my mind, that made it easier for me to 1) borrow gear 2) find gear on Facebook marketplace (yes, I’ve done it;) So ultimately, I decided to make the switch. Canon does have less third party lenses to offer, but in general have a great system for those moving from DSLR towards mirrorless.
When you buy a camera, remember, you’re not just buying a camera, you’re buying into a system that can provide future growth opportunities as you learn and grow in your business.
Question & Answer:
“Where to shop for new gear? Fav lens for shoots and fav camera?”
B&H is probably one of the most reputable sites for new photography gear. HERE is the link to my storefront! I’ve also purchased gear on FB marketplace, but I’m lucky enough to be in Utah Valley where there are SO many people and marketplace is really good. If you’re in a more rural area, it might be tricker to find good quality gear close by.
“When buying a used camera, what do you look for to know if it’s good”
GREAT question! Definitely ask about the shutter count (number of images it’s taken… every camera has a different lifespan..usually 100-300k, so check that. Higher shutter count usually indicates a lower resale price. Ask: “What’s the shutter count, and has the shutter ever been replaced?”
Other questions I’ve asked:
“Why are you selling it?”
“Has the camera ever been dropped, damaged, or repaired in any way?”
“Have you noticed any issues at all—autofocus, buttons, sensor spots, or performance?”
“Can you send a recent unedited RAW photo straight from the camera?”
Lets you check Sensor dust /dead pixels/ Color issues/ File integrity)
“Hi! Amateur photographer here. What’s the best lens for a canon mark ii r6 for portraits?”
I will always recommend the 50mm 1.8 as a starter lens! I started with that then eventually got the 50mm 1.4 before upgrading to my 50mm 1.2! It’s just an amazing and versatile focal length!
“Is the 50mm 1.8 worth it?”
100000%!!
“It’s so overwhelming to choose the perfect camera… how do you navigate that pressure?! 🙈”
Oh my gosh, yes it is! Exactly why I wanted to make this post. Honestly, my biggest suggestion is don’t get caught in decision paralysis. Overwhelm lessens with action- so research, use ChatGPT if you have to 😂, and talk to photographers you admire! Answer the questions in this blog post for yourself and purchase a camera that’s within your budget. Make a decision & make the best of that decision.
“What is your go to flash?”
I have the Canon Speedlite EL-10. Honestly don't use it often.. mostly wedding receptions. It's great. I also have a MagMod diffuser. This was a GAME CHANGER!!
“Best additional lens to add to a 24-70? Thinking about something like 300?!”
This completely depends on your niche and photography goals! Do you shoot portraits? I’d recommend a prime lens- take a guess on which one... yep! Probably the 50mm😂 Great option to pair with the zoom of the 24-70. A 300mm would be best for things like far away sports or wildlife photography.
“What’s the best lens for r6?”
I will shout the praises of the 50mm until the day I die! The aperture (1.2, 1.4, 1.8) depends on your budget and where you’re at in your photography journey! LOVE MY 1.2!!!!!! But 1.8 is a great one to start with:)
“What’s your go-to lens?”
My 50mm!!!! ( Can you tell I love it yet?!?!)
“Is it better to buy the body and lenses separate or together?”
As mentioned above, I’d put most of your budget into the lens. If purchasing a camera + lens together, it's probably a kit lens. Kit lenses are usually lower quality—so if you can, buy the body separately and invest in a prime lens with a wider aperture.
“Best camera for portraits and family photos that doesn’t break the bank”
Start by answering the 5 questions in this post because there are lots of factors to consider. Look for a camera with great autofocus (moving kids), good skin tones (color science > megapixels), and a system you can grow into:)
Some specific recommendations under $1000:
CROP SENSOR:
Full Frame
Overall, there’s lots to consider when deciding what to purchase and where to start!
Here are some other resources that may be helpful in your journey because deciding what to purchase can be a tricky decision and not everyone’s journey is the same.
OTHER RESOURCES:
This site - Cameradecision.com - allows you to find a lens or camera based on your needs and compare your options!
This site - Norwich Cameras- gives a great explanation of each camera brand and their offerings
Please let me know if you have any questions about purchasing a camera! I’m not an expert, but I do care about your photography journey and want you to be able to find the best gear for you!!
The best way to contact me is through DM on Instagram!
I have a huge heart for teaching and truly, truly care about you and your goals and plans for photography. I love connecting with photographers around the world and just learning from one another! If you are a beginner photographer wanting to expand your knowledge, take your business to the next level, or just feel less alone in starting your business- let's chat!
Excited for you and all that's in store for you when it comes to photography!
<3 Malia
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