Photography News 123 - Web

ISSUE 123

16 / ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Gear up for epic landscapes From ultra-light mirrorless to medium format wonders, MPB helps outdoor photographers up their game affordably and sustainably

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The longer days and summer sun are giving way to autumn hues – it’s the perfect time for breathtaking landscapes. Dew-kissed meadows at sunrise, dramatic mountain vistas and shimmering coastal scenes present great opportunities to get out in nature. But if you’re lugging bulky or outdated gear, prime opportunities could slip by. Enter MPB, the UK’s top used equipment reseller that offers seamless trade-in, buying and selling services to help you cost-effectively – and sustainably – refresh your set-up. Whether you want ultra-light portability, cutting-edge mirrorless tech or the finest detail, MPB can make it happen. Here’s how to build a landscape-ready kit in three stages. Ultra-portable for wild terrain Imagine exploring rugged mountain paths or coastal hikes with nothing but a lightweight body and compact wide- angle prime or zoom lens. That’s the appeal of Micro Four Thirds systems like the OM System or Olympus, as it was previously branded. The OM-3 or OM-1 Mark II are weather-sealed – featherlight, yet powerful. Trade your bulky DSLR body in with MPB, and you could add a featherweight Micro Four Thirds camera with IBIS and excellent stills performance to your kit. The image stabilisation is legendary, so you can even avoid taking a tripod. Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds cameras are a tad bigger, but still ooze class. Take a look out for the Lumix GH7 or even better value GH6. Matching ultra-light bodies with pancake primes – like a 14 or 20mm – gives stability and flexibility in rough terrain. Another option is a fast zoom such as the M Zuiko Digital 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II, which is a stunner. With

MPB’s instant quotes and free pickup, upgrading is smooth and good value.

Full-frame for total versatility For dynamic landscape images; from soft-rolling clouds and distant misty vistas captured through long lenses to stunning night skies, you’re best served with a full-frame camera that has high resolution and low-light prowess. This is where mirrorless bodies like the Sony Alpha R series, Canon EOS R, Panasonic R series and Nikon’s flagship Z models shine. These work best with a decent tripod to help you squeeze every bit of detail out of your scenes. There are models to suit every budget. The Panasonic Lumix S1R is in plentiful supply used and accepts L-mount glass, so there are lots of lens choices from Panasonic, Sigma and even Leica. You might not need the ultimate speed of Nikon’s Z8, but its high resolution makes it a wonder, especially teamed up with lenses such as a portable 14-30mm that isn’t too heavy and can accept the standard screw-in or slide-in filters that serious landscape shooters demand. The Canon EOS R5 boasts a 45-megapixel sensor, eight-stop IBIS, weather sealing and dual card slots make it a true landscape powerhouse. It also has remarkable dynamic range, so deserves to be paired with Canon’s own glass, like the RF 14-35mm f/4 L. For Sony fans, the A7R V continues to set a high bar with its staggering 61-megapixel sensor that has stunning resolution, but the older A7R IV still uses the same sensor and is a great used buy. Have a look at the A7C R too, which uses the same sensor in a smaller body. There’s lots of Sony- fit glass to choose from, so take a look

LIGHT CHASER When you’re outdoors hunting for the perfect landscape shot, a featherweight camera such as this Micro Four Thirds OM System model (above) is an ideal choice

at Sigma’s 14-24mm f/2.8 Art or Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens. If your current set-up is limited compared to these incredible kits, MPB lets you trade in and upgrade fast. Pain-free upgrading and MPB’s 12-month warranty make stepping up both affordable and risk-free. When only the ultimate will do Some scenes beg for the rich tonality and staggering detail only delivered by medium format sensors. Think of that dream trip to capture iconic mountain vistas, alpine landscapes drenched in atmospheric colour or desert dunes lit at golden hour. Your work deserves the best cameras and lenses. If you dream of owning a Fujifilm GFX, Hasselblad XCD, Phase One XF or Leica S, but the prices feel out of reach, MPB’s used market gives you a foot in the door. Used cameras are more affordable than new, and trading in your kit can offset the price. MPB reviews every item carefully, offers accurate quotes and helps you buy with confidence – crucial in this ultra- premium category. The 100-megapixel GFX range can be bought into for as little as £2800 for a GFX 100S body, while the 51-megapixel GFX 50R can be found for under two grand. A few hundred pounds more can even buy a 50-megapixel Hasselblad X1D II 50C. Lenses can start from around £1000 for a Fujifilm 23mm f/1.4 R or 30mm f/3.5 R WR, or even less for the 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR if you don’t need something as wide. Medium format quality can be had at prices lower than you might think when you choose MPB, which gives you the power to trade, upgrade and refresh without breaking the bank. It’s time to sharpen your vision and step into end-of-summer shooting ready to capture your best-ever images.

TOP NOTCH For stunning quality and portability, a full-frame mirrorless like this Sony Alpha (below) is a great option, and MPB has lots in stock

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