Brandon Nehus

Landscape | Last Updated: March 22, 2021

My name is Brandon Nehus. I started getting interested in photography when I was 16-years old (currently 31). I’ve been shooting as a semi-professional for about four to five years.

I first got into photography when I was walking through the mall and I saw a cheap digital camera that looked interesting.

After messing around with it for a week or two, I noticed that I was spending multiple hours a day exploring and taking pictures. I was hooked.

After I graduated from high school, I spent the money that I received from my graduation party on a Nikon D5000. At the time, the camera kit with two lenses was around 900$ so that was a big decision for me.

I was so excited to shoot with that camera and I took it everywhere I went (parties with the family, kayaking in Alaska, adventures in the snow, etc.).

As I progressed with upgrading my camera equipment, I really came to appreciate what my original Nikon D5000 had to offer (e.g., great dynamic range and image quality).

Over the next 10+ years, I upgraded to a few different Nikon cameras. I went from the Nikon D7100 to the Nikon D750. After that, I was fortunate enough to acquire the Nikon D850.

Although that camera gave me 95% of what I needed, I was still missing the accurate autofocus acquisition (with fast glass) and video capabilities that the modern mirrorless cameras provided.

Eventually, I ended up selling my beloved Nikon D850 and invested in the Canon mirrorless system.

When I transitioned to the new system, I prioritized lens acquisition over camera body quality. So instead of buying two Canon EOS R cameras (review), I went with two Canon EOS RP cameras.

I won’t get into the pros and cons of that camera on here but it’s definitely a very capable camera. Check out my thoughts on the camera on my YouTube channel (i.e., Brandon Charles Photography).

I also have a DJI Mavic Mini, which is awesome. You’ll notice that I still have two Nikon lenses. I held on to the Nikon 58mm f/1.4 since the lens rendering is so unique.

While some people think that the lens is too soft wide open, I tend to think that it’s definitely sharp enough for portrait work. I also held on to the Nikon 20mm f/1.8 lens for astrophotography.

It’s an awesome piece of glass that keeps up with many of the modern mirrorless lenses. I adapt both of these lenses to my Canon EOS RP cameras.

What can I say about all of my RF lenses? The images that come out of these lenses are outstanding. I’m blown away by the quality of all of them (including the kit lens).

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 lens is super versatile and invaluable for travel/landscape work. I’ve used the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 lens a lot for video work (including YouTube).

When shooting at night, I’ll put this on one of my Canon cameras to start a timelapse of the night sky. While that’s going, I usually shoot stills with my other Canon with the Nikon 20mm f/1.8 adapted.

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 lens is probably my favorite RF lens so far. It’s becoming one of the more “affordable” professional RF lenses in the used market.

For me, this lens is a good mix between optical quality (e.g., sharpness, chromatic aberration correction, etc.) and character.

Finally, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 lens is a titan of a lens and the image quality that comes from it (especially wide open) is impeccable. I need to try this out for landscape work because the corner sharpness is amazing. This lens will pair very nicely with the R5 coming out later this year.

In terms of external lighting equipment, I use the Flashpoint eVOLV 200 and the Flashpoint XPLOR 600. Both are excellent in terms of performance and value. My camera bags include the F-Stop guru and Fitzroy packs. Both are excellent for day packs.

I find that I enjoy the Fitzroy pack more than the Guru for day hikes since it is smaller and easily accessible. I use the Gregory Baltoro 75L pack for backpacking trips. I highly recommend this bag for anyone looking for a comfortable and functional backpack.

For landscape work, I use a Vanguard VEO 265AB Tripod. It’s relatively light, compact, and inexpensive. What more could I ask for? I use the RODE VideoMic for my Youtube/Video work. It was inexpensive and gets the job done.

Finally, I have two Breakthrough ND filters for my Canon lenses. These help when I’m shooting video and when I’m trying to mitigate the negative effects of the electronic front-curtain shutter on the Canon EOS RP.

Since the camera doesn’t have a mechanical shutter, the ND filters are somewhat essential.

Final Words

It’s kind of funny to think about where I started and where I currently am with my camera gear.

The Canon EOS RP is similar to my Nikon D5000 in some ways. Both cameras only shoot up to four frames per second in continuous autofocus and the dynamic range is similar.

Actually, if I’m being honest, I think the dynamic range was a little better on the old Nikon D5000. When it comes down to it, not many people really need all of the features (e.g., more than 8fps, great dynamic range, and superior weather sealing) that modern cameras have.

My advice to any new photographers would be to love and understand your gear but don’t become consumed by it. There’s always going to be something else that you’ll think is better and more enticing.

Until you run into a serious roadblock in terms of limitations with your current gear, enjoy what you have.

Cameras

Canon EOS RP x2

DJI Mavic Mini

Lenses

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2

Nikon 20mm f/1.8

Nikon 58mm f/1.4

Lights/Tiggers