The $4000 Camera Kit - What Cameras and Lenses Would We Choose?

We often get asked, "What camera and lens would you buy on a particular budget?" In this video, we tell you what camera and lenses we would buy with our own money on a budget of $4000, a range that covers many full-frame cameras.

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[MrGourd]

I can imagine Chris' money-is-no-object pick of being the Hubble space telescope. I hear it takes pretty decent low light photos.

[Votjko]

I f***in’ love your intros. Seriously, even if im not interested in a specific review I click to watch the intro!

[jacobcarandang]

Personally I go with one generation older camera bodies to splurge on lenses. My $3000 on eBay got me a Fuji xt3, 10-24, 23f2, 56 f1.2 and 55-200.

[madtoffelpremium]

Don't forget that adapting DSLR lenses is still a great option when you are on a tight budget and lots of these lenses are selling for really low prices on the used market right now. I would get the Z5 or R6 with the adapter and could probably even fit the whole trinity of used (third party) lenses into the budget.

[NeXMaX]

You guys missed the opportunity to make the skit even more convincing by filming the entire thing back on the now-legendary Pentax K-01

[Titanpharao]

Two years ago, I buyed a full MFT System for my world trip. Also around 4000$ now.
Panasonic G9 2200€
PanaLeica 8-18mm F2.8-4 1000€
PanaLeica 12-60mm F2.8-4 Kit
Panasonic 100-300mm F4-5.6 500€
Panasonic 20mm F1.7 250€

[nirajgandhi]

The Z5 is a great starting point: full frame, 2 card slots, and IBIS. Can also get the cheaper f/4 zooms and a prime to fill out the kit

[MrMatthewEx]

perhaps instead of an infinite budget maybe do a full pro two body kit you would use for pro photogrpahy work like events, sports or weddings.

[gordon]

Loved this...now how about mid range...say $2, 500. Seriously, such a great blend of entertainment and helpful information and reviews! Be safe and be well!

[Vinterloft]

I think it would have been funnier if you both showed up with X-T4s xD

[danielschmaderer]

Literally just purchased an X-T4, 16-55 f2.8, and a 70-300. Jumped ship from Nikon DSLRs that I used to own.

[nicomphoto]

A big yes for a unlimited budget kit ! I would also enjoy seeing a video about the best USED kit for 3000$. Thanks for your excellent videos, look forward to seeing more of them. cheers

[mcwaffles]

I'm sorry for 4 grand. The Sony a7iii, sigma 24-70 f2.8 and tamron 70-180 f2.8 is literally in that range. That's the obvious choice

[runcmd]

On TCS right now the Z5 + 24-70 F4 kit is CAD$2100, 50 1.8 S is 700, 85 1.8 S is 950, and either the 24 1.8 S or the 35 1.8 S (and a bag of chips). If you want more reach, 24-200, 35, 85.

Or Z5 + 24-70 f4 + 50 1.2 S for 4900. :)

[PhotoTrekr]

My main consideration would be to choose a system that I could expand into later by upgrading bodies or adding lenses.

[jml]

Used Sony A7rii or A7riii, Tamron 28-200, Tamron 17-28 f/2.8 and a used fast prime like a 50mm 1.4 or 85mm 1.8. For way under budget get a used A7ii, Tamron 28-200, Samyang 18mm f/2.8 and used 50mm 1.8.

My personal budget kit is a Sony A99ii, Sigma EX 17-35 f/2.8-4, Sony 28-75 f/2.8, Sony 70-300 G, Sony 50mm f/1.4 and a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro. I also bought a Minolta 28-105 for about $100 for when I want to lighten my bag. This whole setup cost me around $2500usd.

[thirdmort]

I did this over the last year and a half. With EDU discounts on top of sales, I was able to get a Sony a7iii + Sony 35 1.8 + Sony 20 1.8 + Sigma MC11 for less than $3000 USD. I'm using my old Canon 85 1.8 and 70-200 f/4. With that theoretical $1000, I'd probably try to get the Tamron 70-180 on sale too 😄

[torinsall]

Funny intro. The stills-video switch on top of the XT4 is so handy; I would go with a combination of your XT4 packages with a slight modification... XT4 + 16-80mm bundle, 70-300mm, rode wireless Go ii, K&F variable ND2-ND400, B&W CPL, Fuji battery charger, 3 Fuji batteries, Think Tank Mover 20 bag ...which adds up to $3956.80 USD ...so under the $4000 limit. Could probably add an inexpensive lavaliere mic. 🙃

[briandipierro]

Picking the S5 made me pretty happy that I have my own. Still need a lens that's not a vintage lens that can autofocus for it, but all the footage with my ol' FD and MD lenses has been so beautiful

[fareast]

Using ebay prices, other kits are possible.
If g9 or em1 mk2 is 800 usd
8-18 is 800
40-150 2.8 olympus or 50-200 panasonic for 1000
17mm 1.2 pro for 800
Sigma 30mm 1.4 or 42.5 1.7
You're still under budget! The Leica ultrawide and standard prime could be replaced with the 10-25 1.7 if one prefers.