My New Favourite Lens // Sony 70-200 f2.8 GM II

I've got myself a Sony 70-200 f2.8 GM ii for my Landscape Photography. I know this is something like the 5th video in a row about a lens, but it won't always be like this - it's just because I've only recently switched to Sony. Anyway, follow me up Glyder Fach for awesome conditions here in Snowdonia, Wales.

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[JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks for the support everyone! You can find me and my stuff here:

[Axonteer]

A friend recommended me doing a Photobook just for myself, not to annoy others but just for me. And it does exactly that, i see the pictures, have the memory and remind myself of the good things i had.

[alexvancini]

The pic at 2:09 is like one of the most beautiful shots I’ve ever seen and you act like it’s nothing! So talented!

[mackovikmartin]

Love your channel, James! The videos have a great vibe: just a calm, humble guy taking photos in wonderful landscapes. Even though I'm not much into hiking myself, your videos are always a great escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Wishing you all the best for this following year, keep it up!

[RealRaynedance]

Provided you shoot against the sun often enough, the 70-200 f/2.8 is worth having because even the original E-mount f/2.8 was known to have a lot higher of contrast when shooting into a light source than the f/4 and better flare control. I think you'd have had a lot more trouble editing that sunset shot if you'd used the f/4.

And honestly? No really happy memories from photos this year except for one. I accomplished the single goal I'd set myself: redo one of my favorite shots from 2019 the _right_ way. It was a blue hour shot of an all glass building next to a river, taken nearly dead on in the front. It had near total cloud cover during blue hour, just enough to get some pink and purple in the sky. I redid it last month at sunset with much less cloud cover and a front three-quarter angle to hide the clutter currently beside the building. I got to keep my pink and purple and gained blazing orange.

[kylesharbrough]

Definitely agree with you there. Photos capture memories and it makes it all worth the while

[gregwarson]

Love the absolute honesty that every photographer can relate to on new purchases … and no excuses needed on the images; they were all great, but mainly because of your personal connection. Can’t wait to see where 2022 takes you, mate.

[BurfieldPhoto]

I love that it was the story and memory they evoked that determined your favourite images of the year, and not necessarily the impressiveness of the images of themselves. There's a powerful lesson in that.

[TLBainter]

Ah man, this is amazing; experiencing a cloud inversion is one of the top things on my bucket list. I love this!

[danielhenzphotography]

Happy New Year to you, James. And everyone else here in the Popsys-Community.
Wish you all great memories for 2022.
And ejoy your photography no matter the gear and locations.

[paultidsy]

I reckon a lot of people, they'd pick their favourite photos just based on the actual photo itself, or the subject. How they nailed the technical aspects, or whatever. I love how for you it's the memory they evoke. That's a really nice way to look at it. Happy new year.

[Yizzlesquasm]

I love the goat photo from the window. Succesful day I feel.

[DarrenM]

Nice. I plan to get out and shoot a lot more in 2022. Just bought myself the a7c with the 24-70 lens.

[alchemist_x]

I have to admit, I stopped this video roughly half-way through. I was inside feeling all sorry for myself because I had been sick, but you inspired me to say "screw it" and pack up my a7RIV and head out and shoot some telephoto landscapes. I am so glad I did, because the fog rolled in and I was able to get some moody woodland shots. I don't have the 70-200, but I used the 100-400 GM and I am so happy with the shots I got.

[lisasimpson]

Wow what a place, fantastic sunset shot.

[WestCoastRacingLeague]

Thank you for your videos James. I look forward to them. Although I know it's a lot of work to put them together, and there are probably days you don't want to make them and just want to shoot, I hope you know that there are a lot of us out here who the videos help. Both from a learning standpoint and just from a joy standpoint. Thanks for sharing your joy.

Thanks also for signing the books I just received from you and for the handwritten note in the box. I have all three books now and really treasure them.

[legofanessex]

I love that all your favourite shots were emotional memories, not just the technically best images.

[justjames]

JAMES iv loved your channel, i binged 11 hours of it over the past few weeks, i always loved photography but never thought to go out and shoot myself . brought a SONY a7 ii with a 28-70mm f3.5. decided to shoot up Croydon, Woldingham, and tomorrow im in London for the day. somehow iv gotten 500 photos over the past week, edited about 30, posted maybe 10 of them and the result has me exploring so far and wide, i cannot tell you how mutch i love this. BIG BIG THANK YOU and happy new year to you!

[chirag.photos]

That shot of castle in the middle of the river is beautifully breathtaking. Keep Going.

[bigdhav]

2:10. Absolutely stunning shot. Bravo.

Oh and happy new year to you and yours.