Nikon lenses for landscape photography with John Murray

Photographer John Murray, recognized by Scots Magazine and Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year for his breathtaking landscape photography, talks about how upgrading his kit has enabled him to develop his skills and grow his reputation. Over to you, John.

My photography journey started in 2017. I needed another hobby to pursue following one too many neck injuries, which forced me to retire from playing rugby. Photography had always been an interest. My mother owned an art gallery, and I was always captivated by the photographs as opposed to the paintings. I work in the Scottish tourism industry and within my career I have been constantly surrounded by beautiful photos, which was another reason for my growing interest. 

I began following some terrific photographers on Instagram. In particular, long–exposure photography fascinated me, alongside colorful sunrises and sunsets. Soon my decision was made and I purchased my first ever DSLR, a Nikon D3300, which came with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR kit lens. An entry-level camera, perfect for beginners.

I am blessed to live in a beautiful coastal part of Scotland, in the east, and I soon discovered that photography was becoming an ever-growing passion of mine. Getting up super early to catch the sunrise or running out the door for the sunset became a regular occurrence, practicing long exposures with the movements of the waves, the tides and the sky.

Within a few months, I decided to move on from the kit lens and I was told by a friend to check out MPB for used options at great prices. Soon after, I purchased a Nikon AF-S 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, which was so versatile. This lens really helped me develop and move in a direction I was looking to go towards. Soon after, I shot a photograph, which became the runner-up in the Scots Magazine Photographer of the Year Competition 2019 and my Instagram account was beginning to grow. Another shot was later commended by the judges in the 2020 Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year publication.

However, I started to feel like I wanted another challenge. I had won some money in a local photography contest and decided to use this to buy a prime lens. I again returned to MPB to purchase a Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G. I absolutely adore this lens and use it heavily to this day. It forces me to work harder for the composition. It’s really helped me evolve as a photographer. A year later, I used this lens to take a photo, which earned me another spot in the following year’s Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year competition. The lens was of great quality and had a much wider aperture than I had ever used before.

Moving on again, I was looking to get closed to subjects and compress landscapes, so I purchased the Nikon AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR II. Alongside the 50mm, this is the main lens I use today. I have always been super impressed with its quality at all lengths. I now use these lenses on the Nikon D7200 and am super impressed with the combinations.

In 2021, following a partnership with Nikon, I was mostly using the Nikon Z7. This full-frame mirrorless system gave me incredible results and I would certainly recommend this camera if you are looking to go mirrorless. It is no secret that photography can be an expensive hobby, but thanks to MPB, they have allowed me to purchase quality used gear, which has led to every success I have had within the world of photography. I can’t wait for my next adventure and my next purchase.

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