I have had many people ask me about the equipment that I use and why I mostly do not mention it on the blog. It is really just because I think that we should spend more time on the creation process and less on the tools that we use in that process. Any of the major brands of camera can produce a great image but they also require use of the gray filter, located between the ears of the photographer, to create that image in the first place. That being said, here is my current field kit……
CAMERAS & LENSES:
My main camera bodies are the Canon 5DMk2 and the Canon 40D. Both of these are my workhorses and have proved themselves reliable time after time in all sorts of weather conditions. I also have a Canon Rebel XT as a very light weight “carry everywhere” camera and as a backup just in case.
My lenses are:
Canon 17- 40L
Canon 24- 105L
Canon 70- 200 f/4 L
Canon 50mm f/1.4
Canon 28- 105 as a backup
Tokina 12- 24 Asp A really well built lens
Tamron 24- 135mm A sleeper that is surprisingly sharp
Tamron 70 – 300 mm A really well built & sharp lens
Canon 1.4X extender
The Tokina and the Tamron usually reside with the 40D while the rest live with the 5D. No reason really, just the way it works out. The 40D is my urban camera while the 5D seems to like the woods best.
OTHER STUFF:
I use Manfrotto, Gitzo, and Induro tripods with Kirk BH-55, Manfrotto, and Acratech Ultimate ball heads. For some reason I seem to have collected a variety of tripods and heads over the years. Some of these are 20+ years old and come from my commercial photography days. I really need to clean house.
Filters: HiTech, Tiffen, & Cokin, mostly split grads all soft edge in 3 grades, ND..1, 2, & 3 stop, & polarizers. A few soft focus Cokins are in the mix just for fun.
I use Domke bags, and vests and Lowepro backpacks. I have and use Canon remote releases for all the cameras.
For post processing I use Mac computers with Photoshop CS4 and Lightroom.
This is not to mention all the boots, Gore Tex, parkas, chest waders, and assorted gear I use just to remain comfortable on cold winter days and blazing summer afternoons. That should be another post.
