» Equipment I Use
The following is a list of photographic gear that I use, own, or have used that is notable.
I've included descriptions and personal reviews, as well as links to purchase these items.
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Canon 40D Digital SLR Camera
WOW! Finally, the long awaited Canon 40D Digital SLR camera has reached my hands. This is a fantastic upgrade to the 30D, not to mention my
old but trusty 10D. This new camera sports a redesigned 10.1MP sensor with larger photo sights, and 14bit
image processing for better color, smoother gradations, and less noise. Match that up with Canon's Digic III
processor for one super fast camera. You can check out the specs for yourself
here.
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Canon 10D Digital SLR Camera
While my 40D will be used as my main camera, it's always good to have a backup in case of a terrible camera
tragedy. I am also thinking about converting my 10D to an Infrared camera, by removing the IR filter from
the sensor assembly. This would allow me to take IR pictures without having to resort to high ISOs and long
exposures.
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Canon Powershot SD900 Digital Camera
The S40 has finally gone to rest - and has been replaced with this shiny new SD900 (also known as the (IXUS 900 Ti).
This is a fantastic little camera - 10 megapixels, up to 1600 ISO sensitivity, 37mm-111mm lens (3x Zoom), and powerful
Digic III processor. On top of all that, this small and light camera is completely Titanium clad, so it's ultra
durable! Additional features include 18 shooting modes and XGA (high res) movie capability. The only real downside
for a serious photographer is the lack of RAW capability and fully manual functions. However, for what it is, this
thing packs way more of a punch than my 10D. |
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Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens
Finally, a worthy replacement to my old Sigma wide angle. This super wide angle lens takes the cake. Made for Canon's EF-S mount, this is about as wide as it gets
without spending a fortune. On cameras with 1.6x crop factors like the 40D, it's always difficult to get really
wide. This lens gives you 16mm to work with, and does a great job keeping distortion to a minimum. At the same
time, it provides that wide-angle look if you really want to get creative. I'm going to have a lot of fun
with this lens! |
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Canon 50mm f/1.8 USM II Lens
For you "normal" lens fans out there, the Canon 50mm f/1.8 USM II is one your camera bag should not be without. This lens is less than $80 at
most stores, so it's a virtual no brainer. It's just a touch less sharp than "L" glass, but performs exquisitely for
the price. F/1.8 means that you can have really shallow DOF for beautiful portraits, and provides plently of latitude
in dark environments. It's small and light enough to carry around in your pocket, so there's no reason not to have
it with you. For those of you with 1.6x crop factor cameras (like the 40D), this lens becomes an 80mm - all the better
for beautiful portraits. |
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Canon 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens
This is a great all-around lens that I use for most regular photography. The Image Stabilization
is an invaluable feature for low light photography without a tripod. I've been able to hand-hold
up to 3-4 stops below the recommended freehand speed with sharp results. Awesome Canon glass
for a reasonable price. |
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Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS Lens
Wow - is probably the best word to briefly describe this lens. The super sharp glass and Image
Stabilization means crystal clear photos, even in low light or hand held situations. The IS has
two modes, one to stabilize in all directions, and the other to stabilize only verticle movement,
enabling sharp pictures while panning. While not very fast (max aperture is f/4.5), this is more
than sufficient for semi-pro or advanced amateur photographers. |
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Canon 420EX Flash
The Canon 420EX (now replaced by the 430EX) external flash unit for EOS cameras is a all around
great flash for most uses. This flash features advanced E-TTL metering capabilities for the
right exposure each time. I use this flash for most indoor, low light situations. The 430EX
also sports auto white balance adjustment, auto zoom based on camera sensor size, zoom range
of 24-105mm, and like the 420 a tilt/rotate head. |
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Kenko Extension Tubes
Extension Tubes are not only the poor man's macro lens, they offer increased flexibility with
other lenses as well. Extension tubes allow any normal lens to focus closer by physically
extending the distance from the glass to the film plane. This is the newest addition to my
photography arsenal, so hopefully I'll have a section dedicated to macro photography soon. |
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Bogen 676B Lightweight Monopod
This Bogen 676B Lightweight, 4-section monopod is a necessary addition to my gear. When
shooting with the 100-400 lens, the added stability is a must. Add a Bogen 3229 QR Swivel Tilt Head
for extra mobility and easy on/off operation. |
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A Bunch of Compact Flash Cards
What is digital photography without the "film" media to go with it? Memory is getting cheaper
every day, and with cameras packing in more and more megapixels, it's easy to need more cards.
My favorite memory right now is the SanDisk Ultra II Compact Flash. These cards are stable,
well priced, and really fast - meaning no waiting when shooting fast paced action photos. |
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Garmin eTrex Vista C Handheld GPS
Why go anywhere without a GPS these days? I love this tool for many reasons. When hiking or biking in
either the back country or your own back yard, it's nice to know where you've been. Taking drives to
no where in particular makes it easy to find your way home! Marking photography points, hidden geocaches,
or even favorite fishing spots is an awesome little feature. Now I just need some accessories! |
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