WHAT'S IN MY CAMERA BAG?
Camera Kit
The cameras I use.
1. Nikon D800 Digital SLR 36.3 MP
Major step-up from my D300s and 700. Smooth and quiet shooting, and typically
like to shoot raw, and then play with the pictures, but never manipulating beyond
reality.
2. Sony Cybershot DSC - TX200V Digital 18.2 MP
Perfect waterproof camera for mountain trail running, shooting under water, and
being out in the Pacific Northwest elements. Has a great panoramic feature on it as
well.
I use a LifeProof case to keep it dry from moisture and ensure no dust gets inside.
Won't leave home without the case. Takes great panoramic shots for a smart phone.
Pro HDR and Marksta (watermark) apps are great additions too.
The glass (aka lenses) that goes in front to make it all happen.
1. 50mm f/1.4 SIC Nikkor Prime lens
Great all-around portrait lens for indoor and outside shooting, with close-up subjects.
2. 14mm - 24mm f/2.8G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Lens
A superior lens for wide-angle and panoramic shooting outdoors, landscapes, depth
of subject much further away, and great zoom-out perspective.
3. 16mm f/2.8D ED AF Nikkor Fisheye Lens
Like this for the special effects of 180 degree and aerial coverage. Very lightweight
lens, with choice of 4 filters (one on at all times), that go on the back end.
4. 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens
The aperture leaves a beautiful bokeh and a razor-sharp finish to the subject. Must
have for macro shooting and for showcasing lifestyle details. Somewhat heavy lens
(1.7 lbs), but worth it for vibration-reduction and smooth snapping.
5. 28mm - 300mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens
A great lens to take on the trail or downtown, that's great focusing on subjects in
action, as well as working on distance, or in landscape.
6. 135mm f/2.0D AF DC Nikkor Lens
Very high quality lens built like a tank, sharp as a tack, amazing bokeh for portraiture.
7. 200mm f/4.0D ED-IF AF Nikkor lens
Heavy lens, and one that I use primarily on a tripod, macro shooting insects, flowers,
mushrooms....and really anything that I'm looking to shoot detail on. This lens also
provide beautiful bokeh behind the subject.
Next on the shopping list?
1. 400mm f/2.8G ED VR AF Nikkor lens
Ultrafast and quite telephoto lens that's quite robust and made of lightweight
construction. Great for birding and distance.
The "Dream" Lens
1. 200mm - 500mm f/2.8 EX DG APO AF Sigma lens
For the ultimate bird and nature enthusiast, this will pick up a Bald Eagle's eyelid
wrinkles from half a mile away. For the price of this lens, could buy a house and 20-
acres.
Memory
1. SanDisk 32GB Memory Card Extreme Pro Class 10 UHS-I
Fast and reliable. It may be notworthy that this card is waterproof and x-ray proof,
but doesn't specifcy that it's magnet proof as other brands' documentation does.
2. Lexar Professional 1000x 32GB CompactFlash Memory Card
Works well, This is an excellent UDMA-7 CompactFlash card that is suitable for the
most demanding, large and fast camera buffer, and high-frame-rate photo and video
applications.
Travel Pack
Lighting
1. Impact - Octacool-9 Fluorescent Light with Octabox (9 lamps)
When shooting with these "wrap around" lights, I've been using primarly f/2 for
extreme shallow depth of field and shutter anywhere from 200-400 depending on
how many of the 9 bulbs are on, and how closse the subject is.
2. Interfit Super Cool-lite 5 Two LIght Kit (120V AC)
I like that the kits provide soft uniform diffused lighting. I've been using them
primarily light pop-up tents, for portrait and still shots of subjects
In the field I use...
1. Cotton Carrier Camera Vest
Really helps to balance the weight, while I'm active snowshoeing, mountain trekking,
or have two dogs on leash.
2. Really Right Stuff TVC-33 Tripod with BH-55LR Ballhead
It's carbon fiber, rock solid, and beefy enough to handle the big glass (once my
pocketbook recovers). Just 6 lbs, which strapped to a backpack for several hours, is
easily managable.
3. Pentax 10x50 DCF Binoculars
Waterproof and fogproof, ideal for use in the PNW for spotting wildlife. Not as ideal
for small birds.
4. Nikon Fieldscope ED 50mm Spotting Scope
Like the straight viewing model (as opposed to angled). Waterproof and dustproof.
