My gear

I get comments from guests at weddings about my equipment. Some want to know why I favor Nikon over Canon. Some want to know why I use the cameras and/or lenses that I do. Others want recommendations as to what they should buy (note to other budding wedding photographers: avoid answering these kinds of questions like the plague). And still others just want to know, "What's in the bag?". Well, here we go. Below is an inventory of what equipment I use, how I use it, and why I bought it in the first place. I'll post an image of my gear later on.


Camera Bodies

• Nikon D300 (primary camera). This is a great camera...seriously. It is very sturdy, fits comfortably in my hand, and is a real workhorse. It's got a 12 megapixel sensor, and shoots up to six frames per second. For a pro-level DSLR, it was surprisingly easy to learn. It has live view (essential for those shots where looking through the viewfinder just won't work). I bought this camera last year, as I was looking for a good pro-level model that was...well...affordable. I usually use this camera for portraits and close-ups. I usually mount the 70-200mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4, or the 60mm f/2.8 macro on this camera.
• Nikon D200 (secondary/backup camera). I got this camera this year, seeking an upgrade from the D60. Ironically, even though I consider this my "backup" camera, I end up taking more shots with it than the D300...weird, I know. Anyway, it's a great camera. I find myself doing processional/recessional shots with it, table shots (shudder), and candids on the dance floor. Normally, the 17-55mm f/2.8 lens lives on this camera body, although occasionally I'll use the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6.

Lenses

I want to start out by saying that I only use Nikon glass, as I feel it is the highest quality and very durable...a must for wedding and event photography where your equipment gets used A LOT. I also put UV filters on EVERY SINGLE LENS. My logic is this: I'd rather replace a $20 filter than a $2000 lens!

• 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom. This lens came with my D300, and it really is a great all-purpose lens, despite its floating aperture. I find it is best suited for walkaround and candid shots. Definitely not a good low-light lens, though. And I wouldn't dare use it during a ceremony, especially if flash photography is not permitted.
• 17-55mm f/2.8 wide-angle zoom. I like this lens for two main reasons. First, it's very fast...the constant f/2.8 gives me excellent shots consistently, even in houses of worship that are dimly lit and when I can't use a flash. Secondly, it's a DX lens - perfect for use with my camera bodies which have crop-frame sensors. I use this lens for everything from candids to posed portraits.
• 50mm f/1.4 prime. This is a great portrait lens, and highly suitable for low-light photography. This is my default lens for portrait station photography and night photography.
• 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom. Need I say more? :-)
• 60mm f/2.8 macro. I bought this lens to do detail shots. It's great...and cheap. Also doubles as a good portrait lens. Nice and fast with beautiful bokeh. Can't complain.

Flashes & Other Accessories

• Nikon SB-800 speedlight. My workhorse flash at the moment. I bought this unit because it offers a good range of control over light output, plus it has a PC terminal and a power cord connector cable. Nikon SB-600 speedlight.
• Nikon SB-600 speedlight. This was my first flash...bought it when I got my D60. Not the most sophisticated, and can't connect to a PocketWizard or a battery pack, but it is insanely versatile and a really powerful light source. Can't give it up.
• PocketWizard Plus II transceivers (x2). I use these bad boys with my SB-800 when I want to do some off-camera lighting. I usually mount the flash on a monopod, held in place by Kaci (she's pretty good with figuring out where to put the light source for optimal results...I should give her a raise).
• Nikon SD-8a battery pack. For use with the SB-800. Really useful when I need to shoot at high speeds with a flash. Cuts recycle time in half, and fits in my shirt pocket.
• Custom Brackets Digital PRO-E camera bracket & Nikon SC-29 off-camera sync cord. Great for shooting portraits. This setup helps me keep a flash (either the SB-600 or SB-800) centered high over the lens while the camera is rotated vertically for a portrait. I've experimented with this at a few weddings for the step-and-repeat shots during the processional. I've been pleased with the results.
• SanDisk Memory cards. I use a mix of Ultra II and Extreme III CF cards. I carry mostly 4 GB cards, but there are a few 2 GB cards in there as well. I try to break up events into segments, and shoot each segment on its own card. That way, if anything happens to a card, I would not lose all of the images. I keep all of my cards in a Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket. It's a great little card wallet...I highly recommend it to all photographers.
• Giottos Rocket Blower. This is a great tool for getting dust and dirt out of the inside of a camera body. It really forces a lot of air out and cleans mirrors and sensors quite well.
• Batteries. I use Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable AA batteries for my flashes and the SD-8a. They hold their charge for quite a long time and recharge quickly. I always keep a huge supply on hand and ready to go. And, of course, I keep at least three extra EN-EL3e (original Nikon) batteries for the cameras.

So...what's on my wishlist for the future? Lots of things! I really want to purchase a full-frame camera in the not-too-distant future. If I could really have it my way, I'd go with a D3. But, in reality, I will likely go with a D700. I really wanted to purchase another SB-800 flash, but the few that are available are retailing for over $800 USD! Ouch!! So, I will likely purchase an SB-900, which would be a good match for the D700. I do want to purchase the elusive 24-70mm f/2.8 and the easier-to-find 14-24mm f/2.8. I might also go for a 10.5mm fisheye lens, too. We'll see. I'm also eyeing the Quantum Turbo SC battery pack for my flashes. Whew...that's quite a shopping list...guess I'll have to stay gainfully employed for a few more years.