In this section I have listed the photographic kit and accessories that I currently use , together with I hope some useful comments.
CAMERA BODIES:
I have no hang up on manufacturers, my first camera was a Kershaw bellows camera (British) and my first SLR was a Canon AE1, I think modern cameras all now offer superb imaging.
Currently I use: Nikon D850 and Nikon D500 and Nikon D810 bodies. Prior to these I used a Nikon D700 and Nikon D4
LENSES:
These I consider more important than the bodies. In ascending order I use:
Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 D, a work horse lens, wide angle to portrait offering superb quality.
Sigma 35mm f1.4 art lens super sharp this has now replaced my 50mm f2.8
Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 G11 ED VR, in my opinion one of Nikons most adaptable lenses.
Sigma 150mm f2.8 APO Macro DG hsm, for me this lens outperforms every other macro lens I have tried.
Nikon 300mm f2.8 G11 ED VR, 30 years in production this lens is pin sharp if somewhat heavy.
Nikon 300mm f4 PF one of Nikon new Phase Fresnel lens's, small and lightweight, together with the 1.4 teleconverter this is my go to lens combination for walk about shooting.
Nikon 600mm f4 vr, when you need the reach this lens takes some beating.
TELECONVERTERS:
I use all three of nikons teleconverters the 1.4x, 1.7x and the new 2x Tc 20e11. I found the old version too soft, but these with the high end lenses especially the primes I find produce excellent results and offer a great deal of focal length choice in the field.
SUPPORTS:
All my tripods and mono pod are carbon fibre for rigidity and weight saving, I use Feisol tripods and monopod with a gimbal head and ball head for most work, however recently for my longer lenses I am now using a Sachtler FS8 video head with the Sachtler CF tripod which can be adjusted for height without bending down. The head offers damping adjustment and is rock solid. All are fitted with Arca Swiss fittings.
FLASH:
Nikon SB900 with which I use a Better Beamer flash extender when required. My macro flash system is the Nikon R1C1 system which offers so much flexibility. I also use Nikon SB28 flash units for my Camera Trapping
BAGS:
If I am travelling I use the Lowepro Pro Runner RLx450 AW with pull out handle and wheels as well as being a backpack, its airline carry on compatible and so comfortable with loads of space.
For the Nikon 600mm f4 I use my Lowepro AW 600 long lens backpack, I also have the older slightly shorter version which complies with airline spec.
On a camera strap I have three Matin neoprene pouches holding my teleconverters for quick access.
POST PROCESSING:
I process everything now in On1 Photo Raw which allows me to do everything in one program, I rarely need Photoshop these days, I do use Dxo Optics pro elite prime noise reduction though for images with very high ISO noise.
I have no hang up on manufacturers, my first camera was a Kershaw bellows camera (British) and my first SLR was a Canon AE1, I think modern cameras all now offer superb imaging.
Currently I use: Nikon D850 and Nikon D500 and Nikon D810 bodies. Prior to these I used a Nikon D700 and Nikon D4
LENSES:
These I consider more important than the bodies. In ascending order I use:
Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 D, a work horse lens, wide angle to portrait offering superb quality.
Sigma 35mm f1.4 art lens super sharp this has now replaced my 50mm f2.8
Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 G11 ED VR, in my opinion one of Nikons most adaptable lenses.
Sigma 150mm f2.8 APO Macro DG hsm, for me this lens outperforms every other macro lens I have tried.
Nikon 300mm f2.8 G11 ED VR, 30 years in production this lens is pin sharp if somewhat heavy.
Nikon 300mm f4 PF one of Nikon new Phase Fresnel lens's, small and lightweight, together with the 1.4 teleconverter this is my go to lens combination for walk about shooting.
Nikon 600mm f4 vr, when you need the reach this lens takes some beating.
TELECONVERTERS:
I use all three of nikons teleconverters the 1.4x, 1.7x and the new 2x Tc 20e11. I found the old version too soft, but these with the high end lenses especially the primes I find produce excellent results and offer a great deal of focal length choice in the field.
SUPPORTS:
All my tripods and mono pod are carbon fibre for rigidity and weight saving, I use Feisol tripods and monopod with a gimbal head and ball head for most work, however recently for my longer lenses I am now using a Sachtler FS8 video head with the Sachtler CF tripod which can be adjusted for height without bending down. The head offers damping adjustment and is rock solid. All are fitted with Arca Swiss fittings.
FLASH:
Nikon SB900 with which I use a Better Beamer flash extender when required. My macro flash system is the Nikon R1C1 system which offers so much flexibility. I also use Nikon SB28 flash units for my Camera Trapping
BAGS:
If I am travelling I use the Lowepro Pro Runner RLx450 AW with pull out handle and wheels as well as being a backpack, its airline carry on compatible and so comfortable with loads of space.
For the Nikon 600mm f4 I use my Lowepro AW 600 long lens backpack, I also have the older slightly shorter version which complies with airline spec.
On a camera strap I have three Matin neoprene pouches holding my teleconverters for quick access.
POST PROCESSING:
I process everything now in On1 Photo Raw which allows me to do everything in one program, I rarely need Photoshop these days, I do use Dxo Optics pro elite prime noise reduction though for images with very high ISO noise.