GEAR

Introduction

The photographer makes the picture, not the camera or the lens. That’s what most photographers say.
Therefore I would like to quote Ansel Adams:

The single most important component of a camera
is the twelve inches behind it – Ansel Adams

I fully agree with this statement. But, using the right gear plays an important role in obtaining the best possible technical quality in your photographs.

Back in 2002, I bought my first film SLR camera, a Nikon F80, together with an 28-105 mm lens. Since that day I have remained loyal to the Nikon brand, although a small Sony child was added to the family.

Over the years I bought a variety of equipment. The gear I’m currently using for my photo trips or assignments is listed in the various tabs.

Compact Camera

The alternative for a heavy set of DSLR equipment without sacrificing image quality.

Sony RX1

DSLR Bodies

I switched from film SLR’s to digital SLR’s in 2005. I’m still keeping the F5 as a Nikon classic. The D3 is used as my main work horse, with the D2x as a backup in case of emergency. Although my SLR bodies are large and heavy, I prefer them over smaller sized cameras, because they are better balanced , especially with heavier f/2.8 lenses.

Nikon D3
Nikon D2x
Nikon F5

DSLR Lenses

I mainly use zoom lenses for my photography. Primes come in handy when traveling light is important. My main setup uses the three zoom lenses. Often I leave home the wide angle zoom in favor of the macro lens. Wide angle shots can also be obtained by stitching images. If I could only bring one lens, it would be the 24-70.

Prime lenses:

Nikkor AF 20mm f/2.8D
Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.4D
Nikkor AF-S VR Micro 105mm f/2.8G ED

Zoom lenses:

Nikkor AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED
Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Nikkor AF-S VRII 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Converter:

Nikkor TC-17E II

Tripods & Heads

Most of my photographs are made with my camera attached on a tripod. A sturdy tripod and ball head get the best sharpness out of your cameras and lenses. The use of a tripod also slows you down, enabling you to think longer about making a proper composition. I also use my tripod as a walking cane to stabilize myself when crossing rivers or traveling over slippery paths.

My ballheads use an Arca Swiss compatible dovetail clamp. Combined with dedicated camera and lens plates, this combination provides a reliable connection between tripod and equipment.

Manfrotto 055PROB (Bogen 3021BPRO)
Gitzo GT1544T
Markins Q-Ball M10
Markins Q3T
Kirk PZ-121 (plate for Nikon D3)
Kirk PZ-86 (plate for Nikon D2x)
Kirk PZ-6 (plate for Nikon F5)
Kirk LP-45 (plate for Nikon 70-200)
Really Right Stuff BRX1 (plate for Sony RX1)

Filters

Although the effect filters can be largely replicated during post-processing in the digital darkroom, the use of filters while making the image can still be preferable. Graduated, neutral density and polarizer filters are an essential part of a photographers kit, to balance exposures and saturate colors. Neutral density (grey) filters slow down exposures to obtain longer shutter speeds for special effects.

Lee filter holder foundation kit
Lee 0.75 neutral density graduated filter (soft & hard))
Lee 0.90 neutral density pro glass filter
B+W circular polarizer MRC (77 mm)
B+W 110 ND neutral density filter (77 mm)
Sony circular polarizer VF-49CPAM (49 mm)

Bags

I must confess I’m a bagaholic. I’ve bought (too) many camera bags in search for the perfect one, which does not exist. My favorite camera bags are bag packs, especially when on holiday and hiking is on the agenda. Both bag packs are able to support most (not all) of my DSLR gear while the shoulder bag is used for smaller local assignments. And finally a small bag for my compact camera,

Think Tank Streetwalker Harddrive
Think Tank Streetwalker Pro
Lowepro Pro Mag 2 AW
Lowepro Apex 100 AW

Flashes

Flashes are useful for indoor photography when light levels are low or filling in the shadows for outdoor photography. The use of two flashes enables me to use a master-slave setup, creating light sources from two directions.

Nikon SB-900
Nikon SB-800

Miscellaneous

Small gadgets, either necessary or desired by gear-freaks like myself. The eyepiece enlarges my viewfinder image.
Whenever use my tripod, I also use my remote release cord, in combination with mirror lock-up on my camera.