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Camera: Nikon d40. I like how easy it is to use. The controls are very intuitive (at least for me). It’s also really light. I can carry it in hand or around my neck for hours and not get tired. Some day, I may think about getting a more advanced body (I really like the D90, D5000, and the D300) but I’ll never get rid of my D40. It’s just so much fun.
Lenses: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6g and a Nikkor 55-200mm f4-5.6 g. Sometimes, it’s a pain changing between two lenses. But, you get used to it… and fairly fast as well. These two lenses give me all the range I need. I’m able to get landscapes, upclose and personal shots, zoomed in to fine detail, and anything else I can think of. The quality and duribilty of these lense is great. These are the foundation of my photography. Any lenses I may aquire in the future can’t replace these two go to guys.
Other toys: Vivitar 225 flash. I inherited this from my dad. It’s a great little guy, and i’m really excited as I play and learn it more. I also got a few lense filters from him. With digital white balance, they are kind of unnecessary. But still fun.
I picked up a infrared wireless remote for my D40 (really, a must have for anyone), and a tripod to round out my gear.
That’s my equipment. That is all I really need.
And I like it that way. Too often, I hear people getting into photography talking about more and more equipment. They need this lense, that flash, that new camera body… Equipment does not make good pictures. Tools can help you maximise your skills and give you a wider range of shooting options, but they ain’t gonna turn your snapshots into photographs, if you know what I mean.
Keep it simple. Focus on your photography. Learn your camera and the lenses you have. It’s cheaper, and much more enjoyable.
That being said, I do want to pick up a SB-900 AF Speedlight, something along the lines of a SB_R200 Wireless Speedlight, and an 43″-60″umbrella reflector with stand to round out my lighting system. However, it is only after I have used the gear I have (and love) that I can say these things will enhance the photography I am trying to make into my career. If I never aquire these lights, I’ll be ok. I will still make great pictures, and still have a would of photographic options before me.
Get to know and love the gear you have. It will save you money, hassle, and is just another step to becoming a great photographer.
(man that last line sounded cheesy…)
