I am fortunate enough to have over 30 years of experience with both 35mm and medium format photography equipment (both film and digital) starting with my first camera, a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic F, and leading all the way to my most current, a Canon EOS 1D Mark III.
I have many recommendations as to what I consider some the best gear for the aspiring photographer. However, I would like to emphasize that although good, quality cameras and lenses can help the photographer capture images that are technically sound, it is the unique artistic vision that lies within the photographer that will make the difference between the good photograph and the one that is truly exceptional.
The ability, knowledge and skill of the photographer in effectively employing the right camera, camera settings and lens, as well as the refined awareness of the quality of light and how to apply that awareness within the image, are the first steps in creating the photographs that effectively engage the vision of the artist and the attention, imagination and feelings of the viewer.
And this is even before the image is edited within the digital darkroom, where just as much attention to detail, knowledge and skill with digital image hardware and software and adherence to that unique artistic vision is required to bring forth a photograph that goes beyond the ordinary.
Here's what I use in the complete image making process:
Cameras and Lenses
Canon EOS 1D Mark III 35mm digital camera body
Canon EOS 50D 35mm digital camera body
Canon 500mm EF 4.5 L lens (shown in picture above)
Canon 300mm EF 4.0 L IS lens
Canon 70-200mm EF 2.8 L IS lens
Canon 100mm EF 2.8 macro lens
Canon 85mm EF 1.8 lens
Canon 28-70mm EF 2.8 L lens
Canon 17-35mm EF 2.8 L lens
Canon Extender EF 1.4x
Lensbaby 3G
Tripods and Supports
Bogen 3021 Tripod
Giottos MT 8270
Kirk Ballhead, King Cobra Gimbal Head and L-Brackets
Lighting
Canon 580ex flash with ST-E2 Transmitter
Vivitar 285HV Flash with Strobist Kit
Alien Bees 800 and 400 studio strobes with portable power, light stands, umbrellas, light boxes and beauty dish
Pocket Wizard Plus II Transcievers
Reflectors, booms, muslin backdrops, product table, paper backdrops, etc.
Digital Darkroom
MacBook Pro 17"
Mac Pro Desktop Workstation
Dell Precision 360 PC
Apple AirPort Extreme wireless network and NUMEROUS external hard drives
Epson and Canon printers
Nikon Coolscan 8000 film scanner
For safe, secure online purchasing of all types of photography equipment, software and hardware, I highly recommend B&H Photo in NYC. I have yet to have a bad experience in dealing with B&H. The staff is very knowledgeable, courteous and professional, and if B&H doesn't have what you are looking for, than no one else will. B&H is the best, hands down.
