People often ask me what camera gear I use, so I thought it would be fun to do a little write-up.
I have been using Nikon cameras since my very first Nikon FG 35mm manual film camera in the 1980s. That one camera lasted me roughly 20 years, but since I went digital, I seem to go through cameras a lot faster with each upgrade promising more resolution and less high-ISO noise. I've been through the Nikon D100, D2X, D80, D300, and half a dozen Coolpix cameras. I also shoot with Panasonic Micro Four Thirds (MTF) cameras.
While I love talking gear, it is always important to remember that it's not just about the equipment. You, the photographer, are ultimately responsible for making your image. Good gear definitely helps, but good composition and technique are even more important. And becoming intimately familiar with your equipment's strengths and weaknesses is priceless. While I am admittedly a Nikon fanboi, Canon and now Sony also make compelling digital SLR systems. And alternatively, Panasonic and Olympus make intriguing mirrorless cameras that are smaller and lighter, yet have the quality and selection of lenses that a more traditional SLR system offers.
- Nikon D300: Nikon's high-end enthusiast DX camera, this has been my workhorse camera for the past three years with great image quality (especially when you shoot RAW), weather sealing, and a solid feel in your hands. (Its current updated incarnation is the D300s, but it is getting a bit long in the tooth. If rumors are true, a new Nikon D400 replacement may be coming in August 2011.)
- Nikon D7000: Announced in September 2010 and finally readily available in January 2011, the D7000 is the current mid-level enthusiast's camera that I would recommend to anybody looking to purchase an SLR that balances image quality, features, and price. 16mp DX sensor, 1080p HD movies, and a drive motor for auto-focusing on older pre AF-S lenses. If you don't have any lenses yet, I would recommend buying the kit with the 18-105mm lens, a great all-purpose walk-around lens.
- Nikon D3100: If you are looking for the cheapest way to get into the SLR arena, the D3100 is Nikon's entry-level camera. For $500, you get a 13mp DX sensor, 1080p HD movies, and a small and light plasticy body. The D3100 doesn't have a drive motor to focus older pre AF-S lenses, but if you're an SLR-newbie with no old lenses, this should be no concern to you. Note: The D3100 kit comes with an 18-55mm lens, but honestly, I would skip it and buy an 18-105mm separately.
- Nikon Full-Frame Cameras: You might be surprised that I don't shoot with one of Nikon's high-end FX (35mm full-frame) cameras like the D700 or the D3X. I'm still waiting for the release of the Nikon D800 (a high-resolution replacement to the D700 that doesn't have the built-in vertical grip like the D3X). Hopefully it will arrive in 2012! (If you are rich and would like to buy one for me, I would be very grateful and will dedicate my next photography trip to you.)
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Nikon D2X with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 at 17mm.
- Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 DX: Nikon's best and brightest high-end pro DX lens. Expensive yes, but I love the iamge quality! This is my bread-and-butter lens and is on my camera 90% of the time; it is a wonderful mid-range zoom lens for landscape work.
- Nikkor 12-24mm f/4 DX: Nice and sharp wide-angle lens for DX cameras and unlike some others, this can take a (77mm) filter on the front. This is my second most favorite lens and I use it a lot for landscape work.
- Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR DX: This is an inexpensive "consumer-grade" lens that also happens to be a favorite of mine. Lost in the mix of 18-something entry-level lenses (18-55, 18-70, 18-105, 18-135, 18-200), I think that this one is the perfect balance between "super zoom" and image quality. When weight is an issue on a backpacking trip and I can only bring one lens, this is the one I would choose. It's "plasticy" and light and takes very sharp photos when stopped down. And if you break it, buy another one cheap for 1/4th the price of a 17-55mm.
- Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR: (Updated Fall 2009 to the VR-II model.) This legendary lens is a wonderful fast lens for shooting sporting events and low-light events where zoom and a large aperture matter. Because its size and weight though, I tend to leave this behind for hiking and backpacking trips. And don't let the sticker shock give you a heart attack.
- Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR: This "consumer-grade" lens is often maligned by "professional" lens reviewers, but I find it to be a wonderful lens to have in my hiking bag. It's affordable, small and light (compared to the 70-200), the VR is quite effective, and it can deliver sharp results when stepped down. Great for hiking trips!
- Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 VR Micro (Macro): A great macro lens that spends most of its time pointed at flowers and Lego Spacemen. This lens also makes a great poor man's semi-telephoto prime lens. VR is of questionable use for macro work.
- Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8 DX: Fisheye lenses are wonderfully fun! I only take this lens with me when weight isn't an issue. At the right locations, it can provide a perfect effect of agoraphobia. But admittedly, this is a "gimmicky" effect, so I try to use this lens sparingly.
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Nikon D300 with Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0 at 12mm.
Micro Four Thirds Cameras | Joe Braun Photography
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