GEAR

If you spend more time thinking about your equipment than your photographs, then consider yourself a ‘gearhead’ instead of a photographer. Though quality equipment is essential in the photographic process, remember that it is the pilot who controls the aircraft, not the other way around. In almost all cases, equipment is not the limiting factor and should be viewed as no more than a valuable tool in the hands of a skilled photographer. Great equipment will always be negated by poor technique. Learning to use what you have is far more important than drooling over the latest camera or lens.

Equipment for the outdoor photographer comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, some of which is not found at a camera store. Below are a few comments as well as some of my favorite pieces of photo gear:

• Trash can – Use it often on your journey to photographic excellence. You are judged only by what others see of your work. Smart photographers make sure their audience views only their best work.
• Camera packs – I have yet to find a camera pack which performs well as both a carrier for camera gear yet carries like a true backpack. In fact, I have had near disasters with one of the ‘leading brands’. A key word of advice is to make sure it meets airline carry-on requirements – never let your gear out of your sight.
• Tripod & Ballhead –  Simply stated, “don’t leave home without it”. Yes, lightweight is important but first evaluate the cost per pound. If your budget is limited, then spend the money on a sturdy but heavier tripod. Any tripod is useless without a good ballhead. I highly recommend the Kirk BH-1 with Kirk quick release plates.
• Camera Gear – Buy the best you can afford but more importantly, learn to use what you have. Remember that great photographers such as Ansel Adams used equipment that we now consider antiques but their photographs are still unrivaled in beauty and technical excellence.

For what it is worth, below is a ‘snapshot’ of an ever-changing list of what I carry in a variety of situations but certainly not all at once:

• Camera Bodies:  Nikon D2X, D2H,
• Lenses (All Nikon): 10.5mm Fisheye; 12-24 f4G; 28-70 f2.8 zoom; 70-200 f2.8 VR; 105mm f2.8 VR Macro; 180mm f2.8; 300mm f2.8 AF-S; 200-400 f4G zoom; 400mm f2.8 VR; TC-14E, TC-17E & TC-20E II teleconverters.
• Accessories: Various Nikon Flash units; Singh-Ray Graduated ND and Polarizing filters; remote releases and portable light reflectors.

One final word of advice:

         ALWAYS ENJOY THE JOURNEY…IT MAY BE BETTER THAN THE DESTINATION