Camera Equipment

updated 3/2011

Equipment selection is often a battle between efficiency and necessity. A natural inclination towards a lightweight, simple gear selection can be overshadowed by a need for the precise tool for the job.

However, the rapidly advancing digital age has greatly simplified our choices. With the introduction of the 11 megapixel Canon 1Ds digital SLR camera, I was able to abandon film early in 2003.

Ignoring the plethora of scientific tests and opinions comparing film to digital, I have gained this opinion based on my own experience and subjective observations comparing thousands of fine art prints and press-published images from both sources.

Below is the list of the current equipment I use.

Cameras

Canon 1Ds MarkIII
21.1 MP full frame sensor DSLR
Canon 1D MarkIV
16MP 1.3x sensor crop DSLR
Canon 5d MarkII
21MP full frame sensor DSLR, light weight option

Lenses

To compliment the cameras we use a variety of common and special
purpose lenses, including:

Canon 16-35mm F/2.8L II
This photographer’s staple has many uses. Its wide angle of coverage is perfect for many scenic and landscape photos. Outstanding optical performance, even wide open, makes it a favorite lens for aurora photography, where any optical defects will be made more obvious.
Canon 17-35mm F/4L
A lighter weight option for a wide angle lens
Canon 24mm F/1.4 II
The third 24mm lens in the arsenal is primarily for Aurora borealis photography.
Canon 24mm F/2.8
The fourth 24mm lens in the arsenal makes a great landscape lens that takes virtually no bag space. Being a prime lens (not a zoom) it suppresses flare and gives light sources a very pleasing “star” appearance. This is perfect for photographs with the sun in the frame.
Canon 24mm F/3.5 Tilt-Shift
Yet another lens covering the 24mm range, this lens mimics the tilt and shift functions found on large format view cameras and some medium format cameras. When you tilt a camera up, lines bend inwards creating a distorted look. This lens allows for correction of this problem without doing post production.
Canon 24-70mm F/2.8L
This lens provides a range similar to what the human eye sees, and is often used when photographing people and environmental portraits.
Canon 24-105mm F/4L Image Stabilized
A good lens for overall midrange shooting, but vignettes strongly. The versatility of range makes it a winner however.
Canon 70-200mm F/4L Image Stabilized
A lightweight alternative to the f/2.8 version.
Canon 70-200mm F/2.8L Image Stabilized
Speed and great handling make this a wonderful lens for large wildlife that is approachable. It’s large aperture and
image stabilization make low light photography possible without a tripod.
Canon 100-400mm F/4.0L Image Stabilized
Very versatile zoom range
Canon 100mm F/2.8 Macro lens
Allows subjects as small as one inch tall to fill the frame. The 100mm focal length provides longer working distance to avoid shadowing (or scaring!) the subject
Canon 400mm F/5.6L
Extremely sharp and lightweight
Canon 500mm F/4 Image Stabilized
Another optical marvel, this massive lens is often used for Arctic wildlife, often with a 1.4x and sometimes a 2x extender.
Zenitar 16mm Fisheye lens
This little-known lens is made in Russia. It provides a unique distorted perspective and is sometimes useful when unusual effects are desired.
Canon 1.4 and 2.0x Teleconverters

Tripods and Mounts

All of this gear must be securely anchored to prevent vibration and soft photos.

Gitzo G1348 Mark II Carbon fiber tripod with a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ballhead.
For lighter weight gear, I use use a smaller Gitzo G1227 carbon fiber tripod with a Kirk BH-3 ballhead.
Super lightweight Gitzo Trip: GT0541 carbon fiber-1.7lbs with a Really Right Stuff BH25 Mini Ballhead