I am now working
almost exclusively with digital cameras. My serious digital photography started with a
Nikon D100 and a Fuji S2 Pro. I currently use both a Nikon D300s and
a Nikon D800, both of which are a joy to use. I also have a Nikon D200 which is converted
for IR use.
I also use a Canon G11 compact camera, which
is small enough to fit in my pocket and goes everywhere with me when I am not carrying an SLR.
Some time ago I disposed of my 35mm cameras, and
it was like parting with old friends. However I have recently bought a Nikon 6006 (American version of the F601) and am
enjoying using film again too. I also recently bought a Canon AE1 film camera,
and I now have a bag of lenses to match, all from eBay and in superb condition. I had my first AE1 back in 1982!
I use a variety of Nikon lenses, including:
Nikon
50 mm f1.8
Nikon 24-85 mm macro
Nikon 18 - 200 mm VR*
Nikon 10 - 24 mm
Nikon 80 - 400 mm VR*
Nikon 60 mm micro
Sigma
17 -30 mm
My "standard lens" for a long time has been the
Nikon 24-85mm , which boasts an f2.8 aperture and a macro facility, and I still turn to
it when I want high quality. The 50 mm Nikkor is razor sharp and without any faults, and
is ideal for low light situations. The 18-200 mm VR is also ideal as a convenience
"go anywhere" lens on my D300s. This never seems to be off this camera these days!
I also use a Manfrotto PROB 55 tripod that is awkward to carry, but which
gives a very stable camera platform. When travelling I use a Gitzo "Traveller" Tripod that is very light,
made of carbon fibre, and packs easily into a carry-on flight bag. It is very expensive, but is probably
the only tripod that fits my needs for foreign travel.
Although I have recently added VR lenses to my camera bag, I am now a convert
to these. Nikon image stablisation works well, and they enable me to work faster with
more freedom. However using a tripod instils a certain discipline and forces me to concentrate much more on the image
I am creating. It also allows me to use smaller apertures and slower shutter speeds than
would ever be possible hand-holding my camera.
In my images I use a variety of filters. These include:
UV filters
Circular polarisers
Gray graduates
Warm-up
Neutral
Density
Even
with digital photography, it is best to get the image right "in camera", rather than to
rely on corrections in Photoshop after the photograph has been taken. I occasionally use
neutral grey graduates to hold back bright skies in my images. I sometimes use polarisers too to
remove reflections. At other times the UV filter protects my lens
