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GEAR TALK

In my view, Tools are one of the six dimensions of a cohesive photographic system:

• Eye (inspiration and visualization)
• Technique (skills and methods)
• Tools (capture and technology)
• Subject (composition and message)
• Light (palette and brush)
• Presentation (media and context)

As Tools, I believe that capable camera gear plays an important role in enabling the system to function. Given that importance, here are the basic facts about digital SLR equipment:

• Good lenses don't depreciate. Get the very best you can afford. Lens choices should dictate what system you choose. Do your homework.
• DSLR camera bodies are constantly improving. Consider this to be an expense, not an investment.
• A righteous tripod setup is the most overlooked contributor to high grade images. You will not realize this until you pony up.
• Nikon or Canon? Yes! Pick your House of Worship.

I personally use a Canon 5D full-frame DSLR camera and a decent collection of Canon L-class lenses that range from 12mm to 500mm (plus extenders). My tripods are Gitzo carbon fiber with RRS ball heads. My "walk-around" system is a Canon 40D DSLR camera with a Canon 17-85mm image stabilized zoom. I use LowePro backpacks for trekking. Alien Bees strobes are in the studio.

Bob Kulon
bkulon@hotmail.com

Bodie Abandonment, California, October, 2007