I used to ‘geek out’ about gear – a lot. Then I stopped buying photography magazines. The gear reviews and double page spread classifieds were the biggest culprits. I realised ‘withdrawal’ was necessary when I’d go straight to the back pages to check prices and ratings rather than the useful ‘how to’ features. I’m almost fully recovered, with the occasional relapse!
I feel a touch uneasy about this list. It’s a lot of stuff. I’m sure you can create awesome images / video without needing much of it. I’m slightly worried to think how much all cost and more than slightly worried Belinda will reach for the calculator App when she checks this page. Of course, it can all be fully justified.
So, for those that are interested, here it is – our gear list.
Equipment
Apple Macbook Pro 15” Retina – 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7, 16Gb RAM
Apple iPad 3 Retina
Huawei E5332 Mobile Wi-Fi Modem
Nikon D7000
Nikon P7100
Nikon 50mm f/1.8
Nikon 70-300 mm f4.5-5.6 VR
Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control
Tokina 12-24mm f/4 AT-X 124 AF Pro DX Lens
DJI Phantom 2 Quadcopter with Zenmuse H3-3D Gimbal – Post #1, #2
GoPro Hero 3+
Giotto’s Vitruvian VGR9255 + MH5310-630 Tripod
Giottos VH6011-658D Mini Video Head
Manfrotto 680B Monopd with 234RC Q/R Tilt
Manfrotto Heavy Duty Grip Ball Head – 322RC2
Glide Gear DEV 235 Camera Track Slider
Zoom H2N Handy Recorder
Rode VideoMic Pro
Lowe Pro Primus AW Backpack
Lowe Pro Off Trail 2 Waistpack
Bushnell Trophy Cam HD – 119466
Bushnell Trophy Cam HD – 119437
Cobra MT975 PMR446 Walkie Talkies
Belinda’s indulgences. Hawke Frontier ED 8×43 Binoculars. Opticron HR66 ED Scope with Slik D3 tripod.
Software
Adobe Lightroom 5
Adobe PhotoShop CC
Adobe Premiere Elements 12
Nik Software Collection
Perfect Effect 8
Photomatix Pro 5
GoPro Studio
You may notice there is no mention of filters. To be honest I’m not a big fan. Firstly, they tend to be expensive, and I’m the type of character highly likely to break them. For me filters are another complication, another barrier to actually taking the shot. It’s more faffing about which takes away enjoying the moment. Although I’ve shied away from expensive grad filters, I do own a mid-range polarising and variable neutral density filter and use when needed. But there’s always a case for getting up earlier to achieve a slower shutter speed.