Whats you best bit of kit this year? 2009

[jollyjack]

I have gotten a few items this year.

Nikon 70-300 VR
Manfrotto 190XPROB
Nikkor 50mm f/1.8
SB600

I like them all but i think my 50mm has to be my best, only just got it, learning to use it still, but getting great images of my girls.

Whats your best bit of kit this year (2009)

[..MD..]

A sheet of perspex !!!!!!!!

It really has given me what i wanted with my portraits.

md

[hashcake]

I've upgraded the body and lenses this year.
Canon 40D
Canon 10-22
Tamron 18-270vc
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8vc

I can't choose one lens as a favourite as all three do what I want from them.
If I had to choose one it'd probably be the Tamron 17-50 due to the IQ of the pics I took of my dog @ f/2.8

[Chaz Photos]

2 50D’s 100-400 L 70-200 IS L2.8 17-55 IS 2.8 1.4 & 2x exterder and a G10
My Fav is the 70-200

[goslayer]

Canon 50D
Canon 70-200 2.8 is
Canon 100-400 is
Canon 24-104 is
Canon 5d mkII
Canon 85 1.8
Canon 580EXII
Hilite background and train
Dlite 4 kit

Love the 5D with the 70-200 and 85 for portraits.

I upgraded all my gear this year, next years list will be much much shorter:'(

[grumpybadger]

For me, it's getting another 400 f/4DO IS. A great lens and very versatile...

[OutLore]

A sheet of perspex !!!!!!!!

md

Where did you get it from?

[DuncanDisorderly]

Really loving my 24mm TS-E

[psenior1]

24-70mm Nikon is just great and my best purchase, closely followed by D3 and 85mm f/1.4

[Yv]

Definately my studio lights/kit, but my nikor 28mm is a close second....or maybe its the siggie 24-70 :thinking: Oh, the Manfrotto CF tripod is pretty damn cool too, as it the monopod I won from Redsnapper last week. :bonk: maybe I just got too much stuff this year :lol:

[evo456]

Carl Zeiss 24-70, so sharp it slices through pixeds :love:

[r1andy]

sigma 50mm 1.4 best lens i have ever used

[Kev M]

My enlarger.

[Radiohead]

GF1 and 20/1.7

[ryanyboy]

Nikon 200mm F/2
D3s

[AndySwinden]

A Nikon 300mm f2.8 :D

[dinorock]

upgraded from a D50 to a D300 :love: :love: :thumbs:

[MagicMynx]

Probably my Sony Alpha 350! lol

[fabs]

Only bought one lens this year, sigma 10-20, and soooo pleased I did. Oh, and also bought a second A700. :thumbs:

[Crazyhorse]

My 70-200 2.8 L. I haven't used it as much as I should have done though.

When I got my 400d a couple of years ago, I never thought I'd own a thousand pound lens.

I love my 40D and Sigma 10-20 too.

Lisa

[treeman]

The new 21.5" imac, I'm loving the higher res gloss screen :thumbs:

[markyboy.1967]

My newly purchased Nikon 500 f4--it gives me the chance to shoot the birds and wildlife that i want without scaring them off.

[jollyjack]

My newly purchased Nikon 500 f4--it gives me the chance to shoot the birds and wildlife that i want without scaring them off.

Looks like a good buy my, checked out your photo's on flickr Very good

[Meeten]

sigma 50mm 1.4 best lens i have ever used

ditto!!

:thumbs:

[TheBigYin]

A mint condition s/h EOS-3 35mm body. Bulletproof build quality, handles like my digital camera can only dream of, works with most of the lenses that the EOS450D does, and going back to shoot film occasionally reminds me to slow down, think more, and press the shutter less.

Shooting digital has given me the chance to improve my photography on a technical level almost beyond measure, due to the almost instant feedback loop and ability to repeat and repeat until you do get things right.

Shooting film, however, slows me down, makes me think more about the composition and overall balance of the shot - at at least a tenner a roll for E6 every shutter press costs money, so you want plenty of "keepers".

[SamuelHearn]

My D60, first slr :love:

[Daryl]

Magic sponge! For cleaning white vinyl bgs.

[Weetobix]

This year?

It's got to be either my Sigma 120-400, or my Speedlite 580exII

I got a nifty fifty too, but haven't had much of a choice to play with it yet :)

[Liam]

A real tripod has helped me a lot!

[ianmarsh]

A "black foamy thing" (see http://www.planetneil.com/tangents/) - makes my flash shots look tonnes better and cost a pound

[AliB]

35mm f2

Cheap as chips for a little prime and allows me to shoot the wider shots on a 2nd body at weddings. Stick it on the 5D and I can stick my arm in the air and shoot blind. :) Or I can stick it on a tripod and with a PW I can fire it remotely from the back of the venue. Just press the button at the time I want the shot. I can be in two places at one time ;)

[orac]

85mm 1.2L. Best thing I've ever used.

[webbEvents]

5d Mk2, then a new computer system to keep up with the huge files and HD video. Oh, and a 24" Ultrasharp monitor.
Not sure what Santa's bringing, but I've left a few hints laying around. We'll see tomorrow.

Webby

[gpa]

D3 and 200-400mm :thumbs:

[D_Ninety]

My D90 (first digital slr, came from a Fuji S6500fd)
MB-D80 Grip
70-300vr
SB600

First purchase for next year, well it could be one of many...

Tamron 90mm Di macro
Sigma 120-300 2.8
Nifty 50
I could go on...

Have a great Christmas everyone :)

[Hairyduck]

Nikon 200-400mm f4, every time I use it it never fails to amaze me

[arclight]

Where did you get it from?

B&Q have sheets of acryllic (passes more light than glass).

[martyp]

Probably my Canon 500d w/18-55mm, since I managed to swap it for a 5D body! :D

Love both of my new lenses too (28-135 IS USM and 70-300 IS USM)...

[Dadooron]

Nikkor 50mm f1.8 and SB-600

Neither particularly expensive but both have given me great enjoyment and made me learn new ways of shooting.

[mtracerz]

Left it late in the year, but got my first camera yesterday
Canon 40D
18-55mm kit lens
Tamrom 28-300

Roll on next years spending :)

[Nick T]

5DMKII :D

[henryf4]

I have to say its my speedlite 430EX II, learning about light have opened a new world of learning for me. I didnt expect the world of flash and light are so deep and big.

[Julie1979]

I'm un-decided between my new D700 and Tamron 90mm. Both have been great purchases.

[KevD3x]

Where did you get it from?

..... and what did you do with it? (sorry just seen the answer above and can't figure out how to delete the post!)

[chrism_scotland]

Definitely my move back to Sony with the A700, and my Sony lenses, the 16-105, 50mm f1.8 and Sony 11-18, enjoyed the last couple of days with my new camera more than most of the last year!

[EdBray]

I have done a lot of wheeling and dealing this year to end up with an outfit that suits me.

My favourite items though are my 1DMkIII, my 24L TSE MkII and my Manfrotto 410 geared head. If I have to choose a favourite, it would have to be the 24L TSE MkII.

[itsdavedotnet]

bit too tough to call really, either my 50 1.4, which has converted me to primes again (woe be my bank balance...), or these, which have probably saved me many years of deafness (surefire ep-3's, highly reccomended):

http://images1.opticsplanet.com/180-180-ffffff/opplanet-surefire-ep3-sonic-defender-earpieces.png

[dizidav]

Got to be my 70 -200 f4L



:canon:
Dave.

[Paddysnapper]

Bought on here at little cost 1. A Paragon 400mm lens. An amazing fixed focus manual lens.
And a Nikon 18-105 VR Dx lens...I love it as an all rounder. So a very reasonable year expense wise:wave::thumbs:......Have a good Christmas:)

[hellogoodbye]

Yashica Mat 124G and a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye

[Merc]

I've spent way more than i should have this year but not as much as i would have liked. I've bought a lot of things but probably my favourite has to be a ND Grad Lee filter set. It has helped my Landscape photography no end.

I cannot recommend them enough. :thumbs:

[Andy]

Got to be my lovely 40D. Best £400 spent this year. :)

[Wildsnaps]

My Nikon D700 & 70-200 f/2.8 VR. Shame both bounced on the concrete when I slipped on the ice last Saturday. So thinking about it, my best purchase was probably a good insurance policy!

Simon

[Merc]

My Nikon D700 & 70-200 f/2.8 VR. Shame both bounced on the concrete when I slipped on the ice last Saturday. So thinking about it, my best purchase was probably a good insurance policy!

Simon

:gag: Glad you were insured mate. I took out 3 years insurance on my DSLR this year. £50 for peace of mind = bargain.

[Wildsnaps]

:gag: Glad you were insured mate. I took out 3 years insurance on my DSLR this year. £50 for peace of mind = bargain.

It is my second wipe-out this year :( In April I had a D2X and a bagful of lenses damaged by a grey whale calf!:(

Simon

[lauren_t]

My Canon 24-70 2.8L. I love it and use it all the time!

[Icee]

My sigma 120-400 it's not perfect but it's dam good value.

[Nod]

24-70 f/2.8 Sigma.

Closely followed by a 2nd hand 70-200 f/2.8 and a 150-500, both also Sigmas. No problems with any of them.

[RobH]

Not bought much photography equipment this year, but my D300 + Grip is mine :)

Rob.

[cap'n crunch]

My Vivitar 28-90 f2.8 they don't make them like they use to ;)

[foodpoison]

My Manfrotto ballhead. Absolutely priceless.

[Rob_Ashton]

hmmmm best buy would prob be 85mm f/1.2... but now its made me want the 50mm f/1.2 as well... and the 135mm f/2.0.... oh dear in fact its made me want the whole dam lot :D

best see what the new year brings eh lol :)

[foggy4ever]

D300, but then again I only took this photo thingy seriously this year so everything in my bag including the bag was purchased this year :D

[Andy77]

40d
tammy 17-50 2.8
430ex flashgun

[Daysleeper40]

Well I made my first leap into the world of DSLR's so it's got to be my D60 :)

[User Name]

So far this year (can't rule out another purchase if I see something in the sales...)

Canon 5D mk II
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Canon EF 2X II Extender
Canon ANGC Angle Finder
Spare battery
SanDisk Extreme III 16GB
SanDisk Extreme III 8GB x 2
Infrared remote controller
Canon Speedlite 430EX II
Canon MR-14EX Macrolite
Manfrotto monopod
Manfrotto 7322CY-BB Carbon fibre tripod
Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 Carbon Fibre Tripod
Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ball Head
Lowepro Flipside 400AW backpack
Tamrac Velocity 8x
Canon RS-80N3 remote switch
Generic remote timer
Lee foundation kit
Lee ND hard grad set
Lee ND soft grad set
Lee ND set (0.3,0.6,0.9)
Various B+W and Rodenstock UV + circ pols
Lee circ polariser

I am just a beginner... I'm afraid that I caught "equipment fever" sometime earlier this year. No recovery in sight. :D

Great forum, I only discovered it a few days ago. :cool: :thumbs:

Out of everything, I like the 24-70mm f/2.8, it's a great all-round lense for city walking.

[Chillimonster]

For me it has to be the Panasonic GF1 and 20mm F1.7 combo.

Its small, light, and very versatile.

I LOVE IT :love:

[Jim B]

Nikon 80-200 f/2.8, my first pro lens, amazed at the sharpness. :love:

Closely followed by the Nikon D300, some sort of upgrade from the D50! :thumbs:

[dod]

probably a D300 :)

[chris321]

Probably my new Siggy 70-200 f/2.8, love it to bits! :thumbs:

[petebarnes]

Think I had a buying binge last year so no new purchases come to mind.

I did manage to sell an old lens I was given for £3500, that was pretty sweet

[foodpoison]

Think I had a buying binge last year so no new purchases come to mind.

I did manage to sell an old lens I was given for £3500, that was pretty sweet

Result!

As far as you guys buying all this kit, it's unbelievable!

I think... this year I bought 55-250IS and my AE-1 and a few hong-kong bits from Ebay - interval timer release and stuff, and got the Ball Head given to me for birthday.

I wish I could afford a camera kit binge!

[Davec223]

Had a bit of a manic year on kit. These are the major ones

lee grad nd set
lee foundation kit
b&w kassman 105mm cpl (not cheap but what a filter)
sigma 10-20
mamiya rz67 with 2 backs and 110mm 2.8 mamiya sekor
kenko 2100fm light meter
sigma 70-200 hsm II 2.8
nikon micro 105vr 2.8
nikon 50mm 1.4
nikon d300
nikon mb-d10
nikon sb900
nikon rc1 macro flash
manfrotto 190pro tripod legs.

I think that's the main ones.

[RichardtheSane]

Nearly all my kit has been purchased this year with the exception of my 12-24mm

However my top purchase this year is my 300mm F4 IS
It's the lens I should have bought 3 years ago when I replaced my 100-400mm (I chose the Sigma 120-300mm instead).

[mrtoad]

my only extra kit bought...a jessops mini table top tripod

[macky799]

Think it would have to be my gitzo tripod because i think thats all ive bought this year :thinking: or maybe my whf trip to use my kit :lol::lol:

[thehitmen]

My Pentax KM and 70-300mm :D

[Wail]

So far this year (can't rule out another purchase if I see something in the sales...)

Canon 5D mk II
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Canon EF 2X II Extender
Canon ANGC Angle Finder
Spare battery
SanDisk Extreme III 16GB
SanDisk Extreme III 8GB x 2
Infrared remote controller
Canon Speedlite 430EX II
Canon MR-14EX Macrolite
Manfrotto monopod
Manfrotto 7322CY-BB Carbon fibre tripod
Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 Carbon Fibre Tripod
Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ball Head
Lowepro Flipside 400AW backpack
Tamrac Velocity 8x
Canon RS-80N3 remote switch
Generic remote timer
Lee foundation kit
Lee ND hard grad set
Lee ND soft grad set
Lee ND set (0.3,0.6,0.9)
Various B+W and Rodenstock UV + circ pols
Lee circ polariser

I am just a beginner... I'm afraid that I caught "equipment fever" sometime earlier this year. No recovery in sight. :D

Great forum, I only discovered it a few days ago. :cool: :thumbs:

Out of everything, I like the 24-70mm f/2.8, it's a great all-round lense for city walking.

Is someone pulling a quickie here :shrug:; I offer my sincerest apologies if this is a genuine post from a genuine new member :cool:

Personally, I'm loving my Tilt / Shift lenses (Nikon 24 PC-E & 45 PC-E) too much to play with anything else. It's been a while since I was mentally challenged.

[68lbs]

Budget
Hotshoe spirit level. It means I rarely crop a landscape shot now, and am guaranteed a level horizon. :thumbs:

Mid Range
Canon 50 f/1.4 lens. Love this baby, and it's currently my fave lens allowing for plenty of creativity and the opportunity to get a different shot from everyone else.

Top End
Canon 70-200 f/2.8 lens. Took me a while to get over the idea that I looked like a tw** with it on my camera, but once that hurdle was overcome I started to appreciate and use the lens.

[Rovers_Andy]

Gitzo Monopod with Long spike. Makes the 400 effortless to use :D

[User Name]

Is someone pulling a quickie here :shrug:; I offer my sincerest apologies if this is a genuine post from a genuine new member :cool:

Personally, I'm loving my Tilt / Shift lenses (Nikon 24 PC-E & 45 PC-E) too much to play with anything else. It's been a while since I was mentally challenged.

Yes, it is a genuine post. I started a few years ago with a 30D, kit lens, EF-S 10-22 wide angle and sigma APO 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG OS with 2x extender. I still have all that.
When I was standing at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, freezing my nuts off in a gale at 4:30am waiting for the sunrise, trying to stabilise my very wobbly Velbon, I met another photographer who wasn't having any problems with his CF Gitzo. I got gear envy :lol: so I started a collection. :)

The list of stuff was purchased since September this year. Equipment is not my problem, I'm here because I'm lacking motivation, coming home after a fantastic holiday in the US where taking landscape photos seemed to be easy, back to the rainy and dull UK. I also find it inspirational seeing the fantastic photos you guys have been posting. :thumbs:

I would rather grow into my equipment that out of it, and I love having new things to play with. :cool:

The macro lens and flash will be a present to me tomorrow, really looking forward to that :thumbs:

Have a great Christmas everyone :cool: :beer:

[Wail]

User Name,

That is some kit you managed to amass, dare I say may make Nikon users envious :p.

Sincerely sorry if my post was rude, and thank you for not getting upset with it (I hope you didn't).

Enjoy your macro & flash, and the snow and blistering cold; or, come here where it's 30C mid-day :thumbs:

Merry Christmas to you and all :).

[wicker_man]

Well, since I've purchased all of my current SLR stuff this year (Feb) I'd have to say my 40D with Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 and Canon 50mm f1.8.

Next year, I'm hoping to move up to full frame (assuming I get a summer job) and probably getting a 1Ds Mark II.

[Peter Jepson]

My best bit of kit purchased this year was my D3, magic.

[j37r]

I'm hoping that the £12 EOS to Praktica B adapter that arrived in the post this morning is going to be my best item, I will now be able to use my Carl Zeiss 50mm F1.4 on my 350d.


John:)

[User Name]

Enjoy your macro & flash, and the snow and blistering cold; or, come here where it's 30C mid-day :thumbs:

Merry Christmas to you and all :).

Maybe the macro will be my favourite from tomorrow :shrug:

I was in Dubai earlier in the year, the 38 degree temps were bearable but the humidity was a killer - I'm glad I didn't take an SLR with me as my sunglasses were steaming up when I stepped out of the hotel!

Have a good holiday :D :cool:

[Dave W]

Gotta be my a700 and Sony 16-105mm lens combo. The a700 is amazing and I'm still over the moon at the price I paid.

I also love my Manfrotto 055xprob tripod and 808RC4 head, superb bit of kit.

[Hippo_MC]

my first prime lens, Canon 50mm 1.4, has made me realise the difference a decent lens can make (compared to kit/cheap lenses)

10-22 and 24-105L next on the shopping list :wave:

[albabbaobab]

That would be my first DSLR, a Canon 450d with kit lens back in June if that counts. Since then I've got myself a tripod, a Nissin Di622 flash, and the 50mm f1.8. The best addition though would probably be my Sigma 10-20mm which I only got last week but its been a blast using it so far.

[rotherad]

My best has to be my 21st bday presents lastweek. A Nikon 24-70mm and a Nikon 70-200mm :D

[dubnut71]

I am a real cheapskate compared to you guys but my best purchase this year was Adobe Lightroom which has transformed my PP and closely followed by my technical background system AKA 2 sheets of white / black card from Rymans the stationers!!!!!:eek:

[alpina]

Oh Dear,

Upgraded from a D40 to a D300 then it went a bit silly!

50mm 1.8
Grip
Studio Lights
80-200mm 2.8
Macbook
Bronica ETRS
Darkroom Gear
Konica S2 Auto
Voigtlander Vitomatic
SB800 & SB600
24-70 2.8

Think I should stop now!

O dear o dear

[eggbanjo]

After selling my 5d I bought a 7d this year, but havent really used it in anger. Im having problems with inspiration and motivation at the moment:(

[Greedier]

My Nikon D300(from a D90), 17-55 :D:D, 70-200 VR(the grey nikon one) :D:D & SB900. And may i add i bought it all off here...lol. Not only my best photo kit but my best purchases hands down...

[garry71]

I got a Ricoh GR Digital. Just need a hotshoe viewfinder to make it complete!

[spaniel]

A Rodenstock 50mm f/5.6 enlarging lens, a brilliant lens :)

Nigel

[inaneredstripe]

18-50 sigma 2.8
loads of gigs shot since, and i love it.
cant afford a 24-70L yet.

[Hunter87]

Battery grip for my 20D lifesaver to start off with! Then my 1D Mark 2 + 300mm f4 L.

[Shorty]

This year I got, well, everything.
Nikon D40x
Nikon D80[as an addition to 40x]
18-55mm
55-200mm
50mm
24-70mm
85mm
Jessops Flash
ATamrac expedition bag


Best bit of kit?
Even thought I wouldn't be able to do it all without the cameras themselves. Gotta be the 24-70!!! :love:

[happyfish]

My enlarger

I think this is a photography related thread. lol

[onomatopoeia]

Can't pick between the A700, 70-200 f/2.8 SSM G or the Minolta 300/4

[HappySnapper]

Last month I invested in the Nikon D300 camera, I love it (it's a wicked camera) and the Nikon 70-300mm VR lens (it's a great lens for wildlife photography) :)

[Ric Type R]

Just bought Darryns 300mm 2.8, What a bl**dy lens:love:. Got to be the best Canon ever made.

[Shutterman]

Got to be the D700 followed on very closely by the Sigma 17-35 ƒ2.8

[Comfortably Numb]

RF-602 flash transmitter, enabling a bit more creativity &
Giottos tripod, adjustable centre column & rock solid.

[Kaouthia]

Picked up a D300s, Sigma 10-20mm, Nikon 70-200mm VR and a couple of SB-900s. The 70-200 has to be the best bit of kit though, it's certainly the one that'll be with me the longest.

[cowasaki]

Not sure as I have done a major update.....

Out

Nikon D1x
Nikon AFS 18-200 (to Mrs_C)
Nikon AF 50mm f1.8 (to Mrs_C)

In

Nikon D700
Nikon AFS 24-70 f2.8
Nikon AF 80-200 f2.8
Nikon AFS 50 f1.4G
Sigma 20mm f1.8
Nikon AFS 18-55 VR (from Mrs_C to use as a walkaround on the D200)
Manfrotto 055pro + 222 trigger head

Not sure which is the biggest plus point out of this lot but D700 with either 50 or 24-70 get most use.

[jamesoliverstone]

I bought shed loads of stuff this year, but I love my F4s the most.

I just love shooting with film again :)

[cowasaki]

Is someone pulling a quickie here :shrug:; I offer my sincerest apologies if this is a genuine post from a genuine new member :cool:

Personally, I'm loving my Tilt / Shift lenses (Nikon 24 PC-E & 45 PC-E) too much to play with anything else. It's been a while since I was mentally challenged.

Wail,

Did I miss a thread about these? What are they like? Looking forward to seeing some images.

[Ajophotog]

Mine has to be the ef 400 f5.6 L, I've used it more than I thought I would have.

[davekiddle]

Without a doubt mine has to be the Nikon 70-200 VR f/2.8 - what a lens! :D

[Paul Kettless]

All my gear is new this year, but my Minolta 50mm 1.7 is the best purchase. Lovely sharp lens and using a prime lens has helped my photography a lot.

[Gary.D]

My 70-200mm f2.8L

[tarmac_chaser]

After selling my 5d I bought a 7d this year, but havent really used it in anger. Im having problems with inspiration and motivation at the moment:(

Come on Gary you can get through it!

[EdinburghGary]

85mm f1.4!

Latest shot with it:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4226085691_22bc4ac621_o.jpg

The D3 itself is ALSO awesome, but no idea when I bought it.

G.

[markta]

Being lucky enough to get my hands on some rare Lee ND Grad filters...a full set of 3 softs and a 2 stop (0.6) hard, plus a Proglass ND filter.

Crikey, Lee filters are like gold dust ATM; Warehouse Express haven't had any in for months :(

I also got the very nice Canon 17-40mm f4L following a road traffic accident (compensation money) and really has given me some options now I have the correct lens. Scenes/locations in mind but not the right light so far!

[ESHTAL]

my Canon 50D and the Sigma 105mm ,,,, if i only can get that Canon 17-55mm ,i will be over the moon

[SK617]

Doing the canon- nikon switch.
Could I have got the same leap in quality by staying canon? Probably, but I love the feel of my D700

[seventythree]

spent a fair whack this year. it all started with the purchase of a d90 and kit lens.

i have a fair few lenses now, decent tripod, kit bag , sb600 and some lighting nick nacks etc etc, but One item is standing out as a clear winner though and it's the all important chimp-lens interface. More commonly known as my d90 Body :thumbs:

Al.

PS, and i feel much better seeing everyone elses purchases. Makes me feel much better!

[Graham00]

Upgraded from D60 (only 3 AF points)to D300 and got a Sigma 70-200mm f2.8
very happy with that kind of equipment for a few years.

Oh and a long awaited B&W 110stop ND Filter £66

[Arkady]

Camnera kit: The Nikon D3 and D3x cameras and the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
Other stuff: 1.5" paintbrush and a Blackhawk tactical pistol holster.

[Gonetae]

Got to be my Sigma 50-500mm, the extra reach and sharpness it gives it over my old 70-300 has really helped with my bird shots.

Tommy.

[Wail]

Wail,

Did I miss a thread about these? What are they like? Looking forward to seeing some images.

About the T. / S. lens; I bought the 45 PC-E when I was last in UK (Aug. / Sept.), but I never got to play with it. Was too arsed to do so until I got back to Saudi.

Here, I started architectural photography and fell in love with it and what the Shift function can do. Mind, the reason I got the T. / S. lens was for the DoF for landscape, which is what I do mostly.

It turned out 45mm was too long for architectural, so I wend and got the 24mm as well. A fantastic bit of glass, too. Though, both are manual focus.

I am still trying to get my head around the DoF for landscape; since reading more about it, and a lot of help from other members here. But recent issues here have limited my shooting in the past couple of weeks.

I think this Friday will be a good day for me, I hope :shrug:, and I should be able to go out shooting with them.

Here are a couple of links to the threads on this, thread by EdBray (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=184487), and thread by DuncanDisorderly (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=2186525#post2186525). Lots of great photos, tips and pointers to get anyone addicted to this type of lens.

Now, did I hear you say your purchases for 2010 weren't to be as substantial as that of 2009 :p; I am sure I hear a T. / S. lurking in your minds' eye :suspect:?!

[JadeyLady]

for me getting the IXUS

[andy owen]

Has to be my 70-200 f2.8 iS. What an awesome piece of loveliness it is. love it love it love it.

[Naboo32]

Everything in my 'Camera Bag' (including four different camera bags :D) was purchased in 2009, so I have a lot to choose from.

I suppose that first prize goes to the Nikon D700, for becoming like an extension of my right arm and just doing everything that I ask of it, so very well.

The other bit of kit, which never fails to impress and was a complete bargain too, is my Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 lens. I have 'better' (i.e. more expensive) lenses, but the sharpness and accurate focusing of the Tamron are far better than I expected in a 260 quid plastic lens from Thailand :eek:! It does tend to get a lot of use, too.

I think that I can safely say that I will be spending a lot less on photographic equipment in 2010, as there's not much more that I really need now (famous last words :D) and I really won't have another 8K spare, either :(!

Maybe I'll actually get out more and use all of the stuff that I bought in 2009!? (More famous last words ;)).

[brianjbox]

My Manfrotto MN393 gimbal type head:D

I use the Sigma 50-500mm and it's quite a heavy lens, I have a Manfrotto/Bogen tripod and have been making do with a video camera fluid head. Because of the weight/balance of the lens when extended the fluid head had to be adjusted quite tightly, this made it difficult to aim the camera at anything and resulted in missed shots.

The MN393 was recommended and I checked it out on various websites and thought seems expensive for a bit of bent flatbar, I tried to get one on ebay but they always finished up at nearly new prices.

I took the plunge and ordered one from http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-manfrotto-393-long-lens-monopod-bracket/p11050 who were the cheapest at £107.00, I ordered the head after 8pm on the 23rd Dec and was only fitting it to my tripod at 8am on the 24th:eek:

When you first open the box you think, god it's huge easily accommodating larger lenses. It's quite heavy but put this down to the quality of materials used, it has a smooth fully adjustable action that's a pleasure to use and what's more you feel confident using it.

What can I say, a wonderful bit of kit and no you couldn't make it cheaper yourself.
With it all set up properly [easy] it's like your camera's floating, the ease of movement in any direction, smooth action, balancing, well it's fantastic.

Yes I am enthusiastic, I don't have a lot of money for new kit and no I've not got shares in the company, I just love it to bits:D

[Tyke Tiler]

What's your best bit of kit this year (2009)

I got this nasal hair trimmer, it's superb! I don't have to look like a bust sofa anymore! :D

[cautionovercrest]

My 50d and 70-200f4L great combination, and allows me to leave the 30d with a short lens on (18-55 kit lens - for now)

[LASTOLITE]

70 - 200 F2.8 VR NIKKOR:thumbs: - Hold on its not mine I borrowed that:suspect:

No wait My 50mm f1.8 nikkor - Yes thats it - the most used lens this year and I suppose as I have only just got into Digital photography my D300:thumbs: Thanks Calumet Liverpool and Harrison Cameras in sheffield for parting me from my money:naughty:

[PaulyD]

I only got into photography this year but for me its got to be my 40D, love it! :D

[Fuuudge]

My ML-L3 remote, the key to taking long exposures.

[AndyWest]

For me the best bit of kit for 2009 is the Panasonic Lumix GF1. Love it!

[ChrisE]

I replaced a Sigma 18-125 with a Nikon 16-85 - it's a fantastic lens! I also got a Nikon 60mm f2.8G Micro but I've not used it much yet.

Chris

[neil_g]

either the sig 120-300 or the lowepro slingshot 300aw it all lives in.

[Trappe]

Canon 300mm F2.8....at long last

[Woofmix]

My Olympus Zuiko 14-35mm f2 and 35-100mm f2 lenses!!! Just got them recently, love them to bits.

Paul

[scottthehat]

pentax k20d and sigma 170-500mm apo dg to nikon d300 and sigma 150-500mm dg hsm os/ miss my pentax.

[artyman]

Well it would have been my Sigma 150-500, man I love that lens, but a new 7D is now challenging for the top slot :D

[Mr Mike]

One year into this photography caper and i upgraded from my starter d40 to the d90, it has to be my best bit of kit this year.

[stan the man]

getting my 2nd A700,my 18-50,F/2.8 70-400 G SSM....:love:

[nigpd]

Oh and a long awaited B&W 110stop ND Filter £66

Is that to take exposures of 2½ days? :D

[Naboo32]

I might have to revise my earlier post :thinking:.

This lens turned up this morning :naughty: ...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p279/Bluenile32/Cameras%20and%20Photography/D700TC17EII70-200mmf28VRII_1000.jpg

I haven't done much with it yet, as it's snowing like mad over here in Germany and so I don't have any clear air to shoot through :(.

I'll put it through it's paces tomorrow (hangover permitting :D) and post a thread if I have any worthwhile images. Still, I wanted to post it here, as I'm sure that it's going to prove to be a great investment (being 'good glass' and all that).

All I know so far is that the VR II performs noticabley better than the VR on my 70-300mm, even at 340mm using a 1.7x TC! Can't wait to get out and use it properly :).

[mastertrinity]

with me its a lowepro fastpack 200 (so much gear in a smallish bag)
minolta 50mm f1.7 - im a primey now
jessops 360afds - im now doing strobist

next year theres so much im after but i need my part time job at the moment but when i do im going to get:

KM 100mm f2.8 macro
KM 85mm f1.4
KM 35mm f2.0
sony hvl f42am
lowepro mini trekker, or micro trekker 200

these are the biggest purchases, and then theres little things like light stands and wireless trigger and receivers.

[EdBray]

Well I'm going to change my mind, because all being well, in about 2.5 hours I will be getting my hands on my Canon EOS 1Ds MkIII.

[Adamski]

The 2 additions this year have been the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 and the Nikon D300s. Just waiting now for the free SB900 from Nikon :D.

[jollyjack]

Well as off today i need to update my best bit of kit from post#1

My good friend merc has just sold me his nikon 12-24mm f/4 lens, he has just upgraded from the D90 to D700.

Its great

[Rudy]

musical keyboard & by next week a Sony alpha 300 with lenses

[kardo]

D300s
16-85mm VR
50mm f1.8
Didn't even have to pay for them :) best girlfriend ever..

[daugirdas]

I bought an insane amount of gear last year. The highlight has to be Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 as I have taken some of my best photos this year.

Next year might see a splash on full frame.

[BertRoot]

Without doubt it was my Tokina 11-16 f/2.8. Have had a great time using this lens for all sorts in the last year.

[Cliff.Barnes]

My first SLR, a Nikon D90.

[George7]

My A200 definitely. I bought an A700 and didn't like it as much so sold it on (I also needed some monies :p) and other than that, probably my Minolta 28mm prime. With this lens attached I am a lot happier with most of my shots, I seem to get a lot more keepers. Also generally very impressed with it for such an inexpensive lens.

Overall though, my best piece of kit this year has definitely been the A200. My first SLR, and I love it and have been to many beautiful places with it and got many shots I love with it already :D

[Laudrup]

Only took up the hobby 8 months ago, but the Canon 17-55mm IS and the 300mm f/2.8 IS L USM are my two favourite purchases.

[postcardcv]

My best bit of kit last year was a 100-400 IS, I'd had one in the past and sold it. I only bought another one because it was a good deal and I wanted it for a specific project (at the price I wasn't going to lose out by selling on afterwards). I'd forgotten what a useful lens it is and now can't see me selling it unless I really have to.

[kherb]

Up graded from Oly 410 to E-3, great purchase.

[pete.rush]

Canon 300mm f2.8 IS :D

[chris330]

Went from a Panasonic Lumix FZ18, to a Nikon D90...

BEST... PURCHASE... EVER.! :):):)

[viewfromthenorth]

Nikon D700. Nuff said.

:)

[King_Boru]

My eye.

[Characteristics]

its a tie between the
Nikon D300s
or Nikon 24-70mm f2.8

the business

[Claymore]

Love my Raynox DCR-150 and 250 and my vintage Martin guitar (for de-stressing when fail to get any decent shots) LoL

[ScarySquirrel]

Canon 5D MkI
Canon 24-70L
Canon 135L

All bought this year, and I love it!!

[jonesy_ni]

Upgraded from Sony A100

Got A700, well pleased, few nice lenses too

[millie58]

My best bit of kit bought in 2009....THE PANDORAS BOX (beanbag) from JACOBS.....I picked the medium size very professional piece of kit well made dont know how I managed without it

Karen

[sheridant]

My Fav is the 70-200

Glad I could help:)

[Claymore]

My eye.
Cyclops? LoL

[nikontos]

Started using my flash off camera - worth more than buying a new lense

[OSB]

Without a doubt the 70-200 f2.8 L, I had for long felt there was a space for it in my bag even though I borrowed an f4 and wasn't too impressed with the way it handled.

Other than that I'd have to say my Lastolite Ezybalance.

[Chiggs]

"Grip" saves loads of time with battery life.:)

[King_Boru]

Cyclops? LoL

Unless you have dual viewfinders similar to a binocular I'm sure you only use the one eye whilst taking photos :).

[nomorem6]

PocketWizard MiniTTL = x3 Flex receivers. The business :thumbs: and worth every penny. Takes me moments to do what used to take too long.

[smalls]

my first dslr nikon d90

[LSPC]

My D700 still amazes me after a year :thumbs:

[Kiwi Jaz]

Loving my Manfrotto 190 Pro and 488 RC2 (Christmas presents). So stable (especially compared to my old cheapie Hama tripod!).
Havent been using it as much as I would like though as I just got Forza Motorsport 3 for Xbox and it is consuming all of my time!
Also loving my other Christmas pressie: a Lowepro Fastpack 250. Great being able to go away for the weekend and carry clothing and camera gear.