Camera Gear and Optics

Here's some information about the camera equipment and other optical gear that I use.

Camera Gear

UPDATED 30 DECEMBER 2007!

Image ©Canon USA

My primary camera is the Canon 40D (upgraded at the end of 2007 from the 20D). It's a 10.2 megapixel(MP) digital SLR with execllent imaging qualities and a blazing 6.5fps continuous shooting rate. Of course, the great advantage of a DSLR (apart from its larger image sensor) is its ability to accept interchangable lenses. I'm expanding my lens kit at a steady, if modest, rate.

Image ©Canon USA

The lens I use for shooting birds in flight is Canon's excellent 100-400mm L- series zoom lens. It's fantastic for nature shooting because of its long range and its use of image-stabilization technology. It's widest aperture is f4-- not the fastest lens around, but it gets the job done, and I've gotten pleasing background blur (bokeh) when using it.

 

Image © Tamron USA

My "walkaround" lens is the Tamron SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD. This is the glass that lives on my camera when I'm not shooting wildlife. Its constant f/2.8 aperture makes it good for low-light shooting. With the 40D's 1.6x crop factor (due to its APS-C sized CMOS sensor), this lens gives me a nice normal to moderate telephoto range. It's also surprisingly sharp, but possibly the best selling point is its price. Canon's only constant f/2.8 zoom lens in this range goes for over 4 times the price of the Tamron!

 

Image ©Tamron, Inc.

For wide angle work I use the Tamron 17-35 f/2.8-4 DI zoom lens. On a 35mm film camera, this lens would be considered an ultra-wide angle zoom, but because of the 40D's crop factor, it gives me a very usable wide-angle to standard zoom range that would be equivalent to a 28-50mm lens on a traditional 35mm SLR.

 

 

 

Image ©Canon USA

Canon's not just about high priced lenses, though. At under $100USD, the 50mm f/1.8 prime is a lens that no Canon SLR owner should be without. It's lightweight thanks to all-plastic construction (its achilles heel), excellent in low light, and while it lacks an "L" lens's rugged chassis, it's nearly as sharp and contrasty as its high-class optical cousins.

 

Image © 2007 Panasonic Corporation N.A.

New in my kit is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 camera. A true "pocket rocket", it features 7.1MP imaging, a 10x(!) image stabilized Leica zoom lens, decent low-light capability and video (including an HD mode at 30fps). I've purchased the optional marine case for it, so it can accompany me on snorkeling trips too!

 

Image ©Eastman Kodak Co.

My trusty Kodak DX6490 is starting to show its age, but is still makes a decent backup to my other gear. It is lightweight, 4MP, with a 10x Schneider zoom lens and the ability to shoot QVGA video clips. Now several generations old in Kodak's lineup, it still holds up well. I also have a Kodak pre-production 1.7x teleconverter that screws into the 55mm lens adapter to extend the zoom range even farther. It has proven itself to be a capable camera provided its limitations are kept in mind, and I've taken some of my best shots with it (check out the 2005 posts).

 

Optics Gear

Image ©Nikon USA

A good pair of binoculars is key to any birding activity. I use Nikon's 8x42 Monarch ATB roof prism model (Mine are plain black, not the hunting camo pattern shown here. They're relatively inexpensive, rugged and lightweight, and they grab a lot of light-- perfect for early morning and late evening viewing without taking out a second mortgage.

 

Image ©Kowa-USA

When I need to reach way out, I turn to my Kowa 664 spotting scope. Paired with a 20-60x eyepiece, it provides the deep telescopic range needed for getting clear views of far distant birds. It's waterproof, rugged, and thanks to its use of thermoplastics, lightweight.

 

Image ©Eagle Optics

It sits on a Bogen-Manfrotto tripod with a 3130 fluid panhead originally designed for use with video cameras. All of my non-camera optics were purchased at Eagle Optics. They have competitive prices, excellent customer service, and a full line of optical equipment. I can highly recommend them for any of your imaging or optics needs.