Although I’ve enjoyed taking photographs for most of my life, it’s only recently that I decided to take this activity to the next level. Although many responsibilities leave me with little time, I try to find some time to take photographs occasionally. When I can’t search for goo subjects, I find time to at least think about photography.
So I’ll start off by listing the equipment I’ve managed to acquire over the past year or so.
Camera bodies
This is my main camera, a digital single lens reflex (dSLR) camera. The Digital Rebel XSi is a newer version of this camera body, and it is only a little more expensive. I would have purchased the XSi if it had been available when I was initially shopping.
The XTi and XSi are the “budget” dSLRs offered by Canon. The professional dSLRs can cost twice as much. Besides the price, the difference between the budget dSLRs and the more expensive versions is the size of the image sensor. The XTi and XSi slightly crop the image that’s delivered through the lens. Despite this, the lower cost cameras account for this cropping and photos still look as great as the lenses deliver.
I bought this camera to have a good option for carrying around in my pocket almost all the time. Without dragging my equipment with me everywhere I go, if I feel the need to grab a quick snapshot, I’ll be able to do so.
The image quality is nowhere near as nice as what I can get with the XTi and a plethora of lenses. In a tight spot, for snapshots that are destined for Facebook rather than posterity, this camera is perfect.
Lenses
Soon after purchasing the XTi kit, which included the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens, I replaced the basic lens with one with a little more range and better quality.
For now, I keep this lens attached to the camera, and it functions as my all-purpose walk-around lens.
The main reason I purchased this telephoto zoom lens was to take great photographs at Shea Stadium. Even with the telephoto lens, there isn’t as much zoom as there is with cheaper cameras, but the picture quality is much better.
This was a great lens to walk around the San Diego Zoo with, as well. It let me capture some great close-ups of animals far back in their cages or other habitats.
This prime lens is fast, which from what I understand, means that it can achieve fast shutter speeds while gathering enough light information thanks to its ability to use a large aperture. I like using this lens indoors. Since it is prime, with a fixed focal length rather than a zoom, I have to move around a lot more to frame the subject as I like.
Accessories
This flash unit has recently been replaced with the new version, the Canon 430EX Speedlite II, which has a faster recycle time and costs about $50 more. I try to use natural light as much as possible, but where this flash is used best is when I use it to fill in shadows caused by ambient light.
I haven’t had a chance to put the wireless remote control to the test, but it should help when eliminating shake due to pressing the shutter button in low light or slow shutter situations. I may try it out today simply to get some shots in which I am included.
I use this bag for transporting all of my equipment. There is more than enough space to fit all of my current lenses and accessories. In addition to the lenses, I keep the XTi battery charger and several extra batteries, USB cables, some cleaning materials.
There are many accessories I still need. I have a UV filter for each lens, but these are the only filters I own. I’ll be looking to add circular polarizers at some point soon. I would like to add a wide angle lens to the collection, possibly the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens and/or the Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Wide Angle Lens.
