So I’ll start off by listing the equipment I’ve managed to acquire over the past year or so.

Camera bodies

Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera

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 The Digital Rebel XSi is a newer version of this camera body, and it is only a little more expensive.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.

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera

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

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM Lens

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.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM 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.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens

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.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM 1-to-1 Macro Lens

I’m looking towards the future with this lens. While I’ve been able to take great photos with my XTi, this lens will shine when I eventually upgrade my body to a 5D Mark III. I haven’t had much of a chance to use the lens for macro photography purposes, but as I find more time, I will do so.

Accessories

Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash

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.

Canon RC1 Wireless Remote Control

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.

Canon 100DG Bag

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.