My Gear

I figured as this is going to be a blog that deals a lot with my photography, I might as well list the type of gear that I use so other people can get a reference. First off, I'll let it be known that I use primarily Nikon Camera equipment. Before the fan boys come after me, I have never used Canon DSLR's. I'm sure that they are excellent cameras as well. But until I need to be able to do something that Nikon can't do that Canon can, I'll stick to what I've got. I do love Nikon however. They've got a wonderful line of equipment ( as well as a line of flashes that Canon can't even compare to =P). Anyways, on to what I've got:

Camera(s):
Nikon D70s
Wishlist: Nikon D300 as a new primary camera.

I currently have a Nikon D70s. This is my first DSLR, and I don't plan on trading it in anytime soon. Sure, there are a lot of newer camera's out there, but the D70s has got all the features I currently need, is less expensive than the D200, and doesn't have that overexposure problem like in the D80. About the only thing I could ask for in the D70s is a few more megapixels. Not necessarily for more detail, but I have a tendency to crop, so a few more megapixels will allow me to crop while still retaining a lot of detail.

Lenses:
Nikkor 18-70mm 3.5-4.5
Nikkor 50mm 1.8

At the moment, I've only got two lenses. A few months back in September, my car was broken into, and I had a 55-200mm 4.5-5.6 and a 70-300mmVR 4.5-5.6 stolen out of my camera bag. At the moment, I'm doing fine with the 18-70 for portraiture and the 50mm for low light, but I'll be needing a telephoto soon if I'm going to be doing weddings. Within the next year, I'll be purchasing the infamous 70-200mmVR 2.8 lens with my tax return. The sticker price on that lens is $1500 and up.

Flashes:
1 Nikon SB-800
2 Nikon SB-26's

SB-800 is my workhorse when needing flash for assignments (wedding receptions, live shows when they're allowed, etc.). I also use it as an extra strobe for my portrait lighting. The SB-26's are just as great, I use them as my main strobes for portraits, and also for extra lighting when I'm allowed to use them in a room ( group shots, gym games).

Hopefully, I'll eventually earn enough money to have the following setup:

Nikon d70s
Nikon d300
Nikkor 20mm f/2
Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8
2 Nikon SB-800s

A simple, yet effective setup that should cover about 90% of the situations found in a wedding. The 20mm will be just enough for nice wide angle group shots, and the 70-200mm will be perfect for staying out of the way. Both lenses have wide enough apertures to deal with low-light situations, but if I ever need more, I've got a couple great flashes to take care of lighting, and for creative lighting shots. As my gear updates, you'll see this post update as well.