One of the most asked questions I get from clients and the curious is “what equipment do you use”. Below are details on many of my pieces of equipment. I am constantly adding and updating this collection of equipment and this page may fall quickly out of date, but will give you an idea of the level of equipment that I can bring to bear on your project.
My description: I skipped the MkIII waiting it out for YEARS for the MkIV and boy was it worth it – Great high ISO coverage and a fast motor drive as well as many other bells and whistles. I have two of these bodies with battery grips and they are now my go to cameras for portraiture and corporate work. I even shoot some sports with them. Great cameras and full frame sensor – a wide angle is wide.
Manufacturer description: The EOS 5D Mark IV camera builds on the powerful legacy of the 5D series, offering amazing refinements in image quality, performance and versatility. Canon’s commitment to imaging excellence is the soul of the EOS 5D Mark IV. Wedding and portrait photographers, nature and landscape shooters, as well as creative videographers will appreciate the brilliance and power that the EOS 5D Mark IV delivers. Superb image quality is achieved with Canon’s all-new 30.4 Megapixel full-frame sensor, and highly-detailed 4K video is captured with ease. Focus accuracy has been improved with a refined 61-point AF system and Canon’s revolutionary Dual Pixel CMOS AF for quick, smooth AF for both video and Live View shooting. Fast operation is enhanced with Canon’s DIGIC 6+ Image Processor, which provides continuous shooting at up to 7.0 fps*. Built-in Wi-Fi®**, GPS*** and an easy-to-navigate touch-panel LCD allow the camera to become an extension of you. When quality matters, the EOS 5D Mark IV helps deliver results to inspire even the most discerning imagemaker.
My description: I have two of these bodies with battery grips and they where my go to cameras for portraiture and corporate work for more than 8 years. They are great cameras but are now relegated to back-up and second shooter loaners now, but still use these cameras for my panorama work with a Precision 360 Absolute head and a 15mm fisheye.
Manufacturer description: Canon’s update to the wildly popular full frame EOS 5D is here, and it’s better than ever. The EOS 5D Mark II has a stunning 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a vast ISO Range of 100-6400 (expandable to ISO L: 50, H1: 12800 and H2: 25600), plus EOS technologies like Auto Lighting Optimizer and Peripheral Illumination Correction. It supports Live View shooting, Live View HD videos, and more. It can shoot up to 3.9 fps, has 9 AF points plus 6 AF assist points, a new 98% coverage viewfinder, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) and a rugged build. Full-frame shooters rejoice!
My description: This is my go to camera for sports and high action. 16 Mpixels is a dream compared to the cameras that where out just 15 years ago.
Manufacturer description: Offering a comprehensive combination of speed, accuracy and image quality, the EOS-1D Mark IV is the perfect choice for professional photographers and subjects on the move. With a completely redesigned 45-point AF system including 39 cross-type points, a new AI Servo II AF focus tracking system with improved algorithm combined with 10 fps continuous shooting, the EOS-1D Mark IV can handle even high-speed situations with ease. An APS-H sized 16.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, a spectacular ISO range of 100 – 12800 (up to 102400 in H3 mode) with an advanced noise reduction system helps ensure sharp, low-noise images even in low-light situations. Add advanced Live View shooting, Full HD movie recording with selectable frame rates and manual exposure control plus a host of new features that enhance every facet of the shooting process. The EOS-1D Mark IV is the choice of professionals looking for the ultimate in SLR performance.
My description: I use this olde camera as my primary time-laspe camera. It’s image size, even at small jpg, is more than adequate for full HD quality and the shutter has more that 600,000 frames on it! A workhorse of a camera.
My description: I use this olde camera as a secondary time-laspe camera. It’s image size is more than adequate for full HD quality and the shutter has more that 1,500,000 frames on it! A workhorse of a camera.It is hampered by the fact that it will only take 2 Gb cards (limited by FAT16 file format).
My description: My pair of film cameras don’t get that much use anymore, and with Kodak going belly up and film supplies dwindling, I’m not sure how much use they will get in the future. While I still pride myself with shooting film (something that scares the gee-bees out of the weekend warrior who chimps at their screens just to see if the exposure is right) my clients rarely request it.
Manufacturer description: Ultra-wide angle lenses have always been in demand by architectural, corporate, and other top pro photographers. This new lens features completely redesigned optics including 2 high-precision Aspherical elements and two totally new UD-glass elements. The result is superior image quality: better contrast and sharpness at the outer edges, and a reduction in chromatic aberrations that can sometimes be seen with high-resolution digital SLRs. Its diagonal angle of view is an impressive 114°-anything larger would be a Fisheye lens. It has a built-in lens hood, and has been dust- and moisture- proofed. The lens uses a rear focusing system, high-speed CPU, and a powerful ring-type USM with revised electronics for faster, more responsive AF. This lens continues the proud tradition of superior clarity optics found in L-series Canon lenses.
Manufacturer description: Fisheye lens with a 180º angle of view for unique and intriguing effects. The wide depth of field makes it even more interesting. The short minimum focusing distance of 8 in. (20 cm) gives new meaning to close-up shots. The lens has a fixed petal-type hood and a gelatin filter holder at the rear.
Manufacturer description: The widest tilt-shift lens in Canon’s lineup, the new TS-E 17mm f/4L lens expands shooting possibilities exponentially on EOS Digital cameras. Designed with UD glass to minimize and compensate for chromatic aberrations, with a specially coated aspherical element for the highest possible glare-free image quality, this tilt-shift lens offers a diagonal angle of view of 104° on a full-frame SLR camera.
New TS rotation lets users freely combine tilting and shifting within the range of +/- 90° in the direction of movement. The lens also has an improved tilt & shift knob with an enhanced range of movement of up to +/- 6.5° and 12mm respectively, with a revolving function for better operability. It uses a circular aperture for beautiful out-of-focus areas and has an SWC lens coating to control ghosting and flare to a far greater degree than with earlier coating technologies.
Manufacturer description: Canon’s newest fixed length L-series lens, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM, incorporates the newest in Canon lens technology for spectacular sharpness and impressive performance at all settings. It features two high-precision, large-diameter aspherical lenses for sharpness across the sensor, even in peripheral areas of full-frame sensors. Lens elements have a newly-designed anti-reflective SWC (Sub Wavelength Coating) that departs from conventional coatings by using an extremely fine structure that minimizes ghosting and flaring across the lens surface, regardless of the angle with which light enters or exits. It also features two UD lens elements to minimize chromatic aberrations, incorporates rear-focusing, ultrasonic, quiet and high-speed AF with full-time manual override. A circular aperture provides beautiful out-of-focus detail and offers legendary dust- and water-resistant L-series construction using only lead-free glass.
Manufacturer description: A superb refinement to a true Canon classic, the new TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II offers enhanced functionality and image quality in its most popular tilt-shift focal length. Designed with UD glass to minimize and compensate for chromatic aberrations and a specially coated aspherical element for the highest possible glare-free image quality, this tilt-shift lens features an angle of view of 84° on a full-frame camera.
New TS rotation lets users freely combine tilting and shifting within the range of +/- 90° in the direction of movement. The Tilt function has an enhanced range of movement of up to +/- 8.5°, a revolving construction for both portrait and landscape shooting modes, locking, ergonomically-designed and easily operated tilt and shift knobs, uses a circular aperture for beautiful out-of-focus areas, and is constructed using only lead-free glass and has an SWC lens coating that controls ghosting and flare to a far greater degree than earlier coating technologies.
Manufacturer description: L-series professional f/1.4 wide-angle lens with an Aspherical lens element to correct aberrations. The floating system enables high picture quality to be obtained over the entire focusing range. Autofocusing is quick and quiet with rear focusing and ring USM. Full-time manual focusing is also possible.
Manufacturer description: The EF 50mm f/1.0L USM is a peerless new standard lens featuring an ultra-large aperture for a narrow depth of field and soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The EF 50mm f/1.0L USM is suitable for any shooting situation; its lens coating and construction are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras. This high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series Lens.
Manufacturer description: Retaining the impressive optical performance and large aperture of the original EF 85mm f/1.2L USM, this new medium telephoto lens uses a Ring-type USM, high-speed CPU and optimized algorithms to achieve an autofocus speed approximately 1.8x faster than the original. The high-speed AF and circular aperture create a shallow depth-of-field that brings attention to the subject and blurs the background, which is ideal for portraits and weddings. The floating optical system, which includes an aspherical lens element, suppresses aberrations and ensures excellent imaging performance.
Canon EF 100mm ƒ 2.8L Marco IS USM
Manufacturer description: Canon’s newest “L” series lens is its first mid-telephoto macro lens to include Canon’s sophisticated Image Stabilization. With the highest quality optics available, combined with near-silent Ultrasonic focusing and life-size close-up capabilities without an adapter, the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is simply unrivalled.
This is the first lens on the market to incorporate Canon’s new Hybrid Image Stabilization Technology. Hybrid IS effectively compensates for both angular and shift camera shake during close-up shooting. The lens was developed to expand users’ photographing range and allow a wider range of users to easily enjoy macro photography.
Manufacturer description: The fastest 135mm telephoto lens in its class. Ideal for indoor sports and portraits with background blur. Two UD-glass elements correct secondary spectrum for outstanding sharpness and color. Compatible with Extender EF 1.4x II and 2x II.
Manufacturer description: This ultra-fast telephoto, a new member of Canon legendary L-series lenses, has totally new optics to provide better image quality. It uses fluorite and UD lens elements for excellent chromatic aberration correction and consists of 17 elements in 12 groups. The built-in Optical Image Stabilizer gives it up to 4 stops of stabilization correction. The inner USM and optimized AF algorithms result in fast and quiet autofocusing, and the circular aperture can even produce beautiful out-of-focus images. This ultra-high-performance lens also improves its durability – better dust- and water-proofing. The EF 200mm f/2L IS USM is outstanding for many available-light applications, including indoor sports, theater work, fashion, and candids at events.
Canon EF 400mm ƒ/2.8L IS II USM
Manufacturer description: The stellar combination of superlative optics, astonishing performance and brilliant construction, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM super telephoto is the professional’s choice for a long lens, and perfect for nature and wildlife photography. Over 28% lighter than its predecessor and now the lightest lens in its class, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM features Fluorite optics that deliver sharper images with less chromatic aberration, a completely redesigned Image Stabilization system that offers up to four extra stops of performance, a newly-developed Fluorine coating that keeps soiling, smears and fingerprints to a minimum, plus new construction in line with only the best that Canon has to offer. With a third Image Stabilization mode (Mode 3) that activates IS only when the shutter button is fully pressed, and giving the equivalent effect of a shutter speed four stops faster, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM allows for easy panning and is ideally positioned for professional action photography. With a new security slot for wire-type security locks, buttons and switches are redesigned for intuitive, deliberate operation, and dust and water sealing keeps the lens functioning flawlessly in even the most challenging environments.
Canon EF 16-35mm ƒ/2.8L II USM
Manufacturer description: The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM is a high performance, water-resistant, and ultra wide-angle Canon L-series lens. It has been specifically designed for improved edge-to-edge image quality that will meet the strict requirements of professional and high-end amateur photographers. It features 3 high-precision aspherical lens elements, each of a different type: ground, replica and GMo for even better image quality than the original EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM. The circular aperture produces a beautiful and natural background blur when shooting at wider apertures. Other features include internal focusing, a ring type USM (Ultra Sonic Monitor), and new AF algorithms for fast and quiet autofocusing.
Manufacturer description: This new lens does what many pros thought couldn’t be done – replace the previous L-series 28-70 f/2.8 lens with something even better. Extended coverage to an ultra-wide-angle 24mm makes it ideal for digital as well as film shooters, and the optics are even better than before with two Aspherical elements and a totally new UD glass element. It’s now sealed and gasketed against dust and moisture, and a new processing unit makes the AF faster than ever.
Canon EF 70-200mm ƒ/2.8L IS II USM
Manufacturer description: Improving upon one of the most celebrated lenses in the Canon EF line is no easy feat, but Canon has done just that. The all-new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM increases the speed, performance and optical quality of the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM while maintaining all of the characteristics that have made it a legend for professionals and advanced amateurs alike. The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features one fluorite and five UD elements for increased optical quality and reduced chromatic aberration. It has a minimum focusing distance of 1.2m/3.9 ft. at all zoom settings, which is useful for photographers in smaller spaces trying to get closer to a subject. It features a next-generation Optical Image Stabilizer, providing up to 4 stops of correction at all focal lengths. And as with all L-series lenses, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is dust- and moisture-resistant and designed for use in the challenging environments typical of rigorous professional use.
My description: I have a trio of these that are my main go to strobes for use on my 5D MkIv’s. Being wireless I don’t need Pocket Wizards and I can control them remotely with the Master on my camera.
Manufacturer description: The Speedlite 600EX II-RT delivers impressive power, responsive performance and advanced, wireless communication for those who demand the very best in flash photography. Featuring improved continuous performance up to 2.0x* faster than its predecessor, the Speedlite 600EX II-RT performs at a phenomenal speed, and reliably at that – new Quick Flash settings and a flash-readiness indicator help ensure priority shutter operation, even when the flash isn’t fully recharged. It’s also built for fast, convenient use virtually anywhere for any situation, with improved combination button and dial controls, a refined dust- and water-resistant body and new accessories tailor-made for enhanced lighting effects. For speedy and comprehensive flash photography on the go, the Speedlite 600EX II-RT delivers portable, professional performance with ease.
My description:
I have a pair of these that are my main go to strobes for use on my 5D’s and 1D’s. I also rig them up with Pocket Wizards for dedicated remotes.
My description:
I have a pair of these that, with Quantum Turbo’s and Pocket Wizards, I use to light various subjects while on the go. Their zoom heads, controllable output and fast recycle time make them perfect for this
My description:
I have a pair of these that, with Quantum Turbo’s and Pocket Wizards, I use to light High School Basketball and other sports. Their zoom heads, controllable output and fast recycle time make them perfect for this use – plus no one will repair them anymore and they wont properly interface with most of the cameras I have, so why not burn them up.
In true Canon fashion they have served well in this capacity for more than 10 years – probably well over 100,000 cycles per unit!
Alien Bee 1600
My description: My Calumet Tavelites have been long in the tooth so I picked up six of these for studio and location lighting needs and love them – so much more compact and light that the “Travelites”. I have frequently put all six at work at the same time lighting up arenas for shooting basketball and hockey.
Manufacturer description: The AlienBees™ B1600 is a powerful, self-contained studio flash unit with adjustable output from full power (640 Ws) down to 1/32nd of the total power (20 Ws). This flashpower is adjusted on the back control panel with a slide fader, capable of adjusting in whole f-stop increments and everywhere in between. When adjusted from a higher to a lower setting, the unit will automatically dump the excess power for accurate output.
With precision voltage regulated circuits supplying consistent output, the B1600 boasts true “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” modeling lamp accuracy. The modeling lamp can be set to full brightness, turned completely off, or set to track the power changes. Furthermore, the standard 150 Watt modeling lamp may be used as a recycle indicator, turning itself off when the unit is recycling, and coming back on to let you know when the unit is fully recycled and you are ready to shoot again. Ready for heavy-duty, all-day shooting, the AlienBees™ have built-in cooling fans to keep up with their fast recycle.
The B1600 arrives with a sync cord allowing you to connect your camera to the unit to trigger the flash. The unit additionally has a built-in slave tripper to allow wireless firing. The unit has standard 120 VAC (50-60 Hz) power requirements and arrives with our 15-foot power cord to connect to a standard, grounded outlet for power.
Both versatile and indestructible, the AlienBees™ units are housed in high-impact Lexan polycarbonate (the same material used for bullet-proof glass), keeping them lightweight and ready to travel.
Calumet Travelite 750
My description: Three of these for studio and location lighting needs
Manufacturer description: The times are changing and our Travelites have changed to match them. Our latest generation of the self-contained Travelites incorporate the convenient features of their predecessors along with the best of wireless technology. Both the 375R and 750R Travelites are equipped with slots to accept optional LiteLink and Pocket Wizard radio receiver cards that eliminate the need for a PC connection cable. This 750ws monolight has a Guide Number of 350. It recycles to full power in 2.6 sec. and has a flash duration of 1/650 at full power with a 5v sync voltage.
Wescott Muslin Backgrounds
My description: I have a number of these pop-up backgrounds and love them. Mottled Blue, Gray, Tan, Chroma Green, Chroma Blue, solid Gray, Solid White.
Manufacturer description: The Westcott Photo Basics 10 x 10′ Cotton Muslin Background is a backdrop aimed at photographers on a budget. It is a washable cotton muslin backdrop that is also available in a wide variety of colors. It has grommets along all of the sides and features a pole pocket for hanging purposes.
Time-lapse Camera Set-up
My description: I purchased this set-up in 2009 to document a huge construction project and has been in near continuous use since. It was in place on a telephone pole for three years before I moved it off to a series of other smaller projects. The camera (a Canon T1i) blew its shutter after more than 600,000 frames in 2016 and was replaced with another one (a Canon T3i) which has about 500,000 frames on it now. Pretty good mileage for a cheap camera that goes thru huge temperature changes. Solar powered it runs forever with minimal checking (just to retrieve the card every so often.
Manufacturer description: The Westcott Photo Basics 10 x 10′ Cotton Muslin Background is a backdrop aimed at photographers on a budget. It is a washable cotton muslin backdrop that is also available in a wide variety of colors. It has grommets along all of the sides and features a pole pocket for hanging purposes.
AquaTech 10186 Underwater Housing
My description: I only have one of these and it works great. I haven’t used it much so hopefully the right assignment will come around for more use. I was a certified diver back in the day, but let the certification lapse (not much open clear water in Ohio :-().
Manufacturer description: Designed to help you capture the action at the pool or in the surf, the AquaTech Reflex Base Water Housing for Canon 5D Mark IV keeps underwater photography simple, so you can concentrate on getting the shot. The back is hinged along the bottom to make loading your camera quick and easy, with just two safety-latched quick release clips on the top to seal the housing closed. Electronic autofocus shutter controls are positioned for portrait and landscape shooting; beyond that, the housing is control-free, so your camera’s controls need to be set in advance. The housing is constructed from durable but lightweight polycarbonate, with stainless steel and anodized aluminum controls.
DJI Matrice 300 RTK
My description: I co-own one of these mighty drones (Okay ill be honest, I own 10%). The real user of this is a search & rescue team member, but I can use it when not being pressed into official duty. Its Zenmuse P1 camera is abslutely awesome and Im always stunned by the images it creates.
Manufacturer description: The M300 RTK features a unique design with a top-mounted body and bottom-mounted blades, opposite of its 210 predecessors. This unique design allows advanced AI-powered technologies to get a more expansive overview of the environment for less obstructed viewing. The chunky array atop the drone features a six directional sensing and positioning system that offers a maximum object-detection range of up to 40m (130ft) horizontally, as well as an Anti-Collision Beacon for making the drone more visible in low-light environments. DJI has also included its AirSense (ADS-B) technology that will alert pilots if other aircraft or drones are nearby.
DJI Mavic Mini 2
My description: This is what I fly most of the time. I love how small it is, but so capable of high quality imagery. Its low light capabilities are not as good as the Mavic Pro 2, but like the Canon 5D MkIV I talk about above, Im waiting for the Pro 3 to come out and will immediately jump at it. Its only 249g so I don’t need the hassles of registering it.
Manufacturer description: Fly farther to capture stunning 4K aerial videos with the Mini 2 from DJI. Utilizing DJI’s OcuSync 2.0 2.4/5.8 GHz wireless transmission technology, the Mini 2 can be operated from up to 6.2 miles away while still providing you with video of what the drone sees. The Mini 2 can also be flown as high as 2.5 miles and withstand 19 to 24 mph winds, all while maintaining a compact, foldable design that weighs only 8.8 oz. It’s small and light enough to take with you almost anywhere. With so much available to photograph and record right out of the box, DJI ensured high-quality results with a 3-axis gimbal that supports up to 4K30 video and 12MP stills captured in JPG or raw for easier editing. You also gain the luxury of flying farther back from your subjects with support for up to 4x digital zoom. Thanks to the DJI Fly app and intelligent recording options, such as pre-programmed QuickShot flight paths and multiple panorama options, the Mini 2 can deliver creative pro-quality shots with a tap. When it comes to piloting the Mini 2, DJI provides multiple intelligent capabilities and features to make it easier, such as automatic takeoff, precise hovering, and a smart return-to-home function that uses GPS to return the drone safely back to its takeoff point. DJI even has you covered before you fly with Fly Spots, a DJI Fly app ability that lets you plan out your itinerary in advance. While in the air, the Mini 2 can achieve flight speeds up to 36 mph and flight times up to 31 minutes, giving you ample time to reach, explore, and record distant locations.
Manufacturer description: The Mamiya 645DF SLR Medium Format Autofocus Digital Camera Body is an open platform, digital-only medium format camera that handles like a 35mm SLR, but with an image area almost 3 times as large (56 x 41.5 mm).
Using any of the 15 existing Mamiya 645AF system lenses (available separately), you have flash sync shutter speeds of up to 1/125s, and with any of 3 dedicated Mamiya lenses that have integral leaf shutters (available separately), you can achieve flash sync speeds up to 1/1600s. The 645DF’s dual shutter system allows you to choose between the integral focal plane shutter and the leaf shutter when using one of these 3 lenses (the Sekor AF 55mm f/2.8 LS D, Sekor AF 80mm f/2.8 LS D, and the Sekor AF 110mm f/2.8 LS D).
Leaf Aptus-II 8
Manufacturer description:
The Leaf Aptus-II 8 is the fastest back, with a capture rate under 0.8 secs/frame, and a sustainable burst of 60 full res images per minute. This 44mm x 33mm sensor offers a 40 MP resolution, with 6.0-micron pixel size, and a CCD size of 7360 x 5562 pixels.
Manufacturer description: The Mamiya Sekor 80mm f/2.8 LS D designed by Schneider-Kreuznach and manufactured by Mamiya is perfect for situations calling for a standard, undistorted viewpoint. This new lens is perfect for the stringent demands of the latest high-resolution digital backs. With top flash sync speeds of up to 1/1600 second (depending upon digital back), this 80mm, like the other LS series lenses, allow for effective use of professional strobe equipment in even the brightest of conditions.
Manufacturer description: The Sekor 110mm f/2.8 LS D designed by Schneider-Kreuznach and manufactured by Mamiya is ideal for tabletop, product photography and portraits. This new lens is perfect for the stringent demands of the latest high-resolution digital backs. With top flash sync speeds of up to 1/1600 second (depending upon digital back), this 110mm, like the other LS series lenses, allow for effective use of professional strobe equipment in even the brightest of conditions.
My description: Finding film and a lab that will process it is the biggest drawback for this monster (as well as a lack of client demand). Maybe I should get a digital back for it?
Manufacturer description: The workhorse of traditional view cameras, the 45GII is at the heart of the Toyo G Series modular camera system. It’s heavy duty all-metal construction, easy to operate center tilt design, and precise all-geared movements with dual locking system make it the industry standard for quality, function and value. The 45GII features Toyo’s 360° Non-vignetting Revolving Back, geared fine focus, geared rise, a
nd geared shift in front and rear, and fully interchangeable bellows. The modular frame and rail design allows conversion to 5×7 or 8×10 with full compatibility of accessories.
