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Here’s a little behind the scenes look at my gear, why I chose it and what it produces.
Camera bags
I’m slightly obsessed with SHUTTER|bags. They are seriously amazingly beautiful camera bags. The quality is top notch. I used my first bag, the Safari, for almost a year day in and day out and it barely shows any wear. It’s awesome! My camera bag doubles as my diaper and everyday bag so I need it to be a work horse.
Please don’t ask me to pick my favorite because I can’t. I’m working on a post where I break down each bag and how you can use it.
Since SHUTTER|bag is amazing company and they love you guys use the coupon code: CLICKITUP to get $25 off your purchase.
*This code is on valid at www.shutterbagusa.com
Camera body:
Nikon D700
When I first got my DSLR I had an entry level Canon. I had issues with my Canon and after getting it repaired twice, I decided to sell it and get a Nikon D90. That is a great mid-level camera if you are in the market. I loved that camera and was really sad the day I had to sell it.
After almost two years, I out grew my Nikon D90. How do you know when you are ready to upgrade? I believe it is when you know what the new camera can do that your current camera can’t. If you are unable to answer that question or are only upgrading because so-and-so has that camera. Don’t waste your money upgrading until you need to.
The Nikon D700 is a fantastic camera. It is heavy, which I really like. It feels great in my hands. I love that the settings for white balance and ISO are on top and can easily be changed without having to go into the menu or even move my eye from the view finder if I don’t want to. In fact, I love the placement of all the buttons. They really thought this one out as the most common used buttons are easily accessible.
This is a full-frame camera. The ISO capabilities are awesome! Unfortunately, Nikon has stopped making the D700 so they are hard to find.
Lenses:
I’m one of those people who collects lenses like people collect shoes. I went through a few years where I was buying lenses left and right. I love a new toy. My lenses in no particular order.
35mm 1.4G
If you love lifestyle photography and like to take photos indoor the 35mm 1.4 was made for you. It is tack sharp and a fantastic prime lens. I love the focal length at 35mm which allows me to include a lot of the environment in my photo while shooting indoors.
ISO 400 | f/2.2 | ss 1/200
ISO 3200 | f/2.5 | ss 1/125
ISO 100 | f/3.2 | ss 1/3200
50mm 1.4D
If you are looking for your first lens I highly recommend the 50mm 1.8. You can read why I think that is a great first lens to buy here. However, after two years with this nifty-fifty I upgraded to the 50mm 1.4. I love lenses that can go to f/1.4. Even though I rarely shoot at f/1.4 I have found them to be such sharp lenses.
If you love your 50m 1.8 then you will probably LOVE the 50mm 1.4. If you aren’t sure if you want to upgrade and would like to see a comparison of the 50mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.4 you can read more about that here.
I like to use my 50mm 1.4 when I plan on shooting portrait type images. It doesn’t distort the image like the 35mm 1.4 can.
ISO 200 | f/2.5 | ss 1/200
ISO 400 | f/3.2 | ss 1/80
ISO 100 | f/3.2 | ss 1/125
105mm 2.8
I remember reading that a lot of photographers used their 105mm 2.8 macro lens as therapy when they were stuck in a rut or wanted to shoot for themselves. I quickly found that this was true for me as well. Plus it was a great excuse to buy myself flowers.
I struggle with objects that don’t move so it is fun to photograph flowers, dew, or any variety of things.
Macro lenses don’t have to be restricted to just close ups of flowers. I will sometimes and I mean only a hand full of times use it on my kids. It too is a sharp lens but something to keep in mind is the aperture. You need to stop down (larger number) a lot to get more of your photo in detail. I also found that it was easier to manually focus with this lens.
ISO 6400 | f/6.3 | ss 1/60
ISO 6400 | f/7.1 | ss 1/60
ISO 6400 | f/6.3 | ss 1/160
Tamron 24-70mm 2.8
I have always been a fan of Tamron lenses and the 24-70mm 2.8 blew my socks off. This bad boy is tack sharp! I love to use this lens for indoor photos since the aperture can go as wide as f/2.8 and the zoom gives me a lot of flexibility.
This is also my go-to lens if I am going out and need something that is versatile and I can only take one lens. It is a great walking around lens. If you are going on vacation and can only take one lens this is one to look into.
ISO 3200 | f/3.2 | ss 1/200
ISO 800 | f/4 | ss 1/160
ISO 1600 | f/2.8 | ss 1/200
Lensbaby Composer Pro with Sweet 35 Optic
The Lensbaby Composer Pro with Sweet 35 Optic is a fun one to add to your bag. I know some photographers who rock this lens and have used it to create some seriously stunning images. I like to use it to add something different to my images.
I took it to NYC one weekend and had fun with street photography. This is also a fun one for the beach. Don’t forget to use it for everyday as well.
Something to keep in mind is that you have to manually focus this lens. However, that is a fun challenge in itself.
ISO 1600 | ss 1/125
ISO 100 | ss 1/250
ISO 1600 | ss 1/160
Tamron 18-270mm 3.5-6.3
Another great lens by Tamron. The Tamron 18-270mm 3.5-6.3 works well if you are looking for a lens with a long focal length. I like to use this one for outdoor sports where I don’t need to have a wide aperture. You can read a whole review about this lens I wrote here.
ISO 200 | f/5.0 | ss 1/50
ISO 100 | f/7.1 | 1/320
Extras:
Here are a few extra goodies that I have and love!
Everyday tripod – I use the Manfrotto 190XPROB Tripod with the Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head. I had no idea how much I would love a tripod with a joystick head but wow! It makes it so much easier to adjust the camera. This is the tripod I use for all the shots I want to be in. It is sturdy and I don’t worry about my heavy camera with a heavy lens falling over.
Travel tripod – Yes, I know I’m a dork because I have a travel tripod. There are smaller ones on the market that I have my eye on but for now this one is light weight and small enough. It comes with a little bag and shoulder strap to help carry it around. I don’t think it was made to be a travel tripod and if the above tripod isn’t in your budget you may want to look into the Slik Sprint Pro II Tripod .
Lenspen – My lens is always being touched by little fingers. I don’t freak out but instead just clean up the smudges and dust with this Lenspen. I love how it is super inexpensive and small enough to fit in my camera bag. I have a couple since I tend to misplace them and like to keep one in my bag.
ExpoDisc – I love using my ExpoDisc for setting my white balance. When deciding which ExpoDisc to purchase get one that will fit your largest lens. This why you aren’t having to buy multiple ones. Read more about how to use the ExpoDisc for white balance here.
Fotostrap – I love the Fotostrap. It is classic and something I plan to pass down to my children if they show an interest in photography. I love that there is a leather part where you can get your initial or business name put on it. Plus a portion of the proceeds go to charity.
Abie Strap – I love the Abie Strap as well. I can’t pick a favorite. I love the fun and vibrant designs of this strap which let you show off your personality. I also love that 100% of the proceeds go to Mercy Ships and Helen Keller International. Love being able to purchase with a purpose.
We know how overwhelming deciding which lens to purchase next can be so be sure to check out our Camera Lens Series which will hopefully answer all your questions.
I loved the peek inside your bag! I have a Lensbaby on my wish list!
The Lensbaby is a fun one :) Glad you liked the post!
I LOVE your articles. I have learned so much. I am struggling to decide on my next lens. I shoot with the Canon 7d and use the 70-200 2.8 because I normally shoot Motorsports and landscapes. I am planning to pick up the 50mm for portrait type stuff but need another more versatile lens (without breaking the bank). I want to versatility of zoom but also want something wide enough to grab closer shots. I guess I’m looking for a good walk around lens. The 70-200 is simply to big and heavy to lug around. Any advice??
That is a tough one. I would say rent a few lenses to see which one gives you the look you are going for :)
I love this insight into your bag as well as the lens and how you use them!! Very helpful as I am lens hunting and cannot decide on some. This has given me some guidance! Thank you!!
Glad you enjoyed it. You may want to consider renting a few lenses to see which one you want to purchase :)
Thank you for this informative article!! I have learned so much from your site and your posts. I am shooting my first wedding this September and I am curious what zoom lens you would recommend? I usually shoot lifestyle and portrait and I love my prime lenses, but I feel as though I am ready for a great zoom. I am shooting with a Nikon D7100:) Thank you for any advice you can give!!
Thank you! Congrats on your first wedding! Check out this post on wedding lenses – http://clickitupanotch.com/2013/01/wedding-photography-lenses/ Also instead of buying one for the wedding you may want to consider renting one.
I have the Canon 70D and my favorite lens is the 50mm 1.8. I really appreciated all your comments on each of your lenses – I am getting ready to purchase a lens to use for photographing tennis players in action, and will probably go with the 70-200 2.8, after renting it for a couple of weeks and then crying when I had to box it back up and send it away. :) Like Tanya, the commenter above, I need a good walk around zoom – I love versatility of the 18-270 and may have to look for something similar for a Canon.
Thanks for your insight!
I have heard wonderful things about the 70-200 so I can see why you were sad to send it back. Yes, the 18-270mm is good for outdoors but just keep in mind it does have a variable aperture.
I also have the Canon 70 D & a Tamron 18-270. I an not a fan of the way it focuses but I do like it for a walk about, If I could only take one lens on a vacation I think it might be that one. I love my 100mm Canon it can be used for portraits. I just purchased the Nifty 50 & have a 100- 400mm. I think my next purchase will be a wide angle lens. Thanks for sharing & for the code I have been looking at this bag! Maybe the pink one!
I have a Canon Rebel Ti3, but the lens information here helps. Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful! Yes, Canon I believe has a version of all the lenses I mentioned :)
I havehad my Canon T3 for 2.5 years and I have been thinking about an upgrade. This is a good tip! I know I want more focal points and the ability for a remote shutter release, and a few other features, but I dont think Im ready to go full frame. I just got an 85mm f/ 1.8 so I want to do portrait practice before I make a camera body move. Great tips!
Oh, an 85mm 1.8 is on my list. I hope you love it and I’m sure you will capture some amazing shots! I love hearing what you know you want in an upgrade.
Maybe its just me but I have believed for the longest to buy the best camera you can afford and grow into it. I think you can waste a lotnof money taking baby steps and upgrading so much, especially since the market value of digital cameras can drop like a stone. I went from a d90 to a d700 and now I have a d800. Had the d800 been available in 2008 when I procured my first slr, the d90, and if I had realized the difference between full frame and DX, my first camera would have been the d800. I am just glad I never wasted any money on DX lenses, because I prefer the look of full frame.
So glad you are loving your D800. I’ve heard great things. I know for me when purchasing my first camera it was a budget issue and since I wasn’t aware of manual mode at the time I have had to upgrade over the years :)
Love this post, Courtney. Always nice to glimpse in others bags. I am dreaming of the D700 right now. Wanting to take a leap from my D300s to a full frame in the next few months. I have a question though for you, have you bought used euipment and if so, what criteria do you use?
Yes, my 50mm 1.4 is used. If you buy used I would recommend buying from a company with a good reputation for used products like Adorama or B&H video.
I appreciated this post. I have always been a Minolta lover so I logically move to Sony camera. I know that I may look bizarre in this world with mainly Canon-Nikon users but I loved my Sonys’. I recently upgrade my camera to have a 24M capter. I have a Tamron 18-200 that I really like and it’s the lens I use the most. I have a Minolta 70-300 very useful to get wild animal in country side. Then I have a 18-55 and a 28-80. I don’t really use the first one. I actually blocked it on the position 50 to test if I’m ready to move to such type of lens. While the second one I found it really useful when I want to go out light and just take my camera in case something comes up.
I add that I am just doing a “come back” on photography and manual mode. Thanks to your blog. Now with this post I am wondering if I will move on a 50 or 35…..though I think the 50 seems to fit me better. You are talking about renting lenses I have to look into this option.
Anne Marie from France.
That is really smart to lock your zoom on the 50mm to see if that is a focal length you will like. I only shot with a 50mm on a crop sensor for almost a year. So I’m a huge fan of that lens :) Can’t go wrong with a 50mm.
I LOVE your blogs Courtney! I recently purchased a Canon 6d and I use the 50mm 1.8 lens ALL the time. I need a zoom lens…I have read EVERY single one of your blogs on lenses and I still can’t commit. I have 3 little girls and I only use my 50mm lens. What do you recommend for a zoom? I don’t like zoom lenses but, I need one for dance recitals, sports, and programs….
Thanks for your kind words. If you are looking for a zoom for indoors make sure you get one with a good aperture like f/2.8 so help in those low light situations. I’d suggest the Tamron 24-70mm :)
Thank you so much for the peak inside your bag. I love being able to see photographers favourite gear! I also recently purchased the Tamron 24-70 (after finally giving in and doing the full frame upgrade) and I have to agree, it is an amazing all-round lens. Especially given the cost compared to its Nikon/Canon equivalent!
I love this post and find it to be so helpful! I’m going to be just starting out with my first DSLR camera and the lens portion of this post especially has been helpful. I’ve been keeping a close eye on your blog and I can’t tell you how much it’s help me already (even though I don’t actually have my camera yet, haha). Thanks for the tips, I can’t wait to put them into practice!
Getting your new gear is so fun. Have fun deciding what to get :) Thanks for your sweet words!
WOW what an awesome post…thank you so much for sharing!! I find that I always am drawn to photos taken with the D700…more so than any other camera, and since I feel I’m ready for the next level camera, it may be the one I try to find…used of course. Gorgeous photos – again, thank you!!
I LOVE photography!! i don’t have much time,so i can not take classes,and these tips i get here are just wonderful!!! thank u so much for sharing with us this beautiful art.
Loved the look. The bag is to die for!
Thank you for a look inside your bag! Love the bag! Did you see Tamron’s new 16-300mm Macro lens?? That is next on my list! Along with the lensbaby! You inspire me, I love your site! Thank you!!
Wow! I didn’t see it :) Hope you get your lenses.
Thanks so much for letting us take a peak inside your camera bag. I have been shooting with a nikon d5000 for 4 years now and I am in the process of upgrading to the d610. Im very excited about this MAJOR upgrade in my eyes. I have a typical 18-55, 70-300 and the 50mm 1.8 that i have never been able to get a good feel for so I am very excited to be starting a whole new photog journey :)
How exciting! Enjoy your new camera!
I`m using the Nikon D3000. Sorta new to this only a few years into it but really enjoying it!
I use the Nikon DX 55-200 5.6 the most for auto sports & wild life I which I get great pics with.
I just purchased the Nikon 50 1.8 last week just waiting to use it. I have read that it is more preferred than the 35 & no one ( this is major camera distributors) can really tell me the difference between the two. I hope to purchase a better zoom lens in the future. But I love your site its awesome !
We haven’t done a straight comparison between the 50mm and the 35mm but you can see the difference in their focal length here. As for one is better than the other, for me it comes down to budget. The 50mm 1.8 is an amazing lens for the price. http://clickitupanotch.com/2011/01/comparing-at-20mm-35mm-and-a-50mm-on-a-crop-sensor-camera/
Hi, since the Tamron 24-70 is 82mm and your ExpoDisc is only 77mm, I am assuming that if you want to use the ExpoDisc with the Tamron you would first have to put on a lens that has 77mm or smaller use the ExpoDisc and then put the Tamron 24-70 back on.
Is this what you are doing?
Love your hints/tips and am learning more and more each week.
I wanted to take the June challenge of a photo a day, but will be going for a total knee replacement and do not think I’ll be up to taking to many photos..
Again, thanks for all your help…
Mike aka OPA which mean grandfather.. I have 2 beautiful granddaughters age 3 weeks and 5 years. If you could see me I am always smiling!! :)
Hey Mike,
No, I don’t switch lenses. If I have my 24-70mm I’ll try and still use the expo disc even though it’s just a little small and if that doesn’t work then I stick with Kelvins. Good luck with your knee replacement :)
Love this post! I am in the market for a new dslr but don’t have a big budget. I was looking at the d90 and and d300. Which do you think would be better? Thanks!
I had and loved the D90, I’m not familiar with the D300 so I can’t speak on that one :)
Hey Courtney!
I finally took a look at your article and am so grateful that I did! I love peeking into what equipment other photographer’s are using and how. I have a Nikon D90 and love it! Eventually, I would like to upgrade, however as you said, if there isn’t any reason to at the time, then why? My first lens was the Nikon nifty fifty 50mm 1.8. I’ve recently upgraded to the Nikon 85mm 1.8 in lieu of the 1.4 and here’s why. It’s just as tack sharp, just as fast, and much lighter as it is made from a high grade quality, hard plastic. After testing out both the 1.8 and the 1.4, I couldn’t justify paying over $1600 for an all metal lens that truly, to my eye, didn’t differ much in it’s image quality from the 1.8. For those Nikon photographers out there who are looking for a high performance, tack sharp, awesome image quality lens, I would strongly recommend the 85mm f/1.8 lens. There’s a reason why these little gems are on back order!……Thanks again Courtney. ;-)
Awesome! Thanks for your thoughts on the 85mm :)
Hey there! I’m looking to go to full frame after 4 years with my d5000. Do you recommend the d700 or the d610? Thank you!
I love my D700 and don’t really know anything about the D610. However, I don’t believe they are making the D700 anymore.
Thank you for this – it seems like a lot of people are shooting Cannon these days and it’s hard to find people’s personal experience with Nikon. My progression with Nikon has been D40, D90, D7100 and now D610. I couldn’t agree more with your comment regarding don’t upgrade unless you can say why you need to. I did not need the change from D90 to 7100 – and could have bought a really nice lens by keeping the D90 another year and going straight to the D610!
I leave for vacation a week from today and need a good walking around lens for Washington DC. I have 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8 (my favorite lens!) and the 105mm 2.8. I need to invest in the 70-200 2.8 for my daughter’s gymnastics and I’m looking at Tamron, and the 24-70mm is on my wish list, but I think I’ll check out the 18-270 too.
When I went to Europe a few weeks ago I took my Tamron 24-70mm since I only wanted to talk one lens. It was fantastic!
I just bought a filter lens with a flower hood to help,with outdoor pics it’s for my canon rebel. I feel silly but I can’t figure out how to get it on my lens. Any help would be great
I wish I could help but I don’t use filters for my lenses. Maybe YouTube will have something :)
I love your tips, they are so helpful! I too have the 50mm f1.4 and 35mm f1.4 and a Nikon D610. Am looking for a lightweight zoom for things like the zoo etc but the Tamron 18-270 appears to be for a cropped sensor, do you use it with the D700? thx
Yes, it’s a crop sensor. If you use it with your full frame you will see a square inside the lens and everything must be within that lens, instead of what it is in your view finder like you normally see.
Thanks for sharing! I shoot with a Nikon D4s and my only lens is the 35mm 1.4. This zoom looks great, but it looks like a DX zoom. You use it with your full frame? Am I missing something? Thanks, and blessings.
No, you aren’t missing anything :) It is a DX lens for crop cameras. It works with the full frame but you have to remember to keep everything you want in the frame inside the square you see through the lens. It isn’t like a typical lens on a full frame.
I LOVE your website, it’s been so helpful for me getting familiar with camera and becoming more than just ‘another wanna-be’ photographer. I am saving for the Nikon D700, upgrading from the D90 {familiar story EH?} I already have the Nikon 24-70 lens and can’t wait to put it with a FX body! Thanks for all your helpful tidbits- keep up the amazing work!
Thank you! You’ll love the 24-70 on a Fx :)
Hi Courtney :)
I sooo want to buy a 24-70 lens and after reading each review I away between the canon version and the Tamron version. I just can’t decide. I’ve read that the Tamrons autofocus isn’t as fast as canon and there are some issue with sharpness but who wants a portrait completely sharp in the corners right??
I know you now shoot Nikon and am wondering if you have had the chance to compare the 2 or if you know anyone who has the canon version and compared it to the Tamron one??
Many thanks in advance
Susie :)
Hey Susie,
That is a tough one. I haven’t compared the two side by side and don’t know anyone who has the Canon and Tamron version or has done a comparison. I’m sure there are some out there on Google. I would say if you are on the fence then rent both lenses and see for yourself :)
Thanks for getting back to me Courtney :)
The thing is I have googled it soooooo much and one review/comparision points me in one direction & the next in the other :)
I am not very close to a camera store but will have to look into renting or something :)
This post may help you find some places to rent it from – http://clickitupanotch.com/2012/11/camera-lens-rental-questions-answered/
Thanks again Courtney, but I am in little old Ireland… Not too sure if those stores would rent to me lol ;)
Hi Courtney. I love your blog and thank you so much for all the info you give. It really has helped me through the years. I was wondering if you could tell me a little about your experience with the D90? Right now I have a used D40. I’ve had it for almost three years now and I have learned a lot since then. I can use manual mode and can find a way to get sharp photos using natural light only, not always sharp though. I still a lot to learn. Have you ever had to get your cameras sensor looked at? I think mine might need to be replaced. It makes two tiny (you have to zoom in to see them) scratches and then lines that come down from them that I have to edit out on just about every photo. I don’t always edit the lines though, thank goodness. I think it was a problem when I got the camera, I just never noticed it until now. I don’t like all the grain that shows in ISO 1600 so I’m looking to upgrade to a camera where the ISO is better. And also get a prime lens. I’m considering the D90, but I’m just not sure if I want something that old. I’ve also thought of the D7000 or D7100, or even the D5300, but it does not have an auto focus motor in it. I wish I could afford the full frame cameras right now. Sorry this is so long…I would love any advice you can give me. Thank you.
Hey Ricki,
I loved my D90. In fact, I’m toying with the idea of getting one for my husband. I haven’t had an issue with the camera sensor and so I’ve never had it looked. If you think there is something wrong with it then yes, I would have it checked out. I haven’t used the D7000 or D7100 personally but I’ve heard great things about it :) Good luck!
Thank you. I will keep the D90 in mind then. I have contacted Nikon about the sensor. I’m just waiting to hear back from them on what they think is wrong and how much.
Great Post Cortney, thank you.
I currently have Canon 40D and mainly shoot with 50mm 1.8 lens. What lens would you get next? I never use my kit lens… Love the nice bokeh that 50mm is giving me. I was thinking either 35mm or 50mm 1.4…. What would you recommend?
This is ALL amazing information! I love this post! How long will the discount code work for on Shutterbagusa? I don’t take TOO many portraits (more sports/action) but it seems to be that the 50mm 1.8 is a pretty awesome go to lens.
thank you so much, courtney, for this post! this is all amazing info! i just have a q. about the macro lens. the 100mm 2.8 or the 60mm are they good lenses similar to 105mm 2.8 you referred to? i’m going to purchase a macro lens this week and i’d love to know your opinion on this.
thank you so much in advance.
looking forward to your reply
the best,
betty
can you explain in simple terms what you mean by full frame. Thanks very much
love your tips but I do wish you would suggest cameras and lenses that we can actually afford. $3000 for a camera is unreal for most of us. We aren’t professionals. I’m looking into moving from my old Canon Rebel to a Nikon d7100 and it is killing me to spend that money.
Jen, photography is an expensive hobby! I started with the Nikon D3000, bought lenses here and there, asked for christmas and birthdays, then just upgraded to my full frame when my D3000 no longer worked for me. But i do admit i needed to use a credit card to purchase it since its a large purchase, but worth it to take your photography or business to the next level! Happy Photographing!
HI!! I just found your FABulous blog and dove right in! Now I’m about to purchase the ebook!! :)
Welcome! Thanks so much and I hope you enjoy the ebook :)
Thank you for the peek inside! I have had my Tamron lens for a couple years now and have enjoyed it for those moments when I am forced to sit further away during a sporting event. Though these days I tend to keep my 50mm close to hand;) I just watched you on Turn it Up 2016. Thank you so much for all your knowledge!
Thank you very much for sharing the lenses information. I have a lot to learn and reading the information you’ve provided and see the images to support what you say have made a big difference.
Thank you for sharing your camera bag. I shoot with a Canon 7d. Would like to upgrade to full frame, but for now the 7d does everything I need. I just bought a Tamron 24-70 and was really nervous about it, so I was super excited to see that you like yours. I’m still getting used to it, but like the results so far. I also have a 50mm 1.4 and love it!! About a year ago I bought a Sigma 18-200 3.5-6.3. Probably just a step up from a kit lens, but it is tack sharp and I love the zoom, but I want to learn more about the Tamron 18-270 as a possible replacement for the Sigma some day. Thanks for verifying that I’ve chosen some nice lenses–it is a hard decision as they are so expensive. Can’t wait to read more of your blog.