We started with a Nikon F3
that
belonged to my father and we still have it. Its ruggedness
and
efficiency are still unsurpassed when it is - 40 C! We soon
discovered that having only one camera when there are two photographers
could be somewhat of a challenge and so, we bought a Nikon F70. Because
of its unconventional operator controls, we quickly decided to change
for a Nikon F80. Now, we have 2 Nikon F100, as well as a Nikon D100. We
use SLR cameras because of the ability to change lenses according to
the situation, and to have manual control over focus, aperture and
shutter-speeds.
As for the lenses, we have a
varied equipment: 20mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor, 50mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor, 300mm
f/4D ED-IF AF-S Nikkor, 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED-IF AF Zoom-Nikkor,
24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor, 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S
VR Micro-Nikkor, 200mm f/4 AI-S Nikkor, 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor,
24-70mm F3.5-5.6 ASPHERICAL HF Sigma, APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG HSM Sigma.
For the filters, we use a polarizer. Rotating the filter gives
deep blue skies and strengthens colors by removing glare and
reflections. We also use Neutral Density or Split-Field Neutral Density
to reduce the brightness of a scene, for better control of aperture. A
split-field neutral density reduces a bright sky to match a shaded
foreground.
A full-size tripod
is essential
for steady, top-quality shots and you also need a cable release to
avoid camera movement when you take the shot.
