Photography Q&A, What gear do you use?

Friday, February 19, 2010 Posted in Photographers.

Hey there world! Here’s another VERY POPULAR Photography Q&A! :) Read past Q&A’s by clicking our [Photographers] category, located on the menu above.

I get asked on a daily basis, “What gear do you use?”, so I’ve decided to finally write up a full blog post on the matter. I’ll write a bit of text, and also have some pretty pictures for those of you “visual” blog readers :) BUT….if you only ready one part, please read this!! ::

You don’t need a fancy camera to be a “good” photographer. There I said it. But it’s true! Yes, having great gear will enable you to do a better job, and deliver the products necessary to your client, but starting out with a good reliable camera is all you should need.

Great photos are about composition, light and subject, not crazy photoshop techniques, the latest actions, or cropping! You should start off focused on [finding the best light], [learning to work with your subjects], and good composition, THEN focus on what tools do you need to execute your vision. Yes better tools can help you achieve better results, but if you don’t have the basics down, the best camera in the world isn’t going to make things magically better.
I digress. So let’s get back to the gear…and what I use on a daily basis.

These are the tools that I enjoy, and use to execute my vision::

In my [Loewpro Vertex 100] I have::

**[Canon 1Ds Mark II] x2
**[Canon 35mm 1.4L]
**[Canon 50mm 1.0L]
**[Canon 45mm TSE 2.8]
**[4GB SanDisk CF cards] x8
**[Photoflex 42" Reflector]
**Extra batteries
**Business Cards

If you are looking to get started, and are interested in working with Canon, I would recommend starting out with a digital Rebel. The Canon Rebel XSi is 12 Megapixels, which is plenty to get you started. If you want to save $60 or so, get just the body, and invest in a nice lens. The kit lens is okay, but the aperture only stops down to f3.5. Okay, but not quite as fast as an f1.8, or 1.4. My first camera and lens were a Rebel + Canon 50mm 1.4. They treated me EXCELLENT, and I produced lots of great work with them. You can get started for under $1,000 with those two things. Learn about great lighting, shoot RAW, and you will be off to a GREAT start.

If you are local to the Northwest, you can always rent gear over at [Glazer's Camera] to test drive different lenses before you make an investment. Starting out with a decent camera, and investing in L series glass is a great way to work your way up! If you stop by Glazer’s rent on a Friday afternoon (return Monday morning) so you have all weekend to play, for the cost of a 1-day rental.

Just starting out? Here is our recommended “STARTER KIT” for Canon users, (I started with a similar set-up six years ago)

To purchase the Rebel + 50mm [Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera (Black Body Only)] AND [Canon 50mm 1.4 Lens]

On a smaller budget? Purchase a [Canon 10d] and the [Canon 50mm 1.4 Lens] for just under $650.
This is a great set-up for someone starting out, or a gift for a spouse, teen, or anyone interested in Photography.

Here’s a sampling of gear I have used over the years, and am familiar with using. ALL of this is great equipment, and it’s cool to play around with a variety of lenses to see what you like shooting with, and what suits your style! Make sure you check out your local camera stores for places to rent and *try before you buy*.

If you have ANY additional questions, please leave a comment so I (or others) can jump in and do our best to answer/keep the dialogue going!

by Michelle Moore

36 comments

callie - I have been using the Rebel XSI and a 50 mm 1.4 lens for about a year now and LOVE it…I’ve been thinking about upgrading the camera body to a Canon 5d. Besides being full frame, what other improvements could I expect to make this upgrade “worth it”? (i.e., what are some notable advantages to the 5d over the Rebel?)

Michelle Moore - Callie, It really depends what new “features” you *NEED*. The 5D has a full sensor (so no cropping) + will perform much better at a higher ISO. If you like shooting with a wide angle, or in low light conditions then the 5D is a MUST, but it really depends on what you need it for. Of course it’s a better camera, but I just suggest comparing all the features online – or by talking with your local camera shop to see the differences in person. I’m not going to have all the answers because I am not familiar with those two cameras on a daily basis, but the two suggestions I mentioned are the obvious differences. Best of luck!

Jon - Hi Michelle
Great post.
I didn’t realise there was such a lens as 50mm 1.0 L… That’s fast!
I currently have a 50mm 1.4mm (dropped and broken) and am considering upgrading to a super fast lens, ie to the 50mm 1.0. What would you say is your most used lends, the one you rely on most, the one you never leave home without? The DOF with your shots is amazing.
I find shooting with such shallow DOF takes a long time to master and generally get a 50/50 sharp hit rate on the eyes with babies, some of them only a 20% sharp hit rate (the ones that thrash around!) and that’s with a 1.4, the 1.0 must be brutal to get tack sharp.
Did you start off with the 50mm 1.4 and upgrade to the 1.0? Just that I’m thinking of doing this and decided whether to save up before replacing my 1.4 and go for the 1.0.
What is your technique when shooting such shallow DOF, do you shoot a few frames in bursts or just single frames?
All the best from the UK.
Cheers
Jon

Michelle Moore - Thanks Jon! The 50mm 1.0 is a lens that Canon no longer makes. It was a limited edition/huge problem lens so they don’t make it anymore. I would recommend the 1.2L as the best 50mm Canon makes.

I don’t rely on just one lens, but if I had to pick it would be the 35mm 1.4L – it’s very versatile and much lighter (weight wise) than a 50 L or 85 L.

Shooting at a shallow DOF takes a lot of experience and practice to master, and I would recommend shooting a LOT to get used to the DOF and what you can manage with your shooting style. I stay between 2.2 & 1.4 for my portrait work to get the style of images I enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by and best of luck!

Marjorie Preval - I have the 5D2 and absolutely ADORE it but I’ve been told by many people that I should always have a 2nd body handy. I’ve been considering another 5D2 or the 1DM4 being that I won’t ever go back to a cropped sensor. Which would be the better choice? I see that you’ve worked with the 5D2, what did you think about it, compared to the other cameras you’ve used? :)

Michelle Moore - Marjorie, yes, you should always have a backup camera! If you shoot weddings – this is a given, and your camera should be the same as what your main camera is. If you are shooting portraits, you should have a backup camera of any kind, whether it’s the same as your primary camera, or a 30d. I don’t know much about the 1DM4 – but it’s not full frame. I think the 5D2 was good to shoot with, but it’s a LOT overkill. I shoot on sRAW (small RAW) – no one needs 21 MP unless you are shooting a GIANT billboard ad. It is great for low light situations so if you are shooting a lot of dark weddings, or in-home portraits (where lighting might not always be ideal) – then yes the 5D2 is great, and serves the purpose of why you need it. Maybe just a 5D would be a good choice for you? Make sure you determine your needs & budget before you decide. Hope that helps!

ali - I started with a Rebel and a 50mm 1.4, and I totally agree – it’s an awesome combo. I noticed that the longest lens you use is the 50mm but your work never seems to have that funky wide-angle look at all – any thoughts to share on that? Do you like the 85mm 1.8?

Michelle Moore - Ali, Thanks! The 50mm is a standard portrait lens – so no distortion there. The 35mm is the widest I shoot for portraiture work, and the distortion is very minimal. I find that I enjoy how similar I can get it to look to a 50mm – while still getting more information in the frame than a 50mm. I have an 85mm 1.2L but I RARELY use it. It’s too similar to the 50 for me, and I can’t get as close to my subjects with it. I’ll only use it for specific shoots when I need something longer than a 50mm. Hope that helps! You have a great set-up already!! :)

Stephanie Castillo - Hi Michelle! Great post- thanks for sharing :) Quick Q- you said the 5D2 is ALOT overkill?? What exactly do you mean by this? I am asking because I just upgraded to it and am hoping I made the right choice. Thanks!

Michelle Moore - Thanks Stephanie! I just mean that 21 MP is crazy huge for a wedding photographer – and will eat up a lot of unnecessary memory space fast, especially when shooting RAW. I recommend shooting sRAW (which is more around 9 or 12MP? ) It’s still plenty big and will save you lots of memory! It’s a great camera for shooting in low light situations or shooting video. The two reasons why I would go for it – and why I will eventually get one. It’s all about what you *need* but I’m sure you’ll love it!

Ryan Young - Love these posts because I love your work. Curious on your thinking on using only primes. Is it for their faster max apertures, or is there something else going on?

Michelle Moore - Thanks Ryan! Love primes because they are FAST and stay tack sharp. Zoom lenses are slow and can get soft over time. Plus my style is really about the shallow DOF, so I really need that f1.4 – 2.2 range.

Paris Dupree - Hi Michelle, Let me first say that you are freakin’ awesome and I want to be like you when I grow up! :) Even though, I believe I might be older than you. I am currently using the canon 5dM2 though I’ve always been curious about a higher AF point system such as the one that is featured with the 1DM2. How much do you rely on this feature and does it make that much of a difference??? Any other thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Hope to meet you one day. Thanks

Michelle Moore - Thanks Paris!! :) I appreciate you mentioning a KEY FEATURE I completely forgot about. This is a HUGE difference between the 5D series and the 1D series. Focus points are CRUCIAL to my style – especially at very shallow DOF’s. I make use of the focus points ALL the time and am constantly switching between different ones. It’s second nature to me. There are 48 points on the 1D versus the 5 on the 5D. It’s okay, but not ideal. I used to use a 5D as my second camera when shooting weddings, and it’s fine, but I LOVE having the options *I NEED* with the focus points on the 1D cameras.

Kerry Trujillo - Hello Michelle! Love reading all this. So my setup is 5dM2 + 24-70 f/2.8L. And I really enjoy it but feel like I’m ready to add another lens to the mix. I rented the 35mm like yours and LOVED it but that is a bit out of my price range right now. I saw that there is a 35mm f/2 for a fraction of the cost. I know it’s not as fast and it doesn’t have the L glass but do you think this would be a nice lens to have for now? Or just keep saving for the real deal? Thanks!

Michelle Moore - Hi Kerry! I feel like I’ve heard not-so-great things about the 35mm f2. If the 1.4L is what you *really* want, I would definitely recommend saving up for it. It would be a nice goal, and great investment when you are ready for it!

tish - Not sure if this is a ? for another post, but can you elaborate on making use of the 48 AF points?

tish - One more question…are you saying that with the 35mm you can get closer to the subject and still get good focus than you can with the 85mm?

Michelle Moore - Tish, auto-focus points allow you to focus on an area of the frame without re-composing. It’s much easier to work with more options than fewer.

The 85mm will only let you get a certain distance from a subject before it cannot focus. It is because of the focal length of the lens. That’s why say, a macro lens is made so you can get very very close to something because it is made so you can. A 35mm naturally allows you to get closer to your subject because the focal length is shorter. It has to do with the “focusing distance”.

Phoebe Nicolaou - Hey Michelle,
I have just graduated highschool and your work has totally inspired me to pursue a career in photography! I absolutely LOVE your photographs. I have recently invested in my first DSLR which is a Canon 400D. I need know know you opinion on this.. Is it a good camera? I am looking to buy another lens but i dont know too much about it would you be able to help? Thanks! XOX

Kia Gregory - LOVING YOUR PRIME LENSES! UGH! Lens envy over here. Since I shoot weddings and seniors would you think I could get away with ALL PRIMES and maybe one wide angle, zoom? Hmmmmm? Thanks for this post. You da bomb.

Michelle Moore - Kia, If you are a wedding photographer, you will definitely want a good zoom or two. If you are just shooting portraits, then yes, you could probably get away with just primes. Thanks for stopping by!

Tim - I LOVE the treatment of these images. They look just like film! I would love to see a post on your processing :)

Michelle Moore - Thanks Tim! Our Post-processing blog post is here,

http://www.michellemooreblog.com/2010/01/29/skintones/

Tim - I don’t see anything about grain on there ;)

Annie - Thank you so much for this post Michelle! Exactly the advice I need!

Lyssa Hilde - Do you use any flash attatchments at all?? I just ordered the 580ex ii because I tend to do alot of indoor shooting (it’s winter in northern Minnesota). You’re photos are truly amazing and one-of-kind!!

Kristie - Fantastic post!! Thank you for sharing!! I loved your article on finding the best light and I am excited to check out Glazer’s camera since I just moved to the northwest!!

Matthew Alvarado - Michelle! I love the new blog. You are always an inspiration to me, even from the first time I saw your portraits.. YEARS ago. :)

Just so you readers know, and correct me if I am wrong Michelle, the portraits above that Michelle shot were all backlit. If you are wondering why there aren’t any of those nasty shadows on the subjects face and why the background isn’t “blown” out, the answer lies with the Photoflex 42″ Reflector and proper exposures. It is a wonderful light shaping tool and probably essential if your going to be shooting portraits in the sun!

Michelle Moore - Thanks Matt! While I DO use a Photoflex reflector, it was *not* used in the shots above :)

Becca - Thanks for this post!

Pleasant Vonnoh - This may be a silly question but do prefer to use the gold, silver or white side of the reflector, when you use it. Or does it depend on the situation? Thanks for all your tips. I love visiting your website!

Michelle Moore - Pleasant, I can’t find where I answered this before, but my general rule of thumb is White for summer, Gold for winter! I don’t ever use the silver side. Thanks for stopping by!

Hope - Thanks for all the great info! You are truly inspiring. I looked at this post before and thought you had a list of books you recommended. Do you still have that list somewhere? I’m looking for a good read for an upcoming plane ride. Thanks!

Michelle Moore - Hope, our book list is on this page http://michellemooreblog.com/gear Have a fun trip! Thanks for stopping by :)

Jon - Hi Michelle

Another question if I may.

I ended up buying a Sigma 50mm 1.4 to replace my Canon 50mm 1.4 and I must say that it tack sharp even wide open, very pleased with it.

Q) I’d value your thoughts on what my next lens should be, mega fast one. I currently picture loads of kids and families outdoors, I use a – 5Dii with:
- 24-70 2.8
- 70-200 2.8
- 85mm 1.8
- 50mm 1.4

I’d like to something that gives me some dreamy bokeh, the 2.8 zooms are great and I’m liking the Sigma 50mm. But I’d like to get one of the following, what would you suggest:
- Canon 50mm 1.2
- Canon 35mm 1.4
- Canon 85mm 1.2

I’m thinking the 85mm 1.2 as it just looks superb, maybe a 35mm 1.4 as well.

Do you have any samples of your pictures shot with these particular lenses? That would be great to see some.

I do shoot weddings as well, with my FF 5Dii woiuld you get 85mm 1.2 and/or 35mm 1.4 ??

My portfolio is here: http://www.mumuphotography.com

Appreciate your thoughts on this matter. Amazing work Michelle, very inspirational.

Cheers from the UK
Jon
jon@mumuphotography.com