Last Updated on 12/08/2011 by Chris Gampat
With 2011 almost over I’m looking back on an interesting year for my photography. I developed some new favorite gear. Out of everything though there some gear that positively altered my photography or gave me gear lust. I bought a few of these items.
Lenses
This year I have become very fond of two lenses, which have full reviews coming however. Next to my Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX and my Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF they have become staples in my everyday photography.
Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro
After I reviewed the Sigma 70mm macro lens I went in to macro photography withdrawal and just had to purchase a macro lens. The lens which was announced and released this year is an affordable wonder. You can walk around with in all day and shoot macro whenever you want.
Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
The Sigma 70mm macro was n amazing lens, it was sharp and precise. It gave me more reach on my Nikon. I had an extremely good time reviewing this lens and it took my love for macro photography to a new level
Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 SLD
Out of the need wide angle lens, wanting something beyond a kit lens and a low budget, I picked up the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 .It was one of my best decisions of the year. This lens has performed way better than expected. Its image stabilization works very well and it works well for street photography, Stay tuned for a long term review.
Bags
This year, the Tarmac Evolution 8 has saved my bacon on many occasions. Its ability to go from a book bag to a sling has been very useful. The amount of gear it holds makes my life easier. The biggest thing for me though was the rain cover. It save my bacon when I got Caught in New York during Snowtober (the October 2011 snow storm)
And yes, I said bacon.
I have wanted to try the The Ona Union Street Camera Bag. It’s a nice urban bag that does not get in the way when in crowds. It comes loaded with pockets and a photographer can carry a lot of thing within.
Cameras
Out of all the cameras I’ve tested the Nikon D7000 and it was one of my favorites. Its features were refined and performance was top notch. The only reason I did not get it is because I already had the Nikon D90 and I was waiting for something else on the horizon.
The unexpected desire of the year came from Fujifilm’s x10‘ I tried it out at photo plus expo. It’s a great street photography camera or the camera you keep with you every day. Marketed to the world as a point and shoot with phenomenal image quality due to a larger sensor while maintaining stunning good looks the on the outside, the Fujifilm X100 gives design cues to the Fujifilm X10, but targeted at a different price point.
Accessories
My Black Rapid RS-7 has been a constant companion this year, the only time .I did not have it is when My D90 was in for repair. It’s been my third photography hand this year.
Something new I recently got to use in conjunction with my Nikon 40mm was the Pedco UltraPod II Lightweight Camera Tripod. It’s stable and gets the job done. It actually surprised me as I didn’t think it would be so useful. It can also hold a flash, my camera. It does not take up a lot of space in a bag. It’s very light and can be carried anywhere.
I was with our EIC while he was using Phottix Odin TTL Radio Triggers and I had one thought, I think I have to have them. They were very responsive and seem very enjoyable to use. They have a easy digital interface via the transmitter, which make other systems look dated.
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