 | Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
Buy new: Too low to display / Used from: $695.00 A fabulous camera, best of breed at this price point with a superb viewfinder and excellent ergonomics.
Consider the Nikon D50 at a lower price point, or the pro level Nikon D200 with weather-resistant seals.
|
 | Nikon D50 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor Lens
Buy used from: $400.00 This camera will produce outstanding images, quite sufficient for even professional work. Consider the Nikon D80 for a larger viewfinder and somewhat nice build and controls.
|
 | Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Buy new: $799.98 / Used from: $665.00 Images just as good as the Nikon D2X, a $4000 camera. If you "nail" things technically, the D2x can be a smidgen sharper, but the D200 can cope better with higher contrast.
|
 | Nikon 50mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Buy new: $289.00 / Used from: $285.00 A must-have for shooting portraits on a Nikon DSLR--leave your zoom lens at home when doing so and your pictures will improve dramatically.
Some will claim the 50mm f1.8D is just as good, but I've tested multiple copies and the 50 f/1.4D is easily superior at every aperture.
|
 | Gitzo Mountaineer Mk2 Series 3 G1325 - Tripod
Don't get a center column if you can avoid it. The Gitzo G1325 with flat plate is my #1 pick, as determined by size, weight, and stability/lack of resonance based on actual research (see The Sharpest Image at diglloyd.com).
|
 | Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
Buy new: $1,139.95 / Used from: $1,129.00 This is an oustanding lens and if you can afford it, it should be your #1 pick. Be aware that all Nikon and Canon lenses suffer from quality control issues, so there are bad copies, though almost all can be adjusted by Nikon service (never buy gray market).
|
 | NIKON MC30 Remote Cable Release (31.5 in)
Buy new: $60.51 To take sharp pictures on a tripod with jiggling the camera, use a remote release (check compatibility with your model).
|
 | SanDisk 2GB ULTRA II CompactFlash Card (SDCFH-2048-901)
Buy new: $10.02 / Used from: $9.95 Purchase a 4GB or 8GB card if your budget allows. Compact Flash for Nikon D200.
|
 | SanDisk SDSDH-2048-901 2 GB Ultra II Secure Digital Memory Card ( US Retail Package )
Buy new: $14.65 / Used from: $5.11 For Nikon D80 or D50.
|
 | Arca-Swiss Monoball B1 Ball Head with Independent Panning Lock & Quick Release (Requires Quick Release Plate) - Supports 90 lbs
Tripod legs need a head--stick with a ballhead. The Arca Swiss B1 is a classic. Any head you buy should be Arca Swiss compatible. reallyrightstuff.com has alternative high quality heads. You'll need a camera plate too, see reallyrightstuff.com for Nikon and Canon SLR plates, made to fit.
|
 | Apple Mac Pro MA356LL/A Desktop (Two 2.66 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processors, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive)
Buy new: $2,639.83 / Used from: $1,890.01 This is a real workstation. Serious photographers should buy a Mac Pro with at least 4GB RAM and dual hard disks.
|
 | Apple MacBook Pro MA609LL/A 15-inch Laptop (2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive)
This is a good alternative to a Mac Pro, but memory is limited to 2GB. Get the new Core 2 Duo model when available; it's faster with Photoshop.
|
 | Apple Cinema 23-inch HD Flat-Panel Display
Buy new: $944.00 An excellent display, with good color and gray linearity. Excellent for photographers. Consider the 30" model if you budget allows it.
|
 | Apple Cinema 30-inch HD Flat-Panel Display
Buy new: Too low to display An outstanding display, an you'll never go back once you have it. Be sure your Mac has a "dual link" compatible support. MacBook Pro models support this display, as do Mac Pro video cards.
|
 | AppleCare Protection Plan MA516LL/A for Mac Pro (w/ or w/o display)
Buy new: $232.07 If you buy a display with your Mac Pro, this plan is a bargain--repairing an LCD is very costly.
|
Listmania!
