The Gear

I've always believed that a photograph is composed of 70% photographer and 30% gear. I mean, its always us the one behind the camera that composes the image, sets the right exposure and correct focal length. However, a good gear really adds up to a great shot. So here's my set-up in plain and simple text:

Nikon D90

Undoubtedly one of the best "prosumer" level camera in the market today. It offers a lot of features that an amateur or professional photographer needs while staying at a decent price level. I was going to get the D300 or the newly released D7000 (which I would have if available that time), but seeing that the D90 has most of the features that both of these camera have I opted to go the D90 way. With the added MB-D80 Battery Grip, giving more juice, I never regretted. Although a weather sealed body and an AF in video would be good.

Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm VR II

I won't lie to you, this lens has done wonders for me. Its a very good walk around lens. It performs superbly in terms of sharpness at most focal lengths. I traded my Nikon 18-200 VR to get this one. Now you might say, "best walk around 18-200 blah blah.." It just did not work for me, I did not get the results that I got with the 16-85 VR. So this lens is definitely a keeper. It stays on my camera most of the time.

Tokina ATX 11-16mm

If your'e looking for wide, you can never go wrong with this lens. Its sharp, solid and professionally built. I use it for most of the landscape shots and some close-ups. Its a very good lens and definitely something you'd want to add to your setup.

Nikon 50mm/AF-1.4 D

Tact Sharp -- this the best way I can describe the performance of this lens. Very useful for low light scenes and portraiture. It gives a lovely bokeh and very lightweight.

Nikon AF-S 70-300mm VR

I love this lens too. Great for shooting wildlife and other distant objects. With the added VR, shooting moving objects has never been easier. Not very good for lowlight with moving subjects though.

Nikon 105mm Micro AF-D

I did not get the VR version of this macro lens because normally, VR isn't really of much use in macro photography. Its sharp and the working distance is very good if you love to shoot with little critters. I will use this in spring though, when all things living are in bloom. I still love the 16-85 VR for everyday shooting with my dslr.

Manfrotto 190X ProB / 486Rc2 Ballhead

Now if you really wanna get those tact sharp images, this tripod will undoubtedly help you to attain that. Its not just a tripod, its THE tripod. It offers a lot of uses like close-up photography and getting those crazy angled shots that you don't get with an ordinary tripod. Solid, not that light though but considerable, and looks cool too. You definitely have to have one of these.

Filters / Storage

I have a 77mm HOYA Circular Polarizing filter, 77mm Graduated ND filter, 77mm UV filter. I get only one size for each kind to save money and just buy the step-up rings that sell for really less.

I use the SanDisk Extreme III Card for storage. 30mb/sec gets the job done really fast. I highly recommend using this card.

So thats it. A summary of whats in my setup. I know its not that good as compared to the high end setups that others have, but If you know how to maximize each of its potential, you'll really be happy with it.