What's in your bag?

[JeffReef]

There have been a lot of equiptment discussions lately and so I thought I'd start this thread for those who are looking for ideas on what items to purchase for their macro rig.

Here's my mine:

-Canon 20D
-Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC 1:3 Macro
-Sigma 150mm f2.8 APO 1:1 Macro EX DG HSM
-Canon 580EX flash
-Manfrotto 724B tripod - my first and only tripod
-Canon RS-80N3 shutter remote

Please share only the macro equiptments that you use to shoot corals to prevent confusing some of the readers.

So, what's in your bag?

[TheVillageIdiot]

Nikon D50
Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX macro
SB 600
$30.00 tripod bought at bestbuy... need a better one... )

[hybridgenius]

Canon EOS Rebel Xti
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro USM
My 2arms and Eyebrow as tripod (really, I need to go out and get one lol)

Btw your thread sounds like the capital one commercial "whats in your wallet?"

[JeffReef]

Well, it looks like all three of us need a better tripod.

I'm currently looking at the Benro Carbon tripods (instead of the Gitzo or Manfrotto) for my next item to purchase. I would like to get the Gitzo but $600 for a tripod is way over my budget.

[Phyl]

Another one in the "Needs a better tripod" pile. I have a cheap tripod that I picked up at Ritz Camera

Nikon D200
Nikkor 105VR 2.8
TC 1.4
TC 2.0
28mm Extension Tube
Canon 500D for my Nikkor 70-200
PB-6 Bellows

SB800 (but I don't use flash for Macro work.

[beerguy]

Originally posted by JeffReef

I'm currently looking at the Benro Carbon tripods (instead of the Gitzo or Manfrotto) for my next item to purchase.

Careful. They're basically Gitzo knock-offs. There have been several reports, on another board that I frequent, of heads snapping off whilst carrying them over your shoulder with camera attached. At that point the price delta changes radically.

My macro setup is:

Canon 5D
100 f/2.8
Kenko Tubes
MR14-EX flash
Gitzo 2540
RRS BH-40 and L-Bracket

[sscherin]

I have a Pentax K100D
Takumar 80-205 F4.5 Macro Manual focus
SMC Pentax-M F2.8 40-80 Macro Manual Focus
Both lenses are from my old ME Super
My pod is a Manfroto #144 with a #222 Ball Grip head.

My Dad shoots with a Pentax K10D and a Sigma 18-50 F2.8 Macro lens. The Sigma is much better than the glass I have.

Success rate so far.. 0.. I need more light

[JeffReef]

Originally posted by beerguy
Careful. They're basically Gitzo knock-offs. There have been several reports, on another board that I frequent, of heads snapping off whilst carrying them over your shoulder with camera attached. At that point the price delta changes radically.

Thanks for the heads up.

I have also read some bad reviews of the Benro tripods in the past - mostly on the older models. They just released a new line of carbon tripods and so far the reviews have been good. I guess I'll have to do a little more homework on this before I decide.

I don't know how true but I have also read that Gitzo is suing Benro for patent infringement.

The Gitzo carbons are the best but even used ones are still fetching upwards of $500.

[beerguy]

Check out Velbon as well. They're a cheaper carbon alternative if you're not real tall.

[Steeltowndubber]

Just picked up a Canon 40d with 28-135 3.5/5.6 IS USM on boxing day.

This is an upgrade from my Elan7 film SLR and my PowerShot Pro1 point and shoot. Having a great time with it.

Need to get a Tri-pod though...

RIch

[JeffReef]

Originally posted by beerguy
Check out Velbon as well. They're a cheaper carbon alternative if you're not real tall.

Didn't think about Velbon as an alternative. I'll also look into these - thanks!

Originally posted by Steeltowndubber
Just picked up a Canon 40d with 28-135 3.5/5.6 IS USM on boxing day.

RIch

40D + Wifi grip (soon to be released) = Awesome!

[louist]

Canon 10D
24-70 f2.8L
70-200 f2.8 IS L
180 f3.5
580ex flash
EF25 extension tube
compass
map
hex key (for tripod)
Litedisc reflector
Sand bag
PD70x (with 60GB HDD)
Manfrotto 055NAT tripod with 141RC head.