What the top pros carry!

Have you ever wondered what the top pros use to make all those images that we all admire so much?  Well I made a few phone calls and visited a few website to see for myself.  Not so surprisingly, they all have systems that are more alike than you might think, but the differences bring up some interesting questions and may give each of us a better idea, how to build our own system!

Bob Krist, World Class Travel Photographer

Bob uses a pair of D7000’s (he says because of “their image quality, light weight, and terrific video capabilities!”)    His stable of most used lenses include:  Nikon 12-24 AF-s DX f4 wide angle zoom, Nikon 16-85 AF-S VR DX  f 3.5-5.6 mid range zoom, 70-300 AF-S VR f 4.5-5.6 telephoto zoom.  When he needs speed lenses he carries the Nikon 85mm f1.8 AF lens and the 35mm f 1.8 AF-S DX lens.  He uses the SB-900 flash units wiht the Nikon CLS (Creative Lighting System)

John Shaw, Nature Photography Master

John has been the dean of nature photographers for many years, and is still one of the leaders of photographic education in the world.  John Shaw and Larry West are the two photographers that set a fire under me in the early 70’s!   John uses all Nikon gear; A Nikon D3s and Nikon D3x are his two main bodies, His lenses include:  Nikkor lenses:  16-35, 24-70, 24 Tilt/Shift, 45 Tilt/Shift, 90 Tilt/Shift, 70-200 AF-S f 2.8, 200-400 AF-S VR f4, 500 AF-S f4, Nikon Teleconverters, SB-800 flash.

Jose’ Ramos, Premier Aviation Photographer

Jose’ make spectacular images both air to air and ground to air, he has worked side by side with many of our greatest military squadrons!  His kit bag has to be very portable to fit in the cockpit of modern jet fighters!  His basic kit includes the Nikon D7000, and Nikon D90 and the 12-24, 16-85, and 70-300 Nikon zooms.  He uses SB-900 and SB-800 flash units for light aircraft of all sizes.

Jim Begley, HDR Master

Jim has fast become one of the countries most recognized and appreciated HDR shooters and teachers!  Jim’s kit includes; D700, and D3s cameras. His lenses kit includes; 16-35 f 4, 28-70 f 2.8, 70-300 AF-S VR.  Jim gets more out of his gear than almost anybody I know!

Scott Kelby, Celebrated writer, photographer, workshop leader, all around great guy.

Scott’s work runs from travel to sports, portrait to nature, and his gear selection shows his versatility!  His bodies are D3s, D700, D300s, and Canon 50D.  His lenses include; Nikkor 10.5, 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, 18-200 28-300, 50 f1.4 , 105 Micro, 85 AF-S f 1.4, 200 f2, 300 f 2.8, 200-400 f4, 400 f 2.8, Nikon TC-14E II,  and a Canon 18-35.   Wow a lot of stuff and no he doesn’t have a bag that carries it all!!!!!!

Joe McNally, World famous magazine photojournalist and lighting master.

Joe’s work runs the entire gamut of photography so you would expect him to have the gear to cover it all!!  His bodies are D3s, D700,   His lenses include; Nikkor 16mm f 2.8, 14-24, 50mm f 1.4, 24-70, 70-200, 105 Micro, 200 f2, 200-400 f4,  Nikon TC-17E II.  As you would imagine tons of SB-900s, SB-800s!!

Tony Sweet, One of leading Art photographers in  the world.

Tony’s beautiful and inspiring work is captured with a specific system best suited to his needs;  D3, D700, D300s, D200 (Infared converted)  Lenses include, 16 mm Fisheye, 14-24, 24-70, 85 Tilt/Shift, 70-200, 105 an 200 Micro lenses, 300 f4 and a Lensbaby!

Mark Alberhasky, Fine Art, Travel, and photographic generalist modern master.

One of my favorite photographers and an amazing shooter, Mark has done it all and he didn’t start until after a full medical career!  Mark shoots Nikon D3s, D3x, D7000, D700 and the full compliment of Nikon lenses mentioned in every entry, 16 Fisheye, 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, 200-400 and much more!  The bottom line is that whatever piece of gear that is in his hands, he sure knows how to use it!

A final thought, I hope you enjoyed a peak into the camera bags of some great shooters!!!  Please let me brag a little, and praise a lot!  I count all these men very very close friends, not associates, friends.  i can say that as spectacular as their work is, i appreciate them even more for there long frienships, I’ve learned a great deal from each of them and have greatly enjoyed their company.  This is what is called a lifetime of blessings!

the pilgrim

Equipment image courtesy of Think Tank Photo.