My Camera Gear

NIKON SB-900 (qty: 2)

These are my event flash that gets side mounted for the ‘off camera’ effect often used with a self-made softbox for more gentle lighting.

Nikon’s SB-900 is not the current top-flash anymore – it has long been replaced by the SB-910. But for many professional photographers this flash is still one of the best hot shoe strobes out there today.

The newer models offer a wider zoom range, a much improved user interface e.g. with direct keys for wireless mode and DX/FX format detection, and a number of other improvements.

Larger and radically different in design from the SB-800, and the SB-900 still runs on four AA batteries and forms the heart of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and has more power under the hood: at 35mm you get a guide number of GN of 48 (ISO 200/metres) from the SB-900 while the successor’s GN is only at 36.

Combined with solid construction, a PC sync port for trigger cables and external power pack socket, support of the latest Nikon flash protocol (i-TTL / i-TTL BL) plus manual mode and “auto” mode the SB-900 is a truly professional tool.

MANFROTTO 694CX (qty: 1)

A good monopod is a handy accessory for photographers who shoot at fashion shows or racing events when shooting telephoto distances for long hours and want to be more mobile than a tripod allows. Using a monopod helps you to keep your camera steady, so you can get a sharp shot at a longer shutter speed. It’s also helpful when shooting with heavy lenses, as you won’t have to support your camera and lens all day with your arms. The Manfrotto 694CX Carbon Fiber 3-Section Monopod is one of the better ones that I’ve used, but it’s also a little on the pricey side. Its carbon fiber construction keeps its weight down, but it’s still sturdy enough to support up to 11 pounds.

The 694CX weighs about 1.3 pounds and collapses to 21.3 inches. There are three sections, each of which requires you to open a clip in order to adjust; closing the clip locks that section into place. When fully extended it reaches 65 inches in height; at 5’9″, I was able to shoot comfortably at less than full extension when I added the 486 Ball Head and my Nikor 80-200mm F2.8 , but if you’re significantly taller you’ll be more comfortable with a monopod with a bit more extension. You can screw the monopod directly into the tripod socket on the base of your camera or lens, but a head with a quick release plate is a handy add-on.

There’s a hand strap attached to the top, and the bottom foot is rounded rubber. There’s no way to change that out to a spike or add a support base, which may be limiting when shooting on uneven terrain. It is rated to support up to 11 pounds, although the 486 Ball Head is only rated for 5.5 pounds. I used the monopod and head combination with a 7.5-pound lens and a 1.7-pound camera. There were a couple instances where the head’s tilting method lurched forward under the weight, but it wasn’t a frequent occurrence.

The Manfrotto 694CX Carbon Fiber 3-Section Monopod is expensive, but this is my fashion show workhorse and a very good investment for sports shooters, nature photographers, and others who use telephoto lenses. I am able to get sharp shots with a heavy telezoom at 300mm at speeds as low as 1/10-second; even with optical stabilization. That’s a feat. And I have managed to shoot all day without killing my arms, which would not be the case if I was hand-holding 9-plus pounds of camera and lens for hours on end. Works great when moving around the tight areas in the press pits.

MANFROTTO 1005BAC (qty: 3) & MANFROTTO 1051BAC (qty: 1)

The 1005BAC Master lighting Stands and the 1051BAC Mini Compact lighting stands are super easy to use, making it the ideal choice for any professional looking to support equipment such as Studio Lighting, LED lights and a large array of studio equipment and photography accessories in the studio or on location. Top features include Manfrotto’s own Quick Stack System, clever air cushioning and a durable aluminium design. This makes it both lightweight and strong. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to transport and store thanks to an ingenious collapsible system which provides a slim profile when folded.

Thanks to its aluminium frame, this light stand can hold up to an impressive 10kg, making it perfect even for heavier loads. The great benefit of the air cushioning is that it keeps your movements smooth and sure, but you also won’t need to worry about damage to your photography equipment or catching your fingers during accidental retraction.

Manfrotto’s Quick Stack System allows for multiple stands of the same type to be neatly and securely clipped together for storage in the studio and for transportation when working on location, supporting your creativity by ensuring your lighting support is always on hand and you can be set up within moments.

This stand features a upright and 90 degree angled female socket and includes a 5/8” removable and reversible spigot with a 1/4” and 3/8” thread, so pairing it up with any accessory you need is quick and simple. Plus, has an extra wide 106cm footprint, giving you all the stability you need, even on tricky terrain.