The essential gear for photojournalists.
Its been two years since I took a loan to pay for all my equipment:
1. Macbook
2. Canon 1D MKII
17-35mm 2.8
24-70mm 2.8
50mm 1.4
70-200mm 2.8
580exII
3. Manfrotto Monopod
4. Cables, external monitor, camera backpack etc.
I have since come to realize my mistake in spending. I should have bought the essentials and worked with what I had.
So here is a short list for new photojournalists who are ready to take the plunge and max out their credit cards.
1. Laptop (IT DOESNT HAVE TO BE A MAC)
2. Canon 5D MKII or Rebel T1i. Nikon D300s or D90. (It REALLY does not matter which camera company you go with, just stay loyal to them.)
The semi-pro T1i and the D90 can record video. Video is quickly becoming a must for photojournalists. I do video.
3. 24-70mm 2.8. (This is the only lens you need to buy.)
WHY?
-You get wide and telephoto with this lens.
-2.8 for low light.
-You can rent a 70-200mm for around $30 for the day and $80 for a 300mm.
The Canon 24-70mm I use is durable, light, and small. I always end up using it at events.
4. 1.4x Teleconverter (Adding this onto your 24-70mm 2.8 will extend the range to 33.6-98mm f4 lens. The converter is small, and light. It gives you an added boost whenever you are in the field.)
**Reasons why I would not use a 2x teleconverter.
-the quality degregation is twice as bad
-F stop increases by 1 more than 1.4x
-bulkier
-at 48-140mm f8 I would rather rent a 70-200mm for the day.
5. 430exII. ($170 cheaper than 580exII. Unless you are on a photoshoot, you only need one strobe.)
6. Make shift monopod/steadicam.
7. Camera bag
8. EXTRA BATTERIES and MEMORY CARDS!
1 comment:
It should also be noted that 17-35 and 24-70 cancel each other out, depending on body. And those of us who shoot 24-105 would disagree that 24-70 is best. LOL. We just hold our breath or lean against the wall to stop down from 4.0 to 2.8.
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