Welcome to my personal gear page! Here you’ll find a growing list of the cameras, lenses, and accessories I actually use (or have used) in my photography — from macro and street to wildlife and storms. Many of these items have been in my kit for years, and each one has its own story.
Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase. This helps support my work and keeps the site running — so thank you!
Whether you’re looking for recommendations or just curious about the tools behind the photos, I hope you find this page helpful. I’ll be updating it regularly as I add more of my long-time favorite images, new gear, and any helpful insights along the way.
📷 Nikon D850 (Full-Frame DSLR)
The Nikon D850 is a powerhouse DSLR built for professionals and serious hobbyists alike. With an incredible 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, ultra-sharp detail, outstanding dynamic range, and 4K UHD video, it’s perfect for everything from landscape and macro photography to portraits, wildlife, and low-light shooting. This camera consistently delivers gallery-quality results — even straight out of the camera.
🔗 Check price on Amazon (affiliate link)
📷 Nikon D7000 (Crop-Sensor DSLR)
Before upgrading to the D850, I used the Nikon D7000 for years — and I still consider it a reliable secondary body. With its 16.2MP DX-format sensor, dual card slots, and sturdy magnesium alloy frame, it’s a great choice for photographers starting out or wanting a lightweight backup. I’ve captured plenty of sharp wildlife and macro shots with this one, and it still delivers in the right hands.
🔗 Check price on Amazon (affiliate link)
Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D (Prime Lens)
This 50mm lens is a throwback to where I started in photography nearly 50 years ago — capturing candid street scenes with a fast, compact, and razor-sharp prime. The f/1.8 aperture is excellent in low light and perfect for isolating subjects with creamy background blur. It’s a favorite for walkaround shooting, festivals, and other events, especially when I want to travel light but still get tack-sharp results.
NOTE: This lens is no longer in production. I recently bought it because it matched my old “film” camera lens …and was DIRT CHEAP! HA! I won’t leave the link for you (because it might not be there anymore), but you can probably find it used and/or reconditioned on Amazon, eBay, or camera resellers like KEH or Adorama (for a VERY reasonable price).
Sigma 50mm f/2.8 DG Macro (True 1:1 Lens)
This is my go-to lens for macro photography — especially bugs, spiders, and wildflowers, and is the lens I used for super close-up images in my gallery. The Sigma 50mm f/2.8 DG Macro delivers true 1:1 magnification, letting me fill the frame with fine detail. It’s incredibly sharp, lightweight, and handles beautifully on both full-frame and crop-sensor Nikon bodies.
NOTE: I bought this lens around 20 years ago. As of 2020(?), Sigma no longer makes this lens. However, as with the previous lens, you can often still find it used and/or reconditioned on Amazon, eBay, or camera resellers like KEH and Adorama.
NIKON AF NIKKOR 70-300MM F/4-5.6G (BUDGET TELEPHOTO)
This lens came into my kit after I broke my previous, similar telephoto while doing storm photography (pro tip: don’t take your hands off the tripod during strong winds). I didn’t want to spend a lot on a replacement that might meet the same fate in high winds, so I picked this used one up from Adorama for under $100 — and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well it performs.
It’s not the fastest or sharpest telephoto out there, but it’s lightweight, affordable, and perfect for casual wildlife, storm clouds, and other long-distance shots when I don’t want to risk a pricier lens. A great backup for anyone looking to get extra reach on a budget.
NOTE: Like several others in my collection, this lens is no longer in production — but you can often find it used or reconditioned on Amazon, eBay, or camera resellers like KEH or Adorama.
TAMRON SP 150–600MM F/5–6.3 DI VC USD (F-MOUNT TELEPHOTO)
This lens joined my gear bag when I upgraded to the Nikon D850, mainly for photographing birds, distant wildlife, and other far-off subjects. I hadn’t picked one up before, because I wasn’t sure my older D7000 would handle the resolution demands — but with the D850, this lens shines!
This is the original version (not the G2), but still delivers impressive sharpness, reach, and image stabilization. The 150–600mm zoom range opens up a world of long-distance opportunities, and the VC (Vibration Compensation) helps stabilize handheld shots at full extension. At my old age (near 70), a steady tripod is still my best friend for sharpness.
NOTE: I own the first-generation version, which is no longer in production. However, the G2 model is its newer, upgraded successor with better coatings, improved autofocus, and enhanced stabilization — and is still widely available.
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My Older Cameras… (coming soon!)
My Video Gear… (coming soon!)
My Reolink Security Cams… (coming soon!)
