Bob, what’s in your camera bag?
By Bob Otto / Freelance Writer
YUCAIPA – At times when I’m out covering a ball game curious folks will look at the camera equipment hanging around my neck and begin asking me questions.
That looks like a nice camera, what kind is it? What size lens do you use? How much do they cost? And what would you recommend?
First of all let me say this. Professional to high-end amateur grade digital cameras have dropped TREMENDOUSLY in price in the past few years. By hundreds of dollars. So for all you aspiring shutterbugs out there, quality digital camera bodies have now become affordable for many.
However in most cases it’s not the camera that’s going to dent your wallet. It’s the lenses. High quality lenses will often cost more than most camera bodies. But you’re in good luck because of the Internet. Now you can shop several sources to often find bargains.
Craig’s List, eBay, and a multitude of online camera shops – such as B&H Video and Camera are at your fingertips to comparison shop.
Oh, and here’s another advantage. Camera companies like Nikon and Cannon are continually upgrading with, “new and improved” models, which means that prices on many of the older models (such as the Nikon D80, D200, D2Hs) have dropped substantially. But they are still quality cameras that will produce quality pictures.
Yes, but you’re probably asking, “But Bob what’s in your camera bag and what would you recommend for me?”
So here’s what’s in Bob’s camera bag when he shows up at the ballpark.
Camera: Nikon D90. I purchase the D90 about seven months ago and I love it. Cost? $839.90 online. Why do I love it? First, it’s a high-end camera with a megapixel of 12.3 and it has a movie mode (which I seldom use, but it’s still an option.)
On megapixels. Not to go into long detail about megapixel, just consider this. In most circumstances, the higher the megapixel number, the better quality photos. Just a few years ago my first Nikon digital (D1H) had a megapixel of 2.7 and it cost hundreds (hundreds!) of dollars more than my D90.
And the D90 also has far less “noise” in low-light situations such as poorly lit ballparks, football fields, or gymnasiums than earlier models. Meaning your pictures will be freer of all those minute dots that make pictures less appealing. As my backup I still have my trusty sidekick, my D70, which produces quality photos.
Lenses: By far the lens I use most often is a Nikon zoom with a range of 80-200mm. When shooting sports such as softball, basketball, volleyball, etc. that lens will be on my camera about 80 percent of the time. If you are limited to affording only one lens for shooting sports, I would recommend a zoom with that kind of range.
I use only Nikon lenses, but to save money, consider manufacturers such as Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina. For example, a Tamron, 55-200mm costs about $175, whereas my Nikon 80-200mm cost me about $1,100 six years a go (and still performs beautifully.)
Granted, a $175 lens will not perform nearly as well as my Nikon, but if you’re on a budget, it may suite your needs until you can upgrade to a higher-end performing lens (and don’t forget to shop for used lenses – you can save a bundle.) The other lenses in my camera bag include a 24mm for wide angle shots, and a 35-70mm that compliments my 80-200mm.
Now, having touted my preference for Nikon, also consider other manufacturers such as Cannon, which performs as well as Nikon.
But the bottom line is this: As digital photography has expanded, prices have dropped substantially. So get on the Internet and compare. But first determine what kind of photography you want to pursue and how much your budget will allow before pulling out your credit card and embarking on a helter-skelter shopping spree.
I can’t emphasize this point enough: Determine your needs, research, and comparison shop before you buy.
In my next camera-related story I will focus on the does and don’t of shooting a fastpitch softball game.
