2. Photography

My Gear

It took me a while to search around review forums, blogs and almost all around internet to finally establish my equipment set for my photography needs. There are hundreds of sites and forums where one can find recommendations and tips, but the process of searching and making a decision to buy is pains taking and long. I went through the long process and have ended up with a setup that I like much and serve my needs very well. I thought, it would be good to setup a gallery of my gear for reference for other enthusiasts to help them make the right decisions. Also, I am asked several times what camera, lens etc I use and hence this gallery should be a good reference for such folks.

I have been a Nikon fan for years and continue to be one. As such, entire information in this section is all about Nikon, sorry Canon folks ;) ! Thanks to Nikon for making such wonderful camera and lenses - without them everything would have been impossible ! Not to forget, Wimberley, Gitzo, Lenscoat, Visual Echoes, Apple, Adobe and others who have made great products to complete the entire digital shooting platform.
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This is my complete setup for bird photography. Generally I dont carry the flash unit and related accessories unless weather or subjects need additional light support.
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This is my complete setup for bird photography. Generally I dont carry the flash unit and related accessories unless weather or subjects need additional light support.

CameraCamera GearAsifAsif KhanPhotographyEquipmentNikonGitzo

  • Gitzo 5541LS with all sections unextended and the leg angle selector in the very bottom position.
  • FX-6 Better Beamer flash extender from Visual Echoes attached to Nikon SB-900 flash for telephoto flash photography. Must have for long lens flash photography.
  • Couple of things over here that I would like to highlight. First is the Wimberley F-3 Telephoto/Macro Flash Bracket Kit. It is modular and comes in 3 pieces. The base gets attached to the lens plate (I use the Wimberley AP-50). The M4-Macro Arm attaches to the base and I use it to mount my Nikon SB-900 using a Wimberley FA-11 adapter. I also use the F-1 Telephoto bracket mounted in opposite direction to hook my Nikon ML-3 Receiver for wireless shutter release. There are other Wimberley Flash bracket solutions available which are simpler, but I bought the telephoto/macro kit to serve my various needs.
  • The Wimberley WH-200 Ver II head with lenscoat. This is one of the most incredible inventions ever and all credit goes to Wimberley folks to make long lens photography so easy. Once you mount your lens on this head it becomes very light to manage and can be moved around at all angles easily and quickly. I love this piece of equipment.
  • I use the Gitzo GT5541LS tripod for my Nikon 600mm f/4. It is a solid and steady tripod. It is little bit heavy but certainly lightweight compared to what it does and offers as in support. I would recommend this to anyone who are on long lenses. I dont have legcoat for this tripod yet, I desperately need one !
  • Gitzo 5541LS with all sections unextended and the leg angle selector in the middle position. I generally use this position when shooting while sitting on the ground.
  • Gitzo 5541LS with all sections unextended and the leg angle selector in the very top position. This brings the whole setup very close to the ground and is good when lying flat on the ground while shooting shorebirds at their level
  • This is my complete setup for bird photography. Generally I dont carry the flash unit and related accessories unless weather or subjects need additional light support.
  • Gitzo 5541LS with two sections extended and the leg angle selector in the very bottom position. This is good for my height and I generally use this position while shooting in standing position
  • Gitzo 5541LS with all sections extended and the leg angle selector in the very bottom position. This is way too high and I cannot reach the camera :) ! I have never used this position yet - wonder when !
  • This is the lens hood that comes along with the Nikon 600mm f/4 lens. I generally carry this along with me and put it when am not shooting i.e when taking a break or when carrying around a mounted lens. Keeps the lens safe and protected. One can get hoodies from lenscoat optionally.
  • This is my complete setup for macro photography. Again, the flash unit is optional unless absolutely needed - also i like shooting more in natural light and now with the high ISO in D3S it makes it more easy
  • The Nikon R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System. Pretty creative on how this was designed - i don't use this frequently but am sure will be necessary in low light conditions and for fill-in. Comes with SU-800 wireless commander which can be used with other supported Nikon flash guns.
  • This is the Wimberley PP-100 Plamp along with one PP-110 Plamp extenders (12 inch) inserted in between. Again very innovative Wimberley. This a good tool to carry around while doing macro photography. I generally use it to move away any obstructions between my lens and subject and to steady subjects in wind. I wrap this around my tripod when carrying my gear.
  • Flexibility with Gitzo GT2541EX tripod and Gitzo GH2780QR ball head. I am sure, I cant shoot with a 200mm at such a close range to ground, but just wanted to show on how the tripod is flexible.
  • Flexibility with Gitzo GT2541EX tripod and Gitzo GH2780QR ball head. Amazing !
  • Flexibility with Gitzo GT2541EX tripod and Gitzo GH2780QR ball head. Amazing !
  • I use the Gitzo GT2541EX tripod and Gitzo GH2780QR ball head (along with Gitzo GS5370C quick release plate) for macro photography. I got couple of GS5370C quick release plates, so that I keep them mounted all the times on my 200mm macro lens, my D200 and D3S. This way I don't have to keep on changing if I had only one. The GT2541EX is an excellent tripod and can be laid flat on the ground and its 4th arm allows one to get to various angles / positions for insect photography with ease and quickly. Also, the legs flow freely and dont have steps to lock in certain position. Complete flexibility for macro photography and a must have for macro photogaphers.
  • My bird photography and macro photography setup side by side.
  • My bird photography and macro photography setup side by side.
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