My Photography Gear

Below is a list of the photography gear that I currently use.  All lenses have Hoya UV filters attached to them.  I honestly couldn’t justify the price of the filters, until I photographed a party at a club and someone accidentally bumped into me.

Canon 1D X Mark II

I’ve wanted this flagship camera since the Canon 1D X Mark I was released. I couldn’t justify paying the cost, but when the price of the Mark II eventually dropped in price, it was a no brainier. It’s the only full-frame DSLR that I own. I can’t get enough of the 120 fps and dual pixel auto focus.

Canon 60D

After picking up my first Canon camera over twenty years ago, I fell in love with photography.  With regards to photography this is the only brand I’ve owned for the type of photography that I practice. I don’t see any reason to change. Prior to purchasing the Canon 60D, I shot only with film.  I know this camera so well that I don’t see myself parting ways with it anytime soon.  I have Canon’s battery grip attached to it which to me is well worth the expense.

Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro IS USM Lens

This lens is a macro lens; however, it is a great lens for portraits.  This prime lens is the first lens that I purchased for my 60D.  I still remember the first day I used it in 2012 to photograph Chicago’s 2012 Green Music Fest (view here).

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens for Canon

The Sigma 18-35 Art Lens for Canon is one that I purchased back in 2015.  I took it with my during Open House Chicago 2015 and during the 12-06-15 LaQuan McDonald protest.  This lens is built like a tank.

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 VC

The Tamron 17-50 VC lens is the second lens that I purchased for my Canon 60D.  I’ve used this lens to photograph baptisms and other events where group photos were needed.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 Lens

A prime lens that I’ve noticed a lot of the photographers I shoot with have is the Canon EF 50mm lens.  As advertised this prime lens is great for low light situations.  I purchased it for street photography and I’ve yet to have any complaints.

BlackRapid RS-7 Curve Camera Strap

This camera strap was given to me by Gokhan Cukurova during a baptism that I was photographing back in 2012.  I can’t say enough how thankful I am for this gift.  Since receiving it, there hasn’t been a time where I left my house to shoot and didn’t bring it with me.

Canon Speedlite 430EX II

What a difference the right amount of light can make.  The Canon Speedlite 430EX II has dramatically improved the quality of my images.  I’ve used this several times to shoot several private events.

Lowepro Event Messenger 250 Shoulder Bag

I can’t say enough about this messenger bag.  Because of the BlackRapid strap, I use this mainly to hold lenses and other equipment while practicing street photography.