Gear

I already had a Manfrotto Magic Arm, but wanted to try the Manfrotto arm with a friction knob for tightening, and I can only recommend this model over the somewhat awkward <

This Gitzo tripod is different than most tripods - even Gitzo's own. The construction is very compact with legs in four sections and it collapses into a very small package.

I used to own a Manfrotto tripod one generation older than this. The center column could be loosened through a series of operations, and remounted upside down or horizontally.

The Roundflash is a very neat and practical Polish ringflash adapter, which collapses and expands like a Lastolite reflector.

A swan neck style arm that fits onto a Super Clamp. Not stiff enough to hold anything substatial - and almost unable to hold itself with no load.

The Magic (AKA Holding) Arm isn't really magic at all, but a jointed arm that locks with a snap and can hold even a large SLR. It's paired with a Super Clamp.

The Super Clamp is the connection between Manfrotto's arms and the rest of the world. Crudely made, but with an amazing grip. I have four, which will do for now.

My first ever ringflash, and a dedicated one built to do macro work. It did the job and was fine, but not really large or poweful enough for anything but closeup work.

A cheap, dampened video panorama head to put on a tripod or a clamp when video filming with the SLR's. Not the most sturdy piece of gear that I have, but fine for the money

This is the third, sturdy ballhead I buy. I missed having something to put on the Super Clamps, a Manfrotto Arm and other places where a sturdy ballhead would do good.

I bought this used to put on a second tripod, and have been very pleased with it. Lightweight and sturdy and very well made.

Now that's what I call a ballhead! It's smooth as silk and firm as rock at the same time, and easily holds anything I can dig out of my bag.

I wound up with two of these battery packs, which wasn't really the plan, but has worked out anyway since I have two flashes.

The first real ballhead I owned.

A pistol grip slash ballhead that works a lot better on paper than it does in real life. The idea is OK, but it simply doesn't hold the camera.

My first really intelligent flash. It had full integration with the late AF-bodies, very clever wireless control built-in and lots of power.

A fantastic light meter that I purchased back when few cameras had light meters and even fewer had anything called Auto. Still works like a charm, mechanics and everything.

Nikon's classic workhorse flash. Terrible user interface, but a real performer and powerful enough to light up even a big scene. And I have two and could easily use one more.