I am often asked what equipment I use for my photography, so I've decided to add a page here detailing the kit I use and the reasons I use it - you might even call it a mini review section...

A good picture starts with a good support. The best picture in the world will be ruined by a hint of camera shake, so it makes sense to invest in a solid tripod. Gitzo make them. I use a Gitzo G2227 which gives me the flexibility to get down to ground level, or use a 500mm f4 to track a bird in flight. It's lightweight, tough, well-made and rigid. Vibrations are well damped and it's easy to use.

A good tripod needs a good tripod head. The choice between a 3-way pan-and-tilt or ball head is a very personal one. I'm one of those that likes ball heads. I find them more versatile than the 3-ways and they are just as steady - if you buy a good one. If there is a better ball-head than the Really Right Stuff BH-55, I've yet to find it or hear about it. This thing is built tough. It will take the abuse I subject it to and it holds the camera steady in all situations. I've used it with a 5D + 500mm f4L lens to shoot flowers at ground level and it's fantasticly steady. It locks down with just a 1/4 turn of the knob and the friction control offers effortless adjustment to suit any combination of camera and lens. Add the panoramic base, graduated with laser etched markings, and you've got a tripod for all seasons. If you don't like carrying the weight (it's not heavy, but some people may think it is) have a look at the smaller BH-40.

Once you've got support sorted, you need to carry your kit somewhere to be able to take a picture. For years I used a large rucksack from Lowepro, but have recently realised the benefit of several different size bags to allow me to customise the kit I take with me. I'm now using three bags from KATA - the BP-502, HB-207 and R-103. The BP-502 is a true behemoth of a bag, taking all my kit and more, and still having space to spare. When I got it, I loaded it up with 22Kg and went for a walk. I did about 7Km and depsite it being heavy and me being tired, it was very comfortable to carry the whole time. It really does hold a huge amount of kit. Infact, unless you have a super-telephoto lens that you need to transport with all your other kit, I'd suggest it is almost too big for most normal usage.

The HB-207 has become my standard bag of choice. It holds a good range of kit and will suit most people. If you find it too big, have a look at the HB-205 - a similar but smaller bag. This bag has the most comfortable harness of any camera bag I've yet carried. It offers very good protection in a lightweight package, and it holds a lot of kit easily. It is regualrly loaded for me with an EOS 5D, 70-200 2.8 IS, 16-35 2.8, 100mm Macro, 580EX flash, 1.4xII Extender, Extension tubes, Filters, batteries, memory cards and various other miscellaneous bits...and there is still space for more if I reconfigure it. It shares its bigger brother's tardis like qualities and is very well thought out. I've not used it in any heavy rain yet, but the material is waterproofed in such a way that water just beads off, and there is the included 'elements' cover as well for when things get really wet and miserable...or hot and muggy! It even doubles as a makeshift reflector due to the silver heat reflecting side - very useful for pumping a little bit of light back onto your subject.