Cameras

Canon EOS 1D MKIIN Professional Digital SLR

In November 2007 I decided that it was time for an upgrade to one of the professional level digital SLR's offered by Canon. The 20D has served me very well but has a few limitations in terms of focus accuracy and speed, both of which are noticable in my motorsports and airshow photography. The 1D MKIII had been recently released but the cost of the camera was too high for my budget. Instead, I looked around for a reasonably priced MKII or MKIIN and quite quickly found one for sale.

Canon EOS 20D Digital SLR

Since the purchase of my 1D MKIIN the 20D has been passed on to my partner Rhiannon so that she can overcome the limitations of my old point-and-shoot Fuji S7000. The 20D will also act as a backup body at certain events.

Lenses

Sigma 100-300 F4 EX APO IF HSM

This lens is a fantastic piece of glass at it's price level and is probably my most used lens. It was purchased with motorsports photography in mind and provides sufficient reach at most circuits. Last year I began using it for airshows as well and although the reach isn't quite enough under some circumstances it still does a very good job at focusing quickly and quietly. The quality is excellent and I can't fault the photographs I take using it. Due to an unfortunate fault with the first one of these I purchased I had to request a replacement from my supplier. This one has no problems at all.

Canon 17-40mm F4 L

My first L lens from Canon is a joy to use. This lens has replaced my original 17-85mm kit lens (which I still own but never use) as my main landscape lens. I am currently battling some issues with soft images on the left edge.

Canon 50mm F1.4

Probably my favourite lens I own. If I could use this for every photograph I think I might. Sharpness is fantastic and focus speed and bokeh are also very good. Being a prime lens it's only limitation is range. When I can move within reach of the subject I generally use this lens, unless I need a wide angle effect. It's best use is with portrait photographs.

Canon 17-85 F4-5.6

This lens is rarely used since the purchase of my 17-40mm L lens. I've hung onto it as a backup lens as it still produces pretty decent photographs. It's just not as sharp as the 17-40mm or 50mm lenses.

Sigma 1.4x TeleConvertor

Used to extend the reach of my Sigma 100-300mm lens. To date I haven't had great results when using this lens for moving subjects. I have yet to try it when using the 1D MKIIN which may help with focus accuracy.

Other Equipment

• Canon BG-E2 Battery Grip for Canon EOS 20D
• 2x Canon BP-511A Batteries for Canon EOS 20D
• LowePro AW Trekker Camera Bag
• Sandisk CF Memory Cards (1 x 4Gb Extreme III, 2 x 2Gb Ultra II)
• 1Gb MicroDrive
• Giatto Rocket Air