I've also started to migrate away from Sony/Minolta specific equipment, moving to the PocketWizard model for reliable flash triggering, but also so that should I make use of someone else's studio... I'll be able to trigger their flashes. Cuz.. close your eyes and pick a studio... they're probably using Pocket Wizards or have the 3.5mm jack for flash triggering.
Not sure how it happened, but at some point, I just started using all Manfrotto support hardware. Others have recommended brands like Gitzo and the like, but maybe it's just me, but I really dig the heavier and over designed aspects of the Manfrotto brand. I'm also quite fond of their RC2 plate system. Though everyone I know is urging me to move to the Arca-Swiss mount... have you seen the prices!?
Future Gear:
- Sony Alpha A77 + vertical grip
- Sony 15-50mm/2.8 SSM
- UHS-I 16GB and 32GB SDXC
Camera Bodies:
- Sony Alpha A700 DSLR (discontinued)
- Sony 50mm/1.4
- Tamron 17-50mm/2.8
- Sony 70-200mm/2.8
- Manfrotto 334B Monopod
- Manfrotto 190XPROB Tripod
- Manfrotto 468MG
- Cotton Carrier Vest
- LowePro 350EX (first should bag.. nice, but hard to open)
- LowePro FastPack 350 (huge and VERY comfortable... but very bulky)
- LowePro Classified 160 AW (shoulder bag, looks like a normal bag, very easy to use)
- Minolta 5600HS(D) flash head (56 meter GN and IR slaving from main camera, awesome)
- LumePro LP160 flash head (42 meter GN with myriad of slave/trigger options)
- HV pack for 5600HS(D) (drops recycle time down to 1 second or less)
- 2 x Pocket Wizard Plus II's (omg are they awesome...pricey though)
- 2 x folded lightstands (they're lightstands...)
- 2 x 43" Westcott double fold umbrellas (shoot through and reflect, let's light the whole room! They also fold down to 16" in length!)
- Adobe Photoshop CS5
- Adobe Lightroom 3
- Bibble Labs Pro 5.x
- Topaz Labs DeNoise 5 (awesome noise removal tool!)
- 3 x 16GB RiData 233X Compact Flash
- 2 x 16GB PhotoFast 533X+ Compact Flash
- 1 x 32GB PhotoFast 533X Compact Flash
