My Gear #40 - Jason Hynes

I love the idea of this post from an online resource point of view. I think it was definitely missing and will be greatly enjoyed. My name is Jason Hynes, I am a professional photographer from the beautiful island of Newfoundland.

My current gear:

Think Tank Retrospective 30

Nikon D700

Nikon D300s

Nikon 70-200 f2.8

Nikon 24-70 f2.8

Nikon 50mm 1.8

Nikon SB-910

pocket wizard plus II x 3

Sanyo eneloop AA x 16

B+W 77mm xs-pro clear MRC-nano filter

B+W 77mm Kaesemann xs-pro Circular Polarizer MRC-nano filter

BRNO BaLens 77mm white balance lens cap

BlackRapid RS-7

Giottos rocket air Q-ball

Minolta light meter

Think Tank pixel Pocket rocket

Think Tank DSLR 2x battery holder

Victorinox pocket knife

Gerber mini tool

Lexar card reader

Lexar pro CF cards x 6 (8GB)

Lexar pro SD cards x 2 (8GB)

Hoodman Raw professional CF cards x 3 (16GB)

Hoodman Raw professional CF cards x 2 (4GB)

Manfrotto monopod

Westcott 5-in-1 reflector

Westcott mini apollo light modifier

Moleskin notebooks

Sharpie pen

Various lens cloths

business cards

red clips

Red YO-YO

I have been taking pictures for as long as I can remember. I have always been passionate about photography, about the gear, about the learning and about the people. My first camera was a Kodak 110, then onto 35mm film and eventually digital. Although I still like to pull out the old Canon ae-1 for the odd excursion.  I shoot mainly portraiture and wedding photography. Both in studio and on location. This is my main gear that I try to get to shoots whenever possible.

Lets start with the bag, what can I say. everything I wanted in a bag and then some. Massive storage, great user friendly features. ergonomic design for comfort and stability in use. But I think my favourite feature about this bag is its stealth appearance. The last thing you need to do when out and about with your gear is draw attention yourself. Think Tank are amazing at what they do, this retrospective 30 is superb. Also from Think Tank, I have the amazing pixel pocket rocket. Holds the majority of my cards securely and connects directly to my bag for peace of mind. Then there is the DSLR 2x battery holder, simple piece of kit but you can't put a price on organization when out in the field. 

On the topic of peace of mind in the field lets talk about reliability and dependability. The amazing envelop AA batteries have never failed me, the investment in Hoodman RAW solid state CF cards was essential, they never fail…….never. Nikon professional gear….need I say more. As with all professional gear Its built tough. All magnesium alloy bodies with full weather sealing, both cameras and lenses.

I am not a huge lover of flash photography, but having a speed light is essential. I use natural light as well as reflectors and light modifiers whenever possible. I also have larger reflectors and a reflector stand from Cameron. (not shown)

 I dont preach filter use, but if you ARE going to invest in a filter think about the glass its going on. slim filters vs normal filters, quality of glass in filter, size (obv), purpose, usefulness etc…

 The BlackRapid strap. Wow what a product, comfortable, dependable……..amazing. Watching TNG review and I fell in love. Great security, great features across the whole line. Highly recommended.

 I always carry spare business cards with me, lens cloths and a Giottos Q-ball blower. I always have a pocket knife and notebook as well. The Yo-Yo is merely a time waster and the clips can be used for just about anything, from pinning back cloths to holding a grooms jacket together.

 The Minolta light meter doesn't see a lot of use, but when I need it it is always there for me. As with the BRNO BaLens white balance lens cap.

 The D700 is most always mounted with the 70-200. I find this lens/body combo most reliable  for almost anything. I can shoot entire portrait sessions and approx 90% of a wedding. The nikon 70-200 is a legend for its sharpness and undeniable bokeh. you really must see it to believe it. This combo is my absolute “go-to” 

I use the 24-70 and a utility lens, usually mounted to the D300s during a portrait session just incase. Rarely is it mounted to the D700 for portraiture.  This is a great lens, a very useful range from 24-70 (35-105 on DX) and is tack sharp edge to edge.

The 50 1.8 is just an amazing little lens. Lightening fast to focus, stunning bokeh for the price and with the addition of that aspherical element this lens is an absolute knockout now. Great on either body, works wonderfully for video with the D300s.

I guess this would be a great time to explain the two body setup. I went with the D700 and D300s combo because of the compatibility with accessories (batteries, grip etc...) and the diversity that having an FX and DX body gives me with my glass. It automatically gives me double the lenses I have in my kit when I bring it along. There is a lot to be said about two identical bodies, the ability to mount each with different lens and “grab and go” as you please. But for the versatility this setup gives me at the moment I wouldn’t change it for anything.

I hope you enjoyed my "whats in my bag" post. I look forward to yours. cheers

 www.hynesphotography.ca

http://www.flickr.com/photos/konafox/

@hynes_photo

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