nikkipolani

In June 2013, my trusty XTi suddenly retired.  One moment I was shooting ingredients of a new recipe and the next moment I was searching online for reasons why my camera won’t turn on.  A month later, I ordered Canon’s 6D in a kit that included the estimable 24-105mm f/4.0 lens and a 70-300mm zoom.  The XTi is now a paperweight and the Sigma 18-50mm lens (which doesn’t work with full frame bodies) will probably given to my aunt.

As of August 2009, my photographic gear included the Canon Rebel XTi (or 400D) and Canon G10.  My main lens is Canon’s 50mm f/1.4 prime and occasionally Canon’s 28-135mm IS USM f/3.5-5.6.  In August ’09 I got the 430EX Speedlite and am learning more about flash photography.  For those pouring-batter shots, I use an inexpensive and basic Slik U8000 tripod to hold the camera while I pour.  Just got this white-balance filter and am enjoying getting more color-correct indoor shots.  And I also have a remote shutter release thingy that I keep forgetting to use.  In March 2010, I started using and loving the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 macro lens.  Being able to get within an inch or two of the subject matter is fantastic, as well as zooming out for a wider shot.

And as for gardening gear, I use gauntlet gloves when I’m doing serious pruning, reaching into the shrub and clipping off dead canes and the like, brushing through clusters of leaves and cobwebs.

These are my favorite pair of secateurs — ARS V-7.  I’ve used Felcos (#6 for smaller hands, still have them as backups) and found the blade to dull faster and slightly more fatiguing in long pruning sessions.  I’ve used these ARS pruners for over ten years and have yet to sharpen them. And, as you can see in this photo, they’ve still got a bit of grime on them from constant use.