This blog is dedicated to those camera buffs interested in the camera gear I chose to bring to Italy. I will not only itemize the gear but also provide some commentary.

The camera equipment I have brought and enjoyed in Italy

Camera body: Nikon Z 6 II

A lightweight fantastic mirrorless camera. Issues: sometimes focus and the amount of time between turn on and ready to take the shot. Latest firmware is installed.

Nikon FANS

I have been so pleased to see all the Nikon’s in use here in Italy. I must say I have seen more photographers with Nikon’s than any other brand. As a matter of fact it seems you could add Canon, Sony, etc and still not equal the number of Nikon’s I have seen. YEA. I love my Nikons.

GoPRO Hero 10

If you have been following me you have seen many GoPro videos taken on my Harley Davidson rides. I usually mount it on top of my helmet.

So far in this trip I have taken 1,833 videos with an average length of about 20-30 seconds. Love this thing, however I forgot to bring the proper cables to attach to my Iphone, therefore using the videos in my active daily flow is not nearly as easy as using the IPHONE. We look forward to siting down on the couch with POP CORN and viewing the videos of this wonderful trip. I am sure I will be creating some published videos soon incorporating the videos taken from my GOPRO.

iPhone PRO 12 PRO MAX (Tom)

I have taken a few videos on my Iphone but mostly photos when my Nikon was not available. Most of the time when I wanted a video, I used my GOPRO 10.

IPhone PRO 13 PRO MAX (Alice)

Alice has been clicking and taking videos the entire time. I wonder who took the most? I am so very proud of Alice’s photography and videos. What a great student. Maybe soon the student will become the master.

Lenses

Nikon 24-120 F4 S

My newest lens. I am in love with the range, of course I wish it was faster like my other 2.8 lenses. I love the new programmable ring which I use for F stop. I now wish all my lenses had it!

Nikon 80 1.8 S

This is my favorite Nikon lens and takes the greatest portraits. Beautiful bokeh (background blur) and fast focus. I had intended on using this lens for a model shoot in Rome that unfortunately did not work out. For this trip this lens has been used the least and a better choice would have been my 50mm 1.8 or 35mm 1.4.

Nikon 28 2.8

This lenses almost a pancake lens. Very small and lightweight. Almost a perfect ken’s for street photography. I am surprised how much I have used it on this trip. Focal length is great, it is fast 2.8, and the results are very sharp and clear.

Rokinon 2.8 13 MM Fisheye. Manual

I love to shoot with fisheye lenses. They are artistic. I know there are many who don't like the results. I'm so glad I brought it. Many great shots taken specially inside beautiful chapels with painted ceilings.

Taken in the Saint Peters Basilica with 12 MM Fish eye

Let me repeat this is a manual focus lens and focus can be tricky for the non professional. I grew up on a totally manual camera including focus.

Nikon FTZ lens adapter.

This adapter allows me to use any of my F-Mount lenses on my mirrorless Nikon bodies. For this trip this lens adapter is only need it for my fisheye lens.

Flashpoint Zoom Lion Z R2 N

Seldom used but when I need it the results are fantastic.

Flashpoint Zoom Li-ON III

Have yet to use this flash on this trip but if I will be shooting a model in Rome I will be using to flashes including this one.

Magmod flash adapter

Purpose: to attach different modifiers to flash including gels and bounces. Once you use magmod’s you never go back.

Tripod: Manfrotto MINI tripod (Made in Italy)

Seldom used. I have yet to be comfortable with using a tripod. I love to MOVE around and hit many different angles at a fast pace.

Low Flipside Trek 350 AW pro camera bag

I have loved this bag for this trip. I purchased this bag from Adorama while we were in New York. I am very happy with this bag. Only downside is my 13.5" Macbook Pro laptop does not fit in it. Huh????

Interesting Statistics from Metadata

Here are some interesting statistics from the metadata available in Adobe lightroom regarding my lens usage.

Number of camera clicks

Rokinon Fish Eye: 593 clicks

Nikon 24-120: 5,793, Most common focal length used: 24MM with 1,625 clicks. many came clicks between 35-50 MM, surprising smaller amount above 100 MM

Nikon 28 MM: 1,172

Nikon 85 MM: 683

Lets review

After reviewing these numbers, the statistical analysis confirms my prior assessments on the usage.

If I had to do this all over again, I would NIX the 85 MM and put in my 35MM 1.4.