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Los Angeles, CA, USA
phone: 404-254-6578
Copyright © 2012 Kelvin Kuo Photography.

My Gear

Many people may wonder what I take along with me during my travels as well as assignments. I have compiled a list of gear that I use and trust during all my endevours. I usually buy my equipment new at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo and Video because they are companies that I trust will be selling me great equipment with exceptional customer service. I would also suggest Adorama and B&H Photo and Video if you were considering used gear. Both Adorama and B&H have excellent reputations for selling high quality used glass. If you find this page or any content on my website useful, please consider supporting this site by purchasing your equipment through my affiliate links.

Camera:


Nikon D700
I currently own two Nikon D700′s, which are my go to camera. I have tried different brands of cameras as well as different models and found out this is the camera that encompasses all my needs. This camera blends the needs of both my travels, sports and portrait assignments. This full frame camera is rugged, lightweight and ergonomically friendly, which help with both the long days at sporting events as well as the long treks throughout the backcountry. I recommend the D700 for its high iso performance and excellent image quailty. I would buy it at either Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo and Video.


Zoom Lenses:


Nikon 14mm – 24mm f/2.8G
A must for all landscape photographers is an ultra wide lens. This is my bread and butter when it comes to photographing the dramatic settings I have run across. The low light capabilities are necessary also if you are considering sports or concert photography. The wide angle allows for more unique perspectives then what you see in every day life. I would buy this lens at either Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo and Video.


Nikon 24mm – 70mm f/2.8G
Probably the most versatile range, this lens is a great walk around lens. If you plan on traveling out of the country or even just to go out, you will sure be happy with what you can produce with the 24-70 and a full frame camera. This 2.8 is good for all conditions of light, which I have found useful in photographing basketball. I usually do not leave my home without it, since its range goes from wide to telephoto I have all my bases covered. I would buy this lens at either Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo and Video.


Nikon 70mm – 200mm f/2.8G VR II
This lens is a must have if you are interested in any sport photography. It’s versatility in football, baseball, and basketball especially allow for those closer encounters, and its 2.8 lens allows you to shoot in a variety of conditions. With a constant aperture, this lens allows you to blur out the background at 200mm for nice portrait and action shots which make your photos pop! A great add to your photo bag if you are looking for a telephoto lens. I would buy this lens at either Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo and Video.


Prime Lenses:


Nikon 24mm f/1.4G
Prime lenses are made for the conditions where you try to extract all ambient light as possible. I love this wide prime lens for both the separation of subject to background as well as the low light capabilities. I have recently sold my 24-70 for these new sets of primes which provides phenomenal performance. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this or the next lens in my bag. I would buy this lens at either Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo and Video.


Nikon 35mm f/1.4G
A great normal lens if you are seeking a wider variety of the 50mm prime. I love to complement my 85 1.4 with this wonderful lens to give me full coverage of any event. Again, the great bokeh backgrounds that retain detail but also creates separation make these new 1.4 prime lenses to die for. I would buy this lens at either Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo and Video.


Nikon 50mm f/1.4G
Prime lenses are made for the conditions where you try to extract all ambient light as possible. The 50mm is a lens that is in most photographer’s camera bag. It is a great solution for traveling light, which is a reason why most people don’t want to lug around their DSLR. I use this lens exclusively for situations where the environment is dark, or if I am in close quarters and want to make a subject stand out. I would buy this lens at either Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo and Video.


Nikon 85mm f/1.4G
One of my favorite prime lenses in the Nikon lineup, this is one I love to use. I have used this focal length in many situations, such as volleyball games, concerts, and portraits. Although Nikon currently has great high iso capabilities, the 1.4 aperture allows you to shoot in low light conditions where other lenses struggle. The quality and sharpness of the lens allow me to rely on it for assignments where my other lenses may not be sufficient. I currently own the 1.4D edition, which performs similarly at three quarters the price. I would buy this lens at either
Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo and Video. If you are interested in the 1.4D, Adorama and B&H usually have nice selections of used lenses.


Nikon 300mm f/2.8G AF-S
My old telephoto workhorse, this lens is acceptable for use in every sport. I currently use it on my second body during basketball games to get shots occurring on the far side of the court. This lens produces incredible results also if you cannot afford the 400mm. I use this lens in conjunction with a 1.4 tc to produce similar results as a 400mm and reduced weight. A great lens also for head shots if you want to produce images with smooth, blurry backgrounds. I currently own the 300mm 2.8 AF-S I as it produces similar results at a fraction of the cost. I would buy this lens at either Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo and Video. If you are interested in the 1.4D, Adorama and B&H usually have nice selections of used lenses.


Nikon 400mm f/2.8G AF-S
My 400mm is a must at almost all my sporting events. I use it as my primarily lens while shooting football and baseball for its low light capabilities and long reach. The sharpness and contrast are superb, and the autofocus is super fast. If you are seriously considering shooting sports, this is a must have. Wildlife photography also requires longer lenses, which is why I pick up the 400mm first. I currently have the older 400mm 2.8 AF-S I because I do not need the VR capability. But if you are shooting still shots, the VR is a nice added feature.
Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo and Video. If you are interested in the 1.4D, Adorama and B&H usually have nice selections of used lenses.


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