Sold my Canon XTi to get this new body, more robust, I like the bigger viewfinder and highlight tone priority.

My all-use lens. Pros: sharp, low cost, small/light, focus-speed, nice range, good build, IQ better than Canon 17-85 IS, comes with hood Cons: could have IS but not really necessary on a wide angle like this Other options: EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 EF-S 17-85 IS

Much cheaper replica than the overpriced original from Canon, after all it's just plastic

Originally bought for closeup macro on the 70-300... now I use it with the EF 100 Macro for 30% more magnification without light loss.

Great flash, makes a lot more pictures a keeper. My 2700mAh batteries seem to last forever on it. Learn to flash!

It's important to have a good flash for macro, to use very small apertures (more DOF) and get short flash duration to freeze movement blur. The closest, less power you need, meaning shorter duration. Exposure is determined by flash duration, not shutter speed. Can command the 430EX via wireless TTL so I can light backgrounds. Notice it's too small and weak to work as a portrait ringflash.

Cheap, works fine, great as a 2nd light to use off camera with manual settings.

Batteries for the flash, 2700mAh.

More batteries, this is 2500mAh, works great too and recharges ok on the Sony charger.

Multi-coated polarizer for the Sigma 17-70, a must have.

I avoid carrying a tripod at all costs... this one is not so big, but still a pain to carry everywhere.

The only thing that can really clean my lens! Use a blower, then cleaning solution with soft cloth to remove larger particles and grease... but the final polishing touch is with this pens. The head is triangular and smaller on this one, much better than the Nikon pen. I wouldn't clear my sensor with it though, just lens.

I shoot RAW all the time, that takes a lot of space, but it's worth every byte.

Nice book to read before buying your first dSLR, explains a wide range of all the equipment, accessories, shooting techniques and post processing.

Huge umbrella, I should have got one of those that double-fold, easier to carry. I use it with 430EX or Sunpak 383.