The vertical grip for the A700. Easier vertical picture taking, double battery life, and the grip has all the functions you are used to on the built in camera.

Probably the best lens for the money - especially considering how cheap this one is. If you can't afford the G 70-300mm lens, this is the one to choose. I've read that the Sigms 70-300mm APO has less purple fringing and it is only a little more expensive (for a lens) - of course it is heavier too. FF

If you can afford it, the lens has is very nice with SSM - as you would expect from a G-class lens. Beware though, the hood is very large and when attached it looks like you're carrying around a small canon. FF

A great lens, but I frankly don't see enough quality difference between it and the 90mm Tamron to make it worth it. You can probably find an old Minolta 100mm for cheaper as well - I use an old Minolta, which is fantastic. FF

If the Bigma is too heavy, this is the other top contender. I'm waiting till the Sony 70-400mm G comes out before buying a super long tele now. FF

The "Bigma". Good lens for the range. Its biggest draw back is its heft. Many will say you can't shoot handheld with it, but an equal number say you can (probably depends on your strength and endurance). I'd suggest a monopod or tripod though just in case. I'm waiting till the Sony 70-400mm G comes out before buying a super long tele now. FF

This is probably the better choice over the 24-105mm Sony with the extra reach. Haven't found enough direct comparisons to be confident. FF

Monopod. Slightly shorter than the 681B, but fits into a carry on (diagonally). The 681B does not. Makes sure you get a head.

Reads CompactFlash cards. Faster than connecting the camera to the computer and doesn't drain battery.

Nice pack and I like the quick camera access. Straps are easier to control than the Tamron Adventure 9. It's missing the ability to carry a tripod though. One bit of warning though, the A700 moves a bit in the bag (plenty of padding though) without a vertical grip being attached. The upper compartment is big enough for lunch :) and the laptop compartment should make flying a little easier.

Prime wide lens. Gets excellent reviews. If landscape is your thing, this is a good choice. FF

The old minolta 50mm f/1.4 usually sell for $200-250 (and going up) on ebay now. Lens is sharp and fast. Everything you should expect. The 17-50mm Tamron when stopped down can gives me pretty good quality shots at 50mm so I'm not in a hurry on this one. FF

I'd love to have this lens, but simply cannot afford it. If I shot full frame I might consider it, but I don't. This is a full frame lens as well, so if you ever decide to upgrade to the future Sony FF alpha it will stay with you. FF

Supposedly marginally faster than the Tamron, but same quality. The ultimate for "walking around". It won't match the quality of a specialty lens, but it is probably the best generalist. APS-C

What is there to say? Constant f/2.8. Full frame. SSM. Zeiss. This covers about 24-52mm on APS-C. FF

I don't often have two drained batteries, but this would be nice when I do. That said, I can't convince myself that a battery charger should cost over $100.

I'd prefer this over the A350. It is cheaper (even with the kit lens) and 10mp is more than enough.

The Flagship of the Sony line. It's expensive, but Full Frame. I'm perfectly content with my A700 (although you would think the price would be coming down for those...)

A head for the tripod or monopod.

Yeah. Right.