Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

While I agree in principle with the original sentiments specialized equipment will enable you to get better shots than otherwise e.g. long, fast lenses with birds.

Paul J. Svetlik Loc: Colorado

Yes, the image is what always counts. The equipment does not guarantee successful pictures.
For that a photographer has to have a certain skill

but

when I see a good image that tells the story, I will be always interested to know, what kind of tool was used - so I can see the advantage of that certain, sometimes a very special tool accomplishing the interesting image.
And yes, you can hammer in a finishing nail with a sludge hammer - if you know how to go around the inconveniences of the tool and not smashing your fingers, but there are more efficient hammers to do the same task much easier.

That is why I would like to know those more efficient tools.
I wish everybody on the UHH forum would provide this harmless information.

I remember several years ago George Lepp (in Outdoor Photography magazine) published a stunning picture of a beautiful gorge taken with a small Canon G10 camera mounted on a motorized panoramic head. George very kindly explained his successful experiment - nobody without that special equipment would be able to make. It was a good information for anybody who likes to make big panoramas.

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

Very well said, Kevin, and true too, as far as I have learned. Thanks for saying so. RJM

GWolf Loc: Ashland, OR

One of the most vexing statements I hear from time to time is, 'oh what a good picture, you must have a good camera'.

RRS Loc: Not sure

Some kind of camera, a lot cheaper then a 500mmf/4.0 lens. How does it work on BIF? BTW great shot and especially at more then 200 meters!

blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area

I find that so many photographers are braggers, you just have to look on this forum how many are listing their camera arsenal. Who cares, let your images talk not your possessions.

Ralloh Loc: Ohio

Thank you. Some of us simply do not have money to burn so have to make do with what we can afford. In my case, a Nikon D3100 with kit lenses. It makes me put forth the effort to really learn the craft. Am I producing commercial quality? Probably not, but, I will stack it up against many of the "have to have it" crowd any day.

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

But on the other hand, I don't know of any modern, top-level pro photographer who shoots with crap equipment.

Ralloh Loc: Ohio

I don't know who you are directing this too, but, of course if you are going to be a "pro photographer", you will want the best you can get. Particularly in lenses. Most of us are not pros and have no intention of ever being a pro. "Crap equipment"? A bit harsh don't you think? You totally missed the point of the OPs post.

Bill_de Loc: US

Because something is less expensive or older doesn't make it crap. And who knows, the pros that are well known might have very well gotten there using what you call crap.

Norm Abrams was laughed at because he mentioned an amateur's woodworking shop would cost about $5,000. This was 20 years ago. He asked how many had boats that cost over $10,000. Being on Eastern Long Island quite a few hands flew up to which he replied, "I guess you are all commercial fisherman".

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charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.

I try and keep my equipment as up to date as I can afford. I try and keep some of the pictures that I feel proud of.
Like this shot I took at Tulum Mexico.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

That 3100 was a fine camera in its day and still quite serviceable with an 18-55 and 55-300.

Dutzie Loc: I'd like to know

Don't be to harsh. I don't have an artistic bone in my body. When I try to get the image, well lets say I'm usually disappointed. I can't blame it on the camera, just my short comings when it comes to some inane genetic ability that just isn't there. I enjoy the state of the art when it comes to cameras and lenses. I get the best I can afford. They are several levels ahead of my ability to get the image I want. But I can rest on the thought it is me and not the equipment. When I see an image that everybody is OHH'ng over , I wonder how many shots the person took before one was worth showing to the crew here.. I'm done now!

lsupremo Loc: Palm Desert, CA

On the other hand, I have an old kit camera and old kit lenses, but I create some good images. However, it frustrates me that there are lots of things I know I can't create with what I have.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

A photographer is invited to a woman's home for dinner. As a gift, he brings her one of his framed images. She says, " wow, what a beautiful picture! You must have a really good camera."

At the end of the evening, as the photographer is preparing to leave, the woman asks him how he liked the dinner. He said, " it was delicious! You must have a really good stove."