When using your cars door fram, you want to use a bean bag. You can find them on the internet. Now for a good lens, I fave a Sigma 500 mm f4.5 lens that is three years old that I do not use any more, it is for sale @ $1000.00 and it is just like new.
I have two mat cutting boards that I will sell. One is an Alto model 4501; I inherited it from my dad. The other one is a Logan 301, which I have up graded to the Logan 450. The only reason I went to the Logan 450 is because I can cut some very large mats. I will sell either the Alto 4501 or the Logan 301 for $25 plus shipping. I have bought and sold a lot of items on eBay, you can check out my 100% feedback if you like, by looking for goldrg for a search.
Mat cutting is easy and fun, and it will save you a lot of $$$$. I will also include a very simple formula on how to cut mats.
You may want to think about extention tubes if you are on a budget. If you truly want to work on macro's, you do not need AF mod. Look at purchasing a used lens in the range from 100 - 200mm.
HP printers are junk, if you want quality photo prints stick with either Epson or Canon printers. I just recently purchased the Canon 13x19 inch PIXMA Pro 10, and with all the discounts I got this for $199, the original price is $699. It has 10 ink tanks at $15 per tank to replace. Yes the coast of the ink is a little pricy, but the quality of the final image is outstanding. Both Epson and Canon make smaller photo printers that will not cost a lot. Stick with the two that are the best for printing color or B&W photos.
I believe what I really wanted, What is the standard print size for a aspect ratio for 3:2. I am going to start printing my own images when I receive my new Canon Pixma Pro-10 printer.
Been there twice, and love it. Yes the best time is from Feb. - May. You will want to take your 18-200, 70-300 and may be your flash. Extra batters, lots of cards. Yes a 4x SUV. Have fun
I would like to know the standard print sizes, where there is no cropping when I send my images to a lab.
I have used both and I like the Nik HDR better. I find it much easier to use.
I have been there twice, the people are very nice, and the country is beautiful. You may have a little problem with language. I have not been on the east side; I have been told that is not the safest side of the country. Family and I have only traveled on the Pacific side of Costa Rica.
As equipment goes, you should be just fine with what you have listed. Make sure you have a lot of memory cards, two batteries will be just fine (bring your charger, they have standard 110 voltage). If you are flying make sure you have your camera equipment as your carry on, by all means.
Enjoy your trip,
Did not think of buying a used lens, I did & I love my lens. I got my lens on eBay.
You will love the D7000, but you may want to check into the new D7100.
You will love your new camera lens, you joust need to use it, use it, and again use it. That is the only way to know your gear.
Just go ahead and buy the Kirk quick release plate along with L bracket for your camera. You will be so much happier if you do.
Some good points listed. But here is one not listed, when you use a tripod or a light stand. You want to make sure you have one of the legs in line with/under your lens. Do the same with your soft box.
Lot of good comments listed. You should think about the Carbon Fiber Tripod as being your choice to purchase. Also get a tripod without a center column. Never never never never never ever use the center column, it changes the center of gravity making your tripod very unstable.