Body: Nikon D300
Grip: MB-D10

Zooms
Nikon f/2.8 24-70mm
Nikon f/2.8 70-200mm VR (*)

Primes
Nikon f/2.8 105mm VR Micro
Nikon f/2.8 300mm VR(most used lens)

Flash
Nikon SB-800

Teleconverters
Nikon TC-14E II
Nikon TC-17E II
Nikon TC-20E II


Extension Tubes
Nikon PK-12
Nikon PK-13

Accessories
Nikon GP-1
Manfrotto Tripod 055XPROB
Manfrotto Head 486RC2
Manfrotto Neotec Pro 685B Monopod
Lightsphere II

Bags
Pelican Case
LowePro CompuTrekker AW
LowePro Stealth Reporter 400AW
LowePro Toploader 75AW

P&S
Sony DSC-F828
Sony DSC-T300

Video
Sony HDR-XR520V


Next to acquire?
Nikon 14-24 f/2.8
Nikon R1C1
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G
Nikon 600mm f/4 VR
Nikon 200-400 f/4 VR

Nikon D300

It has the same focus system, liveview, etc that the D3 model has. It has a 14bit CMOS sensor.

Advantages (vs.D3)
================
DX format quality (12.3 MP) is 250% better
1/3 the price
50% more reach on all lenses (better size, weight, cost)
built in flash
huge cost savings on lenses
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Example: (300mm on DX has reach of a 450mm in FX)
DX: 300mm f/2.8 ($5,000)
FX: 500mm f/4 ($8,000)

FX lens costs $3,000 more for same reach and same resolution ... however, it is larger, heavier, and even paying that much more, you lose 1 f/stop.
----------------------------------------------------------

Disadvantages (vs.D3)
==================
Cannot shoot FF (not an issue for me)
Slower FPS
Battery grip must be purchased separately
ISO not as high ... could be important for spelunkers

Nikon MB-D10

Grip for D300.
Holds one extra battery - or AAs to give you 8fps. You can also get 8fps by buying an end cap for this grip - larger batteries and a charger. Lots of $$$$ to get the same speed as putting in AAs.

AF-S Nikkor 300mm f2.8G IF-ED VR

This is by far my most used lens. After carrying this around for hours, using any of my other lenses feels like they are weightless.

This lens is the FF equivalent of a 450mm lens. The added 50% reach of the DX sensor is worth a lot in money saved, and the size and weight of glass needed to get a close up shot. If you think this lens is heavy - just be glad that you are not shooting FF and would need a 500mm lens to get the same shot - and still would need to sacrifice 1 full f/stop - and pay an additional $3,000 for that one slower, heavier lens.

For those thinking you can just switch your D3 or D700 to DX mode - keep in mind you have then turned your D3 into a 5MP camera. You might as well leave it at FF and crop it afterwards. At least then you will have more PP options.

AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR

If I could only have 1 lens ... this would be it. It is amazingly sharp, fast, and light enough to carry around on a hike. With a single TC it can cover a wide range (up to 400mm) and still get quality handheld shots.

AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G IF-ED

I replaced my 17-55 DX lens with this baby. It is hard to believe that the photos could be sharper - but they are ... and this lens is lighter and has more reach - which I was always wanting with the 17-55. Plus, this lens is not a lost investment should I ever own a DX body.

AF-S Micro NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR

The VR in this lens really helps in those tight macro shots. Even with a TC on it - it is sharp and steady handheld.

Nikon TC-14E II AF-S

Autofocus 1.4x Teleconverter

Increases magnification of lens by 40%

Nikon TC-17E II AF-S

Autofocus 1.7x Teleconverter

Increases magnification of lens by 70%.

If you only buy one TC ... get this one.

Nikon TC-20E II AF-S

Autofocus 2.0x Teleconverter

Doubles the magnification of attached lens.