In the world of photography, there are three main camps; Nikon photogrpahers, Canon photographers and people who shoot other brands (Sony, Olympus, Leica, etc). The big rivalry is Nikon vs Canon and both sides love their brand and think it is better than the other. The other manufacturers are catching up though too so it wouldn't surprise me to start seeing loyal and vocal Sony fans, and Pentax fans popping up.
I am a Nikon guy. But, with that statement let me be clear that I have not qualms with people who choose Canon or any other brand because I think they all are very good and actually considered buying a Canon DSLR instead of a Nikon. So why did I pick Nikon? My dad was a Nikon guy, and I started shooting with his old FG (and occasionally with his older Nikkormat before that). I was used to the cameras and had some older Nikon mount lenses that I really liked. So, it was with that in mind that I stayed a Nikon guy, and am very happy with the their gear. I still have the old FG in my possession, but have since acquired a few DSLR bodies; my main D90 DSLR, a D90 that has been converted for IR photography, and my backup D40 body. They are all great. The D90 has some great features and is a very capable amateur/prosumer model. The D40 is a great little body that works really well when I want less weight and a little more portability. I have no plans of upgrading either the D90 or my backup D40 at this point. Down the road I can see my self getting a higher level DSLR with an FX, 35mm equivalent sensor, but not until I need it. Instead, I have been spending my photography budget on some more glass.
I love Nikon's lenses. They are super sharp and high quality. In fact the only complaint I have, is that they (and Canon, too) put their image stabilization (VR in Nikon terms) in the lens instead of at the sensor like Pentax, Olympus and Sony. This just makes them more expensive and leaves older lenses without VR. I also have been getting some older Russian made lenses, and a few Pentax lenses with M42 mounts. With adapters they pop right on my DSLR, work great, and are much cheaper than an older equivalent Nikon lens (manual focus, of course). I also use primarily Hoya filters, with exception of my wide angle Tiffen filters.
For lighting I use a bunch of Nikon Speedlights using their CLS system to light my work, and use Manfrotto tripods and ballheads.
That's basically my gear. At some point I'll post a picture with what I use, but for now that should help you know what tools are used to capture my photos.
