What’s In My Camera Bag?
Photo by Berty Mandagie
A photographer’s kit is super personal, tailored to the work you do and the preferences you’ve found over the years. Although I’ve found my current tried-and-true kit, I’m always curious what other photographers work with. Most of my work is in the travel and outdoor adventure industries which means my gear needs to be versatile and weather-resistant. I like being able to grab my gear and head out the door quickly, so I don’t work with a lot of lenses or big kits.
This gear list is by no means my final kit as I’m always looking for new gear to streamline my creative processes and have my eyes set on the newest models. But for now, this kit has been somewhat the same for the last few years and has served me so well!
This is my main camera body and it’s a workhorse! With a touch screen, you can quickly change settings and flip through photos. I like having that option but I typically don’t use it when it’s raining or cold out. The large sensor is great for printing and blowing up your photos.
This was my first full-frame camera body I purchased used from eBay and I still think it’s one of the best full-frame cameras you can pick up for a steal. Personally, I prefer the color profile on the Mark III over the IV, however, they both perform beautifully and I haven’t had any issues shooting with them in the rainy PNW or freezing Rocky Mountains.
This lens is the priciest in my kit but it’s absolutely amazing for travel and outdoor work. This usually doesn’t leave my camera. The wide aperture does make it heavier but having the ability to zoom for action shots and wide angle for landscapes makes it worth every ounce. The internal stabilization and autofocus have always worked perfectly for me and you can really tell a difference.
Most portrait or wedding photographers love this lens and for good reason. It has the perfect focus and the wide aperture is stunning! I usually use this lens for traveling in cities when I want a lighter kit to carry or if I’m doing brand work that involves detail shots.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 20 Liter
Buying this backpack was seriously one of the best investments in my kit so far. It has space for extra gear or lenses as well as tons of pockets to organize little things that I used to just toss into the abyss. The laptop sleeve is adjustable for most computers and the top pocket is great for stashing an extra layer or snacks. Everything is magnetic for easy access and the straps stay on the bag as well!
Pelican makes incredibly tough gear for any conditions you might be in. I love this case because it fits as a standard carry-on for flights. It’s the perfect size to carry both my camera bodies or any film gear I might want to take with me. You can also buy this insert that’s super flexible and I found it easier to manipulate than the foam it comes with.
Manfroto BeFree Aluminum Tripod
I’ve had this tripod for years now and it’s one of my favorite pieces of gear. It’s lightweight and folds up pretty small but it’s still sturdy enough to stay upright with a heavier camera or in windy conditions. It has a hook beneath that you can weight your bag on as well. The ball-swivel head gives you tons of flexibility and you can even add other attachments as well.
Most outdoor fanatics have heard of this if you don’t have one already! This is super easy to attach to pretty much any backpack and can hold even my heavier setups. The quick-release option makes it perfect for pulling out when I want to take a photo without having to take off my entire pack. My friend gave me a helpful tip to have two, one on each side, so you can move your camera and keep one shoulder from getting tired because trust me, it will happen.
I snagged this five years ago and it’s still going strong today! It has space for tons of memory cards whether you use CF, SD, or micro-SD. It’s lightweight but I trust that if I drop it or it gets submerged, my cards are perfectly safe.
Your gear doesn’t make you a better photographer but it can make your job so much easier! What do you consider essential in your kit? Let me know!
