When beginning photographers ask me about my gear, most assume that it is the most important part of the photographic process. While I do agree that a great, expensive camera can take amazing, gallery-worthy photographs, the person behind the camera must first have an eye for composition, lighting, and color. After all, a non-photographer holding an expensive camera and lens won't be able to create the same image as the photographer who is well-practiced with their gear.
When I first began shooting at the age of 12, I practiced with a little, lightweight Canon Rebel kit. For years I shot with a hobbyist camera until I was able to upgrade to a Canon 7D and later a Canon 5D. Over the years, I found what worked for my personal shooting style and built my camera bag around it. When it comes to camera gear, I prefer quality over quantity! As a landscape, travel, portrait, and commercial photographer, I try to find versatile, lightweight gear that is reliable and sturdy and can be used in shooting all my projects.
8 Must Have Items that are always in my Gear Bag
Canon 5D Mark IV
Ask any Canon photographer what the industry standard is, and they will probably say the Canon 5D! This DSLR camera handles low light incredibly well with its versatile ISO capabilities. Looking for a DSLR to shoot video with? The Mark IV allows you to shoot stunning HD video with the convenience of shooting with a small(er) camera. My four-year-old 5D has traveled around the world and still functions beautifully.
Pros: Awesome ISO capabilities
Cons: One of the more expensive DSLR cameras
Where to Buy: Canon
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens
This pretty, not so little lens has become my go-to for everything from portraits to wildlife! When faced with the decision to buy the f/2.8 model or the f/5.6 model, I made the extra investment for the f/2.8 and boy did it pay off! The creamy, gorgeous blur that you receive when shooting wide open and the spot-on focus of this lens makes it more than worth the price tag!
I bought mine refurbished directly from Canon and saved hundreds! Next time you are considering buying a new lens, consider a refurbished one. Not only will you be recycling and loving on the Earth, but you can invest your money in more equipment (yes please)!
Pros: Versatile enough to shoot portraits, wildlife, and landscapes
Cons: Heavy, but lighter than most wildlife lenses
Where to Buy: Canon
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens
This lens is what landscape dreams are made of! For two years I shot nearly everything with this wide-angle lens. From fashion portraits to landscapes to family photos, this lens can do it all. This lens is my go-to for capturing wide, sweeping landscapes and night shots. This lens also films video beautifully! You truly can't go wrong with this wildly functional lens!
Pros: Captures the whole scene and shoots in low light wonderfully
Cons: Wide-angle leads to some distortion
Where to Buy: Canon
Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber 4-Section Tripod
After using a Benro Tripod for over ten years, I finally made the switch to Manfrotto. This tripod is the real deal! It's (relatively) lightweight and moves easily. The horizontal column allows for extra movement and more shooting options. The legs can be opened and extended easily which is a huge help when shooting with lots of gear.
Pros: Detachable head and tall, extending legs
Cons: Heavier than most travel tripods and does not come with a case
Where to Buy: Manfrotto
Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way, Pan-and-Tilt Head
I opted to upgrade my tripod head from the simple kit head to a more versatile and sturdy pan-and-tilt head. The handles make it easy to quickly manipulate the position of your camera and the quick attach plate fastens securely to your camera. Being able to grasp thick, sturdy handles and manipulate the pan/tilt of your DSLR is a must for landscape photographers.
Pros: Easily manipulate the camera angle with thick handles
Cons: Does not fit in many cases when attached to the tripod
Where to Buy: Manfrotto
NiSi V5 Pro 100mm Filter Holder Kit
When I began looking into a Neutral Density filter, I knew I wanted a filter set that I could grow with. While you may invest more upfront than you would by buying a circular filter that attaches directly to your lens, getting a filter holder kit will give you more options to work with later on. This particular kit comes with a variety of adaptor rings that lets you shoot with filters across lenses.
Pros: Selection of adaptor rings fit most lenses and are easy to attach
Cons: The rings may become stuck if screwed too tightly
Where to Buy: NiSi
NiSi 100x100mm Nano IR Neutral Density Filter - ND64
I am a big fan of simplifying the process, which is why I carry one ND filter in my bag at all times. Neutral Density filters stop down the light that enters your lens, allowing you to shoot long exposures during the day. This filter is a must for landscape photographers looking to make their photographs look more professional. This glass filter slides easily into the NiSi filter holder so you can begin shooting in no time!
Pros: Dark enough to shoot long expos in daylight
Cons: Scratches somewhat easily
Where to Buy: NiSi
BlackRapid Cross Shot Breathe Camera Sling
When I took a solo trip to Morocco, I wanted to find a camera strap that was lightweight, secure, and reliable. I enjoyed the added security I felt while walking through the busy medina. I knew if someone came up beside me or behind me and tried to grab my camera, that I would also go with it! The rubber shoulder pad is comfortable and stays in place, while the carabiner attachment at the bottom locks the camera in place.
Pros: Secure and doesn't slip
Cons: The Swivel Connection at the bottom may loosen if not checked
Where to Buy: BlackRapid
Building the gear bag of your dreams takes time and is entirely unique to your photographic passions!
Make sure to research the gear you may want and ask other photographers what's in their gear bag. Consider buying refurbished cameras and lenses to save money and save the planet!
Shot with a Canon 5D Mark IV and a Canon 24-70mm f/2.4 lens
What's in your gear bag? Leave a comment below and let me know!
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