WHAT’S IN MY CAMERA BAG
Without a doubt, the top question I get asked is: "Which camera do you use?". Over time, my photography gear lineup has undergone significant changes, and I feel it's the perfect moment to provide you with an updated glimpse into the must-haves in my camera bag. So, if you're on the hunt for top-notch photography equipment, keep reading to discover the essential gear I swear by!
If you’re new here, I’ve been a freelance adventure travel photographer for almost 3 years now. My photos have been featured on the front cover of local magazines and on commercial photography displays. I have created travel content for large brands and have learned a thing or two about gear along the way!
Keep in mind that I don’t have every single piece of gear in my camera bag at any given time, rather I pack according to the trip and shooting scenario. Lastly, I have been doing this for a number of years now and it has been a gradual process accumulating this much gear. You don’t need all this to take good photos and I have some entry level gear guides coming soon!
Disclaimer: This blog post features some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers. Thank you for the support!
CAMERA BAG
WANDRD PROVOKE BAG (31 LITER)
This bag is my go-to for adventures and an absolute workhorse! It is comfortable, breathable, versatile, weather-resistant, and holds all my gear plus some for whatever scenario I need. I use the Photography Bundle set-up of the bag which includes the Essential Plus Camera Cube that allows protection of my gear and full customization, the Waist Strap that helps distribute heavier loads on longer hauls, and Accessory Straps that also me to secure gear internally or externally . I can carry my camera, 3 lenses, accessories, and a laptop! There is also extra storage for things like snacks, my journal, keys, my passport, and more.
CAMERA BODY
SONY A7RIII
Although there are more recent models, if you’re looking to save a little money while still getting the best image quality, this mirrorless camera is about as good as it gets in the industry for what I photograph. The a7Riii has a huge 42mp sensor which allows me to print photos large without them looking blurry, and also has an incredible dynamic range which lets me dial in my exposure perfectly for every situation.
LENSES
SONY FE 24-70MM F/2.8 GM
This is the lens I reach for the most, and if I had to choose just a single lens, this would be it. Its versatility makes it an ideal companion for travel photography. With its impressive zoom range, razor-sharp focus, and an aperture that goes as wide as 2.8, it's perfect for capturing that desired separation between your subject and the background. Trust me, this lens is a game-changer for any photography enthusiast on the go.
SONY FE 16-35MM F/2.8 GM
Coming in as the runner-up in my camera bag lineup, this lens is an absolute gem when it comes to wide-angle photography. I've had previous experiences with wide-angle lenses that suffered from corner softness, but this one maintains sharpness across the entire image. It even produces stunning sun stars under the perfect lighting conditions and allows for a shallow depth of field at f/2.8 when desired. Trust me, I can't emphasize enough how highly I recommend this lens! It's a game-changer.
SONY FE 70-200MM F/2.8 GM
I will reach for this if I need a zoom lens and I know I won’t need above 200mm. Having an aperture of 2.8 is also nice for situations where I may want to separate the subject from the background, or when shooting more lifestyle/commercial focused images. The 200mm focal length also allows for great lens compression when shooting at a greater distance to get both the subject and background to appear closer together and create a big sense of scale. Think little human, huge mountain!
DRONE
DJI AIR 2S
While I don't frequently fly my drone due to restrictions in many locations, I must say that when I do, this particular drone packs a punch. Its compact size makes it incredibly convenient to carry in my backpack whenever the need arises. Not only does it deliver impressive quality, but it also enables me to capture unique perspectives of the surrounding landscapes and has active track of subjects so I can fly along with a vehicle on a dirt road or get dynamic shots alongside a fast motorcycle.
TRIPOD
PEAK DESIGN TRAVEL TRIPOD
Lately, I've made the switch to the Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod by Peak Design. What really caught my attention is its remarkable lightweight, compact design, and the added bonus of having a built-in mobile attachment. Let me tell you, it's been a game-changer for me! Based on my experience so far, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
ACCESSORIES
PEAK DESIGN SLIDE LITE CAMERA STRAP
I often reach for this lightweight camera strap for instances where I want to go without my backpack, I need to secure my camera to my body safely, or just want to have quick access. I love Peak Design’s quick release anchor connectors that can be install on also any piece of gear, and how easy it is to remove or add this camera strap. It can easily be taken off and installed quickly onto another camera with the anchor connectors. The length is also very easy to adjust quickly which I appreciate in fast paced scenarios when I’m juggling more than one camera.
SONY SF-G TOUGH SD CARDS
The Sony Tough SD cards are so quick, plus they are super rugged and can withstand harsh conditions and moisture which gives me peace of mind.
SANDISK EXTREME PRO EXTERNAL SSD
I use these external SSDs to export all my images from my camera memory cards to my computer for editing and to external hard drives for safe storage. This is a great portable solid-state device. I have only good things to say about it. It's fast, durable, portable, and looks great. I highly recommended getting at least two so you have additional backups of your images.
ATOMCUBE RGB LED LIGHT
This fun little light has really opened up new creative ideas and adds so much mood to any scene. With full-color customization for cinematic moods and an output capable of illuminating entire night scenes, this dynamic panel does it all in a convenient pocket-size.
FILTERS
POLAR PRO CIRCULAR POLARIZER & NEUTRAL DENSITY FILTERS
I’m always carrying a circular polarizing filter with me and it’s usually always on my lens. I use these when shooting bodies of water, waterfalls (to cut reflections and help achieve a long exposure), forest scenes, and other landscapes when I need to cut reflections and glare from the image. CP filters also helps bring contrast and vivid, natural saturation to images.
I have varying strengths of Polar Pro neutral density filters for when I want to achieve a longer exposure than the scene would naturally allow me. For example, situations like this may arise when shooting waterfalls or ocean scenes in harsh, mid-day light. ND filters strengths are measured in f-stops.
