What photography equipment do I use regularly and what should I bring with me on a trip? Read on to find out!
A question I get asked a lot is, "what equipment do own and what do I bring with me on my trips?"
"The best camera is the one that's with you."
I’ve been working as a photographer and content creator for many years, so I get a lot of questions about what kind of photography gear I use.
When you’re reading this list, please understand that I’m a working photographer and content creator. I own a lot of gear that was accumulated over the years. Keep in mind that I don’t pack absolutely everything on this list in my camera bag all of the time, instead I pack according to each trip and shooting scenario.
Most travelers don’t need backup cameras, drones, and multiple lenses.
“Pack according to each trip and shooting scenario.”
If I'm not on assignment, I will tend to travel much lighter and leave the heavy DSLR cameras and lenses behind and bring a mirrorless camera with a zoom lens.
I usually have my iPhone with me as well. Don't discredit modern day cell phone cameras. For photos or videos, especially if just documenting your travels and adventures, the quality is more than adequate. Even better, it's usually always with you and it won't draw a lot of attention while shooting. The best camera is the one that's with you.
Gear
Cameras
Nikon D850 - Main camera body
Nikon D810 - Back up camera body
Nikon Z6II - Mirrorless camera body
Lenses
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8
Miscellaneous Equipment
GoPro Hero9 Black
I’ve been using GoPros for years and have owned a good number of their models over the years. Currently, I am using the GoPro Hero9 Black.
GoPro cameras are great at capturing hands-free action and there are accessories that allow you to attach them to almost anything. Plus, they are waterproof and shockproof.
While owning a GoPro is a great start to capturing great images and videos, to really take advantage of their capabilities, you'll have to pick up a few accessories. The great thing about these cameras, besides their durability, is in the multitude of accessories that are available for them, whether from GoPro themselves or a third party manufacturer.
DJI OM 5 Smartphone Gimbal
I always have my iPhone with me, so having that impromptu photo or video shoot is always within reach. With smartphone cameras able to take such high quality photos and videos, having the right tools can help elevate your shots even more.
The DJI OM5 is the updated version of the DJI OM4. It is the smallest and lightest smartphone gimbal by DJI and is the perfect tool for creating smooth video. Some of the new features the new DJI OM5 introduces are an integrated extension rod, allowing you to capture incredible shots. Having used the integrated extension rod, it is definitely a game changer and has allowed me to really get some creative video shots.
It also features unique magnetic quick-release system that is capable of holding and balancing larger smartphones, such as the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max. I personally use the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Features and intelligent shooting modes included in the DJI Mimo app have also improved upon each OSMO Mobile iteration. The DJI OM5 now supports old favorites like Timelapse and SpinShot with improved ActiveTrack 4.0 and innovative ShotGuides.
Shooters of mirrorless cameras or DSLRs will have to use the DJI Ronin-SC or the DJI Ronin-S gimbals, which are specially designed to handle larger cameras.
DJI Mini 2
The perfect tool for capturing aerial photography and video. Weighing 249g, you won't have to register with the FAA if you're only using it for recreational purposes either.
It flies super fast, is extremely stable, and shoots high-quality RAW photos and 4K video and can even take off and land from your hand, although prop guards would be advisable if you use this method.
While it is lacking obstacle avoidance sensors that the newer DJI Mini 3 Pro has, it does offer active track and intelligent flight modes that can do a lot of the work for you to get great shots.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Apple's latest iPhone features Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, 6.7‑inch (diagonal) all‑screen OLED display, 2778‑by‑1284-pixel resolution at 458 ppi. What's this all mean? A super crisp screen that is able to display photos and videos in stunning color and detail.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a 12 MP three camera system: Telephoto with a ƒ/2.8 aperture, Wide with a ƒ/1.5 aperture, and Ultra Wide with a ƒ/1.8 aperture and 120° field of view. It also includes a 3x optical zoom. It also includes a digital zoom, but I wouldn't recommend it on any camera system as the quality of image will deteriorate.
LiteChaser Pro | iPhone 13 Pro Max Accessories (Case, Grip, BT Shutter, Filters)
While there are several great companies that make accessories for cell phones to enhance their photo and video capabilities, I like the LiteChaser Pro package.
LiteChaser makes lens filters for full sized cameras and their cell phone lens filters offer the same quality. The case is MagSafe capable for iPhones and the lenses are high quality glass and are easy to put on or swap. The Grip and BT Shutter clip on to the cell phone case and allow me a much more comfortable and secure hold for all day shooting.
Joby GorillaPod 3k Kit
I love Joby GorillaPods and have several for different shooting scenarios. They are extremely versatile, durable and portable and allow you to securely attach your camera or smartphone basically anywhere with it's adjustable legs.
For camera users that have a lighter or heavier payload, Joby also carries the Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit for lighter payloads as well as the Joby GorillaPod 5k Kit.
They also carry a variety of accessories that you can use with your GorillaPod, however, they are best known for their GorillaPods themselves.
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