Do you ever look at another photographer and wonder what’s in their camera bag that you may be missing? Or are you curious about what equipment actually makes a difference in photography? I am going to give you a peek into my camera bag, to show you what I use the most. Some of these products are relatively inexpensive and some do require an investment. I will explain when you do and do not need to make a large investment in your equipment.
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First thing first is the actual camera that I use. I am currently using a Canon R6. This is the mid-range Canon Mirrorless camera. I absolutely love this camera. It is lightweight, focuses fast, and it has the new eye-tracking focusing technology. This is a full frame camera and it comes at the cost of a full frame camera, but if you are looking for something a little less expensive, the Canon M50 is a great starter mirrorless camera. If you are wondering what the differences are between the standard DSLR and mirrorless cameras, check out this article.
This next item is a kinda big ticket item but makes a world of difference in your photos, especially portraits. It’s the fixed 50mm lens. This is what you hear people refer to as a prime lens. The reason it is so valuable is that it has a low aperture allowance, meaning you can create that really beautiful blurred background (or bokeh) pictures that you want. I highly recommend investing in one when you can. This is the exact fixed 50mm lens that I use, pictured below.
On the subject of lenses, if you are looking for a more versatile lens, the 24-70mm f2.8 prime lens is the way to go. I personally use the Tamron 24-70mm. This is the perfect lens to have if you only want to carry one lens. The fact that you can get an aperture of f2.8 at all focal lengths makes this a lens that is perfect for vacations.
The next item I recommend is a tripod. If you purchase your camera in a starter kit, it may come with one. If not I suggest choosing a mid-range tripod that can be both a mono-pod and a tripod all in one. Here is a great one to choose:
Memory cards are an essential part of your camera. I always keep a bunch on hand and I have two preferred memory cards. First let me say that not all cards are equal. You are going to want cards that have a fast read and write speed so that there is no delay when you are shooting. Below are the two cards that I recommend and personally use on a regular basis. I have also included a recommendation for the card holder that I use. The memory cards can be pretty small so you will want a place to put them to keep them safe.
The next item is a wipe for your lens. I use these disposable wipes, and they work great. This is another inexpensive item that helps with the care and maintenance of your equipment. Using these wipes every time you use your lenses will keep them clean and keep unwanted artifacts from showing up in your photos.
Another item that I am always using is my Peak Design camera strap. This strap is one of the most comfortable camera straps that I have ever used. It has no-slip grips as well as being super easy to adjust the length on. Sometimes I like to wear my camera high and sometimes I want it to be like a sling around my body and this strap is very easy to adjust.
The last thing that I have on my list is the actual camera bag that I use. The bag you choose has to be super comfortable and easy to access if you are ever actually going to bring your camera with you anywhere. I will admit that I went through about 4 different bags and styles before I found my perfect bag. The camera bag that I use is the Peak Design Everyday Backpack in 15L. This is the perfect size for me. I have been able to fit 2 camera bodies, and at least 2 lenses depending on the size lens I am using. There are not enough words to say how much I love this bag!
The last thing that you would need is know-how. If you are still struggling with your camera and want to learn how to use your DSLR or mirrorless camera, I developed a beginners photography course that can take you from Auto to Manual and take great photos. It is called Master your DSLR and you can check it out by clicking on the image below. I promise you won’t regret learning how to properly use your camera.
That’s what I have in my camera bag on most outings. What do you have in yours that I don’t? I would love to hear in the comments below.
Thanks for your description of the contents of your camera bag. Mine contains much the same, with a few additions.
I carry a Sony A99II camera body, or occasionally an A99I. The lenses I carry are Zeiss 50mm f/1.4, a Zeiss 24-70mm f/2.8, a Sony 70-200mm f/2.8. Occasionally I might carry a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 macro lens instead of the 50mm If I intend to do any macro nature studies. Also, if I plan to shoot BIF, I will substitute a Tamron 150-600mm lens instead of the Zeiss 50mm.
I also carry a lens cleaning kit consisting of Zeiss lens cleaning fluids, a Lens Pen and a squeeze bulb with a lens brush. I carry extra camera batteries and a remote camera controller. Then there is a small tool kit in case of any mechanical or optical failures, plus spare parts and a small field manual.
In addition, I carry a cell phone, binoculars and a rain garment, but not in the camera bag. I also might carry one of three tripods depending upon whether I plan to do macro or telescopic work. But they are not carried in or attached to, the camera bag.
That’s about it! Oh, for padding camera bodies and lenses within the camera bag, I use CLEAN baby diapers! (clean diapers, not babies)
OK, GOOD SHOOTING!!!
PS: My camera bag is a Domke F2. And if I am also carrying the macro or the telescopic lenses, I carry them in separate Lowepro lens bags.