I thought it was about time that I wrote something about what I have in my bag. Obviously, what I carry depends on the mode of transport that I’m using and what I’m expecting to photograph. When travelling by car I take everything – I simply grab my bag, tripod, and go! My bag is a F-stop Lotus 32 litre Camera back-pack with small ICU. I shoot with a Canon R5 and carry the following lenses:
Canon RF 24-105mm, f4 –This is my go-to lens and 90% of the time is the one attached to my camera when I grab it. If I only take one lens with me it is likely to be this one as It has a good range of focal distances that allows me to be creative.
Canon RF 100-400mm, f5.6-8 – I recently upgraded to this lens trading in my EF 70-200mm. I’m still becoming familiar with it but enjoy the long focal distances that the 70-200 couldn’t give me. It is also a lot lighter.
Canon EF 16-35mm, f2.8 – An old favourite lens but not one I use much these days, but great for wide open landscapes.
Canon EF 50mm, f1.8 – I don’t use this lens much but sometimes it is nice to turn the camera into a lightweight compact option that I can sling over my shoulder. Also good for creating images with bokeh.
Tripods: I have two tripods. My large tripod is a Benro 600ex and I recently upgraded the to the Benro G2 Low Profile triple action ball-head. I use this set up when travelling by car. I love the triple action ball-head for smooth, quick adjustment.
For overnight hikes and some day trips I take the Joby Gorilla Pod tripod with the 5kg ball head. All though a little fiddly to adjust it does provide a stable platform for longer exposures and is a lighter weight option to carry on my back.
Filters: I adore filters, they allow so much creativity. I use the Benro Professional Landscape Filter kit mainly for long exposures and when I am using my large tripod. This includes 3 ND and 3 GND filters and a CPL that screws into the filter system that attaches to the lens. I use circular filters (ND 6 and CPL) when I am using the camera off tripod. This allows me the ability to move more freely and respond creatively to what is happening in front of me in the landscape without a large filter system on the front of the lens.
Other accessories I have in my bag include: Cable release, spare batteries, Photo Pills App – on my phone, memory cards, EF-RF adapter, lens cloths, camera manual, notebook and pen.
Hiking Kit
When I go hiking I tend to rationalise my gear according to the terrain and expected landscapes that I will be in. I also consider the type of shots I think I might shoot or what I am focusing on at the time. I have a dry bag with a towel and ensure that I pack my camera in a protected way. A few years ago I bought a neoprene case that fits neatly around the camera and lens. I've used it on two tramps and found it a good way to keep my camera handy but protected at the same time. The list below is typically what I pack for an overnight or multi-day hike;
Camera and Lens: Canon R5 with Canon RF 24-105mm
Filters: Circular CPL filter, Circular ND6 filter
Tripod: Joby Gorilla Pod tripod with Joby 5kg ball head
Accessories: Dry bag or neoprene case, towel, lens cloths, memory cards, spare batteries.
So there you have it. A quick glimpse into the toolbox of this photographer. I don't get too caught up on gear. I research before I buy gear to make sure it will suit my needs but don't strive to have the latest gear. I prefer to focus on the gear I’ve got and learn to use it well. The magic comes when you pair your knowledge of the gear with what you, as a photographer, see, feel, and think about your subject. After all, the gear is just the tool to a world of creative expression!