Great photography isn’t dependent on having the best, newest, or top of the line gear on the market. However, having good gear does make things a lot easier. Below are my recommendations and items that I personally own and use to make my images featured on this blog.
Support the Blog
If you find the content here helpful or enjoyable, please consider purchasing gear from B&H or any of my other my affiliate links. Anything you purchase after clicking through links located throughout this blog helps keep the lights on –and you get to treat yourself to a new toy!
Camera
Sony A7r II
The Sony A7r II is my currently my main camera body I use for my commercial photography. It’s small, packs a huge punch. A 42 megapizel full-frame sensor, internal 4k video, built-in image stabilization, 399 autofocus points. Technology has come along way with this camera.
Sony RX100 V
This is my currently my favorite and most used camera. It’s a mighty AF machine and dwells in my jacket pocket and goes with me everywhere. (Reviewed 3/2017)
Lens
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens
I call the 24-70mm/2.8 the workhorse lens because I can shoot the majority of photo subjects with this lens. It’s especially ideal in situations that require you to be quick and flexible with your composition. It took a while for Sony to make one of these lens for FE mounts, but once they finally released the 24-70/2.8 GM has proved to be a solid lens.
Check out its full specs on B&H Photo / Amazon
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens
I absolutely love using macro lens for photographing portraits. The minimum focal distance allows me to get close to my subjects to make intimate shots without having to deal with AF hunting issues. The Sony FE 90mm can still focus when you’re 11.02″ (28 cm) away from your subject. Currently it’s my dedicated headshot lens.
Check out its full specs on B&H Photo / Amazon
Camera Support
MeFOTO RoadTrip Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod Kit
This is the tripod that you’ll often find strapped to the outside of my backpack when I’m off on a trip. The MeFOTO Roadtrip tripod follows down into maybe a liter soda bottle and weighs around 3lbs.
Check out its full specs on B&H Photo / Amazon
JOBY Gorillapod Focus/Ballhead
In situations where a traditional tripod is inconvenient, I prefer to take my Joby Gorillapod around instead. It’s particularly useful for propping my camera up on uneven surfaces or wrapping it around poles and trees.
Check out its full specs on B&H Photo / Amazon
JOBY GPod Mini Magnetic
This cute little guy can always be found wrapped around the outside of my backpack. He’s ready to go at a moments notice! Since I found myself using Gorillapod frequently on trips I picked up its little brother the GPod Mini Magnetic for my iPhone and Sony RX100 V. The best part about this lens (when you’re traveling about a city) are its magnetic feet. You can stick and mount the camera anywhere.
Sony RX100 Underwater Housing
I’ve never had a proper underwater housing until now. Since my RX100 V is frequently subjected to weather conditions where it could suffer from moisture I decided to pick up it’s dedicated water housing. Because this is a housing specific to Sony’s RX100 series, it maintains all the tactical buttons of the camera. You’d still be able to change settings –even underwater! This housing is rated to go to depths of 130ft/40m.
Peak Design Slide Camera Strap
Hands down this is the most versatile One of my favorite aspects of this strap is that it uses a Arca-Swiss Style quick release plate that is compatible with both MeFOTO tripod and Peak Design Capture Clip.
Peak Design Shell Form-Fitting Rain and Dust Cover
I never found a reason to have a rain cover until I started backpacking and traveling into different environments that will sporadically snow and rain. The nice thing about this is cover is that it will work collaboratively with the Peak Design Slider.
Bags + Cases
Tenba BYOB 10 Camera Insert
As I’ve gotten more into backpacking and hiking, I’ve become very picky with finding a proper camera backpack –and have yet to find one! My solution in the meantime is to the BYOB 10 in conjunction with my hiking backpack that is built more for support and travel.
Pelican 0915 SD Card Case
I like to stay organized and keep everything in a dedicated place, which includes memory cards. SD and microSD cards are both tiny, easy to misplace, and something that you can’t afford to lose. The Pelican 0915 is a water resistant case that holds up to 12 SD cards, 6 miniSD cards, and 6 microSD cards.