What's in my bag?
Hey dream team,
After recently being part of a video with Karl in Iceland, I decided to do a breakdown of everything in my camera bag and at home. In this blog, I'll include a small description of each and my thoughts on the kit.
All products are clickable and can be found easily online.
Camera bodies/ Drone
Sony A7R IV
The Sony a7R IV is the company's fourth generation, high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera. 61MP. A camera which I believe is a market leader. An upgraded grip, increase image quality and a few other changes made it a nice change from the previous A7R III.
Positive: The new grip works well, improved weather sealing makes shooting in Scotland easier, 61MP for printing is crazy, APSC mode at over 20MP is a great feature when using fixed lenses. Using APSC means that I can focus on having prime lenses and cutting in when required.
Negative: Large files can be a hassle if you aren't running a reasonably new MacBook or laptop. Also, in regards to storage as it can get expensive quickly.
Sony A7R III
A 42MP powerhouse which will be more than enough for most photographers. An essential release for Sony in the camera market and one which I feel lead the way for the competition.
Positives: The lens offers excellent value for money and fantastic performance which is fit for any project.
Negative: You might be wanting more with the RIV, the weather sealing could be better. Maybe consider waiting for deals/ cashback on the RIV if you would regret the purchase. I know deciding on camera bodies isn't easy!
Sony A7 III
Despite its billing as a "basic" model, the Sony a7 III is a supremely capable full-frame camera. Though it doesn't have the most megapixels or shoots the fastest bursts, its well-judged mix of resolution, speed, features and price point make it an easy recommendation for all kinds of photographers and all kinds of photography. I personally still use my A7 III a hell of a lot even when I have other higher spec bodies available.
I used this for around six months before the R III was released, and it felt like a massive upgrade from the RII. I love this camera and think it's a fantastic option to enter the Sony world. The extra megapixels of the RII doesn't outweigh the tech in the A7 III.
Positive? Great technology for cost, 693 phase-detection points, battery life and many other features taken from the A9. This camera is fantastic for dense shoots where I take a shit load of images. The files are a lot more forgiving than the higher resolution bodies.
Negative? For large prints, you might require the RIII or RIV. Weather sealing not as strong as the RIV. You might feel that you went for the cheaper option.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro + Fly More Combo drone.
The Mavic 2 is DJI's flagship consumer drone built for pros and enthusiasts.
Positive: Wonderful for travel, battery life of 27-30 mins, Hasselblad L1D-20c Camera and there's nothing else on the market you would consider
Negative: No portrait mode, unlike the Mavic 1. Clients think it's a toy, and then you should bring a DJI Inspire or similar.
Lenses
Sony GM 70 - 200 2.8
This lens is fantastic for any run and gun situations. It’s a great lens and with the X2 converter, it covers a vast focal range. Having access to 70-400mm in the mountains would have you covered without any issues. That being said, I prefer the Sony GM 135 for most instances. I feel it’s sharper and with the A7RIV and crop mode, it eliminates the need for this lens. Get your polariser here.
Weight: 1,480g
Sony GM 135 1.8
The Sony GM 135 is one of the top three lenses in my kit bag. Much lighter than the 70-200 GM, I also think it’s a lot sharper and a better option if you don’t need the flexibility of a zoom. Shooting at 1.8 on a 135 creates some beautiful bokeh. Dare I say it. It might even be my favourite lens. Suitably priced polariser here.
Weight: 950g
Sony G Macro 90 2.8
THIS LENS! One of the best bang for buck lenses on the market for Sony E-Mount. For any commercial photographer with a Sony body, this should be on your radar. If you’re looking to photograph a product or detail, this is the lens for you. I also have friends who use this for portraits with excellent results. I used the 90 G 2.8 Macro for the images in this blog. Suitable POL filter here.
Weight: 602g
Zeiss Batis 85 1.8
One of the first lenses I bought. Creamy bokeh to die for and a glass which I think offers better value for money than the GM 1.4. It also weighs 45% less! If you’re like me and want to take six lenses up a mountain then having lightweight lenses make a huge difference. Suitable Polarising filter here.
Weight: 452g
Sony SEL E Mount 50F14Z Zeiss Planar T FE 50 mm 1.4 ZA Lens
A great option if you feel you need to fill that gap between 35 and 85, which many photographers find they have. An exceptional lens for portraits and commercial images. Although I feel it’s a ‘nice to have’ for many as the 35 often comes first on your shopping list. Extremely sharp, even in the corners wide-open at f/1.4. However, it’s quite large and heavy for a 50mm. Grab that all-important polariser here.
Weight: 778g
Zeiss Batis 40 CF 2.0
A lens which often removes the need for two! If I’m trying to pack light, I will skip taking the 35 and 50. With the 40mm weighing only 361 grams, it’s easy to carry and also offers macro capabilities with focus as close as 24cm. I recently shot a food campaign with this, and it blew me away. At 2.0 it brings in so much light and the macro switch works effortlessly. Suitable Polarising filter here.
Weight: 361g
Sony SEL35F14Z E Mount - Full Frame Distagon T* 35mm F1.4 Zeiss Lens
This lens is my go-to and the one which probably gets the most use. The 35mm lens is perfect for lifestyle shoots and shooting at 1.4 makes blue hour so much more fun. Your friend has a 2.8 and has probably given up.
Although I haven’t tested it yet, the 35 1.8 Sony could be worth looking into also. Important polariser here.
Weight: 630g
Zeiss Batis 25 2.0
I bought this lens way back in November 2015. It was my first, and it hasn’t let me down. The bokeh is beautiful, and it’s incredibly lightweight and a great cheaper alternative to the Sony GM 24 1.4. That’s if you can live without the extra few stops of light. If you go for the 25 Batis or 24GM, you won’t be disappointed. Suitable Polarising filter here.
Weight: 335g
Sony SEL24F14GM FE 24mm F1.4 GM Wide Angle Prime Lens
The most recent purchase in my bag. An alternative to the Batis 25 if you are looking to use this focal length in very low light situations. As with every GM lens, this is one of the sharpest on the market and never any need to worry about quality.
I have just purchased this lens a month ago so cannot write too much about it. However, my first thoughts are that this offers a little more than the 25 Batis. A tad sharper and write-ups state stronger weather sealing.
Weight: 445g
Zeiss Batis 18 2.8
Unlike many other wide and fast lenses, the Zeiss Batis 18 2.8 is still very lightweight. This lens is an ultra-wide prime, which is well-suited to interior, architectural, landscape, and astrophotography. The widest Zeiss/ Sony prime lens on the market. Of course, there are Sigma options available on the market. I think this is a better option.
Although I don’t get a huge amount of use out of this lens, it does come in handy when the 24mm doesn’t quite cut it. Especially for social media due to crop constraints. Polarising filter here.
Weight: 330g
Bags
I’ve previously used the Wandrd PRVK 31, which is a fantastic bag. However, I had issues with mine, and so did two friends. The Peak Design Everday bag is also cool, but I had problems as I don’t feel that my equipment (inc MacBook) was provided with enough protection when using it.
Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack
This is the perfect bag to fit a selection of bodies and lenses. Great waist strap. The insert from my Peli case fits into this perfectly. Having both makes the transition very easy between commercial jobs and travel.
Peli 1535 Air Case With Dividers Black
I use the Peli case for jobs at home in the UK. The case has a retractable handle and wheels making it very transportable. The size of the case means it can qualify as carry-on luggage with most airlines. The best thing is that it’s waterproof, crushproof, and dustproof.
Accessories in the field
Peak Design Slide Lite camera strap
It's perfect for a Sony body. This strap is my preferred option over the thicker strap, which feels bulky.
Peak Design Wrist Strap
Comfortable wrist strap, works perfectly with the PeakDesign clip as when you hang your camera from your shoulder there isn't a long strap flapping around. These two together are the dream team.
Peak Design Tech bag
This fantastic little pouch is great to keep your essentials in one place. It's the perfect size for a selection of hard drives and cables which are probably bouncing around your camera bag.
Samsung SSD T5 1TB
The only hard drives I use. I have eight now, and that won't be changing anytime soon, the Samsung T5 fantastic SD which is small, quick and can take a beating. Check out Amazon sale and cash-back on the Samsung website.
Peak Design Capture Camera Clip
One of my favourite accessories on the market. This accessory is an absolute must-have. If you're hiking, then your hands can be free. Want to eat when walking? No problem. Fall over and need your hands? No problem.
Manfrotto Tripod MKELEB5CF-BH
Small Tripod at a fair price, packs easily into the pocket of my Peak Design camera bag.
Sony SON2461 RMVPR1.CE7 Remote Commander
Perfect for any shooting with a tripod or when the camera is mounted
SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB SDXC Memory Card up to 170MB/s
Great value SD cards, unsuitable for A7 RIV if you’re shooting in burst mode.
Sony 64GB Tough SDXC Flash Memory Card (Read 300MB/s and Write 299MB/s)
More suitable for the A7RIV due to the quicker writing speed.
TYCKA Filters Pouch
I would love to write a long paragraph about how filters are for the older generation. It might be true, but I find myself using filters more as the days go by. If you’re shooting commercial products you’ll likely be using polarisers. If you want to shoot at F2 or below during the day you might want to pick up a variable ND. This pouch is durable and does the job.
Fantaseal Heavy Duty DSLR Camera Suction Cup Car Mount -
A neat accessory for automotive shoots. If you’re looking for an awkward angle, this could provide help in hand.
For a shoot in the city when hanging out of a car window or boot could be an issue, this would be handy. I think this is a great accessory to add extra content to an already successful shoot. It's a bonus.
JJC Memory Card Case Water-resistance Carrying Holder 24 Slots Storage
Simple SD card box. No frills.
Office/ Computer/ Desk
MacBook Pro 16”
I upgraded from the 15” as it wasn’t smooth with the new Sony A7R IV files and often my workflow was slowed down. I couldn’t have been happier with the purchase.
Apple XDR
This is my most expensive purchase and took me a long time to make the decision. I read a lot of reviews, and think for many it’s probably ridiculous. The screen is beautiful, and I’ll use it a lot of the time. It’s a long term purchase which I’ve been incredibly happy with so far. I don’t regret it (yet) haha. The design is flawless, and the 6k screen oozes elegance.
MacBook Stand
One of the most annoying and boring things to purchase. But also one of the most rewarding. This was the third stand I purchased and should have gone with it from the beginning. It is flawlessly designed and does the job perfectly.
Desk Mat
Eco-friendly desk mat that looks great and doesn’t cost the earth? I’ve had this for a few months and cannot fault it. If I spill my dinner it wipes easily off, my mouse also slides effortlessly across the surface. No mouse mat required.
I know this is quite an extensive amount of kit and probably seems crazy for some. I’ve purchased this over the last four years and photography is my full-time job. If you’ve got any questions then place them below, and I’ll answer them best I can.
Disclaimer: This blog is not in collaboration with any brands. There are Amazon links which I can receive a small percentage from if you make a purchase.