What’s in my camera bag?

July 24, 2020

When it comes to photography gear, I am an over packer for sure! I have tried to par down my camera gear, but it’s the whole “but what if I need it for this type of shot” sort of thing. Even when I go on trips and don’t use certain items, and clearly they probably shouldn’t be packed the next time, they always end up coming with me, just in case. 😉

I have recently added to my camera gear a mirrorless system, for the pure fact the camera is much lighter than carrying around my DSLR. I will always have my DSLR for other projects, but now when I get back to travelling, I can be as light as possible so I don’t want to die like I wanted to do on a number of occasions with my DLSR!

Camera’s

DSLR: Nikon D750
This is a full frame camera and it takes great photos and video.

Mirrorless Camera: Nikon Z6ii
This also is a full frame camera, takes amazing photos and has a killer silent mode.

iPhone
I have had an iPhone for a long time but I have never been impressed with the photos taken in low light, to the point that I don’t even bother in certain lighting conditions anymore. I still need to test out the new model, but I think I may head over to the android side with a Google phone.

Lenses

24-70mm F2.8
This was my go to lens, but it got stolen in Mongolia and the price went way up to replace it. I decided not to replace it knowing that I am going to be changing up my gear, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE this lens! (Edit: I recently purchased my beloved lens again!)

24-88mm F3.5-4.5
I replaced my 24-70 with this lens. It is still a great lens, just not as dreamy as the other, but it was more in my price range at the time.

70-200mm F4
Much lighter compared to the F2.8, so it is much better for travelling. I do think you need a telephoto lens on your travels as much as a wide angle.

Tripods

Tripod for my phone camera
Tripod for my DSLR
Gorillapod for my DSLR – for when I don’t want to take my big tripod

Extras

2 camera batteries – always charged
Battery charger
Lens cleaning cloth – a couple of them
Lens cleaning liquid Lens pen
Mirror cleaning kit
Mini reflector
Rain protector
2 hard drives (saving to the cloud is not always an option on the road) + cords
Duct tape & electrical tape – I use these to make my camera look a lot more used, and to cover the make of the camera so it doesn’t look as desirable to steal
Camera strap – I have a neoprene one that has a little give so it is more comfortable to carry all day. Plus, then I don’t have emblazoned the type of camera on my shoulder strap for all the thieves to know.
Floaty strap for my iPhone waterproof case
Shutter remote
Selfie stick
Camera bag: backpack to store everything on travel days and a padded insert to put into my day bag so I don’t have to carry everything on my days out.

Filters

Neutral density: Big Dipper and Little Dipper with attachment rings for both lenses
These stop down the light by 10 stops and 6 stops respectively. They are great for creating slow motion effects when it is still bright out.
UV filters that stays on my lenses all the time to protect from scratches

When I look at this list written out, it really doesn’t seem like a lot of stuff…lots of little things. But when I put it all into my backpack, I become fully aware of how much stuff is in there. LOL

Even though it may be a lot, I will still take it all whenever I travel, but in the future it will be a lot lighter due to the mirrorless camera set up. 🙂