Hello Photography Enthusiasts,
In my recent article for Sony Alpha Universe titled "What's In My Bag," I shared an overview of the gear I use to capture stunning photographs. The response has been overwhelming, so a huge Thanks needs to go out. Many of you have reached out for more details about the specific equipment that makes my camera bag indispensable. Today, I’m excited to provide a deeper dive into why I love my Sony gear and other shooting accessories, and how they contribute to my photography process.
Sony Alpha 7RV: The Heart of My Setup
The A7RV is a cornerstone of my camera bag, and for good reason. This camera’s 61-megapixel full-frame sensor offers incredible resolution and detail, which is vital for my work. Whether I’m shooting landscapes, detailed close-ups, or my daughters dance team. The A7RV’s image quality is unmatched. The high resolution allows me to crop images with confidence, knowing that I’ll retain clarity and detail. The biggest reasons, I love this camera are the focus bracketing, in camera bulb timer, in camera introvelometer and the 4 axis back LCD monitor. There are tons of other reasons why this camera is the bomb but I can leave you to reading all the engineering lingo.
Moreover, when I'm not in nature and being the dance dad, the A7RV’s advanced autofocus system is a game-changer. Its fast, precise focusing capabilities are powered by sophisticated AI technology, making it easier to capture sharp images of moving kids. This feature is crucial for dynamic shooting scenarios, ensuring that every frame is focused exactly where I want it.
Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens: My Versatile Workhorse
The Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens is another essential piece of my gear and is my go-to lens. This ultra-wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and detailed close up shots of flowers, plants or unique foregrounds. The lens’s optical performance is top-notch, delivering sharp, distortion-free images across the entire frame.
The constant f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and allows for creative depth-of-field control. Whether I’m shooting at dawn, dusk, or the stars, this lens performs exceptionally well, giving me the flexibility to achieve the look I envision. It didn't deter me but a big downside that I have to mention is its heavy, weighing in at 29 ounces, and you need a dedicated filter system for the lens. So if your backpacking make sure to train for the extra weight and extra cash if you plan on or are a user of filters.
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: Wide-Angle Brilliance
For versatility, the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens is a definite go to. This lens covers a wide range of focal lengths, making it ideal for various shooting situations—from waterfalls to mountains, it also boasts an aperture ring, click/de-click switch and iris lock for professional aperture control. This lens has superb image quality throughout the entire zoom range at all focusing distances. Its sharpness, color accuracy, and beautiful bokeh make it an indispensable tool in my kit.
The latest iteration of this lens is more compact and improved compared to its predecessor, with better optical design and performance. The consistent f/2.8 aperture ensures reliable results, whether I’m working in natural light or using it in low light.
Sony 100-400mm Lens F4.5-5.6 GM: Zooming Into Action
When it comes to capturing distant subjects, the Sony 100-400mm lens is crucial. Its extensive zoom range allows me to get close to far-off details with exceptional clarity. This lens is my go to for deep space photography when using the sky tracker or for an intimate look at a distant patch of aspens. If you get the lens, remember it's especially valuable for wildlife and sports photography, where proximity to the subject is often limited.
The lens’s optical stabilization system helps to maintain sharpness, even at long focal lengths, and the fast autofocus ensures that moving subjects are captured with precision. This combination of features makes the 100-400mm lens a powerful tool for a variety of photographic scenarios or looking cool at the dance competition.
Shimoda Camera Bags: Functionality Meets Style
To organize and transport my gear, I rely on Shimoda camera bags. I have the Action X70 and the Explore V2 25. These bags are known for their durability, thoughtful design, and customizable compartments. The X70 I use for longer hikes and overnight photography trips. The V2 25 is my go to for air travel and smaller adventures where hiking-in isn't an issue, or on short hikes. Both bags are water resistant with splash guard zippers and boast extra room for laptops, jackets, drones or many of your essentials. The high-quality padding and smart organization make it easy to keep my equipment safe and accessible.
Shimoda bags are not only functional but also stylish, providing a professional look while offering the practicality needed for on-the-go shoots. The comfortable straps and ergonomic design ensure that carrying my gear is as easy and comfortable making it caring heavy camera gear on long or short hikes bearable.
Really Right Stuff Ascend 14L Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod: Stability and Precision
No camera bag is complete without a reliable tripod, and the Really Right Stuff Ascend 14L Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with an integrated ball head is my choice for stability and precision. I've spent hundreds of dollars on several tripods that end up breaking within months of purchasing them so it was about time I just purchased one tripod. Really Right Stuff was highly recommended and I now recommend them. This tripod is lightweight yet incredibly sturdy, making it perfect for travel and outdoor photography.
The integrated ball head offers smooth, precise adjustments, allowing me to frame shots perfectly and maintain stability in various conditions. The removable center column allows for me to get very close to the ground, 5 inches close to the ground. With a weight of 3.3 pounds and a colapsed height of 21.1 inches make this an amazing travel tripod as well. Whether I’m shooting long exposures or working on uneven terrain, this tripod provides the support I need for sharp, well-composed images. I do want to say this one thing, they aren't cheap but will last you a lifetime and comes with excellent customer service.
Explore More Gear and Accessories
If you’re interested in the gear mentioned in this post, or if you’re looking for additional items for overlanding and or camping, be sure to check out my AMAZON STORE. It features many of the items discussed here, along with a curated selection of gear for outdoor adventures. You can find everything you need to elevate your photography and explore the great outdoors.
Thank you for your curiosity and enthusiasm about my camera gear. I hope this detailed look into my camera bag provides valuable insights and helps you make informed decisions about your own photography setup. If you have any further questions or need more recommendations, feel free to reach out. Happy shooting!
-Mike
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