What’s in my bag?
Nothing is more interesting to a photographer than what’s in another photographer’s bag. Gear selection tells a lot about the artist and each photographer has their own preferences.
My gear is both top quality and minimal. I try to get my shots with the least amount of gear but also with the best. This combination makes my treks enjoyable and comfortable.
I’ve listed only the gear I use. I might add that I also carry my pharmacy which includes lip balm, insect spray and sun protection, but that’s about it. If necessary I’ll carry some extra memory cards and batteries but even with the D850 super high resolution I can usually get by with very few extras.
My Top camera pick – Nikon D850
I really think the Nikon D850 is now the pinnacle of landscape DSLR cameras. There is nothing lacking in the D850. I realize that some have gone mirrorless, with Sony being the top contender, but I don’t like the way Sony sensors record images. To me they look cooked. I may even evolve to mirrorless myself sometime in the future but at that time would probably go to FujiFilm Medium Format. In the forseeable future – 3 – 5 years, I’ll stick with the D850.
- Nikon designed back side illuminated (BSI) full frame image sensor with no optical low pass filter
- 45.7 megapixels of extraordinary resolution, outstanding dynamic range and virtually no risk of moiré
- Up to 9 fps1 continuous shooting at full resolution with full AF performance
- 8K6 and 4K time lapse movies with new levels of sharpness and detail; File system : DCF 2.0, Exif 2.31, PictBridge
- Tilting touchscreen, Focus Shift shooting mode, outstanding battery performance and much more; Total Pixels: 46.89 million
- 4K Ultra HD video recording, slow motion up to 120 FPS at 1080p
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My Top Picks for landscape lens
Nikon 14-24 2.8
Wide angle for a full frame camera, the Nikon 14-24 2.8 is a superb lens. Expensive and solid. This is as good as primes and as good as it gets. I wish it was smaller and allowed for regular filters but life and photography is one big compromise and the 14-24 is the best wide lens available.
- Focal Length Range : 14 -24 mm
- Minimum Focus Distance 0.9 ft.( 0.28 m), minimum f/stop 22
- Lens construction 14/11 (2 ED glass elements, 3 aspherical lenses and 1 Nano Crystal Coat)
- Angle of View : 114° - 84°
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Nikon 28-300 3.5-5.6
This is a superb sleeper. I know of top professional landscape photographers who swear by this lens and only use this lens and the 14-24 wide angle. Two lens – superb quality and simplicity. You can add a macro if you need but, outside that, this is all you need.
The only filters I use is the NiSi Circular Polarizer and their 3 stop Neutral Density (to slow down water movement.) These filters are super thin and of top quality glass.
- Versatile 107x zoom lens with ED glass and VR II image stabilization
- Optimized for edge to edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format
- Covers a wide range of focal lengths to get the best out of every subject. Minimum Focus Distance- 1.6 ft. (0.5m) throughout entire zoom range
- 2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Elements; 3 Aspherical Lens Elements
- Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) Weight : 282 oz
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All my other camera gear
Tripod Head
I’ve used Really Right Stuff for over 20 years. They are the best! Their top ball head, the BH-55, with level, is superb. A bit heavy but it provides solid control over the camera and feels good. If you’re really packing light you can try their BH-40 LR. It’s a small investment, but it will last a lifetime, and then some.
- BH-40 Ball Head - B2-AS II Lever Release Style Quick Release Clamp (Installed) - Padded Cordura Pouch with Drawstring Closure - 5/32 Hex Key (Required to Remove/Replace Clamp) - Users Guide - 1/4-20 x 3/4 Stainless Steel Flat Head Mounting Screw - Really Right Stuff 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Patented lever-release clamp for fast & easy mounting
- Ergonomic design gives superior handling and unsurpassed reliability
- Lowest height profile in its class
- Knobs are captive and uniquely shaped, making operation by feel very intuitive
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L Bracket
As much as I love RRS, their prices for L brackets are just way too much. Here’s an L Bracket I’ve been using which is much less expensive and of excellent quality. Hightly recommended.
- Full Access to ports, cards and battery
- Fully Arca & RRS Lever Compatible
- Precision CNC machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminum.
- Durable Type III Hard Anodized Finish
- Weight: 105.4g
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Tripod
I’ve used virtually every type of tripod and have never been more content than I’ve been with the Feisol Tournament CT-3342. It’s solid, has only two joints which makes for quick set up and take down, and is reasonably priced. This is not a cheap knockoff but a solid, well make professional tripod to which I highly recommend.
- New Rapid anti-leg-rotation technology
- Reverse-folding legs which flip up 180 degrees over the ballhead for maximum compactness
- A remarkably lightweight design, just 1.03 kg (2.27 pounds) - that is unmatched in strength and durability
- Base diameter of 3.1 inches (80 mm)
- Superior-alloy precision engineered parts that respond to the finest adjustments
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Wireless Shutter Release
The SMDV RFN-4s is a must for easy shutters without any movement. There are other ways around this, but I’ve found this to be quick and easy. Priced right, I wouldn’t be in the field without it.
- Compact Wireless Remote Control Shutter Release for Professional Nikon Cameras
- 16 channels in 2.4GHz frequency. Maximum range of 320 ft (100 meters).
- Bulb mode function.
- Transmitter conveniently uses AAA battery (battery not included).
- Upgraded (from Oct. 1, 2017) receiver unit features more robust pins and more flexible antenna.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Camera Bag
Bags are so personal and I’ve sure owned my share. I might suggest you really look at the Think Tank Sling bag. It’s easy to fit all the gear above in, carry and attached to the tripod as ballast if needed. I hate to see photographers carrying backpacks, placing them on the ground, moving their tripod and then running back to pick up their backpack. I guess I just look for ease and convenience and the Sling Bag offers that. I really recommend this bag.
- Fits standard DSLR, 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8 attached, 10 tablet - Example: D800 attached to 70-200mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, iPad or Example: DJI Mavic Pro, controller, batteries, compact DSLR or Mirrorless camera, iPad
- Easy rotation for rapid access to gear and accessories
- Stabilizer strap holds the bag steady while active or tucks away when not in use
- Dedicated, padded pocket fits an 10 tablet
- Exterior Dimensions: 9.3” W x 17.3” H x 5.4” D (23.5 x 44 x 13.7 cm), Internal Dimensions: 8.3” W x 15” H x 4.8” D (21 x 38 x 12.2 cm), Small Tablet Compartment: 8.1” x 10.2” x 0.6” (20.5 x 26 x 1.5 cm), Weight: 1.2 lb. (0.5 kg), Shoulder Strap Length: 36.5–73” (includes length of product), Stability Strap Length: 60” (includes length of product) Note: the product tapers significantly and dimensions are taken at largest point
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
