CAMERAS

CANON EOS R

The image quality on this camera is absolutely stunning. Featuring a full-frame CMOS sensor matched with excellent low-light performance and incredible video capabilities, this first attempt at a mirrorless system from Canon has never disappointed.

FUJIFILM X100VI

This camera was very highly anticipated. This is my first digital foray into the world of Fujifilm, having shot thousands of rolls of Fujifilm films over the years. I love the form factor and the fixed lens for traveling and a daily carry.

CANON POWERSHOT G15

Unlike its predecessors, the Powershot G15 finally offered a wide aperture for better low light quality. This camera shoots full 1080p video, has a 12.1 megapixel sensor and an aperture range starting at 1.4. It's got impressive image quality for such a small package. Paired with an underwater housing this is another lightweight option to advanced images.

LENSES

CANON RF 14-35MM f/4.0L IS USM

A Canon professional quality, wide-angle zoom lens that limits barrel distortion. I’m a huge fan of shooting wide, and adding image stabilization to this lens helps with low-light, handheld shots. You’ll notice I’ve opted for the slower versions of these lenses and that was an intentional decision to save on weight.

CANON RF 24-105MM f/4.0L IS USM

This is my standard zoom focal length if I’m limited to a single lens. I know a lot of people prefer the 24-70mm focal length, but I find it too boring. I don’t get excited to shoot with a 24-70mm lens. The added advantage to these lenses is that they all use the same diameter filter so I need only carry one graduated ND or polarizer.

CANON RF 70-200mm f/4.0L IS USM

This is the third in the zoom lens trifecta for me. Again, a little bit slower than other L-series glass, but the weight savings means that I can haul this without fatigue. That translates into more shooting and my camera is always at the ready.

TRIPODS

MANFROTTO 190XB TRIPOD LEGS

This is a full-sized set of aluminum tripod legs that allows me to place the camera above eye level if need be. It's heavier than many carbon fiber tripods, but comes with greater stability at a lower cost.

MANFROTTO 3021BPRO TRIPOD LEGS

I use this set of tripod legs when traveling as they easily fit into a carry-on bag. Though shorter than the 190XB legs above, this tripod still gives me great reach with the center-column extended.

MANFROTTO 804RC2 TILT PAN HEAD

This head has been a workhorse for me over the years. The precision and ability to make minute adjustments makes it great for shooting landscapes and architectural work.

MANFROTTO 468MGRC2 MAGNESIUM HYDROSTATIC BALL HEAD

Every photographer needs a good ball head for their tripod. I love this head because it's relatively light and allows me to dial back the friction on the ball. This allows for quick adjustments without having to ratchet down the ball head.

MEMORY CARDS  

SANDISK EXTREME PRO 256GB SECURE DIGITAL CARDS

A huge reason for the camera lineup that I have is that I can utilize SD cards in all cameras. That means a smaller case, and fewer options I am required to drag along for the vacation. I limit my cards in size so that I don’t lose everything if I lose a card. The fact that SD cards are waterproof also helps a ton.

VIDEO

RODE VIDEOMICRO

This compact microphone takes audio to another level. It easily eliminates in-camera noises such as shake and autofocus while maintaining a very small shell. I patch this straight into the Atomos Ninja V to better record audio in-camera.

ATOMOS NINJA V

Having a monitor will definitely improve your video work. This monitor requires an additional battery (Sony) which I don’t like, but I have a 1TB drive that can record hours of 10-bit C-log footage. The addition of the Atomos NInja V has upped my video game immensely.

COMPUTERS

STORAGE

LACIE RUGGED 1TB HARD DRIVE

I use this drive for storing the necessary, non-image, backup items while traveling. In addition to company documents and computer and software backups, it contains movies, music, and audiobooks to make traveling a bit more enjoyable.

LACIE RUgged 5TB HARD DRIVE

I have two of these drives and they store copies of my photo library. With ever-increasing portability for large drives, this helps insure I have an off-site copy of my work at all times.

G-TECHNOLOGY 8TB RAID ENCLOSURE

This is my at home backup. After downloading every image from the field, I backup my 8TB of internal computer storage to this external enclosure. It's just one more layer of protection from catastrophic failure.

BAGS AND CASES

PELICAN 1510

Hard sided and weather sealed, this case is everything but bomb proof. I love the capacity of this roll-on case, especially when paired with the TrekPak inserts and a Pelican 1519 lid organizer.

PELICAN 1519 LID ORGANIZER

After buying the Pelican 1510 without foam, I had the option of adding a lid organizer with several pockets or one with a laptop case. I went with the pockets so I could keep all of my camera equipment together. I like having everything together in a stand-alone package. This ensures I haven't forgotten anything when I get into the field.

TREKPAK INSERTS

These are a lifesaver and coincidentally a space saver. I know I have raved about these on my blog several times, but they really are revolutionary in the camera bag field. They adjust easily, are completely customizable, and very durable. These beat Velcro dividers any day of the week!

DEUTER MEN'S FREERIDER PRO 30 BACKPACK

This bag was designed as a rear-entry ski mountaineering pack. From there, TrekPak adapted it to be a camera bag with removable inserts. I have taken this bag to the bottom of canyons and to the top of mountains and it's comfortable and durable.

THINKTANK AIRPORT NAVIGATOR

This bag acts as a bit of a catch all for me. I carry my laptop and iPad in the outside pocket and stuff the interior with smaller bags carrying grouped equipment. I have a cleaning kit, backup kit (hard drives and cords), connectivity kit (computer cords), GoPro kit, charging kit (batteries and chargers), audio kit (microphone and cords), and video kit (monitor and cords). All of these things live in this bag and make packing for travel a breeze.

LOWEPRO PHOTO RUNNER 100

This bag replaced a previous waist pack I carried because of the extra depth it provided. I can easily carry a body and 3 lenses in this bag with a few needed accessories. This is my go-to bag for short hikes or quick weekend trips where photography isn't the main goal.

CLIK ELITE STANDARD SLR CHEST PACK

I bought this bag with the intention of having a bag that could carry a point and shoot camera and underwater housing safely down a canyon. The added feature of external buckles that can be applied to any pack always comes in handy.