“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.” — Ansel Adams
The truth is, gear matters and it can help you secure better photos, but it’s only one part of the equation. Breaking down what legendary Ansel Adams quoted, you also have to consider technique, artistic and a creative vision as well.
There’s no getting around it – you need gear to create photos. What gear you need, that’s the real trick. We all have different needs and I think those differences are the root cause of all the rabid equipment fanaticism that we see crop up during gear discussions. What’s an advantage for one photographer is extra baggage for another. The key to choosing the right gear is simple – consistent capability.
This list contains the gear that have proven to provide consistent capability to my needs of photography. Depending on what I'm photographing, I typically built a kit for the session or the trip.
Bodies
· Sony ILCE-7RM3
· Sony ILCE-7M3
· Sony ILCE-6500
Lenses
· Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM
· Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM
· Sony FE 24–105 mm F4 G OSS
· Sony FE 90 mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
· Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS
· Sony FE 200–600 mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS
· Zeiss Batis 18mm F2.8
Tripods
· Gitzo Mountaineer Series 2 GT2542
· Gitzo Légende GK1545T
· Vanguard VEO II 235CB
· Sirui W-2204 Waterproof
Ball Heads
· Acratech GV2
· Gitzo GK1545T
· Gitzo 1077M
· Vanguard VEO II BH-50
· Sirui K-20X
Drones
· DJI Mavic Pro 3
· DJI Mavic Mini 2
Filters
· Haida M10-II Filter Holder
· Haida M10 Filter Holder
· Haida 100-PRO Filter Holder
· Haida M10 Circular Polarizer
· Haida M10-II Circular Polarizer
· Haida M10 6-Stop ND Filter
· Haida Red Diamond 0.9 Soft Graduated ND Filter
· Haida Red Diamond 1.2 Soft Graduated ND Filter
· Haida Red Diamond 0.9 Medium Graduated ND Filter
· Haida NanoPro 1.2 Reverse Graduated ND Filter
· Haida NanoPro MC ND 3.0 Filter
· Haida NanoPro Magnetic Variable ND Filter (82mm)
· Haida NanoPro Clear Night Filter (82mm)
Backpacks
· Atlas Packs Athlete Backpack
· Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II
· Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW II