The team at Photography Revision get asked a lot for recommendations on cameras and gear so we thought it helpful to put together a guide of our most useful tips and gear that we use on a regular basis. Photography can be an expensive game but to get started it need not be that expensive if you are careful and look for bargains out there.
Our view here is that photography is something that should be enjoyed for everyone, whether you are looking to take simple photos with your iPhone or you’re into astrology.
Our gear forms the tools of our trade, from the tripod that ensures stability in challenging terrains to the sleeping bag that keeps you warm when camping out in the wilderness.
We’ll share our personal preferences and the reasons behind the choices, discussing the advantages and limitations of each piece of equipment. Whether you’re an aspiring landscape photographer, an enthusiast looking to upgrade your gear, or simply curious about the tools that contribute to the magic of nature photography, this article aims to provide valuable insights and inspiration.
So these are our simple recommendations of what we have in our ‘kit bag’.
Cameras
When it comes to taking photos, photographers have three main choices: DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and action cameras. Each type offers distinct advantages for different shooting situations.
We use a mirrorless camera, the Sony A7 IV, which packs professional features into smaller bodies. With a 33MP full-frame sensor and fast autofocus, these cameras work well for both photos and video. The electronic viewfinders show exposure changes in real-time, helping us nail our shots.
For landscape photography I use the The Sony A7R V. It is a powerhouse for landscape photography, boasting an impressive 61MP sensor that captures stunning detail and rich textures. Its outstanding dynamic range ensures beautifully balanced highlights and shadows, perfect for dramatic sunrises and sunsets. I cannot recommend this camera enough for landscapes.
For adventure photography, we like the GoPro Hero9 as it stands out with its tough build and wide-angle lens. It captures 5K video and 23.6MP photos while being waterproof to 33 feet. Its compact size makes it perfect for when we are out biking or surfing. It is also easy to mount on helmets.
Do not underestimate the iPhone 16 Pro as an option for taking great shots. It has an advanced 48MP Fusion camera and 5x optical zoom, capturing detailed images from wide-angle to distant subjects. Its intuitive Camera Control button enhances user experience by providing quick access to camera functions. Not a bad option if you forget your camera!
Lenses
As photographers we all know that lenses matter as much as the camera body. I find three main types shape the quality of our photos: prime, zoom, and specialty lenses.
Prime lenses – the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, stay at one focal length but open up to wider apertures. I recommend this “nifty fifty” for its sharp images and beautiful background blur – perfect for portraits. At under $200, it’s a smart first lens purchase.
The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III serves as a solid everyday zoom lens. While it won’t match the light-gathering ability of prime lenses, its range from wide to normal angles makes it practical for most shooting situations.
For specific photo needs, specialty lenses step in. We like the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, it fills the frame with tiny subjects. Wide-angle options like the Canon EF-S 10-18mm capture vast landscapes, while telephoto lenses such as the 70-300mm bring distant subjects close.
Tripods and Camera Supports
Stable camera support makes the difference between sharp and blurry photos. Tripods – Photographers Best Friend stand as the most reliable option, offering rock-solid stability for night photography and long exposures. I often use them for landscape shots where precise framing matters.
Monopods offer a smart middle ground. These single-leg supports help when carrying heavy telephoto lenses through wildlife areas or shooting sports events. They’re lighter than tripods but still steady your camera effectively.
For video work, gimbal stabilizers create fluid movement. They let you follow action smoothly, making them popular among vloggers and filmmakers who need to move with their subjects.
The Peak Design Travel Tripod stands out in our tests. Available in carbon fiber or aluminum, it folds smaller than most water bottles yet extends to full height quickly. Its ball head design lets you adjust camera angles fast, while the quick-release plate system makes mounting gear simple. For photographers who travel, this tripod hits the sweet spot between portability and stability.
Lighting Equipment
Photography lighting comes in several forms, each serving specific needs. Speedlights, like the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT, mount directly on your camera’s hot shoe. I use these portable flash units for weddings and events where I need to move quickly between locations.
Studio strobes such as the Profoto Lights put out more power than speedlights. Their consistent output works well for product shots and portraits where you need identical lighting across hundreds of photos.
For video work, LED lights like the Aputure AL-MX shine continuously, letting you see exactly how your lighting looks. While they don’t match strobe power, they work great for interviews and product videos.
Light modifiers change how these tools affect your subject. Softboxes spread light across a large surface, making shadows gentle – perfect for portraits. Umbrellas scatter light widely, filling rooms with even illumination. Reflectors bounce light back onto subjects, brightening shadows without adding more lights. I keep a 5-in-1 reflector in my bag for quick lighting adjustments outdoors.
Camera Bags and Cases
Protecting photo equipment starts with choosing the right carrying solution. Backpacks, like the Camera Bags Peak Design, distribute weight across your shoulders while holding multiple camera bodies and lenses. These bags work well for long photo walks or hiking to shooting locations.
Shoulder bags offer quick access to gear during shoots. The Think Tank Photo Retrospective lets photographers grab equipment without setting down the bag. This makes it practical for event photography where speed matters.
For professional shoots with lots of equipment, rolling cases shine. The Pelican 1510 Case meets airline carry-on requirements while keeping gear safe. Its hard shell and foam interior protect expensive cameras and lenses during travel.
Key features to look for include weather-sealed zippers, adjustable dividers, and laptop storage. I pick bags with padded straps and breathable back panels for comfort during long shoots. Most quality bags include extra pockets for memory cards, batteries, and small accessories.
Memory Cards and Storage
Photographers need multiple storage options to keep their images safe. SD cards like the SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC offer different speeds – UHS-I cards work for most cameras, while UHS-II cards handle fast shooting and 4K video. I keep several cards in my bag to swap during long shoots.
For professional work, CFexpress cards match the demands of high-end cameras. The ProGrade Digital CFexpress 2.0 transfers data at blazing speeds, perfect for sports photography and 8K video recording.
My backup routine includes portable drives like the Western Digital My Passport. These small drives hold thousands of RAW files and fit easily in camera bags. After each shoot, I transfer images immediately to prevent card failures from wiping out important photos.
Cloud storage adds another safety layer. Services like Google Drive let me access photos anywhere, while photo-specific platforms offer features like image organization and client sharing. I upload critical shots to the cloud before leaving shooting locations.
Filters
Photo filters modify light before it hits your camera sensor, creating effects that would be hard to replicate in editing. I keep three types in my camera bag for different shooting situations.
UV filters act as clear shields for your valuable lenses. The B+W XS-Pro UV MRC-Nano sits on my lenses permanently, stopping dust and scratches while maintaining image quality. It’s like insurance for expensive glass.
Polarizing filters make a visible impact on photos. The Hoya HD3 Circular Polarizer cuts through reflections on water and glass while making blue skies pop. When shooting landscapes, I turn the filter until the sky shows rich, saturated color without looking artificial.
For creative effects, neutral density (ND) filters reduce light entering the lens. The Lee Filters Big Stopper blocks 10 stops of light, letting me shoot long exposures even in bright daylight. This turns moving water into silky streams and makes clouds streak across the sky. I pair it with a tripod for sharp results during these extended exposures.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tools
Taking good care of photo equipment helps it last longer and work better. Camera Bags Peak Design makes sturdy protective cases that prevent dust accumulation during transport. Camera sensors need special attention to stay spotless. The Visible Dust EZ Sensor Cleaning Kit comes with air blowers, brushes, and swabs that remove tiny specks that show up in photos.
For lenses, I rely on the Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit. Its microfiber cloths and cleaning solution remove fingerprints without scratching expensive glass. I clean my lenses before each shoot and after working in dusty conditions.
Camera bodies collect dust too. I use soft brushes to sweep away particles from buttons and dials. A clean microfiber cloth takes care of smudges on the camera body and LCD screen. For stubborn marks, I slightly dampen the cloth with distilled water.
My cleaning routine starts with an air blower to remove loose dust, followed by gentle brushing. For stuck-on spots, I use cleaning solution sparingly. Regular maintenance keeps my gear working properly and prevents costly repairs.
Post-Processing Software
Adobe Lightroom serves as my go-to tool for photo management and basic editing. Its simple layout helps me adjust exposure, colors, and contrast while keeping original files safe. The catalog system organizes thousands of images by date, location, or custom categories.
Adobe Photoshop takes editing further with layers and masks. I use it to remove distracting elements, blend multiple exposures, and create precise selections. While it takes time to learn, its tools offer exact control over every aspect of an image.
Capture One stands out for professional color work. Its color wheels and advanced curves give precise control over image tones. The software connects directly to cameras during studio shoots, letting clients see photos appear on screen instantly.
Each program offers different payment options. Adobe sells Lightroom and Photoshop together in their Photography Plan. Capture One lets you buy a permanent license or subscribe monthly. I recommend starting with Lightroom for its simpler interface, then adding Photoshop when you need more advanced editing tools.
Accessories
Remote shutter releases give photographers precise control without touching the camera. The Canon RS-60E3 plugs directly into compatible cameras, making it perfect for long exposures and night photography. For wireless flexibility, I recommend radio triggers that work from several feet away.
Extra batteries and chargers rank as must-have items in my bag. I carry two spare batteries for each camera body, especially during weddings or travel shoots. Third-party options from reputable manufacturers offer good value while matching original battery performance.
The BJ’s Optical lenses and X-Rite ColorChecker Passport Photo 2 help maintain accurate colors from capture through editing. By photographing this calibration target under your shooting conditions, you create custom camera profiles that match colors precisely. I use it at the start of studio sessions and when lighting conditions change significantly.
For organizing small items, think tank memory card holders and lens pen cleaners stay in easy reach. Battery grips add shooting time and improve handling with longer lenses. Clear filters protect front elements while maintaining image quality.
Final Thoughts on Photography Equipment
The journey into photography equipment can seem overwhelming at first, but each piece serves as a building block in creating your unique visual story. From the fundamental camera body to the smallest cleaning tool, every item in your kit plays a crucial role in achieving professional-quality results.
Remember that while having the right equipment is important, it’s your vision and creativity that truly make the difference. Start with the essentials, learn them thoroughly, and gradually expand your collection as your skills and needs grow. The best camera gear is the one that helps you tell your story effectively.
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