Essential Photography Gear I Never Leave Home Without
Table of Contents
Ever wondered what gear a seasoned photographer never leaves home without? Lets take a look into my camera bag and discover the essential equipment that ensures I'm always ready to capture the perfect shot. From versatile lenses to reliable backup photography gear and the little tools that keep everything running smoothly, this post reveals the must-have items that make my photography adventures successful and stress-free.
Key Takeaways
Essentials for Versatility: Always carry a versatile range of lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto, to cover various photography needs.
Compact and Portable Gear: Prioritize lightweight and compact equipment to ensure ease of transport and quick setup.
Backup Equipment: Include spare batteries, memory cards, and a secondary camera body to avoid any interruptions during a shoot.
Maintenance Tools: Pack cleaning supplies like lens cloths and air blowers to keep your gear in top condition.
Convenience Items: For added convenience and flexibility, remember to bring a sturdy camera bag, tripod, and remote shutter release.
Shimoda 30L Explore More V2 Backpack $385
After using the Shimoda Explore More V2 30L for over a year, I can confidently say it’s a must-have for any serious photographer. This backpack isn’t just a piece of gear; it’s a true adventure companion that can handle all the challenges thrown its way.
What makes it stand out? Durability is a major plus—constructed from water-resistant materials, it keeps your gear safe even in unpredictable weather. Plus, its airline carry-on compliance means you never have to worry about it fitting in overhead bins, making it ideal for travel photographers.
The Shimoda Explore More V2 is incredibly versatile. It has dedicated storage for both a water bottle and a tripod, keeping your essentials organized without taking up precious camera space. The Internal Camera Unit (ICU) is easily accessible from both the side zipper and the back panel, so you can quickly grab your camera for those on-the-go shots.
Designed with both amateurs and professionals in mind, it’s packed with smart features like an adjustable torso height for a custom fit and a laptop compartment large enough to fit a 15-inch device. And at just 4.8 lbs, it’s lightweight enough for long hikes while still providing top-tier protection.
Quick Specs:
Price: $385
Weight: 4.8 lbs
Laptop Compartment: 10W x 15H x .8D (inches)
Warranty: 5 years
Extras: Adjustable torso height, water bottle and tripod storage, side and back access to the ICU
For landscape photographers, even with in-camera stabilization, a tripod is essential for capturing those razor-sharp, high-detail shots. My go-to is the Three Legged Thing Legends Ray Carbon Fibre Tripod, and it’s been a game-changer in terms of both durability and portability. Finding the right balance between weight and sturdiness is always a challenge with tripods, but this one nails it like no other.
The carbon fiber construction keeps it lightweight at just 2.8 lbs, yet it can support an impressive 66 lbs of gear, making it perfect for heavy camera setups or long-exposure shots in tough environments. The ultra-compact design folds down to just 13.38 inches, so it's easy to pack and carry—whether you’re hiking through the mountains or flying to your next shoot.
While the $430 price tag may seem steep, this tripod is built to last, offering reliable performance and minimizing frustration in the field.
The Three detachable legs offer flexibility, allowing you to convert them into monopods or boom arms for added versatility. This makes it an all-in-one tool that adapts to various shooting scenarios, so you’re always prepared, no matter the conditions.
Quick Specs:
Price: $430
Load Capacity: 66 lbs
Weight: 2.8 lbs
Folded Length: 13.38 inches
Extras: 3 detachable legs for added versatility
Three Legged Thing Airhed Pro Lever $170
Even the best tripod is only as good as the head on top, and I’ve learned that the hard way. A quality ball head is essential—not only for smooth movement and control but also for keeping your camera and lens safe. After years of experimenting with different quick-release plates, the AirHed Pro Lever became my go-to for its buttery-smooth ball motion and rock-solid quick release system.
Why does this matter? Early in my photography journey, I experienced the nightmare scenario—my camera fell off a tripod onto concrete, shattering the lens and damaging the camera beyond repair. The culprit? A poorly designed quick-release plate that I thought was secure but failed to hold. Since then, I’ve been extremely careful about what I trust with my gear, and the AirHed Pro hasn’t let me down once. Its reliable quick-release mechanism ensures your camera stays securely attached, and I always double-check with a quick jolt, just to be safe.
Beyond reliability, the AirHed Pro Lever offers precise control thanks to its pan knob, ball tension adjustment, and Arca-Swiss compatibility, making it easy to position your camera exactly how you want it. At just 11.56 oz and 3.46 inches tall, it’s compact yet incredibly sturdy.
Quick Specs:
Price: $150
Height: 3.46 inches
Weight: 11.56 oz
Features: Pan knob, ball tension, plate release
Compatibility: Arca-Swiss
Canon R5 $3700
The moment I heard whispers of the Canon EOS R5, I was hooked. Even before it hit the shelves, I knew this camera would be a game-changer for hybrid shooters like me. As soon as it was officially released, I didn’t hesitate—literally ordering it while on a backcountry hiking trip in the Adirondack Mountains. Carrying two camera bodies into the wilderness isn't an option when you're deep into your 40s, so I needed a single camera that could handle both video and photography with ease, and the R5 absolutely delivers.
What sold me on the Canon EOS R5? The articulating screen, 4K 120fps video, and in-body stabilization were the top features I needed for backcountry shoots. Whether I'm capturing stunning landscapes or shooting high-quality video, this camera has the versatility to do it all. It’s the perfect companion for any trip where carrying extra gear isn’t an option.
While the $3,899 price tag may seem high, I have no regrets. The EOS R5’s 47.1 megapixel sensor, 14-bit RAW support, and ability to shoot 4:2:2 10-bit video with Canon Log make it a powerhouse for both photographers and videographers. It’s a camera that adapts to every scenario, whether it’s rugged landscapes or cinematic video shoots.
Now, with rumors swirling about a Mark II version releasing soon, I’m keeping an eye on updates. However, the R5 continues to perform flawlessly for my needs, so I’m on the fence about upgrading just yet. I’ll wait for the official specs to drop before making a decision.
If you’re looking for tips on how to get the most out of this beast of a camera, check out my full guide on mastering the Canon EOS R5.
Key Specs:
Resolution: 47.1 Megapixels
Bit Depth: 14-bit RAW
Video: 4:2:2 10-bit, Canon Log/Log 3
Notable Features: 4K 120fps, in-body stabilization, articulating screen
Canon RF 24-105 f4 $1300
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L is my go-to lens, staying on my camera for most shoots. It delivers incredibly sharp photos, making it a versatile choice for both photography and video. While it’s not the best in low-light situations due to the f/4 aperture, it excels in every other category, from landscape shots to detailed portraits.
With a 77mm filter size, compact dimensions (3.29" x 4.22"), and weighing just 1.54 lbs, it’s lightweight and portable—ideal for travel or all-day shoots. Plus, the image stabilization helps keep your shots steady, especially during video work.
Quick Specs:
Aperture: f/4
Dimensions: 3.29" x 4.22"
Weight: 1.54 lbs
Filter Size: 77mm
Canon RF 70-200 f2.8 $2800
While the RF 24-105mm is my go-to, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L is the lens I’d pick if I could only choose one for photography. This lens is a favorite for landscape photography thanks to its versatile focal range and stunning image quality. Although it’s not ideal for every videography scenario, particularly when extra range is needed, its sharpness and performance in low-light conditions make it worth the investment.
With a 77mm filter size, compact dimensions (3.54" x 5.75"), and weighing 2.35 lbs, it’s slightly heavier, but the results more than justify the extra weight.
Quick Specs:
Aperture: f/2.8
Dimensions: 3.54" x 5.75"
Weight: 2.35 lbs
Filter Size: 77mm
This lens provides me with tremendous focal range and allows me to capture photos most people don't have a chance to. Most people grab a wide image when I'm on a mountain looking at a vast scene. With this lens, I can zoom in on specific parts of the stage for a unique perspective.
It's not a portable lens as far as hiking or carrying in your bag for any distance. Still, it is phenomenal when you use it—Sharp through the focal range.
77 mm
3.69” x 8.17”
3 lbs
Peter Mckinnon Nomatic Lens Filter Case $36
An excellent filter case that works. The protective slots are reliable and protect your filter. The case is water-resistant. The zipper doesn't get caught up. The filter case looks, feels, and performs as professional gear should.
Lens Filters
I keep a circular polarizer on each lens for several reasons, mainly for protection. I protect my expensive glass from scratches and cracks while eliminating glare and intensifying colors. I'm not particularly eager to strap cheap filters onto the costly glass. However, there is a happy balance between quality and price in filters. The minimum I like to invest in a filter is about $75. I noticed filters below the $50-$75 price point tend to have more issues and show signs of wear much easier. The following are the circular polarizers and ND filters I carry with me.
77mm B+W Circular Polarizer $110
77mm PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizer $120
77mm Ultra Optics Ultra Definition ND $75
Because I do a lot of video work and photos, I love good sound. There's nothing like significant natural sound effects in nature. When I'm recording my hikes, I love the sound of natural mountain streams and wildlife. You must have a mic you can count on to capture such deep audio. This Sennheiser is incredibly compact and reliable.
Directional
Interchangeable 3.5mm
1.38” x 2.72”
Plug-in Power (no battery)
ProGrade 512 GB 300mb/s w 250 mb/s write $500
I invested the extra money into this SD card because I don't like to change SD cards while I'm shooting. I'm a landscape photographer, so I'm usually somewhere in a condition that could be better for changing SD cards. I needed to speed up the 4K video. I hesitate to say it, but I've never had an issue with this card, and as of now, it's earning its keep. I rarely have to change cards.
Sony Tough CFexpress 256 GB 1700 mb/s 1480 mb/s $300
I bought this card when I purchased the EOS R5. I was unsure what I would need, but I knew it needed to be fast. This card is on the overkill side of things but should I choose to do some 8K footage, I'll be able to after switching the recording to the CFexpress slot.
Peak Design Slide Camera Strap (Sage Green) $60
Depending on the setting, I have many methods for carrying my camera around. Still, generally, I keep it in my backpack for protection. When I'm at locations where I'm taking photos frequently, I like to keep my camera accessible quickly. This quality strap doesn't rub my neck raw, and I can trust the connections to keep my camera and lens safe. I don't use it much, but I'm always satisfied when I do.
Canon BG-R10 Battery Grip $350
This piece of gear is my newest addition to the bag. I only take it when I'm going on a hike of any kind distance because it's heavy. However, suppose I'm going to a location where I can't put my bag down and shoot. In that case, I love having additional buttons and battery power.
3.19” x 5.64” x 4.31”
1.02 lbs plus batteries
Final Thought
That's it for the photography and videography gear I carry daily. Even if I'm not shooting, I keep my bag nearby. You never know when you might see the next scene you want to capture. I like to have my gear organized and nearby, so if I stumble on a scene, I must react quickly to catch it. I know where everything is; I don't have to fight my gear. Your gear should fight with you, not against you
FAQ
Q: What lenses should I always carry in my photography bag? A: Carry a range of lenses including a wide-angle lens for landscapes, a 50mm prime for portraits, and a telephoto lens for distant subjects.
Q: Why is it important to carry backup equipment? A: Backup equipment like extra batteries and memory cards prevent interruptions, ensuring you're always ready to capture the moment.
Q: What maintenance tools are essential for photographers? A: Essential maintenance tools include lens cloths, air blowers, and sensor cleaning kits to keep your gear clean and functional.
Q: How can a sturdy camera bag benefit photographers? A: A sturdy camera bag protects your gear, keeps it organized, and makes it easier to transport, especially during travel.
Q: What additional items can enhance a photographer's shooting experience? A: Items like a tripod for stability, a remote shutter release for long exposures, and a portable power bank can greatly enhance your shooting experience.