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WHAT'S IN THE BAG - 2025
What photography gear should you use? That's like asking what's your favorite movie? or what's your favorite food or wine... What do YOU like?
I’ve been making photograph’s seriously for over 30 years now! In that time I’ve gone through an assortment of bags and equipment. I changed from film to digital in the early 2000’s, due to Minolta being bought out by Sony (I had used Minolta kit for years because of its durability and reliability). However now in my later years I’m trying to minimize my kit to the essentials and make my bag lighter, or at least reduce the strain on my back. I think I now have my kit optimized to the point where I can take better photographs and complete my assignments successfully. So what’s in my bag...?
Before we start… my kit is what works for me! I’m not making any recommendations… unlike all those “Influencers“ who push product for the Industrial Camera complex… They use Influencers because its way cheaper than hiring a PR company to put an add campaign together. Why spend millions on Advertising when selected influencers who already have millions of followers can promote your product for a fraction of the cost. Give a $6000 camera to an influencer and your product is instantly in front of millions. Big return on a small investment - money in the bank... Anyway this is just my opinion… Find the gear that works for you and that fits you budget.
So what's in my bag….?
To start with I am not sponsored by any of the brands listed below. I do the research then I buy what I like, not what I'm told to like. First the bag - I have several backpacks but my everyday carry, the one that my kit lives in, is the Think Tank “Airport Essentials”. It's compact, all my gear is well organized and easy to get to, and when I'm travelling, it fits in the overhead bins of most airliners, and even more importantly it's easy on the shoulders.
CAMERA BODY
Let me start by saying that I tend to follow the A.B.C. Rule of Photography. What is that? I hear you ask... Always Bring Camera! Today that's easy - every one carries a cellphone. I have an I-Phone 11 that I use as a visual notepad. I will take some photographs with my phone and if I find something I like, then I will go back with my "proper Camera". At the moment that camera is the Sony A7II.. its several years old, and one of the earlier versions of Sony’s A7 Series. I spent many years using film cameras (I still use my Minolta X-700 and Maxxum 7 from time to time) however the A7II has all that I need at the moment… ISO / Shutter speed / F-stop. I don’t need facial recognition; Wifi; Bluetooth; dozen’s of layers of menu’s to navigate through. I just want to take photographs!!! Keep it simple… I think it was Ansel Adams who said “the most important part of photography is the twelve inches behind the camera” I tend to agree.
Analog to Digital Minolta X-300 Manual focus; Minolta Maxxum 7 and the Sony A7II Full frame digital
GLASS
Lenses - it’s taken years of trial and error however, I have now found “my“ holy trinity of glass. I now believe that you should put your money into the glass, get the best you can afford, that's what makes the difference - a Big Difference! Lenses that work for my style of photography.... First on my list is the Sony 24 - 105mm / F4. This is my all purpose lens - Portraits / Architecture / Wildlife / Travel / Landscapes. It has a bit more reach than the more common 24-70mm, it's a very flexible lens.Lens number 2 - Sony G-master 16-35mm. Wide angle. I use this one for both Video and Architectural Photography. There is a bit of overlap with the 24-105 however the wide angle is great for indoors and close up video.
Lens number 3 - Tamron 150 - 500mm. This is my Go to lens for wildlife. Combined with a fast shutter speed and a monopod, this lens hasn't failed me yet. Sharp close up portraits of big cats - works every time.
Finally the bonus glass - The nifty 50, f1,8 prime lens. Again great for video and another general all round photography lens.
SUPPORT
Tripods / Monopods - I have an assortment of Tripods and Monopods, however I tend to use the tripod for night time shoots or interior Architectural photography. The monopod, on the other hand, suits me for Wildlife shoots when I'm using the 150-500mm for a long period of time. Mainly for the smaller form factor, the single leg is easier to set up and adjust than a tripod. It allows me to get images like this one...
OTHER BITS & PIECES:
I have a small tech pouch that has my cables / tools / electrical plugs etc, all the small stuff that you will always end up needing when you're out in the field. Chargers along with three spare batteries. When you're taking hundreds of photographs you never notice the power left in the batteries until your camera stops taking pictures... so alway carry spare batteries. On the topic of charging - if I'm traveling abroad I always take a power strip with an adaptor for the country I'm traveling to. I can charge all my gear from only one socket.I also carry the rain cover that came with the backpack. Just because it's raining or snowing doesn't mean you can't keep taking pictures. First aid kit for minor bumps and scrapes, you never know when your going to slip and fall out in the wilds.
CONCLUSION
It's taken a long time... I have found the gear I like at this point in time... It's reliable and I get the photographs I want. Will I always use it - NO! ...My style of photography might change, I might find new subjects to photograph that require specific equipment... Change is the only constant in life.Thanks for your time, I hope this article helps you on your photographic journey
Fraser Bannister, January 2025
