I am often asked which gear I use, and to answer that in one sentence is very difficult, so I listed the gear that I most often use here. It does not list all the gear, but the ones most used. During the 45 years of my photography, I have gathered a few things and sometimes, I realized that they are not used as much as I had thought and just put aside or sold. These are the ones that I still own and use. I skip the ones that I have sold and the ones that I have but do not use.
Camera
Nikon Zf
My most used camera for taking both my private and sample images for the reviews. It has some helpful features especially if you want to use it with manual vintage lenses. It has far better AF, eye tracking, and faster burst rate (14 fps) than previous Nikon camera generations with fully articulated display. It looks much better too.
Sensor Size: Full Frame Camera
Check it out at: Amazon, B&H (affiliate links)
Nikon Z 6
My previous workhorse camera, has great handling, fantastic image quality, high dynamic range, built-In 5-axis Vibration Reduction, 12 fps Shooting; ISO 100-51200, with enough resolution for more than 95% of my work.
Sensor Size: Full Frame Camera
Check it out at: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Nikon Z 7II
My HiRes camera, handling, and form factor next to identical to the Nikon Z 6, but with almost double the resolution and double the focus points. I use this camera whenever I need high resolution and when I test full frame lenses.
Sensor Size: Full Frame Camera
Check it out at: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Nikon Z fc
Small APS-C camera with retro design and fully articulated 3″ touch screen. UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording. I use this camera when testing APS-C lenses and when I want to pack a minimal camera bag.
Sensor Size: APS-C
Check it out at: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Fujifilm X-S10
This Fujifilm camera is even smaller than the Nikon Z fc, but its sensor has about 25% more resolution, and also it incorporates an in-camera image stabilization. I use this mostly for tests and reviews of lenses in Fuji X mount
Sensor Size: APS-C
Check it out at: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Accessories
L Bracket
The 3 Legged Thing Zelda is a dedicated L-Bracket designed for Nikon Z Series Cameras. L-brackets are useful accessories that make it easier and more stable to rotate the camera on a tripod. They also protect the camera’s bottom plates from wear and tear. I always use them on my Z6 and Z7 cameras. The brackets are made from a single block of solid magnesium alloy. The Zelda series is specifically designed for Z cameras, but there are other models available for different camera brands and models.
Check out the 3 Legged Thing L-brackets on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Grip
I use the Smallrig grip for my Nikon Zfc camera. It provides more depth to the grip, making it more stable and secure. Additionally, the grip comes with an Arca Swiss bottom plate which allows for convenient tripod attachment. Smallrig offers various models for different camera brands and models. The retro-style grip has a similar texture and color to the camera, while the baseplate has the same color surface treatment and fits perfectly.
Check out the Smallrig grip on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Bags
Tenba Messenger DNA 8
A small messenger-type shoulder bag for an FF camera with a small lens plus one extra small to moderate lens or for a small APS-C camera and two small extra lenses. It has several pockets for other stuff like batteries, cables, phones, filters, etc.
This specific model is not available anymore and has been replaced by Tenba Messenger DNA 9.
They are about the same size and you can rearrange the internal compartments according to your needs.
Check out the Tenba Messenger DNA bags on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 30i
A little larger shoulder bag for an FF camera and 2 extra lenses.
This model has gone out of production and been replaced by Mirrorless Mover 30 v2, which is available in different colors.
Check out the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover bags at: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Lowepro Mini Trekker AW Backpack
When I need to take loads of equipment
The Lowepro Mini Trekker AW Backpack (Forest Green) is a water-resistant 600-denier TXP backpack with an All Weather Cover. It is made to carry two film or digital SLR cameras with an 80-200 f/2.8 lens attached to one, 4-5 additional lenses and accessories. It has an integrated quick-release tripod holder, attachment loops for optional SlipLock accessories, compression straps, three interior pockets and a hidden pocket. The backpack harness system has excellent lumbar support, wide shoulder straps and a DryFlo mesh lining. This backpack is discontinued, but you can buy one on eBay.
If I were to choose a camera backpack today, I would probably look at the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW III or MindShift Gear BackLight 36L.
Check out the Lowepro Filpside 400 AW III on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Check out the Mindshift Gear BackLight 36L on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Lowepro Orion Hip Bag
The Orion Hip (or Waist) Bag is the one I use when I go on a hike. I want the gear to be securely carried without dangling while having both hands free. I could use the backpack but it is unnecessarily big and requires that I take it off everytime I want to take out or put in the camera. This bag is also discontinued, but you can get it used on eBay
Lowepro has other models though that are available:
and the Trekker Lite SLX 120 Sling-Style
Check out the Lowepro Hip Bags at: Amazon, B&H (affiliate links)
Support
Velbon Sherpa Pro CF-645
I had a Manfrotto 055 C aluminium tripod with a three-way head but it was heavy, bulky, and very travel unfriendly. The Sherpa CF-645 is very light and short enough to fit into a standard carry-on bag. The legs are made of carbon fiber but the center column is of aluminium. While not the best engineered tripod, I have been quite pleased with it. The legs lock firmly and the whole thing is pretty stable. Compared to heavier tripods it is more prone to vibration, but you can damp this by holding it, or the camera, when you make your exposure. Another efficient way to minimize resonance and vibration is to remove the center column and keep the lowest leg sections un-extended, then it is very stable. For the price I paid, it is excellent, perhaps even unbeatable. Such a small, light tripod with 4-section legs is always going to be a big compromise but I’m much more likely to have this one with me when I need it. Max Height: 1577mm, Min Height: 112 mm, Folded Height: 452 mm, Weight: 1520 g (3.35 lb), Max Load: 5 kg (11 lb).
This tripod is discontinued, and Velbon does not make any Sherpa tripods in carbon fiber anymore. It seems they have abandoned the high end tripod segment completely and are making only very cheap tripods nowadays. On the other hand, there are many better travel tripods available today than when I bought this tripod. If I were to choose a tripod today I would probably look at the PEAK DESIGN Travel tripod, BENRO Theta (61″), FEISOL CT-3441S Traveler Rapid, or GITZO Traveler Series 0, 1, or 2 Carbon Fiber. If I were to compromise a little for budget reasons, I would look at the K&F Concept D225C2, also with carbon fiber legs. Although you should not trust what each manufacturer says about the max load (capacity) of their own tripods, according to their own data, all of these tripods have roughly double the load capacity of the Velbon Sherpa CF-645 (except the Feisol that has about 4 times capacity), and they are even lighter or at least maintaining a similar weight. Folded height is another crucial factor for me. Since portability is a priority, a folded height of 45cm is the maximum height I set as limit (my carry-on bag’s internal length). Thankfully, all these tripods fold up even smaller, making them even more travel-friendly. Here is a comparison table:
- Check out FEISOL CT-3441Tripods on: Amazon, B&H (affiliate links)
- Check out PEAK DESIGN Travel Tripod on: Amazon, B&H (affiliate links)
- Check out BENRO Theta (61″) Tripod on: Amazon, B&H (affiliate links)
- Check out GITZO GT0545T Series 0 Traveler on: Amazon, B&H (affiliate links)
- Check out K&F CONCEPT D225C2 Tripod on: Amazon, B&H (affiliate links)
Sirui T-005X
Sirui T-005KX aluminum tripod with C-10S 360° panorama ball head is a very small and light tripod. My top priority was to find the smallest and lightest possible travel tripod that could comfortably support my mirrorless camera and a small to moderate-sized lens for shutter speeds down to about 1/2 sec. Not for any telephoto shooting though. Weighing just 0.8 kg with a max load of 4 kg and a folded height of only 300 mm, this tripod perfectly exceeded my needs for portability. My camera+lens weight has never been as heavy as 1.5 kg, and I’ve even successfully captured long exposures of around 20-30 seconds with this tripod for a surprisingly stable setup, especially considering its size. To get a more stable setup, I remove the center column and keep the lower sections of the legs un-extended. This model is discontinued and replaced by a nearly identical model T-005SK (B-00K head).
Check out the Sirui T-005SK+B-00K head combo on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Gorillapod 3K Kit
The Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit is a lightweight (400 g) yet surprisingly sturdy travel tripod that enables you to shoot anything, anywhere. The ideal tripod for traveling and vlogging. Small enough to throw in your bag. Camera feels very secure once attached. Camera can be quickly and easily removed for hand held footage.
Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Sirui K-30X and K-20X Ball Heads
I got the K-30X ball head for the Velbon tripod mentioned above. I wanted a sturdy ball head that could outlast the tripod and I could move from one tripod to my next one, when the time comes. This ball head has a load capacity of 30 kg. It has knobs for pan, tilt, and tension, Arca Swiss style clamp for quick release, 90° Tilt, 360° Pan. It is quite a large ball head and when I saw its smaller brother Sirui K-20X at a very cheap price on the used market I bought that one too and use that in the everyday work. It has all the features that the K-30X has but its load capacity is about 25 kg. When I need a heavy duty head for long telephoto or large and heavy lenses, I revert to the K-30X. If you don’t used long telephoto lenses you could manage with the K-20X, otherwise I would recommend the K-30X or the largest of them K-40X.
Check out the Sirui K-40X on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Check out the Sirui K-30X on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Check out the Sirui K-20X on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Manfrotto 680B Monopod
When in concerts, nightclubs, or other crowded evening venues, the light may be too dim for sharp handheld photos. Tripods are often impractical or forbidden in these situations. Similarly, shooting birds with long telephoto lenses becomes difficult handheld, and tripods can be cumbersome.
This is where a monopod comes to the rescue. The Manfrotto 680B monopod is a great choice because its height and sturdiness minimize camera shake. It allows you to capture sharp photos in low-light conditions and situations where tripods are less than ideal. The Manfrotto 680B is discontinued but Manfrotto makes newer models like Manfrotto Element MII Aluminum, Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber, or Manfrotto XPRO Over.
Here is a comparison table:
Check out Manfrotto monopods on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Manfrotto 234RC Tilt Head for monopod
A tilt head significantly simplifies using a monopod and becomes essential for proper framing in certain situations. While ball heads are an option, they require constant adjustments for level shots, putting strain on your wrists.
I purchased the 234RC tilt head separately, but Manfrotto offers convenient kits that include both the head and a monopod, like the XPRO series mentioned earlier.
Interestingly, some retailers offer this package (including the 234RC tilt head and the Manfrotto 243 car window pod) for the same price as the standalone tilt head. If you plan on using the tilt head, it’s definitely worth checking for this bundle deal.
Check out the Manfrotto tilt head for monopods on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Flash
Nikon SB-400
The Nikon SB-400 flash is my go-to for macro photography. Its small size makes it very convenient and practical for outdoor macro shots in nature. While discontinued in 2013 and replaced by the also-discontinued SB-300, I recommend the SB-400 if you’re looking for one on eBay. Here’s why: AA batteries (more readily available), more power, and faster recycle time compared to the AAA-powered SB-300.
Check the SB-400 flash on: eBay (affiliate links)
Meike MK320
The current compact flash from Nikon is the SB-500, which may be a fantastic tool, but it costs about $250. Today, for a brand new, compact flash option for my macro photography, I would choose the Meike MK-3200. Compatible with multiple camera systems (Canon/Nikon/Sony/Fujifilm/Panasonic Lumix). The Meike is not only newer and more powerful but also offers manual power settings (1/1-1/128 in ±1/3 increments) and has the ability to pan 90, which the Nikon SB-400 lacks for a price at about $70.
Check out Meike MK320 on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Nikon SB-700
The SB-400 is a good flash but not that good if I want to use it for burst shots, e.g. when stacking, not either for portrait fill bouncing to a wall or through softboxes. The SB-700 is much better suited in those situations. It is not Nikon’s most powerful flash and there are loads of more powerful third party flash guns. For sport or wedding photography you should look at one of the others with more juice in, but it has all the features that the big boys have in a smaller more compact package. If you are looking for Nikon Flash this might be your choice.
Check out the Nikon SB-700 on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
Godox V350
If you’re using a different camera system or even Nikon, there are other compact and capable flash guns with comparable features available that are much affordable. The Godox V350 for half the price of the Nikon SB-700 is a versatile and reliable choice that works well for both burst shots and bouncing light. It is available for Canon/Nikon/Sony/Fujifilm/Panasonic Lumix.
Check out the Godox V350 on: Amazon, B&H, eBay (affiliate links)
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