Two years ago, I saw an astonishing image that took my breath away. It was incredibly well-made that the first question that popped into my mind was ‘what gear did they use to capture this?’ instead of thinking about the photographer’s skill and talent. That kind of train of thought may seem absurd, but guess what, it’s normal. A lot of photographers, budding or expert, ask the same question more than once in their lives and careers whenever they see a good photo. And today, I am excited to answer this age-old question myself through a video at the end of this blog. But in case you want to read through this, here is what’s inside my camera bag:

But before I spill the uses of these pieces of equipment and accessories that I have, I just want to drop a couple of disclaimers. 

I don’t intend to persuade anyone to buy the gear that I use. I am sharing everyone what I have and use in the hopes that I could help my fellow photographers through my suggestions and experiences with these gears. Just treat this article, along with my vlog, as a guide that you can check out.

Now, let me introduce my gear and accessories one by one:

This article can’t be a ‘What’s inside my camera bag?’ without talking about the camera bag itself. I currently use the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack for my travels in and out of the country. It collapses to a 35L day bag if I need to and features multiple weatherproof zippers on top, side, front, and back that opens the main compartment inside for easy and swift access to anything and everything I need. It also has magnetic ‘tuck-away shoulder straps’ and a hip belt that’s very helpful when I’m checking my bag. 

I feel like the Peak Design 45L Backpack has been the lightest bag that I had despite having a ton of stuff inside it, which is probably because of its 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas material. Moreover, I like how the shoulder pads fit me since it keeps my shoulders from straining for carrying a handful of equipment. I adore this backpack because it houses everything that I need and more.

The Peak Design Camera Cube in medium (12L) houses the majority of my photography gear. I am impressed by this cube because it works amazingly with my 45L backpack. Its side zipper lines up well on one of the backpack’s side access, so I can fish my camera out without taking the whole cube out of my bag. It has Velcro-attachable separators called FlexFold dividers that enable me to customize the organization of my gear. 

Just like the 45L backpack, the Peak Design Camera Cube is made of weatherproof recycled 400D nylon canvas paired with ‘high-density foam sub-lining’ that tucks my equipment neatly. It also has a C-clip mounting system that fits well in most travel bags to keep the cube in place during trips.

Aside from my 45L backpack, I also carry a smaller camera bag from the same brand. Having a smaller camera bag is practical and more comfortable to bring whenever I’m on unfriendly environments such as seascapes and dense settings. The Peak Design 6L Sling under their Everyday line comes in three sizes—3L, 6L, and 10L. It has a padded cross-body strap that’s adjustable to my liking. The brand claims that this strap can be loosened when checking or getting something out of the bag, and tightened during hikes or bike rides. It also has FlexFold dividers like the Peak Design Camera Cube that I can move depending on how I want my bag sorted. It also has numerous stretchable pockets, and the 6L and 10L versions have a dedicated sleeve for tablets and small laptops or notebooks.

I am fond of the Peak Design 6L Sling because I can put pretty much anything inside it and jam any camera equipment. My tripod and gimbal can even be attached underneath its main compartment using a strap. This sling bag is also hailed for its versatility since it fits for everyone other than photographers. It can be used like any other sling bag but provides more uses, comfort, and protection.

Now that I have introduced the various camera bags that I use, here is the gear I use for photography:

The Sony α7R II is my primary workforce for photography. It has the “world’s first 35mm full-frame image sensor with back-illuminated structure” that packs 42.4 megapixels and an ISO range from ISO 50 to ISO 102,400. Its brand claims that it can process and output data 3.5 faster than other cameras through a “quick-transmission copper wiring layer.” It also manages to reduce image blur because the camera has a Silent Shooting mode that minimizes the shutter’s vibration. 

I love the α7R II mainly for its whopping 42 megapixels that are good for cropping images, especially if I’m using lenses that render dull edges. I crop my shots all the time to make sure that my image stays sharp, which is helpful when I’m printing my files.

The FE 24–105 mm F4 G OSS Lens from Sony is a favorite as of this moment. It has a focal length of 24 mm to 105 mm and an F4 aperture. This aperture is consistently bright throughout the zoom range, even when the focal length changes. The 24-105 G OSS is compatible with an E-mount system and is a “compact, lightweight,” portable, and mobile lens. This lens also has an excellent corner-to-corner resolution throughout its zoom range because of its elements that reduce aberration.

I like the focal length of 24 mm because it’s perfect for my landscape shots. Most of the shots I do fall under 70-80 mm, so I rarely zoom up to 105 mm. The Sony FE 24–105 mm F4 G OSS Lens is suitable for me because it serves as an all-in-one lens for the type of shots that I make. I don’t feel the need to change lenses, especially on seascapes, where I frequent to, where there’s no place to put my equipment down.

Since I do a ton of long exposure shots, I need to have a stable tripod that can help me with it. I use the Leofoto LS-324C paired with the LH-40 ball head, and they have been my companion with the shots I do for quite a while now. This tripod has twist leg locks and can be extended from 6.7” to a maximum of 67.1”. When folded, the tripod’s length is at 22.4,” which isn’t troubling when carried or attached to any of my camera bags. The Arca-type ball head that comes with the LS-324C, the LH-40, has a quick release plate for swift attachment and detachment while shooting. Along with the tripod, it has a load capacity of 33.1 lb and stands at the height of 2.7”. The LH-40 ball head has a knob on its right side that is used for 360° panning, while the notches on its base are for 90° tilts. 

I like the LS-324C and LH-40 duo because they provide stability and sturdiness that I need for the kind of shots I make. The tripod itself is quite huge, but it’s not as heavy as those that are in the same range as the LS-324C. It’s not a hassle to bring the pair since it offers me multiple options for carrying it—either by hand, attached under my 6L sling bag, or even nestled at the side pocket of my 45L backpack.

I currently own and use the M15 series and the Red Diamond GND, or graduated neutral density, filter from Haida for my long exposure shots. I adapted the M15 system from the 14 mm Samyang mount that I had when I started doing landscape photography. The M15 filter holder’s requirements are specific since it’s not compatible with 100 mm filters or the M10 series from Haida. This holder can only work with 150 mm-wide filters, which are Haida’s M15 series. The filter holder offers a wide array of adapter ring types according to the camera brand that it will be paired with, such as Sony, Sigma, Tamron, Pentax, and a whole lot more.

I love using ND filters since it gives me flexibility every time I try to shoot at different times of the day. I have the 3-stop, 6-stop, 10-stop, and 15-stop ND filters from the M15 system, but I mostly use the Haida Red Diamond 15-stop GND. It is essential in my gear because I usually expose for about 3-8 minutes, depending on the mood of the scene, and it gives me the calmness that I want in my photos. 

After talking about my photography equipment, let me walk you through my videography gear:

For vlogging and location shoots and introductions, I use the Sony α7 III. Like the α7R II, it has a “back-illuminated full-frame CMOS sensor” that can render environments in realistic detail. Its standard ISO range extends up to ISO 100-51200 that is expandable to ISO 50-204800 for stills. This camera has unique technologies that can maintain image details and cut noise when shooting. Its extensive coverage of 4D focus can capture unpredictable changes in movements and won’t let go of its subjects quickly. The α7 III can record in 4K and features the new system of HLG, or Hybrid Log-Gamma, picture profile that can hold up an “instant HDR workflow.”

I pair the α7 III with the 16-35 mm G Master lens and use the 16 mm focal length for location shoots and 24 mm for vlogs. Its wide-angle F2.8 16-35 mm zoom can capture its subjects in excellent resolution with impressive background bokeh when needed. Weighing 680g, the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM provides mobility and ease of use, especially when paired with E-mount bodies for a “portable, [and] easily manageable system.”

When vlogging or doing location shoots, I use the α7 III with a gimbal from Zhiyun called the WEEBILL-S. This gimbal can handle both mirrorless and DSLR cameras with lenses attached to it. Its powerful algorithms can adapt to specific cameras, like the Sony α7 III and Canon 5D4, and tune its settings automatically. It can also eliminate jittery in scenes or environments with fast movements. The WEEBILL-S has an AI, or artificial intelligence, called ViaTouch 2.0 that connects its user’s smartphone, camera, and gimbal. The user’s phone screen turns into a monitor and a multi-functional remote controller where different gimbal and camera settings can be adjusted, such as Follow Speed, ISO, Shutter Speed, and more. This connectivity is possible through a feature called Sync Motion, a “motion sensor control system” that enables real-time monitoring and control between the user’s smartphone, camera, and gimbal.

The WEEBILL-S has access locks, which prevents it from moving every time I keep it somewhere inside my bag or strapped under my sling. I adore this gimbal since it stabilizes my footages, and it’s simply perfect for my introductory shots on locations.

The Deity V-Mic D3 Pro is my primary mic whenever I’m doing vlogs. It can either be mounted on a boom stand or attached to a phone, tablet, DSLR, bodypack transmitters, or any gadget with a 3.5 mm microphone jack. It has two levels of low cut, 75Hz and 150Hz, that can record even low-frequency rumbles and block wind noise. Despite its amazing features, I still use the V-Mic D3 Pro with a windscreen or “dead cat” for added filtration and protection. I used this mic during my recent trip to Japan, where I filmed my hotel stay and shoots, and it did an excellent job. Whether I’m indoors or outdoors, the V-Mic D3 Pro impresses and packs a punch when recording my audio.

Despite how amazing the V-Mic D3 Pro is, there are times when I need my mic close to my mouth due to unfriendly environments. The V-Mic D3 Pro won’t be able to do so since it’ll block a sizable amount of the frame and will certainly be a distraction to my viewers. Thankfully, I found the Saramonic Blink 500 B2, and it did the trick of solving my problems between unforgiving settings and lousy audio.

The Saramonic Blink 500 B2 is a tiny, lightweight wireless microphone system that can be attached to my clothing through a clip. Regardless of its size, it can deliver broadcast-quality sounds with its two wireless transmitters and lapel mics that can be attached to two subjects. This wireless mic helped me produce a crystal-clear sound quality when I was in windy and rainy setups that made it a worthwhile purchase.

I use a VND, or variable neutral density, filter when filming in bright environments, especially if I want to keep the shutter speed at the same level as I intended to. The K&F Concept Variable Neutral Density filter is made of high-grade optical glass and has a fuller outer optic that can reduce vignettes, especially at wide angles. It can also be used in photography just like any other ND filter to create motion blur in moving elements such as water, clouds, and vehicles.

After talking about my videography gear, let me go through the accessories I have for my equipment.

I carry two Think Tank Photo PowerHouse Pro cases for my travels. One is labeled ‘toolbox’ that contains stuff that I can on the field, like an emergency light, tripod spikes, a multi-tool that came with my tripod, and a can/bottle opener. Meanwhile, the other case contains everything that my WEEBILL-S needs from plates to batteries and chargers.

The Think Tank Photo PowerHouse Pro case is a zippered organizer that has multiple pockets and dividers for customized organization. It has a clear PVC “front window” that offers a view of its contents. It is water-resistant and is made of 210D silver-toned nylon and 150D Hexa mesh. The case also provides a 3-ply bonded thread to keep its contents secured and protected.

During trips and shoots, I bring about five (5) batteries for my A7R mark II because it just chews on batteries, especially when I’m doing long exposure shots. Having extra batteries during shoots is vital in keeping my cameras running, which saves me from feeling frustrated over missed shots just because of a drained camera battery.

I bring my Anker PowerPort Speed 4 Ports during my travels since it’s helpful if I wanted to charge multiple devices, and I only found one available socket. This adapter features Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 that claims to be 4X faster than standard chargers. It also has a MultiProtect system that delivers “surge protection, short circuit prevention, [and] temperature control.” Its matte exterior is scratch- and scuff-resistant, keeping its sleek look for a long time.

The Anker PowerCore 10000 is a compact portable charger or power bank that I bring for emergencies in case I need extra bars for my phone and batteries on the field. Despite being lightweight and small, this power bank can fill more than three (3) phone charges before running out of power. Its fast charging abilities is possible through Anker’s PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technologies that can charge up to 2.4 amps. Just like the Anker PowerPort Speed 4 Ports adapter, the PowerCore 10000 has a MultiProtect system that delivers “surge protection, short circuit prevention, [and] temperature control.”

Paired with my laptop, I bring my SSD, or solid-state drive, in shoots to save my work. My SSD of choice is the Crucial X8 SSD that has a 1 TB capacity. This SSD runs 1.8x faster than other SSDs and 7.5x faster than portable HDDs with speeds up to 1050MB/s. Aside from laptops, SSDs can also be used with other gadgets such as PS4s, Xbox, iPad Pros, Android devices, and desktop computers to expand storage or free up some space. The Crucial X8 SSD is designed to be sturdy and compact that can withstand extreme temperatures, shocks, and even 7.5-foot drops. For all the photos and videos I take, I save it all in this reliable SSD.

I use the Pilotfly AtomCUBE RX1 whenever I need an additional light source. Its settings come in cold white, warm white, and RGB that can achieve any lighting needs. Its controls are in an app that uses Bluetooth mesh technology that enables its user to adjust its brightness and color temperature and connect multiple AtomCUBEs. This LED light became my key and backlight in a couple of scenarios now, including my vlog above.

Again, I don’t intend to persuade anyone to buy any of the gear and accessories I mentioned above. I dropped the equipment that I use to share my helpful aides in taking my shots and to hopefully guide a couple of photographers out there in choosing their gear. However, remember that despite its specs and performance, equipment is not everything. A good photographer should focus on developing their skills and techniques to produce an outstanding image. No matter how excellent a piece of equipment may seem, a great photograph is a product of a talented photographer.

As promised, here’s a link to the video on YouTube:

Do you have questions about my photography gear? How about sharing what’s inside your camera bag? Drop them in the comments below or talk to me through my social media accounts at the bottom of the site.

Thanks and see you on the next one!

Marvin