2019 Mid-Year Gear Update
It’s summer – well actually later in the summer – and it’s time to update my gear list for 2019. Since switching from Canon to Sony a year ago, I have made some other changes to my kit. I will review the basics of my setup for both stills and video. While I don’t (and won’t) take every piece of gear with me on an outing, the primary locations that I like to explore are those that are 3, 5, 7, 10 or even more miles from the trail-head. For this reason, I need to “tune” my gear selection based on the specific trip that I am going on.
I have also added a few prime lenses to my lens library. I will talk about each of these and where they fit best. I will also discuss the results that I have had with these lenses compared to a standard zoom.
Camera Gear and Accessories (for still photos):
Sony A7RIII
My primary body. I could not be more impressed with this camera in the year that I have been using it. I have taken it all over the world – to the UK, Iceland, the Swiss Alps, and Asia – as well as around the US. I am blown-away with its sensor technology – including its dynamic range. I still use grads and other filters, but I have much more options with shadow detail in post that I had with previous systems. The smaller form-factor also gives me more room in my pack and more options when planning a trip.
Sony 16-35 f/2.8 GM
The obvious wide-angle pairing to the Sony full-frame body. I use this lens around 35% to 40% of the time. Ultra-sharp across the focal length.
Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM
The best “one” lens for any camera setup. If I can only have one lens with me, it will be the 24-70. This lens is ultra-sharp like the rest of the GM series. This one stays attached to my camera in the bag.
Sony 70-200 f/4 G
The lens rounds-out the triad of lenses. If I am out for a “typical” shoot, I will take this lens along with the 16-35 and 24-70. I have found it sharper than the Sony G 70-300 – albeit with 100 mm less focal range and the inability to stand vertical in the camera bag. I take this as my standard telephoto – unless conditions would drive another lens selection.
Sony 100-400 f/4 – f/5.6 GM
This lens is for those times that extra reach is needed – and extra weight is not such a concern. I wouldn’t want to pack this very far on a long trip, but when you do need to reach-out this is an excellent lens choice. I have found it to be super-sharp like the others in the GM series.
Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA
Light as a feather. Perfect for mid-focal lengths. When weight is an issue and you need a lens between your wide-angle and your telephoto, this is a perfect choice.
Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Beautiful manual focus lens. This thing is probably the sharpest lens that I have ever used – in addition to the 50mm option. It’s all manual, but a masterpiece of fine engineering. Light and compact.
Zeiss Loxia 50mm f/2
The big brother to the 21mm. This lens shares all of the quality and distinction of the Loxia line. Manual focus and a favorite of videographers. For my lightweight option, I will carry the 21mm and 50mm Loxia lenses – as they share the same filter size and span the wide and mid-range focal requirements.
f-Stop Gear Tilopa 50L Backpack
For my standard dayhike that involves some extra gear (like a stove, extra clothes, etc..), I will reach for this bag. It is the perfect size and offers exceptional functionality. My typical pairing is with either the small or medium ICU – depending on requirements. f-Stop bags are engineered for the adventure photographer, so they do have characteristics that are typically necessary in the mountain environment.
Shimoda 40L Backpack
If I don’t have as much gear to take with me, or for an “out of the car” type of shoot, I will sometimes take this pack instead of the larger Tilopa. It is not as functional as the f-Stop series, and not really built for the mountain environment. It’s wider shoulder straps may offer more comfort for some, but they are not suited for technical terrain (there are no mainstream technical pack producers that incorporate wide shoulder straps). They limit movement and make getting out of the pack in a situation more difficult. I do, however, like the side-opening rear access compartment vs. down-opening.
Osprey Atmos 65L
Less bulk means that I can use a 65L bag for multi-day backpacking. Small ICU holds camera and lenses.
Tripod – Really Right Stuff TFC-24L MK II
I also have the big brother to this tripod – the TVC-34L, but I don’t take this larger version as much. This is a great “all around” tripod that is lightweight and functional. The L version gives about 10” additional height for uneven terrain. Since there is no center column, the extra leg height helps.
Ballhead – Really Right Stuff BH-40
I opted for the lever-lock mechanism, which I like better than the screw-type locking mechanism. This is a fine complement for the TFC-24 tripod, and supports the full Sony system that I use.
** I also added an additional bubble level between the tripod and the ballhead (since the ballhead only has the one level – which is covered when a camera is mounted).
Travel / Backcountry Tripod: Really Right Stuff TFC-14
I converted this tripod from a center column TQC-14 to a non-center column – essentially making it a TFC-14. I contacted RRS Customer Service, and they were able to send me the conversion kit. I am much happier without the center column.
Travel / Backcountry Ballhead: Really Right Stuff BH-30
Very good and stable ballhead for its size. I highly recommend it.
RRS L-Bracket for Sony A7RIII
As with other RRS products, this this is solid… but there are cheaper options that are just as good.
Breakthrough Photography Filters
I use the X-100 System – with uses a common holder for 100mm filters for ND and ND-Grad. The polarizer attaches magnetically to the lens adapter ring – ingenious.
Video and Associated Equipment:
Sony a6500
An APS-C sized sensor option with the same E-Mount as the A7R III. Great camera for stills and video.
Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS
Works great with the a6500 as a “walk around” lens and for stills and video. I have used this for video and been able to quickly switch to photos to capture a “zoom” shot. Readily accessible
Canon M50 with adapted Canon 10-18mm Lens
In my opinion, this is still the best vlogging camera. I use it all the time. When it finally breaks (or I break it doing something I shouldn’t), I am not sure if I will replace it. It will depend on what is available at the time. For now, it’s the best all-around solution.
GoPro Hero 7 Black
Best for B-roll and Point of View vlogging. This camera is my fourth GoPro (started with the Hero 3+ and then the Hero 6). Waterproof, indestructible, and works for vlogging in a pinch. Video stabilization in the Hero 7 is much improved.
Rode VideoMicro Microphone
Attaches to the Canon M50 and Sony a6500. This thing has gotten wet, stepped on, shoved in a bag, and generally abused… and it still works great. The sound quality is superb given its low price.
Zoom ZH1 H1 Portable Digital Recorder
Great for windy conditions or when the subject is further away from the camera base unit.
Rode Lav Mic
A great mic can make all the difference. Add a “dead cat” to dampen wind noise.