My 2020 Gear Update
I have made some slight expansions and modifications to my kit for 2020. I now use all Sony cameras across all of my adventures – vlogging, stills, video, and my growing interest in wildlife. All of my main cameras – the Sony A9ii, Sony A7RIV, and Sony a6600 – use the same NP-FZ100 battery, so this allows me to use and charge only a single battery type across all three of my mainline cameras.
As my interest in wildlife photography continues to grow, I am sure I will make some additional modifications. Earlier this year, I added the Sony 200-600 f5.6-6.3 G lens to my lineup. It is a really good lens and, with its internal zoom mechanism, is very weather sealed. At some point, I plan to add a 500mm or 600mm prime, but they are quite an investment, and I want to be sure in my choice.
Supporting my mainline cameras, I still use the Sony RX-100vi and the GoPro Hero 7 Black for vlogging and B-Roll. These are both great cameras in their own domains, but I find myself using the GoPro much more than the RX-100. While the RX-100 can produce great video (and images too), I most times leave it at home.
Primary Landscape Camera Gear and Accessories:
Sony A7R IV
The camera has proven to be amazing. The weather sealing is the best I have seen on a pro-level body. While I was shooting with this camera earlier this year, it literally tipped over into the Snoqualmie river completely submerged for about 1 second. While I don’t recommend this, the camera had no issues and continues to work amazingly.
Sony GM 16-35 f/2.8
Compares to all of the Pro-Levels from other manufactures. Well, I am only familiar with the Canon 16-35 L III, and this lens is comparable in sharpness and capability.
Sony G 24-105 f/4
I added this lens at the beginning of 2020 – replacing my 24-70 f/2.8. Since I was able to add a “most equally sharp” G-level lens, I saved about ½ weight and also cut the bulk by about ½ .
Sony G 70-200 f/4
I have been using this lens since late 2018, and it is most always in my bag. It is a lightweight option that gives me a focal length out to 200mm. If I know that I am going on a shorter hike / approach, or I know I will need a bit more reach, I will bring the heavier but more capable 100-400.
Sony GM 100-400 f/4.5 – 5.6
Solid telephone that is super-sharp through its full focal range. Necessary for landscapes in the PNW.
F-Stop Tilopa with Medium or Large ICU
As a technical backpack, the F-Stop packs can’t be beat. This pack has all the functionality of a top-tier hiking backpack with added functionality and access for photographers. Top notch.
F-Stop Small ICU
For use with the Osprey Atmos (below) or when I am taking less equipment and want a smaller and more compact unit.
Osprey Atmos AG 65
Less bulk means that I can use a 65L bag for multi-day backpacking. My F-Stop Small ICU holds my camera and lenses.
Primary Tripod: Really Right Stuff TVC-34L
Probably the best tripod money can buy – but this thing is heavy!
Primary Ballhead: Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ballhead
See note on RRS TVC-34L. I prefer the “lever release clamp” vs the knob screw
Travel / Backcountry Tripod: Really Right Stuff TQC-14
A lightweight option with four sections and a center column for extra reach.
Travel / Backcountry Ballhead: Really Right Stuff BH-30
Very good and stable ballhead for its size. I highly recommend it.
RRS L Bracket
As with other RRS gear, this thing is solid but there are cheaper options.
Breakthrough Photography Filters
I recently switched from Lee to Breakthrough. This system is amazing!
Rite In The Rain Notebook
This is a local company that makes notebooks that can be used in any weather.
Video and Associated Equipment:
Sony a6600
In my opinion, this is the best APS-C sized sensor camera available. Shares the same E-Mount lens and battery as the A7RIV. Great camera for stills and video.
Sony 10-18 OSS f/4
I use this lens for my vlogging. It is an okay wide angle lens for stills, but I prefer the better G-Series APS-C lenses that Sony released in late 2019.
Rode VideoMicro Microphone
Attaches to the Sony a6600. Great sound quality for such a small and inexpensive microphone.
Benro TSL-08C Carbon Fiber Tripod
My main vlogging tripod. Small, compact, lightweight, durable.
Oben BE-108 Ballhead
The ballhead that comes with the Benro tripod isn’t all that good, so I swapped it for this one from Oben
Zoom H1N 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.
DJI Mavic Air Drone
I don’t use this too much (and usage is limited in many areas), but it does add dramatic b-roll to vlogs.
*Amazon links show are affiliate links
If you are considering these types of trade studies, Matt Payne has an excellent resource on his website. He has a “Sony Gear Selector Tool” that enables you to compare different camera / lens combinations from Sony, Nikon, and Canon.