In the past 2 years, I’ve dialed in my favorite camera gear and photography tools. I have used a lot of gear over the last 16 years, so I’ve compiled this blog to share all about my I started with Nikon simply because my parents owned Nikon gear. They never switched after all these years. I switched to Canon in 2012, and used it for 10 years. At the beginning of 2019 I was not very active as a photographer and was still using my 7 year old Canon 6D mark i. I was ready to upgrade to mirrorless, and after a bit of research concluded that Sony was leading the game of mirrorless.
Honestly, the options out there are endless. While this can be overwhelming, I honestly think you’re better off just choosing something, rather than agonizing over the very best option. I can only speak to Canon, Nikon, and Sony because those are the three brands I’ve used. Along with Fuji, I believe any of these brands will set you up for success!
My Favorite Camera Gear and Why I love it
My Essential Camera kit:
- Sony A7iii – Around $2,000 each
I shoot with 2 Sony A7iii bodies. If you want the newest version, buy the Sony A7iv - Zeiss (Sony) 50mm 1.4 – Around $1,500
This is my all time favorite portrait lens. I could shoot an entire session at 50mm if I needed to, and still get a ton of variety. - Sigma Art 24–70 2.8 Around $1,200
This lens stays on my camera half the time, it is so crisp and amazing while being versatile. - Sony 20mm 1.8 – Around $900
I can’t get over how sharp and amazing this lens is. The focus distance is just 7.5″ which makes for some really creative opportunities. Also my go to Astro Lens. - Sony 85mm 1.8 – Around $600
I like this lens, but I don’t love it. It is an amazing deal for what it is, but if I wanted to shoot at 85mm often, I would upgrade to the Sony 85mm 1.4. or the Sigma for Sony 85mm 1.4 - Tamron 70-180 2.8 – Around $1,100
I love this lens. It is half the cost of the Sony brand equivalent and also significantly lighter. The only “downside” is that it does not have image stabilization but I don’t find that to be an issue. It is essential for compressing space and bringing your subject closer to the background. It also works well for those close-up detail shots!
My Camera Accessories
- Favorite Camera Bag – Brevite Camera Backpack (I love the green juniper color)
- Favorite Dual Camera Strap – Ztowoto Camera Strap (cheap but soooo comfy!)
- Favorite accessories – Anything from Peak Designs like this Camera Strap
- Favorite SD Card – SanDisk 128GB Extreme Pro
- Favorite Film Camera – Minolta X370 – I don’t have link because you have to buy it used. This is similar to the Canon AE-1 and other simple analogue film cameras.
- Favorite film – Portra 400 – 5 rolls of film
A few tips
You may have heard that you should prioritize your glass. A high quality lens will make more difference than the most expensive camera body. I suggest choosing quality over quantity. So instead of buying a bunch of different lens, buy just one really nice one and use the limit of the lens as a creative component of your work.
While more expensive gear usually is better quality, there’s nothing wrong with starting small. You’ll notice I haven’t upgraded my 85mm 1.8 lens, because it’s not one of my go-to pieces. At times, I have found some of the cheaper alternatives to be perfect for my work. For example, while I could have purchased the Sony brand 24-70 2.8 lens, for twice the price, I find the Sigma to be incredible and no compromise. The Zeiss 50mm lens is also quite a bit cheaper than the Sony G-Master 50mm 1.2, and I have zero intentions of ever upgrading.
Essential Photography Tools for Business Management
Customer Relationship Manager
Dubsado is my favorite CRM (Client Relationship Manager)
Click here for 20% off your first month or first year!
While I have not tried other management systems, after doing some research, I believe it to be one of the most powerful and customizable systems you can work with. The workflows, templates, invoicing, payments, etc. all in one place make my business run so smoothly.
Online Photo Gallery
Pic-Time is my favorite gallery system. Use the code “3TDHG8” for a Free Month! (I’ll get one too)
I used Pass Gallery for a few years, and played around with Pixieset before deciding on Pic-Time. I think it has one of the best all around organization systems, print options, and quality customer experience.
* This page contains affiliate links. If you found this page helpful, I appreciate you using the links to support my business!
