I get asked what I have in my camera bag often.
People see me toting about a big backpack and my DSLR shooting and they wonder what I use, what do I need? Well any photographer has a surefire set of gear they have to have. Here is mine:
My camera and extra batteries.
You can even go so far as to having a battery grip extender; they are amazing and have helped me on many shoots outdoors.
A prime lens.
You need a prime fixed lens, usually about 50mm. Look for one with a large aperture range, some open up as wide as F/1.4!
A mid-range lens.
Getting the shot is important, and most things you will need to shoot will be within walking and average visible distance.
A zoom/telephoto lens.
Ok so I love shooting outdoors, and I am a sucker for big birds like hawks and eagles. To get pictures of these magnificent birds I need to carry a telephoto lens, usually one with a range up to 300mm at least
Specialty lenses.
These depend on your style, I keep a fish eye lens in my bag, but a tilt-shift lens would be great. Then again not everyone is into distortion and abstract photography.
Lens filters.
Put UV filters on all your lenses, period. Protect your glass, you paid for it. Circular polarizers are essential too, if it’s too bright you will need them.
Lens and camera cleaners.
I use lens pens, a microfiber cloth works well too. I avoid using liquid cleaner.
A tripod.
These can be affixed to the sides of most camera bags if they are appropriately sized. People need to stop shooting blurry images, use a tripod or practice handheld shooting techniques.
Extra memory cards.
You will run out of space at some point, I guarantee it.
A white card.
This is important to white balance your photos, don’t depend on auto white balance all the time, it isn’t 100% right.
Remote shutter controller.
Usually, these are inexpensive little shutter remotes to take images wirelessly and away from your camera. This can also help if your camera is on a tripod and you are doing a long exposure. This way you don’t shake your camera and blur it.
