What's In My Camera Bag 2024-25'

  

As a photographer, the gear I carry is essential to how I capture the spontaneous, real-life moments that unfold around me. Here’s a peek into what’s in my camera bag.

1. Camera Body (Sony A7iii)

  I prefer a lightweight and compact camera for street photography. My current go-to camera is the [Sony A7iii]. It’s small enough not to draw too much attention, but it packs a punch with impressive image quality, even in low light conditions it has been a workhorse.

2. Prime Lens (50mm)

  My favorite lens for street photography is the [Lens Model, e.g., 50mm f/1.8]. The 50mm focal length is perfect for capturing portrait scenes without distraction, and it allows me to get close to my subjects without being too intrusive. The fast aperture also helps create stunning background bokeh and performs beautifully in low-light situations.

3. Backup Lens (16mm or 85mm)

  I also carry wide prime, like the 16mm from Viltrox, for the versatility. This gives me more flexibility when I want to capture both wider street scenes in which I can later crop in tighter without switching lenses often.

4. Spare Batteries & Memory Cards

  Street photography can be unpredictable, and the last thing I want is for my gear to fail when the perfect shot presents itself. I always pack extra batteries and a handful of memory cards, just in case a session lasts longer than expected or I shoot more than planned.

5. Compact Flash or Reflector

  Though I prefer natural light, I keep a small reflector in my bag for those rare occasions when I want to bounce a bit of light onto a subject’s face. It’s lightweight and folds up, making it easy to carry without adding much bulk.

6. Lens Cloth and Blower

  Street photography can get gritty, especially with dirt or dust in the air. I always have a microfiber cloth and a lens blower on hand to keep my gear clean and ready to go at a moment’s notice.

7. ND Filter

  For sunny days or when I want to shoot with a wide aperture in bright conditions, I carry a neutral density (ND) filter. It helps control exposure without compromising the quality of my images, especially when shooting with shallow depth of field. I usually tend to keep this on my lens at all times.

8. Notebook or Smartphone

  I like to jot down quick notes or ideas that come to mind while shooting. Whether it’s documenting locations, sketching out potential shots, or noting down details of interesting subjects, a small notebook or my smartphone is always within reach.

9. Camera Stabilizer Or Tripod

  A comfortable, durable camera gimbal like my [Zhiyun Crane 2] is non-negotiable for long hours of shooting. I prefer something lightweight but secure, so I can easily move around without worrying about my camera slipping. Also, a well-made tripod could last your whole journey. 

10. Portable Power Bank

  In case my phone or any electronic accessories run low on battery, a small power bank ensures I stay powered up throughout the day. This is especially useful when navigating cities using maps or taking quick phone shots to complement my camera work.

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