Here is a list I came up with of the top 10 items I use the most for my photography!
Contents
1. Camera
2. Lens
3. Drone
4. Camera Bag
5. Tripod
6. ND Filter
9. Memory Card
10. Wrist Strap
I've used 4 different cameras since starting photography in 2016 and in July 2020, I upgraded to the Sony a7iii. It was a great decision.
Alternate Choice
If you're looking for an entry-level camera, I highly recommend the Sony a6300 or the Sony a6000 as excellent cameras for an introduction to mirrorless.
Sony a7iii
I have always loved using an all-in-one lens. The Tamron 28-200mm lens was released right around the time I bought my camera and I knew it was the one I wanted. This lens has a range that allows me to only carry 1 lens 95% of the time.
Tamron 28-200mm Lens
This definitely isn't the newest DJI drone on the market, but the DJI Mavic Air has been awesome for me. I don't fly a ton, but for the amount I fly, I can count on this drone to be reliable and produce solid images.
​
If I were to upgrade, I would stick with a similar sized and priced drone and go with the DJI Mavic Mini 2.
DJI Mavic Air
I love the Incase DSLR Pro Pack camera bag for my needs. I have never seen anyone else with this bag, and I just don't know why. This thing is absolutely perfect. It fits my camera, an extra lens, my drone, drone controller, drone charger, drone batteries, filters, and has a spot for a tripod. It has the perfect number of extra pockets. It can fit a 15" laptop, a tablet/iPad. I will not go on an airplane without this bag. It also is perfect as a "personal item" for travel, as it does fit under the seat.
Incase DSLR Pro Pack
I have owned the Zomei Tripod since 2017 and have been very happy with it. It's lightweight and compact enough that I can bring it with me when I travel and on hikes and has a 360 ballhead. Even with it's light weight, it's plenty sturdy for the full frame camera and all-on-one lens.
​
If money wasn't a factor, I would probably go for the Peak Design Travel Tripod.
Zomei Carbon Fiber Q666C Tripod
When it comes to bang for your buck, I have found nothing Zomei filters are the best. These filters are very affordable and are real glass filters. I prefer variable filters due to the ease of not having to carry as many filters. I have bought Zomei ND filters for every lens I've ever had. Also, I once bought one of their filters and it was loose. Their customer service was great and sent me a new one, no questions asked.
​
The next best bang for your buck, which I have purchased once (because Zomei didn't have the size I needed available) was from K&F Concepts.
Zomei Variable ND Filter
I will not go anywhere without an extra camera battery. This battery is specific for my camera, but it's so important to always carry an extra battery. I once had my camera turn on inside my bag and when I pulled it out the battery was dead. I was thankful to have an extra. And when it comes to batteries, I will never recommend getting a third-party. They are never as good. Spend the money and get the brand-name battery that matches your camera. The model number of the battery should be listed on the battery itself.
Sony NPFZ100 Rechargeable Battery
Having a remote can be very useful for several things, especially long exposure photography and for selfies! This Foto&Tech Remote is specifically for Sony cameras, so if you don't have a Sony camera, find one that is specific for your camera. This is a very basic remote with a range of about 30 feet. It's very affordable and works consistently.
​
At some point soon, I plan to upgrade to the Aodelan Wireless Remote to increase the range, to allow me to take "selfies" from much further away (range is rated at about 250 feet).
Foto&Tech IR Wireless Remote
I didn't realize the importance of a good quality memory card for a couple years, but it makes a significant difference. A few years ago, I was shooting astrophotography with my friend. We have the same camera, but I was using a slower memory card, not realizing the difference between cards. My friend was using the PNY card linked right here. After I took a photo, it would take about 30 seconds to process, before I could see it or take the next photo. His processed instantly. Get a good memory card.
PNY Elite-X Class 10 U3 Memory Card
I never liked using a neck strap. I took my chances on this VKO Wrist Strap from Amazon, and it's been awesome! If we're hiking, I usually throw this thing around my wrist and just hold my camera the entire way up. I like how this strap looks and it has shown nice since of wear and tear after 2 years of use.
VKO Wrist Strap
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission. Thank you!
Comments