GEAR
Even as an extreme beginner taking pictures a couple years ago I knew I wanted a camera that could produce high-quality RAW photos. I had spoken to some professionals and I knew I wanted a really high dynamic range even if I had no idea how to post-process yet. I was about to do some traveling and I did not want to waste exposures with a beginner level camera. With a camera like this I could focus on focus, composition and exposure and down the road worry about manipulating the RAW files to create a truly great final result.
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Starting off with a decent eye for composition, I'm glad I didn't waste money on a less powerful 'beginner' camera that I would have been ready to sell or return immediately. This one will keep me happy for quite a while. This photo above is the latest model, the Mark III. I am still extremely happy with my Mark II.
The mirrorless body also means that it travels better than its DSLR counterparts if you are the jet-setting type.
Lenses
Sony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T FE OSS Interchangeable Full Frame Zoom Lens
Again, I travel a lot and I wanted a zoom lens that would be able to handle slightly wider angles but could still get me closer to faraway objects. After what turned into several weeks of lens research I wound up with a Sony Zeiss 24-70 variable zoom F4. Zero regrets. There is a rare occasion when I would love to have a 70-300 to get real close or really fill the frame, and that very well may be my next purchase, but I neither want to spend the money nor carry a larger lens around. Not yet anyway. Plus with the RAW resolution of this body, I can zoom and crop in post and still achieve a great level of detail. This is the perfect range lens if you are looking for a perfect combination of quality and versatility.
Stability
K&F Concept 62'' Tripod
This tripod is solid, sturdy and fairly light. The ball head and quick release plate make it insanely efficient and easy to use. It folds down to 16" which is shorter than most tripods that extend to its 62" height. Again, another travel friendly accessory.
Fotopro UFO2 Set Tripod
I traveled for 4 months abroad using only this as a tripod. Given, I was not traveling for the sole purpose of shooting, I honestly did not miss having a larger tripod. I could strap this to the outside of my backpack and just leave it there and grab it when I needed to take a long exposure.
JOBY GorillaPod 5KG
This is a heavier duty flexible tripod for your heavier DSLR bodies and larger lenses. It also holds up against the wind a bit better than the bouncier rubbery legs of the Fotopro flexible tripod above.
Mounts
Peak Design Capture Camera Clip
If you are going to be bouncing around and want to be ready for a shot anytime, you need one of these. It keeps your camera out of the way and with the push of button it’s in your hands. Mounts to any backpack strap or anything else up to 2.5" wide. Saved me some serious time fumbling around with equipment, digging into bags or wrapping an uncomfortable strap around my neck.
Aerial
DJI Mavic Air Fly More Bundle
Another piece of equipment built for the jet setter, the DJI Mavic air is an impressive little machine. I can fit the thing into a shoe and take it out and capture absolutely stunning photos and videos. With a battery life of 15-20 min, the spares are a must with this thing. I also grabbed a polar pro filter kit so I didn’t waste any footage blowing out skies flying into the sun etc…
Cinema Filter Kit for Mavic Air
I knew if I was committing to a $1,000 drone, I would be committing to the filters needed to capture great video and photos and pull the most out of the dynamic range of the tiny but powerful on-board camera.
Adobe Creative Cloud
I use the Adobe Creative Cloud every day. Whether applying filters and touch ups in Lightroom or making some edits in Photoshop, this cloud-based editing software does it all and backs everything up for you.