Gear

Gear I use

I previously shot exclusively with Nikon gear for years, but after a notable wild country trip on assignment, I felt the weight of all of my gear affecting my back and my enjoyment of photography. After looking for a solution for a lighter photography kit that still provided excellent image quality, I settled on the Fujifilm X system. Everything in bag has been considered and optimized for a lightweight easily portable system that I will actually pick up and take with me every time I step out of the house.

Fujifilm X-T3

There is a noticeable difference in autofocus and performance over the previous model. I thought about upgrading to the X-T4, but at the time wasn’t thinking about doing video and I prefer the LCD articulation for photography that this camera affords.

Fujifilm XF10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR

This lens has a 16-35mm equivalent focal range and is a staple for any landscape photographer. Admittedly, it gets used the least, but when the right composition calls for it, I’d be lost without it.

Fujifilm XF18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS

Not your average “kit lens”. The Fujifilm 18-55mm (27-80mm equiv) is a fantastic do-everything lens.

Fujifilm XF50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR

Over the past several years, I’ve found myself moving from ultra-wide to telephoto compositions. This was my first red-badge Fujifilm lens and you can see the huge jump in quality over the other telephotos I have used. I love that this is an internally focusing lens, and wish Fujifilm made more IF lens options.

Fujifilm XF56mm f/1.2 R

My favorite lens and favorite focal length. Having a roughly 85mm equivalent focal range, this lens produces amazing images with beautiful bokeh and color.

Fujifilm XF35mm f/2 R WR

I was not a huge fan of the look of the “Fujicrons” - the f/2 line of lenses released by Fujifilm - but after buying it, I fell in love with the size and quality of these lenses.

Sony RX100 V

After losing (or destroying) two Canon G7X cameras, I decided to give Sony a try. I believe I like the color science out of the Canon better, but for overall value and performance, nothing beats this line of cameras from Sony.

GoPro Hero 11

I can’t remember how many GoPros I have bought… and then sold. And bought again… and sold again. This one, however, is a keeper. The image quality out of this little camera is incredible. Rugged, versatile, weatherproof… what’s not to love?

DJI Action 2

DJI Action 2

An incredibly small action camera that can be worn or tucked into the smallest nooks and crannies. The image quality is not quite up to the GoPro Hero 11, but it’s still quite good. And it’s versatility makes up for any difference in image quality.

Insta360 X3

This is a fairly new one for me and I am still trying to figure out how to edit the captured video in a compelling result, but the video this captures is pretty amazing. I intend to use this to at very least document my travels.

DJI Mini 3 Pro

After my last drone took a swim (oops), I was without for a long while. When I decided to finally replace it, this drone was released. I think it’s the perfect size for travel and so far have been very impressed by the image quality.

DJI Wireless Mic

I’m not a huge audiophile, but I know how important audio is to any video content. I did a ton of research and eventually landed on these which are an incredible value for the dollars spent. The build quality and the audio quality so far are more than I expected.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6

While my iPhone 14 Pro has amazing stabilization and takes incredible quality videos for it’s size, nothing beats the stabilization you can get from a dedicated gimbal.

Peak Design Capture Clip

When on a longer hike with my full backpack, this allows me to keep my camera out and ready for whatever may pop-up.

Davis & Sanford TR654C-36 Traverse Carbon Fiber 4 Section Grounder Tripod

This is my primary tripod. Small when collapsed, this fits in well with my aims of keeping my pack light and small.

Induro CT-313 8X Carbon Tripod 3 Section

When weight doesn’t matter, there’s nothing that beats my Induro. After fighting with a number of other brands for years, I found Induro to be a welcome surprise. Great build quality; great value for the price.

Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod

On urban trips or when carrying my smallest pack, this thing comes in handy so much I have three of them. Also great when using smaller cameras like the Sony RX100.

NISI Filters

Shooting RAW means that filters are rarely necessary, so I carry only the necessary - a polarizer, a 6-stop and 10-stop ND, etc.

Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap CF-2

Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap CF-2

Great for walking around town or whenever I want my camera in hand most of the time.

Peak Design Leash Camera Strap

This is so nice and thin. It compliments the size of the X-line of Fujifilm cameras so well.

Peak Design Everyday Sling 3L

Peak Design Everyday Sling 3L

This is my grab and go bag. Big enough for my Fujifilm X-T2 with lens, a second lens, batteries, and a few other accessories - this forces me to keep it simple.

Think Tank Photo Turnstyle 20

This bag carries most of my kit above (minus the Sony RX100).

Think Tank Trifecta 10

A very small 10L bag that carries all of my kit, including the NISI filters. I take this for longer hikes or more dedicated trips. This one bag (with very creative packing) got me through a week in Great Britian once. Just this one 10L bag.