My Gear

For anyone interested, here is all the camera gear I use for photography. If you purchase anything on this page, I may get a small commission. Thanks for all your support!

Cameras

Sony a6700

My camera gear mostly revolves around weight and size. I constantly buy and sell cameras, but currently, I use the full-frame Sony A7C, ZV-E1, Sony a6700 camera bodies.  I also own the DJI Mavic Mini 2 and use my iPhone when my larger cameras aren’t around.

The Sony Alpha a6700 is a versatile mirrorless camera featuring a 26 megapixel APS-C sensor, advanced autofocus system, 4K video recording, and in-body image stabilization.

I’ve gone through a number of cameras. I started with the Nikon D100 back in 2002. I also used the Nikon D800e and switched to the A7rii in 2016. I’ve bought and sold the A7iii, and A7riii. They’re great cameras, but the ZV-E1 and A6700 are lighter and more powerful for both photo and video.

I also used the Sony A7iv for a couple years. It was my main camera for almost everything unless I was traveling light.

Wide Angle

Believe it or not, wide angle is actually my least favorite lens, except for astrophotography. I currently own the Sony 24mm 1.4 gm and 20mm 1.8 G lens. Both lenses are superb for both image quality and coma for astrophotography. I also use them both for video. The 20mm is great for vlogging and the 24mm 1.4 is used when I need low light. I also use the 24 1.4 in super 35 mode for most of my talking headshots.

Sony 24mm 1.4

I’ve primarily stayed with Sony, but I also use the Tamron 17-35 2.8 adapted with the mc-11 adapter. I mostly use the lens for astrophotography with the move shoot move. As a star-tracking lens this on of my favorite, because it has better coma performance than any other lens I’ve used. Read my astrophotography review on it here.

General Purpose Zoom

At the moment, most of my lenses are prime lenses.  I have only one general-purpose zoom:  the Sony 24-105 f4.  I’ve had this lens forever, and I’ve thought about using the 28-200 in its place, but I’m not willing to give up the optical image stabilization for video. The 24-105 is a versatile lens for almost anything I do with landscape photography. I’ve also used it for wedding photography and video work.

Portraits

I actually don’t use a standard 50mm lens. For portraits and anything over 35mm, I use the 85mm 1.8. This lens is incredibly sharp and inexpensive. I use it for product shots and b-roll footage. It’s also a great lens to isolate a subject from the background.

If I could add another telephoto lens to my wish list, it would be the new Sony 70-200 2.8 ii. I wrote an article on why I think it’s the ultimate lens here. I wrote another article comparing it with the Sony 100-400 here. If I could afford it, it would live on my camera.

Telephoto

I also shoot with the Tamron 50-400mm. It’s my main camera for landscapes and wildlife. It’s fast, sharp, and light. With the a6700 it becomes a 100-600mm lens. I’ve always wanted the Sony 200-600, but the weight has always put me off. When I picked up the Tamron 50-400, I was sold.

The fact that I can get the same reach with my a6700 makes this lens a huge win without the extra cost and weight.

Macro

I don’t yet have a macro lens because I use extension tubes. Most of my lenses can get close to a subject, and when I need to get closer, I use extension tubes. They’re affordable ($30), and I really don’t do enough macro photography to justify the cost of a dedicated lens. 

Camera bag

In general, I don’t like to carry a lot of camera gear, and I’ve mostly solved this problem with the size of my camera bag. I actually have 2 bags. Most of the time, I use the peak design 5L sling.

This bag is outdated, but it does everything I need, and it’s the fastest way to take photos without unpacking gear. I’ve used it at weddings with the capture clip, so I’m able to shoot with two camera bodies. The sling is awesome because you can have a camera and 2-3 lenses inside and a camera with an additional lens on the outside with a capture clip.

If I’m doing a hiking trip or need more gear, I use my osprey stratus backpack. It’s lighter than any other camera bag and it has a back frame, so you don’t sweat when hiking. I’ve used this bag for running and biking. I can use the capture clip over the straps, and I keep a padded camera bag inside to keep my gear protected.

Tripod

Best tripod in 2023

I still love and use the peak design tripod for everything. The size and portability is why I haven’t found a better tripod. Read why it’s the best tripod for people who don’t like tripods.

Astrophotography

Red Rock Canyon Night Sky

Accessories

Sony camera remote