WHAT'S IN THE CAMERA BAG?

Every piece of gear has to serve my photography. Only this determines what stays in the photo bag. If you like to photograph nature and perhaps you think about adding a new piece to your gear, you may find some thoughts on this site. I do not have benefits from any manufacturer of a product I recommend, but I try to help other photographers finding out what can help their own photography. Remember, equipment is only as good as the photographer behind it...

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   Highly recommended. It serves my style of photography and shooting habits the best.

★ ★ ★ ★   Very good piece of equipment. Small limitations prevent it to be rated with five stars. There might be a newer version or different product available that is better.

★ ★ ★   Good piece of photography gear. It might be an older piece of gear and a new and better version is available and known.

★ ★   It’s in my bag, it does the job, but there is a better solution out there. My experience with this piece of gear is not that great. I may look for replacement.

★   Not recommended! I’m not sure if you will ever find a one-star rating here. If a piece of gear doesn’t serve my photography, it will be replaced.

CAMERAS

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NIKON Z 6II Higher shooting speed, better autofocus, and built-in vibration reduction are some of the key points that lead to the purchase of this mirrorless camera in December 2021. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

NIKON Z 6II

Higher shooting speed, better autofocus, and built-in vibration reduction are some of the key points that lead to the purchase of this mirrorless camera in December 2021.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

NIKON D750 I switched to this full frame sensor camera in 2015, when it replaced a NIKON D300s. The D750 delivers very good results for landscape and wildlife photography. After the acquisition of the Z 6II it will remain in my bag as a second body

NIKON D750

I switched to this full frame sensor camera in 2015, when it replaced a NIKON D300s. The D750 delivers very good results for landscape and wildlife photography. After the acquisition of the Z 6II it will remain in my bag as a second body for fast access to another lens during field trips.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

LENSES

Featured
NIKON Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S My new walk-around and first Z lens for NIKON’s mirrorless system. It replaced the AF-S Nikkor 24-120 f/4 G ED VR. It is lightweight and has an impressive sharpness. The lens has a button-less retractable design that make

NIKON Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S

My new walk-around and first Z lens for NIKON’s mirrorless system. It replaced the AF-S Nikkor 24-120 f/4 G ED VR. It is lightweight and has an impressive sharpness. The lens has a button-less retractable design that makes it very compact and prevents zoom-creep while carrying it in the field.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

SIGMA 150-600mm / f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports A1 The workhorse for my wildlife photography. Professional built quality. Dust and splash-proof sealing. Has a zoom lock to prevent lens creep. Compatible with SIGMA USB-dock for user customization and adju

SIGMA 150-600mm / f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports A1

The workhorse for my wildlife photography. Professional built quality. Dust and splash-proof sealing. Has a zoom lock to prevent lens creep. Compatible with SIGMA USB-dock for user customization and adjustments via computer. I’m impressed about sharpness, bokeh, and color quality. The lens needs good support because it is quite heavy, but with proper technique it can be handhold and delivers very good results.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

NIKON AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR This is my favorite for landscape photography. A wicked sharp lens. Highly recommended! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

NIKON AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

This is my favorite for landscape photography. A wicked sharp lens. Highly recommended!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

NIKON AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm, f/4G ED VR I have acquired this lens mainly for my landscape and travel photography, but its light weight makes it very versatile and I started using it for wildlife as well. Sharp and fast focus. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

NIKON AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm, f/4G ED VR

I have acquired this lens mainly for my landscape and travel photography, but its light weight makes it very versatile and I started using it for wildlife as well. Sharp and fast focus.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2 ZF T* This is a manual focus, auto-aperture lens. I use it mostly for landscape and travel photography. Superb sharpness, exceptional contrast and color rendition. The ultimate piece of glass for comparison of sharpness

Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2 ZF T*

This is a manual focus, auto-aperture lens. I use it mostly for landscape and travel photography. Superb sharpness, exceptional contrast and color rendition. The ultimate piece of glass for comparison of sharpness with other lenses.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

SIGMA 150mm f/2.8 APO MACRO DG HSM Macro lens with true 1:1 magnification. This is the older generation without optical stabilization. Sharpness is very good but focus seems a little slow sometimes. The newer generation might be different. I use it

SIGMA 150mm f/2.8 APO MACRO DG HSM

Macro lens with true 1:1 magnification. This is the older generation without optical stabilization. Sharpness is very good but focus seems a little slow sometimes. The newer generation might be different. I use it in my wildlife, landscape, and occasionally for concert photography.

★ ★ ★ ★

SIGMA APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG In combination with the Sigma 150-600 it results in an effective focal length of 850 mm and maximum aperture at f/9. In sufficient light and with good contrast autofocus still works on the NIKON D750 with the tele

SIGMA APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG

In combination with the Sigma 150-600 it results in an effective focal length of 850 mm and maximum aperture at f/9. In sufficient light and with good contrast autofocus still works on the NIKON D750 with the teleconverter attached.

January 2022: I can confirm that autofocus also works on the NIKON Z 6II with the NIKON FTZ lens adapter.

★ ★ ★ ★

CAMERA SUPPORT

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INDURO GIT 404XL Grand Series 4 Stealth Carbon Fiber tripod With the INDURO GHB2 gimbal head on top this a rock solid solution to support any camera with a long lens attached. You can spend about twice as much money on other brands but I don’t thin

INDURO GIT 404XL Grand Series 4 Stealth Carbon Fiber tripod

With the INDURO GHB2 gimbal head on top this a rock solid solution to support any camera with a long lens attached. You can spend about twice as much money on other brands but I don’t think it will buy you better support and quality than what you can get with this tripod and gimbal head for wildlife photography.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

GITZO tripod GT2931 Basalt My first “real” tripod that I used for almost everything for many years. It was a little too short for wildlife photography with a gimbal head attached. After finding another solution for wildlife photography I modified t

GITZO tripod GT2931 Basalt

My first “real” tripod that I used for almost everything for many years. It was a little too short for wildlife photography with a gimbal head attached. After finding another solution for wildlife photography I modified this one by removing the center column. It is now still high enough for landscape photography or any indoor shooting, and light enough to take it on a hike into the mountains.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

INDURO GHB2 gimbal head This gimbal head has it all to support a heavy and long lens in combination with a good tripod. It allows smooth panning and tilting, and the control knobs are big enough to adjust tightness of movement even with bigger glov

INDURO GHB2 gimbal head

This gimbal head has it all to support a heavy and long lens in combination with a good tripod. It allows smooth panning and tilting, and the control knobs are big enough to adjust tightness of movement even with bigger gloves very subtle. The quality of the GHB2 is outstanding and if you are in the market for a gimbal head, don’t settle for less. This piece of equipment is worth every penny!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

REALLY RIGHT STUFF Ball head BH-55 I leave this heavy-duty piece always mounted to an extra INDURO MFP45 flat plate. This allows me to switch extremely fast from shooting with the gimbal head (wildlife) to the ball head (landscape) and back, if a s

REALLY RIGHT STUFF Ball head BH-55

I leave this heavy-duty piece always mounted to an extra INDURO MFP45 flat plate. This allows me to switch extremely fast from shooting with the gimbal head (wildlife) to the ball head (landscape) and back, if a situation out in nature requires it. The BH-55 is built like a tank and can hold even the heavy SIGMA 150-600 safely in position. The lever-release clamp makes setting up tripod and camera very fast.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

KIRK Ball head BH-3 This is a rock solid piece of equipment to support the camera on a tripod. Well built, high quality, and it never failed in all the years I had it. It is much lighter than the RRS BH-55 and is mostly used on the lighter GITZO tr

KIRK Ball head BH-3

This is a rock solid piece of equipment to support the camera on a tripod. Well built, high quality, and it never failed in all the years I had it. It is much lighter than the RRS BH-55 and is mostly used on the lighter GITZO tripod or on a ground pod during hiking or walking trips.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

L-Brackets I use L-brackets for my cameras and leave them on most of the time, enabling the quick use on a tripod in either horizontal or vertical position. Nikon Z 6II: Sunwayfoto PNLO-Z6II, This one has everything the $80-135 more expensive bran

L-Brackets

I use L-brackets for my cameras and leave them on most of the time, enabling the quick use on a tripod in either horizontal or vertical position.

Nikon Z 6II: Sunwayfoto PNLO-Z6II, This one has everything the $80-135 more expensive brand name products have, plus built in 3-axis bubble levels. Any questions? ;-)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Nikon D750: Modified KIRK L-bracket from the long gone Nikon D200 camera. It still works and was actually a lot more expensive than the PNLO-Z6II …

★ ★ ★

Ground pod (Do-It-Yourself item) A useful tool when carrying a tripod is not an option, like in restricted areas, or when you prefer to travel “light” and still keep the possibility to shoot with long exposure. I use the ground pod with my Kirk BH-

Ground pod (Do-It-Yourself item)

A useful tool when carrying a tripod is not an option, like in restricted areas, or when you prefer to travel “light” and still keep the possibility to shoot with long exposure. I use the ground pod with my Kirk BH-3 ball head. There are some very fancy products in the market and some of them cost a fortune. This simple home made solution provides good support for camera and lens and cost only a few pennies.

LIGHTING

Featured
NIKON Speedlight SB-800 When I started with digital photography all the pros shot with this speedlight. Newer models are available now but this one has everything a serious amateur or photo enthusiast can ask for. If you find a good, inexpensive us

NIKON Speedlight SB-800

When I started with digital photography all the pros shot with this speedlight. Newer models are available now but this one has everything a serious amateur or photo enthusiast can ask for. If you find a good, inexpensive used one somewhere, go for it, it will serve you well.

★ ★ ★ ★

NIKON Speedlight SB-600 Not far behind the SB-800. Has a few features less. Still in my bag, especially if I want to shoot with two flash lights. ★ ★ ★

NIKON Speedlight SB-600

Not far behind the SB-800. Has a few features less. Still in my bag, especially if I want to shoot with two flash lights.

★ ★ ★

MAGMOD MagBeam flash extender This is an important accessory for my bird photography. It helps to bring out the colors in situations where the available light is just not sufficient or very dull and I also use it to extend the depth of field.★ ★ ★

MAGMOD MagBeam flash extender

This is an important accessory for my bird photography. It helps to bring out the colors in situations where the available light is just not sufficient or very dull and I also use it to extend the depth of field.★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I have written about his flash extender more detailed in a blog post:

http://www.exnerimages.net/blog/2017/3/30/gear-talk-magmod-magbeam-wildlife-kit

Flash bracket (Do-It-Yourself item) The flash bracket of my dreams costs about $350 here in the United States 😆, but as a machine builder by trade I like to tinker with metal and just built my own one for less than $40…. This is “Generation II” an

Flash bracket (Do-It-Yourself item)

The flash bracket of my dreams costs about $350 here in the United States 😆, but as a machine builder by trade I like to tinker with metal and just built my own one for less than $40…. This is “Generation II” and new ideas are already in my head…😊

I use the flash in wildlife photography mostly to boost colors. This flash bracket allows to turn the camera 90 degree from landscape to portrait orientation while the speed light still stays in the same position.

Viltrox RB08 Bicolor LED Light This small LED light has a color temperature range between 2500K and 8500K and is dimmable between 10% and 100%. I use it for detail shots in nature photography, like mushrooms or blossoms (see an example by clicking

Viltrox RB08 Bicolor LED Light

This small LED light has a color temperature range between 2500K and 8500K and is dimmable between 10% and 100%. I use it for detail shots in nature photography, like mushrooms or blossoms (see an example by clicking HERE ), or for work related video recordings.

★ ★ ★ ★

Mini Soft Box (Do-It-Yourself item) Building this small soft box that can be easily attached to a flash light was another Do-It-Yourself project. I use it in my “backyard studio” for bird photography or for projects like this collection about phot

Mini Soft Box (Do-It-Yourself item)

Building this small soft box that can be easily attached to a flash light was another Do-It-Yourself project. I use it in my “backyard studio” for bird photography or for projects like this collection about photography gear.

ACCESSORIES

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Filters - Clear glass All of my lenses are protected with a clear glass front filter. I know there is an endless discussion on the internet whether this will degrade your image quality, due to an additional piece of glass between the camera sensor

Filters - Clear glass

All of my lenses are protected with a clear glass front filter. I know there is an endless discussion on the internet whether this will degrade your image quality, due to an additional piece of glass between the camera sensor and your subject, or not. I have to work hard for any piece of equipment I add to the bag and rather spend a few bucks for a new filter than bemoaning the damage of the optics at an expensive lens. As a wildlife and landscape photographer you don’t get your best shots by standing in a parking lot, thats all what I can say…😉 I prefer clear glass filters from German brand B+W (Schneider Optics), ★ ★ ★ ★ ★, because just the way they are built, but also like and use TIFFEN filters. ★ ★ ★ ★

Filters - Polarizer

Important for my landscape photography to take out glare or sometimes to blur water at a waterfall. I don’t use them much to improve the color of the sky. I use 77 mm, 72 mm, 58 mm B+W F-PRO and cover the 67 mm lens thread on the Nikkor 70-200 with a 67/77 step-up ring. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Filters - Neutral Density

The neutral performance of the X4 ND and GND filters from Breakthrough Photography is truly fantastic and I haven’t seen a filter related color cast yet. I love Breakthrough’s sense for detail, like the color coding on their filter pouches or a cleaning cloth in every piece they send out. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This is what I use so far:

X100 filter holder

100 mm square X4 ND 10-stop

100x150 mm square X4 GND 2-stop soft

100x150 mm square X4 GND 4-stop soft

Adapter rings for 72 mm and 77 mm lens threads

77 mm round X4 ND 6-stop

Camera batteries During all the years, using first the NIKON D200, later D300s, D750, and now the Z 6II, I have used original NIKON batteries, as well third party products, like Impact, Pearstone, or Watson. To be honest, I have not found any signi

Camera batteries

During all the years, using first the NIKON D200, later D300s, D750, and now the Z 6II, I have used original NIKON batteries, as well third party products, like Impact, Pearstone, or Watson. To be honest, I have not found any significant difference in performance between any of them. My tip for adding more batteries to your bag, buy the less expensive third-party brand and call it a day…

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Flash batteries

I use rechargeable Ni-MH batteries from Watson and eneloop. Both brands served me very well in the past.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Memory cards I may not follow always the advice of photography professionals about what accessories to buy or to use, because some are cost prohibitive for me. When it comes to storage of my images I do what the pros recommend, buy name brands with

Memory cards

I may not follow always the advice of photography professionals about what accessories to buy or to use, because some are cost prohibitive for me. When it comes to storage of my images I do what the pros recommend, buy name brands with a good reputation. There is nothing worse than loosing a set of photos because the memory card has failed.

I use SanDisc or Lexar cards. Both brands have served me without any glitch since 2007.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

MIOPS Camera trigger This device provides a versatile way to capture photos using lightning, sound, or laser to trigger the camera or flash. It features different modes of operation with adjustable sensitivity depending on a given shooting situatio

MIOPS Camera trigger

This device provides a versatile way to capture photos using lightning, sound, or laser to trigger the camera or flash. It features different modes of operation with adjustable sensitivity depending on a given shooting situation. I acquired it mainly for landscape photography that includes lightning. As I write this the MIOPS is still relatively new in my bag and more experience needs to be gained before a star rating will be issued.

HOODMAN loupe If you ask me, what is an essential piece of accessories in my gear bag for DSLR cameras, I would always answer, this one is the #1! I do not like to shoot with my reading glasses on, but the loupe helps to evaluate sharpness of a pic

HOODMAN loupe

If you ask me, what is an essential piece of accessories in my gear bag for DSLR cameras, I would always answer, this one is the #1! I do not like to shoot with my reading glasses on, but the loupe helps to evaluate sharpness of a picture or make adjustments in the menu on the screen at the back of the camera. With the new mirrorless Z 6II I don’t employ the HOODMAN loupe at all. By using the electronic viewfinder for evaluation or settings under any light conditions the need for the loupe or my glasses is drastically reduced.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

GIOTTOS Rocket Blaster Dust-Removal Tool Always in the bag. A built in one-way valve prevents dust from redistribution while cleaning a lens or the sensor. A simple solution to keep dust away from the equipment.  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

GIOTTOS Rocket Blaster Dust-Removal Tool

Always in the bag. A built in one-way valve prevents dust from redistribution while cleaning a lens or the sensor. A simple solution to keep dust away from the equipment. 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

UPstrap Sure-grip shoulder strap Double-sided non-slip strap that stays on the shoulder even with a heavier camera / lens combo. ★ ★ ★ ★ Peak Design AL-4 Anchor Links I have a set on each camera. The anchor links allow to detach the shoulder str

UPstrap Sure-grip shoulder strap

Double-sided non-slip strap that stays on the shoulder even with a heavier camera / lens combo.

★ ★ ★ ★

Peak Design AL-4 Anchor Links

I have a set on each camera. The anchor links allow to detach the shoulder strap within seconds, so it doesn’t dangle around while shooting wildlife with the long lens and scare off birds or critters in a decisive moment.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

BLACKRAPID SPORT Camera sling strap I use this strap mostly for short hikes or longer shooting sessions while handholding the SIGMA 150-600 Sports lens. The design allows to carry the heavy camera / lens combo very comfortable and secure. You also

BLACKRAPID SPORT Camera sling strap

I use this strap mostly for short hikes or longer shooting sessions while handholding the SIGMA 150-600 Sports lens. The design allows to carry the heavy camera / lens combo very comfortable and secure. You also can shoot with one camera from a tripod and a second body can hang right next to you and is easily accessible if necessary.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Moose Peterson MP-3 V.2 Backpack (by MindShift Gear) I can’t rave enough about this backpack. It is a high quality bag and is made for extreme weather conditions and critical environments. The backpack has lots of great details, like self-closing c

Moose Peterson MP-3 V.2 Backpack (by MindShift Gear)

I can’t rave enough about this backpack. It is a high quality bag and is made for extreme weather conditions and critical environments. The backpack has lots of great details, like self-closing compartment flaps, and you can tell that many design ideas came from one of the best and experienced wildlife photographers, Moose Peterson.

It is available in three different sizes. The MP-3 is tall enough to hold the camera with the Sigma 150-600 lens attached and the lens hood mounted, ready to shoot.

After 18 months of using and testing the MP-3 V.2 I have written an article about my experience with this backpack: 

http://www.exnerimages.net/blog/2018/2/10/gear-talk-mindshift-moose-peterson-backpack-series-mp-3-v2

Moose Peterson MP-7 V.2 Backpack (by MindShift Gear)

I bought the smaller and lighter MP-7 version for a bargain price shortly after production of this incredible backpack was discontinued and use it for hikes and excursions in the great outdoors. It still is capable to carry the camera with the long lens and detached lens hood. It has all the design and weather protection features like its bigger sibling. I love both of them!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

ONA messenger-style shoulder bag THE UNION STREET This cool shoulder bag looks rotten and elegant at the same time. It doesn’t necessarily call “steal me” because it is made out of waxed canvas and doesn’t look at all like a photo bag full of expen

ONA messenger-style shoulder bag THE UNION STREET

This cool shoulder bag looks rotten and elegant at the same time. It doesn’t necessarily call “steal me” because it is made out of waxed canvas and doesn’t look at all like a photo bag full of expensive gear. The design and quality of this photo bag is outstanding. The gear is well protected against bumps, weather, and dirt and is lined on the inside with protective padding. It fits my life style and photography habits perfectly.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Retired GEAR

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NIKON D300s This DX camera has served me very well for several years. As of 2022 it is still in usable condition and can be employed as a backup body if necessary. ★ ★ ★ ★

NIKON D300s

This DX camera has served me very well for several years. As of 2022 it is still in usable condition and can be employed as a backup body if necessary.

★ ★ ★ ★

NIKON AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR This was my walk-around lens for over ten years and many different occasions. The lens is sharp. The only thing I always disliked was the lens creep that occurs easily if you carry the lens with the front eleme

NIKON AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

This was my walk-around lens for over ten years and many different occasions. The lens is sharp. The only thing I always disliked was the lens creep that occurs easily if you carry the lens with the front element pointed down. I traded this piece of glass in for the Z 24 - 70, f/4 S when I switched to a mirrorless camera.

★ ★ ★ ★

Better Beamer Flash Extender This was an important accessory for my bird photography. It helps to bring out the colors in situations where the available light is just not sufficient or very dull. I have replaced it with the MAGMOD MagBeam. You can

Better Beamer Flash Extender

This was an important accessory for my bird photography. It helps to bring out the colors in situations where the available light is just not sufficient or very dull. I have replaced it with the MAGMOD MagBeam. You can find the reasons for the change by clicking the link:

http://www.exnerimages.net/blog/2017/3/30/gear-talk-magmod-magbeam-wildlife-kit

I still recommend this flash extender for people that are on a budget and use flash fill only occasionally.

★ ★ ★