PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR I USE FOR LANDSCAPE
One of the most common questions you ask me is: Which camera did you use for taking this photo? Below you can see the equipment that I use and helps me on my travels.
MAIN CAMERA:
Here are the main criteria:
42.4MP Full-Frame CMOS sensor
5-axis in-body image stabilization
4K (UHD) S-Log recording at 100Mbps, including Super 35mm
silent electronic shutter available
great low-light performance, ISO up to 102,400
lens versatility
My primary emphasis is landscape shooting suitable for large prints but it is not just awesome resolution. The a7R II offers amazing abilities in darker conditions and super dynamic range. This camera is compact and ideal for my travels. If you find the right adapter, Canon lenses function just as well on a7 II–series cameras as they do on native Canon dSLRs. I have shot with Canon for several years. Now I am completely in love with the Sony mirrorless systems and I truly believe to be the best system available for my travels. See below if you'd like to see what lenses and accessories I’m using with it.
LENSES:
The lens I use 80% of the time for landscape photography.
Sony camera and Canon lenses? Now you probably think I’m weird. For a long time, I’ve been using this lens and I literally fell in love with its features; this lens makes such an amazing sun star effect. Focusing with a converter is not the fastest, but I always have plenty of time for my landscapes. One of the best choices for landscape photography – brilliant sharpening and lightweight.
A telephoto lens for getting closer to far away from small and distant subjects.
Great lens for portraits and super sharp details in landscape.
An impressively sharp lens for close distance. Great at taking interesting details with f/1.4 aperture.
TYPICAL SETUP FOR LANDSCAPE:
Sony Alpha a7R II + Sigma MC-11 Converter + Canon EF 16-35mm f/4 L IS USM
I try to keep all my gear as light as possible, specifically for longer hiking treks. So for multi-day hikes, I will just take my Sony a7R II with Canon EF 16-35mm f/4 L IS USM, Hoya Filter CIR-PL HD, and travel Befree Advanced tripod.
I also used the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM several times and was full of amazement. Gradually, I will eventually replace all my old lenses to Sony GM lenses.
SECOND CAMERA:
My backup camera. Old body but still one of the best full-frame DSLRs for landscape astrophotography due to exceptionally clean and noise-free images of the Milky Way. It’s still Canon’s cheapest full-frame camera in production and I think it is an excellent camera if you are on a budget.
SMARTPHONE:
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
This smartphone has superb image quality with great dynamic range, impressive hardware, and many other features. I am most excited about the main 50 Mpx lens with an f/1.95 aperture.
TRIPOD:
Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Aluminum
Super small and light weight. I am using arca-swiss system with L-plate on my Sony Alpha a7R II. L-plate allows me for maximum flexibility for mounting camera. Still allowing access to the side panels and protecting the camera.
I look forward to the Travel Tripod by Peak Design - They spent 4 years redesigning the tripod from the ground and I can not wait to test it. They did an impressive versatile tripod is slim as a can of soda but big enough for real cameras.
BAGS:
Peak Design Travel Backpack Sage (45l) + Camera Cube M
I love the attention to precision and detail. This versatile backpack has a size of cabin baggage packed with features and useful tricks. Top, side, front and rear access via intuitively placed weatherproof zips.
Peak Design Tech Pouch and Wash Pouch
Superior organization, ease of access and well-thought-out design. Easily one of the most innovative tech pouches I’ve seen.
I use this backpack for multi-day and more challenging treks.
DRONE:
The perfect drone for backpacking a comparison of the DJI Phantom 4. I’ve been using the Mavic 2 Pro for a couple of months now and I'm absolutely excited. Here are the main criteria: 1” 20MP CMOS sensor, 31 minutes flight time, Dlog-M with 10-bit video, at a 100 mb/s bitrate.
EQUIPMENT THAT I USE FOR EDITING AND STORAGE:
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Touch Bar
Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage) is an intelligent storage device that will allow you to manage your data on your own server, stream your content on any device and access them anywhere at anytime you need! Sitting on my table is Synology NAS DS420+ together with HAT5300 8TB+ hard drives.
Read my detailed blog post and find out more about my Synology setup, special utilities, and my workflow! HERE is the link to the blog post.
FILTERS:
LEE Filters ND 0,9 Gradual Soft + Filter Holder
OTHER ACCESSORIES:
Sigma MC-11 Converter for Sony E-mount
L-plate for Sony Alpha a7II - I use L-plate for maximum flexibility and better ergonomy, the small camera feels perfect in the hand.
SanDisk Extreme SDXC, Class 10, U3, V30
YouPro YP-870 Wireless Remote Shutter Release
Most of my self-portraits were taken with this remote. The control supports single shooting, low speed and high-speed continuous shooting, Bulb shooting, delay shooting, and timing shooting. It works at distances up to 100 m.
SD Memory Card Carrying Case - Lightweight and compact 6 slots case.
Peak Design Capture Camera Clip - A very secure and convenient way to carry your camera. I always have instant access. It works with a GoPro too.
What is the best camera for photography beginners?
This is also a frequent and very challenging question. I’ve selected 3 cameras below that meet the main criteria, price, performance, and interchangeable lenses.
