When I’m heading out to shoot on the street or for a quick newspaper shoot I want to be as light as possible. I don’t want to lug around a 30 pound camera bag if I’m going to be out all day running around New York City. With that in mind, I still want to have two cameras and two lenses just in case something happens to my primary body and lens. I was never a Boy Scout but we share the same rule... “Always be prepared”.
Depending on the conditions this is the kit I bring with me...
Sony α7 II and ZEISS 55mm 1.8: I use the Sony α7 II as my main camera. I usually pair it with a ZEISS 55mm 1.8 lens. I love the stabilization the camera body offers and the ZEISS lens is incredibly sharp. With this combination I can make beautiful portraits but I can also shoot overalls and details.
* If its dark out or I’m going into a very dark situation I won’t bring the α7 II. I’ll sub it out for a Sony α7S. The α7S is my go to for video work, but in low light situations it is amazing. I can shoot at 12,800 ISO and it looks like 400 used to look like on my old cameras. I really can’t believe that I can shoot in the dark with this thing! Its amazing.
Voightlander Ultron 28mm 2.0: I bring the Voightlander as a backup lens. I like to shoot manual and this lens is tiny and when you pair it with the Voightlander VME Close Focus Adapter you can get pretty close with the 28mm lens giving you a macro capability.
Sony RX100 III: This is my backup camera but you could really use it as a primary. It has a 1.8 aperture when it’s at 24mm and a viewfinder. I use it all the time. It is very small and quiet and when I’m in a situation where I need to be stealthy it’s perfect. The RX100 III also zooms to 70mm mechanically and even farther if you push it digitally.
Pelican SD Card Holder: Its waterproof and shockproof. Enough said.
Leatherman Skeletool: I always bring a tool when I’m shooting. You never know what you’re going to need a screwdriver, pliers or a knife for. The Skeletool is small and it has everything I usually need when I’m working. It also has a clip so it can be attached to your belt or to a camera or bag strap. Oh yeah, and there is a bottle opener for when the job is done.
Domke Bag F5XB bag: I’ve always liked Domke canvas bags. They don’t cost that much and they last forever. As far as camera bags go, this one is pretty small. It even doubles as a belt bag, though I think you look kinda silly with it attached to your belt.
