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My current top 5 cameras and the lenses, bags, and accessories I use.
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items Gear does matter to me, but I am not a camera collector. These are the cameras and gear I use for work and play.
Sections
5
Canon 90D and R6ii with Lenses
Lumix G9ii and OM-5ii with Lenses
OM TG-7 Tough Camera
Necessary photography accessories, bags, and comfort wear.
Photography Books
Canon 90D and R6ii with Lenses
The Canon 90D and R6ii can share lenses. The Canon 90D adds a 1.6x crop factor to the focal length when using EF and EF-S lenses. The 90D can’t use RF and RF-S lenses. The R6ii adds a 1.6x crop factor to the focal length when using EF-S and RF-S lens...
Superb in low light and has good video specs. Buy the R6 Mark 3 if you need advanced video options.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera with 24-105mm f/4 Lens
Canon R6ii Screen Protector. I always protect my screens. Regret doesn't prevent accidents.
SmallRig Screen Protector for Canon R6
Buy Canon to ensure dust and water resistance and compatibility when using EF and EF-S lenses with EOS R cameras.
Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R
Always carry a spare camera battery.
SmallRig LP-E6NH Kit with 2 Batteries and 2-Bay USB Charger
A DSLR bargain when bought used, especially with used lenses.
Canon EOS 90D
Canon 90D Screen Protector. I always protect my screens. Regret doesn't prevent accidents.
ULBTER Screen Protector for Canon EOS 90D 80D 70D 77D [3+2 Pack]
Buy used for Canon DSLR's. Also compatible with Canon mirrorless cameras with an EF-RF Adapter (Adapter not included). Buy a Canon 77mm Protector Filter to weather-seal this lens. On the Canon 90D, because of the x1.6 crop factor, the 16-35mm lens is...
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4 L IS USM
Use to weather-seal the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4 L IS USM. Other lenses may need a different size.
Canon 77mm Protector Filter
Buy used for Canon DSLR's. Also compatible with Canon mirrorless cameras with an EF-RF Adapter (Adapter not included). On the Canon 90D, because of the x1.6 crop factor, the 24-105mm lens is a 38.5-168mm full-frame equivalent.
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
A super-sharp 35mm weather-sealed prime lens. On the Canon 90D, because of the x1.6 crop factor, the 35mm lens is a 56mm full-frame equivalent.
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Because of a x1.6 crop factor, the EF-S 24mm is a 38.4mm full-frame equivalent. I love shooting with this focal length. But without stabilization, it is best to use shutter-speed priority. Not weather-sealed.
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM
Because of a x1.6 crop factor, the EF-S 10-18mm is a 18-28.8mm full-frame equivalent. It's an excellent lightweight wide-angle zoom, but it isn't weather-sealed.
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
Lumix G9ii and OM-5ii with Lenses
Micro Four Thirds cameras lenses are all compatible, but some features are limited to the same brand and certain models.
The G9ii is my main workhorse for photo and video.
Panasonic LUMIX G9 II Mirrorless Camera
Lumix g9ii batteries. Always carry a spare camera battery.
Neewer DMW-BLK22 Replacement Battery and Charger Set
Lumix G9ii Screen Protector. I always protect my screens. Regret doesn't prevent accidents.
Macolink Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 G8 G7 GX7 III LX10 FZ300 Ricoh GR III (2 Pack)
The OM 5 travels with me when size and weight are a concern.
OM SYSTEM OM-5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera with 12-45mm f/4 Lens (Silver)
OM-5ii batteries. Always carry a spare camera battery.
Wasabi Power 2-Pack Battery & USB Charger for Olympus BLN-1 & OM-D E-M1/E-M5
OM-5ii Screen Protector. I always protect my screens. Regret doesn't prevent accidents.
(3 Packs) Rieibi Tempered Glass for Olympus OM-5
Perfect for my G9ii with dual stabilization of the lens and camera. Lengthy handheld use requires practice, strength, and endurance. Or mount it on a monopod. Dual I.S. only works with Lumix cameras. For Olympus or OM System cameras, you must choose ...
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH. POWER O.I.S.
Perfect for my G9ii with dual stabilization of the lens and camera. Lengthy handheld use takes practice. Or put the camera on top of a monopod. Dual I.S. only works with Lumix cameras. For Olympus or OM System cameras, you must choose stabilization f...
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4 ASPH Power O.I.S.
Perfect for my G9ii with dual stabilization of the lens and camera. Dual I.S. only works with Lumix cameras. For Olympus or OM System cameras, you must choose stabilization from either the lens or the camera; for this lens, choose the camera. I love ...
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH. POWER O.I.S.
Excellent wide-angle 9mm prime lens (18mm full-frame equivalent). Sharp, compact, and perfect for video and vlogging.
Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 9mm f/1.7 ASPH
Excellent budget 25mm (50mm full-frame equivalent) Micro Four Thirds prime lens for still photos and video. Not weather-sealed.
Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH
The most affordable Micro Four Thirds 20mm prime lens (40mm full-frame equivalent). Sharp, compact, and great for still photos. No weather sealing. Use for video only if curious.
Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 ASPH II
Auto focus is slower that the Pana-Leica 100-400, but the lens weighs less than half as much. Perfect for my G9ii with dual stabilization of the lens and camera. Lengthy handheld use takes practice. Or put the camera on top of a monopod. Dual I.S. on...
Panasonic Lumix G VARIO 100 300mm f/4.0 5.6 POWER ...
Auto focus is slower that the Pana-Leica 50-200, but the lens weighs less than half as much. Perfect for my G9ii with dual stabilization of the lens and camera. Dual I.S. only works with Lumix cameras. For Olympus or OM System cameras, you must choos...
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II Power O.I.S.
A sharp and compact standard zoom lens great for photo and video. Exceptional weather-sealed design.
OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko ED 12-45mm F4 PRO
OM TG-7 Tough Camera
A camera for when I kayak or don't want to risk my phone.
A casual camera with nice features for photo. Consider an action camera if video is your focus.
OM System Olympus Tough TG-7 Red Underwater Camera
The TG-Tough Camera screen will scratch. Regret will not repair a damaged screen.
ULBTER 3-Pack Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Olympus TG-7 TG-6 TG-5 TG-4
Camera fishing is not a sport I recommend.
JJC Waterproof Floating Wrist Strap for Olympus TG-7 Kodak WPZ2
Great for preventing sunscreen fingerprints on the lens.
JJC TG-7 Lens Cap Cover for Olympus Tough TG7 TG6 TG5 TG4
Use for better flash control for the TG-Tough Camera macro feature.
JJC LED Light Guide Ring for Olympus TG Series
Use to soften the flash of the TG-Tough Camera for indoors or fill lighting.
JJC FD-1 Flash Diffuser for Olympus TG Series
Always carry a spare camera battery.
BM Premium 2-Pack LI-90B Batteries & Charger for Olympus Tough Cameras
Easier to remove from the TG-Tough Camera than the included wrist strap if you also use a float strap.
Avorast 6 Pack Adjustable Nylon Wrist Straps
Necessary photography accessories, bags, and comfort wear.
Over-specialization and improvisation shouldn't be goals.
A floppy hat has many uses, but a ball cap gets in the way.
Obling UPF 50 Sun Hat Wide Brim Bucket
For large cameras. A versatile camera strap that is easy to adjust once you find your carry style.
OP/TECH USA Super Classic Adjustable Camera Strap
Small camera wrist strap.
OP/TECH USA QD Quick Release Wrist Strap
For binoculars or small cameras. A compact neck strap that is great for the OM-5.
OP/TECH USA Neoprene Quick Release Camera Strap
Use your curse words but save your fingernails.
Beadthoven Split Ring Opening Pliers 140mm
Buy if you plan to improve your camera strap attachment situation. Don't forget to buy split ring pliers.
DGOL 100pcs 15mm Stainless Steel Keychain Hooks
I attach these to my cameras to make removing straps easier.
Small Metal Carabiner Clip for Keychain
Camera bags are uncomfortable, oversized, and over-rated. Be minimalist. This is my preferred backpack for day hikes.
Osprey Hikelite 18L Lightweight Hiking Backpack
This bag fits an OM-5 with a 12-45mm f4 lens with room to spare and extra pockets for batteries, cleaning stuff, and more. Camera bags are uncomfortable, oversized, and over-rated. Be minimalist.
Seoky Rop Crossbody Sling Backpack Travel Bag
This bag fits a G9ii with 50-200mm f2.8-4 lens or a Canon R6ii with EF 20-105 f4 L USM lens, with a large neck strap, and has pockets for batteries, cleaning stuff, and more. Camera bags are uncomfortable, oversized, and over-rated. Be minimalist.
DUSLANG Men's Hiking Sling Backpack with USB Port
My favorite ultralight compact tripod, though I replaced the tripod head with a quick release model. My tripod needs are minimal.
Sirui Compact Traveler 5C Carbon Fiber Tripod
I use this on the Sirui Compact Traveler Tripod.
FALCAM 320P F38 Pro 360 Panoramic Ballhead Kit
Easily one of the most necessary but overlooked camera accessories.
DSLR Camera L Bracket Quick Release Plate
A monopod takes getting used to, but it will make your life easier when using and repositioning a heavy camera with a super telephoto lens. I top my monopod with a two-way tilt head. I don't use the tripod foot often, but it is good to have.
Koolehaoda 69" Aluminum Camera Monopod Tripod Base
I use this on top of a monopod for stability when using a super telephoto lens.
LEOFOTO VH-10S Monopod Tilt Head Arca
I attach this to my super telephoto lens mounting foot for better balance on a monopod.
HITHUT PU-120 120mm Quick Release Plate
Recommended for recording sound for video with camera. It can also be usrd as an off camera microphone.
Rode VideoMic NTG Shotgun Microphone Black
A must have for your Rode VideoMic NTG if you record outdoors.
YOUSHARES NTG Furry Mic Windshield for Rode NTG
A must have in cold weather.
TRENDOUX Merino Wool Winter Touchscreen Gloves
Supplimental mittens for really cold weather.
OZERO Winter Fingerless Convertible Gloves
Pop these into your mittens to to unfreeze your fingers.
AI Hand Warmers 2 Pack, Rechargeable, 20Hrs
No more frozen face and neck.
100% Merino Wool Neck Gaiter, 17.5um, UV Prot
Photography Books
Because learning photography on YouTube is a mess.
Truly a book every photographer should have.
Visually Speaking: Mastering Photography
Instruction and inspiration.
Associated Press Guide to Photojournalism
Every creative needs some philosophy to soothe the ego and justify the madness.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Buy Canon brand to guarantee dust and water-resistance, and compatibility for using EF and EF-S lenses with EOS R cameras.
Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R