People always love to ask photographers what gear they use. Nikon or Canon? What Lenses? What are those filters? Well Here is a breakdown of what gear I carry in my bag and why. If you have any questions about a item please feel free to contact me and ask, I am always glad to help.
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Backpack: I use a Lowepro Pro Trekker 450 AW. I cannot sing the praises high enough for the lowepro Pro Trekker line of bags. They are incredible. I have put these bags thru the ringer in the ocean, desert, mountains, rivers, lakes, snow, wind, rain you name it and this bag has been thru it all and never have I had to worry about the safety or security of my gear. For those of us that like to take our bags into extreme conditions this should be your go to bag.
Hydration Pack: I use the CAMELBAK Antidote Reservoir (3L) It holds alot of water and helps keep my hydrated all day.
Camera: I shoot with a Nikon D810. I love the extreme dynamic range and low noise performance of this camera. For the kind of long exposure work I do there is no better camera body on the market right now. Sure there may be higher megapixel bodies out there. But for those of us that shoot extreme long exposure its all about the noise and dynamic range capabilities and the D810 has it in spades.
Wide Angle Lens: I use the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD This is my goto lens for about 80% of my shots. I love the extreme sharpness, minimal distortion, almost non existent chromatic aberrations, and flare control that this lens offers. I shoot into the sun and in extreme dynamic range situation and this lens has proven itself more then capable.
Standard Lens: For my standard zoom I choose the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD. I am all about sharpness and this lens provides the crisp images I need to be able to print large. I have had great experiences with this lens and I am always very pleased with the results I get. The added benefit of the VC is great for when I am shooting on the go and don't have time to setup the tripod.
Zoom Lens: I love the quality of the Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD. This lens is extremely sharp and handles everything I throw at it with ease. I do shoot air shows, distant mountains, and the occasional portrait every once in a while so I like to be prepared for any situations that come my way. I feel that covering the focal length from 15mm all the way up to the 200mm this lens provides gives me the best versatility to get the shots I want.
Filter System: I use the PROGREY G-150Z Filter Holder and Progrey 150mm Filters. Progrey is a sponsor and I have really enjoyed using their products. They makes what is in my opinion the best solution on the market for the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8. The build quality and polish of their products is second to none and you know that it's quality from the second you touch it. The large 150mm filters give me the versatility to shoot at any focal length. I also have the 77mm and 82mm rings that allow me to use this system on all my lenses. As far as filters, I carry 3, 7, 10, and 12 Stop ND Filters , 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 Soft ND Graduated Filters, and 0.6 and 1.2 Reverse ND Graduated Filters. I also have the hard graduated filters but do not use them nearly as much as the soft.
Filter Pouch: The search for a 150mm filter holder led me to the LEE Filters SW150 Field Pouch. It is the only pouch I found that allows me to load up all my filters and my filter holder into one bag. It also has a convenient strap to connect it to my tripod allowing me to easily change filters in the field.
Pan Head: I chose the Induro PHQ1 5-Way Panhead because of the ease and accuracy in which I can adjust my camera. I have had several ball heads from various companies but now having moved to the pan head I will never go back. It is so simple to dial in the exact angle you want or level the camera in seconds. When shooting panoramic images the multitude of lvls and degree marks built into this pan head make incremental movements a breeze. I also love the fact the handles collapse for easy packing.
Nodal Plate: When shooting panoramic images I use a 180mm Nodal Plate to center my lens over my tripod. This way I do not get the distortion that would normally come from rotating the lens. This makes stitching panoramas a lot easier and saves a lot of headaches.
Bub Timer: I use the Neewer NW870DC0. I love the freedom that the wireless remote gives me. Sometimes its nice to kick back and not have to worry about checking your wired remote on extremely long exposures. I can set up my camera, pull out my chair, and wait for the light. When that magic moment comes I can trigger the camera no matter how far from my camera I am. It also has programmable intervolometers and timers for any kind of shooting. There is also not a remote hanging off my camera banging around in the wind or elements.
Batteries: I carry 2 of the genuine Nikon EN-EL15 and 2 aftermarket STK batteries. Even though its rare that I even kill one battery per shoot. It is nice to have the peace of mind that the spares bring.
Battery Charger: EZOPower dual charger. These chargers are great because they have both the home and car adapters that allow you to charge up anywhere you need to.
Memory Card Case: This little JC Rubber Sealed Water-Resistant Memory Card Case has been great at keeping my cards safe and dry. Its cheap, well made, and effective.
Field Cleaning: For cleaning lenses when out and about I have four items that I use. Ziess Cleaning Wipes, Rocket Blower, Lenspen Pro Kit, and a Spudz cloth. I like the disposable wipes because you don't have to worry about transferring the dirt from one cleaning to the next. The blower and lens pens are great for clearing debris of the lens before cleaning and the Spudz is great for that final polish.
Headlamp: While you can spend a fortune on headlamps I found this one. It is Waterproof, $3 on ebay, and is amazing. This is a very bright headlamp. Several people I know have bought them and we all love them.. Cheap, Easy. Effective.
Flashlights: I normally carry a Duracell 500 Lumen Flashlights. These are great for light painting. Althought I hear they make a 1000 Lumen one now that i will have to check out.
Dslr Rain Cover: I use the very popular Altura Photo Professional Rain Cover. It is very easy to use and provides tons of access to all the functions of your camera even in the heaviest of storms. Unlike other covers because of the arm openings the back screen does not fog up as much as other bag style options.
Wet Socks: I never know when I will end up at the beach or in the water so I carry a pair of NRS Wetsocks to keep my feet warm and cozy even when the water is frigid.
Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 100. You never know when you will decide to go stand out exposed to the sun to capture the perfect shot. I always carry sunscreen in my bag.
Bug Spray: I have had great luck with Off Deep Woods Sportsman. Bugs love me so for me this is a must and is always in my bag.