Whats in your BAG?

[LensCrazy]

I am trying to get everything that I could need out in the field. Being that a lot of you are pro, semi pro or just the well educated armature I figured I would ask what I am missing. I know there are different situations where you need specific equipment I just would like to know the most common. Here is my list.

Canon D350 rebel xt
Canon EFS 18-55 (standard)
Canon EF US 100-300mm
Canon EF US IS 28-135mm
Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Photo
Three Batteries
Three CF card two 1gig one 2gig and one 128mb
Tripod
Backpack

Thanks

[JSPhoto]

Depends a lot on what, when, where you are shooting.
I see you have a tripod... have yet to use any of the four I have I have a monopod I used 4 or 5 times total, but see it more important than a tripod.
I see you do not list a flash, I have two, and usually use them as fill flash, even in daytime.
You do not list any filters, depending on the type of shooting you do you may need those. I do use a Hoya UV (0) filter on ALL lenses to protect them from damage, or the inevitable moron who decides to put their finger on the lens. The UV (0) filter does not affect colors in any way, any other filter will..... a cheap $40 insurance policy... save a couple lenses from flying parts and rocks at races... even a rocket of a foul ball at a baseball game. The filter broke, the lens front element didn't

Thats what I see off hand...

JS

[LensCrazy]

Yea i was thinking that about the tripod the only time i think i will use it is when i take shots of the moon or macro shots. I know that the lens filters(reds, yellows,ect) are not as inportant now a days like they were, due to the computer software, I do have two that protect my lens. Was thinking that i may need a polorized filter because that you cant replicate on the software. I am looking into the flash, one for normal use and the ring type for my macro photos.

Is there anything that you have been like... Man if i didn't have my ______ I could not have taken that photo.

[JSPhoto]

Yea i was thinking that about the tripod the only time i think i will use it is when i take shots of the moon or macro shots. I know that the lens filters(reds, yellows,ect) are not as inportant now a days like they were, due to the computer software, I do have two that protect my lens. Was thinking that i may need a polorized filter because that you cant replicate on the software. I am looking into the flash, one for normal use and the ring type for my macro photos.

Is there anything that you have been like... Man if i didn't have my ______ I could not have taken that photo.

lol, thats a loaded question for a photographer! There is always something we need and don't have... this lens or that, this extender or that one... the list goes on and on, until you need a semi to carry it all. I had thought of doing some astrophotography, but the telescope, camera adapters and laptop are holding me back... that and about $10,000.

My most serious oopppsss I don't have _______ came at Indy in 2004 on Pole Day when I left my CF cards at home. I had to borrow a card to shoot the practice session then flew home (35 miles one way) to get them. Back at my shooting spot in 60 minutes and drove about 90 home and back to make it. Good thing the Yellow shirts know me

JS

[mjm]

20D
24-70 f/2.8L
70-200 f/4L
17-40 f/4L
550EX
420EX
flash diffusers
4 CF Cards
WhiBal
lots of batteries
business cards
pens
paper
sometimes my laptop
manifroto/bogen tripod *

* that really doesn't fit into my bag, but it can be strapped to it if you dont mind it smackgin you inthe back of your legs as you walk. heh.

[Axle]

Minolta X-7A with Motor Drive 1
Vivitar 283 Flash
Makinon 28mm
Minolta 50mm
Sigma 28-70mm
Kiron 70-150mm
Vivitar 85-205mm
Soliger 200mm
UV/Skylight 1-A filters for all lens
Cokin Filter System (Adapter rings in 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, & 58mm)
Lots of filters (Warming, Sepia, Yellow, Polorizing, Star...)
Several rolls of film mostly ISO 400, colour and b/w usually
Cleaning supplies
Batteries
Manual shutter release cable

[Chunk]

Panasonic FZ20 with a 1Gig card
Spare battery
battery charger
I have a Slik tripod and monopod that don't fit in the bag.

I have another bag with a Pentax K1000, Vivitar 283 flash and a couple lenses but I never open that bag anymore.

[tink]

Hmmm let me think...

Nikon D70
Nikon F90X
Nikon 50mm 1.8 (essential)
Nikon 60mm 2.8 macro
Nikon 18-70 mm 3.5
Nikon 70-300mm 4.5
Nikon 24 mm 2.8
tripod (although I need a newie)
remote control (handy when using the tripod ..told you I need a newie!)
black back drop
white back drop
SB800
Sekonic L358 light meter (essential!)
Silver/White reflector
Umpteen spare batteries
3 CF cards, 1G, 2 x 256 mb
Backpack and a shoulder bag for quick trips
Hoya Filter for each lens
Cleaning supplies
Business cards
2x Rolls Film
and a bit of blue tac!

Is that enough?? I cant think of anything else

[Lionheart]

Depends a great deal on what and where I'm going. If I'm going to the zoo, then I'll pack the 70-200, 400, and 50mm macro, along with a flash. If I'm sight seeing, then I pack light, usually a point and shoot, like the Panasonic FZ-5.
The "usual" set up for my small carry bag:
EOS-1D mk II
EF 20mm f2.8
EF 50mm f2.5 macro
EF 70-200 f2.8L
EF 1.4x extender
550 EX flash
2 spare batteries for the 1D, 1 set of spares for the flash
4- 1 GB cards.

[JSPhoto]

LensCrazy,

I don't use a "bag" so to speak. My jacket holds about everything I need when I go out to shoot.
What I normally go with is:

1D MKII N camera
1D original - backup camera
70-200mm USM IS f2.8
28-300mm USM IS f3.5-5.6
19-35mm f3.5-4.5 (Vivitar) rarely used it, mostly for basketball under the net
580EX Flash
433D Flash (for the backup camera)
3 1GB cards
6 256MB cards
monopod (rarely used)
3 tripods (haha... never used em)
Laptop when it's working
12v DC to 120v AC adapter
Battery charger (2 if needed)
4 batteries for the 1D cameras (old 1D eats batteries new one uses very little power)
Spare flash batteries (AA x 24)
Lens cleaning cloth
Rain gear for both Camera and me

I think that covers everything......

[Old Timer]

I think everyone know what I shoot and with what, so I will not go into that. But I am some what suprised to see no one carries the camera manuel with them. Maybe I'm odd but I like to have the manuel along as backup just in case something comes up I'm not sure about. It goes in a a flat pocket in the camera bag and rides along when ever the camera goes out. I will usely have either lens cleaning tissue or a micro fiber cloth to remove any dust of dirt that might come my lenses way. The other think I try to have is pen and paper in case I need to jot down some notes on a particular shot. And I know this may be odd but I always carry an old pair of Wal mart reading glasses in the bag just in case, it's real pain if you can't see to make camera adjustments and read the menu.

[another view]

suprised to see no one carries the camera manuel with them.

Excellent point! This really is a must - I haven't used it too often, but when I've needed it I've been glad I had it. A Leatherman, etc is a good thing to have with as well. You never know when you'll need it, like the time that a screw came about 1/2 turn loose on the mount of one of my lenses. I couldn't mount it on the camera because of this, and had to tighten it with the point of the knife because it was so small. Without that, I'd have been shooting that day with my primes which double as back-ups.

I also agree with the idea that it depends on who/what/where etc. that you're shooting. Most of what to carry comes from personal experience, and having a problem like the one above means that I usually won't shoot without either of those two pieces of equipment. Some way of covering the camera in the rain is a good idea too - this can be as simple as a shower cap from a hotel room, or a ziploc bag.

[Axle]

Forgot my second bag...

Konica Minolta Dimage Z2
Spare Batteries
1 1 GB card, 1 256 MB car, & the 16 MB card that came with it.

[shutterman]

After years of carrying around a big bag loaded with flashes/lenses,filters, cards, batteries, I have scaled back to either the D100 and 24-85mm lense or the N90s and the 24-85mm lense and sometimes a flash. Even the bag is much smaller now.

The stuff is just too heavy and I have to worry about someone stealing or me losing the other stuff. 90% of shots are with this lense anyway.

Simplify and life is much easier!

[Chunk]

I think everyone know what I shoot and with what, so I will not go into that. But I am some what suprised to see no one carries the camera manuel with them.

I forgot to mention the manual that's in the outside pocket of my bag. I also didn't mention remember the Lexar Jumpdrive for reading the card in a USB port of a computer and the video output cable that lets me connect the camera to a TV/VCR for showing the photos from the camera. I don't use them often.

[SmartWombat]

Crumpler
20D + BG
EFS 10-22
EF 24-70 2.8 L
EF 70-200 2.8 L IS
EF 100-400 L
3 batteries
USB cable
Remote Release
580EX
77mm circ pol
rechargeable flash batteries
AA carrier for BG
24 pack of alkaline AA for emergency
Car charger for XS II
Chamois or microfibre cloth for wet weather
Elastic bands
Black plastic bin-bags (large)
Waterproof trousers
Waterproof top
+ folding seat
+ tripod
+ mononpod
+ is strapped to it, on a bad day (like le Mans 24h)


photo vest
lens cleaner
microfibre cloth
2x 2G CF
3x 1G CF
XS drive II - 80G
Notebook
Pen
Close-up glasses (for repairs)
Race Tickets !
Sun hat (as if I ever need that at Silverstone!)


Usually back in the hotel ...
Electrics bag
4-gang UK socket - with IEC plug
UK computer lead with IEC socket
Europe computer lead IEC socket
Canon charger
XS charger
Culmann traveller kit:
- tripod
- sucker
- clamp
- mini ball head
Minolta A1 charger
Minolta A2 charger
UK-European adaptor
Panasonic charger
Raid battery fly killer & refill


Laptop Bag
Laptop & UK PSU
European adaptor
Radio mouse
XS II USB cable
WiFi card
CD reader card
10-100 cable


Back-up bag
Minolta A1
Minolta A2
Circ Pol filter
Remote Release


My wife's bag
Panasonic FZ20
Stuff (well what else is in a woman's bag?)
Autograph book
Black signing pens
Silver ditto
Gold ditto
Driver photo cards (from Fan stands)
Race Tickets



At a pinch?
580EX and 24-70 on the camera
10-22 in the pocket of the photo vest
Nothing else.

[Speed]

As it has already been pointed out, it really depends on what you're shooting. Sports, landscapes, weddings???

"I am trying to get everything that I could need out in the field." It will NEVER happen. IF you had enough money, (I sure don't) then you'd need a semi to haul it all! And I'm only half joking. ;-)

"I know there are different situations where you need specific equipment I just would like to know the most common."

Now we're getting down to the nitty gritty. In my backpack, which I usually carry with me, I currently have my Nikon F5, Nikon 80-200mm f2.8, Sigma 28-70mm f2.8, Nikon 50mm f1.4, Nikon SB-28, various filters (UV, 80B, 80C, CPL, Moose Filter), two cable releases, extra batteries, several rolls of film, my camera manuals, Coolpix 5700, ink pen, sharpies,...you get the idea. This covers 95% or more of the situations where I am likely to take photo's.

When I shoot a wedding, I take my Nikon N80, my second SB-28 and my tripod/ballhead.

When I go to the mountains on a camping/photo trip with my old college buddies, I take along my K1000, along with the two lenses I have for it (50mm f1.4 and 80-200mm f4), and a flash, my N80, Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro, 70-300mm f4-5.6, and my Bogen tripod. Since we have the vehicle with us to carry our gear in, weight and bulk aren't a problem. When we hike up a mountain or down into a valley, then just the backpack goes with me and I carry the tripod.

As you shoot more you'll get an idea of what you will need for each situation. Personnaly, while I love gear as much as the next guy, a camera body, an external flash, a 28-70mm f2.8 and a 80-200mm f2.8 should cover the vast majority of day to day shooting. You can add to, and/or tailor your gear to meet specific needs from there. Wide angles for landscapes, telephoto's for wildlife, etc.

Hope this helps.

[masdog]

All THAT fits in your coat, JS?? That must be one big coat!!!

[Liz]

Rebel XT

I carry only One (Canon) lens (once in a while 2) due to back/neck problems

Either
17-40mm/f4L - 70-300 IS - 35mm/f2.0 - 50mm/f1.4 - 85mm/f1.8 (seldom) going to sell

3-4 CF cards
microfiber lens cloth
circular polarizer (sometimes)
420EX (sometimes)
extra battery (sometimes)
manual (once in a while)
pen/small pad

Liz

[Mr Yuck]

Digital
Canon A510
2 SD cards, 256 and 16
2-4 spare batteries
lens Cleaning cloth

SLR
Canon AE1
28mm lens
80-200mm lens
Mini Tripod (1' or so)
Spare film, mostly 200 ISO and under
Flash
lens Cleaning cloth

Video
Panasonic MiniDV Camera
Full Size Tripod (may be used for other cameras)
Spare Tapes
Battery Charger
lens Cleaning cloth

And sometimes I go all out and throw them all into one bag along with my tripods and a AA battery charger for my A510.

[LensCrazy]

Wow.... Very impressive, everyone got involved and we have some real Pros here(good to know)! I guess for just starting out I am ahead of the game. I do have the manual and a book that I bought about the camera in my bag. I will have to add the paper and pen sounds like a very good idea. Not sure what is best to clean the lens, I saw micro fiber and chamois. I only have two spots left in my small backpack, I think a flash and some rain gear is in order, I do live in Florida!

I am truly grateful for the response I believe you all may have saved me some money in the end!

I will save up and get some of those nice off white/gray canon L series lens in due time. Then sell my current selection

Thanks ALL!!!!

[masdog]

Alot of it depends on what and where I am shooting.

My usual kit is for shooting sports, and it consists of the following:
Canon 20D w/ Battery Grip
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens
Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens
Sigma 24-105 f/2.8-4 lens
4 1GB Compact Flash Cards
Little Notebook
Camera Manuals
Pens/Pencils/Marker
Flashlight w/ Red Filter (you never know when you're gonna need it)
IPOD
Business Cards
Case for my glasses
Cleaning Cloth and lens cleaning solution

Additionally, if I need my laptop with me, I bring along a second bag with the following
IBM Thinkpad R51
Power supply/wall adapter
PCMCIA CF-Adapter
Optical Mouse

[mjs1973]

One thing I never go shooting without, that I haven't seen mentioned yet (could have missed it) is my Giottos Rocket blower. I usually give my lens a couple quick blasts with it as soon as it's on the camera and the lens cap comes off. I use it for cleaning the sensor as well.

[JSPhoto]

All THAT fits in your coat, JS?? That must be one big coat!!!

hahahha... just about.... The spare lens is on my belt. I carry two batteries in the jacket, my spare cards, lens cloth and flash. Most of the oter stuff stays in the vehicle. I'm thinking of designing a jacket for photographers that also doubles as rain gear and has rain pants to match the jacket.... lots of pockets, removable liner so it can also be used in the winter.... now if I could find gloves that I can shoot with too!

JS

[Asylum Steve]

Camera bodies and lenses are not only fairly standard, but subjective to the needs of the individual shooter, so I won't bother listing them...

After that, however, the most important piece of gear for a working pro (at least one who shoots commercial fashion and portrait) is a good lens shade/filter holder and neutral density (ND) filters.

I use the Calumet/Lee Compendium Shade, an accordian-style shade that expands and contracts to fit all but my fisheye lenses. It has several filter slots perfect for my resin filters.

Now, in this age of digital capture, most all "over the lens" filters, especially the color ones, are (for me) pretty much obsolete. The ND filters are the only ones that are not only impossible to replicate in editing programs like photoshop, but are also absolutely essential when light conditions are simply too bright.

I use two: a 100mm x 100mm .6 (two stop), and a 100mm x 100mm .9 (three stop). And no, NOT graduated, but ones that reduce brightness to the entire scene...

BTW, like Old Timer, I too always carry the manuals to my various camera bodies, as well as my light meter and other assorted equipment, and I'm not ashamed to admit I refer to them nearly every shoot I do. Heck, cameras nowdays are too complicated to remember EVERY feature and how it works... ;)