ViewFinder Photography Forum

General discussion - our photography living room. Talk about aesthetics, philosophy, share your photos - get inspired by your peers! Moderated by another view and walterick.
ViewFinder Forum Guidelines >>
Introduce Yourself! >>
PhotographREVIEW.com Gatherings and Photo Field Trips >>
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 34
  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    100

    Whats in your BAG?

    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

  2. #2
    Moderator
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    McCordsville, IN
    Posts
    4,755

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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

  3. #3
    Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    100

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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.

  4. #4
    Moderator
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    McCordsville, IN
    Posts
    4,755

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    Quote Originally Posted by 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.

    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

  5. #5
    mjm
    mjm is offline
    that guy.
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    La Mesa, CA USA
    Posts
    221

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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.

  6. #6
    Analog Photographer, Digital World Axle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Milton, ON, Canada
    Posts
    2,141

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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
    Alex Luyckx | Photography
    Capturing Beauty in Everything

  7. #7
    Just a Member Chunk's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Jefferson, WI, USA
    Posts
    3,351

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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.
    ----------------------------


  8. #8
    Member tink's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Down Under Land
    Posts
    248

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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

  9. #9
    Erstwhile Vagabond armed with camera Lionheart's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    California
    Posts
    1,110

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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.
    Seek the Son and the shadows fall behind you.

    slowly inching to 2000

    Mac's Rule, Windblows drools
    Friends don't let Friends use WindBlows XPee
    <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/schrackman/clover.jpg">Lionheart O'Canon Feel Free to Help

  10. #10
    Moderator
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    McCordsville, IN
    Posts
    4,755

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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......

  11. #11
    Ex-Modster Old Timer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    KY, USA
    Posts
    16,848

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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.
    Don't forget about the Gallery. Are your photos there??


    Nikon Samurai #13

    "A photographer is known by what he shows not by what he throws. The best photographers have the biggest trash cans." Quote from Nikon School sometime in the early 1970's.

  12. #12
    has-been... another view's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Rockford, IL
    Posts
    7,649

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    Quote Originally Posted by Old Timer
    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.

  13. #13
    Analog Photographer, Digital World Axle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Milton, ON, Canada
    Posts
    2,141

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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.
    Alex Luyckx | Photography
    Capturing Beauty in Everything

  14. #14
    re-Member shutterman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Virginia
    Posts
    350

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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!
    Wes

    Who are they, where are they, how can they possibly know all the rules?

  15. #15
    Just a Member Chunk's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Jefferson, WI, USA
    Posts
    3,351

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    Quote Originally Posted by 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.
    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.
    ----------------------------


  16. #16
    Panarus biarmicus Moderator (Sports) SmartWombat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    11,750

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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.
    PAul

    Scroll down to the Sports Forum and post your sports pictures !

  17. #17
    Hardcore...Nikon Speed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Newport, NC
    Posts
    4,318

    Cool Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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.
    Nikon Samurai # 1


    http://mccabephotography.tripod.com

    http://precisionshotsphoto.tripod.com

    "Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry." - Thomas Jefferson

  18. #18
    Jedi Master masdog's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Somewhere north of US 10 and east of Wausau, WI, USA
    Posts
    1,282

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

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

    Canon 20D
    Canon Digital Rebel XT (backup)
    Canon 70-200 f/2.8L
    Canon 50mm f/1.4
    Sigma 28-105 f/2.8-4.0
    Epson Stylus Photo R1800 Printer

    Blog:
    IT 4 Photography


  19. #19
    Liz
    Liz is offline
    Moderator Emeritus Liz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    5,982

    Liz-Go-Lightly

    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

  20. #20
    AutoX Addict Mr Yuck's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Spokane, WA
    Posts
    1,387

    Re: Liz-Go-Lightly

    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.
    <><
    Flickr
    --Rebel T2i
    --Sigma 10-20mm
    --Canon EF-S 55-250mm
    --Tamron 17-50mm F2.8

  21. #21
    Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    100

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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!!!!

  22. #22
    Jedi Master masdog's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Somewhere north of US 10 and east of Wausau, WI, USA
    Posts
    1,282

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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
    Sean Massey
    Massey Photography

    Canon 20D
    Canon Digital Rebel XT (backup)
    Canon 70-200 f/2.8L
    Canon 50mm f/1.4
    Sigma 28-105 f/2.8-4.0
    Epson Stylus Photo R1800 Printer

    Blog:
    IT 4 Photography


  23. #23
    Learning more with every "click" mjs1973's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Mineral Point, WI, USA
    Posts
    7,561

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    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.
    Mike

    My website
    Twitter
    Blog


    "I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean hunters' paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view."
    Aldo Leopold

  24. #24
    Moderator
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    McCordsville, IN
    Posts
    4,755

    Re: Whats in your BAG?

    Quote Originally Posted by masdog
    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

  25. #25
    don't tase me, bro! Asylum Steve's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Middle Florida
    Posts
    3,667

    Well, after bodies and lenses...

    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... ;)
    "Riding along on a carousel...tryin' to catch up to you..."

    -Steve
    Studio & Lighting - Photography As Art Forum Moderator

    Running the Photo Asylum, Asylum Steve's blogged brain pipes...
    www.stevenpaulhlavac.com
    www.photoasylum.com

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •