My Photography Equipment in a nutshell
What I Use and How I Use It
Photography is an art form that combines technology and creativity. A camera is more than a machine; it is a vessel of dreams, a silent storyteller waiting to capture the world in whispers of light and shadow. It holds within it the power to freeze time, to transform a fleeting moment into eternity.
The lens, like an ever-watchful eye, peers into the soul of the world, focusing on the details that the heart alone may see. In its quiet click, there is magic - a merging of the seen and unseen, where reality and imagination meet.
To get the most out of my images, I rely on carefully selected equipment. Here is an overview of my photography gear and how I use it in my work:
When I bought my camera back then, I decided against a kit lens because I wanted a bright prime lens from the start and didn't want to make any compromises if possible. So, my first lens was the Sony FE 50mm f1.8. A versatile all-rounder that I can recommend to anyone who is unsure about which lens to get at the beginning.
My second lens had to be a wide-angle. I love the starry sky and our Milky Way. It has always been my dream to take a beautiful picture of the Milky Way. Unfortunately, my budget at the time didn't allow for an f1.8, so I bought the Samyang 18mm f2.8, and I don't regret it to this day.
After owning a standard and wide-angle lens, I needed a third lens to fill the gap in between. So, I bought the solid Samyang 35mm f1.8, which I think I've used the most out of all my lenses. It's a great all-rounder and super reliable. It is lightweight and compact, yet it doesn’t feel cheap at all.
I had covered up to 50mm, but I was still missing everything beyond that. I wanted a greater distance from 50mm and decided on the Viltrox 85mm f1.8 lens. It feels good in the hand, is heavy, and has a quality build. I love this lens because it’s perfect for portrait photography.
This time, I made a very big leap. Lenses with a large aperture in this range are usually very expensive, so I wanted to make a compromise. I decided to test lenses that are only manually operated and have a relatively small aperture. That's why I bought the Tokina 400mm f8, and I have to say, it's not bad. However, I would prefer to save up for a better lens.
The time had come. Since I was now attending more conventions and events and frequently visiting different cities, I didn’t want to carry all my lenses with me every time. This meant that I needed to buy a zoom lens. Nowadays, even these types of lenses are top-notch in quality. So, I decided on the Sony FE 28-70 f3.5-5.6. Solid and fast.
It was important to me that a camera backpack opens on the side that faces my back. This way, I can place it anywhere without worrying that my back will get wet or dirty later. The tripod is the C5i Carbon from Rollei, just like the backpack. I also have a second tripod head that is specifically designed for vertical and horizontal panoramic shots. For low-angle shots, I use the mini tripod from DJI.
I don’t need to explain the accessories in detail. Especially with Sony, it’s important to bring enough batteries since the camera isn’t exactly known for its efficient battery usage. Also, a fast SD card from SanDisk, a remote control, an air blower, and most importantly, an L-bracket. This allows for maximum flexibility when quickly switching between vertical and horizontal orientations on the tripod.
Obviously, filters are a must for a landscape photographer. All my filters are from the brand Haida, as I am very satisfied with the quality and they don’t cause any color shifts in the image. I have the ND 1.8 (6 stops), ND 3.0 (10 stops), and the graduated filter ND 0.9 (3 stops), as well as three polarizers for my most-used lenses. I combine everything with the K&F Concept filter holder system along with the necessary lens adapters. However, I plan to upgrade this filter holder system soon.
As a content creator, additional equipment like a drone and an action camera are essential in my backpack. With these tools, you can capture stunning B-rolls and aerial views, reaching places that would normally be inaccessible. I use the DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo and the DJI Action 4. For the drone, I also have ND and polarizing filters ready to be prepared for any time of day.
Summary
Every piece of my equipment - from the memory cards that hold stories, to the filters that paint with light - becomes part of my toolkit, an artist’s palette for capturing the light of the world. In the hands of a dreamer, this equipment doesn’t just record moments in time - it creates them, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, the transient into the timeless.