What's in Your Bag?

[bruce]

Questions like this appear from time to time, but I still believe that

there is value in discussing what fellow nature photogs carry into the

field.

In your response, try not to focus on the brand you carry, but the

type of gear and any oddities you schlep on a trip.

 

<p>

 

Imagine, you are taking a 2 week trip into __________, what do you

bring and how do you bring it?

 

<p>

 

Personally, my wife and I work as a team and we focus on the

environment as oppose to the creature. We carry a slim line photo

backpack that can fit under plane seats as well as in the overhead

bin. Our backpack does not look like a camera-pack because we do a lot

of international photography. We carry a medium format camera w/80mm

lens plus 2-element close-up "filter." In addition we haul 2 35mm AF

bodies, 28mm, 80mm, 180mm, 75-300 zoom, 300 2.8, & 1.6x converter. Now

for the x-tras: Flash with "Really Right Stuff Bracket (this is

awsome)," off flash cord, circ. polarizer, matching lens shades,

electronic & manual cable release, extension tube, rain covers for the

pack and 300mm lens, jewelers' screw drivers, multi-purpose tool with

plier nose, 1st aid kit, maps, folding reflectors and diffuser, and a

light meter for the medium format camera.

Believe it or not, it all fits in one bag! We then ship 2 tripods

through baggage and carry the ballheads in Tamy's purse. Finally, Tamy

carries the film on her body and in a carry on. Believe it or not, we

have travelled to Costa Rica, Europe, Mexico, and Canada like this.

Next year we will be carrying it all to Guatamalla.

I hope this will be a thread to promote a good discussion that does

not focus on brands but on what each individual nature photographer

believes they need to have fun and be successful in the field.

regards

bruce

[c_terry]

Hi Bruce, Im pretty new to all of this, but i have had a pretty good time with it, and some good pictures to look at. Basically, what i carry is a 300 f4 and a 1.4 matching teleconverter, a 50 f1.4, a 28 f 2.8, and a 75-300 IS (ok, im tipping my brand hand). Also, an older high end body with slow slide film, and a lighter, newer body with fast print film (I switch off as light fades, or action builds). This is a pretty basic, conservative layout. What i have that is odd, is a clicker from an old "jeaporday" board game. When larger animals are milling about and i am in a blind, it can be hard to get them to look at me without tipping myself off. So i use the clicker, and they look at me and freeze for a few seconds, then go about their buisness. I only do this once when im there, so as not to disrupt what is happening naturally.

[dick_ginkowski]

I use a range of equipment depending on where I'm going, what I'm

shooting and how I'm getting there. (For example, I carry a Bogen

3021 tripod in my car but pack a Gitzo 1228 when flying.)

 

<p>

 

My basic "flying gear" is a Tamrac Rolling Photo Backpack (not to use

as a backpack, but it's barely legal carryon luggage). My Domke fanny

pack is my "purse". The Gitzo 1228 folds down to 20 1/2" and fits

into a standard wheeled carryon that I check BUT occasionally an

airline emergency precludes checking ANY baggage so everything must be

carryon if possible (i.e., on July 4th American Airlines' computer

crashed and lines were backed up so we finally were told to just grab

our stuff and go to the gate). Inside the wheeled carryon, besides my

clothes and tripod, is a Lowepro 5 long lens case with a Tamrac strap

and, of course, binoculars. Inside the fanny pack, besides my extra

glasses and checkbook, is film, a flashlight, spare camera and flash

batteries, and my Kirk ballhead.

 

<p>

 

The rolling photo backpack carries EOS 1n and A2E bodies, 540 EZ flash

with Sto-Fen omnibounce, lenses (300 f/2.8 L, 70-200 f/2.8 L, 28-105

USM, Vivitar 105mm macro, 50mm f/1.8 and 20mm f/2.8), AF extension

tubes (two 25mm and one 12mm), remote shutter release, lens hoods,

lens cleaning cloth, extra camera and flash batteries, 8-12 extra

rolls of film, Canon 1.4X and 2X teleconverters, Lee filters (grad ND,

sky, red and striped), mini white/gold collapsing reflector, filters

(circular polarizer, Canon 500D closeup, 81A warming and assorted step

rings), mist bottle, extra hex keys for Arca-Swiss plates, Leatherneck

multipurpose tool and Sekonic light/flash meter.

 

<p>

 

The bag usually stays in the trunk and is used to "feed" the other

bags as needed. Typically the 300 f/2.8 is mounted on the tripod.

The fanny pack contains film (usually Sensia II or Elite II 100) and

spare batteries, a lens cloth, teleconverters, polarizing and/or

closeup filters and an extension tube. I might throw in the 28-105 or

the 105mm macro lens. The Lowepro 5 long lens case hosts the 70-200L

and more film and the shutter cable. A bottle of water is always

attached to the fanny pack. Plastic sandwich bags are helpful to

store exposed film.

 

<p>

 

The basic scenario is to have carry as much as needed but as little as

possible when in the field. I usually have a shirt, jacket or vest

with large pockets to hold filters, film, etc., as needed and, of

course, there's lots of other lenses and filters at home or in the

trunk of my car that I can bring with me as needed. I also try to

carry a padded knee protector (Wal-Mart special).

 

<p>

 

The 70-200L is a great all purpose lens. With extension tubes or the

500D closeup lens, it's great for closeup work. Add the 2X and you

get a 140-400 f/5.6. Sometimes I'll pack up the 300 f/2.8 L and carry

it in the Lowepro 5 while the 70-200L gets the tripod duty. (Note: in

case of rain, the configuration I use will allow me to carry the

70-200L in the fanny pack and the 300 f/2.8 in the long lens case).

 

<p>

 

Happy shooting.

[joe_fuhrman1]

First, I have the large Tamrac photo backpack. I removed the logo/name patch, so when I travel, I am not advertising that I have expensive photo equipment inside. Otherwise, you have a higher percentage of having your photo equipment stolen. Even though the photo backpack is carry on, and therefore with you at all times, there are thieves that are pros, and why make it easy for them to know that you have $20,000.00 worth of equipment on your back! My photo backpack looks like your basic 12 year old's junior high school knapsack! I want the thieves to think that my photo backpack is my luggage and has dirty underwear and my toothbrush inside! The dirtier the exterior of the photo backpack, the better!

 

<p>

 

I carry the following Nikon equipment in the photo backpack:

2-F5 bodies

20-35mm f2.8 zoom

35-70mm f2.8 zoom

300mm f4.0

500mm f4.0

1 pair of small binoculars (Nikon Diplomat Series)

2-SB28 flashes

1-custom/homemade fresnel teleflash

1-Arca Swiss B-1 ballhead

80 rolls of film

This is all of the fragile, essential, and expensive equipment.

The photo backpack is heavy, no getting around that; approx. 40 lbs.!

 

<p>

 

Inside my 1 rolling duffle bag is:

1-Bogen 3221 tripod

1-large Tupperware container with extra AA batteries, jewlers screwdriver set, polarizing filters, lens cleaning equipment, and battery tester.

2-Quantum Turbo Batteries

1-Tupperware container of misc. Nikon sync cords.

1-small tool kit.

1small portable blind

All of this equipment is not nearly as fragile as what I have as carry on. Also, if my luggage was stolen or delayed, I could still take photos on my trip. The tripod is the one item I would need most, but I could probably find one, even in remote place like Nepal or Venezuela!

[jim_bridges]

All of my photography is landscape scenes, and close-up, so my

equipment needs are simple.

 

<p>

 

I have a Lowepro Orion AW bag. It will hold a F4s, 24/2.8, 35/2.0,

50/1.8, 105/2.8 micro, and 75-300/4.5-5.6. Accessories I take are,

polarizer filter, 6T closeup lens, X2 teleconverter, mechanical cable

release, micro-cloth, lens brush, lens cleaning fluid, six spare AA

batteries, pad and pencil. I carry a Bogen 3021/3047 head.

 

<p>

 

When we travel I�ll add my N8008s with an AF 35-70/3.3-4.5, but my

wife uses it most of the time with 200 asa print film for snap

shots.

[bill_oneill]

It usually depends on where I am going, what I am after (subject wise), how I'm getting there and, how long I'm going for. If I am going to a place like Jasper national park for three weeks, by car, and intend to take shots of everything I find along the way, I take the works. Leaving out the brand names, here is the works;

 

<p>

 

35mm equipment�.

2 AF bodies

1 MF body

600/4

400/5.6

300/2.8

80-200/2.8

200/4 macro

28-70/2.6-2.8

50/2.8 macro

17/3.5

1.4 AF TC

2.0 MF TC

12mm and 25mm extension tubes

 

<p>

 

6x7 equipment�.

6x7 body

105/2.4

55/4

Helical extension tube

 

<p>

 

Format independent equipment�..

Spot meter

Flash/ambient/direct meter

2 flash units (at least, sometimes 3)

A shoe mount slave with 1/4" threaded socket

Flash brackets and cables for macro work

77mm circular polarizer

77mm 81A

Adapter rings

Cokin P holder with a 2 stop ND grad.

2 collapsible reflectors

Heavy tripod

Small (modified for ground level) tripod

Hefty mono-pod

Electronic, mechanical and pneumatic cable releases

Small, shaped bean bag

Large, long, wrap-able bean bag

Lens cleaning supplies

Swiss army knife

Small flat and Phillips blade screwdrivers

Film lead retriever

Spare batteries for everything

2 large back-packs

Insurance (lots)

[mark_jones]

I carry as little as possible. 2 bodies F5 & N90's, 2 lenses 35-70 2.8D and 80-200 2.8D, SB 28 & Sunpak 355AF. I have other gear but find this setup pretty much covers "most" situations for me. Oh! almost forgot Manfrotto 3021 with ballhead.

[doug_hughes]

Some folks "simple" set up is more than my entrie collection! My Travel outfit consists of :

2 Rollie TLR's (one color, one B&W)

Lots of Velvia and Delta 100

4 Filters (red, green, polarizer, ND Grad)

Rollinar 1 and 2 close up lenses (down to 9"x9". or 1/4 life-size)

Gossen Super Pilot Meter

Lens shade

Cable Release

Blower brush

Benbo Trekker w/ 10$ Quick Release

Hat (focusing hood and lens shade)

T4 Super with RG 100 for snapshots

 

<p>

 

I love this setup. It fits (ex the trekker, of course) into my Domke F4 with room for lunch or whatever - for day trips, one Rollie and the various bits will fit in an oversized P&S bag I bought for $7.

 

<p>

 

If you can live within the narrow envelope of 1 lens, this set-up is fantastic. The TLR on a light tripod (leaf shutter, no mirror lets you keep it light), fited with a shade and fired with a cable release will turn out transparancies that will make you weep, and 20"x20"s that blow doors off 135 . The Rollienar's automatically adjust for parallax. The Benbo gets into all kinds of crazy places and acts as a nice macro focusing rail. No worries about what lens to use - I can focus on my feet and brain so sort out composition, and concentrate on metering (Super Pilot is spot on) and filtration.

 

<p>

 

Doug

[lloyd_nakatani]

Non-photographic essentials: Insect repellent, moist wipes to wipe

repellent from hands, sunscreen, compass.

[george_rhodes]

I've used a lot of different equipment over the years. For a while, I used only 35mm Nikkor prime lenses on manual focus bodies, supplemented with a twin lens Mamiya with interchangeable lenses for some scenics. I've always been an ocean-oriented guy, so I've had a variety of underwater cameras. I now carry a pair of Nikonos 5s with 20mm and 28mm lenses for most of my underwater work, which is mostly marine mammals. I've recently switched to a Pentax 67 for my medium format scenics. On a typical day trip to Ding Darling, Corkscrew Swamp, or Everglades national Park, etc. I now carry my Minolta 9xi with AF 400mm f4.5 APO and 1.4X and 2X matched APO TCs, Tamron AF 70-210 f2.8 LD SP, Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 macro and a Minolta AF 28-85mm zoom. I use a Bogen 3221 tripod with 3047 head. I personally prefer this head, as I frequently like to pan from side to side on a single plane. I use the Kirk equivalent of the Bogen Magic Arm and occasionally a bean bag for added support and stability. I prefer to carry my 400mm, slung over my shoulder on its strap and the rest of my gear in a Lowpro Orion AW large fanny pack. In the Orion I also carry assorted filters, a powerful flash unit and a LumiQuest Soft Box that attaches to the flash, extra batteries, a Swiss Army Knife and film. This gives me excellent mobility. I carry a plastic bag for the 400mm, in case of rain. I also use my Leonard Rue vest occasionally, but except for a few winter months, it is usually too hot for the vest here in Florida. If I'm traveling in a boat, plane or vehicle, I carry everything to the site in a King Pelican Case.

[e._j.]

A couple of Cohibas, guillotine, blue tip wooden matches (sealed against weather), and a flask of B&B, Pinch, Evan Williams Single Barrel, or similar. Makes those cold outings sitting next to the 600 f/4 waiting for something to happen more tolerable.

[chris_patti]

For my upcoming Nepal trek I'll be bringing a medium format

rangefinder & 3 lenses (because it's relatively small and light for a

MF system), a 35mm panoramic swing-lens camera, and a compact 35mm

fixed-lens rangefinder from the 70's (as my backup "point & shoot").

Leaving my SLRs at home. Also a spot meter, a flash, assorted filters

& accessories, and a small but sturdy tripod & ball head. The MF

rangefinder system all fits in a Lowepro Photo Runner fanny pack. The

other items all go into their own little cases. Everything fits in a

large-ish daypack (with room to spare for jackets, sweaters, water,

etc.), which I will carry on to the plane and take everywhere. Total

weight is about 18lbs. Oh yeah, I'll also be bringing about 200 rolls

of 120 film and some 35mm. I guess porters will carry that.

[marcus_erne]

Bruce here is my set-up as a non-professional (is to be expanded):

 

<p>

 

Cities, crowded events, or similar:

 

<p>

 

Off-Trail waist belt, body with built-in flash, AF 28-105 f 2.8, lens

hood, 2x converter, as much film as fits. I plan to buy a monopod in

the near future for this as well. Travelguide, lighter, Leatherman-

Tool, zip-loc bag and shower cap.

 

<p>

 

Short/Weekend Trips by car, focus on nature (on foot):

 

<p>

 

Off-Trail 2, body with built-in flash, AF 28-105 f 2.8, AF 80-400 f

4.5-5.6, lens hoods, 2x converter, as much film as fits, binoculars.

Tripod is in the car to be available.

 

<p>

 

Long Trips/Vacation by motorhome (USA):

 

<p>

 

Off-Trail 2, body with built-in flash, AF 28-105 f 2.8, AF 80-400 f

4.5-5.6, lens hoods, 2x converter, as much film as fits, binoculars

and cleaning kit. Travelguide, lighter, Leatherman-Tool, zip-loc bag

and shower cap.

 

<p>

 

Tripod and MF back-up equipment is in the car to be available.

 

<p>

 

MF back-up: body, 28mm f 2.8, 50mm f 1.7, 135mm f 2.8, 35-200mm f4.5-

5.6 zoom and flash. Tons of film !!!

 

<p>

 

Long Trips by plane:

 

<p>

 

Photo-Trekker packed with Off-Trail 2, body with built-in flash, AF

28-105 f 2.8, AF 80-400 f 4.5-5.6, lens hoods, 2x converter, as much

film as fits, binoculars, cleaning kit. Travelguide, lighter,

Leatherman-Tool, zip-loc bag and shower cap.

 

<p>

 

Tripod and MF back-up equipment is stored in a save location to be

available.

 

<p>

 

MF back-up: body, 28mm f 2.8, 50mm f 1.7, 135mm f 2.8, 35-200mm f4.5-

5.6 zoom and flash. Tons of film !!!

 

<p>

 

I always do a lot of research prior to a trip and I take the best

info material with me. I just started writing a diary to support my

photo albums.

 

<p>

 

Regards Marcus

[paulo_bizarro]

One 35mm SLR and 5 prime lenses: 20, 28, 50, 135, and 180 macro. I only carry two or three lenses at a time, plus tripod or monopod. Flash mostly for fill in portraits and some macro. Film includes E100SW and E200 (for pushing). Also lens hoods, spirit level, cleaning kit, waterproof pens, small notepad, spare batteries, etc.

 

<p>

 

Several bags, from Billimgham to Lowepro.

[tim_poe]

OK, this will be what wasn't in my bag but really should have been. I think I'll share so none of you wind up having to go through this. If you can, keep a Cell Phone with you. Or a whistle, an air horn, something to contact people (lots of people because some won't do anything).

I was out taking some photos a few weeks ago, just finished a roll, and was walking back when I slipped down an embankment and felt my ankle break. I'll spare the whole story, but it was quite some time before I got help; I had no way to call anyone, and wound up crawling along a muddy riverbed for about 45 minutes. Most disturbing, though, was that a man fishing on the other side (with knee-high boots on) just watched and did nothing. So, you need to get as many people's attention as possible, and hopefully you'll find someone who'll care. I did finally get far enough to get help, fortunately not long before going into shock. So, everyone, make sure you have some way to get help when you're out in the field. Hope this helps.

[jim_bridges]

I do carry a cell phone with me, if I'm going to an area where there

isn't going to be a frequent passerby. My wife talked me into

carrying it. I do tend to get into some isolated areas by myself, two

or three miles from other folks, and we do have poisonous snakes down

here in southeast Texas, so it sounded logical.

[mark_mitchell]

No matter where I'm going, I always seem to just bring everything

along, which is usally 1 or 2 N90s, 1 F5, 20/24/28 2.8 Nikons, 28-105

Tamron, 80-200 2.8 Nikon, 70-300 Tamron, 300 f4 Nikon, Tamron 200-

400, 1 SB26 flash, Polarizers, ND and warming filters for all lenses,

sc-17 connecting cord, remote releases for the camera bodies, flash

manual, a leatherman tool, cell phone and a bogen 3021 with the

Kaiser medium ballhead & stroboframe quick release unit with spare

plates. I pack it in a Super Phototrekker.

[david_evans]

I carry two bodies, one of which is completely manual (battery for

metering), 300F4, 70-200 zoom, 50F1.7, 28F2.8, UV and polarizers for

all, cleaner cloth, liquid lens cleaner and tissue pad, extra

batteries, winder for electronic camera, 2X and 1.4X teleconverters,

and Nikon close-up lenses 5T and 6T (I find these two-element lenses

very acceptable, and they weigh a few ounces).

[zac_t._meltzer]

Somewhere in this list of comments a guy mentioned his necessary

equipment started with two F5's... WHATEVER! My necessary equipment

is everyting I own.

 

<p>

 

Nikon N70

Tamron 28-200 3.8/5.6

Bogen 3021 w/3047 head

filters: circular polarizer

uv

Cokin P system: graduated nuetral density G1

warming 81B

Film: best I can afford at the time

notepad

pen

felt tip marker

and I carry it all in a Lowepro sideline shooter.

I do have dreams of systems like those previously mentioned, however

with my current $$ I find I must focus on more than just what's in my

viewfinder. I have to focus on making do with what I have and not

breaking the bank, thus keeping peace and harmony with my wife.

Someone who has a direct impact on the development of my dream setup.

Oh and by the way if anyone out there is too burdened with extranious

F5's or 300/2.8's just send them my way I'll be more than happy to lug

them around. Happy Shooting

[derek_robertshaw]

On recent (Dec 1998) flights in USA and UK all carry on bags were weighed and any thing over 6kg was removed to the hold of the plane. We shared film, filters and tripod head etc in our clothing to keep Camera and lenses with me -Airlines seem to be getting stricter re carry on ?

[Brian P Bower CamraScapes]

I am a Serious amateur and can make only a few major trips per year. My favorite spot to photograph Whitetailed deer is the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. For this type of wildlife photography, I work out of my truck and bring everything. My first concearn is being comfortable and staying dry is big on my list. I will always have a Goretex pants on to keep me out there and shooting. That beautiful frost melts eventually and when I'm following a deer through tall grass, I don't hesitate.

 

My large lenses stay in their trunk cases or in my Lowe-Pro Photo Trekker AW, stored in the vehicle. I wear a Domke photo vest to carry film, batteries, TC-14b teleconverter and extention tubes PK13 and PN11, DK3 right angle finder, electric shutter releases, filters, a whistle and a very small flashing strobe(joggers and bicyclist use these) light both for emergency signaling. Several plastic trash bags and rubber bands for rain protection. For incident light measurment, I use a Seconic L 318b light meter extensively.

 

Over my shoulder goes my Gitzo 410 tripod with pipe insulation on each leg to provide padding to my shoulder. I use a Wimberley long lens tripod head with Arca Swiss quick release, I will attach either the 800 F5.6 or 200~400 F4 to the tripod with camera attatched and ready to go.

At the truck I will select from the following, to be carried in my vest.

 

Spare camera body, 20mm,24~50mm,35mm PC, 50~135,55 Micro, 85mm,300mm,

TTL Flash and cords, Quantum Turbo Battery, Modulite infrared remote control.

It is very beneficial to be 6'6" tall to carry 30 pounds of tripod mounted equipment on my shoulder, but the images that I can share with others make it worthwhile.

[jeff_huskey]

I like to do macro work (insects & flowers).When I go, I am walking. So, I dont carry alot of stuff.(Really, I dont have alot of stuff.)Here we go. 1 Af-body(soon to be manual with MLU),105mm 2.8 macro,180mm 2.8, 2 extension tubes(27.5mm each),1 good tripod with 3-way head, focusing rail,small off camera flash, remote release, micro cassette recorder,a couple of small homemade reflectors,a gear bag, swiss army knife and A 5" lock blade knife(you never know what you might get tangled up in.)Oh,I almost, forgot my "photography" never leave home without them items. Spare batteries, slide film, equipment manuals, and a gray card.

[bcarlson]

Hi, this is a somewhat old thread, but I thought I'd comment anyways.

For my (day) job, I'm a service technician. I travel mostly domestically, but occaisionally to Canada, or Mexico. My travel kit is as follows: 1 backpack, 1 pelican 1550 hardshell case, and 1 suitcase. In the backpack, I carry my laptop, necesary buisiness papers, disks, CD's and whatnot, along with my film in the outside pouch. In the pelican case(hardshell) I carry either two 35mm bodies, and assorted lenses; or one 35mm body, and my Hasselblad (and respective lenses). also I carry lens cleaners, plastic bags, raincoat, model releases, manuals, and assorted filters in the pelican. In the suitcase I take (of course) clothes, toiletries, and then also a small(yet sturdy) tripod.

 

I carry on the pelican and the backpack, and have yet to have any problems(travel every monday thru friday, 80% of the year).

Hope this helps...

 

Benjamin Carlson

[kng1942]

On vacation, I usually take a single SLR AF body (formerly Nikon N70 now N80) plus a midtange zoom lens, like the Nikon 24-10 and a fast small lens like the 35mm F2 AF Nikkor. I'm going to but the Nikon 28-105 zoom and keep whichever I like best. This kit does me well. All kept in a small shoulder bag that does not look anything like a camera bag.

[josh gelernter]

In my "Gym Style" bag I carry:

 

Sony DSC-P31,

Minolta Riva 70,

1 Roll- 100ISO,

1 Roll- 200ISO,

3 Rolls- 400ISO,

2 Rolls- 800ISO,

1 64MB Memory Stick,

1 8MB Memory Stick,

Table top tripod,

Vivtar Medium sided tripod (which folds up to about 50cm or 60cm long),

Quick Release Plate(s),

 

I keep the cameras in padded bags. The bag is about 7 lbs.