If you're someone who doesn't like the look of camera bags, I'd recommend getting a camera cube. It essentially turns any bag you want into a camera bag without the look or price tag of a regular one.
Agreed, camerabag is one-trick pony and insert is just far better option in terms of flexiblity and price. Use small one when traveling light / with carry-on and bigger one when you need to bring more lenses.
My 5 Camera accessories that I will recommend are camera bag, Lens blower, extra battery, extra memory card and a tripod, plus an app for the phone to control the Camera when using tripod. From 45 years of experience as both a pro and hobby photographer.
@@Chris-NZ The wireles remotes I have tried are much more "clunky". I have NO problems with using apps ! No reason to bring both a phone and a remote !
@@cameraprepper7938you’ve been lucky, I’ve had endless problems with the canon connect app with the fiddly nature of connection and then when you want to do something else with the phone loosing connection. Admittedly when they work they are superior to what you can do with a wireless remote!! I found the branded canon wireless remote fiddly to connect and without much range and use one that has a receiver the plugs into the cameras remote socket.
My favourite tiny tripod is the Leica table tripod. Have had mine for about 50 years and still works as new. It is still in production which says a lot.
My Billingham Hadley bag is 15 years old. It's a little faded and worn but doesn't look that different to when I bought it. I don't ever imagine replacing it. Definitely one of the best things I've ever bought.
Agree on the “buy nice” mantra. I got the Peak Design tripod before Ulanzi’s came out, but I use it seldom enough that it’s not worth changing out. For a bag, I finally settled on a Gura Gear Kiboko pack, I love love love that you only open half the bag at a time, this is great if it’s raining. The real estate needed to open it is minimal, the “lid” does not double your footprint - which makes it perfect for in the car. Also I can get into the bag without taking it off at all, great for when you’re in the bush and there’s no place to put it down. Bags are weird though, everyone chooses differently for their own criteria.
I have to agree with you on the chair. People spend $1000+ on a phone, but they don't spend as much on a chair, even though a good chair can save your back. I have an aeron, and it makes total sense to me.
It’s such a crucial item if you work long hours behind a computer - the Embody is one of the best things I’ve ever bought and it’s still as perfect today as it was when I got it new 7 years ago, just built unbelievably well!
A good chair, adjustable height desk, and ergonomic mouse are absolutely essential things for people who spend more than a couple hours a day at a desk
Definitely agree with the Lowepro bag. And the blower. And the lens pen. And the tripod. Nnnngahhh!! Might as well just say I agree with EVERYTHING on this list.
Great vid! After carrying around gear for so long and starting to regret it with lower back and knee pain I decided to look at rolling camera bags. They seemed too expensive for my needs so I went with a TravelPro roller board (2 wheels instead of 4) and got an inexpensive camera gear divider on Amazon that fit inside the main compartment and left me a little room on the inside to place either 2 Matthews 7'5" MERF stands or 1 MERF stand and 1 travel tripod. In case anyone was looking. CHEERS!!
Here are the five accessories I find useful: 1. Camera bag and/or case - some for travel; some for storage; some for upscale venues; plastic bag to protect equipment from rain 2. Camera support - tripods, monopods, sandbags 3. Lens and camera body cleaning kit - air blower, lens brush, lens cleaner, lens pen, lens tissue, micro-fiber cloth 4. Remote shutter release - many of my cameras do not have a self-timer 5. Handheld light meter - many of my cameras do not have a built-in light meter
I bought 8 camera bag inserts and they have been the number one best camera accessory I have ever bought by far. They have smashed every dedicated camera bag I have ever bought. They convert the simplest bag into modular kit. I now have a 20 buck op shop shoulder bag for my BMPCC 6K walk around. Two up in a Crumpler Back pack for interviews kit. One in the gym bag. All eight fit into a Pelican case. They pack onto shelves. And so far I have never found a photographers bag that has a dedicated pocket for your sun/glasses. The first action when shooting. The opp shop bag does.
Great list, and difinitely agree with Buy Nice or Buy Twice. A good chair is a must! I got a used Herman Miller Aeron (most used are almost 10 years old) for about $500 CAD, and it's practically brand new and the comfort is insane! Looking forward to next vid.
Hi I have Two Billingham Bags. They are truly wonderful items, Beautifully made and totally functional. I first saw them in a local Camera shop here in the UK in 1975.. Great video thank you.
Welcome to the club mate, Billingham is the only bag I wished I bought in the beginning of my photo journey, no cry once buy once, lol today I owned 5 of these bags and vests, the vests they no longer make. edit: I never was a lowpro guy my second pick for heavy traveling with 2 big bodies and a few telephotos 100-500 is the Think Tank Photo StreetWalker HardDrive V2.0 Backpack had it around in 2015 its still rocking to this day. Good video man.
I bought a Billingham Pro decades ago but sold it soon after (didn't really know what I wanted or needed), now probably some 20+ bags later I'm back to buying Billingham and fortunately this time around, I know what I need and want. With age comes wisdom, especially when it comes to camera bags I guess.
I ended up getting a SmallRig tripod for my EOS R. It's a little on the flimsier side of things in terms of sturdiness, but for around $70USD I can't really complain. I like your carbon fiber tripod you showed, I might look into one of those as an upgrade.
Bags… Like cameras, there is no one perfect camera (or bag) that fits every single need or use. Consequently I use a variety of them. For my LF (Toyo 45CF) I use a decades old Domke bag, purchased new in the mid-70s. It carries the camera (clamshell fold up) with 135mm lens, dark cloth, film changing bag, several film holders, and other necessary stuff. For my Canon 5D SR, I use a ThinkTank bag. Carries the camera, 24-105 mm L lens, 50mm f/1.4, 35mm macro lenses, waterproof cover, extra batteries, CF cards, Apruture remote camera controls, manuals (the camera has some features I use rarely, but I do use, that they’re good to have as a reference), and lens cleaning stuff, etc… For my Polaroid I-2, I use a different ThinkTank bag that carries the camera, several packs of film (and empty boxes to slip just-exposed photos into), marker for writing on the photos’ borders, cable release, filter pack, etc… For my Mamiya 6, I use another decades old US Navy WWII vintage gas mask bag. Got it used in the 70s at an Army Navy surplus store off Market Street in San Francisco. It holds the camera with the incredible 50mm f/4 lens (collapsed), a vintage Kodak 120 film roll holder (stocked with both Ilford XP-2 and Kodak Gold), a lens pen brush (NEVER used on the lens!), a Sekonic light meter… and that’s it! Finally for my early 90s Panasonic prosumer digital camera (with Leica lens), a very tiny lowepro camera holder (too tiny to be called a bag - it’s fits in the palm of my hand) that carries the camera, an extra battery, and a spare memory card - it’s a very tight squeeze but it’s so tiny it’s easy to just toss in! This arrangement makes it really easy to grab the bag(s) I need, fully stocked and ready to go, on short notice. I’m going on a road trip this week through central California. I’m taking the Polaroid and the Mamiya. The bags are all set! Happy shooting to all! (I taught photography for 20+ years at the local community colleges and will absolutely echo the “Buy Nice or Buy Twice!” So many students suffered through that lesson over the years…)
Poppy, this comment has all the makings of decades of experience. I cannot imagine how many iterations your list must have gone through. I'm still working on my kits and am using Domke bags at the moment. I have a couple of very small bags that I can carry cross body under my regular backpack (I hike a lot). They are big enough to hold a camera (typically a Fuji X100V or a Contax TVS), a spare battery and film (either 35mm cassette or digital), and a water bottle. A slightly larger camera (Oly OM-1 or OM-4) with a small lens will also fit. I can carry a Domke F-6 and the pack if I manage the load out correctly. This allows me to carry a few more primes and a second body if I want. This bag is good for a 35mm SLR kit or a digital kit so long as I don't get too crazy with the lenses. I have a F-2 that carries the Bronica S2A, a couple of lenses, film, and support. It is *heavy* and I use a Postman's pad to help manage the weight. I think I'm going to have to reduce the kit size for this one to make it more manageable. Or I could go with a camera backpack and carry the camera cross body on a strap. I'm still working on the kits. "Buy Nice or Buy Twice" is good. I also use "Buy Once Cry Once." I also say "The mission determines the loadout" an awful lot, especially with heavier gear.
@@nvrumi Your reply brings to mind that some time ago, I remember coming across a quote attributed to Ansel Adams (which I am going to paraphrase): Q: What is your favorite camera? AA: The biggest one I can carry. I also think of the 19th century photographers who worked with the wet plate process (glass plate) and shot with giant wooden cameras as they sought out awe inspiring vistas. Me? I’m kinda wimpy. I pare things down to the most basic gear. For instance on a recent trip to Japan, all I took was my Polaroid I-2 (and a boatload of film!). It was my first trip there, and yet it was an easy decision to make: I’m going somewhere I’ve never been before, so I’ll take a camera I have almost no experience with! 😆 You sound like a very dedicated photographer! Your journey is your own. I’ll just say you’ll reach your destination, literally and figuratively, in your own way and in your own time. Each step, including the stumbles, can be a learning opportunity. All the best to you! 👍🏼
I know it might be dumb, but cheap uv filters on the lenses might be worth having. I've got scratches in my Fuji's 28mm lens coating from the lens cap popping off when in my backpack.
What I'm about to say might sound dumber but... I get cheap UV filters and remove the glass. It still protects my lenses from damage (dents on front rim or scratches on glass element). My mirrorless lenses stay pristine in comparison to my DSLR ones so I see results, at least personally speaking.
One of my favorite accessories is the Andoer QR-60 it's a sturdy Arca plate with a slot for a hand strap and a foldable hanging loop. It costs 16€ and it's simply perfect.
I’ve used a Hadley Pro for well over 10y now and you can get replacements for the front leather straps which makes it last forever. The synthetic fibrenyte looks like new. I disagree on the shoulder pad though, for some reason I prefer the bare strap and always had a painful shoulder with the pad so my recommendation is to buy one without first and try the bag.
Yeah the fact you can get replacement front straps is so good! And interesting, I tried the bag without the pad for a few weeks while the pad got delivered and found it really uncomfortable, the strap just dug into my shoulder too much - it’s substantially better with the pad, but yeah best to try it without a pad first and see if you need it or not!
Totally with you on paying extra for the comfort, craftsmanship and aesthetics. Wasn't going to investigate camera accessories at this point, but watched this video till the end and subscribed. Also, this is my, like, fifth comment on youtube in 15 years. Cheers.
A new subscriber here. Thank you for making this video. Straight to the point and no b.s. looking forward to the next video of the accessories one shouldn't waste their money on.
A very cheap but also very handy accessory are extension tubes for your mount. They are an easy way to focus your favorite lenses a lot closer e.g. for product shots
BTW this lens can easily be a piece of black construction paper with a tiny hole in the middle... Joking aside the other day somebody handed me a body and wanted to check it, I had no lens for that system so I quickly made a pinhole with construction paper to test it out
I'm a camera bag-oholic, no question about it. I have a Sony a7rv, a Leica m11p, and a Fujifilm x100vi, which I carry at different times and sometimes a few at the same time, so I need bags to suite the way I want to travel with my gear at any given time. The Bellingham Hadley Small is just about the perfect all around bag for me though. When I travel abroad I put the Hadley inside my Tumi backpack (which gives me space for other items in the backpack) and when I get where I'm going I pull it out and head out on the town. This combination also fits under the seat on the airplane so I can have my expensive gear near me all the time. I've tried the 7L Bellroy for small outfits but it didn't work for me but I going to try the 10L bag made for camera gear since I like the way your gear fits inside. Thanks for the review.
I prefer microfiber cloths > lens pen, but at least the pen has a brush for when u need it. Not sure why the hand straps have become so popular, maybe influencer trends? The shoulder straps get made fun of, but I prefer them as I still get to have both hands free. Peak design anchors (with the base/connectors) are mad expensive, and straps are even more. I just get cheaper brand and it's lasted me 3 years so far (2-3 events per week, travel, sometimes hiking or just walking around, etc.) No sign of breaking. Good Ulanzi tripod, the slimmer the better when it comes to folded. Lowepro bags have the best form and function, at a good price. They seem like they're built with the photographer's needs prioritized.
The Peak anchors are like $20aud for 4, and all of mine have lasted atleast 7+ years of use; given they literally connect my camera to a strap and mean it hopefully doesn’t fall to the ground i dont really want to “cheap” out on them. I just don’t like the feeling of a neck strap around my neck, the wrist strap is good for when I’m walking around because it gives me the security to know if I accidentally let go of the camera it wont fall on the ground, without a giant strap dangling everywhere too - if I’m not using my camera I’ll put it back in its bag - the exception to this is if I’m shooting a wedding or something where I need two cameras on hand, in which case I’ll use the BlackRapid dual harness which works a dream but is overkill for most normal scenarios haha
@@rudermanphoto Smallrig is the alternative I I use for anchors. To each his own, of course. I got used to the neck strap. For street, I wear it loose and crossbody so it's hiding behind me but I can quickly grab it at moment's notice. I try the wrist strap from time to time, it's very good for shooting from various angles, especially low. Dual harness is awesome, only downside is I gotta be be mindful when crouching or sitting down. (also don't forget to tether lol) Good video, thanks for the reply!
@@rudermanphoto Like you, no neck strap for me. I use a strap long enough to carry cross body. The wrist strap is very handy for a light, relatively small camera (like one of the smaller Fujifilm bodies). I can just drop the camera if I need the hand free.
A good tripod is such a great piece of kit! For years I thought I didn’t need one because I rarely used a tripod, turned out I rarely used a tripod because I always had cheap, non-user friendly options 😂
Literally my exact same scenario, had a garbage cheap tripod that sucked and never used it - bought a nice one and now I actually use a tripod substantially more often then before!
My favorite camera bags are made by Domke - though all the ones (3) that I have are at least 25 years old. I don't know if the newer ones are the same. My most favorite bag is by A. Smith and Sons, of Philadelphia, PA. I believe those bags have been discontinued for many years, but I love the size and functionality. The one I own is about 45 years old. It has some patching, but still works well.
For backpack camera bags I use a Shimoda explorer V2 when I need to have access to a fair bit of kit and personal items (food, water, extra clothes waterproofs etc). It is very comfortable having properly designed straps and hip band. When I need less kit a us a Compagnon which again has properly designed straps and hip belt. Both these bags are excellent, robust, food capacity and important fro me very comfortable in use.
Not a fan of number 2 Zeiss lens wipes they leave a ton of lint behind. First time my friends that have kids see me use a rocket blower the first time they always ask me if they can use it to suck snot out of their kids nose. Question on the Lopro450ii or whatever it is, it looks to have top access, I drive Mennonites a lot and often photograph from the truck, will I be able to put an R5 Mark ii and a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens and pull it straight out to get a quick shot? (Clearly when stopped, I don't want to mess anyone up like someone messed me up and changed my life) Thank you for your time.
All good recommendations. Just add a spare battery and memory card(s). Going to take a look at the Belroy sling. Own a smaller carry all one from them but my Moment Rugged 10L feels a little heavy. Thank you and take care.
Agree entirely on the usefulness of your five items especially those peak design wrist straps, however when it comes to bags I’m a Think Tank Retrospective fan boy , I have three of them in different sizes, ok not a fashion accessory but neither do they look like a camera bag. But like most photogs my age (well retired) I have a bit of a collection of bags, love them all but have been lusting after the Ona Princess Street shoulder bag, lucky its not available here in NZ 😀
I have spent years in search of the "perfect" camera bag (I mean, like 20+ years) and finally have come to understand that there is no "perfect" bag. There are bags that meet your needs better than others and bags that are made better than others, but perfect (or really good) is certainly in the eye of the beholder. I have quite a few bags, and when they get used really depends on what I am doing, but I mainly (like 85% of the time) use two bags. My go to travel bag (when I need everything and I am going to be packing it all around with me because I live in continual fear that the one piece of gear I am going to need got left behind) is the Shimoda Designs Explore V2 (35L w/large cube). I initially ordered the 30L, but I typically tote at least 3 lenses (including a 100-500), 2 bodies, a drone and GoPro (filters, batteries, tripod . . .), so back went the 30 and I got the 35L. I also started with a medium cube, but immediately ordered the large. I have been working with this setup for almost 2 years now and this meets my needs perfectly. The Shimoda is also a super comfortable carry. Word of caution - this turns out to be carry-on size, NOT personal item. It will fit under a seat on some planes, but not most. My second bag (for every day walking around or even when travelling but leaving the big bag at base) is a Peak Design 10L Everyday Sling. It is what it says it is, an every day sling. I have and use a Peak Design Slide Strap, and it is good when you need that sort of thing, but I typically use a bunch of Peak Design Capture Clips - I have two on the Shimoda, one on the sling and another on my regular hiking day pack. That, in combination with the SpiderHolster SpiderPro Hand Strap (on each camera body), makes it so easy to have a camera (or two) on hand and ready to go while keeping your hands free. It took a long time to figure it all out, but this is what works for me. Your results may vary!
I had actually used the Peak Design everyday backpack in multiple different forms, v1 and v2 of the 20L and the 30L as well, but I felt like while the bag was well made it had some shocking design choices with regards to being used as a camera bag, got the lowepro and realized it was what I had been missing all along!
I can vouch for the quality and durability of the Billingham. I have a larger model, a Hadley Pro, that has been in constant use for over 10 years and it still looks and works like new.
I love my mini tripod :) You really dont need to spend loads on a mini tripod. I just use a fluid head + one of those end tripod things from my Gimbals. Works for all my super low to the floor shots. If I needed the height adjustment I would just use a proper tripod. I don't use camera bags. I just use a camel back for water and some small storage. All my cameras are always on belt holsters. I rarely do lens changes so I just keep a camera with the lens I intend to use for the day. If I do bring a lens I just bring some lens pouches and chuck that in the bag or onto my belt.
I've been looking at the Billingham bags for yrs but I don't think they are as functional as a sling because they seem more like a messenger bag which is always bouncing around because of the lack of a quick strap adjustment. On slings you can adjust it to hug your body which makes you feel more mobile which is important for travel when you're moving from train to car to walking.
Oh for sure, the Bellroy is a more functional bag then the Billingham, but the Billingham is a much nicer bag to use - materials, touch points, style - if all you need is pure function then yes get a sling, but that’s why I wanted to cover both options :)
In the case of small tripods, I much prefer the PlatyPod. You can carry it in your pocket, it is extremely versatile and stable, and best of all, the 'tripod police' that are tasked to keep all tripods out of some venues don't bat an eye at the Platypod.
also a lowepro "ridgeline pro 300AW" backpack is great, I carry my H1 hasselblad, two lenses and accessories in it, it can't take the tripod, but I have found backpacks the way to go, they distribute the weight evenly, and you can carry all day, without hurting your shoulders.
Yeah I had the larger billingham Hadley Pro which I got for super cheap used and really wanted to keep it because it was so beautiful but that much weight on one shoulder was just killing me, switched to a backpack and was much happier - shoulder bags are good for smaller loads for sure
110% agreed with everything you said. The lowepro bag has lasted my for years and is surprisingly comfortable too when hiking. Also, as a drummer I completely understand that investing in good quality stands is a must.
Great list and hard to argue with any of it. I have that exact Billingham bag and also use the larger Hadley 2020 Pro. Lovely bags and I love using them. I use a Heipi tripod rather than the Ulanzi, partly because it has a mini tripod built in that uses the main arca Swiss compatible ballhead. That’s my only additional recommendation - if you’re using a tripod get an arca Swiss head and plate, particularly if you do landscape photography. I just hate screwing and unscrewing tripods on/off. I’d buy that Gitzo tripod if the mini ballhead came with an arca plate. As it is, I have to use an add on plate so I just use the Heipi mini tripod that came (sort of) free with my main tripod.
I had the larger Hadley pro that I got for cheap used and really wanted to keep it as it was so beautiful but fully loaded it was so uncomfortable on one shoulder so I ended up selling it and getting the backpack instead - a shame but I find I can only do small shoulder bags sadly. Yea it would be amazing if the Gitzo had an arca head, the only benefit is that atleast it’s quite small so it’s easy to screw it onto a camera - that said RRS makes a little mini arca swiss head called the BC-18 which you could attach onto the Gitzo, the only downside being that it costs as much as the Gitzo does alone hahaha
What a fantastic list. Mine's almost the same. I got the Giotto rocket blower gosh, probably over a decade ago, same with the lens pen. Still carry them with me and they still works perfect. I just got the Peak Design wrist strap for my X100T because honestly I noticed that unless I'm holding the camera in my hand I'm too lazy to take it out and snap a shot. I got the Billingha Hadley Pro second hand in mint condition so I think I only paid like 150 EUR and I've had it for years now and it still looks like it's in new because it's so well made. The Billingham quality is no joke. I recently got the Bellroy Venture Sling 6L for when I want to go real minimal street photographer mode (thank to Roman, dude is a good sales man lol). Perfect for small items and X100 series camera. What I tend to also carry is a powerbank to charge my camera and my phone. Shorter trips a smaller one and longer trips a larger one. I do have extra batteries for my cameras but I still like to have it with me for peace of mind.
Yeah the key is to try find the billingham used, I got mine used and saved quite a bit of money and the great quality means it’s still perfect! I also love to carry a power bank with me, I feel like thanks to most new cameras having usb c charging it’s just as useful as extra batteries and you have the added utility of charging your phone too just with one cable for everything!
So far I found that a peak design small insert v2 for my camera and 2 lenses is enough and I can switch it from my backpack to the messenger bag depending where I go, but it might change. Thanks for the nice video! :)
I love the peak design camera cube! I have the medium one which perfectly fits the RZ67 with a spare back which I use for if I travel with it - and you can attach a strap to it and use it as a big sling too which works great haha
interesting recommendations, esp. not adding filters to the list. But one other tripod to consider the sirui M 2204 there is a modern version (as this is the 2004? variant); this is a good tripod, Plus a monopod (you take a leg off, and add a included top plate, and you can use the lower section of center column for a riser to it, to gain height) especially today, for mirrorless cameras, a lot of versatility in one package.
UV protection filters I don’t personally use nor do I really see a need for them unless you are doing photography in particularly risky environments - with the lenspen and Zeiss cloths I’ve never had any issues cleaning smudged lenses and the IQ I find isn’t compromised from putting a cheap bit of glass on the front of the lens. As for diffusion filters like Glimmerglass which I do use frequently especially for video work I didn’t put it on the list because I don’t know if it’s as useful for everyone as the rest of the items on the list are - and using it on the lens all the time can be detrimental too as you can’t exactly remove the effect later.
I just bought a 24-105mm f4 L, it just arrived about 15 minutes ago, which is perfect because I’m on my way to canyonlands national park tomorrow to backpack and take pictures so it may come in handy.
Personally, I agree with about 90% what was said minus the cheap tripod part. I bought a cheap one, and I don't think I've used it more than twice since buying it 9 months ago
Lol i saw the price from the manfrotto to the Grito tripod and literally said GYAT DAMN😂 GREAT VIDEO I actually enjoyed it and found good products vs other creators it wasnt worth me keeping or only for temporary
Outstanding bags for sure but nothing screams "STEAL ME!" like a Billingham (I've owned two). Domke and Think Tank for me now. And, agreed, the RZ67 is most definitely the heaviest object known to man. I owned one of those as well 🙂
I’ve had my eye on a gitzo series zero travel tripod for ages now, because my nice benro is just too big for travel, but the mini traveler is also really nice, and I could steal the ball head off it when I buy the new sticks 😂
@@emyoswald it might fit but just be comically small - also for a larger tripod I would prefer an arca Swiss head, it’s alright not having it on the mini traveller since it’s easy to just screw it on but if it was larger would be a pain haha
I am an admitted tripod snob, for ultra long lenses it just doesn't pay to mess around.... having said that I needed a small portable tripod for a bike trip and did not want to spend much thinking it very well could get lost or need to be dumped so I bought a Suri AM-284 without a center column. less than 100 USD and far exceeded my expectations, not going to be something you want to put an RB/RZ on but seems steadier than the one demoed in this vid. Its plenty strong and stiff for a Mamiya 645 and 110mm or something like a Nikon Z8 up to 300mm. Really a nice portable set of sticks, strong, light, packs well but fairly short... shortish is the price you pay for steady and portable. center columns are never a good idea EVER in my opinion
As I replied to another comment - the center column being raised to the top was merely a demonstration at full extension, considering it’s indoors there’s no risk of wind knocking it over, when outside I’d never extend it fully unless the camera was really light.
Thanks for the video, mate. Nice tips. FYI i bought a Billingham knock off from Amazon for $AUD75 and the build quality was fantastic. A heavy bag, but strong and waterproof.
Would also absolutely love to see a little bit of the Thypoch lens on your xpro 1. I know MF with it is a pain, but would still be sick to see a few shots/opinions on that combo :) Loved the video!
I plan on using it with both the X-Pro 1 and the X-T5 for the review! It’s actually not as awful as I initially thought to manually focus on the XP1 with it, maybe because the lens is so smooth and pleasant to use you kinda forget the XP1 has such a garbage EVF haha
I think it’s quite the opposite, it just looks like a generic satchel - a well made one yes but the LowePro for example is much more “look at me, steal me! vibes - but I still use it because it’s just too practical to compromise on.
Hay Mat, I have my eye on that billlingham bag for a Christmas present to myself. It's a toss up between that olive green one you got or full black one. Is the green as incognito? Does it look like a camera bag full of thousands of pounds of tech in it? Really got my eye on that manly Channel bag I even asked out in turkey if they make fake Bellinghams😂😂😂. Keep up with the vids bud
@@76steps I actually wish I got the classic tan and brown colour, I had the larger Hadley Pro in that colour which I got for a steal off eBay but I ended up selling because even though it was the most beautiful bag I’d ever seen it was just way too uncomfortable with how much weight you were putting on one shoulder - the small doesn’t let you fit that much shit in there to make it uncomfortable! The reason i got that colour was I got a good deal on it used so beggars can’t be choosers haha I’d go for any colour but black, black is just so boring, but I guess if you want to be incongnito then black would be the best bet - but even this olive one just looks like a nice satchel, doesn’t scream that I’ve got thousands of dollars of cameras inside imo
@@76steps I have the larger Hadley Pro 2020 in black and the smaller bag shown in the video in that olive green. You cannot go wrong with either colour. I’m surprised much I love the olive green and end up using it most of the time. To me, the black looks more suited to when you’re carrying a camera while going to an office for work and taking other stuff too rather than a dedicated photo outing.
If you are using small body and lens set up, do consider the even smaller 3.5L version. Once I got the new 3.5L version, I seldom take out the 7L anymore which is a bit heavier
@@yeungnsthat has been a consideration. I have an x-t5 with the kit lens (18-55mm) and the 70-300mm which I love and are my main two lenses. I've also got a small Voitlander 27mm and an anamorphic sirui lens which I I may use from time to time. I've got the Bellroy 3L, which barely fits the camera and kit lens, but from the images of the Wotancraft 3.5L, it looks soo much larger, like almost 1.5x the size of the bellroy. If only bag companies had more detailed bag dimensions and volume ratings.
@@thedevilstears1 I'd recommend you get the 7L. I got mine for my GX80 a few years back, and it can pack a full MFT kit easily. When I take my S5 however, I generally bring only two lenses. Your Fuji is a little smaller, but the 70-300mm isn't exactly tiny.
me accidentally avoidin buyin any unnecessary accessories by inheriting my camera setup (nikon fe2 with 50mm lens) and just using my cleaning cloth from my sunglasses: need thos lens wipes tho lul
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@@rudermanphoto not for that mate. The brush isn’t getting off sea air. Or all the desert sand. I say this from experience with both. Fortunately I was using filters, but it was the end of my run with that product. To each their own, but I’d be quite careful depending on where one is.
I haven’t no, but I hear RRS makes a really good mini tripod that rivals the Gitzo for similar money - no clue if it’s as good or better other then it has an arca swiss head which is actually great
It wasn’t fake lol the tripod is shit and lacks any kind of lock for the legs relying entirely on friction to hold itself upright - when you put that much weight on it the entire thing collapses, please go buy one and try for yourself if you don’t believe me :)
I'm not sure a blower ending up at over £30 after 15% discount, is NOT expensive. I also don't think it's worth it, when every single other blower costs 50% of the suggested. sometimes you thing before you buy, even if you're just shopping necessities ;) Some items should be a buy-once thing. It's that time you go for well run brands. most of the time.
Wow that is much more than I paid for it! I paid $25aud for mine at full price and it’s currently on sale for $16.95 aud lol I suggested it because I’ve had the cheap crap ones you get thrown in with every “lens cleaning kit” and they have hardly any oomph or power to them, plus the nozzle seems to get dislodged often. Maybe check amazon, it certainly shouldn’t be that expensive!
Not when the alternative i listed is twice that lol But yeah it is expensive either way you look at it - but you can often find these bags used for a decent discount, just check eBay or FB marketplace, usually people buy them and hardly use them then sell them when they realize they’re collecting dust - it’s how I got the Billingham for $350 vs the $500 it’d be brand new!
Personally i think you have more money than most, up to and including the tripod, your over $500 more than most people spend on the camera, the Gitzzo brand are robbery well over priced and so i think you should look at alternatives with caveats on price.
I am aware they’re expensive products but I don’t believe they are overpriced - I gave cheaper alternatives for all the items I listed, the Gitzo tripod is genuinely the best quality mini tripod I’ve used and if you cannot afford it the Manfrotto is an excellent choice at more then a quarter the price :)
Are you using a real one or a generic one? I’ve never had any issues with my real lens pens smudging anything, and I find they usually do a great job if you use them correctly, slowly swirling in a circular motion after removing any dust or debris from the lens.
Does anyone take any notice of timewasters like this guy? People like him seem to like giving their opinions, which are no more important than anyone else's. I note he has the deceny not to inflict his photos upon us.
You can often find it on sale! I paid $220 aud for mine, I’ve seen them for $199 sometimes too - yes it’s still very expensive and I imagine some of that is due to the Gitzo name, but it is still built impeccably well.
i bought a shit tripod for $12 and its great. if your're using a small camera don't think you have to buy a super expensive tripod, the shit amazon basics will do. I think the idea of buying a shit tripod to see if you actually will use it is fine. buying twice doesn't matter when your not spending $300 buy the $20 tripod see if you like it and if it suits your needs and when you get a bigger camera that you don't trust your shitty tripod with you'll know what to look for in the expensive one
Perhaps if you have a small point and shoot the $12 basic tripod will do you just fine, try put something with any amount of weight on it and see what happens hahaha
@@rudermanphoto My set up with zoom lens is 1.5kg and my medium format setup is like 2.5kg....like have you ever used a low-end tripod or did you just assume that price and performance have a linear relationship even at the extreme. Ive seen what happens lmao, you get steady images at night lol even with 6x7. you'd be surprised how capable cheat tripod are, its not rocket science like digging 3 sticks into the ground would give you the same effect
the buy nice mantra doesnt really work when the price disparity is so great. Why buy a $500 camera bag/tripod when you can buy one of equal quality for $100, at some point you're paying for the brand and that's not buying "nice" its buying luxury. which is fine if you want it, just don't make it seem like its necessary or that you're stuff is better because its expensive.
Except its not equal quality? Have you ever used a high end bag or are you just assuming its the same lol - the design and materials in higher end stuff is leagues better then cheap garbage, yes there are obviously “luxury” brands and the Billingham certainly is one, hence why I suggested cheaper alternatives like the Bellroy, but its not overpriced, its just expensive - up to you to determine wether that’s something you want to spend your money on.
@@rudermanphoto I havent used the Billingham but i have used other expensive bags and there wasn't a functional difference after a certain price. I spent around $100 on my bag which I don't think is "cheap garbage" (lmao) and I've had it for nearly 10 years. i don't think billingham is overpriced just saying buy nice or buy twice is supposed to be a warning about not cheaping out on things, not spending the most amount possible. its all about a balance between quality and price and the luxury sector is by definition outside of that balance zone. you didn't buy nice cause you spent $500 and you didn't buy cheap garbage because you spent 100 or 200 bucks
If you're someone who doesn't like the look of camera bags, I'd recommend getting a camera cube. It essentially turns any bag you want into a camera bag without the look or price tag of a regular one.
I bought a camera bag “insert” which holds a camera and a few lenses and you can throw that into whatever backpack you want. It’s pretty neat.
Agreed, camerabag is one-trick pony and insert is just far better option in terms of flexiblity and price. Use small one when traveling light / with carry-on and bigger one when you need to bring more lenses.
My 5 Camera accessories that I will recommend are camera bag, Lens blower, extra battery, extra memory card and a tripod, plus an app for the phone to control the Camera when using tripod. From 45 years of experience as both a pro and hobby photographer.
It’s just a shame those phone apps are so clunky 😀, I use a wireless remote.
@@Chris-NZ The wireles remotes I have tried are much more "clunky". I have NO problems with using apps ! No reason to bring both a phone and a remote !
@@cameraprepper7938you’ve been lucky, I’ve had endless problems with the canon connect app with the fiddly nature of connection and then when you want to do something else with the phone loosing connection. Admittedly when they work they are superior to what you can do with a wireless remote!! I found the branded canon wireless remote fiddly to connect and without much range and use one that has a receiver the plugs into the cameras remote socket.
My favourite tiny tripod is the Leica table tripod. Have had mine for about 50 years and still works as new. It is still in production which says a lot.
Very cool!! Never heard of it but it looks beautiful and high quality, would love to see one irl some day!
My Billingham Hadley bag is 15 years old. It's a little faded and worn but doesn't look that different to when I bought it. I don't ever imagine replacing it. Definitely one of the best things I've ever bought.
Agree on the “buy nice” mantra. I got the Peak Design tripod before Ulanzi’s came out, but I use it seldom enough that it’s not worth changing out.
For a bag, I finally settled on a Gura Gear Kiboko pack, I love love love that you only open half the bag at a time, this is great if it’s raining. The real estate needed to open it is minimal, the “lid” does not double your footprint - which makes it perfect for in the car. Also I can get into the bag without taking it off at all, great for when you’re in the bush and there’s no place to put it down.
Bags are weird though, everyone chooses differently for their own criteria.
I have to agree with you on the chair. People spend $1000+ on a phone, but they don't spend as much on a chair, even though a good chair can save your back. I have an aeron, and it makes total sense to me.
It’s such a crucial item if you work long hours behind a computer - the Embody is one of the best things I’ve ever bought and it’s still as perfect today as it was when I got it new 7 years ago, just built unbelievably well!
A good chair, adjustable height desk, and ergonomic mouse are absolutely essential things for people who spend more than a couple hours a day at a desk
Agreed. Steelcase Gesture is the tits.
Exactly, a good chair is like a good mattress, they're worth every penny in the long run so I never skimp on either.
Absolutely zero bulshit in this video. Loved it - subscribed.
Agreed.
I have two Billingham Bags, the Hadley Large Pro and a 445 from 1980, this bag is still going strong and has traveled the world
Sweet bag, the Eventer Pro is also a beauty.
Good thing I don't have any money to fall into that useless accessories trap...
lol same here, budget photographers can't really buy the wrong stuff, cause we don't have the money.
So real yo 😭😭
Actually it would be better to have money and spend them frivolously rather than not having money. Better yet to have money and spend them wisely
Definitely agree with the Lowepro bag. And the blower. And the lens pen. And the tripod. Nnnngahhh!! Might as well just say I agree with EVERYTHING on this list.
Great vid! After carrying around gear for so long and starting to regret it with lower back and knee pain I decided to look at rolling camera bags. They seemed too expensive for my needs so I went with a TravelPro roller board (2 wheels instead of 4) and got an inexpensive camera gear divider on Amazon that fit inside the main compartment and left me a little room on the inside to place either 2 Matthews 7'5" MERF stands or 1 MERF stand and 1 travel tripod. In case anyone was looking. CHEERS!!
I love the zeiss lens wipes. I buy them more then uhhh, other things that come in a similar package.
Here are the five accessories I find useful:
1. Camera bag and/or case - some for travel; some for storage; some for upscale venues; plastic bag to protect equipment from rain
2. Camera support - tripods, monopods, sandbags
3. Lens and camera body cleaning kit - air blower, lens brush, lens cleaner, lens pen, lens tissue, micro-fiber cloth
4. Remote shutter release - many of my cameras do not have a self-timer
5. Handheld light meter - many of my cameras do not have a built-in light meter
I bought 8 camera bag inserts and they have been the number one best camera accessory I have ever bought by far.
They have smashed every dedicated camera bag I have ever bought. They convert the simplest bag into modular kit.
I now have a 20 buck op shop shoulder bag for my BMPCC 6K walk around. Two up in a Crumpler Back pack for interviews kit. One in the gym bag. All eight fit into a Pelican case. They pack onto shelves.
And so far I have never found a photographers bag that has a dedicated pocket for your sun/glasses. The first action when shooting. The opp shop bag does.
Great list, and difinitely agree with Buy Nice or Buy Twice. A good chair is a must! I got a used Herman Miller Aeron (most used are almost 10 years old) for about $500 CAD, and it's practically brand new and the comfort is insane! Looking forward to next vid.
Hi I have Two Billingham Bags. They are truly wonderful items, Beautifully made and totally functional. I first saw them in a local Camera shop here in the UK in 1975.. Great video thank you.
Welcome to the club mate, Billingham is the only bag I wished I bought in the beginning of my photo journey, no cry once buy once, lol today I owned 5 of these bags and vests, the vests they no longer make. edit: I never was a lowpro guy my second pick for heavy traveling with 2 big bodies and a few telephotos 100-500 is the Think Tank Photo StreetWalker HardDrive V2.0 Backpack had it around in 2015 its still rocking to this day. Good video man.
I bought a Billingham Pro decades ago but sold it soon after (didn't really know what I wanted or needed), now probably some 20+ bags later I'm back to buying Billingham and fortunately this time around, I know what I need and want. With age comes wisdom, especially when it comes to camera bags I guess.
I find sling bags such as the K&F Concept or Tarion Sling Bags much more useable due to their design.
I ended up getting a SmallRig tripod for my EOS R. It's a little on the flimsier side of things in terms of sturdiness, but for around $70USD I can't really complain. I like your carbon fiber tripod you showed, I might look into one of those as an upgrade.
Bags… Like cameras, there is no one perfect camera (or bag) that fits every single need or use.
Consequently I use a variety of them.
For my LF (Toyo 45CF) I use a decades old Domke bag, purchased new in the mid-70s. It carries the camera (clamshell fold up) with 135mm lens, dark cloth, film changing bag, several film holders, and other necessary stuff.
For my Canon 5D SR, I use a ThinkTank bag. Carries the camera, 24-105 mm L lens, 50mm f/1.4, 35mm macro lenses, waterproof cover, extra batteries, CF cards, Apruture remote camera controls, manuals (the camera has some features I use rarely, but I do use, that they’re good to have as a reference), and lens cleaning stuff, etc…
For my Polaroid I-2, I use a different ThinkTank bag that carries the camera, several packs of film (and empty boxes to slip just-exposed photos into), marker for writing on the photos’ borders, cable release, filter pack, etc…
For my Mamiya 6, I use another decades old US Navy WWII vintage gas mask bag. Got it used in the 70s at an Army Navy surplus store off Market Street in San Francisco. It holds the camera with the incredible 50mm f/4 lens (collapsed), a vintage Kodak 120 film roll holder (stocked with both Ilford XP-2 and Kodak Gold), a lens pen brush (NEVER used on the lens!), a Sekonic light meter… and that’s it!
Finally for my early 90s Panasonic prosumer digital camera (with Leica lens), a very tiny lowepro camera holder (too tiny to be called a bag - it’s fits in the palm of my hand) that carries the camera, an extra battery, and a spare memory card - it’s a very tight squeeze but it’s so tiny it’s easy to just toss in!
This arrangement makes it really easy to grab the bag(s) I need, fully stocked and ready to go, on short notice.
I’m going on a road trip this week through central California. I’m taking the Polaroid and the Mamiya. The bags are all set!
Happy shooting to all!
(I taught photography for 20+ years at the local community colleges and will absolutely echo the “Buy Nice or Buy Twice!” So many students suffered through that lesson over the years…)
Poppy, this comment has all the makings of decades of experience. I cannot imagine how many iterations your list must have gone through. I'm still working on my kits and am using Domke bags at the moment.
I have a couple of very small bags that I can carry cross body under my regular backpack (I hike a lot). They are big enough to hold a camera (typically a Fuji X100V or a Contax TVS), a spare battery and film (either 35mm cassette or digital), and a water bottle. A slightly larger camera (Oly OM-1 or OM-4) with a small lens will also fit.
I can carry a Domke F-6 and the pack if I manage the load out correctly. This allows me to carry a few more primes and a second body if I want. This bag is good for a 35mm SLR kit or a digital kit so long as I don't get too crazy with the lenses.
I have a F-2 that carries the Bronica S2A, a couple of lenses, film, and support. It is *heavy* and I use a Postman's pad to help manage the weight. I think I'm going to have to reduce the kit size for this one to make it more manageable. Or I could go with a camera backpack and carry the camera cross body on a strap.
I'm still working on the kits.
"Buy Nice or Buy Twice" is good. I also use "Buy Once Cry Once." I also say "The mission determines the loadout" an awful lot, especially with heavier gear.
@@nvrumi Your reply brings to mind that some time ago, I remember coming across a quote attributed to Ansel Adams (which I am going to paraphrase):
Q: What is your favorite camera?
AA: The biggest one I can carry.
I also think of the 19th century photographers who worked with the wet plate process (glass plate) and shot with giant wooden cameras as they sought out awe inspiring vistas.
Me? I’m kinda wimpy. I pare things down to the most basic gear. For instance on a recent trip to Japan, all I took was my Polaroid I-2 (and a boatload of film!). It was my first trip there, and yet it was an easy decision to make: I’m going somewhere I’ve never been before, so I’ll take a camera I have almost no experience with! 😆
You sound like a very dedicated photographer! Your journey is your own. I’ll just say you’ll reach your destination, literally and figuratively, in your own way and in your own time. Each step, including the stumbles, can be a learning opportunity.
All the best to you! 👍🏼
I know it might be dumb, but cheap uv filters on the lenses might be worth having. I've got scratches in my Fuji's 28mm lens coating from the lens cap popping off when in my backpack.
What I'm about to say might sound dumber but... I get cheap UV filters and remove the glass. It still protects my lenses from damage (dents on front rim or scratches on glass element). My mirrorless lenses stay pristine in comparison to my DSLR ones so I see results, at least personally speaking.
One of my favorite accessories is the Andoer QR-60 it's a sturdy Arca plate with a slot for a hand strap and a foldable hanging loop. It costs 16€ and it's simply perfect.
I’ve used a Hadley Pro for well over 10y now and you can get replacements for the front leather straps which makes it last forever. The synthetic fibrenyte looks like new. I disagree on the shoulder pad though, for some reason I prefer the bare strap and always had a painful shoulder with the pad so my recommendation is to buy one without first and try the bag.
Yeah the fact you can get replacement front straps is so good!
And interesting, I tried the bag without the pad for a few weeks while the pad got delivered and found it really uncomfortable, the strap just dug into my shoulder too much - it’s substantially better with the pad, but yeah best to try it without a pad first and see if you need it or not!
Nice to see an Aussie 🇦🇺with a photography UA-cam channel ...I just subscribed...Im an Aussie too 😊😊😊
Totally with you on paying extra for the comfort, craftsmanship and aesthetics. Wasn't going to investigate camera accessories at this point, but watched this video till the end and subscribed. Also, this is my, like, fifth comment on youtube in 15 years. Cheers.
Thank you for the kind words!!
A new subscriber here. Thank you for making this video. Straight to the point and no b.s. looking forward to the next video of the accessories one shouldn't waste their money on.
Thank you for the kind words!
A very cheap but also very handy accessory are extension tubes for your mount. They are an easy way to focus your favorite lenses a lot closer e.g. for product shots
Thanks! Just bought an XT-5 after years away from photography so I am in that stage of figuring out what else I need.
A lens ;)
BTW this lens can easily be a piece of black construction paper with a tiny hole in the middle... Joking aside the other day somebody handed me a body and wanted to check it, I had no lens for that system so I quickly made a pinhole with construction paper to test it out
I'm a camera bag-oholic, no question about it. I have a Sony a7rv, a Leica m11p, and a Fujifilm x100vi, which I carry at different times and sometimes a few at the same time, so I need bags to suite the way I want to travel with my gear at any given time. The Bellingham Hadley Small is just about the perfect all around bag for me though. When I travel abroad I put the Hadley inside my Tumi backpack (which gives me space for other items in the backpack) and when I get where I'm going I pull it out and head out on the town. This combination also fits under the seat on the airplane so I can have my expensive gear near me all the time.
I've tried the 7L Bellroy for small outfits but it didn't work for me but I going to try the 10L bag made for camera gear since I like the way your gear fits inside. Thanks for the review.
I prefer microfiber cloths > lens pen, but at least the pen has a brush for when u need it.
Not sure why the hand straps have become so popular, maybe influencer trends? The shoulder straps get made fun of, but I prefer them as I still get to have both hands free.
Peak design anchors (with the base/connectors) are mad expensive, and straps are even more. I just get cheaper brand and it's lasted me 3 years so far (2-3 events per week, travel, sometimes hiking or just walking around, etc.) No sign of breaking.
Good Ulanzi tripod, the slimmer the better when it comes to folded.
Lowepro bags have the best form and function, at a good price. They seem like they're built with the photographer's needs prioritized.
The Peak anchors are like $20aud for 4, and all of mine have lasted atleast 7+ years of use; given they literally connect my camera to a strap and mean it hopefully doesn’t fall to the ground i dont really want to “cheap” out on them.
I just don’t like the feeling of a neck strap around my neck, the wrist strap is good for when I’m walking around because it gives me the security to know if I accidentally let go of the camera it wont fall on the ground, without a giant strap dangling everywhere too - if I’m not using my camera I’ll put it back in its bag - the exception to this is if I’m shooting a wedding or something where I need two cameras on hand, in which case I’ll use the BlackRapid dual harness which works a dream but is overkill for most normal scenarios haha
@@rudermanphoto Smallrig is the alternative I I use for anchors.
To each his own, of course. I got used to the neck strap. For street, I wear it loose and crossbody so it's hiding behind me but I can quickly grab it at moment's notice.
I try the wrist strap from time to time, it's very good for shooting from various angles, especially low.
Dual harness is awesome, only downside is I gotta be be mindful when crouching or sitting down. (also don't forget to tether lol)
Good video, thanks for the reply!
@@rudermanphoto Like you, no neck strap for me. I use a strap long enough to carry cross body. The wrist strap is very handy for a light, relatively small camera (like one of the smaller Fujifilm bodies). I can just drop the camera if I need the hand free.
A good tripod is such a great piece of kit! For years I thought I didn’t need one because I rarely used a tripod, turned out I rarely used a tripod because I always had cheap, non-user friendly options 😂
Literally my exact same scenario, had a garbage cheap tripod that sucked and never used it - bought a nice one and now I actually use a tripod substantially more often then before!
My favorite camera bags are made by Domke - though all the ones (3) that I have are at least 25 years old. I don't know if the newer ones are the same. My most favorite bag is by A. Smith and Sons, of Philadelphia, PA. I believe those bags have been discontinued for many years, but I love the size and functionality. The one I own is about 45 years old. It has some patching, but still works well.
For backpack camera bags I use a Shimoda explorer V2 when I need to have access to a fair bit of kit and personal items (food, water, extra clothes waterproofs etc). It is very comfortable having properly designed straps and hip band. When I need less kit a us a Compagnon which again has properly designed straps and hip belt. Both these bags are excellent, robust, food capacity and important fro me very comfortable in use.
Not a fan of number 2 Zeiss lens wipes they leave a ton of lint behind. First time my friends that have kids see me use a rocket blower the first time they always ask me if they can use it to suck snot out of their kids nose. Question on the Lopro450ii or whatever it is, it looks to have top access, I drive Mennonites a lot and often photograph from the truck, will I be able to put an R5 Mark ii and a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens and pull it straight out to get a quick shot? (Clearly when stopped, I don't want to mess anyone up like someone messed me up and changed my life) Thank you for your time.
You can shuffle around the insert inside the bag to easily accomodate a R5 + 100-400 in the top access compartment!
@@rudermanphoto Thank you.
great video - just a question, what font did you use in the thumbnail?
it’s alte haas grotesk bold!
My favourite font since I discovered it in uni many years ago, designed to look like printed Helvetica.
All good recommendations. Just add a spare battery and memory card(s). Going to take a look at the Belroy sling. Own a smaller carry all one from them but my Moment Rugged 10L feels a little heavy. Thank you and take care.
Agree entirely on the usefulness of your five items especially those peak design wrist straps, however when it comes to bags I’m a Think Tank Retrospective fan boy , I have three of them in different sizes, ok not a fashion accessory but neither do they look like a camera bag. But like most photogs my age (well retired) I have a bit of a collection of bags, love them all but have been lusting after the Ona Princess Street shoulder bag, lucky its not available here in NZ 😀
I have spent years in search of the "perfect" camera bag (I mean, like 20+ years) and finally have come to understand that there is no "perfect" bag. There are bags that meet your needs better than others and bags that are made better than others, but perfect (or really good) is certainly in the eye of the beholder. I have quite a few bags, and when they get used really depends on what I am doing, but I mainly (like 85% of the time) use two bags.
My go to travel bag (when I need everything and I am going to be packing it all around with me because I live in continual fear that the one piece of gear I am going to need got left behind) is the Shimoda Designs Explore V2 (35L w/large cube). I initially ordered the 30L, but I typically tote at least 3 lenses (including a 100-500), 2 bodies, a drone and GoPro (filters, batteries, tripod . . .), so back went the 30 and I got the 35L. I also started with a medium cube, but immediately ordered the large. I have been working with this setup for almost 2 years now and this meets my needs perfectly. The Shimoda is also a super comfortable carry. Word of caution - this turns out to be carry-on size, NOT personal item. It will fit under a seat on some planes, but not most.
My second bag (for every day walking around or even when travelling but leaving the big bag at base) is a Peak Design 10L Everyday Sling. It is what it says it is, an every day sling.
I have and use a Peak Design Slide Strap, and it is good when you need that sort of thing, but I typically use a bunch of Peak Design Capture Clips - I have two on the Shimoda, one on the sling and another on my regular hiking day pack. That, in combination with the SpiderHolster SpiderPro Hand Strap (on each camera body), makes it so easy to have a camera (or two) on hand and ready to go while keeping your hands free.
It took a long time to figure it all out, but this is what works for me. Your results may vary!
I agree with you on Lowepro packs,I’ve been using them for years and they work well and last.Mine have seen much rugged use and always served me well.
I had actually used the Peak Design everyday backpack in multiple different forms, v1 and v2 of the 20L and the 30L as well, but I felt like while the bag was well made it had some shocking design choices with regards to being used as a camera bag, got the lowepro and realized it was what I had been missing all along!
I can vouch for the quality and durability of the Billingham. I have a larger model, a Hadley Pro, that has been in constant use for over 10 years and it still looks and works like new.
That mini tripod looks good but I was not expecting it to be so expensive :)
You can find it on sale sometimes! I got mine for $189 aud so it wasn’t too bad.
(Still expensive but not overpriced in my opinion)
I love my mini tripod :)
You really dont need to spend loads on a mini tripod. I just use a fluid head + one of those end tripod things from my Gimbals. Works for all my super low to the floor shots.
If I needed the height adjustment I would just use a proper tripod.
I don't use camera bags. I just use a camel back for water and some small storage. All my cameras are always on belt holsters. I rarely do lens changes so I just keep a camera with the lens I intend to use for the day. If I do bring a lens I just bring some lens pouches and chuck that in the bag or onto my belt.
I've been looking at the Billingham bags for yrs but I don't think they are as functional as a sling because they seem more like a messenger bag which is always bouncing around because of the lack of a quick strap adjustment. On slings you can adjust it to hug your body which makes you feel more mobile which is important for travel when you're moving from train to car to walking.
Oh for sure, the Bellroy is a more functional bag then the Billingham, but the Billingham is a much nicer bag to use - materials, touch points, style - if all you need is pure function then yes get a sling, but that’s why I wanted to cover both options :)
In the case of small tripods, I much prefer the PlatyPod. You can carry it in your pocket, it is extremely versatile and stable, and best of all, the 'tripod police' that are tasked to keep all tripods out of some venues don't bat an eye at the Platypod.
also a lowepro "ridgeline pro 300AW" backpack is great, I carry my H1 hasselblad, two lenses and accessories in it, it can't take the tripod, but I have found backpacks the way to go, they distribute the weight evenly, and you can carry all day, without hurting your shoulders.
Yeah I had the larger billingham Hadley Pro which I got for super cheap used and really wanted to keep it because it was so beautiful but that much weight on one shoulder was just killing me, switched to a backpack and was much happier - shoulder bags are good for smaller loads for sure
110% agreed with everything you said. The lowepro bag has lasted my for years and is surprisingly comfortable too when hiking. Also, as a drummer I completely understand that investing in good quality stands is a must.
Great list and hard to argue with any of it. I have that exact Billingham bag and also use the larger Hadley 2020 Pro. Lovely bags and I love using them. I use a Heipi tripod rather than the Ulanzi, partly because it has a mini tripod built in that uses the main arca Swiss compatible ballhead. That’s my only additional recommendation - if you’re using a tripod get an arca Swiss head and plate, particularly if you do landscape photography. I just hate screwing and unscrewing tripods on/off. I’d buy that Gitzo tripod if the mini ballhead came with an arca plate. As it is, I have to use an add on plate so I just use the Heipi mini tripod that came (sort of) free with my main tripod.
I had the larger Hadley pro that I got for cheap used and really wanted to keep it as it was so beautiful but fully loaded it was so uncomfortable on one shoulder so I ended up selling it and getting the backpack instead - a shame but I find I can only do small shoulder bags sadly.
Yea it would be amazing if the Gitzo had an arca head, the only benefit is that atleast it’s quite small so it’s easy to screw it onto a camera - that said RRS makes a little mini arca swiss head called the BC-18 which you could attach onto the Gitzo, the only downside being that it costs as much as the Gitzo does alone hahaha
@@rudermanphoto yeah. I only ever wear bags cross body otherwise I feel like I’m hunching my shoulder to stop the bag falling off
What a fantastic list. Mine's almost the same. I got the Giotto rocket blower gosh, probably over a decade ago, same with the lens pen. Still carry them with me and they still works perfect. I just got the Peak Design wrist strap for my X100T because honestly I noticed that unless I'm holding the camera in my hand I'm too lazy to take it out and snap a shot. I got the Billingha Hadley Pro second hand in mint condition so I think I only paid like 150 EUR and I've had it for years now and it still looks like it's in new because it's so well made. The Billingham quality is no joke. I recently got the Bellroy Venture Sling 6L for when I want to go real minimal street photographer mode (thank to Roman, dude is a good sales man lol). Perfect for small items and X100 series camera. What I tend to also carry is a powerbank to charge my camera and my phone. Shorter trips a smaller one and longer trips a larger one. I do have extra batteries for my cameras but I still like to have it with me for peace of mind.
Yeah the key is to try find the billingham used, I got mine used and saved quite a bit of money and the great quality means it’s still perfect!
I also love to carry a power bank with me, I feel like thanks to most new cameras having usb c charging it’s just as useful as extra batteries and you have the added utility of charging your phone too just with one cable for everything!
So far I found that a peak design small insert v2 for my camera and 2 lenses is enough and I can switch it from my backpack to the messenger bag depending where I go, but it might change.
Thanks for the nice video! :)
I love the peak design camera cube! I have the medium one which perfectly fits the RZ67 with a spare back which I use for if I travel with it - and you can attach a strap to it and use it as a big sling too which works great haha
I got two think tank bags works great
interesting recommendations, esp. not adding filters to the list.
But one other tripod to consider the sirui M 2204 there is a modern version (as this is the 2004? variant); this is a good tripod, Plus a monopod (you take a leg off, and add a included top plate, and you can use the lower section of center column for a riser to it, to gain height) especially today, for mirrorless cameras, a lot of versatility in one package.
UV protection filters I don’t personally use nor do I really see a need for them unless you are doing photography in particularly risky environments - with the lenspen and Zeiss cloths I’ve never had any issues cleaning smudged lenses and the IQ I find isn’t compromised from putting a cheap bit of glass on the front of the lens.
As for diffusion filters like Glimmerglass which I do use frequently especially for video work I didn’t put it on the list because I don’t know if it’s as useful for everyone as the rest of the items on the list are - and using it on the lens all the time can be detrimental too as you can’t exactly remove the effect later.
Just discovered your channel and i really like the content and your takes on camera gear!
Thank you so much!
I just bought a 24-105mm f4 L, it just arrived about 15 minutes ago, which is perfect because I’m on my way to canyonlands national park tomorrow to backpack and take pictures so it may come in handy.
Was that the Canon (RF or EF) had both, traveled extensively with them, really good “Swiss army knife” of a lens 😀
@@Chris-NZ the ef. Love it.
Personally, I agree with about 90% what was said minus the cheap tripod part. I bought a cheap one, and I don't think I've used it more than twice since buying it 9 months ago
Love the list! Some of my favorite brands are on this list.
Lol i saw the price from the manfrotto to the Grito tripod and literally said GYAT DAMN😂
GREAT VIDEO
I actually enjoyed it and found good products vs other creators it wasnt worth me keeping or only for temporary
Good video, agree with all recommendations, own all of them apart from the mini tripod.
Outstanding bags for sure but nothing screams "STEAL ME!" like a Billingham (I've owned two). Domke and Think Tank for me now. And, agreed, the RZ67 is most definitely the heaviest object known to man. I owned one of those as well 🙂
Love my guru bag
If you don’t want to skimp out on a good tripod but also not spend an arm and a leg Smallrig AP-10 is amazing for little around $140
I’ve had my eye on a gitzo series zero travel tripod for ages now, because my nice benro is just too big for travel, but the mini traveler is also really nice, and I could steal the ball head off it when I buy the new sticks 😂
Does the mini traveler ball head fit on the travel sized tripod? Seems like it would be too small no
@@rudermanphoto I’d have to actually check - I just kind of assumed they’d be similar thread sizes, which might be wrong!
@@emyoswald it might fit but just be comically small - also for a larger tripod I would prefer an arca Swiss head, it’s alright not having it on the mini traveller since it’s easy to just screw it on but if it was larger would be a pain haha
I am an admitted tripod snob, for ultra long lenses it just doesn't pay to mess around.... having said that I needed a small portable tripod for a bike trip and did not want to spend much thinking it very well could get lost or need to be dumped so I bought a Suri AM-284 without a center column. less than 100 USD and far exceeded my expectations, not going to be something you want to put an RB/RZ on but seems steadier than the one demoed in this vid. Its plenty strong and stiff for a Mamiya 645 and 110mm or something like a Nikon Z8 up to 300mm. Really a nice portable set of sticks, strong, light, packs well but fairly short... shortish is the price you pay for steady and portable. center columns are never a good idea EVER in my opinion
As I replied to another comment - the center column being raised to the top was merely a demonstration at full extension, considering it’s indoors there’s no risk of wind knocking it over, when outside I’d never extend it fully unless the camera was really light.
Thanks for the video, mate. Nice tips. FYI i bought a Billingham knock off from Amazon for $AUD75 and the build quality was fantastic. A heavy bag, but strong and waterproof.
Would also absolutely love to see a little bit of the Thypoch lens on your xpro 1. I know MF with it is a pain, but would still be sick to see a few shots/opinions on that combo :)
Loved the video!
I plan on using it with both the X-Pro 1 and the X-T5 for the review! It’s actually not as awful as I initially thought to manually focus on the XP1 with it, maybe because the lens is so smooth and pleasant to use you kinda forget the XP1 has such a garbage EVF haha
@@rudermanphoto hahah, sick to hear, really looking forward to the video! :)
Um, the problem with the Billingham is that it screams, "steal me, very expensive camera gear inside!"
So there is that.
I think it’s quite the opposite, it just looks like a generic satchel - a well made one yes but the LowePro for example is much more “look at me, steal me! vibes - but I still use it because it’s just too practical to compromise on.
Hay Mat, I have my eye on that billlingham bag for a Christmas present to myself. It's a toss up between that olive green one you got or full black one. Is the green as incognito? Does it look like a camera bag full of thousands of pounds of tech in it? Really got my eye on that manly Channel bag I even asked out in turkey if they make fake Bellinghams😂😂😂. Keep up with the vids bud
@@76steps I actually wish I got the classic tan and brown colour, I had the larger Hadley Pro in that colour which I got for a steal off eBay but I ended up selling because even though it was the most beautiful bag I’d ever seen it was just way too uncomfortable with how much weight you were putting on one shoulder - the small doesn’t let you fit that much shit in there to make it uncomfortable!
The reason i got that colour was I got a good deal on it used so beggars can’t be choosers haha
I’d go for any colour but black, black is just so boring, but I guess if you want to be incongnito then black would be the best bet - but even this olive one just looks like a nice satchel, doesn’t scream that I’ve got thousands of dollars of cameras inside imo
@@76steps I have the larger Hadley Pro 2020 in black and the smaller bag shown in the video in that olive green. You cannot go wrong with either colour. I’m surprised much I love the olive green and end up using it most of the time. To me, the black looks more suited to when you’re carrying a camera while going to an office for work and taking other stuff too rather than a dedicated photo outing.
I love the look for the wotancraft pilot bags and will probably end up getting the 7 or 10L for my fuji camera setup
These look great, very military inspired which I rate highly
If you are using small body and lens set up, do consider the even smaller 3.5L version. Once I got the new 3.5L version, I seldom take out the 7L anymore which is a bit heavier
@@yeungnsthat has been a consideration. I have an x-t5 with the kit lens (18-55mm) and the 70-300mm which I love and are my main two lenses. I've also got a small Voitlander 27mm and an anamorphic sirui lens which I I may use from time to time.
I've got the Bellroy 3L, which barely fits the camera and kit lens, but from the images of the Wotancraft 3.5L, it looks soo much larger, like almost 1.5x the size of the bellroy.
If only bag companies had more detailed bag dimensions and volume ratings.
@@thedevilstears1 I'd recommend you get the 7L. I got mine for my GX80 a few years back, and it can pack a full MFT kit easily. When I take my S5 however, I generally bring only two lenses. Your Fuji is a little smaller, but the 70-300mm isn't exactly tiny.
just remember that thieves know the expensive camera bag logos.
Entretainning video!
Antonella got a good dupe for the camera bag? 😆😝
Nice bag
me accidentally avoidin buyin any unnecessary accessories by inheriting my camera setup (nikon fe2 with 50mm lens) and just using my cleaning cloth from my sunglasses:
need thos lens wipes tho lul
RR is now made in germany!
14:47 I've been wondering if there are people who use the shoulder bag to carry a camera beside me
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9:35 at this moment he realized he ****ed up 😅
I think I only paid a little over $200 USD for the regular Hadley Pro of the last generation.
I was fortunate enough to get mine used but in great condition for $300 aud, but I had to buy the shoulder pad separately sadly
Worked in retail, could never understand why people would spend several hundred dollars on a camera then put the camera an a flimsy $35.00 tripod 🙄
Ah the old lens pen….not great if you have salt or sand around!!
Use the brushy end to get rid of debris first!
@@rudermanphoto not for that mate. The brush isn’t getting off sea air. Or all the desert sand. I say this from experience with both. Fortunately I was using filters, but it was the end of my run with that product. To each their own, but I’d be quite careful depending on where one is.
Have you tryed Really Right stuff?
I haven’t no, but I hear RRS makes a really good mini tripod that rivals the Gitzo for similar money - no clue if it’s as good or better other then it has an arca swiss head which is actually great
The mini ulanzi tripod test was so fake... You started with the legs not fully open and the ball not fully tightened
It wasn’t fake lol the tripod is shit and lacks any kind of lock for the legs relying entirely on friction to hold itself upright - when you put that much weight on it the entire thing collapses, please go buy one and try for yourself if you don’t believe me :)
I noticed your doors are mounted upside down.
You noticed wrong
the purrific bag is a ziploc bag
How about dirtying a lens with a peanut butter finger print? Good video... Just razzing you.
Nice
I'm not sure a blower ending up at over £30 after 15% discount, is NOT expensive. I also don't think it's worth it, when every single other blower costs 50% of the suggested. sometimes you thing before you buy, even if you're just shopping necessities ;) Some items should be a buy-once thing. It's that time you go for well run brands. most of the time.
Wow that is much more than I paid for it!
I paid $25aud for mine at full price and it’s currently on sale for $16.95 aud lol
I suggested it because I’ve had the cheap crap ones you get thrown in with every “lens cleaning kit” and they have hardly any oomph or power to them, plus the nozzle seems to get dislodged often.
Maybe check amazon, it certainly shouldn’t be that expensive!
180 dollars for a 10L sling bag isnt "luxury" jesus Im broke as hell
Not when the alternative i listed is twice that lol
But yeah it is expensive either way you look at it - but you can often find these bags used for a decent discount, just check eBay or FB marketplace, usually people buy them and hardly use them then sell them when they realize they’re collecting dust - it’s how I got the Billingham for $350 vs the $500 it’d be brand new!
Personally i think you have more money than most, up to and including the tripod, your over $500 more than most people spend on the camera, the Gitzzo brand are robbery well over priced and so i think you should look at alternatives with caveats on price.
I am aware they’re expensive products but I don’t believe they are overpriced - I gave cheaper alternatives for all the items I listed, the Gitzo tripod is genuinely the best quality mini tripod I’ve used and if you cannot afford it the Manfrotto is an excellent choice at more then a quarter the price :)
DON'T use a lens pen, it soaks up dirt and spreads it on all of your equ
Make sure you dust any debris off with the brush before using the charcoal pad and you won’t have any problems
For the love of god do not get a lens pen. They kust take smudge from one lense and put it on another. Get lense wipes.
Are you using a real one or a generic one?
I’ve never had any issues with my real lens pens smudging anything, and I find they usually do a great job if you use them correctly, slowly swirling in a circular motion after removing any dust or debris from the lens.
Does anyone take any notice of timewasters like this guy? People like him seem to like giving their opinions, which are no more important than anyone else's.
I note he has the deceny not to inflict his photos upon us.
Thanks for watching!
In fairness he’s a portrait photographer , he has some of his work on his channel.
My goodness that $300+ tiny tripod is straight up robbery. Sure it does what it needs but that's $90 max. prd.
You can often find it on sale! I paid $220 aud for mine, I’ve seen them for $199 sometimes too - yes it’s still very expensive and I imagine some of that is due to the Gitzo name, but it is still built impeccably well.
i bought a shit tripod for $12 and its great. if your're using a small camera don't think you have to buy a super expensive tripod, the shit amazon basics will do. I think the idea of buying a shit tripod to see if you actually will use it is fine. buying twice doesn't matter when your not spending $300 buy the $20 tripod see if you like it and if it suits your needs and when you get a bigger camera that you don't trust your shitty tripod with you'll know what to look for in the expensive one
Perhaps if you have a small point and shoot the $12 basic tripod will do you just fine, try put something with any amount of weight on it and see what happens hahaha
@@rudermanphoto My set up with zoom lens is 1.5kg and my medium format setup is like 2.5kg....like have you ever used a low-end tripod or did you just assume that price and performance have a linear relationship even at the extreme. Ive seen what happens lmao, you get steady images at night lol even with 6x7. you'd be surprised how capable cheat tripod are, its not rocket science like digging 3 sticks into the ground would give you the same effect
the buy nice mantra doesnt really work when the price disparity is so great. Why buy a $500 camera bag/tripod when you can buy one of equal quality for $100, at some point you're paying for the brand and that's not buying "nice" its buying luxury. which is fine if you want it, just don't make it seem like its necessary or that you're stuff is better because its expensive.
Except its not equal quality?
Have you ever used a high end bag or are you just assuming its the same lol - the design and materials in higher end stuff is leagues better then cheap garbage, yes there are obviously “luxury” brands and the Billingham certainly is one, hence why I suggested cheaper alternatives like the Bellroy, but its not overpriced, its just expensive - up to you to determine wether that’s something you want to spend your money on.
@@rudermanphoto I havent used the Billingham but i have used other expensive bags and there wasn't a functional difference after a certain price. I spent around $100 on my bag which I don't think is "cheap garbage" (lmao) and I've had it for nearly 10 years. i don't think billingham is overpriced just saying buy nice or buy twice is supposed to be a warning about not cheaping out on things, not spending the most amount possible. its all about a balance between quality and price and the luxury sector is by definition outside of that balance zone. you didn't buy nice cause you spent $500 and you didn't buy cheap garbage because you spent 100 or 200 bucks