I generally like to be quick and responsive in my photography ventures. As a runner, I generally don’t attempt to run with my camera gear (definitely not recommended, that stuff’s expensive) but I want to be able to if necessary catch the shot.
I use a simple shoulder bag by Lowepro (which came with my camera through BestBuy) that keeps everything within quick reach and prevents its contents from jostling around on the move. It typically is slung to my rear and rests on my back with the zipper, sometimes partially open, facing outwards for quick access.
I generally carry a camera body, 2 prime lenses (one attached to the camera), a PeakDesign Slide strap, an extra camera battery, a camera battery charger, a flash if necessary, and more recently PeakDesign’s Clutch hand strap. I do have a few flash accessories, lens caps, a cloth for cleaning glass, AAA batteries, business cards, and tripod quick-release stashed away in there as well. I do occasionally have a water bottle in one side pocket if I am shooting outside. With the PeakDesign product setup on my camera, my basic tripod does not pair well so it often stays in the car. The tripod also doesn’t mesh with my current shooting style, but I’m sure I’ll get around to silky-smooth water and light trails soon enough.
I shoot with a Nikon D750 and while I wouldn’t call it lightweight, it can be nimble especially when hooked up to my prime lens. Depending on what I am shooting I generally travel with either my 24mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.8 or my 35mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.8. My 24/50 combo is my travel/hiking/landscape combo as the 24mm obviously crushes mountains & beautiful river shots, and the 50mm covers whatever else beyond that, especially if I am traveling with friends or other people. My Lake Tahoe article is a perfect example of this setup.
I use the 35/85 combo for events and portrait/headshot photography, with my bag always partially unzipped resting on my back for quick lens changes. I’ll find myself using the 35mm most during events for its ability to get both large and small group shots without needing to move around too much. During events, the 85mm does eventually come out for smaller groups or single-person shots while standing further away, but it’s mostly used outside of events during small portrait/headshot sessions.
Eventually, I will find the need for a larger backpack-style bag, especially if I venture away from a prime lens to a 70-200mm. This lens is definitely on my gear wish list just not right at the top. So far with my prime lens and a small need for gear, this smaller shoulder bag is all I need.
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