#794. What’s In My Bag (Dallas) ?

 

How things change in 12 months! I started writing this article in October 2017 and didn’t get around to finishing it. 2018 text is in italics.

 

 

Whats in my Bag?

 

Well, that depends greatly on what I’m shooting, which pretty much goes for all of us I presume, I do know a few people who take every piece of gear to every shoot just in case!

 

 

 

If it’s a street walk the Nikon D4S is my choice. I just love the ergonomics of this camera which are outstanding and usually just one lens, the Zeiss Milvus 1.4/35. 

 

I find now that I notice the weight of gear I carry around more, getting older does have its drawbacks.  The D4s is still a favourite ergonomic’s are outstanding, however now my go to is the Nikon D850 and Zeiss Milvus 1.4/50 it saves about 1 kg.

 

 

If versatility is required I will use the Nikon 2.8/24 -70. One body and one lens uses a smaller bag, a Lowepro Top Loader Pro 75 AW 11. This is the only bag I have been able to find that is compact and will accommodate a DSLR with battery grip or pro body with built-in grip. Surprisingly it will accommodate either the 2.8/ 70 – 200  or 4.5-5.6/80 – 400 on the body!

 

 

The 2.8/24 -70 is being used less and less these days, I’ve been travelling since late July and have only used it on one occasion for 9 frames! Some will think this is sacrilege but I  find its IQ lacking when compared to the Zeiss primes.

 

 

A full-blown Landscape/Seascape shoot, the Nikon D810 (with battery grip and Kirk Arco Swiss Bracket, Zeiss Milvus 2.8/21,  the Zeiss Milvus 1.4/35, Zeiss Milvus 1.4/50, Nikon 1.8/85 which I like to use if I do panoramas. Siru Tripod T2205X and Ball Head. NISI Filter kit which includes, Grad Filter (3 and 4 stops) ND 6 Stop and 10 Stop and Circular Polariser, Sunway Foto Pano Rail. Pixel Cordless remote release. All this gear fits nicely into a Lowepro Pro Runner BP 450 AW 11. This is also my bag of choice when I travel as it will also accommodate 15” laptop and Wacom Tablet Medium in addition to the aforementioned body and lens and associated cables, chargers and drives etc. All loaded, it does exceed airlines carry on weight limits! To date I’ve not been challenged. The tripod is light but sturdy it will handle the D4S and the 80-400, it folds down and can be placed in a carry on bag for airline travel.

 

 

The Nikon 810 has been replaced by the D850 if you are interested you can read #739. An Acute Attack of GAS – Sony A7R111/Nikon D850. The only other change is I have replaced the Nikon 1.8/85 with Milvus 2/135

 

 

Usually for a Landscape/Seascape shoot where I’ve been before I’ll only take  the 810 and 2 lens, focal lengths vary depending upon the place. Filters, Tripod and Trigger, these fit nicely into a “ Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Home”

Again the 810 is replaced by the 850.

 

 

Camera straps. Now this will open up the discussion, I use a Peak Design wrist strap for street walks and general use. Black Rapid Sport is kept for when I attach a long lens which is either Nikon 4/70-200 or 4.5 5.6/80 – 400.

I finding I’m using the Sport more often just for a walk around as its very convenient and secure.

 

 

As an aside I find I’m using the D4s less and less, firstly due to its bulk and secondly because the D850 is not that far behind it in tracking for fast action and you can shoot in crop mode and sill get a 25.6mp file Vs 16.4mp from the D4s. Low light the 4s is still king by a 1-2 stops in my tests. Bird photography which I don’t do seriously, the D4S still has a slight edge for tracking, but not by much.  

Well that’s my gear, more shots below.

 

 

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