Great Photography Gear For Bloggers
As a blogger who is out a lot playing around with my camera and meeting up with people, I’m asked frequently about my loot – what’s in MY bag? In this post I’ll share a list of what I think is some pretty great gear for bloggers that I use – and everything is quite affordable (my camera is well under $1,000 which, in DSLR terms, isn’t high end but still does a beautiful job). What works for me may not work for you but I really LOVE my Canon 600D and the 4 lens that I have (one is a kit lens, the other 3 I purchased). I also like my other goodies, like my camera strap and my cute camera bag that just arrived today.
Here is a list of my loot:
Camera: Canon 600D with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens by Canon that came with it. This camera is great because it not only takes amazing photos but it has full HD movie mode – my latest obsession! Camera details/price can be found here: Amazon.de/Amazon.co.uk/Amazon.com
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-200mm 1:3,5-5,6 IS (Amazon.de/Amazon.co.uk/Amazon.com), Canon EF 50mm 1:1.8 (Amazon.de/Amazon.co.uk/Amazon.com) Note: I want to upgrade this lens soon though to the Canon EF 50mm/1,4. And the latest lens I’ve picked up is the Canon EF 35mm 1:2,0 (Amazon.de/Amazon.co.uk/Amazon.com)
Tripod: I use a Manfroto #222 joystick head on top of a standard tripod that my husband bought on eBay awhile ago. If you’re in the market for a tripod, Manfrotto is a really good one to try and they are super sturdy though not so lightweight – I only use this one for shooting at home. I haven’t gotten to the point yet to where I’m bringing tripods on the road with me… Ha! Baby steps, here.
Phone/Apps: I also want to add that I frequently use my iPhone 4 to take photos (Instagram addict) and I really like the KitCam app though I find myself using the Camera+ app most of the time. I’m also taking videos frequently with the Vine app and having a lot of fun with it!
iPad: I use my iPad constantly. More than my MacBook Pro even. It’s the best thing ever and the funny thing is, it took me 6 months after I purchased it to even get into using it. One great thing you can do with an iPad that is pretty cool for photographers is that you can pop an Eye-Fi card into your camera and transfer pictures wirelessly to your iPad while you’re shooting (as in instantly!) using the ShutterSnitch app. My husband and I shot about 30 photos for my last book like this and it worked like a charm when it came to styling and really helps you to pick up the pace on shoots, too.
Camera bag: Ketti Chevron cloth camera bag. Note: Mine arrived with a dark purple lining that I really don’t like (it’s hard to see inside because it’s very dark) – the website says green lining (with photos showing it so I know I’m not crazy)- so I insist when you purchase a bag from them you make sure they get your order right. Other than the purple interior, the bag will work great for me – I love that it’s padded and has adjustable slots for the lens, the camera, etc. inside – yet it looks like a very “normal” handbag. I got so tired of running around in my ugly black (very standard, very boring) camera bag!
Camera strap: Stardust camera strap from Bloom Theory in silver.
iPhone case: Le Pavillion iPhone case by Kate Spade and this silly pink cat from Accessorize. Don’t laugh. Okay, laugh.
So! That’s what I use when I’m out shooting and having fun. Hope some of these tips help you out! A few of the Amazon.com links above are affiliate links by the way, which means I earn about 6% if you buy something on the US Amazon site. All of the other links are not affiliate-related at all. No one has paid me or given me products, discounts or any freebies for mentioning any of the above items. I paid for absolutely everything at the same retail price as everyone else. :)
If you have any questions or want to share what you use, please do in the comments section below! What’s in YOUR bag?
Happy Friday everyone – loads of love to you!
(images: holly becker, thorsten becker and bloom theory)
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February 8th, 2013 at 3:50pm
This is great
will be looking at some add ons for my camera.. can’t always have a pro with you and hate to miss some opportunities
February 8th, 2013 at 4:17pm
I have a Nikon D5100 and I love it. We have three lenses right now- an 18-55mm, a 55-200mm, and a 35mm. I love the 35 and use it most of the time. I really want to make a new camera strap and am thinking I might do something with leather, since my husband and I both use it. He may not apprciate sequins ;)
Lauren´s last [type] ..the loot
February 8th, 2013 at 4:51pm
Ah, I’ve been eyeing the Bloom Theory straps for months… But always forget it during the lead up to gift giving occasions. Must remember for the future!
Amanda´s last [type] ..A Painting for Valentine’s Day
February 8th, 2013 at 5:26pm
Thanks for sharing, it´s always fun to see what others use! I have a Canin 7D myself and LOVE it! :-)
tinajo´s last [type] ..Sick rascal and Sweet baked brie
February 8th, 2013 at 5:30pm
Hi Holly,
maybe this current event on German food blogs might be interesting as well where bloggers wrote about their camera gear: http://kochtopf.twoday.net/stories/food-o-grafie-ist-zurueck-1-kamera-ausruestung/
In the comment section you will find the links to the different posts and here is also my camera post. http://www.food-vegetarisch.de/2013/01/foodfotografie-kamera-ausruestung/ – Hope it is ok, that I added these links. Otherwise just delete them, no problem :)
Best wishes and have a lovely weekend, Eva
February 8th, 2013 at 5:37pm
i upgraded from the canon 50mm/1.8 lens to the 50mm/1.4 and it is the best thing i’ve done in YEARS. almost, at least. i just love the 1.4 lens, even more than i loved the 1.8. the quality is a lot better and the depth of field is to die for. maybe in the future i can afford the 1.2 lens. that would be a dream come true, for sure.
my point is: upgrade! you won’t regret it for a second. :)
February 8th, 2013 at 6:07pm
Thank you so much for posting this! It’s exactly the kind of info I needed right now. I’ve been toying around the with the idea of upgrading from my Nikon Coolpix to a DSLR but don’t want to break the bank. Thanks!
February 8th, 2013 at 6:20pm
Woohoo! This was just the inspiration I needed and didn’t even know it. :) I’ve been attempting to practice my photography more in the hopes of boosting my skills and sharing more of my original work on my blog…plus I just got an ipad as a gift this Christmas, so I’m SUPER excited to hear of a new way to use it along with my camera.
And oh my goodness, your camera strap is the BEST – I loved it as soon as I saw it on one of your pinterest boards! :) xo Laura
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February 8th, 2013 at 6:33pm
I have the Canon 60D along with the lens kit and I love it! Love that strap too! Funny that the website said the bag came with green lining. :)
February 8th, 2013 at 6:41pm
I definitely have that same camera strap that came as a gift from my sister! I love it! It does get stuck in my hair sometimes though.. Great roundup!
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February 8th, 2013 at 7:16pm
I love your bag! I’m getting a Canon DSLR and the 50mm1.4 lens in May and CAN NOT wait! I wish I could fast forward to May!! Your post made me excited about it all over again, lol. I started blogging w/just my phone camera and then finally got a digital point-and-shoot and I am so so ready to take my photos to the next level.
Juliette´s last [type] ..Thrifting Abroad: Sun Spot
February 8th, 2013 at 7:39pm
I just bought my first lens, aside from the one that came with my camera that I bought a year ago. It’s the 50mm f/1.8 and I’ve been having so much fun playing with it. I’ve been taking product shots for 5 years now for my Etsy shop and my photography sure has come a long way! I’m definitely still working on it, though. :) The next thing I have to get is a new strap. That black CANON one isn’t too cute. Love the sequin one! Thanks for sharing tools!
Casey´s last [type] ..Keeping busy.
February 9th, 2013 at 12:03am
That camera strap is awesome! Loving your chevron camera bag too. :)
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February 9th, 2013 at 12:34am
I simply love photography and your tips and hints are great. I love the camera strap, however have to admit I’m a Nikon user..
Iphoneography is superb though
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February 9th, 2013 at 6:37am
I think an iPad is at the top of my list! It just seems so easy to use and carry around, and perfect for blog-reading at a coffee shop. Gotta start saving!!
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February 9th, 2013 at 1:06pm
Thank you for this helpful and practical information! It can be quite overwhelming to choose the right camera and gadgets. Please keep us updated!
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February 9th, 2013 at 5:16pm
bookmarking this immediately!!! one of my 2013 resolutions is to learn how to take better photos & this is SO helpful. thank you so, so much!!
February 9th, 2013 at 5:44pm
Thanks for sharing Holly. Having trouble figuring out which is the right bag for me, because I don’t want to look like a crazy bag lady! Will check this one out. Just got my new 50mm lens in the mail yesterday, so excited!
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February 9th, 2013 at 8:09pm
Ha! I love this post! I got my first Canon EOS 500 two years ago for my birthday, but I was searching high and low for a cute camera bag! I got the black standard bag (very boring indeed) and it doesn’t have enough place for all my lenses. So glad to read you have this cute “handbag” with a spot for every lens and your camera. I’ll look out for the same thing, since I don’t want to look like a tourist when I’m out and about shooting pictures. ;-)
So funny to see you’re also having an iPad, my husband is getting an iPad for his birthday next month and I can’t wait to try it out as well. I’ll probably try to make it mine. ;) LOL!
Oh and I also have an iPhone case of Kate Spade (with a pink side and white and black dots at the back)… I love Kate Spade cases!! ;)
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February 10th, 2013 at 12:15am
Love this post, It’s always great to know what photography gear everyone uses, I just love love LOVE your sequinned camera strap!
Rosie Rogers´s last [type] ..Reading The Web And The Magic F
February 10th, 2013 at 3:16am
I loved this entry about your gear !!!
Thanks for sharing it !!!
February 10th, 2013 at 3:34am
Ah! I really want that 35mm lens and the ipad/Wi-fi tip is great! That would definitely make things easier when shooting a post. As someone else mentioned above, it is my 2013 goal to create more original content and this post is super helpful. Cheers!
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February 10th, 2013 at 2:33pm
I’m loving your camera strap! I hope they sell those here in the Philippines.
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February 10th, 2013 at 3:39pm
I love that you included a fun camera strap in your post. I noticed I started using my dslr more once I switched my camera strap from the bulky standard Canon one to a more lightweight and colorful one.
Megan´s last [type] ..67 Books in 2013
February 11th, 2013 at 1:23pm
Great list! I just purchased the Eye-Fi from Amazon.
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February 11th, 2013 at 5:48pm
Love this post. I have Canon 7D and I use my 50mm lens everyday. It was one of the best b-day presents my husband has ever bought for me. P.S. Aren’t Manfroto tripods the best? I love mine.
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February 11th, 2013 at 9:16pm
Hi Holly
I can’t wait to try the apps you posted.! I can’t get enough of those. Anything photography related is always a plus. -laura.
February 11th, 2013 at 11:12pm
This is such a great and informative post! Thank you for sharing such information!
Me, I do use a Nikon D5100 and a Nikon 3000 (the first one arrived last Christmas but I am still using both of them). My lens collection includes the usual 18-55 (but I don’t use it very much), my treasured Tamron Macro 90 mm, a Nikkor 35 mm, A Nikkor 50 mm and a Nikkor 18-200. I love working with close-up lenses, as I love details.
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February 12th, 2013 at 5:07pm
Thanks for this post. I’m new to food blogging and have been researching cameras. It’s nice to know what you use since your photos are well composed and taken.
February 12th, 2013 at 6:07pm
Thanks for this blog. I just got a point and shoot that allows for manual adjustments that I am working on mastering. After that I am moving to the big boy.
R. Joyce´s last [type] ..Closet Home Office: The Big Reveal
February 12th, 2013 at 11:21pm
great post! i’m going to check out all of the apps that you recommended!
anh´s last [type] ..First Marathon
February 13th, 2013 at 6:42pm
Hi Holly! Was looking into getting that eye-fi wifi card after you posted this, didn’t know such a thing existed! So cool!
But then I saw the 190 1-star reviews on Amazon, and got scared! They say you can lose your photos anytime. It sounded like a great idea though! i am on the hunt for something similar, and more dependable. any ideas? thanks for the tip!
February 13th, 2013 at 8:32pm
@Angeli – I use this one for my Canon 600D and it has never given me a problem – I have been using it for one year.
http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Eye-Fi-Wireless-Wi-Fi-Memory/dp/B005LFT48S/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
February 15th, 2013 at 4:11am
Thanks for this post!! I really should find a camera bag to carry around – treat my camera with the respect it deserves. And if you come across a good “on the go” tripod, absolutely let us know :)
Chrystina´s last [type] ..family matters valentines
February 19th, 2013 at 3:41am
Thank you for sharing your tips and equipment. It’s always great to see what others use and their process. Time to go shopping to amp up my bag! K
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February 21st, 2013 at 12:06pm
Hello really want an ipad…but cannot decide on size/model…what have you committed to Holly and is it the right model for you?
xx
Alison Gibb´s last [type] ..Happy Valentines
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:02am
Waugh Thanks for all the info ! really useful I am planning to get myself an ipad next month in NY so great tips .
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March 17th, 2013 at 3:15pm
Thanks for the post! You’ve included some great suggestions. I particularly like the camera bag because I’m always on the lookout for a bag that holds enough gear but doesn’t scream expensive. I’ll be ordering one today (and taking your suggestions about the interior color).
Thanks again!
Mary
April 2nd, 2013 at 10:34pm
Hi Holli,
do you have any tips about the lights to use? Thank you very much!
xoxo
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April 12th, 2013 at 11:53pm
I’m just seeing this now, but thank you for featuring our bag! I’d be happy to send you the current version with the green lining :)