Gear Recommendations
I'm pretty picky when it comes to my equipment for photography and travel. The equipment listed below has been thoroughly researched before buying and used by me. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that I get a small (very small) percentage of the purchase when you use my links. The price you pay is the same regardless, but the small amount that goes to my website/YouTube channel does assist in maintaining the site and creating content. Thank you for your support!
Photography Equipment
Nikon's Flagship!
The new Nikon flagship. A fast, powerful AF system with subject detection developed using deep learning technology. 45.7-megapixel stills. High-speed still frame rates up to 120 fps. 8K and 4K videos. The world's first truly blackout free viewfinder, and Nikon's first 4-axis tilting touchscreen. All in the most intelligent, durable, comfortable and connected Nikon camera the world has ever seen.
- 45.7MP Stacked CMOS sensor and EXPEED 7 image processing. Fast powerful AF that can keep up with the fastest subjects and frame rates.
- Subject detection uses deep learning to automatically detect and track people, cats, dogs, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains and planes in still and video with no menu changes.
- Capture 45.7MP stills at 20 or 30 fps; 120 fps stills at 11MP, all with full AF and AE, and no viewfinder blackout. 8K/30p video capture in-camera for over 2 hours recording time. 4K 120p slow motion video capture.
- 10-bit 4K/30p from oversampled 8K, recorded in-camera as ProRes 422 HQ or H.265 video.
- New high-efficiency RAW file format is 1/3 the size of uncompressed RAW while retaining the same high image quality and dynamic range as conventional RAW files.
The ultimate hybrid camera!
Powerful video and still photography capabilities.
Video features include 12-bit 8K/60p and 4K/120p RAW plus 10-bit ProRes 422 HQ internal video recording;
Photography features include a 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor, a silent, vibration-free electronic shutter, 120 fps burst shooting and a blackout-free viewfinder. Fast, accurate AF with subject detection powered by deep learning.
Professional build and operation. Smart connectivity. All in a brilliant compact, lightweight modular design.
My go-to backpack!
Like most photographers, I have been searching for the ultimate bag to carry my gear. This results in many bags purchased over the years. The excellent build quality and modular design makes this bag the one I grab most often when traveling. I bought my Tilopa over 3 years ago and it's still going strong. Highly recommended!
- 50 liter capacity
- Ideal for multi-day trips or gear-heavy adventures
- Pairs best with the Pro-Large Camera Bag Insert and Pro-XL Camera Bag Insert
Need a smaller bag? Check out the Ajna (37L) or Lotus (32L)!
Hoodman Eyecup for Nikon Z9/Z8 Cameras
This is one of the first things I change on my cameras.
If you wear eyeglasses click this link.
Hoodman created the oversized eyecup product category to help pro photographers link their eyes to their cameras by comfortably sealing out ambient light from entering their viewfinders. Glare free viewfinders greatly reduced eye fatigue.
(Affiliate Link - Thank you!)
WiseDry Rechargeable Silica Gel
I used to use rice to dry out my electronics when they got wet but these Silica Gel packets work just as well, if not better. I recently slipped wading across a river with my Fuji X100V. The camera and I were completely submerged. I removed the battery, SD card and opened all doors on the camera and placed it in a ziplock bag with 5 of these Gel packets. 4 days later....camera is working great. The longer you leave it in there the better! I was impatient. :)
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Kase Wolverine Magnetic Filters (112mm)
I had a love/hate relationship with ND & CP filters! I loved to use them for creative effect but I hated the time it took to install. These Kase filters solved all of that! These magnetic filters snap on easily and have no color cast that I can see. They are always in my bag. I have the older model without the color coding. The links are for the new model which color coded the filters for easy identification in the bag and they also beefed up the magnets to make them more secure (although I have zero issues with the older model). I highly recommend! The links are for the 112mm (which I recommend if you're shooting with the Nikon Z 14-24). For other sizes see below:
95mm, 82mm, 77mm, 72mm, 67mm, 58mm (Old Model)
I recommend purchasing for your largest diameter lens and then using step-up rings for the smaller lenses.
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iOptron SkyGuider Pro
This is my goto star tracker when weight is not an issue. Easy to align and rock solid. I've shot 10 minute exposures with this and the stars were pin sharp. Highly recommended.
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Move Shoot Move Tracker
Incredible little star tracker that can fit in your pocket! The Move Shoot Move star tracker is a compact star tracker that can handle camera/lens combo up to 6.6 lbs (3kgs). Great little tracker for backpacking or when you're traveling light. I recommend getting the kit with the polar scope and the laser. Makes polar alignment super easy....at least in the Northern Hemisphere.
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iOptron SkyGuider Pro
This is my goto star tracker when weight is not an issue. Easy to align and rock solid. I've shot 10 minute exposures with this and the stars were pin sharp. Highly recommended.
(Affiliate Link - Thank you!)
More Gear Coming Soon!
Camping Equipment
Anker PowerHouse 757 Power Station
I use this power station to keep my refrigerator running in camp, charge my laptop, camera, and drone batteries, as well as anything else that needs to be powered or charged. At home it's used as an emergency power source for power outages....which comes in handy in Texas with the unreliability of our electrical grid.
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ICECO JP50 Pro 51.7 Quart Portable Refrigerator
I have had this fridge for over 3 years now and it is still running strong. It does a great job of keeping my food, beverages and film cold during my photography wanders and camping. I highly recommend!
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Roadie - SUV Window Tent
I use this on my Suburban when sleeping in the vehicle and it works great!!! I have two to create some cross-ventilation.
- The Overnighter is a universal fit window bug screen for camping in an SUV. Keep the bugs and rain out while your windows stay open for fresh air.
- Installs easily by stretching around the perimeter of the door using the built-in elastic band (Fits both sides). No tools required. And you can still operate the side power windows.
- Universal fit for SUVs like the 4Runner, Caravan, CR-V, Element, Escape, Expedition, Forester, Highlander, Grand Cherokee, Outback, Pilot, Rav 4, Sequoia, Suburban, Tahoe, Town and Country, Wrangler, Xterras, etc.
- Privacy while sleeping and you can catch another hour of sleep in the morning with the black-out camping window covers zipped up.
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Goal Zero Yeti 500X Portable Power Station
This power station is easy to move around and can keep my laptop going while working in my RTT. *Note - to power a MacBook Pro you need to use the AC port as opposed to USB-C*
- HIGH CAPACITY: This power station’s 505Wh packs a punch. There are multiple ports for keeping your mobile devices charged, too, so you never have to go without a full smartphone battery.
- VERSATILE AND PORTABLE: Utilize a variety of ports, including a 12V car port, USB-C, and USB-C PD ports, to take this power station with you in the backcountry, on the job site, or right at home.
- RECHARGE WITH SOLAR: Maximize your solar input with Goal Zero’s MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking), which increases solar input by up to 30 percent.
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DOKIO 300W 18V Folding Solar Panel Kit
This solar panel has kept my batteries topped off at camp for over two years now and still working great! Typical output is between 125-175watts on sunny days.
- This solar panel photovoltaic packs 300W of power yet is only 1.1inch(2.8cm )thick and weighs only 17lb(7.5kg), making it easier to mount,transport, hang, and remove.
- Solar charger for all 12V batteries ,with its 18V optimum power voltage.Protection against: overcharging, overload, short-circuit
- powerful high conversion efficiency with high efficiency monocrystalline solar cell, you will get greater power efficiency even though the panel is smaller than a traditional model.Maximizes system output by reducing mismatch loss
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MiiR Pourigami - Pour Over Coffee Perfection!
Nothing beats a great cup of coffee at camp! This single-cup travel coffee dripper lives in my camping kit.
- Bring the comfort of a pour-over coffee everywhere with our portable coffee dripper; Makes a single cup, weighs just 4 ounces
- Built using medical-grade stainless steel and a Hardshell powder coat finish, the Pourigami is fit for almost any challenge
- Assembly is as simple as interlocking three panels and placing atop your brewing vessel
- With design, generosity, and sustainability at our core, every MiiR product sold helps fund non-profit organizations that protect the planet and strengthen communities
(Affiliate Link - Thank you!)
More Gear Coming Soon!
~ Henry David Thoreau