What’s in My Camera Bag?
There are sooooo many options for camera gear. At the end of the day, it’s important you get the equipment that fits best with your needs and budget. If you are looking for inspiration or ideas, or are just wondering what I use, here’s a list of my food photography gear!
Camera Gear
Nikon z5 body
The Nikon z5 body is a fantastic intermediate camera body. It was an amazing upgrade from my beginner camera (Nikon D3400). I’ve had this body for years and it still works as great as when I first bought it. I love the dual SD card slots, the silent photography function, it’s lightweight, and is a full-frame camera. It’s also on the more budget-friendly side for what it gives which is a major plus as well. I am indeed looking to upgrade (looking at you, Nikon z6iii), but the z5 has been a great body and has served me very well.
Nikon 50mm f/1.8g lens & nikon mount ftz adapter
The 50mm lens, also known as the nifty fifty, is incredible. This is what I most often use for my 45-degree shots, level shots, and video. SUCH a great lens!
I normally would’ve gotten the ‘Z’ mirrorless version, but I bought this before I got the z5. I’m able to use this DSLR lens on my mirrorless camera body with the Nikon Mount FTZ adapter! The one downfall I’ve found is it isn’t completely silent compared to the mirrorless lenses, BUT, it’s still very much worth the purchase. Nikon has since come out with the updated FTZ II Mount Adapter.
Link to the 50mm f/1.8g lens (DSLR version)
Link to the Z 50mm f/1.8 lens (mirrorless version)
Link to the Nikon FTZ II Mount Adapter
Nikon z 24-70mm f/4 lens
I use the 24-70mm f/4 lens for my overhead shots! Having this wide lens and not having to stand on top of what felt like three chairs to get everything in frame is a game changer. I am hoping to eventually upgrade to the Z 24-70 f/2.8 lens, but the f/4 is a fantastic lens I’ve been using over the past few years and will continue to use. It’s on the budget-friendly end compared to the f/2.8, compact, anddd lightweight.
Link to the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 lens
Camera Accessories
brevitÉ Jumper Camera Backpack
This camera bag…OH MY GOODNESS. This backpack is one of my all-time favorite purchases. It perfectly holds all of my gear when I’m on the go. The inside compartments are removable as well in case you want to use it as a standard backpack. I’ve had it for years and still loveeeeee it. 10/10 purchase!
Sidenote, I also bought their rain cover and it has saved me on numerous occasions. Highly recommend!
Link to Brevite Jumper Camera Backpack
Andoer tripod
I bought this when I first started food photography and it’s been great! Unfortunately, the model I have isn’t sold anymore, but when you’re tripod shopping, look for ones that have a horizontal arm component. Having this feature is essential for overhead shots when you need your hands for the photo or video.
Westcott 6-in-1 illuminator reflector kit (42″)
This is the large white square you will often see me place in front of the window in my Instagram reels! In this kit, I use the semi-cloudy transparent diffuser (with no cover on top).
Link to Westcott 6-in-1 Illuminator Reflector Kit (42″)
White bounce boards
I got my bounce boards from Michaels! They’re actually just white foam core boards and were only about $5 a piece. Such a great deal.
Sandisk SSD extreme DRIVES
The Sandisk SSD Extreme Drives are my go-to storage! I love them. There have recently been problems with this drive for some people, but I haven’t had any troubles yet (~knock on wood~). I do my best to keep a backup of my drives just in case. I tried another brand when I heard of the Sandisk SSD issues, but there were problems with it, so I’ll be sticking to the Sandisk drives for now. All of my Sandisk drives are the 2TB versions!
As a whole with storage drives, I highlyyyy recommend using an SSD drive. I’ve used hard drives in the past, and they just kept crashing on me. SSD drives have absolutely been worth the extra investment.
Link to Sandisk SSD Extreme Drive
USB-C CABLE for Tethering
When I first purchased my USB-C cable for tethering, I didn’t know how much I would be using it so I purchased an off-brand one. However, many people use the cable from Tether Tools. Before buying, make sure you get the right connector type for your gear!
Link to off-brand USB-C Cable I have
Link to Tether Tools USB-C Cable
SD Cards & Case
There are many many SD card options. My go-to are the Sandisk Extreme Pro SD cards, usually the 64 GB or 128 GB! I have a couple of 256 GB ones as well, but use the 64 GB and 128 GB for the most part. I also have a Lexar Professional 1667x 64GB SD card, but use the Sandisk Extreme Pro cards the majority of the time. I haven’t had any troubles with the Lexar SD card, I just have more of the Sandisk Extreme Pro ones and haven’t had any problems with them. Super reliable thus far.
I also recently bought a new SD card case! It’s my favorite of the ones I’ve purchased.
Link to Sandisk Extreme Pro SD Card
Extra Camera battery
Having an extra battery for your camera is crucial. It’s important to have a backup if your battery runs out quicker than expected or if something goes haywire. Orrr if you think your battery is charged and well, turns out it isn’t haha. This is something that’s worth splurging the extra money to get your camera’s name-brand version.
I hope this list was helpful and hope you have a snazzy day! Happy photographing!
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