Right here’s what’s inside my digicam bag for journey images at Walt Disney World, Disneyland and past–the Nikon mirrorless digicam and lenses I take advantage of, tripod, exterior drives, and different devices. As we head into 2024, I’ve as soon as once more made adjustments to the photograph gear I carry within the parks and on different journeys.
I’ll begin with a good warning, which is that the 2024 version of what’s inside my digicam bag is considerably just like final yr’s version. That submit included added commentary about my which means and objective as a photographer, and what I proceed to get out of the ritual of images. I’ll spare you the low-tier mid-life disaster stuff this time.
Effectively, for essentially the most half. Final yr round this time, I used to be excited, feeling a renewed sense of objective in images. We had simply returned from a month in Japan the place I used to be, for the primary time shortly, critical about taking photographs. It was a reinvigorating and refreshing–I used to be falling again in love with my favourite passion. I resolved myself to take extra time to enhance my images and be taught recent methods within the new yr.
One month later…
Sarah and I came upon we’d be having a child. In fact, we had been over the moon about this information. It’s one thing we’ve wished for thus, so lengthy and thought would by no means occur. I in all probability don’t have to rehash all of that.
Much less excited, not less than to the extent that inanimate objects can have feelings, was my digicam bag and laborious drive of uncooked recordsdata, together with these from that month in Japan, which had principally but to be touched. I in all probability don’t have to spell this out, both. It’s been a busy yr and my passion images has as soon as once more taken a backseat to only about the whole lot else. Possibly I’ll strive once more in like 18 years, I assume? Though I’m fairly positive it’ll be all AI and neural hyperlinks then. Possibly Robotic Tom may have a built-in digicam!
Regardless, the images flame was reignited and I did make some strides in taking images extra critical this yr after I had the possibility, which was virtually solely at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The most important change wasn’t a lot a change because it was going from a interval of transition to one in every of confidence.
I discussed final yr that I made the transfer to mirrorless once more, for what felt just like the dozenth time. It didn’t beforehand “take” – presumably as a result of I stored attempting Sony mirrorless cameras. (No disrespect to Sony; they’re nice cameras–simply not for me.) This time, I did loads of subject testing beforehand and moved from Nikon DSLRs to Nikon mirrorless. A a lot simpler and smoother transition.
At this level final yr, I used to be carrying each the Nikon z 7II and Nikon D850 and utilizing each. One yr later, I discover myself barely touching the D850. I took it with me as a backup digicam to shoot parades at Halloween, which was the primary and final time I had used the digicam in months. It felt so international, archaic, and cumbersome.
It’s not, in fact. That speaks extra to me being a creature (dinosaur, naturally) of behavior. Final yr, I used to be nonetheless extra comfy with the DSLR, which amplified the “faults” of the mirrorless digicam. Now, the tables have turned.
Not carrying the DSLR is a method my digicam bag has slimmed down. As I’ve turn into extra assured with mirrorless, I’ve additionally developed higher command over my lenses with it, together with what I do and don’t like utilizing. In flip, I’ve narrowed down what I usually carry, with extra lenses usually staying at residence (and changing into earmarked for eBay because of this, as soon as the vacation season slows down).
Actually, my digicam bag is a bit boring and customary because of this. I used to satisfaction myself in having numerous novel or under-the-radar lenses. As I get older and (perhaps?) wiser, I discover myself prioritizing perform over uniqueness.
With one other lengthy and rambling preface out of the way in which, let’s dig into what’s really inside my digicam bag for this yr and 2024…
Nikon Z 7II – In lots of essential regards, together with dynamic vary, excessive ISO efficiency, and colour depth, that is the very best digicam I’ve ever used. It additionally has in-body stabilization, distinctive autofocus, and a variety of options which can be distinctive to the mirrorless system. Even after utilizing it for over a yr, I proceed to find new capabilities.
As a longtime Nikon shooter, I really like (and have grown accustomed to) the structure and interface. It’s similar to my beloved Nikon D850 on this regard, and whereas a matter of private choice, the digicam is a superb ‘match’ in my fingers and my muscle reminiscence from the Nikon DSLRs principally transfers over.
I nonetheless don’t love the whole lot about it–for instance, I’ve points with the clever focusing programs that by no means occurred with the D850, however I acknowledge that’s largely a “me drawback” given the widespread reward for its autofocus. When considered objectively, the Nikon Z 7II is much and away the very best digicam I’ve ever used. I prefer it extra with every passing day, and suspect that’ll turn into more true as I unlock its full potential and proceed getting extra comfy taking pictures with it.
Nikon 14-30mm f/4 – Whereas Sony has an distinctive 12-24mm and Nikon’s 14-24mm continues to be the gold customary, I wished a smaller ultra-wide angle lens. After doing a ton of analysis and field-testing all three, this was my decide. I’m nonetheless extremely happy.
I’ve owned over a dozen totally different extremely extensive angle lenses through the years, and the Nikon 14-30mm is essentially the most well-rounded of the bunch. Along with its measurement, this lens is significantly sharp and the ‘lengthy’ finish of the zoom vary is sweet sufficient for normal subject of view photographs.
It’s positively not the very best total extremely extensive angle in the marketplace, and the f/4 aperture makes it a poor possibility for darkish rides (however not essentially low gentle, because of the in-body picture stabilization). It’s nonetheless far and away my most-used lens, and one which delivers for me in all kinds of settings. If I had been a extra artistic photographer or nonetheless prepared to lug round 25 kilos of lenses, I’d decide one thing totally different. Possibly I’ll once more sometime. Because it stands, I’m very happy with the Nikon 14-30mm and have zero regrets over one yr later.
Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR – Compromise is the secret with a light-weight mirrorless digicam bag. This superzoom is the stereotypical ‘jack of all trades, grasp of none’ lens…or is it?!
When doing my preliminary bag meeting, I examined this face to face towards the Nikon 24-120mm f/4. Apart from the aperture, I discovered the Nikon 24-200mm edged out that lens in each regard. I used to be shocked. Previous to this, I used to be utilizing the Sony 24-240mm, and this lens completely blows that out of the water.
Suffice to say, the Nikon Z 24-200mm outperforms its superzoom stereotypes in nearly each regard. It’s shockingly sharp, distortion is minimal, and autofocus is comparatively snappy. Clearly, compromise nonetheless comes with the territory–it’s inferior to any of the person lenses it will exchange and there’s no bokeh to talk of. However as a superzoom for landscapes shot at f/8 or above? It’s unparalleled. Shockingly.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 – The primary Sigma Artwork lens continues to be the very best. The bokeh is gorgeous & buttery, the lens is insanely sharp, and the photographs have a definite “look” to them that pops straight out of digicam. I can’t articulate what makes this lens particular, however it has a sure je ne sais quoi that I’ve by no means present in another prime lens.
It’s additionally the right focal size for walk-around taking pictures in the event you’re going to be utilizing a first-rate, and is insanely good for darkish experience images, with snappy autofocus and that extensive open f/1.4 aperture. I can’t say sufficient constructive issues about this lens–I simply want they made a model for Nikon mirrorless, as a result of mine has seen higher days after a decade-plus of heavy use.
Regardless of attempting many related lenses over the last 10 years, none have ever come near the distinctive high quality of the Sigma 35mm. At this level, I’ve given up. No prime lens is ever going to high this one for me.
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 – The newest addition to my digicam bag for 2024, I picked up the nifty fifty for the primary time in a few decade–and that was the cheapo ~$100 mannequin. This buy occurred after a lot deliberation about whether or not I can buy the 50mm or 85mm. (The longer lens would’ve been extra distinct from my Sigma 35mm, however my hope was that this is able to exchange each occasionally.)
I’m nonetheless unsure I made the appropriate resolution, however I do discover myself carrying the Sigma 35 much less and the Nikon 85 by no means because of this. So I assume that’s an honest reply. Whereas it doesn’t have the “secret sauce” of the Sigma 35mm, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 is in any other case superb, simply justifying its added value over the previous nifty fifty. It focuses rapidly, sharpness is off the charts, and bokeh seems to be implausible. Child photographs had been my unique motivation for getting this, however increasingly, I discover myself packing this lens, the 14-30mm, and 24-200mm–and that’s it.
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII – I really like the whole lot about this lens in addition to its weight and measurement, which is like saying I really like Hummers minus their mileage. That’s just about its defining characteristic! I solely carry this lens about 25% of the time or much less, and the one purpose it’s not 100% is the scale and weight.
That is nice for detail-oriented images at Disney, parades, and its versatility is surprisingly robust. On the times it comes out with me, I actually go loopy utilizing it, pushing the artistic makes use of for what would possibly appear to be a restricted lens. Given how a lot I nonetheless use this, I anticipate upgrading to the mirrorless model if I can discover a sale on it in 2024.
Rokinon 12mm Fisheye – Fisheye was once my signature type. I’ve owned extra fisheyes than another lens kind and for good purpose–I used them extra than simply about another lenses. Looking back, that was approach an excessive amount of. I now look again at my photographs that gratuitously and unnecessarily use the fisheye and surprise, what was I considering?
This low cost and small handbook focus Rokinon fisheye is greater than enough for my now fairly restricted use of fisheye. I actually get pleasure from its sunburst, however truthfully, want they had been much more over-the-top. For those who’re going to make use of a fisheye, would possibly as effectively go all-out! Regardless, I’d suggest spending as little cash as attainable on a fisheye lens, or not shopping for one in any respect.
Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ II – For years, I resisted mount adapters, telling myself (and others) that I’d totally decide to a system and purchase/promote lenses accordingly. That was earlier than promoting, shopping for, promoting, and rebuying DSLR gear. It was additionally earlier than understanding that Sigma would by no means (seemingly?) make its Artwork lineup for the Nikon Z mount. The steadiness is odd with each the Sigma 35mm and Nikon 70-200mm, however that’s not likely the fault of the adapter. Regardless, I discover myself utilizing this much less and fewer, and would like to rid myself of it solely in 2024.
Gear I Personal However No Longer Use:
- Nikon D850 — I nonetheless love this digicam, and even after going mirrorless, would in all probability purchase its successor if Nikon ever releases one other DSLR on this line.
- Nikon Z 40mm f/2 – It’s small and lightweight, however the high quality and sharpness simply aren’t ok to select this over the 35mm or 50mm.
- Nikon 85mm f/1.8 – I really like the concept of an 85mm lens, however this previous ‘price range’ DSLR lens simply has too many shortcomings.
LowePro Flipside 300 AW III – The transfer to mirrorless additionally allowed me to commerce down digicam baggage. Beforehand, I used to be utilizing the LowePro’s Turtle in a Half Shell, which is well the dorkiest digicam bag in the marketplace, because it seems to be like a snapper went to a surplus retailer.
This bag is great. Means higher than wanting like a tactical terrapin. It’s not trendy, however it seems to be a bit extra regular and has house for the whole lot I carry–together with a laptop computer–and might function my private merchandise when flying. Now that I’m carrying much less gear (that photograph is from final yr, there’s by no means that many lenses in it today), I’ve room for different gadgets…like diapers!
If you would like extra in-depth critiques of a broader number of tools, the very best place to begin is Tom’s Final Disney Parks Pictures Information, which covers quite a lot of subjects from hyperlinks to tutorials, ideas, and tips to suggestions for level & shoots, DSLRs, lenses, and extra. (Many of those are fairly previous and haven’t been up to date shortly, however the underlying concepts and ideas nonetheless apply.)
Your Ideas
What do you consider the images gear in my digicam bag? Have you ever taken the mirrorless plunge? Sony, Nikon, or one thing else? What’s in your digicam bag? For those who use any of those cameras or lenses, what do you consider them? Any questions? Listening to suggestions from different photographers is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
