What’s In My Camera Bag

Today, I wanted to share with you some resources and show you what photography gear I started with, what I’m currently using and what direction I’ll be taking when I’m ready to upgrade my kit. My set up is straight forward and simple, it’s what I use All. The. Time. to capture each recipe.

 

My aim is to show you food at it’s best, with bright and clear hi-res images!

I’m giving you a little look-see at all of the tools that I use and recommend, plus some great options for starting out. Even though, I’m a Nikon fan, I have used Canon as well with incredible results, but at the end of the day, I’m all in for Nikon. I love the way a Nikon handles! But not to worry, I have included the equivalent Canon brand if that’s your preference.

Camera’s & Lenses

When you’re starting out, it’s not always feasible nor the wise thing to take the plunge and buy the most expensive equipment. The best way to start, is to invest in “starter”, budget friendly equipment. Cameras and lenses that you can learn with and grow with. Once you’ve mastered the basics of DSLR photography, then it’s time to invest in an upgrade and so goes the story.

When I first started Little Figgy, I invested in the Nikon D3300. I enjoyed learning (again), and became great friends with my camera. That was several years ago now, so the models have changed and for the better.

Tip: When purchasing your gear, you will want to purchase the camera body only and then the lens separate. (Although, I have found that sometimes buying the “bundles” can actually save you some money). Do your research before you press that buy now button.

*Note: When purchasing lenses, remember that if you decide to stay with the same camera brand (i.e. Nikon) and upgrade the camera body, most of the time you can use the same lenses. Always check with the specs to verify whenever you purchase any camera equipment.

Budget Friendly:

Canon Entry Level Options: 

 The Canon EOS Rebel T5i 

• 18 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• 5 FPS continuous shooting
• 9 point AF system, all cross type
• ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600)
• 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps) and 720 (60, 50 fps) HD video (29min limit, H.264 format)
• 3″ articulating touch panel LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots

 

 

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens.

• For images that have that blurred background
• 50mm focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8
• Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 ft. (0.35m) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x
• 80mm effective focal-length on APS-C cameras, 50mm on full-frame cameras

 

Nikon Entry Level Gear:

Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR

THIS was the camera I started Little Figgy with, love it and use it as a backup.

• 5 frames per second continuous shooting
• ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600)
• 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps) HD video (MPEG-4/H.264/MOV)
  3 inch LCD with 921,000 dots

 

Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens with Auto Focus

This is a great lens to achieve that blurred background look.

Autofocus operation with this lens is possible with Nikon autofocus cameras (except the F3AF); manual focus possible via separate focusing ring with all Nikon SLRs. Compatibility includes D3200 and D5200 cameras.

 

 

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus (My Current Lens)

This is my go to lens! I rarely take it off my camera and highly recommend. I used it with my first camera and works seamlessly with my Nikon D7100.

• 35mm focal length
• F1.8 maximum aperture; F22 minimum

 

Intermediate Gear (Time to Upgrade):

Canon Gear:

Canon EOS 70D Digital SLR Camera

• 20.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+
• 19 point cross-type AF System
• Up to 7 fps shooting
• ISO 100-12800, expandable to 25600

 

 

Nikon Gear (My current Camera):

Nikon D7100 DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR

This is a really impressive camera. I actually decided on this one over the D7200 due to a lesser price and there really wasn’t too much of a difference between them except a .1 MP. That’s right, the D7100 is 24.1 MP and the D7200 is 24.2 MP. For me, there wasn’t enough of a difference to spend the extra $300.

 

Full Frame Gear (Next On My List):

Canon Gear:

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera w Canon 50mm F1.2 Lens Bundle

This is one serious bundle. Full Frame. Dreamy. This is a brilliant bundle.

• DPReview Recommended Bundle
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame CMOS with 1080p Full-HD Video Mode Digital SLR Camera (Body)
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras – Fixed

 

 

Nikon Gear (I’ve got my eye on this one):

Nikon D750 FX-format Digital SLR Camera

You had me at Nikon! Okay, this is the one that is on my wishlist, it’s completely on steroids and for just under $2000 for the body, you will save gadzooks of money compared to other equivalent models.

• Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility
• Pro Video feature set

 

 

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens with Auto Focus

• This is lens can be used with both FX and DX DSLR’s {Nikon F mount}
• 50mm focal length
• 75mm equivalent focal length on DX cameras
• F1.4 maximum aperture; F16 minimum
• Ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing

 

 

 

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1:1.8G ED Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus

• This is lens can be used with both FX and DX DSLR’s {Nikon F mount}
• 35mm focal length
• 52.5mm equivalent focal length on DX-Format cameras
• F1.8 maximum aperture, F16 minimum

 

Must Have Accessories:

Lexar Professional 633x 16GB SDHC UHS-I/U1 Card

You simply cannot take pictures without SDHC Cards. I have just about every size and recommend investing in the 32 and/or 64 GB.

Capture high-quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080p full-HD, 3D, and 4K video with a DSLR camera, HD camcorder, or 3D camera.

Available in 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 & 512GB

 

 

 

Tiffen 52mm or 55mm UV Protection Filter

• Most popular protection filter
• Provides basic reduction of ultraviolet light
• Helps eliminate bluish cast in images
• Most popular protection filter
• Provides basic reduction of ultraviolet light
• Various sizes available
• Helps eliminate bluish cast in images

 

Ravelli APGL4 New Professional 70″ Tripod with Adjustable Pistol Grip Head and Heavy Duty Carry Bag

• Quick Release Camera Plate
• Pistol Grip Tilt Adjustment Head
• Quick Release Leg Locks
• Rubber And Spiked Feet Included
• Invertible Quick Release center Column

This has to be one of the best tripods for the price. My absolute favorite feature is the tilt head. You know, the overhead shots…unless you are ready to invest another gadzooks amount of money for your kit, then this is one great bit of gear to add to your kit. Love it!

 

Neewer 43-inch / 110cm 5-in-1 Collapsible Multi-Disc Light Reflector with Bag – Translucent, Silver, Gold, White and Black

• This is a 5 in 1 multi photo reflector disc 43″ / 110CM.
• It comes with silver, gold, black, white and translucent. Those are the most popular reflector in photograph.
• Durable and flexible steel spring frame insures easy spreading and closing.

OK, so this folds away like those collapsible sun protectors for your car, and is an excellent addition to your photo gear. In addition to this, I also have white and black foam card and white muslin cloth for diffusing light. I use of it all!

 

Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan (Photoshop CC + Lightroom)

• The Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan features the world’s best photography tools, including Adobe Photoshop CC and Lightroom desktop, mobile and web at an amazing price.
• Always stay up to date. Automatically get access to the latest features and product updates.
• Access an extensive library of video tutorials to get you up to speed quickly and master new skills.

So affordable, I use Photoshop EVERY. DAY.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or directly email me, and I hope this has helped narrow down the seemingly overwhelming choices out there. 

Photography is the only language that can be understood anywhere in the world. – Bruno Barbey

The links in this post are affiliate links, which enables Little Figgy to continue to share more tasty content with you.