Want to know what’s in my digital camera bag for 2023 and past? This put up shares the Nikon lenses, mirrorless digital camera, and DSLR that I take advantage of at Walt Disney World. Once an annual “tradition” this time of 12 months in response to reader questions, this put up is again for the primary time in three years. It comes as I made the primary main modifications to my lineup in that span and we simply accomplished our first lengthy worldwide journey in that point.
It’s really been so lengthy that the overwhelming majority of you might be in all probability not right here for the pictures…and even know that I’m a photographer. I’d be mendacity if I mentioned inquiries about my digital camera bag have been nonetheless frequent–they in all probability don’t crack the highest 100 of questions we’re requested by readers.
For these of you who’re newer to the positioning, as soon as upon a time, this began as one thing of a images weblog. Along with journey stories, ‘photos of the day’ have been the first focus of this website. Camera and lens opinions have been extremely frequent, too. Things have modified rather a lot since then–commentary, information, and planning recommendation have change into extra outstanding. Nevertheless, I do nonetheless put quite a lot of effort and time into images.
Not to wax poetic an excessive amount of, however the evolution of the positioning has additionally modified my method to images…kind of. I nonetheless take simply as many pictures as ever, it’s that I seldom do something with 99.5% of them. (This is likely one of the hallmarks of a middle-aged photographer, or so I’ve heard.) I used to return from a visit and instantly start organizing and post-processing, excited to put up my favorites on Flickr, Smugmug, or Instagram.
I haven’t posted something on any of these locations in years, partly as a result of two of them are lifeless (kind of) and the opposite has mutated into one thing unrecognizable and scary to me. I way back stopped studying about new post-processing methods, and whereas I’m extremely envious of the proficient photographers I observe who’ve saved up with the most recent methods, I’ve no want to return to the times of spending hours per day enhancing pictures.
For me, the enjoyment is within the ritual of images itself. I like getting up earlier than dawn, working round at sundown chasing that fleeting mild, or staying till the bitter finish of the evening in Magic Kingdom because the park clears out. I don’t significantly know why, however I discover peace within the images course of, and extra related to the world round me. (I can’t say the identical about enhancing pictures–I already spend an excessive amount of sitting on the laptop.)
During our latest journey to Japan, I spent hours photographing temples, was the final one out of Tokyo Disneyland quite a few nights, and located myself sprinting round Hakone as I chased a photograph of the moonset over Mount Fuji. Loads of effort and misplaced sleep went into pictures that nobody except for me will ever see. I’ve zero regrets. Racing round taking pictures is after I really feel most alive, and I’ve returned from the journey reenergized regardless of the intense sleep deprivation.
Standing on the shore of Lake Ashi, freezing ready for dawn, it was simply me and the fishermen. I spotted we’ve rather a lot in frequent…maybe I ought to commerce the digital camera for a fishing pole?! I may do a lot of the similar issues I do now, however be productive within the course of! (If solely I may fish in Magic Kingdom with out being requested to go away the park.) But I digress.
Getting again to the purpose, I as soon as once more went mirrorless this 12 months. For these maintaining rating at dwelling, that is the third time I’ve switched to a mirrorless digital camera, with the change not “sticking” earlier than. (In my protection, the second time I made the change, the intention was to make use of the mirrorless digital camera as a secondary possibility for ‘gear-light’ days. I continued to do precisely that, utilizing that Sony up till this summer season.)
This time, I did extra analysis and extensively examined out mirrorless gear, a course of that started final 12 months. I lastly made the plunge a number of months in the past, shopping for a Nikon mirrorless digital camera, a number of lenses, and an adapter. I waited till now–after a prolonged journey with prolonged, unique use of the mirrorless digital camera–earlier than sharing simply in case I modified my thoughts once more.
To ensure, I don’t fully love mirrorless. I nonetheless want the optical viewfinder and really feel of my Nikon D850, however there are a variety of plain upsides to the mirrorless system, from options to autofocus enhancements to the lens lineup. There’s additionally the truth that digital camera producers aren’t actually specializing in DSLRs anymore.
Size and weight are additionally large ones, particularly because the medical doctors inform me I’m not getting any youthful, and the 25-pound DSLR digital camera bag I used to hold is simply an excessive amount of now. Suffice to say, I’m “happy enough” with mirrorless and hope it continues to evolve.
Anyway, thanks for indulging me with this lengthy and rambling preface. Now let’s dig into what’s really inside my digital camera bag for this 12 months and 2023. (To actually present the vary of the digital camera sensors, lenses, and stabilization, none of those pictures have been shot whereas utilizing a tripod.)
Nikon Z 7II – In many necessary regards, together with dynamic vary, excessive ISO efficiency, and colour depth, that is the very best digital camera 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 months, I proceed to find new capabilities of the digital camera that wow me.
For me, one of many important qualities is the Nikon format and interface. It’s similar to my beloved Nikon D850 on this regard, and whereas a matter of non-public choice, the digital camera is a good ‘fit’ in my palms and my muscle reminiscence from the Nikon DSLRs principally transfers over.
As famous above, I nonetheless don’t love the viewfinder. However, I acknowledge this as principally a “me problem” and sure will take time to beat as I’m so used to the optical viewfinder. (Now I understand how movie diehards felt on the introduction of the digital period.) When seen objectively, the Nikon Z 7II is way and away the very best digital camera I’ve ever used. I prefer it extra with every passing day, and suspect that’ll change into more true as I unlock its full potential and proceed getting extra snug capturing with it.
Nikon 14-30mm f/4 – This lens is an enormous motive why I opted to make the leap with Nikon’s mirrorless within the first place. While Sony has an distinctive 12-24mm and Nikon’s 14-24mm continues to be the gold normal, I needed my most-used lens to be lighter and smaller. After doing a ton of analysis and field-testing all three, this was my decide.
I’ve owned over a dozen completely different extremely extensive angle lenses through the years, and the Nikon 14-30mm is probably the most well-rounded of the bunch. In addition to its dimension, this lens is severely sharp and the ‘long’ finish of the zoom vary is nice sufficient for normal discipline of view pictures.
It’s undoubtedly not the very best general extremely extensive angle available on the market, and the f/4 aperture makes it a poor possibility for darkish rides (however not essentially low mild, due to the Nikon Z 7II’s IBIS), however it’s far and away my most-used lens, and one which delivers for me in all kinds of settings. If I have been a extra artistic photographer or nonetheless prepared to lug round 25 kilos of lenses, I’d decide one thing completely different; because it stands, I’m very glad with the Nikon 14-30mm.
Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR – When assembling a lightweight mirrorless digital camera bag, “compromise” is the secret. This superzoom is the stereotypical ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ lens…or is it?!
In assembling my digital camera bag, I made a decision to train restraint and not purchase the flagship Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8. I examined that lens and completely liked it, however not the scale and weight. That narrowed my determination all the way down to this or the Nikon 24-120mm f/4. Aside from the aperture, I discovered the Nikon 24-200mm edged out that lens in each regard. I used to be shocked. Prior 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. Obviously, compromise nonetheless comes with the territory–it’s not so good as any of the person lenses it might change. But as a superzoom? It’s unparalleled.
Nikon Z 40mm f/2 – One of my ‘mandates’ when going mirrorless was assembling a light-weight digital camera bag. This lens superior that goal, with good optical efficiency at an affordable value and a best-in-class weight. It delivers shallow depth of discipline and ample pace to work effectively on darkish rides or in different low mild handheld eventualities. If I so want, this provides me a trio of lenses I can take to Walt Disney World or Disneyland in a small and super-light digital camera bag. Mission achieved, proper?
Not precisely. While this lens is completely high-quality and furthers that ‘mission,’ it additionally leaves me with a digital camera bag with out a lot character. To ensure, I take advantage of it when wanting to maintain issues easy (you’ve already seen dozens of meals pictures taken with this lens over the previous few months–it’s nice for being much less conspicuous at eating places!) however more often than not, I select the following possibility.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 – The first Sigma Art lens continues to be the very best. The bokeh is gorgeous & buttery, the lens is insanely sharp, and the pictures have a definite “look” to them that pops straight out of digital camera. 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 every other prime lens.
It’s additionally the proper focal size for walk-around capturing for those who’re going to be utilizing a main, and is insanely good for darkish journey images, with snappy autofocus and that extensive open f/1.4 aperture. I discover myself reaching for the Sigma 35mm Art lens virtually as a lot as my ultra-wide. I can’t say sufficient constructive issues about this lens, and it’s one of many few lenses that I feel belongs in each full body photographer’s digital camera bag no matter their type and what they shoot.
I’ve had this lens because it was launched virtually a decade in the past, and regardless of attempting many comparable lenses throughout that point, have by no means discovered something that comes near its distinctive high quality. At this level, I’ve given up. No prime lens is ever going to high this one for me. Here’s my full overview of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens from again in 2013.
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII – I like the whole lot about this lens in addition to its weight and dimension, which is like saying I like Hummers minus their mileage. Those should not minor asterisks, they’re fairly main! While making such an effort to chop dimension and weight from my new mirrorless lense, I proceed to hold this round very often. Which typically makes me query why I didn’t purchase the Nikon 14-24mm and take the hit on dimension and weight there?
With that mentioned, I solely carry this lens about 25% of the time or much less, whereas the Nikon 14-30mm actually by no means leaves my bag. It’s 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.
If Nikon ever will get round to releasing a Nikon Z 70-200mm f/4, I’ll think about “downgrading” to that, however I’m apprehensive about including one other gradual lens to my bag. Probably higher off sticking with implausible beast 1 / 4 of the time!
Nikon 85mm f/1.8 – This lens leads to my digital camera bag about 50% of the time, solely on days after I don’t carry the Nikon 70-200mm (it’s all the time an both/or scenario with these two lenses). The upsides to this lens are that it’s quicker and lighter, however I don’t prefer it almost as a lot.
Perhaps I’m anticipating an excessive amount of from this funds prime lens primarily based on my experiences with the Sigma Art line, however it simply doesn’t have character. It performs precisely the way you’d count on on paper–it’s completely sharp, bokeh is respectable, as is the autofocus. But someway, it simply appears missing. Maybe sometime I’ll improve to the Z model, which I’ve heard has appreciable character and higher efficiency.
Rokinon 12mm Fisheye – When I first began in images, the fisheye lens was my signature type. I used it extra than simply about every other lens, which, on reflection was approach an excessive amount of. Much like overcooked HDR, I now look again at my pictures that gratuitously and unnecessarily use the fisheye and marvel, what was I considering? (This can be a part of the rationale why I haven’t bothered with new post-processing methods. What’s fashionable and “looks good” now received’t essentially age effectively.)
This low cost and small handbook focus Rokinon fisheye is greater than ample for my now fairly restricted use of fisheye. I actually take pleasure in its sunburst, however truthfully, want they have been much more over-the-top. If you’re going to make use of a fisheye, would possibly as effectively go all-out! Regardless, I’d suggest spending as little cash as potential on a fisheye lens (this suits the invoice there), 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 absolutely 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 Art lineup for the Nikon Z mount.
As a consequence, I take advantage of this rather a lot. The stability is odd with each the Sigma 35mm and Nikon 70-200mm, however that’s not likely the fault of the adapter. Nevertheless, it undoubtedly “feels” higher with the Nikon 85mm f/1.8.
Nikon D850 — I nonetheless love this digital camera, and even after going mirrorless, would in all probability purchase its successor if Nikon ever releases one other DSLR on this line. As a panorama photographer who prefers the optical viewfinder, the Nikon D850 is flawless in each necessary regard from autofocus to decision to dynamic vary.
For now, that is relegated to my “backup” digital camera. I nonetheless took it with us to Japan in case the Nikon Z 7II received stolen by a monkey or destroyed by a deer (these should not jokes), however didn’t use the digital camera in any respect. Similarly, I haven’t used it at Walt Disney World since shifting to the Nikon mirrorless system. When I take advantage of the D850 now, I discover myself fumbling a bit with the controls–one thing that by no means occurred whereas I used to be capturing with the Sony a7 III–as a result of I’ve now absolutely moved over to the Nikon Z 7II.
LowePro Flipside 300 AW III – The transfer to mirrorless additionally allowed me to commerce down digital camera baggage. Previously, I used to be utilizing the LowePro’s Turtle in a Half Shell, which is definitely the dorkiest digital camera bag available on the market (fairly the feat for those who’ve seen simply how dorky digital camera baggage can look), because it seems to be like a turtle that went to a navy surplus retailer.
By distinction, this bag is great. It’s not trendy, however it seems to be a bit extra regular and has area for the whole lot I carry–together with a laptop computer–and may function my private merchandise when flying. I do want the surface pouch had a bit extra room and higher organizational pouches, however it’s nonetheless approach higher than trying like a tactical terrapin.
If you do need to buy new images tools, we suggest the next trusted & approved retailers. Buying through these referral hyperlinks from these retailers helps help this weblog, and doesn’t price you a factor:
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If you need extra in-depth opinions of a broader collection of tools, the very best place to begin is Tom’s Ultimate Disney Parks Photography Guide, which covers quite a lot of matters from hyperlinks to tutorials, suggestions, and methods 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 rules nonetheless apply.)
Your Thoughts
What do you consider the gear in my digital camera bag? Have you taken the mirrorless plunge? Sony, Nikon, or one thing else? What’s in your digital camera bag? If you employ any of those cameras or lenses, what do you consider them? Any questions? Hearing suggestions from different photographers is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!