My Gear List - 2025
I’m often asked about the equipment I use to create my videos and capture my photos. Below is a detailed rundown of the gear I currently use on a day-to-day basis. I’ve also included a brief overview of what I like about each piece of equipment and why it works well for me.
This list contains links to purchase the gear mentioned. Please note that if you make a purchase using these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps keep my YouTube channel and website running. Thank you!
Last updated January 2025
Cameras
Canon r5 Mark II
The Canon R5 Mark II is my main workhorse camera, which I’ve owned since its release. Prior to this, I used its predecessor, the original R5, from its release in 2020. To be honest, for my use case, this camera is probably overkill. It ticks every box: a 45MP high-resolution sensor, excellent dynamic range, exceptional autofocus, and impressive burst shooting rates.
The R5 Mark II is also an incredibly capable video camera, making it the best true hybrid camera I’ve ever purchased. Canon has finally included the C-Log 2 color profile, delivering fantastic colors and dynamic range that match or exceed the competition.
If you’re strictly a photo-only shooter, I’d still highly recommend the original R5—it’s simply a phenomenal photography camera.
This camera plays a key role in my portrait photography, producing outstanding results time and time again.
Canon r6 Mark II
In my opinion, the Canon R6 Mark II is probably the best camera for most people interested in the RF system. It offers excellent image quality for both photos and videos, combined with superb ergonomics, all at a fairly reasonable price. As a hybrid camera, it’s fantastic for a wide range of uses.
The only downside, for me, is the lack of C-Log 2. If it had that feature, I’d have very little reason to rely on the R5 Mark II.
This camera is my go-to for travel photography, and it consistently delivers outstanding results.
lenses
Canon rf 50mm f1.2L USM
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is, without a doubt, my favorite lens ever made. It has been the backbone of my portrait and fashion portfolio, consistently delivering exceptional results.
The image quality is nothing short of stellar—not only is it incredibly sharp, but it also possesses stunning character. Photos taken with this lens have a magical quality, featuring excellent micro-contrast and beautifully smooth bokeh.
While it’s a bit large and expensive, it has been one of my best investments. I can’t ever see myself parting with it. This lens is truly one of the crown jewels of the RF mount lineup.
Canon rf 35mm f1.4L VCM
The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is a relatively recent addition to my kit, and it has quickly become a favorite. This incredibly versatile lens excels at environmental portraits and travel photography. It’s compact and lightweight, with thoughtful features designed for hybrid shooters, such as a smooth aperture ring and focus breathing suppression—making it an excellent choice for video as well.
I use this lens for about 90% of my talking head videos on YouTube, and it never disappoints. The autofocus is exceptional, and the image quality is fantastic. While it does rely somewhat on digital corrections, I’m consistently impressed with the final results.
Check out a full review here
Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS uSM
This is my current go-to lens for travel, studio, and fashion photography. The focal range is incredibly versatile, allowing me to capture everything from wide landscape shots to close-up portraits with just a twist of the zoom ring. For my style of photography, there’s very little this lens can’t handle.
The build quality is excellent, with blazing-fast autofocus and impressive sharpness throughout the range. It also features built-in optical stabilization and virtually no focus breathing, making it equally amazing for video work.
Canon rf 35mm f1.8 is stm
This was one of the first RF mount lenses I purchased, and it’s generally my top recommendation for anyone buying their first lens for the RF system. It’s compact and lightweight, with excellent image quality and a versatile field of view. Whether you’re shooting portraits, travel, weddings, or landscapes, this lens delivers impressive results.
The sharpness is remarkable, even rivaling the optical quality of some of my much more expensive lenses. It’s also a solid choice for video work. While the autofocus can be a bit noisy and isn’t the fastest, it’s a tradeoff I’m willing to accept at this price point. Overall, I’ve been very happy with this lens and its performance.
Canon rf 50mm f1.8 stm
This is a lens I believe every RF shooter should have in their arsenal. The "nifty fifty" is a legendary lens, and the RF mount version is better than ever. It delivers impressive central sharpness when wide open and becomes exceptional when stopped down to around f/2.8.
This lens is incredibly versatile—perfect for portraits and street photography. It’s also compact, lightweight, and very affordable, whether purchased new or used. For its price and performance, it’s hard to beat.
backpacks
gomatic luma camera pack
This is my favorite backpack right now. The only time I reach for something else is when 18L just isn’t enough. It’s perfect for traveling and especially convenient at the airport—it slides easily under the seat in front and features a quick-access top zip and section for items you need on the go.
Despite its compact size, this backpack comfortably stores two camera bodies and a few lenses. My favorite feature is its versatile camera access options. You can store a camera in the top compartment, access it from the side, or retrieve it from the back. It’s incredibly comfortable to wear and, in my opinion, quite stylish as well.
gomatic mckinnon camera bag
When the Luma backpack isn’t enough to carry everything I need, I turn to the Peter McKinnon Everyday 25L backpack. This is a well-built, sturdy backpack that’s also easy to clean. It manages to maintain a slim and sleek profile while offering a surprisingly generous storage capacity.
I’ve comfortably carried a Canon C70 cinema camera with the RF 15-35mm lens in the top section, along with two camera bodies and three lenses in the main compartment. While this bag is quite expensive, I’ve found it to be an excellent investment and have been very satisfied with its performance.
peak design everyday sling 8l
I currently use the Peak Design 6L Sling, which is perfect for carrying a single camera with a large lens or two smaller prime lenses. It’s an excellent choice for traveling when I want to keep my kit lightweight while still having quick and easy access to my gear.
other accessories
dji pocket 3
This compact camera is an absolute dream to use. It’s tiny, lightweight, and delivers surprisingly impressive image quality that, in my opinion, outperforms the video quality of most modern smartphones. Its built-in three-axis mechanical gimbal ensures incredibly smooth footage, making it ideal for travel videos or vlogging.
insta 360 go 3s
This is the camera I use for recording photography POV videos, and I absolutely love how small, lightweight, and inconspicuous it is. It attaches to a magnetic lanyard, making it incredibly quick and easy to take on and off. The image quality is solid, recording in 4K with natural colors and decent dynamic range.
freewell travel tripod
My favorite tripod right now is the Freewell Real Travel Tripod. I prefer small, lightweight tripods, and this one weighs just 900 grams and packs down incredibly small—perfect for travel. Despite its compact size, it handles all of my current heavy camera setups with ease.
One of its standout features is the smooth head, which makes it equally great for both video and photo use. While it is quite expensive, I’ve been very satisfied with it since retiring my Peak Design Travel Tripod.
wandrd camera straps
Without a doubt, this is the best wrist and neck strap I’ve ever owned. It attaches using super-strong loops, eliminating the need for anchors like those required by other brands.
sd cards
I use a variety of SD cards, but I’ve found the Integral V60 and V90 SD cards to offer the best price-to-quality ratio. Despite being significantly more affordable than other brands, they have always performed reliably for me.
cfexpress cards
For CFexpress cards, I use one from Angelbird. It offers high capacity at a relatively low cost, making it a great value.
Variable ND filter
I’ve tried many variable ND filters, but my favorite by far is the NiSi True Color Variable ND Filter. As the name suggests, it has no noticeable color cast and does not reduce image sharpness in any distinguishable way.
While it is quite expensive, a solid ND filter could be a more affordable alternative. Solid ND filters can deliver even better image quality at a much lower cost, depending on your needs.
mist filters
I switch between two different mist filters, depending on the look I’m going for. I’ve used the Tiffen Glimmerglass 1 filter for years and found it to deliver a great aesthetic. In my opinion, it’s superior to the traditional Black Pro Mist, offering better contrast and more controlled bloom.
For an even more refined look, the NiSi Black Mist filters are fantastic. I particularly like the 1/8 and 1/4 strengths, which create a beautiful, filmic, and soft effect without going overboard.
power bank
I always carry a power bank with me, and this one from Anker is fantastic. It features an integrated USB-C cable, so there’s no need to carry a separate cable that could be lost or misplaced. It’s perfect for charging my camera or phone on the go.
