My Essential Camera Gear And Accessories. Here's Why

[@gwarlow]

17:24 I would urge everyone out there considering “upgrading” their camera gear because they think they will make better photos, to heed this advice. Thanks for sharing this wonderfully generous video! Cheers.

[@BelindaShi]

Glad you didn't use quotation mark.

[@BadSloucher]

I’m so happy to see another Asian woman on KZbin talking about photography! You’re my inspiration ❤ I love that you’re discussing what you actually used, instead of what you packed, which is much more meaningful and real. Thank you for sharing!!

[@BelindaShi]

Thank you. Keep up the effort. It's a good journey.

[@alanung]

Totally agree with your advise, Belinda, especially about the versatility of the 24-70mm f/2.8 for travel. On my recent road and bush walking trip to the South Island of NZ, the 24-70mm f/2.8 was my go to lense, producing great portrait, scenery and trip detail pics. In hindsight, I should have also brought along a 14-30mm f/4 for capturing the gorgeous scenery that was the South Island, NZ. I would chose an f/4 over an f/2.8 (for the 14-30mm) because the compactness and lightness was my prime consideration on the long 3 -5 hour bush/ trail walks I did.

[@BelindaShi]

Compactness and lightness are my top choices as well... Thanks for sharing.

[@nicolas8336u]

Loved the video, Belinda. Thank you for sharing your experience during this long trip. Found your voice, the music and the pacing of the video really relaxing also. Subscribed :)

[@BelindaShi]

@@nicolas8336u thank you

[@macchoudhry5868]

I like the fact that you also give info on how to still take photos with kids and while traveling which can be challenging. Real life can’t be stopped, so looking forward to seeing more of this in your videos. On the best way to do this given travel and so much going on. I don’t like my family waiting while I am trying to get a shot so much appreciated.

[@BelindaShi]

Thanks for the comments. I dabbed on the topic here and there in my videos - my kids were always there. I agree we don't want family wait that's why I do candid photos. When I do landscape I made sure they have something to do/play as well.

[@winniewu1366]

Thank you for sharing your useful tips along with your munificent pictures. You are the most organized interpreter and photographer I have ever encountered.

[@BelindaShi]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[@ron.photographyseries]

You just earned a new subscriber. This is a type of content that we need. Its not a tutorial video but it is very informative. definitely MUST watch.

[@BelindaShi]

@@ron.photographyseries glad you enjoyed it

[@petermcginty3636]

Thank you Belinda, great video🎉🎉🎉. My wife are I are spending 9 weeks in Greece this July-August - no kids😂😂😂. I use an Olympus OM-5 and I am planning to take a 17mm f1.2 (35mm full frame equivalent), 45mm f1.2 (90mm FFE) and a 135mm f3.5 (270mm FFE). Sorry, but I am just not a zoom lens guy! No tripods - I am just too clumsy😂. I will mainly use the 17mm for most images, the 45mm is a beautiful portrait lens and both lenses are fabulous at night time. The 135mm will be used for landscape, but it is a vintage lens and so it gives an "old world" look to my images and I think this should provide a nice contrast to the super-clear images from my digital lenses. I also use variable ND filters for the same reasons that you spoke about - and they take the stress out of getting the exposure settings right on super bright days😂😂. I use K&F filters 1.5 to 10 stops. I got these because my F1.2 lenses have 62mm threads and NISI do not make this filter size. I am very happy with the results. Thank you so much for your video, it was so helpful.

[@BelindaShi]

Wow, enjoy your trip! Hope to see your photos one day.

[@lisamk20091]

Thank you for the video it was very informative. Your photos are amazing!

[@BelindaShi]

Glad you like them!

[@wedayhada]

I’m planning a vacation to Italy nest month with a Canon R8 with just a 24-105 stm lens. The system is feather weight, and I tested the system in low light and other light conditions and got very satisfying results.

[@BelindaShi]

great! enjoy your trip.

[@joits]

Like you, I also love shooting with a longer and faster telephoto lens. I shoot Sony and used to have the 70-200 f/2.8 lens but ended up selling that to get a 100-400. Now I don't bring the 100-400 lens when the majority of my trip involves cities so I ended up also buying a Tamron 70-180 f/2.8 as it was half the price of the Sony and maybe 1/3 lighter and smaller and I absolutely love that lens for travel. It was amazing to use in Istanbul, which was my most recent trip.

[@BelindaShi]

The best lens is the lens you put to use. Glad you found the one you love. Hope you got nice shots in Istanbul. We were there last year and loved it!

[@josephrsiebert1927]

Thank you for such an excellent presentation!

[@BelindaShi]

You're very welcome!

[@petemellows]

I’m planning a trip in July and came to a similar conclusion for lenses. 24-70 for everyday shots. 70-200 for distances. But I’m likely to include a lightweight macro as well. I need a tripod, but that may add too much weight to my pack. Thank you for your insights and experience.

[@BelindaShi]

Thanks for sharing. Have a great trip!

[@lilyzzonline]

Want much more videos. Very useful. ❤️ Thank you.

[@BelindaShi]

OK will try my best.

[@jimtrotter4800]

Thank you. Your videos are both informative and entertaining. Your photos are amazing. This weekend I am going to use my ND filter on my walkabout and open up the aperture. I am excited to see the results. The Blue Bonnets are in full bloom here in Texas.

[@BelindaShi]

Thank you so much.

[@RaymundJovySugay]

I am up for a trip to Boracay this May 2024, just as a local tourist, watching your video, I appreciate the practical tips, despite having a different camera brand, what to pack aside from the clothes I'll be wearing. Thank you very much. BTW, I've subscribed to "ALL" of your videos and hope to find and follow you on Facebook.

[@BelindaShi]

Thank you. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your photo time.

[@peacesellsprod]

Just got recommended this video and I’m glad I did. You have such a good eye for great photos. I especially loved the desert photo. Look forward to more videos.

[@BelindaShi]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@RandumbTech]

Great video! You should try out the platypod extreme for a tripod. You can throw a light ball head for the top and clip it to the outside of your bag. It’s perfect for travel.

[@BelindaShi]

Thanks for sharing. Will check it out if I really need something more.

[@mrfairycake4333]

Would love if you could do a video on filters

[@BelindaShi]

Just did. Check it out.

[@peterhernandez3717]

Great video

[@BelindaShi]

Thank you.

[@JayGogh]

Wow - that shot at 13:52 is awesome. Nice videos. Subscribed.

[@BelindaShi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cecilhudgins6569]

For Sony E, check out the Tamron lenses. Much smaller, lighter and less expensive than Sony counterparts. IMO too much equipment, too much detail and 1 camera brand would do the same job, but everyone can make their own choice on how much to carry in their travels.

[@TheSilverGlow]

Excellent advise!

[@BelindaShi]

Thanks.

[@808islandlife_HI]

I’ve been researching gear - photographic and non-photographic - for an upcoming once in a lifetime trip. Your video came up on my feed and all I can say is WOW! The production value of your video is amazing . . . . And the pics from your trip are out of this world. I can’t believe you only have 5k followers. Well, you certainly earned my sub. I will be watching the rest of your videos with great interest. Keep up the great work.

[@BelindaShi]

Thanks for stopping by. Hope my video helps with your search.

[@andresalgadomarques]

Beautiful photos ❤

[@BelindaShi]

Thank you!

[@johnkaper1129]

Hi Belinda, great video. Very useful information and real life experiences. I have the Nikon Z7II; which I like very much. I have the 24-70 F4; which works very well. However it is not the F2.8; which is lot more expensive. I have been using the Nikon 24-120 F4 lens and it takes some very good pictures. It is a very versatile focal length and I use it a lot. I have haven't won any photo contest's yet, but did two honorable mentions. If the two lenses I mentioned above were f2.8 in lieu of the F4, how much better would the image quality be and would the additional weight be worth the upgrade. Thank you, I love your videos. thank you for sharing.

[@BelindaShi]

Hi John, if you enjoy the current lenses, there is no need to upgrade. The picture quality is more determined by the photographer's skill than the equipment. Having said this, if you intend to use wide aperture for shallow depth of field often (eg. for portrait), or if you photograph indoor scenarios or low light conditions often, then it's worth trying the 2.8. However, if you photograph landscape more often, and value weight and size (no one wants extra pounds for a wilderness hike), then go for the f4. I believe I've answered your question in my mirrorless camera ultimate buying free video guide as well. Thanks for your comments and input. Hope this helps.

[@johnkaper1129]

@@BelindaShi Thank you very much Belinda, I really appreciate your time to answer my questions . I will rewatch the video that you suggest. Again, thank you. John

[@PhotoTrekr]

My usual gear at home is an A7RV with either the 24-70 GM II or the 70-200 GM II. But, this year I'll be traveling with the A7CR and A7CII with the 16-35 f4 G PZ and 70-200 f4 G II. I might also take the 50 f1.4 GM or 50 f2.5 G.

[@BelindaShi]

Thanks for sharing.

[@andresalgadomarques]

Hello! I love your videos, thank you so much 😊

[@BelindaShi]

Thanks.

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

I agree the 24-70/2.8 is one of the most versatile choices. That said, since Tamron launched their 35-150/2-2.8 lens**, THAT lens is the ultimate versatile zoom/workhorse. If one can afford that lens, get it! **Sony E & now Nikon Z.

[@kevinharding9361]

Sorry but it's waaaaay too heavy to carry around all day, for most people.

[@pilarpsp127]

Recently I was traveling to Spain with my wife and children and only took 28 and 50mm just to travel light. Can’t imagine walking around with so much gear. Nevertheless zooms are much more versatile.

[@BelindaShi]

14:50 here I talked about walking around with only one camera and one lens for the day. I know you might have missed. Hope you enjoyed the trip.

[@CarrieJamrogowicz]

@@BelindaShiare you really walking around with that 24-70 around your neck?

[@kevinharding9361]

Interesting Belinda. But of course horses for courses. Your 'Essential' (from the title not the precis) wouldn't work for me and probably for most photographers without children (or for many with!). Mine (if anyone is even in the slightest bit interested) is based on the idea that whatever I can fit in my camera backpack comes on the plane and then I take out what I expect to require for what I'm shooting that day, leaving the rest in the hotel safe (or reception safe if a lens/camera is super expensive, though in a few decades traveling I've never had anything stolen from my hotel room) : Landscapes : Sony A7r5 + 16-35/4 PZ, Samyang 24/1.8 (+astro) and Tamron 70-200/2.8. Kase filter kit. Leofoto Tripod. Travel, Street : Olympus OM1 with Laowa 6mm (12mm FF equivalent - love this for super cool distorted views of narrow lanes etc.), Laowa 10mm (20mm equivalent), Oly 12-40mm Pro (24-80mm equivalent), Oly 17/1.8 (34mm equivalent) and a Sigma 56/1.4 (112mm equivalent). Note most of these lenses are tiny (ca. 125g each for 3 of them) but fast for use in low light. Total kit weight ca. 1.5 kgs (camera + 5 lenses). Note that the OM1 has an insanely good IBIS (ca. x8 better than my A7r5 due to the smaller sensor being so much easier to stabilise, easily enabling shutter speeds down to 4 secs handheld) and numerous fun computational functions (ND filters, live composites and 60MP Hi-res, all spitting out RAW files) that help with shooting very low shutter speeds, composited images or aiding with difficult scenes. All of the above easily fits in an airline acceptable bag (tripod in my plane hold bag). Anyway I've watched a few of your videos and enjoy them so look forward to viewing more !

[@BelindaShi]

Thanks Kevin. Great input. I'm exactly the same. All my gear has to fit in my camera backpack and they come with me on the plane. I use mostly 1 camera and 1 lens (max 2) for a particular day (mentioned in the video) to minimize lens change. Everyone's different. I'd say whatever camera or lens you use most often and enjoy using is the best gear.

[@jason230323]

Excellent Advise!😊

[@BelindaShi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tchan373]

very useful information

[@BelindaShi]

Thanks a lot

[@thefakegarret]

I really love your videos. But on another note, I think you should audition as Julie from Basing Se in the ATLA series.

[@hershey5288]

Hi Belinda I own a sony full frame cam with zoom lens. can you recommend a budget desk tripod for me?? tnx

[@roberturt]

Very Very Interesting!

[@BelindaShi]

Thanks.

[@hdmc-w9p]

Thank you for the great video! I live in Korea. I'd like to visit Europe next year. Would you please let me know your tips on preventing your camera gear..passport. card, etc from being thefted or pick-pocketed in large cities like Paris,Rome,Barcellona

[@BelindaShi]

I used to have all my cash stolen in Rome (20 years ago) and my husband was pickpocketed two days in a roll in Barcelona 6 years ago while we traveled with kids. Ironically, I felt no threat while traveling with 2 kids in this trip. Most of the time, I had my Canon R5 in my hand hanging around my neck and my 8 yo had the Sony A7IV around his neck. Perhaps the big cameras were too intimidating. Nothing more important in our backpacks. I had digital scan of passports in the phone and typically didn't carry them around except on airport travel days. I had a Tumi backpack with lots of deep pockets for credit cards. We were in big crowds all the time and felt safe most of the time.

[@hdmc-w9p]

Thank you again for sharing useful tips and your experiences!

[@garfieldmtify]

Hi Belinda, Wow this was an extremely detailed informative video in reference to which camera gear you travel with & why. Very well Done! Before I started watching you video I thought 17 minutes, that is longer than I expected, I wonder what are the different things she will be talking about. Not sure if you used time code, that would be cool to jump to where you wanted on the video, just a thought:) I think you could cut up this video as well and make at least 10 - 12 videos since it is jammed packed with so much very useful value information! ...or maybe you could consider a different title since I think this video is MASTER CLASS IN ESSENTIAL FOR TRAVEL, it truly is. Currently here is some of my gear 2 Camera Bodies Sony A1 & A7Siii Lenses All Sony 20mm F1.8 G 35mm F1.4 GM 85mm F1.8 135mm F1.8 GM 24 - 70mm F2.8 GM II 70 - 200mm F2.8 GM II I am about to head overseas again next week. I was thinking of taking: 24 - 70mm F2.8 GM II & maybe 20mm F1.8 G or 70 - 200mm F2.8 GM II or both. Still deciding. Even though the 70 - 200mm F2.8 GM IIis not heavy, the size I am sure about. The 20mm F1.8 G I have learned to love. That might sound strange but I wanted the 24mm f/1.4 GM & I used my buddies quite a bit, it is great lens. Something about the 20mm dunno, started doing it for me. That would be a cool video for you to do, if you have not done already. I like what you were saying about zoom lenses & I totally agree with you! I am quite certain my next lens will 16-35 mm F2.8 GM II. Just for fun would be so cool if you did review of the Sigma 105mm 1.4. Would consider that lens if I was going get on portrait lens, no good for travel, but I keep hearing for portraits the Sigma 105mm 1.4 is mind blow-ing-ly good. Have you used that lens Belinda? O'kay I stop here since I am quite sure you are quite busy. Thank you for your video & reading this message. (I am sorry for the long message I got carried away - I will try not to leave such a long message again - thank you!)

[@BelindaShi]

Thanks for the advice. Time code added. I'll be more than happy to elaborate on topics in more detail in the future. You already have a lot of gear!

[@garfieldmtify]

@@BelindaShi your site is very nice! Keep making great content be sure to take time for you though youtube can be grind & then some 👍🏾 🙏

[@BelindaShi]

@@garfieldmtify Thanks for the reminder. I don't think I'm a KZbinr, at least for now, and have pretty good skills to balance my life. 🙂

[@hkspiritual]

You need a new sub. ❤️

[@MKWHD]

I would like to know how you do backup of 50000 photos when traveling.

[@BelindaShi]

The answer is in the video

[@itzjere]

Can you please help me understand your why you are using ND filters @ 12:27? I understand that with ND filters, it will reduce stops of light and are great for photographs where you want to drag the shutter and get senses of motion (moving water for example).. When you were shooting wide open @ f1.4, were you maxing out the shutter speed and overexposing the image, and needed the ND?

[@BelindaShi]

Yes you've explained it perfectly.

[@itzjere]

@@BelindaShi Thanks for the response!

[@BelindaShi]

@@itzjere You are most welcome

[@elementalview1]

Why would you carry 2 different camera systems in the first place?

[@BelindaShi]

Great question. Mainly timing and lens choices. For more detail, I had a video three years ago "Sony A7iii, Canon EOS R5 or R6" that answered this question

[@jedt3d]

Such an inspiration! Sub and Like 👍. You deserve 100k sub very soon!

[@BelindaShi]

Thank you so much 😀

[@dayeah765caoni3]

My pick : RF 24-240mm and 28mm pancake lens😊