My Current Favorite Gear [2023 Filmmaking Kit]

My favorite gear this year! Cameras, lens, gimbal, microphones, lighting. In-depth explanation of why I love the gear I use. Join my film school to learn more from me: filmschool.us/gear-invite
🎥 Checkout my Gimbal Course: gimbalmasterclass.com/
Gear Links:
Sony A7siii camera: filmschool.us/sonya7siiicamera
Samyang V-AF 24mm Lens: filmschool.us/samyangvaf24mm
Samyang V-AF 35mm Lens: filmschool.us/samyangvaf35mm
Samyang V-AF 75mm Lens: filmschool.us/samyangvaf75mm
Viltrox 16mm f1.8 Lens: filmschool.us/viltrox16mmf18
Samyang 18mm f2.8 Lens: filmschool.us/samyang-18mm
Polarpro Helix VND 2-5 Stop: filmschool.us/polarprohelixvnd
Polarpro Helix VND 6-9 Stop: filmschool.us/polarprohelixvnd69
Polarpro Helix VND Mist 2-5 Stop: filmschool.us/polarprovndmist
Polarpro Helix VND Mist 6-9 Stop: filmschool.us/polarprovndmist69
DJI RS 3 Mini Gimbal: filmschool.us/djirs3minigimbal
Zhiyun Crane-M3 S Gimbal: filmschool.us/zhiyuncranem3sg...
Sony ECM-B1M microphone: filmschool.us/sonyecmb1mmic
Sony ECM-M1 microphone: filmschool.us/sonyecmm1mic
DJI Mic Wireless Kit: filmschool.us/djimicwireless
Zhiyun X100 light: filmschool.us/x100_BrandonLi
Zhiyun G200 light: filmschool.us/zhiyung200light
My Portfolio Page: vimeo.com/rungunshoot
✅ Subscribe: / @brandonliunscripted
🔴 Jumping from photography to video? filmmakingforphotographers.com/
👉 Filmmaking FAQ: learn.unscripted.com/faq
👉 All Gear: learn.unscripted.com/gear
👉 My Portfolio: www.vimeo.com/rungunshoot
👉 Instagram: / brandon_l_li
✅ For Business Inquiries only: [e-mail]
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✅ Recommended Playlists:
👉 Brandon's Film School
• FAQ's: All my gear (an...
👉 Short Films
• The Shipping Yard: Sun...
👉 Cinematic Vlog
• 11 30 16 Cinematic Vlog
✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching:
👉 DJI RS 3 Mini Review • DJI RS3 Mini: Real Tes...
👉 Samyang Cine V-AF Lenses review • Are the Samyang Cine V...
👉 Sony A7sIII - My Extended Review • Sony A7sIII - My Exten...
===========================
0:00 Intro
0:26 Camera: Why I still use Sony A7S III
5:42 My new Fusion Filmmaking course
6:28 Gimbal: DJI RS3 Mini
9:33 Gimbal: Zhiyun Crane-M3 S
10:18 Lens: Samyang V-AF Cine Primes
12:19 Lens: Viltrox AF 16mm f1.8
13:43 Lens: Samyang 18mm f2.8
14:42 Filters: Polarpro Helix Maglock VND, Mist, Goldmorphic
18:00 Mic: DJI Mic Wireless System
19:38 Mic: Sony ECM-B1M
21:10 Light: Zhiyun Molus X100
22:20 Light: Zhiyun Molus G200
#filmmaking #sony #zhiyun #dji

[@kodakkevin]

What i appreciate about Brandon is he's laser focused on what works for HIM. These aren't recommendations for other people, it's him explaining his workflow and emphasizing that gear is wildly subjective based on the nature of what you're shooting.

[@Awytoo]

Well, cause he’s not reviewer. He’s filmmaker

[@skykim_]

Brandon Li’s gear choices just makes sense and very intuitive. He does it every time!

[@hanworld6565]

I'm a run and gun shooter (I have kids and have made over 100 highlight videos of them) and just want to say you're really refreshing to watch. No fluff, concise, genuine. Admittedly I like to balance things out so I watch Camera Conspiracies as well :) I appreciate you brotha.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Gotta get your cripple hammer fix

[@mattsiiteri4366]

lol same. The balance is perfect

[@stevewelsh__]

Love to hear the examples of why you chose such specific gear. It’s a great ‘functionality over fancy’ break down. Thanks for your insight as always Brandon!

[@AnandaGarden]

Holy smokes, Brandon, it's wonderful to have the benefit of your working experience with all of this excellent gear. And equally swell that you are a run-and-gunner. (Age 81, runnin' and gunnin' for 49 years.)

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Keep on running and gunning!

[@shooooota]

Great video, I love when you do these from time to time as your gear changes. It must save you from a lot of boring gear related questions as well I can imagine

[@anoophothi]

OMG Brandon!! Thank you!! I remember watching you’re old video about gear for the a6500 and some of which I still have to this day and helped massively. THIS is the long awaited upgrade plus tonnes more amazing gear!!!🤯💯🥳📸💪🏽👏🏽

[@Pharesm]

Thank you once again for your concise download of useful gear descriptions, and instructions on how and why! And all in a really short period time, no fluff! Fabulous!

[@mdturnerinoz]

I took the Fusion class and really enjoyed it. I may never use all the details from it, but I sure have a new set of ideas to try. Great course, Brandon!

[@itsmolazarus]

One of my favourite contents creators. Thank you for all the info mate

[@Jasondeheus]

Great set-ups and love how this gear works for your style of shooting. Awesome!

[@TekWelckom]

I love it, Thank you for the update. 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿. I’m happy to be a member of your school, so i can learn about the next updates. 😊

[@hzubovi1]

Love the practicality of your setup!

[@dylanjohndickerson]

Whaaa a new course! I need to start learning Resolve so I'll be picking that up soon. Always love these current gear breakdowns of yours, brotha. My jaw literally dropped with those Samyang primes. All the same weight, T1.8, and autofocus!? That's incredible.

[@ShibaSoftware]

Huge inspiration! I am learning much about light and agile travel videography from your channel.

[@jefferson.castillo]

This video is a gem! The lens recommendations is lit AF 🔥

[@jpdorsethq1280]

Brilliant as per usual.Thanks Mr Li.

[@edisonfoo3704]

I was on the verge of switching my A7SIII for the FX3. You just reminded me what that EVF is for 😅 So I am keeping it for now.. Thanks Brandon!

[@richardsteinbergmakingknives]

I paired my M3 gimble with my ZV-1. It's just about the perfect vlogging setup. I tend to use the G Master 16/24 with my A7Siii so I gimble those on my Weebill 2. Great video Brandon, lots of usable info. Thank you!

[@officialmultimedia8107]

Still rocking the 1-5 stop Nisi VND. Love that extra stop for when things get a little darker

[@3sideStudio-ud5wz]

nice insight love your channel

[@TarkshyaPictures]

Bro, I recently bought a Samyang 18mm lens for my Sony A7C II, but unfortunately, the autofocus is really bad. While vlogging, it doesn't detect my face most of the time. I checked the firmware of the lens, and it's on version 3; I think the latest version is 8. I don't have a lens dock to update the lens. Could you please advise me? Would it be better to return the lens, or will updating the firmware make a difference?

[@miguelberns]

Super live this content brandon. In some weird way i’d like to switch to panasonic maybe bec in curious to try new system but you are the reason why in still shooting with my a7siii. The camera is just so perfect! Thank you for this very informative vid brandon ❤

[@DavidGarcia-hr6zw]

I’ve always disliked the strong and limited use effect the PP gold and blue morphic filters provide, but you really showed a great way to use them. That’s the first I’ve heard about using it with the light source off-camera or with diffused light. Great tip!

[@v4l4r_m0rghul15]

Excellent video Brandon

[@Gleebi]

Unpopular opinion: my favourite camera to use is the canon xc15. Smooth AF. great colours out the box. Xlr audio. Single battery. 305mbps. 24-240 f5.6. 24-70 f4. 24 f2.8. Best handle ergonomics. Rotatable too. I use it more than any camera for the past 6 years

[@epochgd]

The quality of life of this gear is making me rethink my setup... awesome video! :)

[@JeppPadilla]

I really wanna try that Samyang 18mm. Thanks again for this video! Btw, bought a A7siii and I'm loving it.

[@KameramannPeterKlein]

Thank you, very good suggestions from you, I will buy some...

[@GabrielNg]

DOPE. Thank you.

[@jonwide6689]

I was there, 3000 years ago, when Brandon started on a RX100 😂 Those Samyangs look awesome, great video as always!

[@yonki]

Always jealous of your calm and focused energy, making space for short but clear explanations

[@gingersnaps7186]

How have I not heard about those cinema lens? Sounds perfect for me too. Great video. Thank you 🎊

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Cool! Thanks for sharing it. ✌️

[@SFTourGuide]

I love my Sony A7iii. Times when I thought I couldn't get anything, my results were breath taking. I alsop use the DJI wireless mic and love that. I have had a Sony wireless for a while and find it cumbersome to set up and use, even though the sound quality is excellent. I use Zhyiun Crane 2 for most of my gimbal work. I bought an add on handle which I love. For heavier work I use the Zhyiun crane 3 which would work with a full size Mac Truck. But it is heavy. Lights? When I am on the road, I don't use much lighting, but when I do it is usually one of a number of LED flashlights. They are lightweight and cheap. Plus, the colour of the light doesn't seem to cause any problems. BTW, I love your video school!!!!!

[@spiritualnest]

one of the best creator

[@Isume90]

Best creator ,epic videos !

[@THEVWCEXPERIENCE]

Always awesome info! I haven’t used the Zhiyun lights yet but it sure looks like an option to try

[@ScottJWaldron]

Great list of gear! Quite a few I haven't seen like those Samyang cine lenses. 👍

[@therealrockguru]

Great content, great channel!

[@4purs]

This video came out on a perfect time as I was writing out my list of equipment I was looking to upgrade and so many KZbinrs saying you NEED a smallhd monitor, an aputure 300d, and all these expensive equipment. I know they mostly only shoot in studio but good to see a reminder that someone who I think is much better than most videographers or creators has minimal gear.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thanks! We all need different things based on what we shoot, so for a studio shoot I agree you should have a good studio light and a monitor. But for my run and gun shooting, I have different requirements and I’m constantly refining my tools to be more efficient.

[@silvestrossouthernitaly9795]

you have the life most of wish we had. Nice job on this one too.

[@al-benzarjamalul1971]

Thank you sir ❤️🔥🔥

[@victordelacruz8440]

Nice setup!

[@samuelkuro]

Thank you!

[@alexandre_berquin]

Thank you for the video boss

[@bastinbabu2442]

Thank you

[@LeonardoAnchisi]

Great video, as usual! Thanks Brandon for sharing your experience. I'm a Sony fan (I've got a A7RM3) and I'm looking forward to see the new A7S4, which I hope will come out by the end of the year. I've also tryed di Zhiyun G200 and it's awesome!!!

[@DanielHodotcom]

Great video! Thank you

[@cambylim]

Brandon Li is one of a kind! The reason I always watch and follow his style is because he is a budget friendly camera channel. if there any gears that is quite pricey in his reviews is because it has a good reason. Like the Helix filters, I tend to steer away from any product that has Peter McKinnon name attached to it but with this filters its expensive for a reason and when I have the budget ill buy it taking from Brandon's words backed by it. Thank you so much!

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thanks! Don’t need to avoid because of McKinnon, but also I wouldn’t buy just because of an endorsement. These filters just happen to be quite useful.

[@cambylim]

@@BrandonLiUnscripted i agree it is useful indeed. The filter has a unique and easy useablity that is why I know you'll recommend using it which we appreciate because your videos are the perfect example of it.

[@azenvilagom]

Another fantastic video, Brandon. Hopefully, I will see you again in Bangkok.

[@sheldonnorton9035]

Class act and wise. Cheers

[@DavidLeBlancHero]

My new favorite gear this year was the ZV e1 😁👌🏼 no more gamble

[@davepov]

What a great look at some really cool gear! And this was the short version!?! Great job Brandon. Yes, I love and use the Sony a7sIII too and my favorite lens is the Sony 16-35. It's not fast at f/4 but it's tack sharp and I love the zoom range. I also use the Manfrotto 300 gimbal because I often use the GimBoom pole with it. However, I now work for an advertising/marketing company and they own all the gear I use. In one month, I'll be 70 and I'll retire from FTE work but I'll still be shooting video for my own pleasure. So, I'm thinking of getting the Sony ZV-E10 camera for my personal use. It's super small and light weight although it is a 4/3 sensor. I'm, still looking at good 4/3 lenses. Thanks for doing this. I really value your opinion.

[@jaysnappsmediallc6680]

Love those lights, I have the 100w gonna get the 200w next

[@KenFlanagan]

Perfect

[@andyz_w3584]

Awesome!

[@ThePixelPasta]

The Samyang V-AF lenses have that focus button function too (with only 1 button): When in MF, hold the button for some seconds to save the current focus. Come back to it at any time by pressing it.

[@davidcoomber9353]

Thanks Brandon. I eventually got a Sony A7 mk 3. Thanks for the info. Kind regards. David.

[@Mailada-bb2rt]

super nice💯

[@MikeKeller]

Great video BUT - what about packaging all this stuff? What do you pack your cameras and lenses and batteries in, and how do you arrange them?

[@azenvilagom]

Nice job, Brandon

[@robertk4517]

Brandon. just subscribed. Appreciated your opinion on the a7s iii. It really is such a good mobile compact and versatile camera camera. i never understood why people would give up the viewfinder on the FX3, i find it so valuable for shooting and playback.

[@williamaungleyraud]

Man we really need those Samyang for Fujifilm, I'd definitely buy those 😁👍

[@martin_wood]

Yeah the A7s iii is still wow'ing clients after almost 3 years. The EVF keeps me around compared to FX3. They should make a cinema Sony with a hotshoe evf like they did in the past. Those NDs look nice. I'm invested into NISI for now

[@user-nb7pp8ur5i]

Great Brandon

[@demonhogo]

love it! Although i sold the a7siii and fx3 and bought the ZV-E1

[@clarson2916]

The obsession with the sharpest 4K camera and lenses, and then we make it. Look

[@quirkworks4076]

Those Samyang lenses are wonderful! Thanks for making us want to buy new stuff (no, really!)

[@scottzz5269]

Thanks for the tips I need sets (2 cameras with 2 gimbos

[@andimoraru5539]

'Thanks Peter MK' :))

[@MagnetiqLabs]

Thank you Brandon! It’s always interesting to hear about the gear choice from master like you! To be honest I was hoping that you will say something about Tamron 28-200 which you used quite a bit in your videos. Even though I have G Master 24-70, I can’t stop thinking about convenience of 28-200

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

The video was getting too long! The tamron 28-200 is a great all-a rounder but the image quality at 200 isn’t the absolute best. A bit soft with fringing.

[@MagnetiqLabs]

@@BrandonLiUnscripted Thank you Brandon for the answer! It was a bit stupid question from my side, because the title of the video is “FAVOURITE gear” 😉 Viltrox 16mm is definitely amazingly interesting lens! I have a GM 14mm 1.8 and I was amazed by the quality of the image and especially the bokeh! Even if you will heavily crop the image from the 14mm GM the bokeh will still be looking like a cream, like 24mm GM. No nervous in image and bokeh. Just perfect image! And also the lens is crazy light! I think it’s even lighter than 24GM. But even having 14GM, I want to buy this Viltrox. 14mm is a bit too wide. 16 will be perfect! And possibility to screw filters on front is a huge!

[@kelslewis8126]

Hey Brandon! Re the DJI RS3 Mini, are you referring to DJI’s focus motor or a different follow focus? I looked on their website and from what I could see, the focus motor appears to be incompatible with the DJI RS3 Mini. Maybe that’s not right though? Thanks so much for running through all your gear and tips! Super helpful 😊

[@jonscot8393]

If only I had the $$ but did score a Feiytech 4500 on a memorial day 1/2 price special so jumped at it and so far it keeping a smile on my face and build qual is nuts. (that's good)

[@bladerealm124]

Great video. How did you have the DJI mics attached underneath your shirt and attached to the two subjects you showed as examples? I didn't see the magnetic piece visible on the outside of the shirt.

[@M0LLER75]

Do you use active ibis in camera? Pros and cons? When to not use?

[@chuck6354]

Im a fan off this video alone.

[@jayceetravel7601]

Brandon if you had to bring one camera would you bring the a7IV or the a7s3 for travel ?

[@Iamquiroga]

How do you make your dji mics sound so good? is this out of the box settings?

[@AZTEC_ARTS2023]

Great info ! Can i put a 200-500mm Nikon Zoom lens on this Sony for birding ? (video or photo)

[@schoeferfilm]

Great video as always Brandon 👏 so i think the ZVE1 is not perfect without a viewfinder 🥴 best cinematic greetings from germany

[@AndrewCrazyhero]

What do you think about Zhiyun Weebill 3S and if compare with RS 3 mini?

[@soygonzalodiaz]

Hi Brandon. Regarding the Sony ecm b1 mic, is it complicated to use when the camera is on a gimbal? I imagine that the gimbal must touch the mic in some position. I have seen some reviews that say that the stabilizer of the microphone is not very good and generates some shocks sounds, have you had these problems? Best !

[@SaintThomas13]

Hey Brandon, does the audio from the dji or sony recorder get baked in with the video footage or do we have to sink them together later

[@rSb.Benjaminz]

Excellent video and showcase of the gear you are currently utilizing in your shoots these days! Out of curiosity, and for somehow like me with a very limited budget, what are your thoughts on using a mobile phone + add-ons for videography and photography? I know… they don’t currently hold a candle to actual digital cameras/dslr/etc… but humor me, has anything come closer to replacing, or perhaps at least in an emergency situation, an actual digital camera for shooting? Perhaps the Samsung Ultra’s, the latest iPhone Pro Max’ s, or something like the Sony Experia 1 V? Again, maybe for you and your minimum standard quality, these won’t hold a candle, but for others who can only spend their load on a phone to double as a cellular device *and* a shooting camera, has anything come close to usable?

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

If you’re shooting to display on a phone (Instagram etc) then shooting on a phone is great. It looks best when viewed on another phone. For a more cinematic look you can try using a variable ND and an app like Filmic Pro to use the proper 1/50 shutter

[@rSb.Benjaminz]

@@BrandonLiUnscripted Thank you Brandon! Just like your videos, you have a wealth of knowledge and insight into the craft, so I greatly appreciate your imparting these tips. I’ll research the NDs and the app to see what can be done. Thank you, bruthah! 🤙🏼

[@VanaliClara]

Hello Brandon, thanks for this amazing video. This gimbal handle the camera on vertical position?

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Hello, yes both gimbals can do vertical

[@VeganLinked]

I bought three a6600s to do interviews with about 3 years ago in anticipation of getting the A7S3 eventually and it being my main camera. But more recently like a few weeks ago I decided to upgrade finally and discovered the FX3. So I'm curious do you think all of the benefits that you live with the a7 S3 are equivocally available with the FX3 for video? I went ahead and I bought the FX30 so I can get used to working with a camera like this and I figured the FX30 would be a better match with the FX3 then my a6600s. And it's why I can use my existing lenses. I love the FX30 so much!

[@VeganLinked]

Well aside of the EVF...

[@VeganLinked]

I just use focus peaking and I haven't really needed an EVF.

[@dhannyprasetya]

what level is that mist filter you used? since it's so subtle and I've 1/4 too from other brand yet it's still too much.

[@spiritualnest]

Hi Brandon! I am a big fan from India. Please suggest me the best budget camera for traveling ❤

[@TScalibrate]

Would it be a waste of money to buy a Sony a7sIII if I'm only going to use 1080p? I have a Sony a6400 but wanted something better in low light. Or should I only buy the a7sIII once I'm ready for 4k?

[@cinematools9621]

Always a pleasure watching your videos. Have you noticed any difference in stabilization between Ronin Mini and Zhiyun? With the same or similar lens setups. Thanks.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

The stabilization for both is about the same. I would say most gimbals since 2017 have had similar stability. The differences mostly are in form factor, weight tolerance, and add-on features.

[@cinematools9621]

@@BrandonLiUnscripted appreciate the response.

[@metubenik]

Thanks for your wise Tips! I have a curiosity, like a solo operator like you that appreciate the minimal equipment and a quick and all scenarios gear. What do you think about Ronin4D? Did you test it? Technically seems a good solution with good quality

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

I’ve only briefly held it. It feels heavy but has amazing functions. But if I was traveling with it and needed repairs or parts, I would be screwed

[@JonniArmani]

🙌🙌

[@ryansulak]

Hey Brandon, what mic would you suggest for users of an FX3 that have the option of the top handle w/ inputs, would you go with a high quality short condenser mic, like the Oktava MK-012? Or would you still opt for the sony mic anyways? (while losing the ability to have a top handle)

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Sorry I don’t know, have never used that mic or a top handle

[@alanmarino2511]

How life has changed from the Nikon D5200 days!

[@13579TV]

Filmmaking Kit

[@jackpatmoreinc]

Just out of curiosity... Have you considered switching to the Sony FX3? I currently have the A7SIII but have considered switching to the FX3 due to the recent firmware updates.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

No because I need EVF to check focus on playback without external monitor

[@danzbeard]

your handling the gimbal made my eyes widen... especially when the camera went upside down... freaking me out over here

[@peterleix]

Do you have a step up ring and set of those mag filters for each lens? I'm thinking of getting these but have a wide range of lenses from something as small as your little Samyang to large cine lenses (95mm) and would like to buy the minimum of filters. I liked the link but couldn't figure that part out, Thanks and great video

[@peterleix]

I work the same pretty much, get hired for more drone work than gimbal but that's changing, I love that 100 w light, you should try the little diffuser globe they sell, it turns that little light into the best little soft light

[@user-cn9ih2hp3z]

Where can I see all the actual films filmed with all that gear? Any link please?