When I first started photography back in 2008-2009 I borrowed my best friend’s camera gear. The genre I was drawn to was macro photography. I had been reading everything I could on the subject. He did not have a macro lens but I had read about reversing a lens and if you’re careful, you can get some ok results. I played around with the technique and I was hooked! Once I saw the details in the macro world that when I took away the lens, I could no longer see, I couldn’t wait to revisit the hidden world again. And so began my journey to save up for my own gear.
I started off with a Canon 50D and a Tamron 90mm macro. The 50D was a crop sense camera and the Tamron was a good starter lens. From there, over time, I saved up for the Canon 24-70mm L lens as it was recommended as a do it all “work-horse” lens since you could do landscape, portraits and wide angle shots. Once I heard from multiple photographers that I respected that you put all your money into the glass, I no longer settled. I made sure that I bought L lenses when I could so that I also was covered should I later buy a full frame camera. Over time I continued to purchase lenses, most of which I still own but some I got rid of. At one point I had the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM. I really liked that lens but when I upgraded to the Canon 6D ( full frame ) it no longer fit. So I sold it and got the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L is USM which I still have. I also have the Canon 70-200mm L that my best friend picked up for me. This past year, I bit the bullet and upgraded to the EOS R mirrorless system and I love it. The EVF and rotating screen alone were game changers for me as I have two herniated discs in my neck and there are many positions that I struggle with. The flip screen helps with that and the EVF is so much easier to see in my night macro scouting. I have gone through a fair amount of tripods and heads and I still have a tank of a manfrotto just because it is great for close the ground focus stacking since the center column comes out and also inserts horizontally. It is very sturdy as well. My main tripod is from a company I came across out of Canada FLM. I picked up the FLM CP38-L4 II carbon fiber. I picked this out out because it fully extends to 68.3 inches! This has come in handy a few times when on a hill or putting a leg out into water. It extends out almost flat. I picked up the RRS ballhead that is fantastic.
Well, I think I have bored you enough with gear talk. I could go on in more detail regarding flashes, bags, diffusers and other gear but I think this gives you the 100ft view. Below, are a few affiliate links to various gear I have and if you click them and buy something, I get a small portion. It costs you nothing but helps me out.
CAMERAS / LENSES
Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera w/ 24-105mm L Lens
https://amzn.to/3jcHcv4
Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R
https://amzn.to/2KFAiSy
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens
https://amzn.to/36mncQH
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
https://amzn.to/2KAHlvz
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens
https://amzn.to/3nXRBww
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens
https://amzn.to/2JcWZNe
Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Snap-On Lens
https://amzn.to/2zl62ae
Tiffen 77mm UV Protection Filter
https://amzn.to/30dZGUM
MISC
Godox Ving V860II-C E-TTL Li-ion Flash Speedlite for Canon Cameras
https://amzn.to/2WVMrGK
SLONIK 1000 Lumen Rechargeable 2x LED Headlamp w/ 2200 mAh Battery
https://amzn.to/2LS6vn4
Shimoda Backpack Cover
https://amzn.to/2ZewufF
Xenvo Pro Lens Kit for phone camera
https://amzn.to/3hzt25R
Wimberley PP-200 Plamp 2
https://amzn.to/2WUJXbh
Joby GorillaPod 5k Kit. Tripod and ballhead
https://amzn.to/2CTfYJg
3 Legged Thing Ellie PD Universal L-Bracket Compatible with Peak Design
https://amzn.to/3bUwXXE
Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3 with plate
https://amzn.to/2M2EY2p
iShoot Universal All Metal Focusing Rail Arca-Swiss Fit
https://amzn.to/30jaS14
SOFTWARE
TOPAZ LABS
https://topazlabs.com/sharpen-ai/ref/576/
https://topazlabs.com/denoise-ai-2/ref/576/
CLOTHING
Neck Warmer – Winter Fleece Neck Gaiter
https://amzn.to/3cXBmdQ
Winter Touchscreen Gloves
https://amzn.to/3bTq2Ok