What’s in My Camera Bag (with Landscape and Cityscape Photographer Michele Thompson)
Welcome to a new series, with this first edition featuring GTA Toronto photographer Michele Thompson. Exploring bags, backpacks and camera gear is fun and sharing insights with the creative community is a goal for this article and the blog as a whole. By the way, we’d love you to contribute your own post! Get in touch to share your writing and photos.
You may register for Michele’s webinar and workshop on the events page of our site.
As a landscape photographer and frequent traveler, I have found packing the right gear is crucial to capturing the shot I want without being weighed down by unnecessary equipment. Through trial and error over the years, I’ve filtered down my gear to these essentials that help me stay light and fully prepared for any shooting situation. Whether I’m chasing sunrises, capturing the urban landscapes of New York City or Toronto, or setting up for long exposure shots along the shore, these are the tools I trust and rely on for every shoot whether at home or travelling. Here’s a look at what’s in my bag and why I’ve chosen each piece of equipment.
Interview with Michele about the current bag setup
How long have you had this current version going? How has this changed over time?
- It’s been my set up pretty much for the last two years ie since I purchased the Sigma 150-600mm contemporary .
- There hasn’t been a whole lot of changes over time other than upgrades to my gear and adding a new filter.
How heavy is it? Is it bulky or awkward in any way?
- It’s quite compact and easy to travel with e.g. on planes if fits under the seat in front of me. It’s not light but it isn’t too heavy and quite manageable.
Do you always carry a full bag or is there a partial version for local outings or when you have too much stuff to deal with? (Is there a “I have the car” vs “I’m taking the train” version?).
- This is pretty much what I carry in my bag all the time. Note I usually hand hold my tripod when walking to the site (doubles as a defense weapon if needed).
- The exception is when I’m walking around NYC then I just bring my Nikon Z6ii + 24-120mm lens +everyday filter and a couple of lens wipes in a smaller camera bag by Peak design.
- If I know I’m shooting stars or the Milky Way then I will just bring my Nikon Z20mm f1.8 and leave the other lenses behind.
Bag: Lowepro Photo Active 300 AW Backpack
+ Camera Gear / Lenses
Core Camera Gear:
Camera Body: Nikon Z6ii: The Nikon Z6ii is my trusted camera body. First of all, it’s compact size is great for travel. Its full-frame sensor captures fantastic detail, and the performance in low light is excellent —perfect for shooting those early sunrises and nighttime moon alignments. I’m also impressed with its fast autofocus, and dynamic range – I can confidently capture anything from sweeping landscapes to fast-moving waves.
Lens: Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4: This lens is my workhorse and the one I rely on the most. With its versatile 24-120mm focal range, it covers almost any shooting scenario I encounter. The wide end (24mm) is great for capturing vast landscapes, urban scenes, or street photography, while the longer reach (120mm) allows me to zoom in for more intimate compositions. Its compact size also means I don’t have to worry about carrying a bulky kit
Lens: Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3G: Whether I’m capturing a distant mountain range, a close-up of the moon, or wildlife, this lens lets me get close while maintaining excellent image quality. Despite its long reach, I’ve found the lens relatively portable
Lens: Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 ( optional) If I know I’m going to be shooting night photography and/ or astrophotography the f/1.8 aperture of this lens makes it ideal and will be packed in my bag.
Filters: Neutral Density (ND) Filters are an essential part of my photography kit, and I never leave home without them. I use them often when photographing water or clouds, as the ND filter allows me to slow down the shutter speed and create a smooth, dreamlike effect that adds a sense of calm which I like. I use the Kase Armour magnetic filters system which includes a Circular Polarizer, 3, 6, 10 stop and graduated 3 stop NDs. The magnetic system is a game changer as it allows me to quickly switch between filters, which is crucial when I’m working in the cold, or in fast-changing light of a sunrise or sunset.
Black Mist Filter: I’ve recently added this filter into my kit . The ¼ Black Mist filter adds a subtle softness to highlights, which is perfect for creating a moody, cinematic look. I especially like its effect on street photography images and have it always on my lens when walking and shooting in the city.
Tripod & Accessories
Tripod: A sturdy yet lightweight tripod is a must for what I like to shoot i.e: long exposures and time-lapse photography often in low-light conditions. I need stability without adding too much bulk, so I’ve chosen a tripod that balances that with portability and can be easily packed in my carry on.
Remote Shutter Release: For long exposures and time-lapse photography, a remote shutter release is indispensable. It helps eliminate any camera shake that might occur from physically pressing the shutter button, ensuring tack-sharp images, especially when I’m shooting with a slow shutter speed.
Lens Cleaning Tools: Lens Wipes, Grotto Air Blaster,Keeping my lenses clean is crucial when shooting in conditions that expose them to dust, sand, or saltwater spray. I always carry lens wipes for quick, thorough cleaning on the go. The Grotto air blaster is equally important for removing dust and debris without scratching the glass.
“Emergency” Items
Optex Rain Guard Weather can be unpredictable, and I always come prepared with an Optex rain guard to protect my camera and lenses from the rain. It’s lightweight and easy to throw over my gear.
Headlamp A headlamp is a crucial part of my kit especially since I’m often shooting during the early morning or late evening hours. It frees up my hands while setting up or packing away gear in low-light conditions, and it’s especially useful for navigating tricky terrains or dark locations before sunrise.
Allen Key : for any adjustments I need to make to my tripod or camera gear.
Extra Batteries and SD Cards: I never leave for a shoot without packing two extra batteries and extra SD cards. Long days of shooting, time-lapse photography, long exposures or cold temps can drain batteries quickly. I always want to be prepared to swap out when needed. The same goes for SD cards; having extra cards ensures I don’t run out of storage space, giving me the flexibility to capture as many images as I need without worrying about running out of memory..
Snack: I always have a quick emergency snack ( normally granola bar ) ☺️
Camera Harness: Although technically not in my bag I often wear my Cotton Carrier harness when I’m out shooting. Not only does it allow me quick access to my camera if I’m hiking it evenly distributes the weight of my gear across my shoulders and back hence reducing strain on my neck . As a result carrying gear while out and about much more comfortable.
With this collection, I’m fully equipped to handle any situation that comes my way. Each item is carefully chosen to help me work efficiently, keep my gear in top condition, no matter the location or the challenges I might face.
Credits and Thank You
Big thanks to Michele for sharing this guide and post with us! All photos including the lay flat by the artist. Article editing and photo illustrations by Mike Simpson.
A really cool feature and thanks for sharing! So many interesting and functional accessories. The filters seem a worthy area to explore for any photographers looking for a new way to create with photography. Looking forward to the workshops!