What’s in your camera bag?

Every now and then I get asked “What’s in your camera bag?” Sometimes it’s just out of curiosity, other times its new photographers looking to see what the best gear may be for them to invest in.

I’ll start off by saying, I’m a Canon girl! The original reason, well… that’s because that’s what was on sale at Sam’s club when I dove in and purchased my first camera to take some photos of my kids. As years went by and I upgraded my camera systems, I continued to stick with Canon. It was familiar to me. I grew to love Canon’s colors, and I’ve never had a reason to want to leave.

Let me put one thing out there. It’s not necessarily the gear you use, but how you use it!

But since you asked… Here’s what’s in my bag:

Kamarette Lyra Backpack or Kelly More Libby Bag
Canon R5
Canon R6
Canon 35mm f/1.4 L 
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L
Canon 100mm Macro f/2.0L
Canon RF28-70mm F/2 L
Canon RF 70-200 f/2.8 L 
Canon speed light 600 ex IIx3
Paul C Buff Einstein w/ vagabond charger Cyber sync transmitter and receiver  (While these definitely don’t fit into my camera bag, they are what I use for my studio sessions)

While I might be known as a gear hog by many of my photographer friends, and my husband may dislike me for the amount of money I’ve invested in all my gear, I’m not willing to give any of it up. Each and every lens in my bag has its own use, and I love them all for very different reasons. Let’s go through each one and talk about why I love them.

What’s In Your Camera Bag: Kamarette Lyra Backpack

This camera bag is super cute and trendy, if I’m being honest that’s one of the main reasons I purchased it. After using this backpack for a couple of years there are a few things I’ve come to love and dislike about it. First off, I can cram a ton of stuff in here! This is definitely a huge perk! My gear feels extremely secure and protected. I love that I can carry it on my back and I don’t have to set my camera bag down every time I move to a new spot during a session. One downside to this bag is that if I want to change lenses I have to take the backpack completely off and then lay it on the ground to get a new lens. This takes some time as they aren’t quickly accessible, and it can be a tad annoying if you’re in a field and trying to swap out lenses without getting them damaged or dirty. All in all, I do like this backpack and it’s definitely going to stay in my lineup.

What’s In Your Camera Bag: Kelly More Libby Bag

This bag is new to me. It was a gift from my husband. Once again, the reason I wanted it is because it’s super cute!!! I’m excited to try it out and use it. I haven’t given it enough use just yet so I don’t have a review for it. Check back in a few months and I’ll let you know how it’s working for me.

What’s In Your Camera Bag: Canon R5 and R6

I absolutely LOVE these cameras!!!! Technology has come so far over the years it’s truly amazing! The focusing system is amazing!!! Sometimes I feel like it’s nearly impossible to take a bad picture with them. Images are so incredibly sharp and it’s so much fun to use.

What’s In Your Camera Bag: Canon 35mm

This is my go-to lens for newborn sessions. It’s tac sharp and makes baby’s faces super creamy and soft. It’s a great focal length to give me the ability to stay close to the baby and keep them safe. I know a lot of people like to use this lens for nearly everything they shoot. It’s a very versatile lens, but for me, it’s definitely one that I mainly use for my newborns.

What’s In Your Camera Bag: Canon RF 85mm

If I had to choose just one lens to work with for the rest of my life this would be it! Ahhhh…… It makes me so happy! The creamy colors, the bokeh, it’s just amazing! There’s really nothing that can compare to it. Most of my portraits are taken with this lens. Whether it’s a family session, a wedding, you name it, I’m always trying to use this lens!

What’s In Your Camera Bag: Canon 100mm Macro

You’ll find me using this lens for detail shots at weddings as well as for those tiny little detail shots at newborn sessions. For an L series lens, it’s super reasonably priced, and it’s great to get those super sharp detailed shots.

What’s In Your Camera Bag: Canon RF 28-70mm

This is the newest lens in my lineup and I’m so stinking excited to have it! It’s so versatile! I love using it for my family sessions. Kids move super fast and having zoom capabilities helps me capture all the moments, because I know I don’t want to miss a thing. I also use this lens for my cake smash sessions!!! It’s perfect! The only down thing about it is it’s a beast! It’s big and heavy, but it’s oh so worth it! Prior to this, I had a 24-70, which I also really loved. Either lens is super versatile and one of my go-to lenses for sessions with kiddos.

What’s In Your Camera Bag: Canon RF 70-200mm

You’ll find me using this lens for nearly all my kids’ sports photos, but beyond that, I love it for weddings! I don’t like to disturb the guests by being super up close during the ceremony and this lens gives me that extra length and allows me to get super up close intimate shots, without intruding. This is another great versatile lens.

What’s In Your Camera Bag: Canon speed light 600 ex II

For my outdoor sessions, I’m a natural light photographer, so you’ll typically only see me pull these guys out during weddings for the reception portion.

What’s In Your Camera Bag: Paul C Buff Einstein

While these don’t fit inside my camera bag, they are an essential tool for all of my studio sessions. This is the lighting system that I use for all of my newborn and cake smash sessions. I love the consistent colors it produces.

Are you a photographer? What’s in your camera bag? Comment below and let me know what your favorite gear is!

Megan is a photographer based in the Greater Sacramento Area, serving Northern California for all your photography needs. She specializes in family, graduates, engagements, weddings, maternity, and newborn photography.  Contact Megan today!

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