Contents
Memory Cards
Make sure to purchase well-known name-brand memory cards only from reputable places like B&H Photo, Adorama, Sam’s Camera, SanDisk, OEM, etc. It’s too easy to get counterfeit cards from Amazon, eBay, and other places who allow 3rd party vendors.
Recommended SD Cards
The SD cards I use are Card Type: SDXC (Storage Density: 32GB up to 2TB) / UHS-II Bus (tops out at 312 MB/s) / V90 (Video Speed Class). They’re rated at read speeds up to 300 MB/s, and write speeds between 250 MB/s and 300 MB/s.
- OWC Atlas Ultra UHS-II SDXC Memory Card (V90)- B&H #OWCSDV90U64K
- Sony UHS-II SDXC Memory Card SF-G (SF-G64/T1) (V90) – B&H #SOSFG64TT1 • MFR #SF-G64T/T1
- SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II SDXC (V90): B&H #SAEPSDU64GBD • MFR #SDSDXDK-064G-ANCIN
Reference
- Sony Replacement Program for Some SD Memory Cards (2020-06-11)
- SanDisk SD Cards Corrupt When Paired With the R5 Mark II, Canon Warns (2024-12-02)
Camera Straps & Harnesses
Peak Design Slide Lite Strap
- Peak Design Anchors hold up to 200 lbs (90 kg)
- Available at B&H #PESLLBK3 • MFR #SLL-BK-3
Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap (Black)
- Anodized aluminum adjuster locks Cuff in an open position or cinches to your wrist.
- Adjustable magnet lets you wear Cuff as a bracelet when not in use.
- The “detail” of the black version is made of synthetic Hypalon (not leather) 🙂
- Available from B&H #PECFBL3 • MFR #CF-BL-3
Peak Design Capture Clip v3
- Connects to any strap up to 6.4 cm (2.5”) wide and 2.2 cm (0.88″) thick
- Available at B&H# PECPS3
- Get the Peak Design Pro Pad (B&H# PEPP2) to attach the Capture Clip on your belt.
- Search YouTube
Peak Design Standard Plate v3
- Peak Design Standard Plate is the camera tripod plate that comes with Capture, Travel Tripod, and Clutch camera strap.
- Works with all Peak Design tripods, and fits in most 3rd party Arca Swiss tripod heads.
- Available at B&H# PEPLS3 (Black only)
OP/TECH USA Utility Sling-Duo
- The Utility Sling-Duo offers rapid access to two pieces of gear while maintaining the security of a strap worn across a single shoulder.
- Available at B&H #OPULDB • MFR #3501232
- Tips to improve the usability of the Utility Sling-Duo
- I recommend you also order Qty. 2 of Peak Design AL-4 Anchor Links to use with the Utility Sling-Duo. B&H #PEAL4 • MFR #AL-4
- If you’re not already using Peak Design straps, you can order Peak Design Anchor Connectors from B&H #PE4PKAN4 to use with the Anchor Links.
- If you’re tall and/or not slim, you’ll need to extend the length of the Sling-Duo with an OP/TECH USA System Extensions Connectors (2-Pack). B&H #OPSCE • MFR #1301052
- Using the right side for the less used camera keeps the Utility Sling-Duo in place better, requiring less shoulder adjustments during an event.
- I recommend you also order Qty. 2 of Peak Design AL-4 Anchor Links to use with the Utility Sling-Duo. B&H #PEAL4 • MFR #AL-4
Bags, Cases, Vests
Wandrd PRVKE Camera Backpack with Photography Bundle
- The PRVKE (pronounced “Provoke”) is made from Waterproof Tarpaulin and Robic 1680D Ballistic Nylon. Which means it’s very hard wearing and water resistant.
- The back section and shoulder straps are padded.
- All of the YKK zippers are weather sealed.
- Lifetime Warranty, covering you for manufacturing defects for as long as you own the bag.
- The Wandrd PRVKE v2 comes in four sizes, the 21L, 31L, 41L, and the PRVKE Lite.
- The Photography Bundle includes a removable camera cube (Essential Camera Cube or Pro Camera Cube), Waist Straps, and a pair of Accessory Straps
- Available at B&H #WAPK21BKPB3 (21L) • B&H #WAPK31BKPB3 (31L)
- Chest Strap Replacement ($5.00)
- I recommend running a string through the Chest Strap and through a point on the bag’s shoulder strap to prevent loosing the Chest Strap.
- Notes:
- Important: Be aware when purchasing the MultiCam Black as Camouflage patterned clothing and products are outlawed in several countries.
- The MultiCam Black color uses Cordura with C6 DWR (Durable Water Repellent) Coating. While C6 chemistry is known to be less harmful to humans, wildlife, fish, and the planet than C8 chemistry, it is not a viable long-term alternative.
Reviews
- WANDRD PRVKE Review – Great New Features Added (v2) by ShutterMuse.com
- All-New WANDRD PRVKE Travel Camera Bag (v2) by GoingTheWholeHogg.com
- 2021 New and Updated WANDRD PRVKE 31 First Look! (v2) by CJ Ying
- WANDRD makes the best backpack better, with more storage and added comfort (v2) by PhotoFocus.com
- WANDRD PRVKE 21 Review | Not Just A Bag – Another Limb & Extension of Self by SLRlounge.com
- WANDRD PRVKE 21 Hands-On Review – Best Travel Camera Backpack? by CJ Ying
Newswear Men’s Documentary Chestvest
- Accommodates two mirrorless or smaller-size DSLR camera bodies, as well as two telephoto lenses and accessories.
- Most telephotos, including a 70-200mm f/2.8, and a 300mm f/4, will fit in the two center pockets.
- Four main compartments are supplemented by four more accessory pockets inside each flap.
- Available at B&H #NEMDOCVB • MFR #250881
Mounting Brackets, Cages
Rotating Collar
A Rotating Collar may be a better option than a traditional L-bracket.
- Make sure the opening of the Rotating Collar is wide enough and shallow enough for your lenses to mount to the camera.
- Make sure the lens release button on the Rotating Collar is easily accessible.
- Is the Rotating Collar a Solution? – Sony A7iv L-bracket MEGA TEST by Mike Smith
SmallRig
- Rotatable Horizontal-to-Vertical Mount Plate Kit (4244) – B&H #SM4244
- Rotatable Horizontal-to-Vertical Mount Plate Kit (4148) – B&H # SM4148
ATOLL Series
- ATOLL Series camera rotate gadget
- ATOLL is a Camera Angle Adjustment Tool for Landscape Photographers
Ulanzi
Brackets, L-Brackets, Cages
Stroboframe 310-900 Camera Flip Bracket
- The low-profile Rotary-Link system allows the camera to be easily rotated from horizontal to vertical, while the flash stays centered above the lens. This reduces the shadow created by the flash. When the flash is off to the side, not centered over the lens, in the portrait orientation, you’ll get a large shadow.
- The base features a 1/4″-20 mounting socket, to easily attach a quick release plate or mount it directly to a tripod.
- Net Weight: 15.4 oz., Bracket Height: 9.5″, Lens-to-Flash Distance: 12″
- Available at B&H #STCF • MFR #310-900
- You’ll need an Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord as there won’t be enough space for the camera to rotate with a flash trigger mounted to the camera’s hot shoe.
- The Vello OCS-SM15 is not recommended because of compatibility issues with Godox flashes.
- Specifically, the Sony a7 IV with Godox Ving V860III TTL combination does not work well. f/stops wont match up, and the flash gets locked into TTL mode.
- The Vello OCS-SM15 is not recommended because of compatibility issues with Godox flashes.
- You’ll need an Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord as there won’t be enough space for the camera to rotate with a flash trigger mounted to the camera’s hot shoe.
- Reviews:
Falcam F22 Quick Release Cage System by Ulanzi
SmallRig Half Cage with Arca L-Bracket for Sony A7III A7RIII 2236 – This Half Cage is better than the L-Bracket 2122, because the design for the battery cover, and the dimensions of the Arca-Swiss mounts have been revised (Feb. 2019). Search
- Most needed accessory for Sony a7iii, A7riii the SmallRig Half Cage with Arca L Bracket by David Oastler
- smallrig new (growable) pro L-bracket 2236 in pre-order for sony a7iii/a7riii
- Smallrig pro L-bracket / half-cage 2236 for sony a7iii/a7riii update !! By Daniel Ockeloen
- A7R III L-plate…cheap/solid or buy/cry?
- SmallRig L-Bracket for Sony A7III/A7M3/A7RIII/A9 2122
- SmallRig Cold Shoe Mount Adapter with Anti-off Button 2260
Nodal Rails to Reduce Parallax when making a Panorama
Tripods, Monopods
Ulanzi Falcam TreeRoot Quick Lock Travel Tripod R141K-320P
Ulanzi Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod 3028
- Compatible with Arca-Swiss quick release plate
- Carbon Fiber
- BEST Travel Tripod of 2023 – NOT Peak Design
- The Only Tripod You’ll EVER Need! by Becki and Chris
- Kickstarter: The Chronicle Tripod by ProMaster
- Search
Monopods
Photographing with A Monopod by Adam Elmakias
Vidpro MP-66 VentureMaxx Professional 70″ Monopod
- Designed for the professional photographer and videographer, the Vidpro MP-66 VentureMaxx Series Professional 70-Inch Monopod boasts a patented “Air-Lock” system which allows rapid height adjustment, setup and take down in any environment. There’s no need for time-consuming individual levers or twist rings to lock the leg sections. Adjustments are set by a simple pinch-and-release action, controlling a valve to the integrated air chamber for rapid and easy adjustments.
- Load Capacity: 45 lb
- Available from B&H Photo Video and Amazon.com
- Best Monopod for Run and Gun Photography, Fastest Monopod!
- Reviews
ProMaster AS431 Air Support Monopod
- ProMaster Air Support Monopods have no leg locks, and use a patented air piston system for rapid adjustments. Simply pull on the monopod to extend it. To collapse the Air Support, or reduce its height, press the two buttons near its top while pushing it closed.
- Maximum Load 15 lbs 7 oz / 7 kg
- Maximum working height of 63 1/2″
- Three Reasons a Monopod Is Better Than a Tripod: ProMaster Air Support AS431 Monopod
- ProMaster Air Support Monopods – Shows how to extend and collapse the AS431.
Tripod Heads
NEEWER GM39 Gimbal Tripod Head
Portable Backup
These are some of the devices available to backup photos & videos on the road when you want to leave the laptop at home. They’ll allow you to plug in your SD or CFexpress Card and copy the contents to an internal or external drive.
- NewQ Filehub & Portable Router for Traveling & SD Card Backup & File Sharing (a.k.a. RavPower AC750 FileHub)
- ClouZen TAINER Portable All-in-One Backup Storage
- Available from B&H #CLTPSNS • MFR #CL-TN0015
- Search: Clouzen TAINER Portable Storage
- ClouZen is the successor to the NextoDi NPS-10. The UI looks the same and ClouZen confirmed the engineers bought up the backup business from the old parent company.
- Western Digital My Passport Wireless SSD
- Little Backup Box – Turns a single-board computer into a pocket-sized backup solution. Especially for digital photography, this is a solution for backing up images and media files on mass storage devices when traveling or at events.
- Cheaper Gnarbox Alternative! Build your own Little Backup Box to backup your photos in the field!
- Raspberry Pi 4
- Waveshare 4.3inch Capacitive Touch Display for Raspberry Pi, DSI Interface, 800×480
- Raspberry Pi OS
- UnifyDrive UT2 Portable NAS
- The UnifyDrive UT2 is a pocket-sized, NAS solution aimed at creatives and professionals who need to manage large amounts of data on the go.
- It offers one-tap secure file transfers from SD/CFe/TF cards without an internet connection, and supports Wi-Fi 6, data synchronization and high-speed remote access.
- Up to 16 TB, using 2 NVMe SSD’s
- Kickstarter Campaign launched 2024-09-25
- Portable SSD NAS, UPS, Card Reader, RAID… Too good to be true? by Matt Granger
Discontinued or Not Available or Not Recommended
- Nexto Video Storage Doc+(NVS2801-Plus) (Domain is offline 2023-04-29)
- Search: NEXTO DI NVS2801-Plus
- (BH #NENVS2801P • MFR #NVS2801-PLUS)
- NextoDI NPS-10 Portable Backup | Gear Review
- Nexto DI NPS-10 Review | Reliable Wedding + Field Backups – Gnarbox Alternative
- GNARBOX’s Original Team Gone, Assets in Hands of Investors
- GNARBOX, maker of rugged storage solutions, is likely dead. Buyer beware: the team behind GNARBOX is gone and future app support for the brand’s products is iffy at best.
- “Regrettably, the former management team is no longer with the company and hasn’t been since 11/5/2021. This includes myself, co-founders, and employees. We left the company in control of the Investors at time of departure and interested parties should contact them for more information.” – Tim Feess, former CEO and co-founder of GNARBOX
Color Accurate Monitors
Dead Pixel Test | Check if your screen has dead pixels
ViewSonic VP2786-4K – 27″ ColorPro 4K UHD IPS
- 27-inch Nano IPS monitor with native 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) resolution
- Fogra certified and Pantone Matching System (PMS) validated for color accuracy in print and digital mediums
- True 10-bit color
- 100% Adobe RGB gamut coverage (98% DCI-P3)
- Includes an integrated ColorPro Wheel with a built-in color calibrator
- Factory calibrated to deliver a Delta E<2 value
- Available at B&H #VIVP27864K
- Reference
Tethering Cables and Software
Area51 and Cobra brand tether cables are considered higher quality and more reliable than Tether Tools cables.
- Area51 Moonbeam XL PRO+ USB-C Right Angle to USB-C Right Angle Tether Cable 9.5m/31ft SKU: TM113 $140
- CobraTether – USB-C Cable – 10m – $119.90
- IQwire Tether Cables
- Intelligent photography tether cable.
- Industrial strength with twin Velocity Boosters.
- Tether Tools Smart Shooter – Adds Tethering for Sony cameras to Lightroom Classic (LrC).
- Starting with the May 2024 release of Lightroom Classic (version 13.3), listed Sony cameras are now supported for tether capture.
- A remote shooting application that lets you perform shooting operations while checking the images in Live View on the large screen of a computer. (i.e. Tethered Shooting)
- Browse or rate RAW images and apply batch edits made with Edit.
- Enables viewing images in list display, to select and add ratings.
- Adds Tethering for Sony cameras to Lightroom Classic.
- (Remote/Viewer/Edit)
- Use your smartphone as a remote control for your camera. [Only via USB cable or Wi-Fi. Not Bluetooth]
- Live View images (i.e. Tethered Shooting) [Only via USB cable or Wi-Fi. Not Bluetooth]
- Allows you to connect your Sony camera to the cloud, enhancing the functionality and convenience in shooting and sharing.
- Upload to the cloud from your camera or smartphone.
- Upgrade camera firmware via Wi-Fi or USB
- How to connect your camera to Creators’ App
- Sony Creators’ App Review: Remote Shooting Just Got Better
Sony Monitor & Control
- High-precision wireless video monitoring and remote control on a larger screen
- free
- Tether Tools Smart Shooter ($99.99)
- Adobe Lightroom Classic v13.3 or higher
- Capture One
Battery Chargers
- iSDT NP2 Camera Battery Charger,NP-FZ100 NP-FW50 NP-BX1 Smart Charger for Sony Batteries
- iSDT NP2 Air Camera Battery Charger,NP-FZ100 NP-FW50 NP-BX1 Bluetooth Charger for Sony Batteries
Tools
- SMALLRIG Folding Tool Set with Screwdrivers and Hex Key Wrenches, Tool Set with Seven Functional Tools Included – 2213
- Available from B&H #SMAAK2213D • MFR #AAK2213D
- Available from Amazon.com
Accessories
Life+Guard DIY-Friendly protection skin for your gear.