Sunday, January 4, 2009

Basic Assignment Loadout


Like many other photographers, I have a collection of camera bags. One of my favorites is the Domke J-3. Here's a photo of my standard loadout for photojournalistic type assignments as well as lighter event work. The rule of thumb here is two of everything so if something fails I'll still be able to get some kind of image.

Cameras, a D700 and D300, plus one MB-D10 battery pack, compatible with both cameras. I do lose one stop of low-light capability with the D300 but I like the FX/DX combo. I'll usually pair the D300 with the 70-200 to give me added reach with the 1.5 crop factor. The D700 sports the 24-70 zoom.

Lenses, a 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8. I can also cram in my 50 f1.4 if required. I'll sometimes swap the 24-70 for a 17-35 if I feel the assignment calls for a wider angle zoom. The setup does not allow for all three of these fast zooms to be carried unless I ditch either the Turbo or one of the SB-800s.

Flashes, 2 SB-800s and a Quantum Turbo battery with CKE cable to power one of the SB-800s. I'll throw in the Demb Flip-it for my bounce. Normally for PJ type assignments I'll leave my flash brackets behind.

Rapid Strap, (not pictured) I'm a big fan of the R-1 strap from Black Rapid Strap (www.blackrapid.com). This let's you hang one camera at the small of your back and bring it up rapidly (pardon the pun) to a shooting position. I've used it with a 70-200 on a D2x with a SB-800 attached - it's plenty sturdy and I have no fear the camera will work it's way loose. I use Op-Tech straps for my bodies.

Well, that's the basic loadout that I carry on many assignments that call for a minimum of gear, but redundant enough to cover any contingencies and malfunctions, as well as fairly lightweight and unobtrusive in the well designed Domke J-3 bag.