What Is In Your Camera Kit Bag?
Ever thought “I wonder which camera was used” when you see an awesome picture? We went one step further and got in touch with five talented photographers from different fields of photography, and asked them our burning question “What’s in your camera bag?” Read on to find out what their kit essentials are, what gear they can’t live without, and what’s their go-to gear when they start a shoot.
Ted Ng | Wildlife (@ted_wildlife)
Ted is a frequent visitor to our reserves for elusive subjects such as the large-tailed nightjar and blue rock trush. To catch every nuance, Ted requires long lenses to capture every detail of the animals in their natural environment, as he patiently waits in the greenery for that winning shot. Orange-Cheeked Waxbill Juvenile Canon EOS 80D | f/8 | 1/360s | ISO 6400
Could you tell us briefly about yourself and your photography?
I discovered wildlife photography in December 2016 when a photographer friend showed me photos of an Olive-backed Sunbird. That’s how I became intrigued with birds and animals and started looking for wildlife photography gear in January 2017. After advice from seasoned birder Chuin Ming Lee, I decided to use Canon for my shoots as their cameras are more user-friendly and focus faster with better image quality. Ted heads out with his Canon EOS 80D and Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.
What kind of equipment can we usually find in your camera bag?
My Canon EOS 80D, Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens, Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens, Canon Extender EF 1.4xIII, a remote shutter, spare memory cards, batteries and a cleaning kit. Ted’s camera bag while he is out and about.
What camera and lens would you recommend the most for wildlife photography?
I would suggest the Canon EOS-1DX Mark II and the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM as they are the best for wildlife photography. The Canon EOS-1DX Mark II has the best focusing speed, frame rate, and ISO capability – which makes it the ideal camera body for action shots like raptors fishing or birds locking talons, and it will have a more successful rate of getting action shots than my 80D. I would also love to try the Canon EOS 5DS R as it captures tremendous details. Blue-Throated Bee Eater, Singapore Canon EOS 80D | f/5.6 | 1/2000s | ISO 400
If you could add an item to your bag as an upgrade, what would it be?
I would personally opt for the Canon EF600mm f/4L IS II USM. Most birds are very shy and they tend to fly away when we are sneaking closer. Other birds like raptors prefer to fish far away, which makes for less detailed photos. If I had a longer zoom lens, I can shoot from a further distance and avoid spooking the animals.
Alvin Ho | Events & Live Music (@alvieisalive)
Energy, movement, lights: the world of Alvin is a pumping, thumping one. Always battling with the changing elements of his subjects and environment, mobility and ease of use are essential, to help him capture that perfect photo at events. Scorpions at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre Canon EOS 5D Mark III | F/5.6 | 1/500s | ISO 2000
Could you tell us briefly about yourself and your photography?
I am a photographer with an immense passion for music and obsessed with capturing live music moments. Be it intimate venues or sold-out arenas, if it rocks, I want to be there. I want to translate the energy and atmosphere of each show into every photo. Alvin Ho working behind the scenes at St Jerome’s Laneway Festival with his Canon EOS 5D Mark III.
What kind of equipment can we usually find in your camera bag?
I shoot with two cameras for most of my music and event photography work, so that I don’t have to make frequent lens changes while on the job. This minimises the chance of missing moments and gives efficiency on capturing important moments the way I desire. Given the constraints, fast-paced situations and only one chance to get it right, you want to be certain that you have what you need for the job. My current setup includes the following: Two sets of Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Canon EF50mm f/1.2L USM Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT Covering a focal range of 16mm to 200mm with constant fast aperture, this setup caters to my job demands. I’ve also recently added a Canon EOS M5 that gives me DSLR quality at just a fraction of the size and weight, suitable for times when I need to be more discreet. Also not forgetting spare batteries, memory cards and poncho for myself and the gear. The show always goes on, rain or shine. Alvin’s camera bag.
If you had to pick only one body and lens from your collection, what would it be and why?
Definitely my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV was a recent upgrade and it’s the ultimate workhorse which gives me rich details and resolution, incredible low light performance, rugged build, fast AF and overall speed which are all excellent for the challenges of my daily work. The lens is my ultimate go-to, from its versatile wide angle to short telephoto range, it allows me to frame my subjects well. Coldplay at National Stadium Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | F/5.6 | 1/80s | ISO 4000
Jerry Wang | Landscape (@jerrywangqian)
This intrepid explorer lives with adventure and often subjects himself to harsh elements for his work. Durability becomes a top priority, but function is equally important, as Jerry travels to remote locations and places to achieve his stunning shots. Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, USA Canon EOS 5DS | f/16.0 | 4s | ISO 50
Could you tell us briefly about yourself and your photography?
I am a full-time finance professional and photography has been my hobby for the last eight years. I travel quite a lot and I am passionate about nature and landscape photography, especially in remote locations. Currently, I am a contracted photographer with NiSi filters, Getty Images China and U.S., and my photos were published by National Geographic in February 2017. Jerry Wang using the Canon EOS 5DS and Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM to capture a shot in Queenstown, New Zealand.
What kind of equipment can we usually find in your camera bag?
At maximum capacity, I will load my camera bag with these gears: Two camera bodies – one for photos and one for time-lapse videos, as well as two to three lenses, a few filters, one video camera, a tripod, a laptop and some accessories. However, as the nature of my photography usually takes me to distant areas, I generally pack light. When this happens, there’ll be one camera body, one to two lenses, and a tripod in my camera-slash-hiking bag. Jerry’s camera bag at maximum capacity.
If you had to pick one body and lens from your collection, what would it be and why?
This is easy. 90% of my photos come from my Canon EOS 5DS and Canon EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM. The 5DS is a perfect camera for landscape photography as it offers enormous details with its 50MP sensor. I also use its built-in shutter release lagging function to replace remote or cable shutter release to keep my pack really light. For the lens, it definitely tops the list of landscape lenses in the world. With 16mm super wide angle and a bright aperture of f/2.8, I can transition from day to night with this single lens. A plus point is the beautiful and unique sun star it can create at F18-22 which no other lens can match. Vermillion Lake, Banff National Park, Canada Canon EOS 5DS | f/11.0 | 0.1s | ISO100
Jonathan Ooi | Portrait (@jonooiphotography)
Portraits are not just done in the studios these days. With exciting backdrops and quirky props readily available, Jonathan shoots creative profiles lit with emotion. Versatility is key to a great portrait shoot and Jonathan shows us how he manages his gear. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | f/1.4 | 1/125s | ISO 320
Could you tell us briefly about yourself and your photography?
I have been fiddling with disposable film cameras since young and I got my first DSLR (a Canon EOS 500D kit) in 2008 when I decided to get “serious”. I then purchased the Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM and Canon Speedlite 580 EX II and delved into macro photography as I have always been intrigued and fascinated by creepy crawlies and their alien-like features! Since then, I have been exploring various photography techniques from the masters, across various genres from landscapes, architecture, events to even food! With the introduction of social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest, one can easily access a large source of inspiration, and I have since integrated creative POVs into my portraits and photography. Jonathan Ooi contemplates his next portrait shoot.
What kind of equipment can we usually find in your camera bag?
You can find a variety of lenses such as the Canon EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, Canon EF35mm f/1.4L USM, and the Canon EF50mm f/1.8 II. I also have a LED video light, flash and remote triggers. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is always with me. If I am out for assignments for the entire day, I would also bring along my other body, the Canon EOS 6D, as a backup along with spare batteries. My usual setup would be my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with the 35mm lens inside a smaller, casual bag Jonathan’s camera bag while he’s on assignment.
If you had to pick one body and lens from your collection, what would it be and why?
I would pick the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the EF35mm f/1.4L USM lens. The versatile focal length of 35mm and large f-stop allows me to shoot across varied situations ranging from day to night. By pairing it with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, it allows me to retain excellent image quality even in low-light situations. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | f/1.4 | 1/200s | ISO 200
If you could add an item to your bag as an upgrade, what would it be?
I would love to get my hands on the Canon EF85mm f/1.2L II USM. The optimal focal length and shallow depth-of-field not only gives a flattering compression but also isolates my subject from busy backgrounds, especially in cities like Singapore. With a large f-stop of 1.2, it will also allow me to use ambient light to my advantage.
Ian Chow | Travel (@revelationtheory)
It’s no secret that travel is a lifestyle staple for Singaporeans, with many taking every opportunity to explore the world beyond our little island. Ian explores travel from behind his lens and has steadily grown his kit over the years. Fiji Canon EOS 550D | f/3.5 | 1/500s | ISO 100
Could you tell us briefly about yourself and your photography?
I’ve loved travelling since I was little. The only other thing that I took an interest in was photography. As the years progressed, this interest grew and one day, I decided to invest my savings into a Canon EOS 550D. This camera opened my eyes as to what I can do with a “good” camera and from there, I started taking photography more seriously. I would bring my camera out whenever I travel and capture landscapes, nature and even people in real situations. During that period, Instagram was new and I naturally gravitated towards it. The images I took during my travels built a portfolio and over time, it slowly evolved from entertainment into the collaborations I do these days. Ian Chow often recces scenic vantage points like here in Zakynthos, Greece.
What kind of equipment can we usually find in your camera bag?
Since 2010, I have been using a Canon EOS 550D and it has produced many wonderful images for me. With it are usually my trusty Canon EF-S18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. I’ll usually bring my charger, tripod, an extra SD card and extra battery for times when I get to shoot time-lapses or long-exposure shots. Most importantly, I also always have my passport with me. Ian’s travel camera bag.
If you could add an item to your bag as an upgrade, what would it be?
Recently, I’ve been entertaining the thought of upgrading to a more professional camera: the Canon 6D Mark II. I’ve been eagerly eyeing it since it came out. It embodies all the capabilities of a full-frame camera into a light and portable body, which appeals to me as a travel photographer! Ella, Sri Lanka Canon EOS 550D | f/4 | 1/40s | ISO 10 We would love to see what’s in your camera bags too! Take a photo of all your essential gears and tag it with #canonsg for a chance to be featured! If you’re not sure which lens would work best, how about checking out our CanonSGLens app? It’s a free Canon Singapore App (available on both iOS and Android) that features detailed lens specifications of all Canon EF and EF-S lenses in Singapore. The application also contains a unique interactive simulator that allows you to compare the field of view of two camera-lens combinations of any Canon EOS DSLR and lens. #Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM #Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM #Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM #Canon EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM #Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM #Canon EF35mm f/1.4L USM #Canon EF600mm f/4L IS II USM #Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM #Canon EOS 5D Mark III #Canon EOS 5D Mark IV #Canon EOS 5DS #Canon EOS 5DS R #Canon EOS 80D #Canon EOS M5 #Canon EOS-1DX Mark II #Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT