My current gear (For geeks only - all others should run, fast)
Note: New gear added 27 January 2022
I believe it was Chase Jarvis who first said "The best camera is the one you have with you." I agree with that but, let's be honest, many of us do need different gear for the types of photography we do. And we like to know what other people use. With that in mind, I've provided some information here about the main gear that I currently use purely for your information. Keep in mind that many of my older photos used other gear.
One final note: As you think about what you might need for your photography, try to focus on what is good for the type of photography you are interested in and what you need. Then be careful to avoid Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). which can stink. (sorry, couldn't resist....)
Camera - Sony A9
I started with Canon DSLRs but switched over to Sony in 2019 after a fair amount of research. The things that steered me to this camera is mirrorless, full frame, has a great sensor and can shoot really fast which is important for someone that likes to try to catch birds and bugs in flight. While I wanted to stick with Canon they did not, at that time, have a mirrorless that came near what the A9 provided. I've been happy with my choice thus far.
Lenses
Sony 24-105 F4 G OSS - I use this lens as my walkaround, portrait and for some of my close up photography lens.
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens with Sony adapter - At the time I got my camera, Sony did not have a competitive lens so I got this with the Canon mount with an adapter. It has served me well since I got it. I use it for most of my critter and bird shots.
Sony 70-200mm F4 G OSS (2021) - I've been using this for a few months now and really like it. Allows me to have a mid-range telephoto lens with me when I don't want to haul the big one. While the F2.8 is great, I went for the F4 because of weight over losing one stop. I've been happy with my choice so far.
Nisi Closeup Lens Kit (2021) - I thought for a while about getting this and then there was a really good sale, so I pulled the trigger and I'm happy. Basically, this is like sticking a very good magnifying glass on the front of your lens. I can use this on my 24-105 and 70-200. It is really great for detail of objects and for getting closer to them. I can't say it replaces a macro lens but it does give me more flexibility to use it on both lenses and is a lot lighter than carrying around another lens.
Next on the list - I'm thinking of changing my "big" lens to a Sony and still looking at a dedicated macro and a wide angle zoom lens.
Stabilizers
I use different stabilizers depending on what I'm shooting. Here are the key products I use:
FotoPro X-Go Max Carbon Fiber Tripod with Built-In Monopod, FPH-62Q Ball Head - I picked this up in July 2020 and it's now my everyday tripod. It's a good balance on portability, size (I'm 6'0" so need height), stability and function (can convert a leg to a monopod).
Fotopro E-6H Eagle Series Gimbal Head - I will use this head when tracking birds in flight and other fast moving critters. Very useful head and lighter than many available.
Vanguard Alta Pro 284 CT Carbon Fiber Tripod - I used this as my main tripod before I got the FotoPro and still use it for some of my flora and other close up photography. It has a center column that tilts which is a great feature for that type of shooting.
Sirui P-326 Carbon Fiber Monopod - When all I need is a monopod, I bring this with either the gimbal head or a ball head. It's light, small and stable.
JOBY Gorillapod SLR-Zoom Flexible Mini-Tripod - I got this back in 2010 and while I don't use it that often, it has come in handy every now and then especially to wrap around things. While pretty stable, it is limited as far as weight, understandably.
Platypod Max and Ultra and accessories (2021) - I was looking for something that would allow me to stabilize the camera and get very low and/or shoot up from the ground. I checked out this product and bought a bundle when they had a sale. It takes a little getting used to but I have found it very useful in certain situations. However, it's not limited to using it for just the camera since I've also used it to hold lighting by itself or, with the attachments, hold additional fixed lighting with the camera. A worthwhile investment.
Lighting
Most of my photography is done with natural light. This is partially preference and partially that I am still learning how to effectively use different lighting modifiers. However, I do use the following, with varying levels of success:
Reflectors/Diffusers - My first go to for adjusting the lighting situation. I mainly use these for macro and portrait work. The diffuser is a great tool for flower and insect photography when you have harsh lighting. The reflectors are good to redirect or adjust the temperature of the light especially for portrait work. I use the Impact brand of these but only because that was on sale and well rated.
Flash - I readily admit I need work on how to effectively use flash. I have had some success with flash for macro and have started using it as fill for some wildlife shots when close enough but I still need to get in the groove of using it for portrait work. I use a Godox V860IIS with a Godox X1T-S wireless controller. I got that flash because it came with my camera purchase but it seems to work pretty well for me. I also have a Photix Mitros that is for Canon but I have tried to use it, and it works, as an optical slave with my main flash.
LED lights (2021) - I purchased a Godox RGB Mini Creative M1 light in 2020 and use it for both indoor and outdoor photography. It helps in a lot of situations and being able to adjust the color and the temperature is great for more creativity. In 2021 i also bought two Litra Torches and use those by themselves or with the Godox. They only can vary in intensity of light but are very useful as well. Especially for fill light with flowers in studio and in the field.
Misc. Hardware
Peak Design Clutch Hand Strap V2 - I really like to have a handstrap on my camera since I often have it in my hand and ready to shoot. It give me extra security and a little more stability. This was on my old camera and then I shifted it to my Sony. After some slight adjustments, it works well.
Peak Design Slide Lite camera strap - I want a functional strap that I can adjust as needed and if it looks good, all the better. I used to have the wider version of this with my Canon but then switched to the Lite with my Sony. I love it.
Peak Design Capture Clip - I have the Peak clip on the base of my camera all the time and it is used with the strap, the hand strap and this clip. I put the clip on my bag's shoulder strap and will clip the camera in there instead of having it hang over my shoulder sometimes. This is especially great when hiking since you don't want your camera swinging around and possibly banking into things. It's still very accessible for me.
Bags - Like most photographers, I have a collection from over the years but I mainly use one of the following three:
MindShift Gear ULTRALIGHT DUAL 25L-BLACK MAGMA - This is a great bag for hiking. If I am really doing a hike, vs. a walk in the woods, this is the bag I take. I am able to take all the gear I need and then some.
Tamrac 5786 Evolution 6 Photo Sling Backpack - This was my old day to day walk around bag. It's good but with all the gear can be a little uncomfortable for me. Still a good bag and I use sometimes but it's been mainly replaced by....
Peak Design Everyday Backpack (20L) - This is now my everyday bag. It's able to store all my ear gear and is more comfortable.
Software
These are the software programs I use regularly
Adobe Lightroom Classic - Use for my cataloging, tagging and initial adjustments (exposure, highlights, shadows, etc..). Some photos are edited completely in this program.
Adobe Photoshop - Used for heavier editing and always when putting photos up for competition.
Topaz Denoise AI - Use with anything that has noticeable noise
Topaz Sharpen AI - Use if sharpening needed and Topaz Denoise was not employed
Topaz Gigapixel AI - Use if I have to heavily crop an image
Nik Collection by DXO - Mainly Viveza, Color efex and, for b/w images, Silver efex
Lumenzia - I'm still learning how to use this effectively.