gear that works

After years of photographing weddings, outdoor adventures, commercial campaigns, and YouTube videos, this is the gear we rely on most.

We don’t believe you need the most expensive equipment to make great images. These are simply the cameras, lenses, and accessories that have earned a place in our bags—and why we like them.

Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend gear we genuinely use and trust.

cameras

We’re big fans of Sony cameras for hybrid photo and video shooting, excellent autofocus, and the huge selection of Sony and third-party lenses.

favorite all-around camera

Sony A7 V

This camera gets out of the way and does everything we need. It’s our top choice for creators who want one highly capable camera for both photography and video.

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compact + high resolution

Sony A7CR

Our choice when we want a small, lightweight camera without giving up image quality. It packs a surprising amount of capability into a travel-friendly body.

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best value

Sony A7 IV

A great alternative if you want a capable hybrid camera while spending less than you would on the newest model.

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zoom lenses

Our flexible workhorses for travel, commercial assignments, and situations where changing lenses isn’t practical.

favorite wide-angle zoom

Sony 16–35mm f/2.8 GM II

The 16–35mm range is one of our favorites, so this is where we chose to invest. It’s excellent for landscapes, travel, environmental portraits, and immersive storytelling.

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Want to spend less? This is our more affordable wide-angle alternative.

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favorite everyday zoom

Sigma 24–70mm f/2.8 DG DN II

A versatile workhorse that delivers excellent image quality at a significantly lower price than Sony’s comparable GM lens.

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lightweight telephoto

Sony 70–200mm f/4 G II

We love this lens for compression, clean backgrounds, and unique perspectives. The f/4 version is also easier to carry on hikes and while traveling.

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prime lenses

Small, bright lenses that encourage us to move, simplify, and compose with intention.

favorite lightweight prime

Sony 35mm f/1.8

Compact, lightweight, and sharp. This is one of our favorite lenses for everyday photography, travel, and environmental portraits.

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small with great character

Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8

It may be an older lens, but its compact size, sharpness, and character still make it a great choice for a small camera setup.

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favorite portrait lens

Viltrox 85mm f/1.4 Pro

Beautiful rendering, excellent image quality, and a bright f/1.4 aperture without the price of many comparable first-party lenses.

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incredible background blur

Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB

A specialized lens that creates dramatic subject separation and truly distinctive portraits when you have enough working distance.

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Save 5% on either Viltrox lens with code BERGREEN5

drone + action cameras

Small cameras that let us tell the story from an entirely different perspective.

our aerial camera

DJI Mavic 3

Excellent aerial image quality in a relatively compact package. We use it for establishing shots, dramatic landscapes, and commercial filmmaking.

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favorite action camera

GoPro HERO13

Small, durable, and easy to mount almost anywhere—perfect for action, behind-the-scenes footage, and situations where we wouldn’t risk a larger camera.

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lighting

A portable lighting kit that gives us more control without slowing down the shoot.

favorite portable flash

Godox AD200

More power than a traditional speedlight in a compact package. It’s a versatile and affordable option for portraits and location photography.

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wireless flash control

Godox XProS Trigger

Lets us control compatible Godox flashes from a Sony camera, with a large screen and straightforward controls.

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best for portability

Travel Light Stands

Compact stands that are easy to pack and carry for lightweight location shoots and travel.

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best for moving quickly

Cheetah Stands

The legs extend when the stand touches the ground and collapse when it’s lifted, making repositioning lights much faster.

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audio gear

Simple, dependable tools for interviews, YouTube videos, and filmmaking in the field.

favorite wireless microphone

DJI Mic 2

Compact and easy to use for interviews, YouTube videos, and situations where the subject needs room to move.

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on-camera microphone

RØDE VideoMic Pro+

A dependable shotgun microphone for run-and-gun filmmaking, behind-the-scenes coverage, and backup audio.

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lens filters

Two simple filters that help us control reflections, light, and motion outdoors.

essential for outdoor video

Variable ND Filter

Reduces incoming light so we can maintain natural motion blur and wider apertures in bright conditions.

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great for landscapes

Polarizing Filter

Helps reduce reflections and glare while improving contrast in skies, water, foliage, and other outdoor scenes.

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carrying gear

Comfortable, practical ways to carry a camera on the trail and keep it ready when the moment happens.

favorite outdoor backpack

Shimoda Action X40 V2

Plenty of room for professional gear, with a durable build and adjustable fit that work especially well for adventure photography.

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best for hiking

Peak Design Capture Clip

Keeps a camera secure and within reach without letting it swing around on a traditional strap.

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comfortable + removable

Peak Design Camera Strap

The anchor system makes it quick and easy to attach, remove, or move the strap between cameras.

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tripods + support

One lightweight option for the trail and one sturdier option for everyday professional work.

lightweight travel option

Travel Tripod

Our choice when packed size and weight matter most—ideal for landscapes, travel, and sunrise or sunset hikes.

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sturdier everyday option

Full-Size Tripod

Our preferred option when stability and usability matter more than minimizing every ounce.

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the small essentials

The less exciting pieces of gear that make a surprisingly big difference in the field.

reliable memory

SanDisk Extreme Pro Cards

Fast, dependable memory cards that we’ve used extensively for professional photography and video.

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faster file transfers

SD Card Reader

A simple way to transfer photos and videos without connecting the camera directly to the computer.

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always in our pack

Headlamp

Essential for hiking before sunrise, photographing after sunset, and safely working around equipment in the dark.

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production communication

Two-Way Radios

Helpful when we’re working in separate locations, coordinating talent, or shooting without dependable cell service.

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choose what helps you create

You don’t need everything on this page. Start with the gear that solves a real problem, supports the way you shoot, and helps you create with more intention.