Photography Gear Recommendations
Gear Recommendations
Below you'll find a list of the gear that I use within my photography business, including camera bodies, lenses, adaptors, lighting, etc. If you'd like to see a list of Business Tools I use to operate my business, please see this page.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are affiliate links from Amazon, KEH, etc. This means that I earn a small commission should you decide to buy one of these products (at no added cost to you).
Digital Cameras
Canon R5 Mirrorless Camera New or Canon R5 Mirrorless Camera Used
Canon R6 Mirrorless Camera New or Canon R6 Mirrorless Camera Used
EF Lens Adaptor for Canon R5 and Canon R6
Canon G7Xii for quick, "low-fi" moments
Lenses
Canon EF 50mm 1.2 This is my go-to lens for a large majority of wedding days. If you get any lens to begin your kit, I would highly recommend this one. And yes, it's worth investing in this one over the 1.4 or 1.8. I use this with both of my Canon mirrorless cameras (R5 and R6) with a $100 adaptor, and they work wonderfully.
Canon EF 35mm 1.4 I can't recommend this lens enough. The focusing is insanely great, and it's a perfect lens for wide-angle portraits and candid moments in a wedding day. I compared this lens to the 35mm mirrorless Canon lens (the newer version), and preferred this lens with the adaptor.
Film Cameras
Leica M4-P on Ebay or Leica M6 on KEH (35mm Film Cameras) Both cameras are fantastic options. Personally, I love the M4P because it gives you the same look as the M6, but for slightly less investment. The only difference I've noticed is that the M6 has a built-in meter.
Contax 645 on Ebay (Medium Format Film Camera) My 'workhorse' camera. This is part of what I'd currently consider my 'essentials' kit of cameras. The Zeiss glass that is paired with this camera (Zeiss 80mm) is one of the best lenses on a medium format camera. I use this camera for about 70-80% or more of wedding days.
Contax G2 on Ebay (35mm Film Camera) *Learn about the Contax G2 here.
Toy Film Cameras
Holga 120N This is easily one of my favorite cameras to use/shoot. I use this on practically every shoot. Perfect for introducing film into your work, or creating unique film work. Easy to learn. Make sure to grab my Holga Guide to learn how to best use this camera.
Sprite 35mm "Reusable Disposable" Camera Another wonderful option for a toy camera. I highly recommend using this to shoot tons of black and white film. It's a great option for handing to your wedding clients to grab a few images 'from their perspective'. Easily refill with 35mm film, instead of wasting entire disposable cameras.
Speedlites
Canon 600 Speedlite (x3) (Can communicate wirelessly)
Canon 430 ii Speedlite (Good to start if you can't afford 600 Speedlites)
Canon 430 (Original; used for Holga 120 Toy Camera)
Speedlite Stands + Speedlite Hot Shoe Holder These are a great way to create off-camera lighting without breaking the bank. These stands are very small/lightweight, but still get great height for shooting off-camera at receptions. I purchase the Hot Shoe Holders to attach my flash (especially if you don't have the plastic hot shoe holder that comes with your flash).
* Rechargeable Batteries You Need for Your Flashes (Better than every other brand I've found)
Speedlite Diffusers
Gary Fong Diffuser (usually shot without top on)
MagSnoot (fun, experimental dance floor shots)
Video Lights
Card Readers
Primary Card Reader (used for most cards; Canon R6)
CF Express Card Reader (for new CF cards in Canon R5)
External HardDrives
SanDisk Solid State (recommend at least 2TB)
HardDrive Case for Laptop (use for all travel/in-flight editing)
Wedding Day Must-Haves
Black Half Apron with 3 Pockets