The Perfect Camera Kit Under $3,600.
You’re a new photographer on the go. You need these items.
So many of us have asked, “What do I buy and why?” I’ve spent years using different gear and determining what’s best for my type of photo experiences and I’m here to help you on your way to find yours. For context, I mainly shoot urban and nature settings, so I’m on the move, and I think you might be as well. Let’s dive in so you can see how my kit might be good for you.
THE CAMERA 📷
I’ve shot with Nikon, Canon, and Panasonic cameras and they are all very effective. The kicker for me was the weight and price. I’ve found that I can get a whole lot more for less with the Panasonic setup. I’ve gradually purchased updated and newer Panasonic camera models and now I use the G9. Initially, I thought it was too big, but after a couple years of denial, I came to the conclusion that it wasn’t the beast I thought it was. It’s smaller than some DSLR rigs out there! The link below for the G9 includes a memory card, but buy a second one. The G9 allows two to be used for dual recording or when one becomes full. Another bonus is the camera’s flippy screen, which is a must for vloggers. Also, there have been times when I’m shooting wildlife and I need a blast of frames, well this camera has supplied me with shooting 60 FRAMES A SECOND which is pretty gnarly and destroys the competition. If you’re wondering about details on this rig, check out a thorough review here.
Panasonic G9 ✅ $1000
What a screaming deal. This offer includes a bag and one memory card — get a second card for $20
THE LENSES
My bag always includes the super small 15mm and 20mm lenses and the 14–140mm. The 25mm takes a back seat but is waiting in the hopper when I need to shoot live music. Honestly, I don’t need any other lenses (Shhhhh. A fisheye might be in the works 🤭). Here are some details on my go-to glass. Also, my advice to you is to buy used lenses. Looking to save up to half off? That could be the case with some of these.
ZOOM LENS 14–140mm f3.5 variable ✅ $600
For many years, the 14–140mm lens has been my favorite lens of all time. When I’m out & about it’s probably sunny, so the variable aperture isn’t a problem and it has built-in stabilization for when the light gets low and I want to keep my ISO lower. In tandem with the G9 (which also has built-in stabilization), you can slow the shutter speed down quite a bit and have tack-sharp photos. To tell you the truth, I don’t even want another travel lens. This is it. A wise purchase and I’d do it all over again.
25mm f1.4 fixed ✅ $700
This is the holy grail of my lenses. A robust piece of glass that has delivered some exceptional images when I’m cruising the streets of Tokyo. The aperture lets so much light in and allows you to shoot at night with ease. This is the first fast lens I purchased, and even though the focal length might be tighter than you’re used to, the photos captured will knock your socks off. I prefer to use this lens at night and when I’m catching live music (I’m workin’ that f1.4).
20mm f1.7 fixed ✅ $270 • 15mm f1.7 fixed ✅ $550
I use both of these lenses often and prefer them at night because of their big apertures. They do not have built-in stabilization, so you’ll need to be a little more careful if you use shutter speeds below 1/80. The 15mm has the Leica stamp of approval and is branded as such. I purchased mine in excellent condition for half the price shown here, so do your homework and you’ll find a great deal as well. Honestly, the 15mm is the perfect street photography lens and you’ll probably have lots of luck with it.
Here’s a list of every Panasonic lens and there are several other brands that are making lenses for the Micro 4/3 platform, but that’s for another article.
LENS GLASS PROTECTION
Every time you buy a lens, you should also buy a clear protective filter for it. What happens if you scratch the lens? You’re screwed! In other words, just put one of these on and worries will be gone. I’m also a big fan of hoods for my lenses, too. Sometimes, they offer a bit of shade from the sun, but I mostly have them as another ounce of protection. These listed below are aluminum, and after dropping my cameras a couple times, I know they are effective. Oh, and I like red. It matches pieces on the G9.
LENS FILTER x2 for 15mm and 20mm lenses ✅ $30
LENS FILTER for 14–140mm lens ✅ $14
ALUMINUM LENS HOOD to fit 15mm and 20mm lenses ✅ $6 x2 = $12
ALUMINUM LENS HOOD to fit 14–140mm lens ✅ $13
CAMERA BAG
I’m a freak for bags and have many, and my preference is to not wear a backpack. I want easy access and I don’t want the weight of something too large. It’s not often that I need everything under the sun on my excursions through the city or hills and this bag will hold the G9 and the lenses described above just fine. I like the exterior zipper pouch on the front because I’m constantly reaching for my sunglasses. The zipper pouch on the back is cool too, because I often need to stow paperwork, a map, etc. Also, there’s a zipper on the top for easy access into the bag if you don’t want to open the main flap. There’s a removable insert which comes in handy if you need to take it out to have extra room when not using camera gear. Instant room! There are many Tenba bags to choose from that are very similar, but this option is the best for me.
Tenba DNA 13 Messenger Bag ✅ $118
STRAPS AND ATTACHMENTS
One of my favorite gizmos is the Peak Design Camera Clip. If I don’t want to use a strap or sling, I use this. It’s a small device that attaches to the bottom of my camera and its mate attaches to your bag’s strap, or your belt, and clip together. Easy on. Easy off. I’ve seen photographers that have them attached near their chests, which may keep from bumping the camera on things if you’re in tight spaces (and obviously closer to your eyes for setting up the shot). I prefer this setup down low, near my hands when I’m walking.
Peak Design Capture camera clip ✅ $70
My favorite sling is the BlackRapid Classic Retro RS4. It’s comfy and I set it up so the camera hangs right next to my hand as I walk. And when I’m tired of that thing going over my shoulder, I go to the BlackRapid wrist strap. It’s a no-frills strap that is comfortable, and after using a number of different straps, I appreciate its simplicity. The attachment for these is robust and acts like a safety mechanism.
BlackRapid Classic Retro RS4 SLING ✅ $60
BlackRapid Breathe WRIST STRAP ✅ $40
TRIPOD
This lil’ guy here does the job, is sturdy, fits in my bag AND CHEAP. I can wrap it around tree branches and railing, etc. Even though it’s not a high-end product, it has lasted me three years. Enough said.
Carson TR-050 BoaPod Flexible Tripod ✅ $30
MICROPHONE
You might be a vlogger, and if so, I recommend the Rode VideoMicro. It comes with a wind muffler and will do just fine in almost every setting. I use it when I’m at home recording little soundbytes for my YouTube channel, or when I’m exploring streams and I want crisp and clear audio of my experience. The best thing about this rig is that it’s small. Oh, and if you want to use it on your smartphone, there’s a specific cable for that, the SC7 3.5mm TRS to TRRS patch cable.
Rode VideoMicro Ultracompact Shotgun Microphone ✅ $60
🔥TOTAL = $3587
I know you’ll find every item here useful and effective. After many years of trying to figure out what I need, these items keep me happy and producing quality images and experiences. I’m here to answer questions you might have if you’re looking to start or expand your photography gear library. So if you ask me what kit you should create if you have $3,600, this is it 💯. Have a great time shooting!
