Camera Bag Essential Items.

[Jdmhood]

Just wanted to see what you guys carry with you in your camera bag at ALL times.

For me, Giotto rocket blower and kodak lens tissue is a must have.

Lets share what you guys have :lol:

[snails]

Lens pen, circular polarizers, a couple of spare batteries, pens and a small pad of paper.

I'd ditch the tissue for a good microfiber cloth or a lens pen.

[Jdmhood]

Lens pen, circular polarizers, a couple of spare batteries, pens and a small pad of paper.

I'd ditch the tissue for a good microfiber cloth or a lens pen.

Good additions, maybe i need to get a quality lens pen too XD.

Also, care to shed some light as to why you carry a notepad? To jog down future photo locations due to bad lighting etc?

[Todd Lambert]

There's a very similar thread here, with lots of good replies:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=805933

[snails]

Good additions, maybe i need to get a quality lens pen too XD.

Also, care to shed some light as to why you carry a notepad? To jog down future photo locations due to bad lighting etc?

Be prepared the moto of the scouts. I have an iphone I'm much more likely to take notes with, but in case I ever need to give someone information a pen and paper seems the most reliable method.

[mitch2k1]

Pen, Pad, small Mag Lite, rocket blower, polarizers, ND filter, remote release, hot shoe level, allen wrench, lens pen, lens cloth, spare batteries

[sneakerhead]

Lens pen, rocket blower, filters, filter wrench for stubborn CPs, extra batteries

[Supastudio]

I'm surprised no one mentioned an extra memory card :)

Along with that, I carry lens cloths, spare batteries, and the new edition is spare lens caps.

[jobino]

Except a camera and some lenses,
- CF (+SD with backup of 1D II parameters and scan of invoices of my gears for customs)
- Grey card
- small blower + microfiber cloth + key of my tripod
That's all

[rmlewis1]

As well as most of the stuff above I also carry an Optech Rain cover. Additionally I also carry a shower cap for the front of my lens for times like this:
http://www.broughttolight.com/p/favourites/bridgeovertroubledwater248

Oh yes and a Royaltek GPS tracker - neat little device that tracks where you have been.

[themadman]

blower, lens pen, spare batteries for camera and flash... thats about it

[WillOPhotos]

Torch for getting off the beaches in the dark ;)

[SnlpeR]

plastic bags and a flashlight
small screw driver too
rubber bands

[Jon]

Like I say every time this comes up, mini-carabiners, a plastic $0.99 disposable poncho and a garbage bag or two in addition to the obvious stuff. Also a voice recorder that I let run while I'm shooting for any commentary that may be going on.

[DarthSparky]

Giottos Rocket Blower and lens cloth, spare eneloops, spare CF Cards

[JoeyBowman]

Extra memory cards, extra batteries, tablet and pen incase I need to write down details. Mini first aid kit, bandanas and a shower cap incase of rain (both for the camera, not me).

[Hogloff]

Extra memory cards, extra batteries, tablet and pen incase I need to write down details. Mini first aid kit, bandanas and a shower cap incase of rain (both for the camera, not me).

I do quite a bit of trekking off the beaten path and it really amazes me how many people I meet up with ( both photographers and just hikers ) that are not prepared for any kind of emergency conditions. No first aid kit, no warmer clothing, no flashlight etc...

I pack my bag with the essentials first, then fit in my camera gear.

[jacobsen1]

depends on where I'm going:

normal:

spare battery
TT pixelpocket with 4xspare CF cards
allen wrench for RRS L-bracket
coin for CottonCarrier button
lens pen
lens cloth
wireless remote
12mm macro tube
business cards
pico micro LED keychain light (this thing is amazing, got it for xmas)
1 plastic bag stuffed into an old 35mm film caniser
sharpie
business cards (in my wallet)
iphone


added when landscaping I have a TT skin 50 I add to the side of my bag with filled with:

77mm CP
77mm 10-stop
Cokin X-pro 1 2 and 3 stop and holder and 77mm ring and 14-24mm adapter
bubble level
headlamp

[ed rader]

besides what's been mentioned i also carry food and water.

ed rader

[JWright]

Water, energy bars, extra CF cards, allen wrench, small roll gaffer's tape (wrapped around the allen wrench) spare batteries, spare batteries, spare batteries, and spare batteries.

[dsldub]

Spare CF cards, Lenspen, Remote release, battery, ND filter.

[KIP]

An ordinary kitchen trash bag has saved me more than once. Aside from the common accessories, I always make sure to have a trash bag.


* 1 plastic bag stuffed into an old 35mm film caniser

ooh! i like the film canister idea! :)

[Patriotic1]

I do quite a bit of trekking off the beaten path and it really amazes me how many people I meet up with ( both photographers and just hikers ) that are not prepared for any kind of emergency conditions. Agreed. I hike off the beaten path quite frequently as well so I carry a very loud safety whistle (in case I break leg or something stupid and need to attract some help), a compass for general orientation, a small mag light, and a select few medical safety kit items in my camera backpack. Just seems like the smart thing to do to me - but like you, I've run into several hikers/photographers way off trail with no water or emergency supplies whatsoever.

[quadwing]

Lenses, lens hood, sensor cap. That's all I really have, haha.

[Lightchaser]

Like I say every time this comes up, mini-carabiners, a plastic $0.99 disposable poncho and a garbage bag or two in addition to the obvious stuff. Also a voice recorder that I let run while I'm shooting for any commentary that may be going on.

What do you do with the carabiners?

[Jon]

What do you do with the carabiners?
Clip gear to the bag, use 'em as anchor points for lines to hold something back/up. Pretty much the same kind of thing you'd use 'em for in regular life. I have several bags that I've replaced the HD plastic hardware with mini-biners.

[Cpt.Vanquisher]

I carry a lot of stuff with me: 20 spare AA batteries, mini maglite, Leatherman tool of CRKT knife, 2 energy bars, plastic bag, 10 tie-wraps, carabiners, 2m of thin, black rope, rocket blower, lens cloth, small notebook + pens, business cards from me and from the model agency. And I have used everything in the last 3 months!

[pic_ist]

I do a lot of back country snowshoeing, hiking, portaging etc... and other than my normal photo gear and survival gear... the one item I wouldn't leave home without is a good sized ziplock bag and a pelican silica pack. I have gotten my gear wet enough to require it on a couple of occasions and it's always nice to try and start drying things out ASAP in the field. Especially if your not going to be back to civilization for a couple of days.

[Familiaphoto]

The post below covers my standard kit. I will leave home the 85mm and Flash bracket during the summer as I generally don't use those when out doors.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=8202244&postcount=1

[Sledhed]

Sun screen, Tums, Jewelers screwdrivers (for lens mount), owners manuals, gaffers tape, pen and note pad, highlighter, cable and lock (comes with TT AS roller),

[Rainyday]

CP's, lens cloth, pen, notebook, spare media card. I don't carry much, I don't trek off the beaten bath at all.

[midget]

lens cloth, batteries, spare CF, business cards for me. id like to stay minimalist

[Tim Snow]

Another hiker here, and I back up the others...I like to carry a full daypack with a rain shell, at least 3 liters of water, compass, maps, food, my headlamp (I love it, best piece of kit ever invented!), fire starters (matches, magnesium striker, dryer lint), water treatment tablets, a good knife, a good multi-tool (not one of those cheapo $10 ones, they break way too easily), sunscreen (I burn easily). Also included are a rain cover for my pack, extra garbage bags and a good ballcap.
As for camera gear, I love the Hoodman Hoodloupe. If I'm out shooting during the day this is with me. CPL and a split grad make their way in there too, as do batteries and CF's. Also, I always have a few pairs of earplugs (I'm primarily a concert shooter).

[tgara]

Lens pen, Microfiber cloth, blower brush, extra memory card, and a homemade depth of field chart are always carried. Other accessories are chosen for the particular outing prior to leaving (e.g., filters, GPS recorder, etc.)

[rouxeny]

Something that I always forget is my business card.

Invariably, somebody is curious as to what you're shooting and it's nice to have somewhere to point them.

Other than that, I bring the usual stuff, plus sometimes a flashlight.

[Rainydays12]

I have one item that I didn't see mentioned already. That would be BEAR SPRAY. I like taking nature pictures on hiking trails. On most trails you may not run into another single person all day. The trails don't have to be remote in Montana to run across a bear and her cubs.
I also include the sunscreen, chapstick, baby wipes (to clean my hands), small first aid kit, protein bar, water bottle, GPS, 3-in-1 tool (knife, screwdriver, etc).
I like the whistle idea. There's a lot of land to cover here and if someone was looking for me it would be great to be able to whistle if I was injured. Thanks for the tip!

[Z28Ken]

Hiker/Backpacker/Climber here as well, so I tend the carry the basic survival essentials when I'm "out".

Maybe drifting a little off topic here, but I do have as part of my everyday carry (photo bag or briefcase, no difference):

1. Fixed blade knife (SOG Seal Pup)
2. Firestarter (Bic lighter, Firesteel)
3. Flashlight (Surefire A2L) (admittedly, a bit of a flashlight gear junkie)

To bring this back a bit on topic :) - in my camera case: extra batteries, SD/CF cards, rocket blower, microfiber cloth, notebook, pen, small pack towel (for me or for the gear!). Also, my iPod :)

[alex66]

City walker mostly so.
City guides if first visit etc
Public transport timetables etc.
Pain Killers
Bottle of water
Smokes
Notebook and pens (fountain pen)
phrase book

[CalPiker]

First off, I carry my camera (when not shooting), lenses, and flash in my bag (Lowepro Classified 200 AW). :)

I also have the following:
spare camera batteries
enough AA Eneloops for flash and camera
battery tray for my grip that holds the AAs Eneloops
pen / small notepad
carabiner to hold my monopod to my bag, as well as add an extra layer of protection to prevent someone from opening my bag without me knowing (I clip the handles together after buttoning them).
$5 in quarters for parking meters (saved me from several parking tickets)
Lens cloth / lenspen / rocket blower
camera remote / tripod mount
my extra memory cards
a couple of chem lights (Glo-sticks) and 20' of paracord
At night: headlamp and Surefire G2 light

I don't go off the beaten path that much, but I do have a well equipped bag in my vehicle with my minimum required search and rescue gear, as well as an advanced medical kit, if I find myself in an area where I know I will need it. Stuff that will keep me going for 3+ days if needed. I won't list all of that stuff (or my every day carry), since it is not in my camera bag.

[asysin2leads]

Batteries (for cameras and AA), notepad/pen, memory cards, biz cards, gum/mints and other nick naks. Not to mention all the cables and cords for my PWs and stuff. I carry a OD green G2 light, too.

[82NoMe]

bottle opener & condoms

[larrysch]

GPS - small flashlight

[xMClass]

Here's what accessories I got in my bag at all times: Giottos rocker blower, Giottos lens brush, microfiber cleaning cloth, Lowepro memory card & AA battery wallet, extra Lowepro Transporter strap, EC-D focusing screen, flashlight, sharpie, set of small screw drivers, rain filters, CP Filters, Sandisk CF's, and of course plenty of extra batteries.