“Packing will be easy.”
“My bag will be super light.”
“I won't forget anything at home.”

These are all FALSE.

Kando Trip 2.0 is here and I can’t believe it’s been a year since Kando Trip 1.0. Packing for this trip has me reflecting on the last 12 months since joining the Sony Alpha Imaging Collective Team. I've learned so much from this community and created meaningful friendships that will last a lifetime. This retreat is all about collaborating and stepping outside your comfort zone. There’s a wide range of shooting and learning experiences and we’re encouraged to try out new gear and put ourselves in new scenarios so we can all grow as creatives and artists.

Cameras

Sony α7R III: This is my go-to, don't leave home without it, camera. The AF speeds along with 399 AF points at 10fps are clutch! The built-in Slow & Quick mode has to be my favorite addition to the α7 line. It’s so fun and easy to use! And for Kando Trip where we’ll be shooting all day and into the night, I’m relying on the camera’s battery life. I have yet to kill an entire full battery in one day (but I still carry an extra).

Sony RX0: I keep the RX0 close at all times and try to look for unique opportunities to use it. Kando Trip 2.0 should be full of chances to put this baby to use!

Lenses

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master: If the sun is out, chances are this lens is on my camera. From landscapes to portraits this lens offers me the most versatility. You can't beat having an f/2.8 lens across this entire focal range. A must have!

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master: This lens is always on the chopping block when I’m trying to pack light for a trip, but I've learned a lesson multiple times now: If I suspect I might need a telephoto lens, trust my instincts and put it in the bag. I've missed many opportunities, especially wildlife, by not bringing this telephoto with me on a hike or trip. Take my word for it, a missed photo op will haunt your dreams.

Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G: Go Wide! I love this lens for landscapes with big skies and it’s even better for interiors, tight situations and creative, new perspectives. It’s sharp corner to corner and I rarely find a shot that doesn't nail focus. “But, but, it's not a f/2.8 lens” you say? Well, with my kit I find I’m covered with wide and fast glass for astro and extremely low-light situations and the ISO range in my a7R III gives me plenty of shooting latitude. It’s my newest lens and a welcome addition to my kit!

Tokina FiRIN 20mm: This is my astrophotography lens. The manual focus ring gives me an advantage because it has hard-stops after infinity focus. The aperture ring also has a click setting that allows the ring to have a noticeable sound and pause at each f-stop.

Accessories

Magilight Light Painting Stick: This is brand new and I haven't even used it yet. I love light painting and this product promises to offer some really fun and unique light.

Luxli Cello 10" LED Light: An incredibly versatile light packed into a small package. With 99 brightness levels and nearly every color on the spectrum. This is ideal for video capture and fun for night photography.

Vulta Volcano Multi-Spectrum LED Flashlight: Perfect for light beams when I’m doing astrophotography

Vello ShutterBoss II Timer Remote Switch: No more shaky long exposures!

Luminaid Solar Lantern: Compact to travel with and puts out a lot of fun colors.

Peak Design Slide Light Neck Strap

Pelican Headlamp: This is the best way to avoid rolling your ankle

MeFOTO RoadTrip Aluminum Travel Tripod Kit: I love how compact this tripod is.

Passport to the National Parks: You never know when you might have the opportunity to detour to one of our National Parks. I've been chasing stamps for over a year now!

Field Notes Notebook

Fisher Space Pen

Blackwing Pencil

Ray-Ban Wayfarers

Apple Airpods

Wandrd PRVKE Series 31-liter

AWAY Travel battery pack: You can’t have too much power.

AWAY Bags: The Bigger Carry-On