GEAR

In 2012, I bought my first camera - a Nikon D3000. In the years since, I’ve gone through several bodies and countless lenses and have always stuck with Nikon. Even in my roll as a military photojournalist, I’ve worked largely with Nikon. And after all these years with Nikon, I wouldn’t say I’d become a fanboy until very recently. The new Z series line is exceptional. Dare I say best in class?

NIKON ZF

I recently traded my trusty Nikon D750 for the Nikon Zf. The classy look paired with the GOAT autofocus system featured on the Z8 and Z9 made this an obvious choice. In spite of it’s quirks, it’s fun to use. And the day I stop having fun as a photographer is the day I stop being a photographer.

I’ve been on this kick of simplifying my photography kit. Smaller camera, smaller lenses, smaller bag. This was the best step in that direction. This little guy is an absolute delight to use. Tack sharp. Inconspicuous. Less threatening. It’s been a nice transition, flying under the radar.

NIKON 26MM F2.8

This lens came with the camera - it’s kit lens, so to speak. But I shoot with this lens most often given my current influences and aspirations. In this “downsizing” I’ve shifted away from zooms. Helps me get my steps in, I guess.

NIKON 40MM F2

The G.O.A.T. I had to have this lens for myself because it’s what I’ve used for 90% of my military and freelance photography. If my house was burning down and I had to grab one lens before running for the door, it’d be this one. Similarly, if you’re looking for one lens that does it all (minus wide-angle stuff), this is it.

NIKON 70-200MM F2.8

SUPPORT

I needed a lightweight, all-weather, easy-to-access bag and this is all that and more. This fits everything above along with four batteries and a power bank for externally charging the camera on the go. And the best part is there’s still plenty of space.

WANDRD ROGUE SLING 9L

Simply plug and play. This bad boy connects instantaneously to my iPhone 16 Pro via USB-C. Did I mention it has two mics that both transmit OVER 900 FEET?!

SMALLRIG S60

Chargers four batteries at once. This is a no-brainer.

An essential piece of gear.

TILTA PORTABLE BATTERY CHARGER