What is in my backpack?

I have frequently been asked what gear I use for my long exposure photography, particularly when I traveled around the world and had to keep all my stuff in one bag. So I think it’s a good time to take a look inside my backpack and see what stuff is inside. Especially now, when I have got a few new things what I am really excited about!

But let’s start from the beginning, from the backpack. Recently I got F-Stop Lotus 32L, and I wish I would have it earlier! I think it’s the best photo backpack that I have used so far. Finally, I could quickly put in all my stuff and add some additional things such as a jacket, a bottle of water, snacks, and, at the same time, don’t look like a heavy loaded sherpa. Just two weeks ago I used it on a long 12 miles hike in Montana, and it was so comfortable even it was heavy loaded! So, if you have a lot of gear and want to travel and hike all day long, I would recommend it without any doubts!

But let’s talk about things what are must-have for any long exposure photography! And these are ND and GND filters. Yes, without them there is no such a thing as long exposure photography. It’s a crucial part!

I used several brands and several types of filters, and I was quite happy with all that I had. And when Tiffany Leung from Kase Filters offered me to test out their K100 Wolverine Series Filters Holder Kit, I was quite skeptical. I had never heard of this brand before. But I took a look at some reviews and decided to give a shot for it. And, guys, it was the right decision!

The filters are made from a strong glass and as the company says it’s shock and scratch resistant. I have not tried to drop them down and to break them, but this video is impressive!

But what is more critical for me, that they don’t shift a color. So, basically, the problem with ND filters that they often change color. For example, my previous filters added a green tint to photos, and some filters add a blue one. It’s quite hard to fix it later. So avoiding this problem was a big win for me. You can see two shots on this screenshot. On the left side, the photo was taken with a filter, on the right side without it.

Another cool thing about this filter set is that the holder system has a magnetic CPL filter. So now, I can quickly put the CPL filter in and out. And it’s vital as the golden hour lasts not too long, and each long exposure shot takes time.

The holder is well made and can care two filters, besides a magnetic CPL, so I can easily combine an ND filter with GND. For example, for this shot, I used Kase Wolverine 10 stop ND filter, and Kase Wolverine 4 stops soft GND filter, that allowed me to calm down the water and kept the skies. That day was really windy, and the lake was pretty wavy, so without Kase Wolverine 10 stop ND filter, I couldn’t get this shot! So, now I am not skeptical about this brand and going to use the filters, and, hopefully, will get more cool pictures!

Ok, let’s now take a look at the camera gear. I am a Canon guy since probably 2005 or so. And so far so good! I use Canon 5D Mark IV and what I like about it, that it has an internal control for long exposure. I stopped use external remote controls and use just the internal one. And it saved me some space and a lot of time, actually!

Speaking of lenses, my primary weapon is Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L ll. In additional I have Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II. The last one I use rarely, but sometimes it gives some cool results!

What does make almost impossible to take long exposure photos? Right! A tripod! I use Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 with MHXPRO-BHQ2 XPRO Magnesium Ball Head. It’s a good one. Not so expensive, but quite well made. The important point about long exposure is that a camera should be stable for a few minutes. So a tripod should be able to care for it perfectly, even if it’s windy. But sometimes I would be able to get cool pictures even without a tripod, just by placing my camera on a rock, but I could not get them without ND and GND filters!

And one more thing that I bought recently is the Universal Quick Release L Plate. This plate allows me to put my camera on a tripod vertically and horizontally quickly without adjusting a tripod. And it’s small enough, so I even keep it on a camera permanently.

That is my stuff. What is yours, guys and gals?