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The Ultimate Guide To Photography Gear For Beginners: All The Gear You Need To Start

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hotography Gear for Beginners, Samanta Katz

Before we even get to the list of photography gear for beginners, I want to make one thing clear: gear does not compensate for skills.

Although the equipment that you own will have an impact on the work you do and the photos you can take, learning the basic skills of photography is the most important step.

You won’t need newer and better gear until you learn to use what you have, and in fact, you are so good at using, that your skills exceed the technical limitations of what you have.

What I mean to say with this is that I firmly believe you should buy the minimum amount of gear you need to get started. This literally means a camera, a lens, and a memory card. Having a computer to process images would be handy, but that is almost a second step. If you get a basic camera and a basic lens, you are ready to start learning.

As your skills advance and you start learning more and wanting to try new things, your need for equipment will change, and that’s ok. But don’t feel like you need to go out and buy everything on this list before you start taking photos! With that being said, the items listed below, are what I consider essential basic gear you need to start – that’s why I’ve named this post Photography Gear for Beginners!

Gear doesn’t make you a better photographer, but it will make your job easier.

I encourage you to read this entire post so you can really understand why I am recommending what I’m recommending, but if you’re antsy to get started ASAP, you can check out my Photography Gear Shop on Amazon here!

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

  • Photography Gear I Started With
  • Photography Gear I Have Now
  • Cameras
  • Lenses
  • Camera Bags
  • Hard Drives
  • Batteries
  • Cards & Card Readers
  • Tripods
  • UV Lens Filters
  • Software
  • Studio Photography
  • A Final Note on Photography Gear for Beginners

Photography Gear I Started With

Photography Gear I Started With

I bought my first camera in December of 2007. I remember because it was a few months after my first trip to Europe and when I fell in love with travel and photography. I was a film student at university at the time, and when I went on that trip I brought my dad’s little point and shoot.

After having learned some basic concepts of camera operations, I realized that I couldn’t really learn how to properly shoot on a point and shoot, and I needed something better. So my first camera was a Nikon d-80.

It is a crop sensor camera, that had horrible low light rendering, but it was a million times better than what I had because it was an dSLR.

A dSLR is a digital single lens reflex (which refers to the system the camera uses to operate), this meant I could interchange lenses, shoot manual, and really start learning the principles.

I bought this camera on eBay, with a kit that came with two zoom lenses (one 18-55 crop, and the other I cant remember, but something telephoto, like 50-200 or so) and a prime lens, a 50mm.

I literally didn’t touch the 50mm for two years, because I felt like it was boring and useless. At one focal length, how much could I really do? I laugh now because when I discovered that 50mm in quality and precision, I never looked back to my zooms.

So my first camera was super basic, and the lenses were even more so. Low quality, poor rendition in low light, and with a somewhat slow focusing system. But nonetheless, it took me about three years to need an upgrade.

Once I really understood how to use lenses and what the limitations of my camera were, I upgraded to a d-90 (the next model up), still a crop sensor camera, but with much better low light performance and faster focusing system. This is the camera I used through photography school in 2010/11, and for my first two years freelancing. I didn’t upgrade to a full-frame camera (which mostly means a bigger sensor, better quality as it has more pixels available, and lenses look a lot wider, and were available in better quality) until after my program.

Somewhere along the way I bought a tripod, a flash, some filters straps, cases, hard drives, some studio lights and modifiers for them, backdrops and a backdrop stand, and upgraded my computer.

Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no cost you, I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using the links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps cover some of the operational costs associated with this blog, so I’d appreciate the support!

Photography Gear I Have Now

Fast-forward to now, and although I still have way more equipment than I need, I managed to figure out exactly what is the equipment I use and love.

I still shoot Nikon, but I upgraded from my latest full-frame dSLR d750 to a mirrorless Z6, which meant I had to buy a few new lenses.

Usually, when I upgrade, I sell my old camera body, but this time I kept my d750 and all my lenses (105mm, the same 50mm I bought 13 years ago, a 24mm, and a 35mm) and I bought a new set of lenses for the mirrorless (although my old lenses fit on the z6 with the adaptor, I wanted some native glass for the new camera).

Because I mostly shoot 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm, those are the ones I bought.

I decided to keep to full setups because I do a lot of travel and work on my own, often in remote places, so I can’t count on a nearby shop, or a fellow photographer to lend me a replacement if anything goes wrong. But it took me seven years in business as a freelancer to actually need “double of everything”.

I work a lot with hotels and in travel so I also have a Mavic Pro drone, a gimbal, as I do a lot of video work, my trusted MacBook Pro loaded with Lightroom, Photoshop, and da Vinci resolve for video, a bunch of 2tb and 5tb hard drives, extra batteries, chargers, card readers and a Wacom tablet for editing.

Traveling with this much gear is exhausting, I get into arguments with airline agents all the time because my hand luggage is way too heavy (about 16kg) and eventually they have no choice buy to let me go through because its all electronics.

Anyways, the truth is that I can perform most of my work on my z6 and a 35mm lens, and pretty much whenever I go out to a shoot I try to bring the least amount of equipment I possibly can. But working as a professional means I need to have all these tools. If you are just starting out, you should start small!

Photography Gear For Beginners: CAMERAS

Photography Gear For Beginners: CAMERAS

 

I have an entire post dedicated to the best cameras for beginner photographers in 2020 which you definitely need to check out, but below, I want to just give you a gist on what to look for.

When you buy your first camera there is a lot to consider, and I know it can be overwhelming. The truth is that there isnt all that much difference between camera brands as each one has their entry level camera, their mid level, and their pro.

If you are just starting out, going with the baseline cameras is a great idea, although I know some people are wanting to go straight into a full sensor, and that’s ok, it comes down to budget, and if you think you will be wanting to upgrade sooner and later.

If you are not planning on doing photography professionally, a crop sensor will always be more than enough for you. But if you decide to go the pro route, you will eventually want a full frame camera.

In terms of what brand to use, I recommend visiting a local camera store and trying them out. I ended up with Nikon by chance, as the deal online was much better than the Canon one, and after shooting the same brand for 13 years, I am too used to the ergonomics, settings, and color rendering of Nikon, so I would never consider another brand.

Although I know people who have switched, for me, I like what I have, and I spent good money on lenses, which as long as I keep using Nikon, I can keep using.

I did buy a Fuji mirrorless for traveling and I loved it for a while as it was smaller and easier, but once my travels turned into work, I couldn’t afford to travel without my professional gear.

Before I upgraded to my Z6 I actually tried a Sony A7 for a few days… and although technically the camera was amazing, I just couldn’t get used to the shape of the body, and the colors…. I just hated it, and couldn’t commit to it, even knowing that it was a bit better for video.

I have shot Canon cameras in the past and they are amazing, but again, the buttons are in “the wrong place” for me, and I dont enjoy the process. My good friend owns Canon and she tells me how much she loves the bulkiness and heaviness off it, it makes her feel at work… for me, I love how small Nikon lenses can be, and I am all about shooting light and comfortable, so I always loved the smaller Nikon sized.

What I am trying to say is that…. A camera is a camera.

Pick what you like the most, what makes you feel the most comfortable, and the level of camera that matches the work that you do.

If you are concerned about budget, mirrorless cameras are a great option to SLR, and they are getting better and better every release. In my opinion, mirrorless is the future of photography, and they also provide you with great video functionality.

Although if you are gonna go for an entry level camera, SLRs might be a little more reliable.

I would recommend sticking to one of the more known brands:

  • Nikon
  • Canon
  • Sony
  • Fuji

Read all about my camera recommendations in GREAT detail: The Best Cameras For Beginner Photographers In 2020

Not only is there more equipment available for these brands, but also there are more resources online for troubleshooting, and problem-solving.

So in summary, check out the options available for each camera manufacturer, both SLR and Mirrorless, and decide what feels the best for you. There is no wrong choice, trust me.

Once you pick a camera that you like, you can move onto the next most important thing: lenses.

Photography Gear for Beginners: LENSES

Lenses are divided into two main categories: Zoom lenses and prime lenses.

So, what’s the difference?

A prime lens has only one focal length, while a zoom lens can travel from a range of focal lengths.

Common starter zooms cover from wide length to telephoto but often drop in quality due to the number of different lengths it services.

It’s important to keep in mind that you can find lenses in all kinds of budgets.

Often, the more expensive the lens, the better quality the glass, and the better build the mechanisms are. You will find differences in lenses regarding their ability to focus at speed, in low light, and produce a crisp and clean image.

A cheap lens might cover a lot of ground but might leave you with undesirable image quality. I recommend to start off with a zoom to determine what kind of focal lengths you like, and to experiment in different types of photography, and once you narrow down your interest, you can invest in a nice prime lens of better quality.

You can also usually find on any brand, a nifty fifty, which is what we call a basic 50mm prime lens. This lens is great for portraits, and can also serve as a midrange lens (if you are on a full-frame sensor, on a crop frame is a bit tight), so it gives you quite a bit of option to play with, and it usually comes at a nice and bright aperture (f2.8, f1.8 etc) which will help you play with that beautiful bokeh (that blurry background everyone loves).

You can always upgrade your zoom to a better one, I just recommend primes because they tend to be better in quality as their entire existence is focused on one focal length only, rather than a zoom that works all over.

I also prefer shooting prime lenses because it makes my photography more intentional and thought out. That is just my personal preference, but I know a lot of photographers who love the ease of a zoom.

To recap, start with 2 lenses:

  • A zoom lens – a common starter zoom is 28-70mm and might even come with the camera!
  • A prime lens – either a 50mm or 35mm

Here are all of the lenses I currently use:

Photography Gear for Beginners: CAMERA BAGS & LENS CASES

Photography Gear for Beginners

Anyone who tells you one camera bag can fit all needs is a liar.

I have about 5-10 different bags and I like to use a different set up depending where in the world I’m shooting, how much gear I need, and the weather.

My most used bag is a Lowepro that fits all my equipment. I also have a roller bag for back pain and a few small over the shoulder bags.

My favourite though for short shoots is this insert that I can fit into different bags, plus these lens cases that keep my lenses safe.

Camera Bags & Lens Cases Recommendations

Photography Gear for Beginners: HARD DRIVES

Photography Gear for Beginners: HARD DRIVES

As I mentioned in other posts, I am a backup freak. All my work is always backed up, and often I use hard drives as my main storage for images, with a second drive as a backup.

I usually only keep on my laptop whatever I am currently working on, and put everything else on drives. I’ve tried every single hard drive you can think of, so I really know what I’m talking about with this!

To make it easy, I recommend getting 2 hard drives: 1 Desktop Drive, and 1 Portable Drive.

The desktop drive is for archival and storage of all your things. It stays in one place and has a lot of storage space. The portable drive is for travel and life on the move. It’s super sturdy and is basically travel proof. 

Hard Drives Recommendations:

Photography Gear for Beginners: BATTERIES

I always had an extra battery, for every camera I own, but since upgrading to mirrorless I now carry 4 batteries with me. It might be a bit excessive but I like knowing that under no circumstance I will run out of power.

I know this sounds basic, but I learned the hard way that you want to eliminate any extra stress or worries when you are at a shoot. Having your equipment cover all your needs and beyond, makes you be able to relax, get in the zone, and get creative when it comes time to shoot.

Although alternate brand batteries are tempting, I would encourage you to never do this. Batteries are a quality item and its important to make sure they won’t leak or overcharge your camera.

The price difference is just not worth the risk!!!

Photography Gear for Beginners: CARDS & CARD READERS

The rule for cards is similar to the rule for batteries. Don’t save on this one.

It is best to get brand name reliable cards, that are fast and well built because that’s where your work gets saved.

I also like to have a ton of extra space on my cards that way I can keep shoots “stored” in the cards until I am done processing, and I made a backup copy (I always have my photos in at least two places. That’s my rule of thumb!)

Cards & Card Reader Recommendations:

Photography Gear for Beginners: TRIPOD & MONOPOD

Photography Gear for Beginners: TRIPOD & MONOPOD

My work has changed quite a bit in the last few years. When I used to do a lot of studio work I had a sturdy Manfrotto tripod that I loved, but once I started doing a lot more travel work, I needed a tripod that was portable. Monopods are a great option for anyone doing video as well, so it really depends on the kind of work you are doing.

Tripod & Monopod Recommendations:

Photography Gear for Beginners: UV LENS FILTERS & REFLECTORS

First off, UV lens filters are SO important. If you drop your lens or scratch it, better to do it on a 20$ filter than a 2000$ lens!

However, keep in mind that your image is as good as the last piece of glass it goes through, so make sure you don’t cheapen your lens by covering the amazing glass with a cheap filter. This is the UV lens filter that I recommend.

Secondly, for any portrait or fashion photographers out there, reflectors are a must. You can use it to bounce a flash or just to fill light into a portrait. They are light and portable, and super versatile. Get the 5 in 1 version, and you can create shadows, and golden/silver/white fill. 

UV Lens FIlter & Reflectors Recommendations:

Photography Gear for Beginners: SOFTWARE

Photography Gear for Beginners: SOFTWARE

Some gear is hardware, but some is software.

To get started as a pro, not everything you need is hardware. There are a few important software elements that you need. I would recommend working on a Mac (laptop or desktop) with a fast enough processor and enough hard drive space. I work a lot with video as well as photography, so I invested in a pretty loaded laptop.

This is the laptop that I have: MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)

  • 1tb memory space
  • Processor:  2.4 GHz 8-Core Intel Core i9
  • Memory: 32 GB 2400 MHz DDR4
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 1536 MB

Alright now let’s get into editing software. There’s obviously no surprises here: I work with Lightroom and Photoshop. If you’re wondering which Lightroom program to start out with sure to check out this full explanation of Lightroom CC vs Lightroom Classic.

I also use a program called Jpeg Mini to compress files to maintain their integrity but reduce size.

For image delivery I use Pixieset (you can do a lot with the free version!) as well as Dropbox.

For invoicing and accounting I use waveapps.com.

And last but not least, I have commercial photography insurance for all my equipment with Front Row Insurance (Canada and USA but there’s coverage worldwide)

Photography Gear for Beginners: STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography Gear for Beginners: STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY

As you evolve and chose your photography of choice you might find you need backdrops, stands, lights, flashes, and modifiers. I wouldn’t recommend anyone that is JUST starting out, to invest in this. Studio rentals is a great way to get started with all of these extras and get a feel for what you like and how to use it.

Once you are a bit more advanced, a strobe or a flash can be a game-changer in terms of the images you can produce. If you are getting there, drop me a comment, and i’ll be happy to give you some recommendations. A first studio set up at home can be as simple as a stand, a flash, and an umbrella.

Studio Photography Gear Recommendations:

A Final Note

As your Photography evolves, so will your equipment

New equipment is tempting and exciting. I was guilty of it myself when I started out, get distracted with shiny objects, and thought that my photography would only improve when I purchased whatever was the newest most expensive equipment.

But after years in the business, I can tell you that nothing I love more than owning JUST ENOUGH and nothing more. As a traveler, moving around with extra equipment is frustrating and expensive. And long gone are the days where you needed big lenses and huge set-ups to impress clients.

Explore, try, and play, but don’t expect to spend a bunch of money and magically make your photography better. When it comes to equipment wait until you need it, try with what you have, and only when you are truly limiting your creativity and skills with your equipment, will you know it’s time to move on and upgrade.

 

 

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