okay so I'm trying to put together a bag of stuff since I'm going on a big trip with some explorers hopefully. My friends always make fun of me for wearing one rubber glove because I hate toughing things so if you could suggest things like that. I figured this could help out other explorers too, if everyone shares the gear and cameras they use.

I use a canon rebel t3i, GoPro and a drone. I don't really use much other gear, but I've been told I should. I have a tripod but I've been told the tripod I've linked below is much better. So what are some things you bring?

Here are the links of things I'm looking into getting:

Tripod: http://www.bestbuy...7759&skuId=4853012

Lens Hood: http://www.amazon....ebel/dp/B0045DMA42

Camera Filters: http://www.amazon....lter+accessory+kit

LED Power Panel: http://www.amazon....d1cf8c5b53d78fb2fc

Respirator (I don't wear this, like ever): http://www.amazon....733a18dbfb9d68c6da

Bag that holds camera: http://www.bhphoto...Y&is=REG&A=details

Flashlight: http://www.amazon....42c0833711f4fff82e

You've covered all the main items!

The things I'd suggest, that are arguably the most important but often overlooked:

• Good, sturdy footwear. Not sure how long your planned trip is, but having blisters on your feet can completely ruin an expedition - let alone the obvious safety concerns.
  
• A decent waterbottle - large, well-sealed and does not let dirt get in the nozzle. That backpack looks as though it'll hold one well, but make sure whatever you get fits!
  
• Spare batteries/spare flashlight. Redundancy is your friend for something as critical as light.
  

I'm not sure what the backstory is when people told you that you should be bringing more, but a tripod, gopro and a friggin drone makes you very well-equipped already! In my experience, less is more - lugging around too much stuff wears you out before you get a chance to use half of it!

All of these are good to have, but I'd have to say that the most important things are a lens hood and lens filters. They seem like such minor things, but they can make a mediocre photo go to a stunning photo. Even if it's just a UV filter (I keep one on all my lenses at all times), it can help MAJORLY. And as for the lens hood, I wouldn't be caught dead without mine.

You seem to have a pretty good idea to what you need.

I actually try to pack as lightly as possible. Camera, tripod, flashlight, and respirator. So I would definitely recommend those items that you have on the list. I usually pick out a lens beforehand and just attach it so I'm not lugging around all the camera equipment I own.

Lense hoods help to protect the lense and are needed when shooting especially outside in sunlight.

Get one -good- UV filter such as a Heliopan or a B&K. All UV filters are not equal. Their bodies should be made out of brass. Use a low profile one for wide angle lenses to prevent vignetting.

Respirators need to fit your facial contours to protect you properly; one size doesn't fit all except the throw away ones. Narrow faces are harder to fit.
Every user should be fitted to ensure a good snug, comfortable(lol) fit.
You need to choose the correct filter for the hazard(s).

Posted by azuro1125 The only things you'll need are listed below: PM me if you need more help!

Don't forget to invest in one of these to protect against asbestos



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Skip those filters. They are garbage and your image quality will take a hit. In fact, skip filters all together unless you really think you need a polarizer or an ND filter. In the 4 years I have brought a camera exploring, not one time would a uv filter have saved my lens. Just make sure you watch out for your stuff and use a lens hood when you can. The only filters that would be worth using cost more than the kit lens you have, so it just doesn't make sense.

That bag looks nice, but I prefer the sling style ones for easy access. I've had no complaints with the lowepro 102aw. I found that convenient quick access to my camera actually makes a difference for whether I decide to take a quick shot or not. I also second "less is more". This bag is somewhat small, so there is less temptation to bring stuff I don't actually need.

I'd skip flashlights and go with a headlamp for convenience. The black diamond spot or storm are amazing for the price.

One of the most important things is a nice pair of boots. Waterproof is a huge plus. Knowing you'll have clean, dry, safe feet makes any explore 10x more enjoyable. Leather gloves and heavy duty clothes that you don't mind getting dirty are nice too.

I've been seriously considering this tripod lately http://amzn.com/B00COLBNTK It's not too much more than the one you listed, but I'd trust it a lot more.

Posted by NotQuiteHuman Skip those filters. They are garbage and your image quality will take a hit. In fact, skip filters all together unless you really think you need a polarizer or an ND filter. In the 4 years I have brought a camera exploring, not one time would a uv filter have saved my lens. Just make sure you watch out for your stuff and use a lens hood when you can. The only filters that would be worth using cost more than the kit lens you have, so it just doesn't make sense.

I've lost two Heliopans, one to a fall, the other a nasty scratch. At a Franklin a pop not cheap, but far better than damaging an L lense. They make cleaning easier as well. You are correct though; a cheap filter isn't worth it. With the Heliopans I could find no discernible difference between using one and not. The UV filter did seem to help on a few shoots. Night time shoots in sodium vapor rich lighting their Digital Filter made a big difference. Rarely used polarizing filters to the point were I stopped packing them.

The lense hood is primary protection however in a hard fall... the hood falls off!

As far as the camera gear goes:

Tripod - Absolutely necessary in my experience. Manfrotto is a good brand.

Lens hood - Know what kind you need, the one you linked to I believe is for a wide angle lens.

Cable shutter release - I never left home without mine, really comes in handy for longer exposures and you can get one on amazon for under $10.

Camera bag - For me personally, I got the smallest camera bag I could to fit my camera and I just carry that with me in a normal backpack. That way even if I decide to take my camera in a cave or drain, I can just throw the camera bag in a dry bag. Makes it a little more versatile imo. I looked into that one you linked to at one point, but it's just too big.

Filters - the only filter I ever found helpful was a CPL filter. I also always have a UV filter on all of my lenses just to protect them.

As far as regular gear goes:

Respirator - I own and like the one you linked to. It gets a little wet and kind of annoying in the summer, but it beats lung cancer and it also does a good job of keeping out nasty smells.

Gloves - I found a pair of construction gloves and home depot that actually fit my hands pretty well. I also own several pairs of rubber dipped gloves that come in handy. They don't bulk up your hands like other gloves so you've got plenty of control and still don't have to get your hands dirty.

Boots - I'd recommend having a decent pair of hiking boots. In some buildings you might need the extra traction and they'll protect you from things like nails on the ground better than a pair of sneakers would. Rainboots also come in handy if you're going to be exploring after rain and are worried about flooding.

Flashlight - I never carry less than two light sources. If you find yourself underground often, I'd say a zebralight hands down. Absolutely love those lights. Bright, waterproof, and only $90 which is pretty good for a headlamp of that quality. The one you linked to seems decent, but I don't see any options for different brightnesses. It's very handy to have some brightness options. If you're going to use flashlights for light painting you might also want to consider carrying a flood and a spot with you for different scenarios.

First aid kit - I always kept a simple first aid kit with me. Band aids, rubbing alcohol, etc.. You never know.

Depending on where you're going, how far out you have to walk, how long you expect to stay, etc.. it's never a bad idea to bring along some water and snacks as well.

Anywho, that's the bare bones of what I carry, hope that helps at all. Seems like you're on the right track.

This is where i usually say "BEER!", but this is not one of those cases.

Posted by blackhawk I've lost two Heliopans, one to a fall, the other a nasty scratch. At a Franklin a pop not cheap, but far better than damaging an L lense. They make cleaning easier as well. You are correct though; a cheap filter isn't worth it.

It's better to scratch/crack a filter than to scratch/crack a $500 lens.

Not sure what kind of camera strap you have, but I recently got one of these that's very nice:

http://www.amazon....gorilla+gear+sling

It has a quick-detach point at the end so you can unhook your camera without taking the strap off, and it lets you easily re-position the camera on the sling. It's actually surprisingly useful.

Also, I found something like this to be useful for holding gear:

http://www.amazon....othco+tactical+bag

Basically big enough to hold filters, flashlight, headlamp, camera batteries, knife, and a couple lenses, plus some other misc crap. It's got a nice multitool pouch right by the strap, and it has a thin zippered pouch on the inside along the edge that I find useful for holding filters, my phone, and other stuff that I worry might get smashed up when I'm climbing around.

^I had been considering a camera strap like that for awhile, but I just can't stand the fact that it attaches to the bottom of the camera. I would really hate to unscrew it every time I needed to use my tripod which tends to be a lot in abandoned buildings. Would be nice for hiking and outdoor shoots though.

Posted by DawnPatrol ^I had been considering a camera strap like that for awhile, but I just can't stand the fact that it attaches to the bottom of the camera. I would really hate to unscrew it every time I needed to use my tripod which tends to be a lot in abandoned buildings. Would be nice for hiking and outdoor shoots though.

What kind of cam you using?

5D Mark II.

Posted by DawnPatrol 5D Mark II.

B&H carries OP Tech cam straps. Tether your cam by one of the top sside strap slots, that's all you need. Loop one of the clips to that. Then to the OP Tech cam strap. Find a chest high mount point for the second clip. You'll have to work that out. I used to loop into my tach vest or Kate cam sling. You can also tether it to your wrist.

OP tech makes a bunch of easy to use, strong fast clips. Male and females are sold separate or as kits. The cam strap comes with 2, you'll probably want more:
http://www.bhphot...trap_Uni_Loop.html

Posted by DawnPatrol ^I had been considering a camera strap like that for awhile, but I just can't stand the fact that it attaches to the bottom of the camera. I would really hate to unscrew it every time I needed to use my tripod which tends to be a lot in abandoned buildings. Would be nice for hiking and outdoor shoots though.

I set mine up so that the QD release for the sling attaches to the QD mount for the tripod - I was able to set it up so it worked out pretty well. It requires a little repositioning when you're setting up the tripod mount and sling attachment, but once it's set up you can just kind of leave it.

Good to know, I'll have to look into it. Thanks for the suggestions! Honestly, since I've gotten this camera though, I pretty much carry it regardless of having straps attached to it haha. Too paranoid of breaking it :/

Posted by DawnPatrol Good to know, I'll have to look into it. Thanks for the suggestions! Honestly, since I've gotten this camera though, I pretty much carry it regardless of having straps attached to it haha. Too paranoid of breaking it :/

That's how I use a tether. I hand carry the cam, the tether is back up. If you set it up right you can use it like that. You need a mount point mid chest to neck to do it, then adjust the length so it reaches to your hand with your arm extended. I played around until I got it right where I wanted it. Only down side is if you are crouching down the tether is too long and the cam can hit the ground.

All that said I never dropped a cam from my hand when shooting. Pro bodies are easier to hold. Simply tethering it to your wrist would be fine too. Learn to relax with the cam, make it an extension of yourself. Street shooting taught me how to do that. How you carry yourself (and cam) when street shooting is important.

I like to pack those plastic booties that cover your shoes. Its nice not having to worry about tracking mud around city streets while exploring. I use a lowepro 102aw, if it doesn't fit it doesn't go. Camera, 2 lens, tripod, couple of flashlights I'm good to go.