Although my bag changes from shoot to shoot, today I’m going to share my basic setup for time lapse photography. When packing my setup, I try to minimize my load to keep things light so it’s more manageable. If I’m traveling, I have more accessories, extra batteries, extra memory cards, and extra weight. However, my minimal set-up only includes the batteries and memory cards I need for the shoot. Now, let’s get into it.
My Cameras
Sony Alpha 1
This camera is my main body and is going to be used for the primary composition. This is usually dictated by which composition might be more dynamic or lend itself to a tighter crop in the end.
Sony Alpha a7R III
This secondary camera is no slouch, and usually is set-up for the secondary composition. I have a few of these bodies and keep back-ups in the car and studio. If any of the setup are more risky or precarious, I’ll use this body in that scenario.
My Lenses
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM Lens
This lens gets a lot of use. If I’m shooting from a great distance, this lens will be on my primary setup. It’s almost always in my bag.
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens
This lens is in my bag about half the time. It’s intended to help get a tight and wide time lapse. This versatile lens is great for the medium to wider composition.
My Accessories
Sirui W-2204 Tripod with Sirui Ballhead
This is my go-to tripod for most setups. I have a few of these guys, and I’m a big fan of the weight and stability of it. I also really like the twist-lock legs and the screw-in spiked feet.
Sirui R-5214XL Tripod w/ Movo GH800 Gimbal Head
Building on all the great features of the W-2204, the R5214XL is a beast extending over six and a half feet. With that kind of height, it can get above most fences and other obstructions. The gimbal head lets me balance the shot and then easily recompose without having to worry about leveling the shot again.
Sony Tough Cards
I really like these cards because they’re fast and very durable. I use both the SD and CFA types.
