The arsenal
The kit behind the work.
The cameras, lenses, lights and edit station I actually use on commercials, hotels, events and travel. If you're building your own setup, these are the tools I trust.
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My concert & travel setup
Two cameras in my hands, one in my mouth.
The rig I used to shoot Candy 66 in Panama: the Leica Q2 for black and white, the Sony a7CR with the Tamron 28-200 for color, and the DJI Osmo Action 5 on a mouth mount filming POV. Read the story →
Cameras
The bodies every shoot is built on.
Sony a7CR
- 61 MP full-frame back-illuminated sensor
- 5-axis in-body stabilization, up to 7 stops
- AI subject recognition for people, animals and vehicles
- 4K up to 60p, 10-bit 4:2:2, S-Log3 and S-Cinetone
My takeThis is the camera I grab first. Hotel interiors, executive portraits, cars, a rock show in Panama: 61 megapixels gives me room to crop and still deliver a huge file, in a body small enough to travel with.
Check price on Amazon →
Sony FX3
- 12.1 MP full-frame sensor built for video
- 4K up to 120p, 15+ stops of dynamic range in S-Log3
- Built-in fan for uninterrupted 4K 60p recording
- XLR handle with two pro audio inputs, 16-bit RAW over HDMI
My takeMy cinema camera for commercials, brand films and events. It shoots like a much bigger cinema camera but fits on a gimbal, and it never overheats in the middle of a take.
Check price on Amazon →
Leica Q2
- 47.3 MP full-frame sensor
- Fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH lens
- IP52 dust and splash sealing
- Crop modes out to 75mm, 4K video
My takeMy black and white camera. I shot the Candy 66 rehearsal and concert in Panama on it. The 28mm makes you get close, and the files have a look I don't get anywhere else.
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Fujifilm X100V
- 26.1 MP APS-C X-Trans sensor
- 23mm f/2 lens (35mm equivalent)
- Hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder
- Fujifilm film simulations straight out of camera
My takeSmall, quiet and always on me. It's what I use for behind-the-scenes and street, when a big camera would change how people act.
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Panasonic Lumix LX100
- Four Thirds sensor in a compact body
- Leica 24-75mm equivalent f/1.7-2.8 zoom
- 4K video and a built-in electronic viewfinder
- Manual aperture ring and shutter dial
My takeA pocketable camera with real dials. Great for travel days and casual shooting when I don't want to carry a full kit.
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Ricoh GR II
- 16 MP APS-C sensor in a true pocket body
- 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens
- Snap focus for instant street shots
My takeThe camera that fits in a jeans pocket. Pure street and everyday photography, zero attention.
Check price on Amazon →Lenses
The glass I rotate between depending on the job.
Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6
- 7x zoom, f/2.8 at the wide end
- Light for its range, about 575 g
- Quiet RXD autofocus motor
- Moisture-resistant build
My takeOne lens from wide rooms to tight stage shots. I shot color at the Candy 66 concert on this, with no time to swap lenses.
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Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Standard 28-75mm range for most jobs
- Fast, quiet linear autofocus
- Compact for a fast zoom
My takeThe workhorse. Events, food, people: if I can only bring one f/2.8 zoom, it's this one.
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Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
- Ultra-wide 17-28mm, constant f/2.8
- Light, about 420 g
- Takes standard 67mm filters
- Moisture-resistant build
My takeReal estate, hotel rooms and car interiors. Wide enough to show the space without the distortion of something wider.
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Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
- Constant f/2.8 telephoto zoom
- Much smaller than a typical 70-200
- Fast, quiet linear autofocus
- Moisture-resistant build
My takeCompression for car profiles, stage shots and candid moments at events, from far enough back to stay out of the way.
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Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
- Bright f/1.4 aperture
- Sharp across the frame wide open
- Physical aperture ring with click switch
- Dust and splash resistant
My takeMy go-to prime for portraits, product and food when I want the background to melt away.
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Sony FE 85mm f/1.8
- f/1.8 with 9-blade rounded aperture
- Light, 371 g
- Quiet double linear motor focus
- Dust and moisture resistant
My takeHeadshots and portraits. Flattering compression and soft backgrounds, and light enough to carry all day.
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Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G
- 122° angle of view at 12mm
- Constant f/4 aperture
- Light, 565 g
- Built-in lens hood, dust and moisture resistant
My takeFor the shots that need to feel big: architecture, tight interiors and dramatic car angles.
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Fujifilm WCL-X100 II
- Screws onto the X100V lens
- Takes it from 35mm to 28mm equivalent
- Keeps the camera's autofocus and image quality
My takeTurns the X100V into a wider street and travel camera without carrying a second body.
Check price on Amazon →Camera accessories
The small add-ons that change how a shot looks.
K&F Concept Mini Matte Box
- Compact matte box sized for mirrorless lenses
- Adjustable flags block side light and flare
- Light enough to stay on for handheld and gimbal work
My takeCuts flare when I'm shooting into windows or the sun, and makes the camera look the part on a client set.
Check price on Amazon →Compact & action
Small rigs for run-and-gun, travel and POV.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
- 1-inch sensor on a 3-axis gimbal
- 4K up to 120fps
- 2-inch rotating touchscreen
- Subject tracking
My takeWalk-throughs, vlogs and quick social content. Smooth footage without setting up a gimbal.
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DJI Osmo Action 5
- 1/1.3-inch sensor
- 4K up to 120fps
- Waterproof without a case
- Long battery life
My takeCars, bikes, water and anywhere a big camera can't go. In Panama it was in my mouth filming POV while my hands ran two cameras.
Check price on Amazon →
Insta360 X3
- 5.7K 360° video
- 72 MP 360° photos
- Large touchscreen
- Reframe any angle after the shot
My takeShoot everything, choose the angle later. Great on the bike and for moving shots where I can't predict the best frame.
Check price on Amazon →Action cam mouth mount
- Bite-grip mount for action cameras
- Eye-level point of view
- Keeps both hands free
My takeThe cheapest piece of gear here and one of the most useful. It films what I see while I work.
Check price on Amazon →Lighting
Key, fill and color for interviews, product and sets.
GVM 300W LED kit
- 300W bi-color COB LED, CRI 97+
- Bowens mount for softboxes and modifiers
- Kit includes a lantern softbox and light stand
- Silent fan cooling
My takeMy main key light. Through the lantern it wraps soft, even light around a subject for interviews, podcasts and portraits.
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Sirui C150X Combo (x2)
- 150W bi-color COB light that fits in one hand
- Just 450 g for the light body
- Handle and V-mount battery plate in the combo
- Bluetooth app control; fan can be limited or switched off for quiet sets
My takeI run two. Fill, hair light or a hard accent, and small enough to throw in the bag for location shoots.
Check price on Amazon →Nanlite PavoTube II 30C (x2)
- 4-ft full-color RGBWW LED tubes
- 2700-7500K with green/magenta adjustment, CRI 97
- App, remote and DMX control, built-in effects
My takeColor and edge light. Hidden in a car, along a wall or in frame as a practical.
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GVM RGB LED panels
- Bi-color and full RGB
- App control
- Barn doors for shaping
My takeSoft fill and background color for interviews, podcasts and quick setups.
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Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro (AD200 Pro)
- 200Ws battery-powered pocket strobe
- Swappable bare-bulb and speedlight heads
- TTL and high-speed sync
- Hundreds of full-power flashes per charge
My takeStudio-level flash power that fits in a bag. Overpowers the sun for portraits and products on location.
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Neewer 32" octagon softbox
- 32-inch (80 cm) octagon softbox
- Soft, round light for faces and catchlights
- Folds down for transport
My takeTurns a hard light into a big, flattering source for portraits and interviews, with round catchlights in the eyes.
Check price on Amazon →Phottix 55cm softbox
- 55 cm (about 22-inch) softbox
- Compact size for key or fill
- Quick to set up on location
My takeA smaller, more controllable source when the big softbox is too much. Good for product, food and tight spaces.
Check price on Amazon →Phottix 80cm softbox
- 80 cm (about 32-inch) softbox
- Big, soft light for people
- Folds down for travel
My takeMy big soft source for portraits and interviews when I want light that wraps around the face.
Check price on Amazon →Gimbal & slider
Stabilization and smooth camera moves.
DJI RS 3
- 3-axis gimbal for mirrorless cameras
- Automated axis locks for fast setup
- Touchscreen and Bluetooth shutter control
- Folds down for travel
My takeSmooth moving shots on the a7CR and FX3: walk-throughs, car rollers and events, without hiring a Steadicam.
Check price on Amazon →YC Onion Hot Dog 80cm slider
- 80 cm (31.5") manual slider
- Parallax and panoramic moves
- Rated for up to 20 kg payload
My takeThe quickest way to add production value: a slow push, slide or parallax move on products, food, cars and interiors.
Check price on Amazon →Tripods
Locked-off shots, real estate, product and long exposures.
Manfrotto 055 tripod
- Classic aluminum 055 legs
- Center column swings horizontal for overhead shots
- Paired with a Manfrotto 808RC4 3-way head
My takeThe tripod for interiors, product and food. The knob head lets me level a room shot exactly and leave it there.
Check price on Amazon →K&F Concept 96" aluminum tripod
- Extends to about 96 inches
- Aluminum legs
- Height for overhead and over-the-crowd angles
My takeFor when I need height: overheads, events and getting the camera above everything else in the room.
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Manfrotto 808RC4 3-way head
- 3-way pan/tilt head with a separate knob for each axis
- RC4 quick-release plate
- Precise, independent leveling
My takeThe knob head on my 055. Each axis moves on its own, so I can level a room or a tabletop exactly and nothing drifts.
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Manfrotto Compact Action tripod
- Lightweight aluminum travel tripod
- Hybrid head for photo and video
- Folds small enough to strap to a backpack
My takeThe grab-and-go tripod for travel and light cameras, when the 055 is too much to carry.
Check price on Amazon →Monitors
A bigger screen for focus, framing and client review on set.
Aputure field monitor
- On-camera HDMI field monitor
- About 450 nits, best in shade or indoors
- Bigger view for focus and framing than the camera screen
My takeAn older one, but it still earns its spot for gimbal work and for letting clients watch the frame on set.
Check price on Amazon →Audio
Wireless lavs and on-camera sound for interviews, events and run-and-gun.
DJI Mic 3
- Compact clip-on wireless transmitters
- Internal backup recording on the transmitters
- Up to 4 transmitters on one receiver
- Plugs into cameras and phones
My takeMy main wireless system for interviews and corporate video. The backup recording means I never lose a take to a dropout.
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Hollyland Lark M2
- Tiny, lightweight transmitters
- Receivers for camera, USB-C and iPhone
- Built-in noise cancellation
My takeSmall enough to disappear on a collar. My go-to for quick social content and second-angle audio.
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RØDE NTG2
- Supercardioid shotgun microphone
- Runs on an AA battery or phantom power
- Light enough for a boom pole or the camera
My takeOn the boom or on the camera for natural sound and when lavs aren't an option.
Check price on Amazon →Podcast gear
What we record the podcast and web show on.
Shure MV7 podcast mics
- Dynamic broadcast-style microphone
- USB-C and XLR outputs
- Built for voice, rejects room noise
- Shure app for tone and levels
My takeThe mics on our podcast and web show. Dynamic mics keep the room out, so we sound good even in spaces that aren't treated.
Check price on Amazon →TASCAM MiNiSTUDIO CREATOR (white)
- USB audio interface built for podcasting and streaming
- XLR mic input with phantom power
- Headphone and headset outputs, built-in voice effects
My takePlug in the mic, hit record. It keeps podcast setup simple so the conversation is the focus.
Check price on Amazon →Edit station
Where the footage becomes the final file.
Mac Studio (M1 Max)
- Apple M1 Max chip
- Hardware ProRes acceleration
- Front SD card slot and USB-C
- Quiet under load
My takeMy main edit and color workstation. Mine is the M1 Max; the current model is newer and faster.
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MacBook Air (M3)
- Apple M3 chip
- Fanless and silent
- All-day battery
- 13- and 15-inch sizes
My takeLight enough to travel, fast enough to cut and deliver from location.
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Apple Magic Keyboard
- Rechargeable, wireless
- Low-profile keys
- Pairs instantly with a Mac
My takeThe keyboard on my edit desk.
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Loupedeck+ editing console
- Hardware dials, wheels and buttons for photo and video editing
- Works with Lightroom Classic and other editors
- Customizable controls
My takeTurns hours of slider-dragging into muscle memory. Culling and color go much faster with real dials under my fingers.
Check price on Amazon →Bags & storage
How the gear travels, and where every file lives.
WANDRD PRVKE 31
- 31L, roll top expands for extra room
- Quick side access to the camera
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Weather-resistant fabric and zippers
My takeMy travel pack. Camera on one side, clothes on top, laptop in the back, and it still fits as a carry-on.
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Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack
- 35L, expands to 42L
- Separate camera and clothing sections
- Fits a 16-inch laptop plus a tablet
- Full suspension with waist strap
My takeThe one I load up for big production days, when I need bodies, lenses and the laptop in one bag.
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HEX Ranger Sling XL
- 15L sling that also carries like a backpack
- Room for a body, lenses and a small laptop
- Rugged water-resistant build
My takeFor days when a backpack is too much. Swing it around and the camera is in my hand.
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ONA The Bowery (tan leather)
- Compact padded camera bag
- Leather and waxed canvas, handmade
- Fits a small camera body and a lens or two
My takeFor walking around the city, client meetings and travel days. It doesn't look like a camera bag.
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Manfrotto MB BP-D1 drone backpack
- Made for the DJI Phantom
- Padded compartments for drone, controller and batteries
My takeBought it for my old DJI Phantom. It still carries drone gear and extra batteries to car shoots.
Check price on Amazon →SanDisk 4TB Portable SSD
- 4TB in a pocket-size drive
- USB-C, fast transfers
- Rugged, drop-resistant build
My takeEvery project lives on this drive and travels with me between the studio and the laptop.
Check price on Amazon →U.S. General rolling tool chest (white)
- Rolling steel mechanic's chest
- Ball-bearing drawers for small gear
- Locks, rolls around the studio
My takeWhere all the small stuff lives: batteries, cables, cards, mounts and adapters, each in its own drawer.
See it at Harbor Freight →
Moment Rugged Camera Sling 10L (gray)
- 10L sling built for creators
- Padded camera compartment with dividers
- Rugged, weather-resistant build
My takeMy content-creation bag for lighter days: one body, a couple of lenses, mics and accessories, always within reach.
Check price on Amazon →Eyewear
My eyes are my income. I collect sunglasses and never shoot outdoors without them.
Wilde D'WEEKND
- From the Wilde Sunglasses collection
- Bold, everyday frame
My takeOne of my daily pairs. Sharp enough for a client meeting, tough enough for a shoot day in the Florida sun.
Wilde Oscar Wilde
- From the Wilde Sunglasses collection
- Classic statement frame
My takeThe pair I reach for when I want a more classic look.
Carrera 5046/S (black)
- Round frame with EVA side shields
- Side protection from wind and glare
- Racing-inspired design from Carrera's archive
My takeMade for the bike. The side shields keep wind and sun out of my eyes on the Bonneville.
Check price on Amazon →Meller sunglasses
- Lightweight everyday sunglasses
- UV-protective lenses
My takeEasy, light everyday pair for travel and errands.
Check price on Amazon →Rides
The bikes I ride, and film.
SUPER73-S2
- Moto-style electric bike
- 48V battery
- Mine runs a custom tan seat by Kanebilt
My takeAround town and on camera. Quiet enough to film from, fun enough to make every ride content.
See it at SUPER73 →
Triumph Bonneville T120 (burgundy)
- 1200cc parallel-twin
- Modern classic styling with modern electronics
- Mine is a 2016 in burgundy
My takeMy personal ride and a lot of my moto content. Classic lines that photograph beautifully at golden hour.
See it at Triumph →
Daytona Cruiser Lightning (hi-gloss white)
- DOT-approved open-face cruiser helmet
- Hi-gloss white with lightning graphic
- Retro look that matches a classic bike
My takeLight, comfortable and they look right on the Bonneville. Open face also makes it easier to film and talk on rides.
Check price on Amazon →Entertainment
Off the clock.
PlayStation 5
- Sony's current-generation console
- DualSense controller with haptic feedback
- 4K gaming and streaming
My takeHow I switch off after a long edit. Also great for studying how games light and frame a scene.
Check price on Amazon →See everything in my Amazon storefront →
Juan Oropeza is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Prices and availability change; Amazon's listing is the final word.
Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons): The Leica Q2 camera, front view by Henry Söderlund from Helsinki, Finland, CC BY 2.0; Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 by Zoran Rodic, CC BY-SA 2.0; GRII by 極地狐, CC BY-SA 2.0; Godox AD200 Pro, a 200 watt outdoor-use off-camera flash by Benlisquare, CC BY-SA 4.0; PlayStation 5 and DualSense by Osh33m, CC BY-SA 4.0. Other product images courtesy of the manufacturers.
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