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What Lenses Are In My Camera Bag?

Christina Szeto • October 22, 2024

What Lenses Are In My Camera Bag?

A Look at My Gears for Work and Leisure

As a photographer, I carefully select my gear depending on the situation.


Whether I’m shooting a commercial portrait or just out documenting my own life, my camera bag is always ready.


I’ve sorted my lenses into two categories: work and leisure. Let me walk you through what’s in my bag for both.

Work: Quality and Reliability Above All


When it comes to work, I don’t compromise.


What do I look for?


1)  Quality: Sharpness, bokeh and color accuracy.

2) Reliability: fast focusing, durability


The last thing to concern about is


1) The price


Quality and reliability are my top priorities, and I invest in high-end equipment that ensures the best results for my clients.


After all, the final images and the impact they have on my business are what matter most.


You don’t need a lot of lenses for work, just the right ones. I only have one quality lens for each focal length.


Canon R5 & Her 3 Sisters

This is the powerhouse behind my photos. Its full-frame sensor and impressive capabilities make it a dream camera for both portraits and commercial work.

Canon 85mm F1.2



My go-to lens for family portraits. I love using this lens for those dreamy, butter-soft backgrounds that this lens give offers. The F1.2 aperture ensures my subjects stand out with incredible sharpness and soft backgrounds.


Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8


My go-to lens for portraits.


Its optical compression, sharpness and smooth bokeh create stunning images with beautiful subject isolation, it also helps simplify my composition in challenging situations.  This lens never leaves my side on portrait sessions.

Left: Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 at 70mm

Right: Canon RF 85mm F1.2

For family portraits bookings please click here

Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8


A wide angle lens is for my OCF fashion photoshoots as I need to capture both the model and the context.


An off-camera flash is often used with the wide angle lens to balance the ambient and the subject exposures.

Leisure: Lightweight and Convenient


When I’m not working, my requirements shift. For leisure, it’s all about convenience and weight. I opt for lighter gears that are easy to carry and more budget-friendly, but still allow me to capture great moments.


What do I look for?


1) Price

2) Convenience: it is better to carry an all-in-once lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths when I travel (except for photography trips)

3) Weight




Canon R50 Mirrorless APSC Camera

+ RFS 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 Kit Lens


Smaller and way more lightweight than my R5, the R50 is perfect for when I don’t need all the bells and whistles but still want excellent image quality for photography and videography.


It comes with a kit lens, the Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3, which is my go-to travel lens. It’s versatile enough to capture a range of scenes, from landscapes to street photos, making it an ideal all-rounder when I’m on the move.


At the same time, I agree that this kit lens isn't the best for low light conditions, so I often carry together another lens, the RF 50mm F1.8.

Canon RF 50mm F1.8


I love using this lens for everyday life, especially when snapping portraits of my dog, Max. It’s light and affordable, but delivers beautiful images with soft bokeh.

Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3


When I’m out shooting street photography, this wide-angle lens helps me capture the energy and vibe of the environment.

Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8


My new baby.


This lens is a must for wildlife and nature, especially when I’m bird-watching or shooting the landscape from the top of the hill. It gives me the reach I need without being too heavy, and the price point is perfect for a telephoto leisure lens.

Specialty Lens

Canon RF 100mm F2.8 Macro


While it’s not part of my standard work or leisure kit, I often turn to the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 Macro lens when I’m photographing subjects that require fine detail—like flowers, bugs, food, or products. This lens lets me get up close and personal, capturing intricate textures and details that wouldn’t be possible with other lenses.


It’s my go-to for macro photography and perfect for those moments when I want to explore the small wonders of the world.


At the same time, I treat this lens as a regular 100mm telephoto lens when I don't need to shoot macro images.


Some macro lenses can only be used for close-up shots and won't focus at infinity, but the RF 100mm F2.8 Macro has the flexibility of being both a macro and telephoto lens, and I am enjoying the benefits that it offers from both worlds!

Final Thoughts


That’s a look inside my camera bag and the gear I rely on for both work and leisure.

Whether I’m capturing portraits, exploring macro photography, or documenting my travels, each lens serves a unique purpose. Now, I’d love to hear from you—what’s in your camera bag? Do you have any must-have lenses or favorite gear that you can’t live without? Let’s chat in the comments!

By Jesse Clark (Soulful Travel) February 6, 2025
With the rise of freelancing and gig work, the appeal of a nomadic solopreneur lifestyle has grown. Certain US cities offer ideal environments for one- to three-month stays, blending essential amenities for remote work with rich cultural experiences. This article from Photosprouts highlights five top cities, examining cost of living, quality of life, and connectivity to help you thrive on the road. Becoming a Solopreneur First, it’s important to understand what a solopreneur is – and how to become one ! A solopreneur is an individual who runs their business independently, handling all aspects of operations without the support of co-founders or a large team. Unlike entrepreneurs who often aim to scale with employees or partnerships, solopreneurs focus on building a sustainable, self-reliant business model that aligns with their personal skills and goals. This allows them to maintain full control over decision-making and business direction, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize autonomy and flexibility. Also, utilizing a project management app specifically designed for freelancers can dramatically improve your efficiency. San Francisco, California: The Ideal City for Nomadic Solopreneurs It’s hard to beat San Francisco when you're a nomadic solopreneur because it blends innovation, connectivity, and inspiration so beautifully. The Golden City is an international tech hub with unparalleled access to entrepreneurial resources and networking opportunities for scaling a business. Look into IndieBio, WeWork, and other coworking spaces to collaborate and stay productive. San Francisco also boasts an eclectic cultural landscape and breathtaking surroundings, which can do wonders for work-life balance and creativity. San Francisco has countless networking events and tech conferences to help you build connections as a solopreneur. You have your pick of top-tier coworking spaces to enjoy community and flexibility. San Francisco is known across the world as a creative haven for its matchless scenery, dynamic art scene, and iconic landmarks. At the heart of Silicon Valley, you have unprecedented access to collaborations and cutting-edge ideas. Austin, Texas: A Creative Hub for Innovators Austin attracts freelancers and entrepreneurs with its dynamic culture and supportive business environment. The cost of living is moderate for a tech city, and quality of life is high, featuring green spaces and a lively music scene. Finding a place to live in Austin can be quite manageable, with numerous flexible lease options that cater to short-term residents. Immersing yourself in Austin's culture means enjoying live music, exploring food trucks, and participating in local festivals like SXSW , which provide ample networking opportunities. Key highlights for solopreneurs include rich networking opportunities in tech and creative industries, an abundance of coworking spaces like WeWork and Capital Factory, and high-speed internet access available city-wide. Boulder, Colorado: Where Nature Meets Networking Boulder offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and a strong startup culture, ideal for those who draw inspiration from nature and a strong community spirit. The city's high quality of life, bolstered by its proximity to the Rockies, complements its slightly higher cost of living. Internet connectivity is robust, ensuring that work can be as mobile as your lifestyle. The rental market in Boulder is competitive but offers a variety of short-term furnished options ideal for gig economy workers. Connecting with local culture in Boulder often involves outdoor activities – hiking, biking, and climbing – as well as frequenting local breweries and farmers markets. Key highlights for solopreneurs include proximity to nature which boosts creativity and well-being, a strong local economy with a focus on sustainability and innovation, and top-notch coworking spaces like Boulder Digital Arts and Fuse. Nashville, Tennessee: Music City’s Melodic Productivity Nashville’s reputation as a music powerhouse makes it an attractive spot for creative solopreneurs. The cost of living is reasonable, and the city offers a great quality of life with its rich history and thriving music scene. Its infrastructure provides reliable internet service, a cornerstone for nomads reliant on digital connectivity. Housing options are plentiful , with many neighborhoods offering short-term rental properties that cater to transient professionals. Experiencing Nashville’s culture is as easy as stepping out to enjoy its live music venues, galleries, and southern cuisine, which also provide great content for creative projects. Key highlights for solopreneurs include an inspirational environment fueled by music and arts, the availability of affordable living and workspace options, and a strong community vibe conducive to networking. Portland, Oregon: Eco-Friendly and Entrepreneurial Portland is renowned for its progressive values and a highly supportive environment for independent professionals. The city’s cost of living is manageable, and it scores high on quality of life indices with its focus on sustainability and green living. Numerous coworking spaces and cafes offer not just wifi but a community to engage with. Residential areas in Portland offer a variety of housing, from historic apartments to modern lofts, perfect for short-term stays. Diving into Portland’s culture involves exploring its eclectic food scene, attending art shows, and participating in environmental initiatives, which can also expand your professional network. Key highlights for solopreneurs include an environmentally conscious community with a focus on quality of life, strong support for local businesses and startups, and an abundance of creative and collaborative spaces. One of these cities might not only suit your nomadic lifestyle but also inspire a permanent move. Each offers unique attributes that could make extending your stay appealing, turning a short-term visit into a long-term strategy for personal and professional growth. Learn to capture your moments beautifully in the photography workshop in Photosprouts today!
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