While bags are normally are very personal decision, when it comes to filmmaking gear once you have a lot to lug around you usually start looking at those hard shell cases that can hold everything and keep it all super safe.
They hold a lot and keep things nice and organized. Pelican is the usual name in the business but there are actually some competitors making some that are worth looking at.
One example is Nanuk which serves as the core piece of Martin Cabrera from the Make Better Content channel’s kit walkthrough. He uses the Nanuk 935 which is a direct competitor to the classic Pelican 1510.
The reasons for going with Nanuk on this one is that it has a little bit more space than the Pelican offering, is just as secure, is better looking, and, in his opinion, has a much better design. He points out the latches as a key example.
Image Credit: Nanuk
There are a few versions of this case though the one he went for comes with a padded divider setup and a lid organizer. This helps keep all the camera equipment secure and can be reconfigured depending on exactly what is needed on each shoot.
Inside the bag he has a fair bit of gear. He starts off with the Sony a7S III as his main camera. He actually has two but generally has that in another bag.
On the camera is the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 as versatile and lightweight alternative to the Sony option. Next to the camera is a small pouch that holds some filters, headphones, and a power pack as well as a memory card case.
Image Credit: Sony
Another lens is the case is the Sony Zeiss 16-35mm f/4. This covers his wide-angle use and for his purposes, the f/4 is just fine. Being a zoom and having optical stabilization is very useful for grabbing those walking wide shots.
A third camera he keeps in the kit is the Sony a7 III. It was his first real camera and he still has it around for backup shots or when he does need to throw up a third angle or for snapping some stills.
Image Credit: Sony
A fun thing he has around, even though he admittedly doesn’t use it all that much, is a tiny LED light: the Amaran AL-M9. It’s super tiny and has a built-in battery if you need a little bit extra fill for a shot.
Moving into the middle of the case he has a monitor. It is a somewhat basic AndyCine 4K model which certainly gets the job done. There is also the Rode Wireless GO II for audio.
These are tiny, simple wireless mics that are extremely useful to have. The other section of the bag holds his actual Tascam lavalier mics. And, he has a bunch of AA and AAA batteries.
Image Credit: RODE
Interestingly, his audio recorder is the Zoom PodTrak P4. Never really seen these used so much in filmmaking applications but it does have four XLR inputs and can be battery powered. It can be helpful for things like live music where you might have a couple mics and instruments plugged in at once.
Into the final section he normally stores his shotgun mic. He opted for the Deity V-Mic D3 Pro, a relatively affordable and quality mic. He also keeps the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 lens over here as a compact, fast prime for run-and-gun work.
It is great for environmental portraits as the distortion is still minimal and it has a shallow depth of field.
Image Credit: Deity Microphones
The final lens in the bag is the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8. This is a much more affordable, yet still quality, take on the 70-200mm. It has essentially the same range with top-notch image quality. The only thing which lacks compared to the pricier picks is optical stabilization.
Another mic in the kit is the Shure SM48. This is a dynamic mic which means that it doesn’t pick up as much room noise as a shotgun or other mics do. For working in unpredictable spaces to record voiceovers and other audio it is very helpful to work with one of these mics.
Image Credit: Shure
In the lid is a great organizer. In here he has the Tascam DR-10L for backup audio recording, another set of Rode Wireless GO wireless, all his Sony batteries, and the SmallRig Multi-Tool.
The other side holds all the assorted cabling you just need to have on you. There’s also a back pocket that can hold an iPad or laptop or any other miscellaneous equipment.
That’s a solid kit and a solid-looking case.
[source: Make Better Content]
Order Links:
- Nanuk 935 Wheeled Hard Utility Case (B&H, Amazon)
- Sony a7S III Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens (B&H, Amazon)
- Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens (B&H, Amazon)
- Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Aputure Amaran AL-M9 LED Light (B&H, Amazon)
- ANDYCINE A6 5.7” On-Camera Monitor (B&H, Amazon)
- Rode Wireless GO II (B&H, Amazon)
- Zoom PodTrak P4 Portable Recorder (B&H, Amazon)
- Deity V-Mic D3 Pro Shotgun Microphone (B&H, Amazon)
- Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens (B&H, Amazon)
- Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens (B&H, Amazon)
- Shure SM48-LC Vocal Microphone (B&H, Amazon)
- Tascam DR-10L Portable Audio Recorder (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig Multi-Tool (B&H, Amazon)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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