My Minimal Photography Everyday Carry
I recently went on a photography trip to Austria, and as always, I found myself packing way too much – cameras, drones, tripods, gimbals, the works. I always want to be prepared, but somewhere along the way it clicked: having too much gear actually gets in the way. Too many options slow you down, you miss moments, and you end up barely using half of what you brought. So I've stripped everything back. Here's what I consider the perfect minimal everyday carry for photographers.
Grams 28-172 Camera Sling
The bag sets the tone for everything else, so this one matters. After trying a lot of camera bags over the years, I landed on the Grams 28-172 sling – and I genuinely think it's one of the best options out there for this kind of minimal setup. It's made from Italian leather, has a strong enough structure to protect your gear, and most importantly, it doesn't look like a camera bag at all.
It's thoughtfully laid out inside too, with dedicated compartments for each piece of kit so everything has its place. I'll typically pack one camera body and two lenses in the main compartment, with accessories in the smaller pockets. One thing to keep in mind with slings is that weight adds up quickly, so keeping things minimal isn't just a preference – it's almost a requirement.
Sony A7C II
The A7C II is one of my favourite cameras going. It's a full-frame body in an incredibly compact form factor – 33MP for stills, 4K 60fps for video, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, and Sony's AI subject recognition that locks focus reliably in almost any situation. In the silver colourway especially, it just looks beautiful.
If you're after a camera that gives you professional results without the bulk of a traditional setup, this is consistently the one I recommend. It handles everything.
Sony 50mm F2.5 G
Paired with the A7C II, this lens makes for a setup that barely takes up any space at all. The 50mm focal length is my go-to for street photography and portraits – it's sharp, lightweight, and keeps things simple. Having a prime lens removes a layer of decision-making and lets you focus entirely on the shot.
Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
The 24-70mm is the lens I reach for when I don't know what I'm going to encounter. It covers wide, mid, and tight shots in a single lens, which is especially useful when shooting video where switching lenses mid-scene isn't an option. The GM II is the lightest 24-70mm of any major brand, which matters a lot in a minimal setup. It's noticeably larger than the 50mm, but it more than earns its place.
ND Filter
An ND filter is essential for video work – it lets you stick to the 180-degree shutter rule and achieve that cinematic motion blur. This one fits my 24-70mm perfectly and takes up almost no space in the bag.
2x Spare SD Cards & 1x Spare Battery
Simple but essential. Some days you shoot a lot more than expected, and running out of storage or power mid-shoot is always avoidable. Sony's batteries last well, so one spare is usually enough, and a couple of Lexar SD cards covers everything else. These all slot into dedicated compartments in the bag, so they're easy to grab quickly when you need them.
Camera Multi Tool
A tiny SMALLRIG multi-tool that covers every mounting and adjustment task you'd ever need on a camera. It takes up virtually no space and I'd never leave without it – there's always a moment on a shoot where you need it.
Magic Arm with Clamp
Rather than carrying a full tripod, I've swapped it out for a magic arm with a clamp head. It lets me get a locked-off shot from almost anywhere – clamp it to a railing, a ledge, a table – and opens up angles that a standard tripod never would. It's also great for POV setups. Much lighter, much more versatile.
DJI Osmo Nano + Magnetic Neck Mount
This thing has genuinely become one of my favourite pieces of kit. The DJI Osmo Nano weighs around 50g, shoots up to 4K 120fps and 35MP for photos, and the magnetic neck mount means you can go from wearing it to mounting it somewhere else in seconds. No fiddling with chest harnesses or clamps – it just clicks on and off.
I had it attached to a suction mount on the outside of a car recently, and I could monitor and cut the recording from the detachable screen while sitting inside. That kind of flexibility is rare. If you want effortless BTS or POV footage without adding bulk, this is it.
DJI Mini Microphones
Finally, a pair of DJI Mini microphones. They're tiny, take up no room at all, and work with both the Sony and the Osmo Nano. Good audio is non-negotiable for video, and these make it completely painless.
