Allen Tucker (@AllenTuckerMedia) is a photographer and videographer based in Raleigh, NC. His work focuses on sports and entertainment content. His true passion is capturing emotions and telling stories through visuals and to do so, he has a minimal kit of a single Sony Alpha camera and one G Master lens to keep things simple when he's creating his varied content. Continue reading to take a peek inside Tucker’s camera bag as he shares how he uses his gear and more about his work.
Product Preview – In This Article You’ll Find:
–Sony Alpha 7 III
–Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master
Camera
Sony Alpha 7 III: This camera gets the main spot in my bag because of its hybrid capabilities. As someone who frequently is hired to capture photos and videos, it's important that I can do a lot with minimum gear. One example of this would be just last weekend where I shot some training content for a pro soccer player.
Photo by Allen Tucker. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/1000-sec., f/3.5, ISO 200
For these sort of “run and gun” projects, I like to utilize my custom buttons. I'll set one to a high shutter speed, no log setting for photo and a second for 60fps or 120fps video and an sLog profile. Then, I’ll keep my regular manual mode set to the third option like 4k 24fps. This allows me to quickly switch between photo and video opportunities.
Another example would be shooting a men's basketball media day for one of the colleges I work with. I utilized this same setup to record talking head style interviews with the players and then quickly switch modes to start taking candid photos during shoot around. The Sony Alpha 7 III makes scenarios where I’m a one man show a lot easier.
Lenses
Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master: For many reasons, this lens will be my one lens I'll always have with me. The focal length is perfect, and the fast 2.8 aperture allows me to shoot in low light settings and still get fantastic images. I've tried many other lenses and I can say with full confidence that the optics in this lens are noticeably better. Sharp and incredible stabilization for video. The build quality is also night and day from most other lenses. I utilize both the zoom and focus ring constantly throughout shoots and it's smooth as butter.
Photo by Allen Tucker. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/1250-sec., f/3.2, ISO 1000
Accessories
Field Monitor: I like using a field monitor for a better view of my content when recording video.
Shotgun Or Lavalier Microphone And Camera Cage: Paired with the field monitor is a shotgun or lavalier microphone, and camera cage (I use a gimbal sometimes, but prefer handheld).
Tripod: Of course I'll always have a sturdy tripod with me as well.
Filters: I personally love filters. Some are a necessity like a variable ND but my favorite one is a Star/Mist filter from Prism Lens FX called the “Moody Filter.” I love the star effect I get with harsh lights, but also just the hazy look it gives.
Photo by Allen Tucker. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/1000-sec., f/2.8, ISO 2000
Adapter: I also wanted to point out my SD card to USB-C adapter because I'm not always using my MacBook for editing.
iPad Pro: For photos, I love using my iPad Pro as well. Something about using the pencil makes me feel a little more creative at times, so having that adaptor around is always handy.
The last thing people may wonder is what that is above my filters. That is a chest mount for my phone. I recently picked this up so that I can record some cool BTS to make into Instagram Reels and TikToks later.
See more of Allen Tucker’s work on Instagram @AllenTuckerMedia.