Taylor Duncan (@taylorduncanphotography) is a self-taught photographer whose love for nature took root after frequently visiting and exploring Oregon growing up. “That early connection to the outdoors grew deeper through college, eventually leading me to pursue landscape photography full-time,” he explains. “Today, I’m based in Bend, Oregon – a place that feels like a year-round playground for photographers. My gear bag is built around landscape and adventure photography, with a strong emphasis on wide-angle work that lets me fully immerse viewers in the scene. That said, I always make space for a telephoto lens or two – whether it’s to compress dramatic peaks or quickly capture wildlife that appears without warning on the trail.” Keep reading as Taylor takes a deep dive into his kit for landscape and adventure photography.
Shop This Kit:
Cameras: Alpha 7R V, Alpha 7R IV
Lenses: 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II, 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II, 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master, 14mm f/1.8 G Master, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master, 85mm f/1.4 G Master II
Cameras
Alpha 7R V (Buy Now): After years of using other systems, I made the switch to Sony back in 2018 and haven’t looked back. Their early commitment to mirrorless technology and compact design instantly clicked with my landscape and adventure workflow. The Alpha 7R V is now my main camera, and it’s everything I hoped for in an upgrade from the Alpha 7R IV. The improved in-body stabilization is a game-changer for handheld shooting, especially when I’m deep in the backcountry without a tripod. I’ve also noticed a meaningful improvement in autofocus speed and precision, which is especially helpful when wildlife unexpectedly steps into frame. What really surprised me, though, is how much less editing it takes to bring out the colors I want – the files coming out of this camera feel more refined right from the start. Despite all the upgrades, the Alpha 7R V remains lightweight and compact, which is crucial for long hikes and quick on-the-go shooting.
Photo by Taylor Duncan. Alpha 7R V. 1/320-sec., f/22, ISO 800
Alpha 7R IV (Buy Now): The Alpha 7R IV was my workhorse for over three years, and I still trust it as my backup body. It’s the camera I’ve used for some of my most memorable adventures – from the Andes of Peru to the glaciers of Alaska and the plains of Kenya. Today, I often use it for timelapses or as a second body with a different lens attached so I can adapt quickly without missing a moment. Even now, when reviewing timelapse footage side by-side with clips from the Alpha 7R V, the image quality holds up incredibly well. It’s been an essential part of my storytelling toolkit, and I love having it in my pack when needed as a reliable and familiar fallback.
Photo by Taylor Duncan. Alpha 7R IV. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/40-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100
Lenses
24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II (Buy Now): This is the lens I reach for most often, and if I had to carry only one, this would be it. It’s the perfect blend of versatility and performance. The upgrade from the original version has been huge for me – the new compact design makes it easier to carry on longer hikes, and somehow the image sharpness has actually improved as well. I use this lens for just about everything: wide-angle landscapes, tighter scenes with depth, and even trail portraits where I want a soft, creamy bokeh thanks to the fast f/2.8 aperture. Whether I’m working quickly in changing light or need to travel light with just one lens in the bag, the 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II never lets me down.
Photo by Taylor Duncan. Alpha 7R IV. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/160-sec., f/7.1, ISO 100
16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II (Buy Now): While the 24-70mm covers a lot of ground, the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II might actually be my favorite lens to use. I love pulling viewers into a vast scene while showcasing scale, and this lens makes that possible. Whether I’m shooting slot canyons, waterfalls, or wide open alpine landscapes, the detail this lens captures – even when zoomed way out – is astounding. The compact redesign was a huge win for my pack weight too, which makes a big difference on longer backcountry trips. It’s my go-to lens when I want to tell a full story in a single frame.
Photo by Taylor Duncan. Alpha 7R V. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/20-sec., f/8, ISO 100
70-200mm f/2.8 G Master (Buy Now): My go-to telephoto, the 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master is incredibly versatile and nearly as essential to me as the 24-70mm. I use it often for mountain scenes where I want to compress layers of peaks or isolate subjects from a distance. It’s also been one of my favorite lenses for portraits in nature and wildlife encounters along the trail – the reach, paired with that smooth f/2.8 bokeh, makes for beautiful results. I’m currently looking to upgrade to the GM II version for a more compact form factor, but even now, this lens continues to deliver amazing results with every use.
Photo by Taylor Duncan. Alpha 7R V. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/40-sec., f/14, ISO 100
14mm f/1.8 G Master (Buy Now): My newest addition, used almost exclusively for astrophotography. The fast aperture and edge-to-edge sharpness have completely impressed me so far, and I’m excited to keep exploring its capabilities under dark skies.
Photo by Taylor Duncan. Alpha 7R V. 14mm f/1.8 G Master. 150-sec., f/2.8, ISO 800
100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master (Buy Now): A specialty wildlife and super-telephoto lens I’ve relied on during trips like my rafting expedition from British Columbia into Alaska, where the distance and subject isolation made this a must-have. It’s the perfect tool for capturing intimate moments in vast spaces.
Photo by Taylor Duncan. Alpha 7R IV. 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master. 1/640-sec., f/11, ISO 800
85mm f/1.4 G Master II (Buy Now): A dedicated portrait lens I’ve used in a few sessions so far. The rendering and background separation are gorgeous – can’t wait to bring this on future international trips for environmental portraits.
Accessories
Peak Design Travel Tripod: The compact, lightweight design makes this an essential for my pack – perfect for long waterfall exposures or dialing in sharp Milky Way shots under the stars.
Peak Design Capture Clip: This clip lets me attach my Sony camera right to my backpack strap for quick access when a shot suddenly presents itself. Bonus: it turns my camera into a bit of a trail flex – other hikers often say things like “Whoa, bringing the big guns!”… with no idea it’s actually how I make my living. Always a fun moment.
Photo by Taylor Duncan. Alpha 7R IV. 5-sec., f/2.8, ISO 800
Sunscreen: An absolute must. I’ve learned the hard way after coming back from trips with multi day sunburns. My dermatologist says it’s the #1 skincare product we should be using – so I take that seriously now. SPF always.
Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots: Stylish enough to wear around town, rugged enough for remote trails. These boots are durable, waterproof, and incredibly comfortable – my go-to for nearly every hike.
Photo by Taylor Duncan. Alpha 7R IV. 1/60-sec., f/9, ISO 250
Snacks: Clif Bars or Skratch Bars for trail fuel, and always a peanut butter & jelly sandwich for lunch (there are actual articles calling it the “ultimate adventure food” – and they’re right). But if you ask me, the real ultimate adventure food? Gummy bears. Specifically the Albanese brand. Non-negotiable–never leaving the house for an adventure without them!
See more of Taylor Duncan’s work on Instagram @taylorduncanphotography and at taylorduncanphotography.com.
Explore what’s inside the camera bags of your favorite creators at alphauniverse.com/wimb.
