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What’s In My Bag: The Perfect Camera & Zoom Combo For Landscape & Travel Photography

Hudson McDonald (@hudsonmcdonaldd) is a 20-year-old photographer and creator based in Vancouver. Growing up on Vancouver Island, surrounded by the lush forests and rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, he was inspired by the way light, color and atmosphere can transform a moment. “My journey into photography wasn’t straightforward—I’ve been fascinated by filmmaking and cameras since I was 11, but it wasn’t until 2021 that I found my true passion for photography,” he explains. “What started as playing around with my mom’s old camera turned into an obsession, as I realized how a single frame could tell a story or capture a feeling words couldn’t. Through photography, I discovered a way to connect with the world and share its beauty.”

Specializing in landscape and travel photography, McDonald’s gear bag is packed for capturing magical moments outdoors. Keep reading as he shares what’s in his kit for creating captivating landscape and travel imagery.

Product Preview – In This Article You’ll Find:
Sony Alpha 7 IV
Sony 70-200mm f/4 G
Sony Rechargeable Z-Series Battery Pack
Sony Battery Charger For Z-Series Batteries

Hudson McDonald's kit for outdoor and travel photography

Camera

Sony Alpha 7 IV: The Sony Alpha 7 IV is my go-to camera for its versatility and reliability, perfectly suited for my landscape and travel photography. Its 33 MP sensor captures incredible detail and dynamic range, essential for conveying the beauty of nature. The advanced autofocus system ensures precise focus, even in challenging conditions. It’s rugged, weather-sealed design and ergonomic build make it a dependable companion for any adventure, helping me bring my creative vision to life with ease.

Photo by Hudson McDonald. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 70-200mm f/4 G. 1/400-sec., f/4, ISO 160
Photo by Hudson McDonald. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 70-200mm f/4 G. 1/400-sec., f/4, ISO 160

Lenses

Sony 70-200mm f/4 G: The Sony 70-200mm f/4 G lens earns its place in my bag for its incredible versatility, sharpness, and reliability. Its telephoto focal range is perfect for isolating details in landscapes, compressing distant elements for a dramatic effect, and capturing subjects that are out of reach. The lens’s consistent performance ensures that I can focus on creativity without worrying about image quality. Optical SteadyShot stabilization is a game-changer, allowing me to shoot handheld with confidence, even in challenging conditions.

Photo by Hudson McDonald. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 70-200mm f/4 G.
Photo by Hudson McDonald. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 70-200mm f/4 G. 

​​Accessories

Sony Rechargeable Z-Series Battery Packs: Essential for extended shoots, providing dependable power throughout the day.

Sony Battery Charger For Z-Series Batteries: A reliable companion for keeping my batteries powered up, ensuring I'm always ready to capture every moment without interruption.

SD Cards: Fast and reliable, ideal for storing high-resolution photos and ensuring quick transfers.

Manfrotto Tripod: Reliable and sturdy, it ensures stability for long exposures and
precise framing.

Photo by Hudson McDonald. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 70-200mm f/4 G. 1/1250-sec., f/4, ISO 400
Photo by Hudson McDonald. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 70-200mm f/4 G. 1/1250-sec., f/4, ISO 400

Black Diamond Headlamp: A must-have for early mornings and late nights, keeping my hands free while lighting the way.

MEC Gloves: Lightweight and warm, they keep my hands comfortable during cold- weather shoots.

Laptop: My portable editing station, allowing me to process and review images on the go.

Photo by Hudson McDonald. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 70-200mm f/4 G.
Photo by Husdon McDonald. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 70-200mm f/4 G. 

Neck Warmer: Keeps me warm and comfortable during chilly shoots.

Sunglasses: Protect my eyes from harsh sunlight during shoots while adding a touch of style to my outdoor adventures.

Sea Salt Spray: Keeps my hair looking great for behind-the-scenes videos and helps keep it out of my eyes while shooting in windy conditions.

Binoculars: A treasured gift from my grandpa during our trip to Iceland, these classic binoculars bring distant landscapes into sharp focus.

Photo by Hudson McDonald. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 70-200mm f/4 G. 1/1000-sec., f/4.5, ISO 640
Photo by Hudson McDonald. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 70-200mm f/4 G. 1/1000-sec., f/4.5, ISO 640

Peak Design Backpack Clip: A secure and convenient solution for carrying my camera, keeping it accessible and ready for action while hiking or exploring hands-free.

Peter McKinnon 25L Backpack: Stylish and versatile, this backpack keeps all my gear organized and protected, making it perfect for both urban shoots and outdoor adventures.

See more of Hudson McDonald’s work on Instagram @hudsonmcdonaldd.

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