Recommended Gear Kits

Curated gear recommendations at different budget levels. Build your kit strategically as your business grows.

Gear Philosophy

The best gear is the gear that gets the job done reliably. Start with essentials and upgrade as your skills and income grow. A great photographer with modest gear will outperform a mediocre photographer with top-tier equipment every time.

Priority order: Reliable bodies > Quality lenses > Backup gear > Nice-to-haves

Starter Kit - Photography Budget: $3,000-5,000

For photographers shooting their first few weddings. Focus on reliability and versatility.

Camera Bodies

  • Primary Body (Mirrorless)
    Sony a7III, Canon R6, Nikon Z6II
  • Backup Body
    Same system, can be older model

Lenses

  • 24-70mm f/2.8
    Workhorse zoom, covers most situations
  • 50mm f/1.8
    Low light, portraits, affordable
  • 85mm f/1.8
    Portraits, ceremony

Lighting

  • On-Camera Flash x2
    Godox V1, TT685, or similar
  • Wireless Triggers
    Godox X2T or similar
  • Flash Modifier
    MagMod or bounce diffuser

Support & Storage

  • Memory Cards x8
    64-128GB, fast write speed
  • Batteries x6
    Plus dual charger
  • Camera Bag
    Fits all gear, comfortable for long days
Upgrade Path: Add 70-200mm f/2.8 as your next lens - essential for ceremony coverage without being intrusive.

Professional Kit - Photography Budget: $10,000-15,000

For established photographers charging professional rates. Full redundancy and premium glass.

Camera Bodies

  • Primary Body (Pro)
    Sony a7RV, Canon R5, Nikon Z8
  • Second Body (Pro)
    Same or similar body - true redundancy
  • Backup Body
    Previous gen for emergencies

Lenses

  • 24-70mm f/2.8 GM/L/S
    Premium zoom
  • 70-200mm f/2.8 GM/L/S
    Ceremony essential
  • 35mm f/1.4
    Getting ready, reception
  • 85mm f/1.4
    Portrait perfection
  • Macro 90-105mm
    Ring shots, details

Lighting

  • On-Camera Flash x3
    Godox V1 or similar
  • Off-Camera Flash x2
    AD200 or similar for OCF setups
  • Light Stands x2
    Compact, sturdy
  • Modifiers Set
    MagMod, softbox, gels

Support & Storage

  • Memory Cards x12+
    128-256GB, UHS-II
  • Batteries x10+
    Multiple chargers
  • Portable SSD
    On-site backup
  • Rolling Bag
    Think Tank, Pelican

Hybrid Photo + Video Kit Budget: $15,000-25,000

For hybrid shooters offering both photography and videography. Additional video-specific gear required.

Camera Bodies

  • Hybrid Bodies x2-3
    Sony a7sIII, Canon R5, etc.
  • Dedicated Video Body
    Sony FX3, Canon C70 (if budget allows)

Video-Specific Lenses

  • Cinema Zooms
    Constant aperture, smooth focus
  • Fast Primes
    24, 35, 50, 85mm - f/1.4 or faster

Audio

  • Wireless Lav x2
    Rode Wireless GO II or similar
  • Shotgun Mic
    Rode VideoMic Pro+
  • Audio Recorder
    Zoom H6 or similar
  • Headphones
    Monitor audio levels

Video Support

  • Gimbal
    DJI RS3, Zhiyun Crane
  • Tripods x2-3
    Fluid head for video
  • Monopod
    Ceremony stability
  • ND Filters
    Variable or fixed set

Video Lighting

  • LED Panels x2
    Bi-color, battery powered
  • RGB Tube Light
    Accent lighting
  • V-Mount Batteries
    Power lights and cameras

Storage

  • High-Speed Cards
    CFexpress for 4K+ video
  • Portable SSD x2
    On-site backup essential
  • Large SD Cards
    256GB+ for long recordings
Hawaii-Specific Additions

Regardless of kit level, add these for Hawaii weddings:

  • Rain covers - Quick tropical showers are common
  • UV/Clear filters - Protect lenses from salt air
  • Silica gel packs - Combat humidity in gear bags
  • Circular polarizer - Ocean and sky enhancement
  • ND filters - Control exposure in bright sun (essential for video)
  • Extra lens cloths - Salt spray and humidity require frequent cleaning