CAMERA & LIGHT KIT IDEAS - Drop Top Road Trips

KIT LOGIC

Before I start writing this iPhone camera accessory guide for camera and light control, I want to emphasize the ability iPhone has to create extraordinary shots straight out of your pocket.

Most of the images I create are captured using just my iPhone with and without the Beastgrip. I use my kit when I want to find an unusual point of view, add to/supplement the natural light and to lock down the camera for long exposures.

My pack breaks down into four kits: Camera, Go Bag, Light and Grip Bag.

When I started shooting on iPhone, I always felt like I didn’t have a firm grip on the phone, like it might slip out of my hands. Especially on a bridge, balcony or overhang.

My Beastgrip rig gives me the same grip as a DSLR. It accepts a quick release plate, Bluetooth shutter remote, accessory light and accessories like a multi arm.

One of my favorite kit combinations is to attach the camera to the handheld portable light stand. It collapses to 30in and extends to 6ft so I can get low angle shots looking up and high angle to extreme high angle shots looking down.

And I use it to attach it to a tripod for portraits, self portraits, table top and low light photography.

Camera Kit

1 – Camera Grip

1 – Quick Release Shoe and Plate

1 – Cold Shoe Adapter

1 – Bluetooth Remote

1 – Mini Tripod/Hand Grip

1 – Tripod

1 – Handheld Portable Light Stand, Used Primarily for Camera Positioning at High and Low Angles

I wanted a small, grab and go everywhere bag. A bag small enough that it doesn’t feel like I’m lugging a backpack around. My Go Bag is just big enough to hold two small LED lights, a Nebo flashlight, a few tools, the Beastgrip by itself so I can pocket the iPhone and, if needed, my iPhone with Beastgrip attached.

1 – Go Bag

1 – Lume Cube Panel Mini LED camera mount Rechargeable

1 – Ulanzi VL49 2000mAh LED Video Rechargeable

1 – Nebo Big Larry Flashlight

1 – 10.6in Round LED Light Panel

1 – Rechargeable Battery Kit

3 – Ruggard Padded Tripod/Light Stand Case 42”

4 – 7ft Light Stands

1 – 32in Reflector

1 – 36inx48in Savage 5in1 Diffuser/Reflector to use as a light scrim

1 – RGB Handheld LED Video Light Wand Stick, 9 Colors, Rechargeable

1 – Grip Bag

6 – Large Clamps

2 – Multi Clip

1 – Roll Duct Tape

1 – Smallrig Articulating Arm with Clamp

1 – 67mm to 82mm Filter Adapter Ring

So how much would you spend for a Camera Kit, Go Bag Kit, Light Kit and Grip Bag Kit? How about less than $1,000.00?

Here is everything in my kit pack. Use it as an idea starter and build your kit based on what you shoot or would like to shoot.

Some of the items were ordered through B&H Photo but most were ordered through Amazon.

There are a few items I would add special notes to:

The Beastgrip comes with options to adjust, hand hold, anchor and add accessories to your iPhone in a compact package.

The Beastgrip comes with more options to adjust, hand hold, anchor and add accessories in a compact package than any other grip I’ve found. It includes a lens bracket that lets you position an auxiliary lens (like an anamorphic lens) if you decide to test/shoot with add on lenses. I’ve found the iPhone Pro lenses covered every subject I’ve encountered so I left that bracket off and opted for the grip only.

Smallrig accessories. If you’re looking for an accessory and find a Smallrig option, buy it. Every Smallrig accessory I’ve bought is well engineered, durable, works better than expected and cost less than expected.

This Bogen Manfrotto 3205 Tripod shows the battle scars of being shipped, dropped, transported, handled, mishandled and used for 20+ years. And it's still solid and dependable.

My Bogen Manfrotto 3205 Tripod (above) shows the battle scars of being shipped, dropped, transported, handled, mishandled and used in every location condition you can imagine for 20+ years. And it’s still solid and dependable. So the $225.00 or so I invested has paid off. That said, one option would be to buy a less expensive model (I’ve priced some very affordable versions below) and see how they work in the field for you. You might use them for years or you might find additional features you need and won’t be over invested in the first purchase.

Camera Kit $327.94

1 – Camera Grip (Beastgrip $135.00)

1 – Cold Shoe Adapter (Smallrig Cold Shoe Extension $12.99)

1 – Bluetooth Remote (Sunpak Smartphone Mount and Bluetooth Remote $9.99)

1 – Mini Tripod/Hand Grip (Joby Handypod Mobile Mini Tripod with Mount $35.99)

1 – Tripod ($35.00 to $300.00+ My newest find is the SmallRig Camera Tripod with integral quick release plate and shoe $85.99)

1 – Handheld Portable Light Stand, Used Primarily for Camera Positioning at High and Low Angles (Jenbei HD-230 30.5in to 7.5ft Handheld Light Stand $39.99)

1 – Smallrig Ball Head ($7.99)

Go Bag $134.92

1 – Go Bag (Besnfoto Camera Bag Small $21.99)

1 – Lume Cube Panel Mini LED camera mount Rechargeable ($59.99)

1 – Ulanzi VL49 2000mAh LED Video Rechargeable ($22.95)

1 – Nebo Big Larry Flashlight ($29.99)

Light Kit $387.77

1 – 10.6in Round LED Light Panel (Neewer $83.99)

1 – Rechargeable Battery Kit (Neewer 2 pack NP-F 2600mAh $29.99)

3 – Ruggard Padded Tripod/Light Stand Case 42” (3 @ $22.95ea)

4 – 7ft Light Stands (Rigiorod 2 pack 2 @ $29.99)

1 – 30in Light Stand (Linco Back Light Stand $15.99)

1 – 32in Reflector (Aquirui $17.99)

1 – 36inx48in Savage 5in1 Diffuser/Reflector to use as a light scrim ($40.99)

1 – RGB Handheld LED Video Light Wand Stick, 9 Colors, Rechargable ($69.99)

Grip Kit $114.62

1 – Grip Bag (Search camera bags on Amazon and pick a bag that works with your kit, Prices range from $30.00 to $200.00, Canvas Camera Bag Waterproof DSLR Camera bag by TULLIO $25.99)

6 – Large Clamps (6ea Spring Clamps $12.99)

2 – Multi Clip (Manfrotto 2@ $15.38ea 30.76)

1 – Roll Duct Tape ($8.95)

1 – Smallrig Articulating Arm with Clamp ($27.98)

1 – 67mm to 82mm Filter Adapter Ring (Ice $7.95)

Total $965.25

QUICK READ: PORTRAITS

Shooting on iPhone is the Perfect Portrait Tool

Portraiture is One of My Favorite Disciplines. Pulling out a DSLR rig can be intimidating to some people. Shooting with an iPhone is just the opposite. People have gotten so used to selfies and smartphones that an iPhone is unobtrusive. So much so that a photographer blends in with what’s going on adding a level of spontaneity to capturing images.

This portrait of Brance Arnold for Road Portraits was captured using natural light on location. The cover image was photographed hand held in open shade. Captured on an iPhone 11 Pro Max with Beastgrip and Bluetooth release.

KIT LOGIC

So how much would you spend for a Camera Kit, Go Bag Kit, Light Kit and Grip Bag Kit? How about less than $1,000.00?

QUICK READ: PORTRAITS

Shooting on iPhone is the Perfect Portrait Tool

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