Trey Ratcliff
Fine Art | Last Updated: July 14, 2021
Hi Shotkit Lovers! I’m a pretty zen guy, as you can probably tell from my kit photo. I am completely addicted to taking photos and post-processing photos! I live in Queenstown, New Zealand. But you don’t want to know about me; you want to know about the gear!
I recently switched from my Sony A7Rii
with several Leica lenses (Leica 21mm f/1.4
, Leica 35mm f1/4, Leica 90mm f/2
) to the new medium format mirrorless camera from Hasselblad – the X1D. I love it! Also, in all disclosure, I’m Hasselblad ambassador. This means I get free cameras and stuff, but I get free cameras from everyone (and I’m grateful) – and you should know that none of that colors my opinions on if I use a camera or not. I just choose the best.
The Hasselblad X1D is a great camera. It has a few flaws… like it’s slower than Christmas and sometimes the software is buggy. Maybe there’s a firmware update coming. And I wish I could articulate the screen, but everything else is great.
You can see I only have 3 lenses. The Hasselblad XCD 30mm f/3.5, Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/3.5, and Hasselblad XCD 90mm f/3.2. It’s all I really need and it keeps things simple. Sometimes the 30mm is not wide enough, but that’s not a problem because I just make a little 4-panel grid panorama that gets me more than enough real estate. Then I can just easily stitch them up in Lighroom. This camera is just a bit bigger than the Sony A7rii
I used previously.
Oh, I also use the DJI Phantom 4 Pro
. I love that machine. I also have the “Pro Plus
” – the one with the built-in screen, but I find that one to be quite buggy. Buggy things that fly worry me.
And I use Peak Design bags
. Also full disclosure – I teamed up with them to work on FOUR different bags and we put them on Kickstarter. See more about them here. [Editor: Click here for some great camera straps by Peak Design.]
Thanks Shotkit!
Oh, hey can I mention our new “Passport” thing on the blog – it’s a new offering that shows all sorts of behind-the-scenes stuff as well as other goodies. Check it out! :) In fact, comment below and we’ll pick 3 random people to get a free year’s subscription!
Gear:
Hasselblad X1D
Hasselblad XCD 30mm f/3.5
Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/3.5
Hasselblad XCD 90mm f/3.2
Really Right Stuff TGC-14
Peak Design Everyday Sling Bag
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25 Comments
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Great kit, dude!
Minimal gear for an excellent artist. Greetings again Trey from San Antonio. Love the Peak design gear!
Trey, Nice gear. I apprciate how you draw us into ur world with the photos u post.
I like that you don’t let free equipment cloud your judgment of what works well and what can be improved. I have a Rebel t3i with a few lenses and I need to find an affordable class to learn how to use them. I would love a year of passport to get some help.
Thank you very much for sharing info^, seeking knowledge and inspiration ✌️❤️
Interesting gear, I wonder about your limited lens, and what do you think about the goal to always have brighter and brighter lenses. f/3.5 seems quite dark for some people.
3.5 is a bit slow on full-frame, but it’s pretty fast on medium-format. The optics are just… different!
Also, I do wish I had wider lenses, so I end up needing to take panoramas of the very wide things.
Oh wow! I’m so thrilled that you use the same bag I use :)
Love the gear insight Trey, but I thought you used to not accept free gear from companies to stay objective. I’d love to hear your thoughts on being an ambassador for Hasselblad and some of the differences between your Sony kit and your current kit. Thanks!
Well hehe, you are right, that USED to be my policy. But then two things happened… EVERYONE offered me free gear (which I am full of gratitude for), so that evened the playing field. Also, I think over time, the audience realized that I just say the raw truth whether or not I get free stuff.
Thanks for sharing, Trey.I love all your shots! I have always been told its not the gear but the man behind the camera that produces good pictures. ..I have often doubt it…..Haha!!
I never heard of Shotkit until Trey’s post. What a great concept! I love seeing which equipment other people are using, so I will definitely spend some time on this site.
That’s great Donna! Welcome ;-)
I’m new to photography, saw your photos and was inspired to try & take better photos on a recent Queenstown holiday
Nice selection of gear… Hasselblad way out of my price range! Love that you only carry 3 primes
I accidentally clicked on the next guys “shotkit” and It looked like HE needed to take a 4 panel shot just to get all his gear in. Awesome gear Trey… I need to save for that tripod. ?
Starting out in the pink clouds and exciting world of photography …at this time having plenty of fun, peace and awareness. Looking and learning what I like and why and what tools I may need…Trey and friends from around the world are a fantastic gift…sharing with my family and friends too…?❤
Nice to see a photographer only using the minimal amount necessary. Great work Trey
Always interested in your comments Trey. Thanks for sharing
Awesome to meet you in London Trey!
Thanks Robot Trey, I’m currently looking for a new camera and always value your info!
I don’t have a Hasselblad, that’s way out of my reach, but I’d love a passport to help me make the most of the gear I have ?
I’m glad he’s here on Shotkit! Trey is a great teacher and I enjoyed the photowalk in Lisbon! Cheers.
Thanks for your info Trey!
Nice gear, I’ dnlikr zo have a Phantom once. Cheers!