Evan Ranft's Camera Gear & Studio Setup
Evan Ranft films with a Nikon Z8, records audio on a DJI Mic 2, and lights the shot with the Aputure Amaran 60D. Below is Evan Ranft's full camera, lens, microphone and lighting setup — each item cited to a public source video or interview, with a budget-friendly alternative for every pick.
◆ Gear below reflects what Evan Ranft has publicly disclosed (see sources). Lensbook is not affiliated with Evan Ranft. Video embedded from YouTube — views and ad revenue remain with the creator.
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Style analysis
Evan shoots with a full-frame Nikon Z system paired with fast S-line glass, favoring the 24-70mm f/2.8 as his workhorse and the 135mm Plena for compressed portrait-style city shots. His editing aesthetic leans toward rich, contrast-forward looks with deliberate color grading rather than the filmic muted tones common in travel photography. The pairing of a high-resolution Z8 body with a compact Leica Q-P secondary reflects a two-system philosophy — technical control for planned shoots, fixed-lens spontaneity for street work.
cameraNikon Z8confirmed
His main camera body for both photo and social media video. The Z8 is Nikon's flagship Z-mount body in a compact form factor, offering 45MP stills and full ProRes RAW video.
Source: Evan Ranft Camera Gear List (official PDF, evanranft.com) (2025-01-29)
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Budget pick: Nikon Z5 II — The Z5 II gives you the same Nikon Z mount and EXPEED 7 processor as the Z8 at roughly a third of the price. For a beginner entering the Z system, it covers photo and 4K video without the professional price tag. View →
His primary workhorse zoom. The 24-70mm f/2.8 range covers street wide shots through moderate compression, making it the go-to choice for versatile city shooting in a single lens.
Source: Evan Ranft Camera Gear List (official PDF, evanranft.com) (2025-01-29)
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Budget pick: Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S — The 24-120mm f/4 S adds meaningful telephoto reach at a significantly lower price than the f/2.8 zoom. For photographers who shoot outdoors in good light, the extra stop of aperture rarely matters and the extra range is genuinely useful. View →
His ultra-wide zoom. Essential for capturing city skylines, architecture, and expansive interior scenes that a standard zoom cannot fit.
Source: Evan Ranft Camera Gear List (official PDF, evanranft.com) (2025-01-29)
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Budget pick: Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 Z — A budget-friendly ultra-wide prime for the Nikon Z mount at a fraction of the 14-24mm zoom's price. For shooters who want an ultra-wide for city and architecture without the professional zoom premium, the Viltrox 16mm delivers excellent optical quality. View →
A premium telephoto portrait prime. The Plena's f/1.8 aperture creates distinctive bokeh ideal for compressed city-background portrait shots. One of the most praised lenses in the Nikon Z lineup.
Source: Evan Ranft Camera Gear List (official PDF, evanranft.com) (2025-01-29)
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Budget pick: Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S — The Z 85mm f/1.8 S is Nikon's affordable portrait prime — excellent sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and a fraction of the Plena's price. The 85mm focal length is arguably more versatile for beginners than the 135mm compression. View →
Nikon's pancake-style compact prime — small enough to make the Z8 pocketable by comparison. A natural street-walk lens when you don't want to carry the full kit.
Source: Evan Ranft Camera Gear List (official PDF, evanranft.com) (2025-01-29)
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Budget pick: Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 — The Z 28mm f/2.8 is essentially the same 'affordable compact Z prime' formula at a similar price. Either one works as a light walkaround lens; the 28mm is slightly more widely available and well-reviewed. View →
audioDJI Mic 2confirmed
Wireless clip-on microphone used for his YouTube productions. The DJI Mic 2 offers on-board recording as a safety net and 250m range — standard kit for a solo run-and-gun creator.
Source: Evan Ranft Camera Gear List (official PDF, evanranft.com) (2025-01-29)
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Budget pick: Rode Wireless GO II — The Rode Wireless GO II is the go-to budget wireless mic system: compact transmitter/receiver pair with on-board backup recording, well under the DJI Mic 2's price. Proven performer across thousands of YouTube creators. View →
A 60W daylight-balanced COB LED used for photo and video lighting. The Amaran 60D is popular among photographers who need a portable but capable key light for studio and location work.
Source: Evan Ranft Camera Gear List (official PDF, evanranft.com) (2025-01-29)
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Budget pick: Aputure Amaran 60x — The Amaran 60x adds bi-color output (tuneable from 2700K to 6500K) at only a modest price premium over the daylight-only 60D. For beginners who aren't sure which color temperature their space needs, the 60x's flexibility is worth the small upgrade. View →