War photography is incredibly demanding, requiring superb technical skills, a finely tuned kit and the ability to adapt and survive in harsh environments. Photojournalist Jonathan Alpeyrie knows this all too well, having spent more than 20 years covering major conflicts across the globe, including those in Ukraine, Iraq, Syria, Gaza and the international drug trade.
In a recent video, Alpeyrie walked through his kit for assignments, while also sharing his experiences and insight into being a conflict photographer.
Alpeyrie said that he has been packing the same way for over 20 years, and his kit is straightforward: a camera, flak jacket, phone, bag and computer. These days, his gear includes the Canon EOS R camera, which he said he likes because it's discreet and allows him to look more like a tourist than anything else.
On the lens side, Alpeyrie recommends not skimping on quality. "The lens is where you want to spend your money. The body you can pick and choose," he explains in the video. His current lens of choice is the Canon EOS R 50mm F1. 2L USM. He says the 50mm lens is the only one he uses right now, in part because the wide aperture is ideal for working in dark situations. It's also smaller than other lenses, which is helpful when you're taking cover from artillery fire. He says he has had larger lenses, such as 200mm or 300mm, break in these situations.
Beyond gear choices, Alpeyrie shares lots of valuable insights in the video. He touches on how he protects his camera and memory cards in dangerous places, the importance of knowing your camera and how to use manual settings, tips on framing and composition, and so much more. It's well worth a watch all the way through.
. dpreview.com2025-11-5 18:00