Charlie Kruschek’s New Year, New Gear Goals
The start of a new year always feels like a natural reset. Not just for goals or travel plans, but for the tools we rely on to do work. For me, that reset came in the form of a new camera for my kit: the Sony A7SIII. As 2026 approached, I made one of my focuses (pun intended) for the new year to be more intentional with video. I chased 25 tornadoes last year, and as I look ahead, I’m hopeful to film them more from here on out. Rather than throwing every accessory imaginable onto the SIII, I built a setup that supports how I plan to shoot: efficiently, reliably, and ready for real-world, stormy conditions. The gear I chose at the beginning of the year will set the tone for everything that will follow, so every piece needs to earn its place. This is how I chose each item.
Rugged Memory
One of the first things I prioritized with any new camera is memory storage. The A7S III is capable of high bit-rate 4K video, slow motion, and long recording sessions. All of that demands fast, dependable media. Rugged Cine UHS-II V90 cards are one of the most critical and immediate items I added to my kit.
What I appreciate most about ProMaster’s Rugged Cine UHS-II cards isn’t just their speed, but their durability. These are cards that can handle temperature swings, dust, and the general abuse that comes with travel on the road and constant outdoor, stormy shooting. Especially at the start of a new year, removing weak links in my workflow and knowing my footage will be written to cards I trust lets me focus on my settings and composition instead of worrying about failures.
Screen Protector
Protecting the camera itself is just as important, though, especially when it’s something I plan to use heavily throughout the year. A screen protector or shield is one of those accessories you forget about once it’s installed, which is exactly the point. The rear screen on my camera gets touched constantly, whether I’m reviewing footage, navigating menus, or shooting from awkward angles and I’m too lazy to bend down to look into the viewfinder.
Adding a screen protector immediately out of the box means I don’t have to think twice about scratches, smudges, or wear over time on such a crucial tool on the body. It’s a small investment, but one that preserves the camera’s usability, resale value, and most important to me, the new-feeling longer into the year.
L-Bracket
Stability and ergonomics are another area where intentional choices make a big difference, and an L-Bracket is one of those special accessories that quietly improves nearly every shooting scenario. For photography, it allows for quick transitions between horizontal and vertical orientations without compromising balance on a tripod. For video, it adds structure and grip without unnecessary bulk. I like that ProMaster’s well-designed L-Bracket feels like an extension of the camera rather than an add-on. Having a setup that feels solid and comfortable in hand means less fatigue and more confidence, especially during days in the field.
Filters
Now my new kit isn’t just limited to the camera body’s accessories. Lenses are just as important. For a lens, filters are another piece of gear that I gravitate towards early, because they fundamentally affect how I capture light and allow an extra peace of mind for any unexpected bump or ding. Without a doubt, ProMaster’s HGX Prime filters play two important roles: protection and control. A high-quality protection filter stays on each of my lenses far more often than people might expect. A high-end protection filter can save massively on a good lens investment, without affecting any light transmission or image quality. Whether I’m dealing with wind, dust, hail, rain, or fast-moving environments, having that extra layer gives me peace of mind without compromising image quality. Starting the year with clean, protected glass sets me up for fewer headaches down the road.
For video work, the HGX Prime VND Extreme is an essential tool. The A7S III excels in bright conditions just as much as low light, but controlling exposure while maintaining the right shutter speed can be tricky. A solid VND lets me work quickly without constantly swapping filters or adjusting my setup. What I appreciate most is consistency, which comes in the form of smooth adjustment, minimal color shift, and predictable results. As the year unfolds and storms begin to knock on our door, having a dependable set of ND filters means my A7SIII is always ready, whether I’m filming in harsh midday sun or shadowed supercell light.
Key Grip Tripod
Support gear often gets overlooked, but it’s one of the biggest factors for how enjoyable a camera is to use. The Key Grip tripod is a great example of something simple that ends up being incredibly versatile. The carbon fiber build makes travel light and easier on the hands in winter. This tripod has become an essential storm chasing tool for me. I’m quite eager to use the panning features of it with a storm bearing down on me this spring. Starting the year with tools that encourage creativity instead of slowing it down is invaluable, and having lightweight support on hand makes it easier to say yes to bringing out your supporting cast.
Intention
What ties all of these accessories together for me is intention. Rather than adding gear for the sake of having more, each piece supports a specific need in my workflow, and at the beginning of the year, that mindset feels especially important. New gear isn’t about chasing the latest thing - it’s about removing friction. When my cards are fast and durable, my screen is protected, my camera is comfortable to handle, my lenses are clean, and my exposure is under control, I can focus entirely on chasing all sorts of violent delights.
This new year is a reminder that preparation matters. The small choices I make early on about the gear we trust and the scenes I capture have a lasting impact. For me, this kit isn’t about perfection; it’s about readiness.
That’s exactly my approach to the year: Be prepared and eager to create.
Charlie Kruschek
Landscape photography is Charlie's true passion, chasing everything from storms to sunrises. Standing humbled before nature's raw power and in awe of the world's subtleties, Charlie's goal is to preserve heart-skipping moments of natural light, focusing on an emphasis of time. Charlie attempts to share his imagery as a method of inspiring others to appreciate life's beauty through a different optic and the fragility of each second.
