School of Photographic Arts and Sciences (SPAS)
2026 First-Year Equipment Guide
PROGRAMS: Advertising Photography, Fine Art Photography, Photojournalism, Visual Media, Photographic Sciences
WELCOME!
Congratulations on your acceptance to RIT Photo! We are excited to welcome you to the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences (SPAS) this fall. SPAS students have access to our Equipment Cage for specialized assignments and creative needs, but students should arrive with the core equipment they will use regularly.
This guide identifies required, program-specific, recommended, and optional equipment as a first year SPAS student. This is not comprehensive; students will likely expand their gear as they progress through the degree and identify additional areas of interest/need. Highlighted items should be obtained before classes begin.
NOTE: Student loans may be used to purchase required equipment and supplies. Please check with your financial aid advisor for details.
Before you buy: Check camera reviews, accessory compatibility, and compare educational pricing. If you have questions, contact us at SPAStour@rit.edu.
Required Equipment for All SPAS students
Digital Camera
Students are required to have a digital camera with the following features:
Full-frame digital camera, DSLR or mirrorless, that accepts interchangeable lenses.
Manual exposure and custom white balance capability.
Ability to shoot in RAW format and HD video.
Compatibility with commonly supported lens systems such as Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Sony, or similar brands.
Certified used cameras from reputable dealers can be a strong option. A model manufactured within the last five years is recommended when possible. The SPAS Equipment Cage carries a wide range of lenses to support many popular camera systems; however, students should still own the core camera body and primary lens or lenses they will use regularly.
All SPAS Photography students should plan to own at least one high-quality lens suitable for regular coursework. Recommended options include:
Fixed focal length prime lenses at f/2.0 or faster, such as 35mm, 50mm, or 85mm.
A high-quality zoom lens that approximates this range, such as a 24–70mm, f/2.8 (the lower the f/number, the “faster” and more versatile the lens will be)
A good starting point is one (1) high-quality zoom lens and a plan to purchase a prime lines within the first two years. Slower “kit” zoom lenses that are often bundled with a camera are not recommended as primary lenses because of lower optical quality and limited performance. A better option is to purchase a camera body without the kit lens and use the savings to purchase a higher quality zoom or prime lens.
Required Accessories for All SPAS students
Calibrite ColorChecker Passport
Required: Calibrite ColorChecker Passport Photo #CCPP2. Purchase new; used is not recommended.
The ColorChecker Passport Video #CCPP2 may be considered an optional alternative depending on student needs.
Remote Shutter Release or Tethering Cords
Students should have a remote shutter release and/or tethering cords compatible with their camera system.
Wired or wireless options are acceptable if compatible with the student’s camera.
Light Meter
Students should have a light meter that is:
Ambient and flash capable.
Usable in both incident and reflective modes.
Able to display exposure values (EVs).
Tripod
Students should have a sturdy tripod with:
Aluminum or carbon fiber legs.
Ball head or pan-tilt head.
Compatible quick-release plate.
An extra quick-release plate is recommended.
Camera Bag
Students should have a soft-sided camera bag that provides:
Good equipment protection.
Comfortable carrying.
Easy access to camera gear.
Required Media and Storage for All SPAS students
Memory Cards and Readers
Students should have:
Minimum of one (two recommended) 64GB or larger memory cards compatible with their camera.
A memory card reader for computer connection, preferably USB-C and multi-format capable.
A 128GB or larger USB flash drive.
Common formats include SD, SDHC, SDXC, CFexpress, and XQD; confirm card type and speed requirements before purchasing. Recommended brands include Kingston, Lexar, and SanDisk.
External Storage Drives
Students should have two external storage drives, each at least 1TB or 2TB: one working drive and one backup/archive drive.
Recommended: USB 3.2, bus-powered, 7200rpm hard drive or SSD. Students may also need adapters, the most common port in our labs is USB-C. Trusted brands include G-Tech/SanDisk, LaCie, Seagate, and WD.
Required for BS Photographic Sciences Students
BS Photographic Sciences students should have access to a macro lens for close-up and scientific imaging by their second year.
50/60mm or 90/105mm macro lens.
Lens capable of 1:1 life-size reproduction, with or without extension tubes.
Strongly Recommended
Equipment Insurance
Equipment insurance is highly recommended to protect personal equipment and items borrowed from the SPAS Equipment Cage.
Insurance can help protect both personal equipment and equipment borrowed from the SPAS Equipment Cage. RIT has partnered with Gallagher (https://www.collegestudentinsurance.com) to provide an affordable and comprehensive student equipment insurance option. Select “New York” and “Rochester Institute of Technology” when getting a quote.
Purchasing Resources
SPAS provides access to support, special offers, and student pricing made available through the imaging industry updated yearly - Special Offers and Purchase Programs . Students and families are encouraged to compare options carefully and look for educational discounts before purchasing.
RIT Campus Store
Society of Photographic Education industry resources
Photo manufacturer educational discount programs.
Vendors such as B&H Photo, Adorama, and Roberts Camera Photo/Video EDU
Camera review and comparison sites such as DPReview
EDU-priced computer and software suppliers such as Academic Superstore.
Questions?
Please review the information provided below. Should you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences office at 585-475-2716 or spastour@rit.edu. We will be delighted to assist you in identifying the most suitable equipment that aligns with your budget and educational goals.