I would think that a FF camera with an excellent f/2.8 zoom would be a minimum.
I've never sold to a top tier magazine but my Canon 5D and lenses probably cost me $4000 over the years buying one lens at a time when I had the money. (I had my lenses years before I had my 5D.)
I always buy used from Adorama, KEH and eBay. That has saved me quite a bit of money over the years.
Canon 5D
20mm f/2.8
50mm f/1.4
135mm f/2
24-70mm f/2.8
300mm f/4
That's what I have.
Interesting question. Congratulations, it has been starred.