Canon EOS R5: The full frame, 45mp, Canon EOS R5 offers advanced autofocus capabilities and high-resolution imaging, ideal for capturing detailed wildlife shots.
Canon EOS R7: My current go-to workhorse for wildlife photography. This compact, 32mp, crop sensor, mirrorless camera is versatile and great for getting that extra reach needed in wildlife photography.
Lenses
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM: This lens was a game changer for me and is my primary lens for wildlife photography. It provides exceptional reach and clarity, allowing me to photograph wildlife from a distance while maintaining image quality.
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM: This lens offers a versatile a focal length for wildlife photography and allows me to shoot with lower ISOs in low light conditions. Mounted to my Canon rR7, it provides an effective field of view of 480mm. When mounted on my R7 using a 1.4x teleconverter, the effective field of view becomes 672mm at f/4.
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM: This lightweight, older lens is extremely sharp. This is a perfect “walk about” lens for capturing birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.
Tripods and Heads
NatureScapes “Skimmer” Ground Pod II: Specifically designed for low angle photography, allowing stable and comfortable shooting close to the ground.
Leofoto PG-1 Gimbal Head: Enables smooth movement and precise adjustments for capturing wildlife at eye level from a low angle.
Other Accessories
PortKeys PT6 External Camera Monitor: Elevates my low angle photography by offering a larger and clearer display for precise framing and focusing, particularly advantageous when shooting near ground level. When mounted atop my camera setup, it enables comfortable viewing of subjects without requiring me to lay on my stomach to peer through the viewfinder. Additionally, the PT6's expansive and adjustable screen surpasses the capabilities of the standard Canon LCD display, enhancing visibility and flexibility during wildlife photography sessions.
Canon EOS 5DSr: My currrent go-to camera for landscapes. A full-frame DSLR known for its remarkable 50.6-megapixel resolution with low pass filter cancellation, perfect for capturing stunning detail and clarity in landscape photographs.
Lenses
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM: This versatile zoom lens is a workhorse for landscape photography, offering a wide focal length range suitable for capturing expansive vistas as well as detailed close-ups. The fast f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent performance in low-light conditions and allows for beautiful background blur (bokeh) when shooting at wider apertures.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM: While primarily a macro lens, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is also excellent for landscape photography. Its telephoto focal length allows for isolating specific details in landscapes, such as intricate patterns, textures, or distant subjects like mountains or waterfalls. The lens's close focusing ability is particularly useful for capturing intimate scenes within larger landscapes.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: This compact and lightweight prime lens, commonly known as the "nifty fifty," is a budget-friendly option that excels in capturing landscapes. With a wide maximum aperture of f/1.8, it performs well in low-light conditions and provides beautiful background blur when desired. Its standard focal length is great for capturing natural perspectives and everyday scenes with excellent sharpness and clarity.
Tripods and Heads
Leofoto Ranger Series LS324C PRO Tripod: My primary tripod, a sturdy carbon fiber tripod like the Leofoto LS324C PRO is essential for landscape photography, providing stability and eliminating camera shake for sharp, high-quality images. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry on outdoor adventures, while its robust build ensures durability in various weather conditions. The tripod's adjustable legs allow for precise composition and leveling on uneven terrain.
Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod: My current backup tripod, the Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod is a sturdy and versatile support system used in landscape and studio settings.
ProMaster SPH45P Ball Head: The ProMaster SPH45P Ball Head offers smooth and precise movement, essential for composing your landscape shots with accuracy. It features an Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate for secure camera mounting, a 360-degree panning base for panoramic photography, and a built-in bubble level for achieving perfectly straight horizons. The ball head's compact and lightweight design complements the Leofoto tripod, making it a versatile and dependable setup for landscape photographers.
3 Legged Thing Punks Trent 2.0 Monopod: The 3 Legged Thing Punks Trent 2.0 Monopod provides additional support and versatility for landscape and wildlife photography. While not as stable as a tripod, a monopod offers portability and quick setup, making it ideal for capturing images on the go or in situations where space is limited. The Punks Trent 2.0 features durable construction and adjustable height, providing a steady platform for your camera when shooting in challenging terrain.
Wimberley MH-100 MonoGimbal Head: The Wimberley MH-100 MonoGimbal Head provides smooth movement and precise adjustments for capturing wildlife. Its gimbal design allows for fluid motion and stable support, making it an excellent choice for wildlife photographers using a monopod.
Other Accessories
LensCoat® 600mm IS Lens Cover: Offers camouflage and protection for my Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM lens, blending it into natural surroundings while shielding it from dust, scratches, and weather elements.
LensCoat® RainCoat Pro: Protects my camera and lens from inclement weather during outdoor shoots, allowing me to continue capturing wildlife images even in rain or snow. The RainCoat Pro features a lightweight design with clear panels for viewing camera controls and a versatile configuration to accommodate various camera setups.
LensCoat® Travel Hood: Designed for photographers on the move, offering robust protection for my 600mm lens during travel. Its lightweight and collapsible design ensure easy storage and transport, allowing me to leave the bulky factory lens hood at home.
Wimberley P-40 Lens Plate: Provides a stable and secure attachment for my Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM lens to compatible tripod heads or mounts. The P-40 lens plate is designed for precision and durability, ensuring that my telephoto lens remains steady and balanced during wildlife photography sessions.
Shimoda Action X40 Camera Bag: My favorite camera back to date. Designed for outdoor photographers, the Shimoda Action X40 Camera Bag provides ample storage space for camera bodies, lenses, and accessories essential for landscape photography. Its modular design and customizable compartments allow efficient organization of gear, ensuring easy access to equipment while on the move. The bag's comfortable harness system and weather-resistant construction make it ideal for extended outdoor excursions, keeping your gear protected and accessible in diverse landscape conditions.
PolarPro Summit Landscape Filter System: Enables creative control over landscape photography by allowing the use of filters such as ND (Neutral Density), GND (Graduated Neutral Density), and CPL (Circular Polarizer). The Summit Landscape Filter System is designed for compatibility with wide-angle lenses and helps enhance colors, reduce glare, and manage exposure for stunning landscape images.
3 Legged Thing QR11 Universal L-bracket system: This L-bracket system provides quick and secure mounting for my camera setup, allowing for seamless transitions between landscape and portrait orientations. The QR11 L-bracket is Arca-Swiss compatible and features multiple 1/4"-20 mounting threads for attaching additional accessories. It provides added stability and convenience during shoots, when using tripods.
Peak Design “Slide” Camera Strap System: My favorite strap system which offers comfortable and versatile carrying options for your camera, allowing you to wear it across your body or over your shoulder. The Slide strap features quick-adjustment functionality, making it easy to switch between carrying positions while providing secure support for your gear during outdoor shoots.
Peak Design “Capture” Strap Mount: Provides an additional attachment point for your camera strap, offering flexibility in carrying options.
NISI CPL Filters: Essential for reducing reflections and enhancing colors in landscape photography, allowing for better control over light and reflections.
NISI Circular ND Filters: Enables long exposure photography by reducing the amount of light entering the lens, useful for capturing smooth water surfaces or blurred motion effects.
Pluto Trigger: Offers advanced remote triggering capabilities, including time-lapse, lightning, and sound trigger modes, expanding creative possibilities in wildlife and landscape photography.
Canon 580EX II Flash: Provides additional lighting options for wildlife photography, useful for fill-flash or creative lighting effects.
Wimberly F-1 Telephoto Flash Bracket: Enables off-camera flash positioning for telephoto lenses, improving lighting control and reducing red-eye effects.
Better Beamer Flash Extender: Extends the reach and efficiency of my flash unit, ideal for wildlife photography where additional lighting power is needed for distant subjects.
Flashpoint Blast Power Pack BP960: Enhances the performance of my external flash unit, providing reliable power for extended shooting sessions. The BP960 power pack offers rapid recycling times and extended battery life, ensuring that your flash is always ready to capture fast-moving wildlife or fill in shadows in challenging lighting conditions.
Zemlin Photo Lens Caps:These caps provide superior front-element protection for my large lenses, replacing the less-than-optimal factory covers. Made from durable materials to withstand field use. They offer a secure, snug fit, protecting against dust, moisture, and impacts, while their ergonomic design ensures easy attachment and removal.
Pelican 1510 Travel Case: Provides ultimate protection for my gear when traveling with my large lenses. Constructed from high-impact materials, it is water dust and crush-resistant, ensuring my equipment remains safe in the harshest conditions. The case features customizable inserts for a secure fin, sturdy latches and wheels with an extendable handle for easy transport. Plus, it is carry-on size for air travel.
Drones
DJI AIR2s: A compact and powerful drone with a high-resolution camera, perfect for capturing stunning aerial perspectives and sweeping landscapes.
Editing Gear and Software
24” Apple iMac- M1: The 24” Apple iMac featuring the M1 chip is a powerful workstation for photo editing. Its high-resolution Retina display offers vibrant and accurate color reproduction, providing an excellent visual environment for editing photographs with precision. The M1 chip delivers impressive performance, enabling smooth multitasking and efficient processing of large image files in applications like Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop
Apple Studio Display: The Apple Studio Display is a sleek, high-performance 27-inch monitor designed for professionals seeking exceptional color accuracy and detail. With a 5K Retina display, it offers crisp visuals and true-to-life color reproduction, making it ideal for photo and video editing. The monitor features a minimalist design with slim bezels and is equipped with an integrated webcam, speakers, and microphone for seamless communication. Its Thunderbolt 3 connectivity ensures fast data transfer and compatibility with various Apple devices, enhancing your creative workflow.
Adobe Lightroom Classic: Adobe Lightroom Classic is a comprehensive photo editing software designed for organizing, editing, and enhancing digital photographs. Its non-destructive editing tools allow for precise adjustments to exposure, color, tone, and more. Lightroom's organizational features, such as catalogs and collections, streamline workflow, making it an essential tool for photographers to manage and edit their images efficiently.
Adobe PhotoShop: Adobe Photoshop is a versatile and industry-standard software for advanced photo editing and manipulation. It offers powerful tools for retouching, compositing, and creative enhancements, allowing photographers to achieve intricate edits and artistic effects. Photoshop's extensive capabilities include layers, masks, and brushes, providing endless possibilities for refining images to perfection.
Topaz Sharpen and Denoise AI: Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz DeNoise AI are specialized AI-driven plugins designed to enhance image quality. Sharpen AI intelligently sharpens photos, reducing blur and enhancing detail without introducing artifacts. DeNoise AI effectively reduces noise and preserves image detail, particularly useful for cleaning up noisy images captured in low-light conditions
DXO PureRAW 4: My favorite noise reduction software. Used primarily with high ISO images taken with my Canon R7, DxO PureRAW 4 is a standalone application dedicated to optimizing raw image files before editing in Lightroom or Photoshop. It automatically corrects lens distortions, reduces noise, and enhances details, providing a clean and optimized starting point for further editing.
Photo Mechanic Plus: Taking thousands of wildlife images at a time requires culling software that allows me to quickly review and select images to import into my Adobe Lightroom catalogue. Photo Mechanic Plus fits the bill perfectly and is a critical part of my wildife photography workflow. It is a fast and efficient image browser and workflow tool, ideal for quickly ingesting, organizing, and selecting images. It excels in handling large volumes of photos, making it indispensable for photographers who need to cull and manage their photo libraries swiftly. Once my images are selected in Photo Mechanic, I can quickly move them all into DXO Pure Raw and Lightroom for additional processing.
Wacom Intuos Pen Tablet: The Wacom Intuos Pen Tablet is a precision input device that enhances the editing experience in applications like Lightroom and Photoshop. It offers pressure-sensitive control and customizable shortcuts, allowing for precise and intuitive adjustments with natural pen strokes. The tablet's ergonomic design promotes comfort during extended editing sessions, making it a valuable tool for photo retouching and digital artwork.
