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My Gear
Photography Gear, Video Equipment, & More
While gear won't necessarily make you a better photographer, it certainly can have a role to play. Whether through a newer camera with an improved sensor providing better files to start with, or various accessories that can help your in-field workflow, it can make a significant difference (contrary to the popular cliche of "gear doesn't matter").
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What's in my Bag
Summary List
Scroll down for my honest mini-reviews of each item
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Backpack
Shimoda Action X50 (Amazon)
Camera Bodies
Canon EOS R5 (Amazon | Adorama)
Canon EOS R (Amazon | Adorama)
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Lenses
Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 (Amazon | Adorama)
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 (Amazon | Adorama)
Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 (Amazon | Adorama)
RF Mount Lens Adapters
EF/RF Standard Adapter (Amazon | Adorama)
EF/RF CPL Adapter (Amazon | Adorama)
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Tripod
Benro Adventure 2 Series Carbon Fiber Tripod (Amazon | Adorama)
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Accessories
ProMediaGear L-Bracket for Canon R5/R6 (Adorama)
RRS L-Bracket for Canon R (Adorama)
Canon BR-E1 Remote (Amazon | Adorama)
Kase Skyeye Magnetic Filters 77mm (Amazon)
Shimoda Action X50 Backpack
First and foremost is the bag I use when out in the field. ​This is the third bag I've used as a nature photographer, and it is by far the best. It's the most comfortable and the most versatile; having the rolltop for expandable storage allows me to not only carry all the camera gear I need, but also snacks, extra water (if needed), extra clothes, and more. I can even carry my small vlogging tripod in the top portion of the bag. Great camera backpack!
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Canon EOS R5
I bought the R5 in the latter half of 2021 after using the original Canon EOS R for a little over two years (the R is now my second/backup body that I keep in my bag, and is still used quite often). As much as I liked shooting with the R, the jump to the R5 was significant. In addition to a 50% increase in megapixels, the R5 also added in-body image stabilization, automatic focus stacking, better ergonomics, and a huge leap forward in the quality of the electronic viewfinder (EVF). The Canon EOS R5 is an absolutely fantastic camera.
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Canon EOS R
I made the leap to a full frame mirrorless camera body in 2019, after renting the EOS R from Aperturerent to test it out. Not suprisingly, I was impressed, especially in comparison to the crop sensor Canon EOS 80D I had been using for the prior two years. The EOS R got panned by many upon its release, but it's really a great camera, some ergonomic issues aside. The image quality holds up to this day, especially in regards to recovering good, clean details in the shadows. My main complaints were related to the uselessness of the touch bar, the lack of a software intervalometer, and the lack of automated focus stacking (which the lower-end RP model had for some reason). The EOS R is now discontinued, but you can find good deals on used models. The Canon EOS R6 (Amazon | Adorama) would also be a more than worthy alternative. It remains in my bag as my second/backup body, and is used often.
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ProMediaGear L-Bracket for Canon R5/R6
I have an L-bracket on my EOS R, as well, but it is awkward to work with the rotating back LCD screen with the bracket attached. Accordingly, I wanted to find a bracket for the R5 that would not interfere with the screen's movement, and this ProMediaGear L-bracket is exactly what I wanted. It allows for full screen articulation whether the camera is mounted horizontally or vertically. Some may not like the way it extends out on the left side of the camera body to accommodate the screen's movement, but I like that "feature" as it provides another option for gripping the camera. Pricey, but worth every penny, in my opinion.
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Canon RF 14-35mm f/4
For several years I had been using the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8, which is a great lens. It's main downside is size and weight, and I found myself rarely carrying it in my bag because of those two factors. I finally decided to part ways with it for the Canon 14-35mm f/4 and I have zero regrets. There have been a fair number of complaints regarding vignetting and corner softness with this lens, but I have been extremely happy with it. It's so much smaller and lighter than the Tamron 2.8 lens that it has not left my bag once since I purchased it in the fall of 2022.
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Canon RF 24-105mm f/4
I purchased this lens prior to my trip to Oregon back in May of 2021. Previously, I was carrying heavy Tamron SP 24-70mm and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses. Much like the Tamron 15-30mm, their bulk and weight were significant, and I was unable to carry both lenses and my Tamron 100-400mm (my most used lens) at the same time. The image quality of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 is fantastic, and I still can't get over how compact and light it is compared to what I used to carry. I still have the two Tamron lenses for commercial work, but when I'm out in the field for nature photography, the 24-105mm is always in my bag.
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Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3
As mentioned in my comments on the RF 24-105mm, this Tamron 100-400mm lens is my most-used lens in my bag for nature photography. Unlike the RF 100-400mm lens, the Tamron version (an EF mount, so it does need the RF adapter) has better image quality and is weather sealed. That last bit is vitally important to me, and it's a complete deal breaker for Canon's RF alternative. The only way I'd replace this lens is if I were to buy the Canon RF 100-500mm (Amazon | Adorama).
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Canon RF Mount Adapters
As much as I'd love to have all RF-native lenses, it just hasn't been financially feasible (especially since Canon still isn't allowing third-party lenses on their mirrorless lineup... a major annoyance). Accordingly, I have to use the RF mount adapters for my Tamron lenses: I have both the standard adapter and the model that includes a circular polarizer. Both have worked just about flawlessly on both my EOS R and R5, and having the CPL built into the latter adapter has been one of the most convenient setups I've encountered.
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View/purchase standard adapter at Amazon
View/purchase CPL adapter at Amazon
Canon BR-E1 Wireless Remote
This little remote is a game changer! Operating on Bluetooth, it has a range of roughly 15', allowing you to wander, sit, or shoot with a second camera while waiting for light on a composition. I've even sat enjoying a mug of hot tea under the tailgate of my 4Runner while taking occasional photos with my camera set up a short distance away. I was so happy with it for my R5 that I bought a second one for my Canon EOS R, and I keep them both on a small carabiner - each labeled for its respective camera - that never leaves my bag. My only real complain is you cannot use it for burst shots, which is frustrating if you're setup for a shot and wildlife unexpectedly enters the frame.
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Benro Adventure 2 Series Carbon Fiber Tripod
I bought this tripod back in March 2019 and it has been a great option for an affordable price. I did end up replacing the B2 ballhead (the linked product is the tripod without a head), but that was more due to wanting a geared head solution given how much I use my 100-400mm lens. This tripod has been used in sand, snow, and salty ocean water, and hasn't skipped a beat. I do wish it a bit taller; its maximum height without the center column extended is 53.5" (61.4" w/the column extended). I swapped out the included center column for the Benro Aluminum Short Center Column Series 2 Model ASC2 (Amazon/Adorama), both for a bit of weight savings and to allow for lower compositions with the tripod legs fully splayed out.
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Kase Skyeye Magnetic Filters 77m
First things first: I opted to save a little money and go with Kase's Skyeye line of magnetic filters instead of the more expensive Wolverine line. From what I was able to find, the only difference is the Wolverine filters are more shatter resistant; I was willing to gamble a bit, knowing I'm generally pretty careful with my gear (although I probably just jinxed myself). With that out of the way, I have been extremely happy with these filters. The magnetic feature is game-changing, making me far more likely to use filters in general compared to my older and far less convenient Lee 100mm square filter system. These Kase filters also have very little, if any, color cast to them. I also love the magnetic lens cover, although it could use perhaps a touch more sticking power.
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