Camera Gear
I use a Canon R5 for all my photography. With a 45 megapixel sensor and animal eye tracking autofocus, it is a perfect camera for wildlife photography. Its weather-sealed body ensures durability, crucial for shooting in a variety of environments including heavy snow. My personal favorite feature is the electronic view finder which gives a real-time view of the final image, allowing for easy and quick setting changes to adapt to the ever-changing conditions in nature.
Canon R5
I use a Canon 300mm f2.8 ii as my primary lens for wildlife photography; while a longer lens, such as a 400mm f2.8, would be ideal, I chose a 300mm as a more affordable alternative and am happy with the image quality and sharpness. When paired with the high-resolution R5, I can make up for a shorter focal length with the ability to heavily crop photos for close up wildlife portraits. With its image stabilization and relatively light weight compared to other prime lenses, I can easily shoot handheld and hike with my 300. With a low aperture of 2.8, the narrow depth of field for blurred backgrounds is a favorite feature, as is the low-light capabilities for shooting after sunset.
Canon 300mm f2.8
The Canon 70-200mm f2.8 is an incredibly versatile lens, and one that I use in a variety of ways. Primarily a lens for capturing environmental wildlife shots, I has also use my 70-200 for landscape photography, as well as for product photography. The lens is very sharp and also has image stabilization. With it’s internal zoom and wide focal range, this is my go-to lens for any travel photography.
Canon 70-200mm f2.8
While I mostly shoot photography handheld, I use a Gitzo Mountaineer series 3 tripod for video. Made from carbon-fiber, the tripod is lightweight and incredibly durable through all weather conditions. The leg length is easily adjustable to accommodate shooting at any level, and the leg angle adjusts as well for even more versatility. With a closed length of less than two feet, it can easily be strapped to the side of a pack for on the go adventures.
Mounted on the tripod base, I use Gitzo’s Fluid Gimbal head for smooth panning during video. It’s durable build easily supports heavy lenses while the quick release plate allows for a quick set-up to never miss any of the action.
Gitzo Mountaineer and Fluid Gimbal
Having a card that is secure as well as capable of saving images at a fast rate is essential for wildlife photography. I now only uses SanDisk Extreme Pro high speed cards, and have not had any issues with card corruption or buffering.
SanDisk Extreme Pro Card
Outdoor Gear
I car camp often, and an essential is my Rumpl Blanket. It’s made from a durable sleeping bag like material and is incredibly warm. It easily compresses down into a stuff sack perfect for traveling. In addition to camping, I also just use my Rumpl lounging on the couch at home while editing photos.
Rumpl Blanket
Bear spray is an absolute essential while recreating anywhere in bear country. I always cary bear spray with me, no matter how close to a road I am, or how busy a hiking trail may appear. It is highly effective at deterring a charging bear, and other animals as well. While I have never had to deploy bear spray, I would rather always have it and never need it than the other way around. Brand doesn’t matter much as long as it is bear spray and not just regular pepper spray. I personally use UDAP, and I am a big fan of their Griz Gaurd holster, which attaches with a clip, perfect for pants, coat pockets, or the outside of a pack.