The following is a description of my digital camera equipment for Wildlife Photography I use to take that special picture.
I am a Nikon user. Why do I use Nikon? Many years ago I obtained a Nikkormat Ftn with a 50mm f2.0 lens. I can remember picking the camera up in the shop and it just felt right. The image quality from the Nikkor lens was outstanding and I have remained a Nikon user to this day. I am often asked ’what camera do I use' My reply is: my system is Nikon. In my early days I often used third party lenses, but quickly came to the conclusion there was a difference in handling and overall quality.
The equipment manufactures have targeted the mass market and produced a range of digital camera equipment to suit all pockets. Everybody has got a digital camera and many more are buying their first single lens reflex (SLR) generally in a package with at least two lenses. These packages represent good value for money and enable the photographer to become more adventurous in the quest to obtain that special picture.
My first expedition into African Wildlife Photography I was shooting film. My cameras then were a Nikon F5 and a Nikon F100. I still have my Nikon F5 which now adorns my bookcase. My choice of lenses was a Nikkor 50mm f1.4, Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8, Nikkor 300mm f4, Nikkor 24-85 f2.8 and a 1.4 converter. For the next trip I obtained a Nikkor 80-400mm f3.5-5.6 that incorporated VR (vibration reduction). I also took the plunge and purchased a Nikon D100, my first item of digital camera equipment.
The following equipment is as described in my article ‘How to take that special picture’ The amount of equipment is typical for one of my African trips and also takes into account traveling by air–not always easy. I also discuss my preferred camera bags for transportation and use in the field.
Camera Bodies
D3: 12.1 megapixel full frame FX format. A superb camera and is the latest big jump in digital technology. 9 frames per second, auto ISO and dynamic focusing points are photographers dream.
Nikon D700: 12.3 megapixel, FX format. Small high performance body, 5 frames per second.
I also use the MB-D10 grip that attaches to the base of the D700 and provides additional battery life plus a frame rate up 8 frames per second. It is essential to use the Nikkon EN-EL battery in this grip as you will not realise 8 frames per second. The battery needs the MS-D10EN battery tray
that fits in the grip.
Nikon D2X: 12 mega pixels, DX format. Superb camera in its day, but outclassed by the latest high performance bodies such as the D3 and D700. However, it is a still a very useful camera capable of producing superb results. The D2x can be obtained second hand at a fraction of its new cost and makes a good first buy.
Lenses
500mm f/4 ED-IF AF-S II Nikkor Super telephoto lens. This lens is probably my favourite for wildlife photography. Apart from the ability to bring the subject close to you, it creates diffuse backgrounds that are almost artist when viewing. This is a big lens (3.8 kgs) and is best used on a tripod, or a beanbag. When using the lens on a bean bag the large foot also assists in carrying. However, when used on a tripod, I change the ‘L’ shaped foot for a shorter version that brings the lens closer to the centre of the tripod. This aids to reduce movement with a shorter overhang.
300mm f/2.8 ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor lens. This is a super fast lens with its f2.8 maximum aperture. The amount of light it captures and fast focusing makes this lens a real cracker. I use this lens for flight photography and equestrian activities. The lens is light (2.8 kgs) and I can hand hold this for a long time.
80-200 f/2.8G ED-IF AF Nikkor lens. An exceptional, older design, medium telephoto lens and with its fixed aperture of f2.8 through it’s zoom range makes this my preferred lens on my second camera body.
24-85mm f3.5/4.5 AFS Nikkor lens. Wide to medium telephoto compact lens. This lens is a real cracker and the results with the D3 body are outstanding. I have put off buying the latest and more expensive 24-70mm as this lens is so good.
20-35 f2.8 AF lens Nikkor lens. Superb wide angle zoom with fixed aperture throughout the zoom range. This lens is a real cracker on the D3 body. This is an older model lens, but superb optics.
70-300mm f4.5-5.6 AFS VR Nikkor lens. very good quality in a compact package. Ideal for travel and general photography and works extremely well on the D3 and D700 body.
105mm D AF Micro Nikkor lens. Ideal lens for obtaining close up images.
TCE 1.4 II and TCE 20E II Nikkon converters. Essential when trying to get as much reach from the 500 mmm lens. Also converts the 300 f2.8 to 420 mm f4 using the 1.4 converter.
Tripod
Gitzo 1325 Mk II carbon fiber tripod
Arca Swiss B1 Ball Head
Wimberley Side Kick
Wimberley Flash Bracket
Accessories
Nikon SB800 flash gun, extension cord, Better Beamer flash attachment.
Set of Wimberley quick release plates for all lenses with mounting feet.
Replacement foot by Really Right Stuff for the 500 f4 lens.
Two external hard drives: Lacie 500gb and a Seagate 320gb flash drive.
A selction of compact flash cards from Sandisc and Lexar ranging from 2, 4 and 8gb each plus hard case wallets packing four cards at a time.
A selction of cleaning cloths, lens pens, air blower and protective bags.
Spare camera batteries, chargers and a pack of AA batteries.
Two Optima camera straps, note book, pens and pencils.
Bean bag - fill bag with about 3-4 kgs of beans.
A set of Lee ND filters and foundation kit, circular polarizer, 81A warm up filter and a set of step up rings to allow my 77 mm filters to fit other lenses.
A Photo vest; mainly used when carrying extra bits through flight check in when using other airlines and smaller planes.
Bags
When I am travelling by plane I minimize the amount of equipment I take as carry on luggage. Fortunately, British Airways now allow two pieces of carry on luggage in economy and economy plus. The 500 f4 lens fits into a duffle bag made by Nikon and looks like a small shoulder bag. I tape over the Nikon logo, which is emblazed in gold, so not to advertise what’s in the bag. I have a Tamrac Roller bag that meets the size requirements of carry on luggage (just) and allows me to pack the following equipment:
300mm f/2.8, 80-200 f/2.8, 24-85mm AFS, 20-35 f2.8, two camera bodies, flash gun, 320 gb flash drive, straps, compact flash cards and other accessories. I often put my Dell 11" laptop computer in the outside pocket as well.
My other equipment, tripod etc. goes into my checked luggage along with my Lowepro Mini Treker filled with charges and other items. I have had my Mini Trecker for a long time and it is my favorite bag when in the field. It is a small back pack that will hold my 300mm f/2.8, smaller lenses and one body. If I am walking long distances I can wear the back pack and keep my hands free. When I am travelling by 4 x 4, I have the 500 f4 and or the 300mm f/2.8 fixed to one or both of the two bodies in the vehicle. Again, depending on what I am photographing I may substitute the 80-200 f/2.8 for the 300mm f/2.8.
When I travel by car from my home I tend to take more than I use and take an additional large back pack the Tamrac Expedition 8 model. This is very good for carrying lots of equipment and offers good protection, but when full, I can just about pick it up. That’s why I leave it in the car!
Compact Camera
Last, but not least; my compact camera. Over the years I have had many models from Nikon to Canon. I have found the Canon Super shot and now the Ixus range work really well for me. I like a compact camera with a viewfinder as I have great difficulty in holding the camera about two feet in front of my eye trying to compose the picture. This does limit the range of compacts available with a viewfinder. The larger compacts, Nikon and Canon incorporating a viewfinder are too big and feel bulky when in my shirt pocket. My present compact is a Canon Ixus with a viewfinder, somewhat old, by present day technology in mega pixels, but still takes a super picture.
