Cameras, Lenses, and Gear

updated 7/2015

Really Right Stuff TVC 33s Series 3 Tripod

Really Right Stuff
TVC 33s Series 3 Tripod

Equipment selection is often a battle between efficiency and necessity. A need for the precise tool for the job can overshadow a natural inclination towards a lightweight, simple gear selection. I’ve included links to the cameras and gear I use in the field. There are, of course, many options out there. I often shop on Amazon.com because their website is easy and efficient, and free shipping can result in savings. I also buy directly from www.bhphoto.com and have included links to purchase from them if that is the store of your choice. If you want to support a smaller company, consider www.tallyns.com, they are a Canon dealer and can often deliver the exact products, although sometimes shipping fees may increase the price. I also shop for other gear at www.kinesisgear.com, www.reallyrightstuff.com.

The Really Right Stuff TVC 33s Series 3 tripod is my current and favorite tripod when I need the height. It works in frigid temperatures, which is critical for me. If you are doing work in subzero temps, this tripod is hard to beat, and I’ve tried a bunch. It is expensive.

Cameras

  • For most of my career, I owned Canon’s 1D and 1Ds series cameras, but with the advent of the Canon 5D Mark III, I find sufficiency for what I do in the 5D version. The frame rate loss is a slight compromise and occasionally something I miss, but most of my work does not require an excessive frame rate.
  • Canon 5d Mark IV
    30MP full frame sensor DSLR, lightweight option.

Lenses

To complement the cameras, I use a variety of common and special-purpose lenses, including:

  • Canon 11-24mm f/4L
  • Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF
    A well priced alternative wide angle prime for shooting aurora borealis and super wide landscapes.
  • Nikor 14-24mm f/2.8 with Canon mount adaptor
    Super sharp, a little odd to operate, but worth the quality – a target lens for aurora
  • Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8
    Good alternative to the Nikon 14-24 since it has exif and autofocus functionality
  • Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Manual Focus
    A very expensive lens, but superb optical quality. The manual focus allows just turning the lens barrel to infinity and it is in focus, a huge bonus for aurora borealis photography.
  • Canon 16-35mm F/2.8L II
    This photographer’s staple has many uses. Its wide angle of coverage is perfect for many scenic and landscape photos. Outstanding optical performance, even wide open, makes it a favorite lens for aurora photography, where any optical defects will be made more evident.
  • Canon 16-35mm f/4L IS
  • Rokinon 24mm F/1.4
    A much cheaper alternative to the Canon version and very similar in quality at f/1.4
  • Canon 24-105mm F/4L Image Stabilized
  • A good lens for overall midrange shooting, but vignettes strongly. The versatility of range makes it a winner.
  • Canon 70-200mm F/4L Image Stabilized
    A lightweight alternative to the f/2.8 version.
  • Canon 70-200mm F/2.8L Image Stabilized
    Speed and superb handling make this an excellent lens for large, approachable wildlife. Its large aperture and
    image stabilization makes low-light photography possible without a tripod.
  • Canon 100-400mm F/4.0L II Image Stabilized
    Very versatile zoom range
  • Canon 100mm F/2.8 Macro II lens
    Allows subjects as small as one inch tall to fill the frame. The 100mm focal length provides a longer working distance to avoid shadowing (or scaring!) the subject.
  • Canon 200-400mm f/4L IS
    Versatile but heavy
  • Canon 400mm F/5.6L
    Extremely sharp and lightweight
  • Canon 500mm II F/4 IS
    Another optical marvel, this massive lens, is often used for Arctic wildlife, with a 1.4x and sometimes a 2x extender.
  • Canon 1.4x III and 2.0x III Teleconverters 

Tripods and Mounts

All of this gear must be securely anchored to prevent vibration and soft photos.

  • Really Right Stuff  TVC-33 Versa Series 3 Tripod: My large carbon fiber tripod. Light but durable, and works well in cold weather conditions. I use the Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with this tripod.
  • For lighter-weight gear, I use a smaller Gitzo G1227 carbon fiber tripod with a Kirk BH-3 ballhead.
  • Super lightweight Gitzo Trip: GT0541 carbon fiber-1.7lbs with a Really Right Stuff BH25 Mini Ballhead

Lighting

  • Canon 600 EXRT flashes
  • Chimera mini softboxes
  • Canon wireless flash system

Shop at BH Photo