What’s in my bag

[Ado Wolf]

My photography genre is spontaneous,

I am also of a wholly trio plus school and believe less is more, 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, add a 200-500, hire anything else.

My vision going forward is i am attracted to smaller lighter, one day, hence i like your kit for what you do.

I am waiting to see what the Z8 has to offer, if it has at least 12-14 fps is small light like the Z7II then its good by Z9 in a heart beat, i am not defendant of auto 3 D tracking.

I find my D850 to be the best do anything well all round tool, with image files i just love. Its not a Z9 dedicated in tracking and speed etc.

The Z9 i have is a toe in the water of mirror less, yes its larger heavier, similar image files to the D850, it offers for me at 45mp a OPTIONAL significantly higher frame rate and the key advantage of super fast focus attack speed, the rest for me is optional or in cases overkill and to complicated to enjoy, but that's me, some like a Muscle car others a Toyota Camry LOl.

16mm F2.8 fish eye...........Its a stunning lens, very sharp, has a 180 degree filed of view, brilliant for Astro, landscape, seascape, and especially creative photography, street photography, my friend used 2 of them on DX cameras to do a creative wedding shoot, an amazing lens if you know how to use it to its potential. It was made originally for Astro many years ago, its super tiny and light, its unique and a bit like the 19mm Tilt Shift to use, that lens is as good as it gets for ultimate sharp landscape architectural shots but you also need to know how to use it to its potential and harness its magic.

We seem to have a few things in common I started primarily as a wildlife photographer, then portrait photography fell in my laps as my ex-partner got pregnant and kids came into my world. Recently I started hiking more and that's when Landscape became interesting.. During spring I jump into the world of Macro, as I love butterfly and mushroom photography. Much like you, we are a jack of all trades but expert in none

I too am a believer of the trinity concept (less is more kind of approach). The classical 12-24, 24-70, 70-200 however doesn't apply to me anymore, since my 24-120mm covers a big past of the 24-70+700-200 combo. That's why I thinking about the 100-400 (as a replacement for my 70-200).

A lot of D500 shooters are waiting for the Z8 / Z90 or what ever it will be called.. including me.

I strongly agree with your statement "If i cant nail what i want with what i have i need to question how and what i am doing."

We share the same passion for the D850. but I have to admit, right now, a lighter Z success will be very welcomed As the Z9 is "overkill" for my use as well.

"I paint with light, the lenses are my brushes nothing more or less" well said.

I struggle with wide angle, having primarily experience with telephoto lenses.. that why I think the 16mm Fish eye will be quite a challenge for me. That's why I also rarely use the ultra wide lens of my iPhone. I guess my eyes are used to telephoto DOF. Who knows, maybe one day I'll rent it and give it a try.

 

[O]

It is as good if not better, particularly at the 50-70mm range. It is by far the sharpest zoom in that range that I ever owned. From my stand point it has no fault. One only notices how versatile the added range is, when you get this lens. Furthermore, the added magnification / semi macro capabilities the 24-120mm has (x0.4) is a major upgrade compared to the 24-70mm magnification of x0.3 (on paper may sound as a small difference, but in practice it makes a big difference).

Thank you, i will look into the 24-120 and borrow one from Nikon, sounds good.

As to the Z9 don't worry about not having one, while its an nice camera, a special purpose tool, for me the gear does not make the photo LOL.

I like the Z9 but for me its not the end all that suits all my needs, i prefer a little less speed weight more resolution, i am hoping the Z8 will be something to look forward to.

On the other hand all my exotic gear D5 D6 D4s 600 f4 all went ages ago, not because of the Z9, the one i have its a stepping stone, just pulled the capital out, waiting for a while with the Z9 to see what happens going forward because i can, especially watching Canon and the R1 series drill downs, and their glass, i am in a god position to jump ship if desired.
Building a new system is not front row priority just yet. Reshaping my direction is what matters at the moment.

Only an opinion

 

[Ado Wolf]

I have more lenses (too many) but these are the 3 I use for 90%+ of my photography. I do mainly wildlife, nature. The nature stuff is mostly intimate landscapes, macro insects and flowers, textures. I'n really not a "birder". I will take photos of birds but I don't specialize in them. I do love deer and spend a lot of time searching for them. Also in winter, the "birding" I do is usually waterfowl and raptors. Also, the older I get the more I try to simplify my life. That is one reason I really am interested in the mirrorless cameras, particularly the "hybrid" ones. It would be nice to carry one camera that can do both video and stills with ease.

The Sony RX series shoot way above their pay grade.

I can relate to having many lenses and using 3 for 90% of my photography. We both share as well the passion for deer photography, and do take occasional bird photos when the situation presents itself

We have "the older I get the more I try to simplify my life" in common as well.

I find it quite interesting to see how many similarities some photographers share on this forum. Too bad we live across the globe.. otherwise it would have been interesting to meet in person as well.

 

[O]

We seem to have a few things in common I started primarily as a wildlife photographer, then portrait photography fell in my laps as my ex-partner got pregnant and kids came into my world. Recently I started hiking more and that's when Landscape became interesting.. During spring I jump into the world of Macro, as I love butterfly and mushroom photography. Much like you, we are a jack of all trades but expert in none

I too am a believer of the trinity concept (less is more kind of approach). The classical 12-24, 24-70, 70-200 however doesn't apply to me anymore, since my 24-120mm covers a big past of the 24-70+700-200 combo. That's why I thinking about the 100-400 (as a replacement for my 70-200).

A lot of D500 shooters are waiting for the Z8 / Z90 or what ever it will be called.. including me.

I strongly agree with your statement "If i cant nail what i want with what i have i need to question how and what i am doing."

We share the same passion for the D850. but I have to admit, right now, a lighter Z success will be very welcomed As the Z9 is "overkill" for my use as well.

"I paint with light, the lenses are my brushes nothing more or less" well said.

I struggle with wide angle, having primarily experience with telephoto lenses.. that why I think the 16mm Fish eye will be quite a challenge for me. That's why I also rarely use the ultra wide lens of my iPhone. I guess my eyes are used to telephoto DOF. Who knows, maybe one day I'll rent it and give it a try.

Wide angle is at first strange, different, but often becomes very addictive, if your passion is ignited its very rewarding.
I do a lot with my 14-24, the secret is get in fast close and get out for paparazzi shots which the 14-24 was originally designed for.
Seascape, I create a very wide dynamic foreground for the WOW factor also anchoring the image, then focus on a point about 1/3rd in, F11 or F16, for tight paparazzi or street photography i at times even hold the lens at my ankles pointing upwards 45 degrees and click away, also i walk around in crowds shooting from the waist in stealth mode, the 14-24 just nails everything.

The 16mm you need to be more careful as the ends of the image curve dramatically up or down if its not horizontal, there is a technique.
Now if its not your cup of tea then its best to pass it by.

Also Macro i love, i use the Ziess 100 F2, Nikon 200 F4 just love them. The 200 F4 is simply breathtakingly amazing especially on the D850.

The 105 F2.8 is the best for stacking on the D850.

Only an opinion

 

[O]

As to the trinity i understand where your coming from, i just love the F2.8 light gathering capacity needing much lower ISO.
I still have a 300 F2.8 VR II, i use it only at F2.8, just amazing, it may go when the Z9 does.

 

[Marco74]

I am interested in how you pack and carry the 600 f4, E I assume. I currently have the heavier and longer G but plan on getting the Z 600 TC S and would like to pack it on hikes with the camera on. I also own the 180-400 f4 TC with FTZ I also take with me at times. I would only carry one of those at a time and would not plan on taking other lenses usually and only one smaller lens when I do.

I tend to hike with a group of fit friends in the PNW with trips to Montana and they are not photographers. We are in our early to mid-60’s and every year the weight makes it more difficult to keep up in this competitive group but it is worth it if we come across wildlife on the trail. Then I want to quickly take the camera out, flip the lens shade around, and shoot without fumbling with caps and attaching the body so I don't hold the group up even though they are understanding and probably appreciate the rest. I also hike with my wife and with her I can take more time and equipment and the hikes tend to be easier.

Your Osprey Exos sounds interesting. How do you pack your 600 in it? I own a Gregory Zulu 35 that might be similar. I like the looks of the Think Tank Backlight 36L and measurements suggest the Z 600 TC S would tightly fit with a Z 9 mounted if the top divider is removed but I have not confirmed that. The Glass Limo looks perfect if it had a couple more inches of internal height. The Osprey and Gregory design tend to be cooler on the back on longer hikes with elevation gain while camera specific backpacks tend to make my back get hot. Thanks.

My friends are also very competitive during hiking, so I avoid bringing the 600 if it is not strictly necessary.
By the way, The Osprey Exos is too small for the lens and some hiking staff. In that case, I use the Atmos, which is 1kg heavier and 30 litres more.
It is not so fast to remove the lens from the backpack. Also, considering that to limit problems in case I fall unfortunately to the ground, I never keep the camera body attached to the lens.
The trick to safely keeping the lens inside a hiking backpack is to change the standard hood with the travel version.
Here is the link to my travel version: https://www.lenscoat.com/travelhood-c-44.html
In my opinion, it is not the best on the market. It is not so fast to install, and I can never keep it in a perfectly round shape.
The Aquatech version looks better, but I never test it. https://aquatech.net/collections/soft-goods-soft-lens-hoods

More or less to insert the lens in the backpack, I do in this way:
In the bottom of the bag, I always put some emergency clothes, such as a raincoat or an extra down jacket.
I insert the lens with the rubber cap of the Aquatec facing downwards because it is the heaviest part of the lens.
I put the travel hood around the lens on the side facing out. In the upper part of the lens, I put the camera body inside Lenscoat protection, and usually, I also put on a sweatshirt or a windbreaker that I will undoubtedly need as soon as I stop so as not to get cold.

I also have a GuruGear Bataflae (the original version before the Tamrac acquisition of the company) where I store the lens at home and when I will travel by aeroplane. Still, after several tests, during hiking expeditions, the hiking backpack is always the best and the most comfortable to carry for a long walk, cooler and with more space for all the necessary for the expedition, and not less important, not so heavy as another backpack like for example the F-Stop.

 

[Marco74]

Osprey is a reputable company with great quality backpacks. My travel backpack is also Osprey.

Oh yes, you reminded me of the filters for landscape, particularly the Polarizer and ND filters they are quite handy for creative shots.

I am considering 100-400 for both landscapes and wildlife. It’s nice to see that most forum users have it out something equivalent to it.

Do you use lens-coat as extra protection? Or as camouflage for the lens?

Yes, I do.
I bought this: https://www.easycover.eu/product/nikon-z-100-400mm-f45-56-vr-s
I wouldn't say I like the shape of the original LensCoat. The bellows protection of the part of the lens that extends during the zoom, I find it awkward, so I bought the alternative.

It's not bad. Due to the petal conformation, the neoprene part that protects the light shield does not easily stay in place, so I took it off. I removed the thinnest strip, but otherwise fine. For me, the primary function is to protect the lens from scratches.

 

[Ado Wolf]

Thanks for the reply and follow up question Ado.
I definitely understand financial limitations as I am a public school educator who is at the tail end of his career. Photography is my "one" thing and I spend much of my disposable income traveling to use the gear I have. My wife has stopped taking pictures and will not be able to resume shooting in the future. As a result, I sold her entire kit and used the funds to buy a Z9. The camera is an expensive bugger, but it has been more than worth the expense. I have had a D500 ever since it was introduced and eventually added a D850 to the bag. At one point, we had 3 D500's, a D850, and a Z6... The 4 DSLR's feel the same in my hand, so my photography became increasingly intuitive. With a Z9 and Z6II, I find that the camera's UI are so different that I need to think about the button layout on my Z6II... it is for this reason that I want a 2nd Z9. I'll gladly buy a small and less expensive body if it built with the Z9's user interface.

cheers,
bruce

I totally understand. Traveling combined with photography is a great thing to do. And yes, Gear doesn't come cheap, but it offers so much more in return -> definitely worth the investment and more! for me it's peace of mind, an escape to daily stress.. allows you to get fresh air, connect with mother earth and the peaceful animal kingdom. It's my yoga / meditation activity.

Let's wait and see which camera comes next.. if nothing much, then good luck with your pending Z9 purchase

 

[Patrick M]

I kept the z24-70/4 after acquiring the 24-120 because the resale value for this great S lens was awful, and also the original 'kit' box for the z6 has its box - so if and when I replace the z6 . I can sell on as a full kit, while I still have the other z lenses. I know it's collecting dust (not in a sealed box of course!) but there's no point in giving it away!
As for performance, I do like the control ring and separate focus ring, plus the function button , and I agree with what's been said re image quality at various focal lengths. It's pretty impressive.

 

[O]

I kept the z24-70/4 after acquiring the 24-120 because the resale value for this great S lens was awful, and also the original 'kit' box for the z6 has its box - so if and when I replace the z6 . I can sell on as a full kit, while I still have the other z lenses. I know it's collecting dust (not in a sealed box of course!) but there's no point in giving it away!
As for performance, I do like the control ring and separate focus ring, plus the function button , and I agree with what's been said re image quality at various focal lengths. It's pretty impressive.

So you like the 24-120 better than the 24-70 ?

 

[jeffnles1]

I can relate to having many lenses and using 3 for 90% of my photography. We both share as well the passion for deer photography, and do take occasional bird photos when the situation presents itself

We have "the older I get the more I try to simplify my life" in common as well.

I find it quite interesting to see how many similarities some photographers share on this forum. Too bad we live across the globe.. otherwise it would have been interesting to meet in person as well.

I agree about similarities with folks on this forum. I think it is one reason I frequent this website so often. Indeed, too bad we are several thousand miles apart, it would be good to meet you. If you're ever in the USA and find yourself coming around Cincinnati Ohio area, give me a shout out.
Jeff

 

[Patrick M]

So you like the 24-120 better than the 24-70 ?

definitely. That extra "reach" is exactly what it needed to be the perfect go-anywhere lens....for me. I'm very much a generalist type. Buildings, animals, woodlands, landscapes. Not so much sports or BIF. So my last trip was the US Northeast and Canada for the colours...and this lens was all I needed. I love it.

 

[gdecamp]

My current mirrorless kit
Z9

LENSES:

Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4S
Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC
Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens
TC1.4X & TC2.0X converters
FTZII adapter for f mount lenses when needed
Will be adding a Z14-24, Z70-200 and maybe a 85mm/1.8 in the months ahead but no rush

Also still have
D4, D500

Lenses Nikon f mount
17-35/2.8
500pf
Micro Nikkor 200mm f/4
I have not used the non mirrorless kit in months and eventually will let it go.


I use the Z9 and 400TC most days for birds but always have the 800pf in car in case I go to a spot where I need that reach. so that is really my "kit" but most days I have my Pelican as well with all the smaller stuff in the car. (now I will get robbed) LOL

Tripods and monopod are Gitzo and have a Wimberley Head II WH-200 when needed as well. Always one or the other in the car

The 2 bags I use the most are the Pelican 1535 Air for the camera, smaller lenses etc and the original Gura Gear Kiboko for the 400TC and 800pf. I also have and use at times the Think Tank Airport Security.

Oh and of course a Nikon Z hat.

 

[fcotterill]

I seem to be similar to many here. In that photographing within the vehicle, or close to, dictates more than any other factor what I carry and how. On raodtrips, it's fStop Sukha, Pelican Air 1535, and fstop Tilopa. Not all the packed gear is active on any given day but 2-3 bags saves congestion and helps organizing 3 telephotos on 3 cameras with quick changes possible to perhaps a shorter focal length : 24-120 f4S, 14-30 f4S or a Zeiss UW prime. I've tried too many bags but have gone back to Pelicans when possible, as they seal so well (ie dust) and I finally consolidated on fStop packs.

I also pack a Leofoto LM323C with PG1 gimbal, and a Sirui monopod with modified Fotopro E6H gimbal. This smaller, lighter gimbal works like a gimbal should, but clamp a camera by its LPlate for panoramas and macros; both sets of legs has a lever clamp: with everything Arca-Swiss compatible. I only use Sirui A-S lens plates: 70mm or 180mmm. The small organizer-bags by Thinktank (Cable Mgmt 10 v2) and Pelican 1050 help organize smaller items together by themes : cleaning gear, cables, plugs, filters etc, batteries, chargers, allenkeys, JIS s'driver etc. I also carry 2 different swiss-army knives, 2 different leatherman combos (so wider set of tools) and a longer sheath knife in a pack, and axe in the car (plus other essential tools). One can meet an entire tree an elephant has thoughtfully pushed across the track (!); often firewood needs splitting in camp.

If a camp doesn't have mains power, the I take a Jackery 500 PSU with 100W solar panel to charge batteries etc via AC, and it has USB ports too.

Hiking and walkarounds requires the Tilopa if it's indeed necessary. When possible I prefer to wear a Raptor photo waistcoat (Country Innovations, UK) with total of 13 pockets, most are huge. This can stow 2 Teleconverters, a UWide, and the 400 f4.5S fits in the "poacher's " rear pocket. A Lower pocket can fit a gripped DSLR. I always carry a Swiss knife and leatherman and small cleaning kit in coat pockets, plus a compact raincoat (more for camera gear in a downpour). If any risk of being accosted by a dodgy character, a Byrna SD fits in this coat too, discrete, quick to draw.

I carry Z9+800 PF attached by the PD QR clips to a modified padded sling. If hiking with a heavier rig (180-400 TC, or 800 f5.6E) plus slung camera, then the surviving f-Stop exception is a Lowepro LensTrekker AW600 III, on which I can strap a tripod or m'pod.

 

[Bristolian]

What is the KISS principle?
I love my 24-120.. but it’s too short for wildlife.. that’s why I end up with 2 cameras.. one with telephoto lens and one with general zoom lens. Problem with wildlife is you have to be quick, so no time to change lenses..

Hi Ado,

KISS = Keep It Simple, Stupid

 

[Midway]

My friends are also very competitive during hiking, so I avoid bringing the 600 if it is not strictly necessary.
By the way, The Osprey Exos is too small for the lens and some hiking staff. In that case, I use the Atmos, which is 1kg heavier and 30 litres more.
It is not so fast to remove the lens from the backpack. Also, considering that to limit problems in case I fall unfortunately to the ground, I never keep the camera body attached to the lens.
The trick to safely keeping the lens inside a hiking backpack is to change the standard hood with the travel version.
Here is the link to my travel version: https://www.lenscoat.com/travelhood-c-44.html
In my opinion, it is not the best on the market. It is not so fast to install, and I can never keep it in a perfectly round shape.
The Aquatech version looks better, but I never test it. https://aquatech.net/collections/soft-goods-soft-lens-hoods

More or less to insert the lens in the backpack, I do in this way:
In the bottom of the bag, I always put some emergency clothes, such as a raincoat or an extra down jacket.
I insert the lens with the rubber cap of the Aquatec facing downwards because it is the heaviest part of the lens.
I put the travel hood around the lens on the side facing out. In the upper part of the lens, I put the camera body inside Lenscoat protection, and usually, I also put on a sweatshirt or a windbreaker that I will undoubtedly need as soon as I stop so as not to get cold.

I also have a GuruGear Bataflae (the original version before the Tamrac acquisition of the company) where I store the lens at home and when I will travel by aeroplane. Still, after several tests, during hiking expeditions, the hiking backpack is always the best and the most comfortable to carry for a long walk, cooler and with more space for all the necessary for the expedition, and not less important, not so heavy as another backpack like for example the F-Stop.

My buddies and I spent mid-September in East Glacier National Park and I carried my Think Tank Shape Shifter backpack and just used the lens strap of the 180-400 TC FTZ draped over my shoulder. That worked OK but my shoulders are sloped a bit and I need to regularly reposition the strap. The hikes on this trip were not as challenging as normal due to one in the group not having the fitness level of the rest of us although he did stay behind on some of the more challenging hikes and the group powered on.

Even with the 180-400 TC I could have used more reach. Mountain goats, moose, fox, bear etc. tended to be quit a distance away. Even buffalo outside the park could have used a longer lens. The 600 is lighter so seems doable to pack along. I’ve been liking the looks of the BackLight 36L, it seems similar to your towards the Gura Gear Bataflae. Thank you for the response.

 

[Calson]

I use a 32L backpack and a smaller 18L backpack overseas and in the states when traveling in my truck I add a small shoulder bag with my filters. With the truck I have a 4x6x1.2 foot metal box with two long drawers that have neoprene padding on the bottom and sides. With the truck fiberglass cap with it windows covered by black curtains and the large strongbox I have no worries about anyone breaking in and stealing gear while the truck is parked at a trail head or at a hotel.

For wildlife my kit is the 105 MC, 100-400mm, 400mm f/4.5, 800mm PF, and 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. I can shoot with any of these lenses with at most a monopod (for the 800mm).

For landscapes I have the 19mm PC-E, 45mm PF-E, 85mm PC-E, 14-24mm f/2.8, and S 70-200mm. With these lenses I use a quick level tripod (either the Feisol CT-3472 with it quick level head or the Gitzo 2531LVL legs) and the Arca-Swiss d4 GP head. The d4 GP head is an incredible head and far superior to any ball head. It is currently selling new on Amazon at a 30% discount.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[CoyoteCreationsNW]

My hikes often include both wildlife and landscape images. My normal kit is:

Z9 + 400 mm TC 2.8 carried on my chest in a Cotton Carrier - about 10 lbs
I might add a TC 14 or TC 20 if I expect to need 800 mm (rare)

A small, Voyager Leather backpack with:
Z7ii + 70-200 mm 2.8
50 mm 1.8 or 20 mm 1.8 if I expect any panoramic landscapes or astro opportunities
extra batteries, lens cleaning kit,
rain covers
CP and variable ND filter for the shorter lenses
rain jacket,
small survival pack
water

The basic pack is about 9 lbs. Nicely balance with the larger camera/lens on the front.

If I plan to set-up in one location, a Gitzo series 3 tripod and Benro GH5C gimbal adding another 8.4 lbs. Gets a little heavy if I need to go more than a mile or two on the trail.

Most times I leave the tripod home and take a Manfrotto 290 monopod with a small pan/tilt head carried as a walking stick.

For a macro and landscape trip, I would leave the long lens home and use a MC105 mm 2.8 on the Z9
Leave the 70-200 home and use a 50 mm 1.8 on the Z7ii
85 mm 1.8 and 20 mm 1.8 just in case
other spare items the same except no EN EL18 batteries.

 

[O]

definitely. That extra "reach" is exactly what it needed to be the perfect go-anywhere lens....for me. I'm very much a generalist type. Buildings, animals, woodlands, landscapes. Not so much sports or BIF. So my last trip was the US Northeast and Canada for the colours...and this lens was all I needed. I love it.

Thank you very much,

i have the 24-85 VR in FX, its a sharp light compact and a nice lens but not as good optically or in low light as my heavier larger 24-70 F2.8 G
Hence i was thinking it must be similar to the 24-120 G version ?

 

[Marco74]

My buddies and I spent mid-September in East Glacier National Park and I carried my Think Tank Shape Shifter backpack and just used the lens strap of the 180-400 TC FTZ draped over my shoulder. That worked OK but my shoulders are sloped a bit and I need to regularly reposition the strap. The hikes on this trip were not as challenging as normal due to one in the group not having the fitness level of the rest of us although he did stay behind on some of the more challenging hikes and the group powered on.

Even with the 180-400 TC I could have used more reach. Mountain goats, moose, fox, bear etc. tended to be quit a distance away. Even buffalo outside the park could have used a longer lens. The 600 is lighter so seems doable to pack along. I’ve been liking the looks of the BackLight 36L, it seems similar to your towards the Gura Gear Bataflae. Thank you for the response.

My mountain expeditions are mostly in the Gran Paradiso National Park. There, most of the animals are used to hikers and are quite confident. The 100-400 is enough for most of the time. Then of course there are more difficult, or smaller subjects, such as the Dwarf owl that I posted in the photo a few days ago which requires longer lenses.

Especially in the intermediate seasons, spring and autumn, as well as in winter, the mountain backpack is always the best solution for me.
Maybe not the most comfortable for photographic equipment, but the comfort on the shoulders, the breathability and the greater space available for clothes and climbing accessories are essential for me.

Last February we went to photograph the Musk Ox in Norway with a temperature ranging from -10 to -20°C and even on that occasion the Osprey Atmos made the difference.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

Me in Norway.

 

[Ado Wolf]

My current mirrorless kit
Z9
Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4S
Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC
Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens
TC1.4X & TC2.0X converters
FTZII adapter for f mount lenses when needed
Will be adding a Z14-24, Z70-200 and maybe a 85mm/1.8 in the months ahead but no rush
.

That is a nice and complete set, that covers a wide range and is mainly focused on Wildlife. The 400 TC is a lens desired by many photographers. With this setup I hardly see the need to revert back to D cameras.. maybe with the exception of the D4 (for very low light work).

I didn't know there are Z hats

 

[Ado Wolf]

I seem to be similar to many here. In that photographing within the vehicle, or close to, dictates more than any other factor what I carry and how.

When possible I prefer to wear a Raptor photo waistcoat (Country Innovations, UK) with total of 13 pockets, most are huge.

I carry Z9+800 PF attached by the PD QR clips to a modified padded sling. If hiking with a heavier rig (180-400 TC, or 800 f5.6E) plus slung camera, then the surviving f-Stop exception is a Lowepro LensTrekker AW600 III, on which I can strap a tripod or m'pod.

Yes, I guess in the US it is very common to photograph from the car or close to. Here in Europe we rarely have roads that go through forests, where one can simply park and use it as a hide. That's why most of the photography is done on foot.. usually a few miles away from the car parking.

I never thought about wearing a waistcoat... that-s something I should look into. Thanks for the tip.

Oh.. I personally would not trust carrying a Z9+800PF with a Sling.. but I trust it works for you

 

[Ado Wolf]

Hi Ado,

KISS = Keep It Simple, Stupid

thanks, I just researched it to know it's origin and found the following "principle noted by the U.S. Navy in 1960."

 

[Ado Wolf]

For wildlife my kit is the 105 MC, 100-400mm, 400mm f/4.5, 800mm PF, and 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. I can shoot with any of these lenses with at most a monopod (for the 800mm).

For landscapes I have the 19mm PC-E, 45mm PF-E, 85mm PC-E, 14-24mm f/2.8, and S 70-200mm.

That's an impressive setup (metal-case in car trunk)
I see you have a couple PC-E lenses.. do you adapted them on Z lenses via the FTZ? or do you still have DSLR cameras?

 

[gdecamp]

That is a nice and complete set, that covers a wide range and is mainly focused on Wildlife. The 400 TC is a lens desired by many photographers. With this setup I hardly see the need to revert back to D cameras.. maybe with the exception of the D4 (for very low light work).

I didn't know there are Z hats

Yes NPS had the hats and sent them to many of us when the camera was ordered while we were waiting for it. Some don't like it but mine is shaped better now since I've worn it a while, I've had it for just about a year now, arrived end of November 2021 and actually got the camera at the end of December.

I'm holding on to the D500 and D4 etc until I get a mirrorless backup camera I like, waiting and I assume in 2023 I'll have it.

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