Feiertag
Well-known member
So is mine. I wouldn't what it any other way. B^)
What's Your Favorite Wildlife Photography "Gear Hack"?
- Thread starter Steve
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Maljo
Well-known member
Two bodies always. I've had a shutter die in Yellowstone.
Not sure if this counts as a hack, but I had a lens shade made for my 600mm f4 E with a 3D Printer. It is about half the length of the oem shade (kinda like using 1 /2 of the shade from the 600 f4 manual lens). It is just long enough to prevent lens flare and protect the front element, while being much less affected by the wind.
BrianBirch
Active member
@Dave Stargazer
Thanks, that’s a good point to remember!
Thanks, that’s a good point to remember!
Lots of great ideas, sorry I am a little late to respond, and maybe these aren’t really “gear hacks.”
We have Harbor Freight stores in my area so if traveling by car I always pack a few moving blankets. You can pick up a 3x6 for about $5 and a 6x6 for about $12. They are padded so they can be used under or around equipment when transporting for a little extra protection or under the photographer when shooting to provide the same. They also give me something to cover obvious photography looking items in my car. They make larger sizes in camouflage.
I always pack a short extension cord with multiple outlets. I have stayed in some rustic locations where a single duplex in a strange location might be all that is available so having the extra outlets makes the charging easier.
I spend some time preparing my iPhone and iPad before traveling. There are many great photo apps for smart phones that provide lots of information from DOF and light and color temperature meters to sun location at specific times. I also download manuals, any park or locations specific apps, wildlife identification apps, trail maps, local weather apps, and anything else that might be useful.
I have explored locations on Google Earth before arriving on location to give me a better understanding of the surroundings. You can sometimes see alternate routes or access points and it is easy to measure point to point distances.
I try to learn and explore and follow as many new features and technologies as I can even if they don’t currently interest me or fit my shooting style. I have learned to be a better photographer by learning to shoot video and I have become a better sports photographer by learning to shoot wildlife. I also am old enough to remember people saying, “computers are just a fad” and “digital photography will never be good enough to replace film.” So, I try to never say never.
I make general and location specific notes and lists, usually on some type of cloud-based notes app. These lists can include specific equipment to take, locations to revisit, or any other piece of information that might improve my experience on the next visit. I can add to these notes when I come across other bits of information anytime during the year.
We have Harbor Freight stores in my area so if traveling by car I always pack a few moving blankets. You can pick up a 3x6 for about $5 and a 6x6 for about $12. They are padded so they can be used under or around equipment when transporting for a little extra protection or under the photographer when shooting to provide the same. They also give me something to cover obvious photography looking items in my car. They make larger sizes in camouflage.
I always pack a short extension cord with multiple outlets. I have stayed in some rustic locations where a single duplex in a strange location might be all that is available so having the extra outlets makes the charging easier.
I spend some time preparing my iPhone and iPad before traveling. There are many great photo apps for smart phones that provide lots of information from DOF and light and color temperature meters to sun location at specific times. I also download manuals, any park or locations specific apps, wildlife identification apps, trail maps, local weather apps, and anything else that might be useful.
I have explored locations on Google Earth before arriving on location to give me a better understanding of the surroundings. You can sometimes see alternate routes or access points and it is easy to measure point to point distances.
I try to learn and explore and follow as many new features and technologies as I can even if they don’t currently interest me or fit my shooting style. I have learned to be a better photographer by learning to shoot video and I have become a better sports photographer by learning to shoot wildlife. I also am old enough to remember people saying, “computers are just a fad” and “digital photography will never be good enough to replace film.” So, I try to never say never.
I make general and location specific notes and lists, usually on some type of cloud-based notes app. These lists can include specific equipment to take, locations to revisit, or any other piece of information that might improve my experience on the next visit. I can add to these notes when I come across other bits of information anytime during the year.
WBYonder
Member
I went waaay back to check this thread again, since there are a lot of good ideas on it. This would be a good thread to “sticky” so people could reference it or add to it from time to time.
A gear hack that I can add is that I use a 3M Command Strip hook on my magnetic lens caps, which makes it easy to get them off and hold on to them, especially with a lens hood in place.
A gear hack that I can add is that I use a 3M Command Strip hook on my magnetic lens caps, which makes it easy to get them off and hold on to them, especially with a lens hood in place.
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I want to add moisturizing eye drops. Dry eyes are no bueno for critical focus while tracking action.
Darrellhar
Well-known member
Since this popped up in notifications again I have another landscape sort of hack. When I scout locations to go I typically create a list. What I have started doing is including GPS locations on that list and make sure the the file is saved locally to my phone. I then use google maps and save a local copy of the area to the phone, as most areas don't have cell signal. Since the maps are saved on phone it will read the GPS and I can get directions to the next location I want to go to. I use this a ton for trips where I'm trying to capture the milky way as most of those locations are in dark non-populated areas.
I do something similar with the GAIA app on my phone. It is by subscription, but includes maps (topos and many other types) for most of world. Maps can be downloaded to phone for offline use. Will record a track. And other features.
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Anjin San
Well-known member
Darned good idea…I’m going to steal…err, borrow… it.
Calson
Well-known member
I had taken a 12x12 piece of inch thick plywood and used a 1/4"-20 stainless bolt to use as a ground pod with a standard ball head attached. I upgraded it with a kitchen cutting board made from HDPE that has a cut-out for a handle.
My most expensive hack was lining a truck tool box drawers with closed cell neoprene. It goe in the bed of my pickup truck which also has a fiberglass cap and darkened windows. No worries about someone stealing gear while parked anywhere and I can leave a lot of stuff in the back of the truck when at a hotel with no worries about theft.
I had a full size SUV but any strong boxes had too little capacity. My aluminum truck box is 72 x 48 x 14 inches in size and holds everything I need when traveling. My trucks serve as a way to haul the truck box around with my photo and travel gear.
I would mention that storing lenses in leather cases is a very bad idea. Leather is a perfect medium for fungal spores and a great way to have an infected lens.
My most expensive hack was lining a truck tool box drawers with closed cell neoprene. It goe in the bed of my pickup truck which also has a fiberglass cap and darkened windows. No worries about someone stealing gear while parked anywhere and I can leave a lot of stuff in the back of the truck when at a hotel with no worries about theft.
I had a full size SUV but any strong boxes had too little capacity. My aluminum truck box is 72 x 48 x 14 inches in size and holds everything I need when traveling. My trucks serve as a way to haul the truck box around with my photo and travel gear.
I would mention that storing lenses in leather cases is a very bad idea. Leather is a perfect medium for fungal spores and a great way to have an infected lens.
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Having problems getting SD cards out of a any camera?
Recently bought some trail cameras and had difficulty getting the SD card out as the card only just protrudes from the case and my fingers would always slip off when trying to remove the card.
With a fine file I made a small notch in each edge of the card that protrudes from the trail camera, which makes getting the card out so much easier.
Wildlife shot from last night at 22:42.
Recently bought some trail cameras and had difficulty getting the SD card out as the card only just protrudes from the case and my fingers would always slip off when trying to remove the card.
With a fine file I made a small notch in each edge of the card that protrudes from the trail camera, which makes getting the card out so much easier.
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Wildlife shot from last night at 22:42.
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This thread from nearly a year ago is such a good one, I thought that I’d add a comment, so that it popped up on everyone’s radar again. Anything else new, please contribute. Maybe it needs to be its own forum (“Gear hacks”)?!
From my Boy Scout days (“be prepared”), I always carry waterproof matches, water purification tablets, an emergency blanket, extra socks, first aid supplies, and a few energy bars. While 99.9% of the time they don’t come out of my backpack, you never know when there might be a freak storm or have an accident that leaves you stranded in the elements. Nearly every month, I read NY DEC reports about people trapped in the Adirondacks, not far from where I live.
From my Boy Scout days (“be prepared”), I always carry waterproof matches, water purification tablets, an emergency blanket, extra socks, first aid supplies, and a few energy bars. While 99.9% of the time they don’t come out of my backpack, you never know when there might be a freak storm or have an accident that leaves you stranded in the elements. Nearly every month, I read NY DEC reports about people trapped in the Adirondacks, not far from where I live.
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Viseguy
Well-known member
I put grinder/file marks/indicia on my big glass lens foot(s) to mark the balance point for each of no TC/1.4TC and 2.0TC. Allows me to mount on the Wimberley gimbal and be balanced w/o having to fiddle with finding it. Also, when shooting off bean bags, usually wrap a length of masking tape around lens to prevent manual focus tweaking, something easy to do off a bean bag. Also, (not really a hack) regarding the Wimberley gimbal, note that the RRS cradle/clamp PG-CC is compatible.
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About 10 years ago I was with a friend on a hike in the Smokies to Mt. LeConte Lodge. 3 miles into the 7 mile hike (continuous 10% average grade), his legs cramped. We turned a 3 hour hike into eight hours - but we made it. He is a doctor, and was prepared to spend the night on the trail. It was a life changing experience for him and a wake up call on fitness and health. Two years later he was fit enough to be certified and on the medical staff at Mt. Everest Base Camp for a month.
Calson
Well-known member
There are triangular bags meant for taking caught fish back to shore when using a kayak and these work equally well to keep a camera and telephoto lens dry and yet available for a shot.
I have the long discontinued Domke photographer's jacket and I have used it to carry two camera bodies, speedlight, 14-24mm, 70-200mm, batteries and snack onto a plane. Easy to stuff in an overhead bin as it conforms to whatever space is available. It is not water resistant so I added one of the British GAME brand unlined waterproof coats made for hunters and so have very large front pockets for shotgun shells but also can hold a lens and battery packs and other bulky items.
I have gotten good use out of knee pads that go under your pants and yet add a lot of padding when going down on a knee to take a shot. At $16 for the pair they have proven to be very useful and do not interfere when walking unlike the exterior type.
I have the long discontinued Domke photographer's jacket and I have used it to carry two camera bodies, speedlight, 14-24mm, 70-200mm, batteries and snack onto a plane. Easy to stuff in an overhead bin as it conforms to whatever space is available. It is not water resistant so I added one of the British GAME brand unlined waterproof coats made for hunters and so have very large front pockets for shotgun shells but also can hold a lens and battery packs and other bulky items.
I have gotten good use out of knee pads that go under your pants and yet add a lot of padding when going down on a knee to take a shot. At $16 for the pair they have proven to be very useful and do not interfere when walking unlike the exterior type.
Good reminder. Especially in hot weather, I try to take Gatoraid or other electrolyte replacement in my water bottle.
NatureBoy
Active member
After reviewing the disappointing Chinese garbage being sold at Cabellas for portable seats, i decided to look online.
In my hunting blinds I use a full size camping chair but hiking in for 1 or 2 miles to photograph a duck stream or deep deer woods they are way to heavy.
I was searching for a stool / chair that is very portable and lightweight and may have found my answer in this thread.
It seems some of you like this
that may be exactly what i need for use with my Lens Coat man blind suit thing.
In my hunting blinds I use a full size camping chair but hiking in for 1 or 2 miles to photograph a duck stream or deep deer woods they are way to heavy.
I was searching for a stool / chair that is very portable and lightweight and may have found my answer in this thread.
It seems some of you like this
that may be exactly what i need for use with my Lens Coat man blind suit thing.
A ball cap. Not only keeps sun off my head but I can hold in front of my lens when I get haze from the sun sneaking around my lens hood
Snapshot2020
Well-known member
Yes those stools are very inexpensive and portable, in fact I bought two of them.
Grayl water purifier press, single-serve, instant coffee packets and my MiniMo JetBoil.
NatureBoy
Active member
Just ordered 2
Snapshot2020
Well-known member
yep… I have two vehicles and one stool stored in each.
For carrying my monopod off my belt. Will work with a Tripod too if you wish. Currently I am using a tactical belt and also have a Peak Design ProPad and Capture Clip on it along with this. So far I am very happy with the combo. The camera only goes in the Capture Clip when moving distances between shooting spots.
The tool holder means the monopod is more accessible than if strapped to a pack.
Spider Tool Holder
The tool holder means the monopod is more accessible than if strapped to a pack.
Spider Tool Holder
Thank you both for resurrecting this thread, as a relative newcomer to BCG I was unaware of this treasure trove of information! I do agree this needs to be a sticky or even a new forum subject to contribute to.
Hard to think of any gear hacks besides what has already been mentioned here. I would say this, more and more body plate companies (RRS, Smallrig, Leofoto, et al) are using magnets in their base plates to hold hex wrenches, this hex wrench is the typical size for other lens plates etc. so instead of rummaging through your bag, you can usually grab the hex under your body for numerous applications.
Now that I'm getting into longer/bigger lenses, I've come to appreciate my Black Rapid strap even more and also appreciate QD connections on body/lens plates. Connecting my BRS to my Kirk QD Lens plate/foot makes carrying this bigger/heavier lenses without putting much stress on the body itself.
Right now a challenge I have is figuring out what is the most convenient way to carry TC's. I want them to be quickly accessible and not have to dig through a pack to grab one and put one on and then store the caps quickly. Maybe a smallish Thinktank Photo lens changer attached to my belt would be helpful, but curious what other solutions y'all have come up with for convenience. I also wonder if there's anything I might be able to attach to my Black Rapid strap as it is almost always with me with a big lens kit...
Another great accessory for the bag I don't believe I saw mentioned is a nice set of running gloves, newer ones have silicone fingers and palms for better grip and while others have mentioned rubber bands and even rubber dish gloves for helping to remove stuck filters, the running gloves can also serve this role but help when temperatures dropped unexpectedly (or expectedly and you just forgot to bring gloves) and don't take up too much room in the bag. Costco often carries the Head brand for a decent price.
Another tip would be some small carabiner clips, either D ring style or S style, along with some paracord and a small arc lighter - I'm always wanting to attach something to something and this is a great way to do so.