I am frequently asked about cameras, equipment, and other general inquiries about my career in wildlife photography.
To ensure I can give people all of my recommendations in a quick and concise manner, I’ve put together a list of all of the gear I have used and continue to use in the field.
Over the years I’ve tested more cameras, lenses, and accessories than I can count. Some stayed in my kit for years, others didn’t last a week.
These are the tools I trust when the light is fading and the moment won’t wait - the same gear behind every photograph on this site.
Cameras
Budget – Nikon D3500
A lightweight, beginner-friendly DSLR with intuitive controls, excellent battery life, and rock-solid reliability. Perfect for those starting their photography journey.
Full Information and Specs
Midrange – Nikon Z50 II
A compact mirrorless with a 20.9MP DX sensor, fast shooting, and advanced autofocus. Great all-around performance for hobbyists and enthusiasts alike.
Full Information and Specs
Midrange – Nikon Z6 III
A versatile full-frame mirrorless camera offering excellent low-light performance, fast burst shooting, and strong video capabilities. Ideal for those ready to step up their game.
Full Information and Specs
Top Tier – Nikon Z8
A professional-grade, full-frame powerhouse with a 45.7MP stacked sensor, blazing-fast autofocus, and unmatched image quality. Designed for serious photographers who demand the best.
Full Information and Specs
Top Tier – Nikon Z9
Nikon’s flagship mirrorless camera, built for speed, durability, and uncompromising image quality. Features the same 45.7MP stacked sensor as the Z8 with a fully integrated vertical grip, longer battery life, and unmatched handling in the field.
Full Information and Specs
Lenses
Budget – Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
A sharp, versatile zoom that delivers serious reach without the cost of pro glass. Constant f/5.6 aperture, reliable VR, and solid build make it a great starter wildlife lens for Nikon DSLR shooters.
Full Information and Specs
Midrange – Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Lightweight for its range, with excellent sharpness across the frame. The zoom flexibility makes it perfect for fast-changing wildlife encounters.
Full Information and Specs
Top Tier – Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
A flagship wildlife lens with lightning-fast autofocus, exceptional sharpness wide open, and a built-in 1.4x teleconverter for instant reach out to 560mm. Built to handle the harshest field conditions.
Full Information and Specs
Top Tier – Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S
Unmatched reach and image quality for serious wildlife work. Built-in teleconverter pushes it to 840mm, making it the ultimate tool for photographing distant, elusive subjects.
Full Information and Specs
Tripods
Budget – Manfrotto Element Traveller Carbon Fiber
Lightweight, affordable, and packs down small for travel. While it won’t match the stiffness of pro tripods, it’s a great choice for lighter telephoto setups or photographers on the move.
Full Information and Specs
Midrange – Benro Mach3 TMA37C Carbon Fiber
A sturdy, stable tripod with excellent vibration control and weather resistance. Handles heavier lenses well without weighing you down too much.
Full Information and Specs
Top Tier – Gitzo GT3543XLS Systematic Series 3 Carbon Fiber
The gold standard for wildlife professionals. Rock-solid, tall enough for comfortable shooting with big glass, and built to last a lifetime. Exceptional stability in wind and rough terrain.
Full Information and Specs
Clothing
My #1 questions is: “What kind of mask is that!?” when people see my videos. I use Quietwear facemasks and covers, and I love them.
QuietWear Grassy Neck-Up
Keeps you warm without blocking your viewfinder, with a soft, quiet fabric that won’t spook wildlife.
Full Information and Specs
QuietWear Grassy Gloves
Warm and designed for trigger control - works just as well for camera shutters.
Full Information and Specs
QuietWear Grassy Beanie
Simple, warm, and quiet. Fits easily under a hood without bunching.
Full Information and Specs
Electronics
Memory Cards
SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-II 128GB
Fast, durable, and built for high-burst shooting. Handles 4K/8K video and RAW bursts without hesitation.
Full Information and Specs
CFexpress Cards
Sony Tough CFexpress Type B 256GB
Blazing fast write speeds for top-tier bodies like the Z8 and Z9. Built to withstand drops, dust, and water.
Full Information and Specs
Card Reader
ProGrade Digital Dual-Slot CFexpress Type B / SD UHS-II
Transfers large batches of images quickly, with dual slots for efficiency. Compact and reliable for travel or desk use.
Full Information and Specs
Portable SSD
SanDisk Extreme Portable 1TB
Rugged, waterproof, and lightning-fast for in-field backups and travel.
Full Information and Specs
Desktop Drive
G-Technology G-Drive 8TB
High-capacity desktop storage with enterprise-grade reliability for archiving years of photographs.
Full Information and Specs
Portable Power
Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD
Keeps cameras, phones, and accessories charged on extended trips away from outlets.
Full Information and Specs