Steve's Equipment
I recommend the following equipment and use it myself. You can see all of it on the tour.
Since I do this for a living, I go straight to the top on equipment regardless of price. I'm a perfectionist and I'm very picky about the gear I use.
My massive collection of equipment could bog down a herd of elephants. All you really need is one camera and one lens. The best way to find out what works for you is to rent my gear to use on one of my tours.
Equipment Consultations
I offer free equipment consultations via email. So, before you buy anything, email me and let me help you get the right equipment for your budget and photographic interest.
If you purchase your equipment - even something that's not on the list - after clicking through one of the links below, you'll be helping to keep the free information flowing. And it won't cost you a penny extra. Thanks.
Where I Shop
I buy almost all of my gear from B&H Photo. They're a reputable company with excellent customer service and the lowest prices. They carry nearly every piece of camera equipment available. Beware of other companies that undercut B&H prices. Many of them are not legitimate, something I discovered the hard way.
I also support my local camera stores. They're great when you want to get your hands on some gear to check its weight and size. This is particularly important for luggage and camera tote systems.
Here's What I Use:
- Bodies:
- Canon EOS-1D Mark IV (two bodies)
- Bird Lenses:
- Canon 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
This is my favorite lens and only costs about $1300. I use this lens for 80% of my photos. I use it exclusively hand-held. - Nikon 300mm f/4 Lens
This is the Nikon equivalent of the Canon 400mm above. This is also best used hand-held. These two lenses are the bomb for birds in flight. - Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM Lens
I like the fast focusing and use it hand-held. This lens breaks all the rules: it's as fast-focusing and sharp as a prime lens. - Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens
This one is for show-offs like me. It's big, heavy and brutally expensive.The best way to enjoy this lens is to use it on my tour where I carry it and set it up for you. It costs as much as 57 of my tours. This lens is normally used with a tripod and head. It is the longest and finest super telephoto lens on the planet and it's the flagship of Canon's new 4-stop image stabilization.
- Canon 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
- Micro Equipment:
- Landscape & Portrait Lenses:
- Flash Heads:
- Tripod for the 800mm Lens Only (I hand-hold all the other lenses):
- Gitzo Carbon Fiber 3542XLS Tripod
I use this because it's very lightweight for it's height. It can extend to a whopping 6 -1/2 feet. Regardless of your height, the extra length is often useful on steep enbankments, when you're standing on a rock, or when the lens is pointed sharply upward.
- Gitzo Carbon Fiber 3542XLS Tripod
- Tripod Head for the 800mm Lens Only:
- Mongoose Gimbal Tripod Head
I've used the Wimberley gimbal heads for decades, but it was a thrill to find this ultra-lightweight gem. The Mongoose flash bracket is especially lightweight in comparison to the Wimbereley bracket system I have. The Mongoose head is controversial because it's a side mount, but this is actually an advantage when carrying it with the 800mm lens mounted on it: it won't dig into your shoulder.
(Items listed below in yellow are things I use in my office or for my own cameras, so I'm unable to share them in the field).
- Mongoose Gimbal Tripod Head
- Batteries & Flash Accessories:
- Camera Straps:
- Camera Memory
- Computer Equipment:
