My Camera Bag

Nikon Z7

I replaced my D600 with the mirrorless Nikon Z7 (version I) in 2019. A near doubling in sensor resolution from the D600 (to 45.7MP) provides expanded crop options but exposed optical weaknesses (chiefly a lack of critical sharpness) in most of my lenses. As a result, I am slowly replacing my F-mount lenses with their native Z-mount analogues… with some upgrades. Overall, I have been very impressed with the Z7’s features and performance so far, particularly with the recent firmware updates to the autofocus system.

Nikon Z 14-24/2.8 S

Nikon Z 24-70/4 S

Nikon Z MC 105/2.8 S

Nikkor Z 14-24 f/2.8 S

I’ve owned a number of mid-tier A-, K-, and F-mount wide-angle lenses, and I've been disappointed with the resolution of virtually all of them. For a new Z-mount lens at this length, I wanted class-leading sharpness from center to corners, excellent flare resistance, well-defined sun-stars, filter compatibility, reasonable weight, and an f/2.8 or faster aperture for astrophotography. This lens provides all of that, and more. It is an engineering marvel and a spectacular lens.

Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S

This is easily the best kit zoom I have ever used. In fact, at moderate apertures, its optical qualities apparently surpass Nikon’s F-mount benchmark standard zoom (the 24-70 f/2.8E, which I never owned). Its only major limitations for me are relatively weak corners at the widest end and (naturally) a relatively slow maximum aperture. On balance, however, it’s already proven itself to be a great one-lens option for travel and backpacking. It’s remarkable close-focus ability (with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.3X) and very good center sharpness also make it an excellent lens for close-up wildflower photos.

Nikkor Z MC 105 f/2.8 S

Still putting this lens through its paces, but it’s already proving to be a winner. Among other things, it’s clearly sharper and has less chromatic aberration than the F-mount lens it replaces (the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105/2.8G IF-ED). I’m excited to test it out on wildflowers and insects this spring.

Nikkor AF-S 200-500/5.6E

Considering my day job (wildlife biologist), I waited a long time to purchase a telephoto lens, mainly due to cost. Nikon released this lens in August 2015, and I picked up my copy in May 2016.

The lens is larger than most of the lenses I've used before, but once you acclimate to the size and weight, it's reasonably manageable.  The focus is swift enough for slower subjects, the bokeh is better than I expected (considering its 5.6 max. aperture), and the VR works VERY well.  I've found that I can hand-carry and shoot this lens offhand for several hours at a time without too much effort, a real plus when a tripod isn't available or feasible.  Sharpness was more than adequate on the D600; on the Z7, it is noticeably softer but useable at moderate output sizes.

Transporting and using a lens of this size took some learning for me, and I've purchased a few accessories to make things easier.  Many users of telephoto lenses for wildlife and other outdoor subjects use Lenscoats, and mine (in Realtree Max4) fits the lens well.  I also purchased a Sunwayfoto DPG-80DR quick release plate for the lens foot, which provides an Arca-Swiss base (and anti-twist lip) for tripod attachment as well as a bar for attaching a pair of Op/Tech Uni Loop connectors.  I can then use my Op/Tech Utility Strap-Sling over my shoulder and carry the 200-500 inverted (with camera attached) by its foot.  The lens/body combo hangs at my side, but it typically needs a steadying hand to prevent it from bouncing or swinging while I’m moving.

Because of its relative softness on the Z7, I hope to eventually replace this lens with one of Nikon's dedicated primes in the 500-600mm range (either an existing F-mount or new Z-mount version).  In the meantime, the 200-500/5.6E remains my only telephoto.  The majority of the wildlife photos featured on this site were taken with this lens on my D600.

Nikon AF-S 200-500/5.6E

Tripods

I have accumulated many accessories over the years, but arguably the most important are my tripods:

  • Induro GIT304L tripod with FLM CB-48F ballhead (for frontcountry use and maximum stability)

  • Gitzo GIGT1545T tripod with Sunwayfoto FB-36DDHi ballhead (for backcountry use)

The Gitzo tripod and FLM ballhead are fantastic, and I wouldn’t hesitate to buy either of them again if needed. They are both very well engineered and entirely dependable. My impression of the Induro is mixed: it is solid and reasonably light for a full-size modular tripod, but the plastic shims in the legs (to prevent sections from sliding out) are poorly engineered and difficult to keep seated. I saved a few hundred dollars at the time, but I should’ve just purchased a Gitzo 3 Series or RRS. The Sunwayfoto ballhead tends to sage or settle a bit under load, but it serves as a small, lightweight head for travel. It’s also too wide to allow the Gitzo legs to fold (reversed) all the way together, however, so when packing tight I have to store it separately. I may end up replacing it with an Arca-Swiss P0 or similar head.

Accessories

Other key equipment include:

Flash and Studio

  • Godox XProN TTL wireless flash trigger

  • Godox MS200 and MS300 studio monolights

  • Godox AD400Pro outdoor monolight

  • Godox AD-S85 softbox, 43” bounce umbrella softbox, and Glow EZ Lock 12x36 stripboxes

Filters

  • NiSi 100mm filter holder (for Nikon Z 14-24/2.8 S)

  • NiSi 100mm Explorer IRND 1.8 filter (6-stop)

  • Haida 100mm NanoPro Circular Polarizing filter

Other Accessories

  • SanDisk 64GB Extreme PRO CFexpress Type B cards

  • Adobe Lightroom Classic CC and Photoshop CC