The Best Gear I Have Ever Bought!
āļāļąāļ
- āđāļāļĒāđāļāļĢāđāđāļĄāļ·āđāļ 15 āļ.āļ. 2024
- What is the best gear I have purchased over the last 13 years. Which gear has stood the test of time, let's find out. Let me know in the comments your favourite gear. Cheers, Duade
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Affiliate Links From Video
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ðThink Tank Airport Commuter Bag geni.us/8uThcPC
ðMuck Boots Muckmaster geni.us/OC1bJ
ðLens Foot Canon 500 F4 geni.us/9cZ0ws
ðLens Foot Sony 200-600 geni.us/6rmm8
ðLens Collar RF100-500 geni.us/IEKW
ðNaturescapes Bag Hide geni.us/2lFiMLt
ðSkimmer Ground Pod geni.us/aYVDIv
ðCanon RF100-500 geni.us/wLTrLf
ðCanon R5 geni.us/IshRd
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My Cameras - Affiliate Links
ðOlympus OM-1 geni.us/nsv5
ðCanon R6 Mark II geni.us/Suy1
ðCanon R7 geni.us/L6TITJ
ðCanon R6 geni.us/08Ro
ðCanon R5 geni.us/IshRd
ðCanon R10 geni.us/AEvjF4
ðSony A7IV geni.us/wxaU
ðDJI Pocket 2 geni.us/gAmY
ðInsta Go 360 2 geni.us/JkFeNDp
ðDJI Air2s Drone geni.us/qYhA2A
My Lenses
ðOlympus 300mm f/4 IS PRO geni.us/Fst6
ðOlympus 100-400 geni.us/WAsE3i2
ðSigma 150-600C geni.us/AxMQ
ðCanon RF100-400 geni.us/avzOe
ðCanon RF800 f11 geni.us/yhnjyl
ðCanon RF100-500 geni.us/wLTrLf
ðCanon RF35 1.8 geni.us/T3OrIs6
ðCanon RF24-105 f4 geni.us/o1Dyw7
ðCanon EF500 F4 IS II geni.us/YMFVl
ðCanon RF200-800 f/9 geni.us/63JQM
ðRF1.4x Converter geni.us/SG5AfJW
ðRF2x Converter geni.us/00e2R
ðSony 200-600 geni.us/Yrysuf
Audio - Wireless Mic
ðRode Wireless Go 2 geni.us/FhjPXr
Tripod
ðIfootage TC7 geni.us/dwhKB6N
ðBenro CF Tripod (C373T) geni.us/c0RMABZ
ðiFootage C180 Cobra Monopod www.ifootagegear.com/?ref=Dua... Use Code DUADEPATON for 10% off
ðSirui AR3204 Tripod geni.us/EvIs Code: DUADEPATON for 5% off
ðSirui PH20 Gimbal bit.ly/3ArJykf Code: DUADEPATON for 5% off
ðSirui PH10 Gimbal geni.us/UBEct Code: DUADEPATON for 5% off
ðFlexshooter Pro geni.us/3MZsDX
ðSkimmer Ground Pod bit.ly/3F7QHqo
ðWeifeng 6663A Tripod /Ballhead ebay.to/3ArL5W3
Monitor
ðNinja 5 monitor geni.us/aLZv6J
Bag Hide
ðLenscoat Lenshide store.naturescapes.net/lensco...
Bag
ðThink Tank Photo Airport Commuter Backpack geni.us/5cu7NQ
Accessories
ðPrograde CF Express B and SD Cards amzn.to/3NlYPqb
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Business enquiries: duade.paton@gmail.com
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ðFollow Me & View My Images
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Website: www.duadepaton.com
ðžïļGallery of my photos: photos.duadepaton.com
ðžïļPhotos from video:
ðžïļInstagram: / duadepaton
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Chapters
00:00 Best Gear
00:33 Think Tank Bag
01:56 Clothing
05:19 Lens Foot
06:11 Bag Hide
07:34 Skimmer Ground Pod
08:54 Lenses
14:33 Cameras
16:38 Trips
17:26 Conclusion
24:50 Conclusion
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You know that a reccomendation is genuine when someone says "no name brand jacket, and they don't make it anymore". Thank you for your honest reviews always. Much love from Sri Lanka xx
Thanks, I wish it was a brand that people could buy as I love it. Cheers, Duade
It was made by nobody, and nobody is still making it.
I still used my Dad's Canon 7D and 100-400 both MK i's. I inherited it after my dad passed away in 2012 when I was only 13 so I love using his old kit because it keeps me close to him. He was far more into bird photography than I was but I used to out and join him with my 350D and 70-300 that he started with. This past 3 years I have yes the 7D a lot done loads of aviation and motorspot photography with some stunning results as well as getting out in the field to take some wildlife and landscape photos. I went to Canada with me this summer on a 9 day canoe trip in the Yukon. unfortunately, due to weight limits I could not justify taking the 100-400 so took a cheap supper zoom 18-270 Tamron it did an ok job, I wish I could have fitted the 100-400 in my bag. Also got a 24mm 1.4 sigma to take with me to Canada by far the sharpest lens I have.
Love your video and they inspire me to get out and take more photos and I love that you show what the older gear can still do. however, I do feel it is time to upgrade soon as I have definetly found the limits of the 7D AF.
Thanks for sharing your story Alex and sorry to hear about your Dad. Wonderful you have that kit to remind you of him. I am sure you can keep it even when you upgrade and pull it out from time to time. I still like doing that with mine. Have fun, Cheers, Duade
Great stuff Duade! Thanks!
Thanks for the restful gear talk and beautiful photos - perfect for a Friday afternoon.
I love your presentation style. Look forward to each one you generate. Very well done.
Thanks for the video duade âĪ
Thank You So Much, Respect your Dedication and true from Heart and Soul talking.
Love this video and love seeing all the gear you use its so cool. also I've just been watching you're older videos about 1-2 years ago please bring back the out takes they are so funny and just add such a great end to a video love it keep up the work daude.ððŧ
Very informative and entertaining video! Glad you got that 500 f4 v2, its a great performing lens!
Great video!! Love your passion.
Love to see your channel growing!!! Youâre my âgo toâ guy for wildlife and telephoto lenses! Good vibes from Texas!!!!
Your videos are so good because they are so down to earth. As an beginner in the field they are what I need.
Thank you Duade , an other outstanding video as always, i was actually wondering about the boots that i saw you wearing many times in your videos (yes I donât miss a single video you post) and I know what is my next investment going to be! I canât thank you enough for all the value you provide, your channel has definitely changed my photography for the best.
As far as stills, my om1 and the MZuiko 150-400mm F4.5 with built in TC is my main go to. The Om1 has many built in computational features that I always find myself using. The lens gives me alota of reach, max at 1000mm (35mil equal.) f5.6. And it has a built in arca swiss that I do use from time to time but not too often because of its light weight. The mount has a half-moon smooth top, arca swiss plate on bottom thus it makes for a great camera and lens carry handle. I used to carry this kit with a shoulder strap, but I have switched to a wrist trap and carry it by the lens mount, it's easier. I hike many times over 3 miles or more when dry "for the shot" thru muddy swamp so this kit must be versatile in reach and light. As far as boots since I was a fisherman back when I still use my white shrimp boots, cheap and still does the job. A must have for me is also a full bug suit, sometimes in the summer wet season unfortunately, you need it. Always carry one camera and lens, on my hikes, the small stuff goes in my pockets. My Caden travel, carry on camera bag with all of my lens, filters, back up camera body stays in my truck. If it's a wildlife hike, then the fore-mentioned is the kit that is coming. The lens can focus on a minimum of 1.3 meters for photo-like macro stuff. I have pushed this lens to take wonderful landscape wildlife pics which are focus stacked in the camera, but I can also focus stack at home and compared both images and I cannot tell them apart. BTW I use my tripod as a hiking pole when focus stacking but not often because clean up sucks after the fact. I mostly carry my mini tripod that I set on a stump or rock and that goes in my pocket and it can balance my om1 with my 40-150 pro f2.8 or my 12-40mm f2.8 that I carry in my pocket and leave my 150-400 in the bag. I use cargo pants for hiking....many deep pockets! I always use one hiking pole for balance, which from experience, there are sometimes big roots and rocks submerged in the muck, that I have tripped upon in the past. I'm not as young, water or muddy proof as my camera gear. As a result, I have mounted some pics of my adventures on my wall, largest is a 61 cm by 92 cm that brings me back and makes me happy to look at. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing such a detailed comment, sounds like you are well and truly sorted. I would love to try that lens at some stage as I love the OM-1. Yes, I have a fly net for my hat as flys get really bad here sometimes. I also have a jacket with lots of pockets, you can never have enough :-) Cheers, Duade
Dude is the type of person you would love to have as a buddy ðð
Absolutely wonderful video...when u say that the trips themselves are more joy than all the gear that money can buy, that's a 100% genuine comment. All the best!
Another wonderful video! I started photographing in 1978 with a Pentax K-1000. Iâve still got it, and I imagine it still works. My first DSLR was a Canon 20D. Boy, have things changed since then.
Always love your videos Duade. Two of the often understated things about photography are the nostalgia and the pure joy of doing it: very few hobbies / sports leave you with a detailed record of all your exploits! I really regret selling my original Canon EOS 50E film camera (ah, man, Fuji Velvia!!!) and the camera that first got me into digital: the Canon EOS 10D.; would love to have those on a shelf somewhere. My LowePro backpack is about 20 years old and youâd have to pry my fingers off of it. Agree with you on the R5 and RF100-500: theyâre too good (and if Iâm honest, as a hobbyist, probably more than I should have). I do look at that 200-800 with loving eyes though! All the best, Mark.
Your recommendations are are so genuine and very useful to a new photographer. A ground pod has been on my list together with a gimbal head as I have noticed I already am the ground more times that I would ever had imagined. I use a Sony A7IV + a 200-600 lens, some support when laying low is much needed.
I'm also quite jealous of your experiences with your 40D/7D together with your 400 mm F/5.6. The joy is just readable from your face! I have yet to experience such feelings with my camera and really hope I will at some point.
Good on ya Duade. You were one of the guys are able to get me back into bird photography. Back in the 80s I had an old Canon FTB with a sigma 300. And my own dark room. and then I took a career hiatus you could say. And a few years ago I retired and got back into it. After a bit of research and watching you and Jan, I settled on the R5 and the 100 to 500 RF lens. And of course the 1.4 Tele converter. It's been great. The one piece of gear that I've added that you don't see much is a dot site. The PGD tracker. I can instantly put flying birds in the frame, and while the auto focus misses a fair amount (I'm working on that), I've been able to get some pretty damn good BIF's particularly of small birds that I would never be able to get otherwise. Keep up the great work. It would be lovely to bird with you someday.
lovely video as ever Duade, thanks so much.
the gear that really was turn in my bird photography was getting the bigma (sigma 50-500 mm f6.3) and when i paired it with the pro level e5 camera form Olympus had so many unforgettable shot that i still remember exactly how i felt and what happened back then, i think i told you that before that i have used the e5 till the last shutter, LOL.
i the mirrorless era, getting the 300 mm f4 prime was another landmark for me, as its much shorter than the 500 mm in bigma which was eq to 1000 mm, but i helped me to improve my early morning photography and made me determine to learn how to get close to the birds or just be patient and wait till one decide to come as close as they like, this gave me so much beautiful moments. i can use the 1.4 TC but now i prefer not to, as if the bird will not come clos, i can include it in landscape shot, this i learnt from brilliant photographers in the you tube such as yourself.
not sure i will ever go for the white 150-400 mm f4.5, even i could afford it, but i think if they make the long promised 50-250 mm f4 i will sure consider it.
thanks again your video really made my day, and just now i finally saw the little Menetries's warbler in the water plate at the balcony, these are tiny winter visitor to my city love them like crazy, but this year have not seen a lost of them and this is the first day i see it in my place.
Great video (again!) My oldest gear in DSL/Mirrorless is the Canon EOS Rebel T7h and my first lens is a Rokinon super wide angle 10mm f/2.8 (completely manual everything) I do still have a 25 year old Kodak point & shoot also! I take a lot of photos of my foh with it. ð
Thanks Duade for another great video. I have just ordered a pair of Muck Boots here in the UK after seeing them lol. I have the R5 and 1-5 and use the Rf 1.4x a lot of the time. I'm always envious of photographers using the EF500 f4 II and found when taking pics of Short Eared Owls yesterday the speed was lacking on my 700mm f10 combo. Should have kept my old EF500mm f4 MK1. Cheers Doug
Duade, another great video. I've had my Think Tank Airport Commuter bag since 2014. It has been to Africa twice, Alaska twice, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and recently to Antarctica, as well as numerous flights within the USA. It has never failed me, and it is the perfect size. I love the built in lockable security cable to prevent someone walking off with it. Keep making these great videos.
Great video Duade but you forgot to mention the brand of after shave you wear !!!
Amazing and lovely tot see Duade I missed the new RF 200-800 by the lenses but i can resume that one is to short on the market to put him by the best gear ?
Thank you Duade! I don't have much older gear around since switching from Nikon to Canon, but the one camera body I have left is my Nikon D7100. It was my first very satisfying DSLR with top display like the pro models, and dual card slots. While only being APS-C, it still produces some pretty good images when the conditions are right.
Great sense of what's helped make a difference. For me getting a bag I can wear as a bum bag when I'm out walking in the bush was a big one. Easily store and then grab the camera out when something grabs my attention. No faffing around with getting a back pack off etc. Also having an additional battery to hand charged and ready to go. Lastly - wet weather gear and warm gear for a Tassie winter.
Muck boots are great, very comfortable! Seeing a few more competitors these days.
Great reflection Duade. Since going digital the EF 70-200 f4 opened my eyes to the quality of L glass. That was replaced by the EF100-400Mk2, which combined with the 7D2 transformed my wildlife photography (and great for landscapes and people too). Going mirrorless means that stills and video are now all-in-one for my purposes, so that's a significant improvement. And the Vanguard Alta Access 38x combines the convenience of a messenger bag with the more traditional style backpack bag. I don't think it is available anymore though, like your jacket!
Great video, Iâve been looking for a camo hide that isnât a mesh or net (that catches on everything), yours looks perfect!
I went the frying pan route for a ground-pod with a cheap generic gimbal, and have been happy with that so far - is the plastic one easier to hike with?
Excellent video Duade! I think the switch to mirrorless has been the biggest change for me. I have the Canon R5 and R6 and various L series lenses of which the oldest is my EF500 f4 I too bought used. My daughter nicknamed it the Hubbleð. My wife, two grown kids, son-in-law and both grandkids all have cameras so it doesnât matter who we vacation with we have the cameras in common. ðĻðĶ
An enjoyable and informative video, thank you. Last year I bought an R7 and found it such a leap forward from my 700D. I have recently progressed to M mode full time and am enjoying it so much. My most used lenses are my 400/f5.6 and 500/f4. I'm looking too sell some less used gear and buy the RF100-500 so was very pleased to hear your recommendations on all 3. ATB, John.
My oldest gear is a LowePro "Photo Trekker" (Classic/black and grey)!
Since the first day i'm using it with my Macro- and Landscape gear!
It shows its age, but is still in good shape! âš Never regretted this purchase! ð
Great Video thanks. Lens Feet, the Bain of every Photographers grumbles. Oldest Kit in use Leica M2, 5cm Lens bought 1979. Soon be out and about. Keep well & Stay safe. ððŽð§
My accessories I use all the time. Osprey waist pack, holds my teleconverter, batteries, cards and snacks. I also love the walkstool. So lightweight and nice to use with tripod shooting waiting for Herons and Egrets to catch fish! Who makes the soft lens covers you are using. Those look nice.
Love the RF 100-500 with my R6 mark ii. The image quality is unbelievable. I just find you have to get the background a little further away than you do with the big primes to get similar Bokeh. It just takes a little more planing.
I started with the Canon 2000D. Iâll never forget that camera as it got me hooked on photography, I felt guilty upgrading to the 90d and so on. Funny how your favourite Camera or lens becomes almost like a friend. Even my wife says I love my camera more than her. But hey, sheâs a very close second!
Nice video, but every video you make I really like. Iâm sure we all appreciate your effort.
A few homemade / modified bits of kit I find helpful - mobile umbrella hide (best of hide & bag hide). Similar bag to yours (except Roller type ) but with added frame /larger wheels from A.T. pram buggy, makes for easy transport of heavy gear while using a light backpack at the same time.. A rifle mount made from a wooden crossbow butt & lastly a ground pod from cheap fry pan. Enjoy your informative presentations. All best.
For the ground pod, I made one out of a Frisbee and some bolts and washers from a DIY store. You can do it really cheap.
I wear those Muck brand boots for field work almost daily in the muddy and soggy PNW USA! Comfortable, warm-ish in the winter, and long lasting (3-4 years of daily use). Highly recommend!
Still shooting away with my r7 and 100-400 mkii and enjoying every minute of it. Thanks again Duade for another excellent video.
Never used one but I like the ground pod gimbal setup. One combination I found really works for me is a monopod with ballhead. It's so versatile I've used it standing, kneeling, sitting and even laying down on the monopod to stabilize with the ballhead on the notch. Only problem with that is the mud - that's where that gound pod is looking really good.
In 2019, I purchased my first mirrorless camera, the Canon M6 II, along with the Sigma 150-600C. This gear taught me the joys of bird and wildlife photography. And even though I have since upgraded to the R7 and RF 100-500, the earlier gear got me started.
Thanks Duade, I really appreciate your videos. You understand that not everyone can afford the latest and greatest gear and that you can still take great photos with what you can afford. You are also not a not-my-brand hater, unlike many other TH-camrs. I also own a Thinktank Airport bag and Skimmer Ground Pod, which I have had for almost 10 years. I have a number of Nikon DSLRâs and lenses, which I am still trying to master. I must admit that I recently tried out a Nikon Z9 (FW4.01) with an F-mount 400mm F2.8 and almost feel like is is cheating, with the camera/lens getting focus and tracking. It makes it very tempting to move to mirrorlessâĶ.
Best invested money to photographic gear by me was definitely on
EF-S 10-18mm IS STM, cheap, but amazing lens with which I took two of my all tiem favorite landscapes.
Thanks for sharing all of this, Duade. There are some really good comments here, too.
Thanks mate, yes, just getting through the comments now. Cheers, Duade
I still have and occasionally use my first DSLR, an EOS 300D, itâs been through the wars a bit but it still works despite the rear display only displaying scrambled information! ðĪĢ
I bought the same bag in 2008 when the 5D MKII came out and used it until 2021 then bought the updated version. It is perfect for me and it is my gear closet as well. It has a R5 with adaptor and EF16-35 attached to the R5, 100-500, 5Dmk 4 body, RF28-70, RF85 f1.2, 6 batteries, RF 1.4 extender plus many accessories.
Great to hear, I was not aware there is an updated version, when mine dies I will look into it. Cheers, Duade
Thanks Duade, I really enjoy your channel..........I still have my canon f-1, 1971 I paided 500.00 with a 50mm 1.4 lens, I can say that I shot Elvis with a canon 1973........keep up the good work ...ss
I use Nikon But love your heart and explanation.
I sold my 400/5.6L recently and it was mint, hard to let it go but finally the 100-400Lii has replaced it. For me, the 7d was just automatic. Love the mkii and now the R7 and Iâm tempted by an R3. Great video and tanks for putting it together
Duade, I made the leap of faith and moved from 1 series DSLRâs to the R5 and R3 and this has been a game changer for me at least, better low light performance and more keepers regarding autofocus, but at the moment Iâm still using and enjoying EF glass, even if some are quite heavy like a 600mm F4.0 prime.
Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS L is a killer of a lens and now a fantastic value second hand buy.
Iâve got a Rohan windjammer from 1998 which is windproof and goes over a fleece, the reason I keep it is itâs got a full body width check pocket which is great when swapping lenses.ð
I got reunited with an old 1d Mark IV and bought a 400 5.6 and 500 f4 ver 1 last year... saving up for an R3 to pair them with :D
Heya, Duade. Muck Boots makes a "cool" version of their boots that you may be interested in trying. I used to work on a shrimp boat on the US Gulf Coast and I chose those for fear the others would be too hot. I was always moderately comfortable even in wool socks. I never tried their other boots as I only had that job for two years but they served me well through that time. Thanks for all you do!
Thanks Duade. I really enjoy watching your videos. Although I am a wildlife photographer, i do love bird photography. Im still holding onto my Canon 5Dmk4 and Canon 1DXmk2 but find that particularly the 1Dx is heavy, when i travel with lenses as well. I'm now looking at lighter bodies such as R6 mk2 . Regards from South Africa
My 70-200 2.8 L III and my 5D Mkii, are my two favorite pieces of gear.
I don't use it anymore, but I just had to keep one of my two Canon Elan 7Ns, because it was the first camera that made me feel what a great pleasure it could be just to hold a splendidly-designed camera in your hands. - like the joy I felt as a kid just holding a good basketball. The Canon ergonomics are certainly a part of the reason that I've been a Canon shooter ever since I bought that Elan 7N for my first photography course in the Spring of 2003.
I can second the recommendation for Muck Boots. Super comfy, tough as nails, and waterproof. Awesome boots for trudging around in, um, muck.
Like you , my vacation choices always involves birds and photos ð The thing that changed my photography was your channel , so far, that has been the most impactful. Thank you ! âĪ
Thank you, you are too kind and glad to hear I am not the only one who finds the birds and then the holiday location. Cheers, Duade
Oldest kit? I still my first ever camera given to me by my sister for Christmas in 1963. It's not much more "toy" bur still works and still takes reasonable shots on 120 film. I also still have my late fathers 35mm Paxette that he bought around 1958.
The base plate looks like a very useful piece of equipment.
Great Video once again.
I started with the Canon 6D and 24-105 f4 in 2017 . I still use both today for Landscape Astro and family shots. It seems the more I get into Photagraphy the more i appreciate my old gear.
I also have a Canon 80D and in good light I still think the IQ is top self. I alway believed you have to work with what you got until you can't. This why I stayed with these old Cameras until a year ago I broke down I bought the Canon R6 Mark2.
This allows be to take amazing sports photo and of my kids and teammates. Wild life Photagraphy all day and high end low light and Astrophotography some even hand held.
As for lenses my best are Sigma 14-24mm f2.8.
Sigma 150 -600mm
Sigma 35mm f1.4
Rokinon 135mm F2 for Astro and amazing Potriat. Very sharp at F2.
My new RF 70 -200mm f4 as well as the 28mm f2.8 pancake look to be my go to lens moving forward.
All that being said the old 24-105mm F4 L has proble taken 75% of all my photos, it's so versatile. Its realy is not great at anything but it seems tobe good for everything.
Anyways all that being said the real game changers for me have been the R6 MARK2 it make all my old and new gear better along with my improvement as a photagraher.
Iâve been following your channel for sometime now and I still like very much for your positive energy that is not fake, but everyone can see how much you like this genre and as the audience we feel these vibes anywhere in the world. I also dreamt of the prime 500 mm version two but I go with the 100 to 500 zoom since my main topic is people photography.
But I am enjoying to get nice shots of animals since itâs just nature and so beautiful to interact with these beautiful creatures even in a big city. Iâm really looking forward for every new video that youâre doing and I wish you would give us some insight of your retouching process on a regular basis but even if not Iâm still watching your beautiful videos keep continuing cheers âĪ
Thank you for the kind words and feedback, I appreciate the support, great to hear you are enjoying the 100-500, it is such a versatile lens that does just about everything. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, my newest pieces of gear are the Canon EF 600 f4 v3, the EF 11-24 f4 and the EF 85 1.4, all used. I traded my old EF 600 f4 v1 for the 11-24 and the 85 mm in the last month. My oldest piece of gear is a Canon A2 and the original USM 100-300 zoom. My oldest digital camera is a Canon 10D. The 600 f4 v3 was a "Game changer" due to its light weight. I like to walk when birding so the lens on a monopod over my shoulder works great for me. I usually log in about 8-10 miles a day when I'm out and the combination is very comfortable for its size. My decision to get the 11-24 was based on the great price, and the fact that I already own the EF-RF filter adapter for my R bodies. Maybe some day I'll replace it with the RF 10-20 when you can get them used.
Really cool video, Duade, thanks. Funny, your question about ones oldest gear just gave me pause. In fact, I believe it is my Canon speedlite EX580 from 2006. I am told that this was not a very good investment because Canonâs original accessories are notoriously overpriced. Well, it served me well and I still occasionally use it. Regarding the R5 coming from the 5Div, I cannot agree more with you. Cheers, Urs
Great video!
I am not a birder, tho I love your style of review. For me, I use the Sony A7R3 with a Canon 200L prime. I love the results of the lens every time I put it on the camera. I had the Canon 300L IS F4, however it dropped out of my bag on a trip and was never quite the same.
Thanks Duade, especially for the replacement collar for the rf 100-500. The plate coming loose has been driving me crazy, buying that now.
My pleasure, it is not quite as smooth as the original when going from Landscape to Portrait but having the built in arca swiss makes up for it. Cheers, Duade
I definitely agree that travels with friends is the best part of wildlife photography. We have visited some amazing locations and met some wonderful people.
Great to hear, I totally agree and wish I could do it more often. Cheers, Duade
RF 100-400mm f5.6-8 for me. I just started my journey in wildlife photography. Always thought that for wildlife photography you need 2000$ + lenses so newer really looked into it. So after I found the 100-400 i was a bit skepticap but now I love it!
Iâve changed my gear a lot over the 14 years Iâve been in photography, but one lens I just canât let go of is my first ever lens which is the Canon EF 100mm macro.
It is so sharp and so perfect that I still continue to use it all the time and while everything else went the way of the RF mount that single lens is my last holdout of EF gear. Its got sentimental value to me on top of its superb quality so if the day ever comes where I get a different macro lens Iâll never sell my old lens and box it up for a shelf somewhere lol
Thanks you for great video. Your videos are so relaxing. You have such a peaceful voice and the honest and almost childish enthusiasm for the hobby. Hope to see a lot of your videos in 2024 and let's have fun birding!
You are so welcome!
Amazing video as always. If you talk about finance I'd still watch it :)
Oh and please review fujifilm xh2s and 150-600 lens. I would love to see you give it a try. There is no proper review from a pro birder on youtube lately.
I started with Pentax cameras, a zoom105, a k1000, a superA, then went digital with a Pentax ist'd and recently purchased a Canon R8. The R8 came with a 24-50 and ive not long ago bought a RF24-105f4L lens. I was looking at getting something like the 100-400 you reviewed as, just being a hobbiest, paying more than $1000 is hard to do. I do like to have the nice things though so we'll see. I do like the fact that the 100-400 is fairly compact. A bigger lens might make people think I'm a professional, which I'm definitely not. Although I do enjoy photography and I appreciate great photos.
I love your videos and reviews. Great to hear that fellow Aussie voice.
Cheers, Peter
Trips for sure. I always shake my head on Reddit/forums when someone who has 15k+ USD in modern gear is asking about their next purchase and their portfolio is dull and they have never tried going anywhere new.
I love the Kirk Arca Swiss tripod feet with the QD socket. I love being able to carry my camera on a sling and instantly being able to detach and throw it on a tripod with the QD swivel.
This was a fun vid. Thinking back on all of the gear that I've churned through, a few components have left a mark on my photography - game changers. First was my 1Dii body that I got in 2005 and used until 2012ish. Ironically, it's demise opened my eyes on the capabilities of newer bodies. After cycling through a 7D, 7Dii and a 1Div, I upgraded to the 5Div, which I loved - but only for a year when I moved on to the R5, which I feel could be with me for many years. On the lenses, the 300F4L was the foundation for my 'big' lens for many years. I used it for surfing and birding and airshows and it rarely failed me. At the pricepoint, it was a steal.
Thanks for sharing, lots of good cameras that I remember using, yes the 300 f4 was another option I considered. Great to hear they served you well. Cheers, Duade
I love Think Tank Gear >> I have just got a Think Tank Lens Bag for my Nikon 180-600 >> very impressed as I normally get Lowepro Back pack s etc
Thanks for another great video Duade. It's really good seeing your favorite gear and progression to what you've become today. My favorite piece of gear is my adjustable PD Slide shoulder strap paired with the F38 QR shoulder strap mount that has made carrying my R5+100-500+1.4x so comfortable. The F38 QR puts my strap below my camera so it never gets in my hands' way when i reach for it. QR lets me move quickly between my strap, gimbal and backpack/belt clip.
Thanks Winston, great to hear, if you have time and no pressure I would love to see a photo of your setup, email to duade.paton@gmail.com if able. Cheers, Duade
Great review. How about the 200-800?
The oldest camera I own that I used to use is the RB67, glad I never use it now. Was a real pain back in the day. Even took it caving a few times.
So much metal it would fog up and take days to unfog.
My oldest pack is a original Paddy Pallin "A" frame pack. My father owned it first then gave it to me to use. Nearly 70 years old now I think
Seems like yesterday I got my Canon 80D. Itâs a bit of an old dog now but it still serves me so well. Of course I would love to get into the mirrorless world, but with noise reduction software and everything Lightroom does these days, I continue not to upgrade. Being broke helps delay the upgrade too! lol maybe thereâs an R5 in my future some day. Love you Duade, cheers
Great video, of a great journey mate. The oldest gear i have is my first camera that i bought in 1979. A Pentax ME Super and a 300mm f4. Many years since i stoped use that hehe, but i never could get me to sell it. A great memory of my start with wildlife photographing.
Wishing you a great week/weekend with a lot of nice photos.
Cheers, Bjoern
Amazing mate, that camera sure is old, just like us :-) Cheers, Duade
ðĪĢððĪĢð§ââ@@Duade Even had a "winder " on it so it did shoot two photos a second hehehe
Duade, so excited to hear (hopefully meet) you at the Bird Photography Conference coming up in SA. And get first hand tips from you as someone who has just started this addictive hobby of bird photographyððð
Yes, it should be a lot of fun, be sure to come up and say hi, Cheers, Duade
G'day, just thought I should let you know that I have withdrawn from the Conference in March due to family illness, I apologise for the late notice and hope we do get the chance to meet sometime in the future. Have a great time, Cheers, Duade
@@Duade thanks for notifying. Totally understand, family comes first so all the best and look forward to a meet n greet in the future. cheers
The gear that gets me absurdly close with an extraordinary hit rate is my OM1 and 150-400mm f4.5. I use this kit literally every day and I'm extremely happy with the results. I also use the 300mm f4 but find video work really needs a good zoom.
I also have the canvas bag hide you mentioned. Here in the States, it's marketed by LensCoat as a canvas photography hide. I've used it to be near wildlife without being a disturbance. For birding - especially in winter - I'll often drape the hide across my lap and down my legs to conceal my lower body from raptors in-flight. It seems to help. Either they don't notice me or they do but don't see me as a threat. During the winter months, it also serves a purpose as another layer trapping warm air between me and the frigid cold :)
Thanks for sharing Bill, yes a great bit of kit I have used many times. If you have a couple of tripods you can also create a wall so to speak, but needs no wind. Cheers, Duade
Duade I found this so very interesting and filled in a few gaps for me. I had learnt bits and pieces from other videos on your kit but never knew the story behind the big 500mm prime lens for example. The RF 100-500 zoom alongside the bird eye detection of the Canon R-series bodies really changed things for me too. I love to see you experimenting with this lens and producing such wonderful silhouettes and landscapes. Really impatient to upgrade from the R6 to the R5II and excited to see what canon will release. Excited also for the 200-800mm possibilities alongside the new promised flexible teleconverter. Thanks again mate.
Thanks Mike, yes, I too am very excited for the R5II, I suspect it will just be a more well refined version with a stacked sensor. The flexible tele is what I am really excited about. If that works with the 100-500 without losing the 100-300 range it would be fantastic. Also use on primes would be excellent. Cheers, Duade
Excellent video ððð
Another enjoyable video Duade. Itâs nice to look back at your gear and remember how far youâve come with it.
My oldest camera is a half frame Lancaster Special Instantograph. The red leather bellows in it is new but the camera and lens are from around 1891. I donât use it for birding though, just landscapes. :)
My current wildlife setup is an R7 with the EF 100-400 L ii and 1.4 extender iii. Iâm also guilty of taking holidays where we can see birds, but luckily my wife has the same hobby so we spend a lot of time together enjoying the UK wildlife.
Great to hear and wow that is an old camera. Cheers, Duade
The oldest piece of gear that I still have is my Pentax K1000, which I bought in 1978. I seem to hang onto my photo equipment - old lenses and cameras that I'll never use again, but I really don't want to part with. I think that camera was also the one that had the biggest impact on me, since it was the first SLR that I owned. I had been using point and shoot cameras up to then (starting with my mom's Brownie box camera) and the possibilities that that SLR unleashed were dramatic, to say the least. All the cameras since then have been incremental improvements, sometime large increments, to be sure, but they didn't change the way I understood and approached the art of photography as much as that first SLR did. But today all I am looking for is a new backpack that's light, waterproof, holds a water bottle as well as my new mirrorless camera and both a long zoom (that 200-800 looks fantastic!) and a macro lens, and has some room for a raincoat, lunch, etc. I will check out Think Tank to see what they offer.
Hello Duade Thank for your video.
I've been taking photos every day for 20 years, and with M4/3 equipment for 14 years, because I take photos while walking and M4/3 is light and compact. I quickly selected 2 pieces of equipment suitable for this practice. A hunter's vest and a folding stool. This equipment is possible in M4/3, but would not be possible in APS-C or FF.
I use a hunting vest with game pockets on the front and back (Decathlon $40). In front on the left, I can fully fit a G9 + 100-400 (27cm) ready for photography with lens hood and without lens cap . In front on the right I can also put a Sony RX10 IV, or an OM-1 + 12-35. I usually have this device slung over my shoulder while I walk. Behind I can put a Manfrotto Beefreee tripod or a mini stool. There are also plenty of other pockets for battery, phone, etc. The fully equipped vest weighs 8klg. The stool is the second essential element to my practice; it is folding, 30cm high, weighs 300g (Amazon $30). I sit with my elbows on my knees like a tripod. I stop walking, put the stool on the ground, take out the camera and I take a photo in 15 seconds, in a very stable seated position. For macro photography I move the stool very quickly to adapt my position. Much faster than moving a tripod.
Hunting Vest URL
tinyurl.com/4y6zbhs3
Folding Stool URL
tinyurl.com/4zcasmu6
My camera is the Sony rx10 iv. I've been looking into getting something better for dedicated birding, but I'm never giving it up for travel.
Great video Duade! I truly believe that Nature/ Wildlife Photography/Birdwatching is the new therapy. At 55 years old I'm appreciating my journey in photography even more. After 20 years of running and gunning doing event/social/sports/ concert photography I'm enjoying the slow down. Actually my photography journey has taken me full circle. I started nature/landscape then onto documenting college/uni life to event/concert/sports/social. Now its Street/Wildlife. I no longer shoot for clients etc. I'm now looking to get new full frame pro body with the Zoom/tele. I decided to wait on the 2nd iteration of the full frame pro body Z9 II and the Pro Apsc. I do however have a Z50 as my go to carry. This little camera has surprised me, even with the kit lenses it came with. I hove however purchased the Z24-70|2.8S and it works great.. Auto focus is a little challenging at times but fine when I switch to single box | DSLR style mode. Very sharp.
Great to hear, yes, Nikon have been killing it lately and every generation is improving on the last, much like DSLR's I guess. Good luck with it, Cheers, Duade
What skins do you use on your lenses, and do you recommend them? Not super-happy with the neoprene. Love your content, keep up the great videos!
I have been an avid photographer since 1973 when I was a Yearbook photographer for my high school. As work and marriage interrupted my photography I kind of fell away from it, but got back into photography with the advent of digital, starting out with a 3MP point-and-shoot (and Photoshop v3). My first serious DSLR was the Canon 20D with the tiny 1" LCD on the back. First serious lens was the 70 - 200 f4. Then the Canon 40D, and the Canon 100 - 400 L v1. I also purchased other important lenses like the 17 - 40 L, The 100mm macro, the fantastic plastic 50mm. Eventually I upgraded to the 5D MkII, and upgraded to the Canon 100 - 400 L v2. Other new lenses include the Canon 35mm, Sigma 24mm Art, and Canon 24 - 105L, and Canon teleconverter 1.4 mk ii. Then came the Canon 5D MkIV and the Sigma 150 - 600C, the Canon 24 - 70 L v2 and finally the Canon R5 with the 800mm f11. It has been quite a journey. As I tell my wife, it's my only vice... Keep up the good work!
We sound like we have a lot in common :-) If I reflect on the number of hours I spend with my gear and the enjoyment it gives me it really does pay for itself. I could spend a lot more on boats, cars, motorcycles etc. Cheers, Duade
Duade, thanks for another great video. Always interested in what gear you use and what works. My R5 has been a big game-changer for me. I had a Canon 6D when I got started and still use it sometimes but going to the R5 was really huge for flight shots especially. I initially used the Canon 6D with a used Sigma 150-600 and a Monopod and then it was the R5 and Sigma 150-600 mm. It was a good kit initially, but the Sigma auto-focus issues tempted me to buy the RF 100-400 and I added the 1.4 Extender recently and that combination is an easy walk-around camera kit for now. So far really like it and I love how lightweight it is. I still switch over to the Sigma 150-600 at times. I might be tempted to go for the 200-800 mm, but will just wait a bit. It is not just the gear but getting out to use it. I love the added reach though and have seen some impressive photos from you and Jan with the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS so always good to see new stuff as it is used in the field. Happy birding!
Thanks Bruce, yes, the R5 made a big difference for me also, I am working on more 200-800 content and will try to be as in depth as I can on strengths and weaknesses. Cheers, Duade
The oldest camera that a I still have is a Nikon N80 (film camera) with some kit lenses from the early 2000's. I paused my photography hobby around 2006, because my photos were awful and processing the film was getting expensive. During the pandemic, I decided to restart the hobby and bought a used Nikon D7200. Most of my photos were still terrible, but I could cheaply delete the really bad ones. Thanks to the used market, I was able to recently buy a Nikon 200-400mm f4 VR, the lens I have wanted since my N80 days. I have to agree with your thoughts in the video. The moment you take a picture with good glass changes everything about your outlook on photography.
We need Canon and other lens and accessory makers to agree on Tripod collars. They should all have Arca Swiss rails. And they should all have a rubberized, rounded, hand friendly top. And they should all be removable. The rails do not have any down side that I am aware of. And making a hand grip on top so the lens (or lens and camera) can be carried like a suitcase is a big plus. Removable because some time you don't want them.
I just went from a canon 400d to a 7D a few days ago and my keeper rate and photos are just a thousand times better, with the 400d cropping was near always impossible as the image quality would just drop off a cliff but now with the 7D I can crop much further and in much more creative ways, it has made, paired with my Canon 400mm F5.6 made bird photography so much more enjoyable.
Great to hear, you have the kit I loved for years, Cheers, Duade
i never had a bag until early this year lol, i use to use an cooler lunchbag for my camera and two lenses. before that i used to just put my old 600D in a fabric bag