sharing wildlife moments with a focus on gratitude, humility and respect for nature
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›
Gear That We Use
NIKON Z8
The Nikon Z9 is a game changer for Nikon still photos and video as well. It's build quality is far superior to it's competitors and it's easy to "dial in" the Z9 to your exact shooting style. Another plus is it's battery life, it just keeps on shooting and shooting all on the same battery. It shoots 8K video with none of the over heating issues plaguing other similar cameras. This camera takes today’s gear to a new level.
This is my go-to Boss camera.
Although the Nikon Z9 is part of my arsenal, I enjoy the lighter weight of the Z8. Between the two of them, there’s not much more we could ask for from a camera. We shoot nearly exclusively video these days, but the switch from video to stills in the heat of a shoot is simply a flick of the switch with Nikon. Try that with a Sony A1.
We shoot a total of six cameras. Three Nikon Z9 cameras, one Nikon Z8 camera, and two Ozmo Pocket 3 cameras.
I've been shooting Nikon gear since the 70's. To begin, my advice for any photographers, especially those starting out is to pick a brand and stay with it. One of the biggest mistakes anyone can make is changing brands after you have learned a particular system, learned the menus, learned the buttons, why would it make sense to switch and start over. Many will disagree with me on this point, and that's their own choice, but facts are facts. Being completely familiar with a certain brand of camera gives you an advantage from the git-go.
Nikon gear is rugged, well built, and their optics are incredibly sharp. But what's most intriguing is the value they are providing us with these days and the professional gear they make available at affordable prices.
Quick funny story…
20 years ago, shooting a Nikon F3 top-of-the-line film camera loaded with Kodachrome 64, photographing wildlife in Northern Maine in mid-July, I'd run out of light and shutter speed about 7PM, and just had to sit and watch big moose swim by my kayak. Fast forward to today and today's Nikon mirrorless cameras, I can shoot a couple of hours later at the end of the day, achieve sellable results, and not have to send 30 rolls of Kodak in for processing. Oh, did I mention I can see my image immediately after I took it, instead of hoping I nailed it and finally seeing it 10 days later when I got my slides back!
Nikon Gear
Lenses
ALL the big heavy F/4 telephotos are gone.
We do not miss carrying them at all.
They are not needed.
Nikon Z 100-400mm S Lens
This lens exceeds my expectations in every way. It's so sharp it continuously makes me trust it in any situation and the wide focal range gets you that shot time and again without stopping make a lens change in the field.
Nikon has made several models of this focal range thru the years, and this model is the best yet, the lens test charts on this lens are so high for image quality, it simply does not get any better than this. The large F2.8 aperture is excellent for blurring backgrounds and shooting in low light.
WOW, this lens is an achievement. For anyone who has lugged around a 600 F4 lens of any brand, this lens is such a welcome change.
It weighs about 5 pounds instead of the usual 8-14 lbs and is amazingly sharp. But it is its price tag that is astonishing. Other comparable models cost double or even triple the retail of this lens.
Nikon Z 800mm F6.3 Lens
Nikon Z 800mm F6.3
Nikon Z 100-400mm S
This is the best all around walk around lens from Nikon Z line. It performs flawlessly on the Nikon Z9, and is super sharp at all focal lengths.
You can't go wrong with this choice and when you switch into crop mode on the Z9 or Z7 II, you get a 150-600mm wildlife lens.
This lens is AWESOME.
I'll never forget the first day I shot with this lens, after having a few Nikon 24-70 F2.8 AF-S lenses, this little gem blew all those more expensive away, and it did so easily. Folks, this lens costs 25% of what the 2.8 versions cost and it is wonderful. Put it on your Nikon Z body and enjoy. You can't go wrong with this bargain of a piece of Nikon glass.
We have recently rounded out our arsenal of Nikon Z lenses. The Nikon Z line in general has been a game changer. These lenses are so wonderful optically, we literally are NOT wanting for anything. Many take today’s gear options for granted, but I am very thankful that technology now allows us to enjoy lightweight and powerful tools. Below is the rest of our list.
With the new Z9 and Z8 firmware update “ HI-REZ ZOOM” the 28-400mm becomes a 28-800mm lens when shooting video.
The Nikon Z 180-600mm becomes a 180-1200mm when using Hi Rez Zoom and shooting video. And there is ZERO image quality loss.
NIKON Z 28-400MM F8 ZOOM
NIKON Z 400MM F4.5 VR PRIME
NIKON Z 180-600MM f5.6-f6.3 ZOOM
NIKON Z 14-30MM F4 SUPER WIDE ZOOM
NIKON Z 24-120MM F4 MID ZOOM
Accessories
-
Accessories
LeoFoto LY-284C TRIPODS
LeoFoto LB-75 Leveling Base
Gitzo GHF2W Fluid Head (super solid but lightweight)
Really Right Stuff BH-40 Ballhead
Jobu Jr Gimbal Head
Induro Carbon Fiber Stealth CLM204L Monopod
Really Right Stuff MH-01 Swivel Head
Really Right Stuff & Kirk Lens Foot and Plates
Really Right Stuff Quick Release Clamps
Delkin Black CF Express 256GB and 512GB Memory Cards
Next Storage 330GB memory Cards, Delkin and Next Storage are the coldest running cards on the market.
Think Tank Battery Cases
Lenscoat Forest Green Camo Protective Coats
Pgytech Rolling BackPack Case
Kinesis L511 Long Lens Cases
Kinesis C850 Holster Bag
Kinesis Multi lens pouches
Kinesis B308 Belt System
Kinesis SafariSack 4.2
Grizzly Bean Bag (for stabilization in kayak)
-Hobie Mirage Revolution 11′ pedal kayak (game changer)
Swarovski CL 10×30 Companion Binoculars.
-Nikon Monarch 5 12X 42 ED binoculars
-Burris 15-45 mm HD spotting scope
Kuiu Rain Jackets & Coats
-Forest Green & Realtree Hardwoods Green Camo clothing
Solomon GTX Hiking Boots
-Cabela’s Camoskin face masks and gloves
-Hunter’s Specialties Windicator (wouldn’t leave home without it)
-Midland GTX444 2-way radio
-Kwik Camo Wildlife Blind