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What's in my camera bag?
I've been a Canon user for over 40 years and currently use a Canon R5 and Canon R7, Canon RF lenses, DJI drone and Benro tripod. Below, I've unpacked my camera bag – a Lowepro Whistler – to give you an idea of the gear that I use. Obviously, not all of this goes into the backpack in one outing – I'm on a constant mission to streamline my outfit and make it as lightweight as possible! Why Canon? I'm a firm believer that familiarity with a system helps to make you a better, more efficient and intuitive photographer.
Canon R5 Camera Body
At the heart of my kit, the Canon R5 features a 45MP full-frame sensor capable of capturing exceptional detail and dynamic range. Fast burst shooting up to 20fps and advanced autofocus make it incredibly effective for wildlife, while up to 8 stops of in-body stabilisation ensures sharp results in challenging conditions.
Canon R7 Camera Body
Used primarily for wildlife photography, the Canon R7’s APS-C sensor introduces a 1.6x crop factor that effectively extends the reach of my telephoto lenses. Combined with rapid burst rates and intelligent subject tracking, it’s perfectly suited to birds and distant subjects in fast-moving environments.
Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM Lens
Covering an ultra-wide focal range, the 15–35mm lens is ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and dramatic foregrounds. A constant f/2.8 aperture makes it particularly valuable for astrophotography, while built-in stabilisation helps maintain sharpness when shooting handheld in low light.
Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens
Versatility defines the 24–105mm, offering a practical zoom range that suits everything from landscapes to detail shots. The constant f/4 aperture keeps the lens relatively compact, while image stabilisation allows for reliable handheld shooting during travel.
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens
For wildlife work, the 100–500mm provides the reach needed to photograph distant subjects without disturbance. Excellent stabilisation and sharpness throughout the zoom range make it highly effective when shooting handheld in unpredictable conditions.
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Lens
Designed for close-up photography, the 100mm macro offers up to 1.4x magnification for capturing intricate detail. Hybrid image stabilisation compensates for both shift and angular movement, making handheld macro work far more achievable.
GODOX V860III flash
Reliable and powerful, the lithium-battery-powered Godox V860III provides consistent lighting for macro photography where natural light is often limited. TTL metering and high-speed sync allow for accurate exposure, particularly when paired with a diffuser for softer results.
Cygnustech Macro Flash Diffusor
Mounted to the flash, the Cygnustech diffuser spreads and softens light to reduce harsh shadows and highlights. Even illumination is essential at high magnifications, helping to retain fine detail without distracting contrast.
JJC LED Macro Arm Light
Flexible LED arms allow precise positioning of continuous light exactly where it’s needed. Being able to preview lighting in real time makes it easier to control shadows and highlight textures in macro compositions.
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
Aerial capability adds a completely different perspective to landscape photography, revealing patterns and compositions not visible from the ground. Compact size and a stabilised camera system make it easy to carry while still producing high-quality images and video.
DJI Drone Landing and Take-off Pad
Protection during take-off and landing is particularly important in dusty or uneven terrain. Using a dedicated pad helps prevent debris from interfering with the drone’s motors and camera system.
Benro Tortoise Tripod
Stability is essential for long exposures, and the Benro Tortoise provides a strong yet lightweight support system. Carbon fibre construction keeps weight down while remaining robust enough for demanding outdoor conditions.
Benro Geared Tripod Head
Precision framing becomes much easier with a geared head, allowing small, controlled adjustments to composition. This level of accuracy is especially useful for landscapes, panoramas, and working with filters.
Manfrotto BeFree Travel Tripod
When portability is a priority, the BeFree offers a compact and lightweight alternative to larger tripods. Quick setup and easy transport make it ideal for travel and less demanding shooting situations.
Manfrotto Pro Video Fluid Head
Smooth, controlled movement is essential for video, and a fluid head provides consistent panning and tilting. This helps create more professional-looking footage, particularly when filming landscapes.
DJI Ronin RS2 Pro Gimbal
Stabilisation during handheld filming is handled by the Ronin RS2, which produces smooth, cinematic motion. It’s particularly useful when moving through a scene or capturing dynamic travel footage.
Canon Remote Switch
Avoiding camera shake is critical for long exposures, and a remote switch allows the shutter to be triggered without contact. This is especially useful for landscape and astrophotography.
Lee Circular Polariser Filter
Reflections can reduce image quality, and a polariser helps cut glare while enhancing colour and contrast. Skies appear deeper, and details in water and foliage become more defined.
Lee 10-stop Neutral Density Filter
Long exposure photography in daylight becomes possible with a 10-stop ND filter. Reducing incoming light allows movement in water and clouds to be captured creatively.
Lee Graduated Resin Filter 0.9 Neutral Density
Balancing bright skies with darker foregrounds can be challenging, and a graduated filter helps manage that contrast. It’s particularly useful during sunrise and sunset when dynamic range is high.
Rode Wireless Lapel Microphone Set
Clear audio is essential when recording video, and a wireless lapel system ensures consistent sound while moving. It’s ideal for presenting to camera on location.
Rode Video Microphone
Mounted directly to the camera, this directional microphone captures focused audio from the subject. Background noise is reduced, improving overall sound quality for video work.
iPhone 14 Pro Phone
A useful companion for both photography and content creation, the iPhone offers high-quality stills and video in a compact form. It’s ideal for behind-the-scenes shots and quick captures when travelling.
Lowepro Whistler 350 Backpack
Carrying gear safely in challenging conditions requires a durable and weather-resistant backpack. The Whistler 350 provides excellent organisation and comfort for long days outdoors.
Cotton Carrier Hyker Slingbag
Quick access to a camera can make all the difference in wildlife photography. This sling system allows for a camera to be mounted on the chest harness for quick access, while accessories can be stored in the backpack.
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