Love your vids! It's shameful how many amateurs are out there giving advice. As an aside, I applaud you for no music, none of your face stuffed in the camera lens while you bore your fans with endless talk that doesn't add anything to the video (a common strategy here), and no embellished thumbnails ...something I hate about youtube "influencers," though that makes it easy to un-recommend channels quickly! You also maintain a great pace. Lot's of no-nonsense information in a precise fashion. Thanks!!! Off to look up one of your workshops.
Please Note: The video above is about what works for me. I've spent a lot of time in CR and this kit works perfectly for what I shoot. However, that doesn't mean it's the only way to go and I'm certainly not implying that it is. I'm just showing you what I take and why. I've also had good luck with my D500 and 600 F/4 + 300 F/4. I've taken along the 180-400 once, as well as my 200mm macro instead of my 105. I have also used a 500PF there too in some conditions. Tons of options with LOTS of overlap. So, this isn't meant to me the end-all and be-all of CR gear, just what I'm currently using :) Also, I've had a few comments about the expense of the gear. Please keep in mind that I do this for a living and the camera and lenses are my business equipment. In reality, the cost of equipment for a wildlife photographer is quite low when compared to other businesses. Compare the cost of the gear in this video to the cost of opening a simple Subway restaurant (it can cost upward of $260,000). I certainly understand that what's in my bag is mighty be considered excessive for a hobbyist, but at the same time showing you a bunch of less expensive stuff I don't actually use would have been disingenuous.
Steve, I too always replace my lens foot and I used to use and enjoy the RRS replacement feet. I often carry my 400mm f2.8 FL lens and I liked the foot that came with it, which is the same as the 600mm stock foot, because it had padding for carrying the lens by the foot. I had replaced my original with the RRS replacement and then I saw someone with a padded replacement foot and now use that instead. It's made SunWayFoto and it's called the LF something! It's great and it's made very well, I just love that it had the rubber pad so when you carry the lens it's much more comfortable. Thanks for finally making this video, I was one of the people bugging you about this lol!
@@brandt_bennett They run around naked now :O I was using them for protection from scratches and such, but the truth is I just can't stand them inhibiting my use of the lens anymore, Taking them off was almost liberating!
@@brandt_bennett Steve only removes them when there is moisture from rain ,etc. as they seem to just soak it up and make the lens very wet. He uses either a lens coat cover or a plastic bag type of cover when its raining or wet. Personally I usually go bare with my 400mm f2.8 VR lens, only using my rain cover when it's raining hard. I also am luckily enough to have been gifted a Nikon NPS rain cover that looks awesome and works great as well. It covers super-tele lenses and a large body attached as well, by connecting to camera hotshoe and or eye-cup. I live in Southern California though so it gets little to no use haha.
When I photo venomous snakes, I keep the handle on my tripod to move a macro right up close and trigger it with a remote shutter. It’s a great way to get nice close shots of them in my experience!
I always enjoy watching your videos Steve. Thank you for another informative and interesting one. Your photography is gorgeous and captivating. As always, thanks for sharing. 👍
Nice job on this video Steve. Having been to Costa Rica 11 times now, you are spot on when it comes to your gear strategy. A simple kit... 3 lenses and 3 bodies allows you to focus on your photography, find your subject, and maintain your mobility. I have seen people show up with too much gear, and that sense of infinite options seems to impede their creativity and success. For me, its a pair of D500's, Z6, 500PF, 70-200 f/2.8E, 24-70, and 1.4xIII... can pretty much shoot anything with that combo. Would love to go on one of your trips some day!
The backup SSD is crucial. I do the same thing: I backup one copy to the tablet or laptop (internal memory). I backup a second copy to my primary photos SSD (which stays with my laptop) and then I backup to a second SSD which I take with me when I'm out shooting (that way if my laptop or other SSD are stolen or lost, I still have the backup with me). I also try NOT to reformat cards until I have at least 3 copies of my photos and in at least 2 locations. If I'm able to, I also upload backups to the Internet, but that's not always feasible depending on the location (if wi-fi is not available or very fast). But whenever I do trips like this or landscape trips, I do emphasize to people to bring spare cards, and their laptop/tablet and a backup drive to backup their images on a daily basis. It's good just so if your card fails, you don't lose all of your images from the trip (perhaps just that day or location). It takes a bit more time to do my backup routine each night after shooting, but it's worth it. It's saved me a few times, especially when I lost a card once but luckily I backed it up the day before so no images were lost, just the card itself. I agree that the Z7 is not the best wildlife camera out there and am in the same boat and getting something specific for wildlife. I would bring the Z7 as a backup camera if I was doing wildlife, but it wouldn't be my primary choice, simply because it can't keep up and the DSLRs (D500/D850/D5) are the better choices. I do agree that people should consider bringing a spare body (at least one) just in case something goes wrong. In a pinch, you can make do with a Z7 for wildlife, but it's probably going to be a little more frustrating to work with over one of the higher end DSLRs.
I’m leaving in 3 days to go to Wyoming for 7 days and this is a good video. I use the Gitzo Adventury 45L as my carry on and can fit Canon 600/4, 70-200 2.8, 24-70/4 and both TCs along with 1DX2 and 5dsr. Done a couple trips with this set up and no problem fitting in the overhead.
I have found that over the years, and owning all of the super-telephoto lenses (except 800mm) that the 400mm f2.8 is always the sharpest lens out of the bunch. Not only does it collect twice the amount of light, when compared to a 500/600mm lens, but it's noticeably sharper. The penalty over the 500mm was always more weight, but the new 400mm FL lens is now only 6.3 lbs. I have now owned every AF-S version of the 400mm f2.8 lens and although it's often shorter than you need for wildlife, it's always sharper! So add a DX camera or teleconverter and you have a 560mm f4 or 600mm f4.2 and it's just as sharp as the bare 600mm f4 VR in my opinion. I know Steve is like myself in that regard, we both add a DX camera to our setup instead of a teleconverter. I do own a TC-14E III, but I more often just switch out my D4s for the D7200 when I need the additional reach. Sure the 600mm f4 can ever so slightly blur the background more than either option, but not enough to notice I don't think. The 600mm f4 does separate the background the most of any lens, but the 400mm f2.8 is like a 600mm f4.2 so it's close enough not to notice.
Patrick Smith Thank you for your comments. I am new to photography and have been a birdwatcher for years. My budget at this time allowed me to get the Nikon 200-500 mm f/5.6 but someday hope to be able to use the Nikon 400 mm f/2.8 when viewing neotropical birds.
@@joshuahorner2639 No problem, the 200-500mm is a great lens. It's only downside is it focus speed, but it works pretty well in good lighting. It also has pretty bad sample variation meaning some are sharper than other's. Luckily the price of the big super-tele lenses are coming down everyday. You can now buy a used 500mm f4 VR for around $3800. Also for even less a used 200-400mm f4 VR can be had for around $1900. People are very lucky these days as you can get into wildlife photography pretty cheap, with the D500 and 200-500mm lens. If I could give any new photographer's advice though it would be to always buy new glass over new camera's. Save and spend your money on the best lens you can afford. Even a D7200 with a good lens is better than a D5 or D850 with a crap lens!
Good video but I have never had an issue with autofocus performance with the D850 in Costa Rica where most animals are not moving. Only with macaws that BIF are encountered. Very useful is the Lenscoat folding lens hoods for the 500mm and 600mm f/4 lenses. Folds flat in my backpack and no worries about damaging the Nikon hoods.
Right when I saw 399 for a backpack I almost bailed. But, I saw one, then two, then three cool features and stuck around. You know your stuff. I live in the land of cactus so I can't lay my shoulder strap side down on the ground. Rapid fire good information.
I'm heading to Costa Rica in a few months and this was VERY useful. My lens choices will be very different than what I was thinking of bringing, and I'm grateful for the insight to realize some mistakes I was going to make. Awesome video. Thanks!!
Fascinating to see that apart from the rocket blower, the microfibre cloth and the polariser, there's nothing there that I own. Okay, I do own other bags, other reflectors, other tripods, other lenses, other cameras etc., but most of it in quite different price categories! For instance, my 600mm lens is a Sigma 150-600, and it's only f/6.3 at the long end, but it was as much as I could afford, and it was exactly 1/10 of the price of a 500 f/4. One lens that I always bring everywhere is my ef-s 55-250 stm (yes, I'm a Canon aps-c man). It's so super versatile, super sharp, lightweight, and the AF is fantastic. And although it isn’t really a macro lens (it doesn’t do 1:1), it beats my real macro lenses for catching butterflies. I consider it the best lens Canon ever made, and it's ridiculously inexpensive. (Only downside: You’ll have to buy the lens hood separately. Not even Canon knows why).
Great info Steve! I just came home from CR late last night after just over a month there based out of Dominical. Love the place and photographic inspirations! The Osa area is amazing. Did a whale watching tour out of Golfito and came away with some good stuff. I shoot mostly in water surfing but do animals as well. My kit is the D7200, Aqua Tech Elite water housing, x2 ports for a 10.5 fish eye & 24 - 70 mm, Macro 105 mm & the 80 - 400 mm. Pura Vida!
Thx great video... 2 things 1. Buy color plastic caps so u see them better 2. If d750 is small baby of d5 is it better in low light than d850. Reason I'm asking bcs I do architecture photography don't need speed but cropping could use. That little flash on d7200 & d750 makes difference for me, u can stay incognito in no flash zone.. Hehehe thx
I would think the use of flash on wildlife would disturb them. I know when I have my picture taken I don't like getting blasted by a flash of light. Informative video, Steve. Thanks.
This video is just fantastic. Thank you for all the advice. Do you think a Thinktank Airport is a good bag to travel with to CR?. I will bring a 30L Shimoda when I go out each day
Steve, I would like to get your opinion on tripod gimbals. You are using the Wimberley WH-200, which is the one I was planning to buy. However, after doing more research I found that the Kirk G1 seems to be mechanically superior. Both pan and tilt pivots run on full ball and needle bearings, and the ability to adjust the ARCA Clamp to be aligned perfectly with the vertical axis of the pan pivot. Moreover, the Tilt bar can be removed, and the camera/lens assembly can be mounted side way (for weight reduction). The G1 is only priced $30 more than the WH-200. Your thoughts?
Working with venomous snakes? I'd want an 800mm with a x2 convertor!! Steve I haven't seen you do a video about Macro? I'll check again, but if not could you do one please.
I was looking at you channel quite a while, and then suddenly says Costa Rica... and I was like what!! Really!! The bear shirt guy is at my country, hehe, cool...
Great video!! Was that pit viper wild? I've always wanted to see one. I looked for them when I was there but sadly I couldn't find one. I did see loads of other beautiful animals though!
Great video Steve! So, in your opinion what is a good place to shoot Macaws and Toucans in Costa Rica? Looks like you are in Osla Peninsula. How was your experience over there?
The Osa is probably the best place for Macaws. I don't really have a hotspot for toucans. We see them all the time in the Osa, but I think there are easier places (like places where they come to feeders).
Good video, hopefully I’ll make it to CR one day. Have you used the L-Bracket for Nikon FTZ adapter?I have the Kirk r200-500 replacement collor and not sure if ir would be better to just rotate the lens in the collar instead of getting an adapter for the FTZ mount.
Hi Steve! Thanks for your videos, I like them a lot and they really help me in my photography. I have a question for you. Do you think the Backpack will fit my Nikon d4+ d500 + d850 + 400mm 2.8 + 200-500 5.6 + 70-2000 2.8 + 17-55mm 2.8??? Kind Regards
Steve, How well do you think the D500 with the 300mm PF and TC14E would stack up against the D5 with the 600mm f4 on one of these trips? Because of a back injury I'm trying to put together an ultra-light kit for bird photography mostly for personal enjoyment in retirement but, occasionally, for publication. I really enjoy your channel and the great tips you pass along. 👽👍👍👍
Both will give you good results. Having used all of the gear you mention, the D5 / 600mm is the better combo and will give better results on the whole. However, it's not night and day and if the D5 and 600mm are too much to manage they may take away from the enjoyment of the trip.
Surprised you don't take a D500 for the additional crop and high ISO performance not to mention excellent AF. I don't normally watch these " what's in my bag " type videos but got to say I enjoyed this one because you explain why you took the gear you did.
I have used the D500 there before, but the FX cameras are at least 1 stop better. However, more than one way to do it - just can't take it all with me :)
Thanks! IMO, the most obvious solution is probably the right one - a tripod. VR can help if you're hand-holding, but ideally I'd recommend a good, solid tripod. I'd recommend a higher end one, something that will help you get the photo instead of getting in the way. Other than that, possibly going to lighter, more manageable gear (like a 500PF). Wish I had more, but that's all I can think of.
My husband has Parkinson. He shots with a Nikon d5600 and a 55 200 Nikon. And he takes amazing shots, he is very non fuss. Me I take along all the goodies. Lol
Would the nikon 200-500 be ok for someone who doesn’t do much wildlife, but loves animals and travel? I also have the D850, 300 PF4, and 105 macro already. Oh, I’m 5’1 and 1/2”... not sure I could handle a 600mm??? When are you going back to CR or Africa? It would be a dream come true to join you! 🐒🐸🦁🦉🦅
Hello Steve Was wondering if you had enough space or a bigger carry on bag to carry your tripod,monopod and the gimbal head Would the costaricain customs allow you to do so? Thanks
No idea - but honestly, the bag is have enough as it is. I'd need a much larger bag to accommodate the tripod stuff. It's all insured, I just check it and have never had an issue (I've checked tripods for years now).
hey Steve, thanks for the informative video. long shot here but..i'm headed to Costa Rica this weekend. i'm bringing along Sony 600 f4 and am in between supplementing w/ either the 100-400 or the new 70-200 for closer subjects and pseudo macro. i'll bring a 1.4 TC along as well. any recommendation between those two? thanks!
Really depends what you're doing. For general wildlife, I'd be more tempted to take the 100-400. I don't think I've ever used a 70-200 in the areas where I typically shoot. However, some places you can get closer than others to the wildlife. Mostly, I use the 600 with and without the TX, sometimes something in the 100-400 range is nice, and I take a macro lens too of course.
@@backcountrygallery gotcha, thanks for the quick response! especially since i need to make a decision quickly (will be renting the lens, haha). the trip is for general wildlife, mainly in Monteverde and La Fortuna area. i figured the 70-200 paired with and without 1.4 would make a nice combo for closer subjects @ f2.8 and 100-300 @ f4. but to your point, the 100-400 may be more pragmatic due to its longer reach..just a tad slower. thanks again
Lots of good ideas in this video, thanks. I need to get those lens wipes, and I keep forgetting to put my rocket blower in the bag, so I should just get an extra that stays there all the time. I, too, have used my t-shirt more than once to clean the lens when I'm in a hurry. :) Just wondering why not the D500 with 400mm f/2.8? An extra stop and the same reach as the 600 f/4 on a full frame body.
It's not an extra stop though - because ISO performance on the D500 is about 1 stop behind full frame (assuming a frame filling image). Still, I've used the 600 F/4 at lower ISOs with the D500 prior to the D850 coming out. Worked well. More than one way to do it :)
@@backcountrygallery Thanks for your perspective on this. It's the real world experience of actual wildlife photographers that I rely on for information about equipment I don't own, but might want at some point down the line.
Nice vid as always Steve. Do I need both a QR plate and the RRS dovetail plate to make the gimbal to ballhead transitions? It. was an aha moment when you mentioned it.
Steve Perry yeah, I understand. I have the BH-55 head with the lever release for the camera/lens for landscape and have the Wimberley gimbal on my monopod for my 500/4e. Being able to change heads with the lever releases is what I’ve been looking for. Thanks for sharing your setup.
Hi Steve, great video! This will be very helpful my trip. I've a question about the Kiboko 2.0 30L bag, per B&H interior depth of the bag is 5.91" and the diameter for most 600 f/4 without hood is 6.5" for most lenses (I measured my Sony 600, it is 6.5"), just wanted to confirm 600mm f/4 will fit without the hood, I know you been taking it in this bag, how you do that? Thanks.
All I can tell you is that mine has always fit - no worries. The bag isn't super stiff, so it's really not an issue. As you say, it will NOT fit with the hood, but does just fine with the 600mm by itself.
Back then, yes. Now I'm shooting Sony and Nikon, so it varies. For Nikon, I'll have the new 600 TC on the Z9 the next time I'm in Costa Rica, and probably put a 100-400 on another camera (a second Z9 or Z7ii).
@@backcountrygallery Tnx for the reply. I appreciate the video was old, but I've been looking at what gear pros take to safaris as I've done a few myself and I'm struggling with the following choice. I have a 300 f/2.8 which I use with a 2x that gives me a 600 f/5.6 which is not a bad deal and a 2nd body with a 100-400. However, the problem is that I stop at 600mm and as I'm already 2x I can't add a 1.4x. IQ is OK, AF speed for fast moving subject suffers a bit but willing to put up with cause flexibility, mobility, etc. So I've been thinking of trading in my 300 and getting a 500 f/4 which I could then have to marry with a 1.4x as natively I'll be shorter than what I have now. So I've going back and forth if I should trade my 300 for a 500 and I can't decide. I can't really afford to upgrade to a newer 600, and the older/cheaper 600 gens are too heavy to take around the world/cabin luggage. Any advice welcome.
@@dimitristsagdis7340 The 500 F/4 is a wonderful lens - I think it's a good way to go. You'll appreciate the extra reach. I had a 500 for awhile, when 600 because for me it was often just a bit too short and I had a TC on it frequently. On the plus side, it's way easier to travel with since it's about 1/3rd smaller than a 600 F/4 :) Another interesting thought is the 500 PF - although it drops you to F/8 with a TC and doesn't AF very well on DSLRs with the TC. I think the 500 F/4 is the way to go, based on your description.
@@backcountrygallery Tnx, PF not a option for me cause I'm in the Canon system and f/8 is way to slow. I predict my 500 f/4 will also be married to my 1.4x :-) Tnx once again for your lights
Steve, I noticed that you don't take the D500 or Z6 and was curious why. My first thought is that it doesn't have the ISO capabilities as the other bodies you take (this is why I added a D850 and now a Z6). My second thought was file size (which would also explain why you choose the Z7 over the Z6). With my equipment, I've noticed that the D850 in DX mode does not give the same crop as the D500 (I've only tested this with the Nikon 200-500), it isn't as tight. I don't know if that is universal or just with my personal gear. Are other reasons than what I've listed for not taking the D500 or Z6?
For me, the D500 is redundant with the gripped D850. It has most of the D500 speed capabilities (close in frame rate, adequate for my needs with buffer, similar, nearly identical AF performance), but it also gives me the option to go between DX and FX - which is how I use it. As for the D500 DX area and D500, I've never noticed a difference. I've done testing with the cameras, side by side, and the field of view was the same, so not sure there... The Z6 has two problems for me - the first and most critical is that it's my wife's camera :) Second, the D5 is even more capable at higher ISO and for my macro work, the Z7 is giving me larger files for the same effort. All that said, the D500 and Z6 combo could work just fine there. For me, the kit I have works better (I've used all of it at one time or another in CR and elsewhere).
I used to have Guragear bag and they sound smart idea but actually it was really hard to think what to put inside and how to put "dividers" when you can only use half of the bag at time because there always were long middle wall from top to bottom of the bag.
Hey Steve, you ever known anyone to use Robus tripods? I’m wondering if they are quality enough to be an alternative to RRS without sacrificing too much. They are about half the price but seem nearly as good.
Everything seems or be going up in price. You can get the bag from gura gear for $424 - and if you use the code below the link, you'll get an extra 10% off. That'll knock it down below the 399 price :) guragear.com/?ref=xwU9xYfYfCW7HD bcg10
WHAT! You've used your shirt! Blasphemy! (Most) Lenses are incredibly durable, I seen a Nikon 200-500 mm "dunked" in about 3 inches of salt water hitting rocks on bottom. Not sure exactly what procedure they followed, but they dried & cleaned it up and it hasn't failed him. It does have a damaged threads and they cant attach the hood properly but it functions 100%.
@@anthonyc1883 welp..lol, that lens is showing signs of what I would say is "effects from the salt water", lol. It lasted about two months without issue, but last trip out with it my friend said it wouldn't focus properly, she said it appears soft and has a "haze" look..I haven't seen her pics to know exactly what she means, but either way, it appears to have succumbed to salt water lol. She sent it to Nikon this week, just waiting to hear back. I knew it wasn't weather sealed, but the only "visible damage" was on the edge of threads. It didn't appear to have any water inside, but I would guess today that it did seep through enough to corrode something, or the internals have seized or shifted. Saltwater is the worst, it will get in any seam and it does NOT stop corroding, it strives over time, lol. I live 200 ft from the North Atlantic Ocean and I'm an automotive technician, I have witnessed it corrode vehicle frames in unbelievably short times. Vehicles hardly last more than ten years here before the salt water has eating it's way through.
Most of the time, I won't shoot in sun. However, even under overcast, the direction of the light can make a difference. Sometimes the polarizer is more effective than others. However, in the forest environment, I often don't have much as much choice in position as I'd like, so I'm sometimes just stuck with some reflection.
I believe mirrorless will become the new normal, but I don't think DSLRs will be gone forever anytime soon. However, I do like mirrorless - or rather the idea of it - more than DSLRs. We just picked up a Sony A7R4 and it's nothing short of amazing. The AF system and speed are just fantastic. I hope Nikon can bring their mirrorless up to that level.
@@backcountrygallery good to know Steve.. One more question and I will leave you be... I currently shooting with a Nikon B700 how much of a upgrade would the Nikon D7500 be with Nikkor 200-500 be? (Massive I'm assuming?
I returned from Costa Rica in late July and shot the 500PF w/ a D500.... much more affordable way to get to 750mm. Of course you lose one stop of light and have reduced dynamic range when compared to a D5 and 600mm f/4E. I concur with Steve about bringing a simple kit of gear... I've been there 11 times now and found that a simple kit is way more efficient than hauling a lot of gear around.
Bruce Leventhal That interesting because I always heard the d850 had much better dynamic range than the d5, and the test are saying the same. Maybe over a certain ISO the d5 has better dynamic range. I don’t really know what to believe...
@@albert3316 I think its all about ISO's here. The D5 produces beautifully flexible files above ISO 800. As a wildlife shooter in the modern era (post film with current cameras), I find myself shooting ISO's that range between 800 and 6400. My Z6 produces beautifully flexible files at 6400 and the D5 will be even better. At ISO 64-200, the D850 might have more dynamic range. This is great for landscapes, but if you spend your time pursuing wildlife at dawn and dusk, you will not get the shutter speed you need to free motion at ISO 200.
@@bruceleventhal3292 You may be losing a stop of light with the D500/500PF setup, but you're GAINING 250mm of reach, making it the equivalent of a 750mm f/5.6. Put a 400 f/2.8 on the D500 and you have a 600 f/2.8 equivalent. The D5 is a dud and didn't live up to it's name. It is just about universally panned for it's poor image quality and low dynamic range. The only thing it has going for it is a high fps, and perhaps durability. But with the grip, the D850 shoots 10 fps, and it has vastly superior image quality, 2.5 stops more dynamic range, more color depth and better low light performance: www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-D5-versus-Nikon-D850___1062_1177 Take the same image at say ISO 6400 on the D5 and the D850, process them and make large prints. Guaranteed the D850 print looks much better. On the computer screen too.
I have and still prefer the 600 F/4 :) While I really like the weight, the F/4 option on the 600mm gives me both an extra stop of light and helps keep busy backgrounds in check. However, I do use the 500PF (my wife's copy) as a walk-around lens from time to time and if you're careful with ISO, it's a great choice.
Small word of warning - the Zeiss wipes are pretty bad for cleaning a sensor. Don't get me wrong, if push comes to shove, it's better than nothing, they'll do the job, and they won't damage anything, but they will streak. And you won't be able to get it off until you use a pec-pad with some methanol back home. That said, i had a tiny little droplet of resin end up on my sensor while i was changing the lens and tilted the camera a bit too much (to check for what i thought was some lint). It must've dropped from the pine right above me. I had absolutely nothing to clean it off with but zeiss wipes (always keep a stash of those in my pockets, glovebox, trunk, bags, *everywhere*). It worked and was better than leaving a drop of resin on there, but was far from clean.
Yeah, I don't think I'd use them for cleaning a sensor, just the lenses. In fact, since I started shooting mirrorless more, I always have sensor swaps and solution with me :)
Surprisingly, not as much as you may think. Minor scratches rarely even make a difference. More serious scratches may cause issues, especially if the light hits them just right.
if the difference between a good shot and a shot with dirt and dust on the image is me blowing really hard then wiping the lens with my shirt, I'm going to do that.
@@backcountrygallery But what is the monopod maker/model? I didn't hear you mention that in the vid, nor does it seem to be shown in your gear list. Thank you. (E-books purchaser here).
I'm sorry but the D5 isn't a good camera. The D4(s) is better. Hell, the D3X is better in many ways. The only thing it has going for it is a negligible fps increase over the D850, and with the grip the D850 is 10 fps which is just fine. For me, it's the image quality. The D5 is panned for it's poor image quality. Search it up. The D850 is several levels above the D5 in image quality, dynamic range, color depth, and, contrary to what you said, it is also better in low light: www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-D5-versus-Nikon-D850___1062_1177
LOL, if you say so. Most of my work is done with the D5 - especially the high ISO stuff. At higher ISOs (ISO 2000 or so +) nothing can touch it. As mentioned in the video, when I'm using lower ISOs, I prefer the D850 (better DR, color IMO), but get into the low light stuff, nothing comes close. And, yes, I've used the D3, D3x, D4, etc.
@@bobkoss280 You can get between 50-90 full size uncompressed raw files before you hit the wall and it slows down. I've never once in my life as a wildlife photographer (over 20 years) needed that. Hell, I started on film with 24 and 36 image rolls, lol. And pro wildlife photographers have gotten along just fine before the D5 was released, so if you need that large of a buffer, I'm not sure why. And that frame rate/buffer size sure isn't a reason to spend twice as much as the D850 when the that camera destroys the D5 in every other category. The D5 may take a lot of fast images, but it doesn't take good images, which is why it's mainly used as a sports camera with the vast majority of wildlife photographers using the D850 or something else.
@@backcountrygallery I love you man, and your channel, but do you really expect me to take your biased (you did purchase the D5) subjective word over that of not only the vast majority of other photographers, but the also the objective scientific measurements done in a lab? Come on. As I've said, take a picture of the exact same subject at high ISO with each camera, process them according to what they need, and then print them out. I will bet you a brand new D6 that I can easily tell the D5 image from the D850.
@@adamaj74 Well, all I know is I've shot over 100,000 images with the D5 and tens of thousands with the D850. At lower ISOs, I prefer the D850, but at higher ISOs, the D5 is simply better. Check out the DR chart - www.photonstophotos.net/Charts/PDR.htm#Nikon%20D5,Nikon%20D850 The two cameras basically are tied at about ISO 1200 and the D5 gets well ahead of it by ISO 2200 or so. The thing is, I'm not married to the D5. Anyone who knows me knows that I use what works. If I thought the D850 was better, I'd have two of them. I've shot both cameras at high ISO and there's just no comparison. In fact, check out this comparison in my D850 review - it shows the ISO differences with the D5 and D850 at 12,800: backcountrygallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/iso-tests-850-d5-12800.jpg As for "most photographers", I don't agree with that at all. People shooting the D5 generally like it because they use the camera for what it was optimized for - higher ISOs. I agree, it's no very good at lower ISO - which is why DXO shows it "beating" the D850 - they test DR at base ISO. Even their own charts show the D5 pulling ahead at higher ISOs: www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-D5-versus-Nikon-D850___1062_1177
Right when I saw 399 for a backpack I almost bailed. But, I saw one, then two, then three cool features and stuck around. You know your stuff. I live in the land of cactus so I can't lay my shoulder strap side down on the ground. Rapid fire good information.
Love your vids! It's shameful how many amateurs are out there giving advice. As an aside, I applaud you for no music, none of your face stuffed in the camera lens while you bore your fans with endless talk that doesn't add anything to the video (a common strategy here), and no embellished thumbnails ...something I hate about youtube "influencers," though that makes it easy to un-recommend channels quickly! You also maintain a great pace. Lot's of no-nonsense information in a precise fashion. Thanks!!! Off to look up one of your workshops.
Please Note: The video above is about what works for me. I've spent a lot of time in CR and this kit works perfectly for what I shoot. However, that doesn't mean it's the only way to go and I'm certainly not implying that it is. I'm just showing you what I take and why. I've also had good luck with my D500 and 600 F/4 + 300 F/4. I've taken along the 180-400 once, as well as my 200mm macro instead of my 105. I have also used a 500PF there too in some conditions. Tons of options with LOTS of overlap. So, this isn't meant to me the end-all and be-all of CR gear, just what I'm currently using :)
Also, I've had a few comments about the expense of the gear. Please keep in mind that I do this for a living and the camera and lenses are my business equipment. In reality, the cost of equipment for a wildlife photographer is quite low when compared to other businesses. Compare the cost of the gear in this video to the cost of opening a simple Subway restaurant (it can cost upward of $260,000). I certainly understand that what's in my bag is mighty be considered excessive for a hobbyist, but at the same time showing you a bunch of less expensive stuff I don't actually use would have been disingenuous.
Steve, I too always replace my lens foot and I used to use and enjoy the RRS replacement feet. I often carry my 400mm f2.8 FL lens and I liked the foot that came with it, which is the same as the 600mm stock foot, because it had padding for carrying the lens by the foot. I had replaced my original with the RRS replacement and then I saw someone with a padded replacement foot and now use that instead. It's made SunWayFoto and it's called the LF something! It's great and it's made very well, I just love that it had the rubber pad so when you carry the lens it's much more comfortable. Thanks for finally making this video, I was one of the people bugging you about this lol!
@@patricksmith2553 Cool - I'll have to check them out. I love the RRS stuff, but the padded foot sound good too!
You mentioned you have removed your lens coats from your lenses. What do you used in their place? (If anything) thank you
@@brandt_bennett They run around naked now :O
I was using them for protection from scratches and such, but the truth is I just can't stand them inhibiting my use of the lens anymore, Taking them off was almost liberating!
@@brandt_bennett Steve only removes them when there is moisture from rain ,etc. as they seem to just soak it up and make the lens very wet. He uses either a lens coat cover or a plastic bag type of cover when its raining or wet. Personally I usually go bare with my 400mm f2.8 VR lens, only using my rain cover when it's raining hard. I also am luckily enough to have been gifted a Nikon NPS rain cover that looks awesome and works great as well. It covers super-tele lenses and a large body attached as well, by connecting to camera hotshoe and or eye-cup. I live in Southern California though so it gets little to no use haha.
Hands down Steve is one of the most informative photographers on RUclips-his is one of the only channels I learn something from.
Breakthrough! Your "shoot in DX" tip has really made a difference in my macro work with the 105 f/2.8. Thanks so much!
When I photo venomous snakes, I keep the handle on my tripod to move a macro right up close and trigger it with a remote shutter. It’s a great way to get nice close shots of them in my experience!
I always enjoy watching your videos Steve. Thank you for another informative and interesting one. Your photography is gorgeous and captivating. As always, thanks for sharing. 👍
Nice job on this video Steve. Having been to Costa Rica 11 times now, you are spot on when it comes to your gear strategy. A simple kit... 3 lenses and 3 bodies allows you to focus on your photography, find your subject, and maintain your mobility. I have seen people show up with too much gear, and that sense of infinite options seems to impede their creativity and success. For me, its a pair of D500's, Z6, 500PF, 70-200 f/2.8E, 24-70, and 1.4xIII... can pretty much shoot anything with that combo. Would love to go on one of your trips some day!
The backup SSD is crucial. I do the same thing: I backup one copy to the tablet or laptop (internal memory). I backup a second copy to my primary photos SSD (which stays with my laptop) and then I backup to a second SSD which I take with me when I'm out shooting (that way if my laptop or other SSD are stolen or lost, I still have the backup with me). I also try NOT to reformat cards until I have at least 3 copies of my photos and in at least 2 locations. If I'm able to, I also upload backups to the Internet, but that's not always feasible depending on the location (if wi-fi is not available or very fast). But whenever I do trips like this or landscape trips, I do emphasize to people to bring spare cards, and their laptop/tablet and a backup drive to backup their images on a daily basis. It's good just so if your card fails, you don't lose all of your images from the trip (perhaps just that day or location). It takes a bit more time to do my backup routine each night after shooting, but it's worth it. It's saved me a few times, especially when I lost a card once but luckily I backed it up the day before so no images were lost, just the card itself.
I agree that the Z7 is not the best wildlife camera out there and am in the same boat and getting something specific for wildlife. I would bring the Z7 as a backup camera if I was doing wildlife, but it wouldn't be my primary choice, simply because it can't keep up and the DSLRs (D500/D850/D5) are the better choices. I do agree that people should consider bringing a spare body (at least one) just in case something goes wrong. In a pinch, you can make do with a Z7 for wildlife, but it's probably going to be a little more frustrating to work with over one of the higher end DSLRs.
I’m leaving in 3 days to go to Wyoming for 7 days and this is a good video. I use the Gitzo Adventury 45L as my carry on and can fit Canon 600/4, 70-200 2.8, 24-70/4 and both TCs along with 1DX2 and 5dsr. Done a couple trips with this set up and no problem fitting in the overhead.
I'll check it out - THANK YOU!!! (Love that it holds a laptop!)
Great video as always, Steve. I'd like to see more "what's in my bag" videos. Yellowstone, Africa, Churchill, etc.
I'm with Canon but I really like your excellent videos with a lot of knowledge shared. Thank you...
Ok looking past you Steve at that incredible carved door. 😉
Great advice as always!
Brilliant video - thanks very much ☺️
I have found that over the years, and owning all of the super-telephoto lenses (except 800mm) that the 400mm f2.8 is always the sharpest lens out of the bunch. Not only does it collect twice the amount of light, when compared to a 500/600mm lens, but it's noticeably sharper. The penalty over the 500mm was always more weight, but the new 400mm FL lens is now only 6.3 lbs. I have now owned every AF-S version of the 400mm f2.8 lens and although it's often shorter than you need for wildlife, it's always sharper! So add a DX camera or teleconverter and you have a 560mm f4 or 600mm f4.2 and it's just as sharp as the bare 600mm f4 VR in my opinion. I know Steve is like myself in that regard, we both add a DX camera to our setup instead of a teleconverter. I do own a TC-14E III, but I more often just switch out my D4s for the D7200 when I need the additional reach. Sure the 600mm f4 can ever so slightly blur the background more than either option, but not enough to notice I don't think. The 600mm f4 does separate the background the most of any lens, but the 400mm f2.8 is like a 600mm f4.2 so it's close enough not to notice.
Patrick Smith Thank you for your comments. I am new to photography and have been a birdwatcher for years. My budget at this time allowed me to get the Nikon 200-500 mm f/5.6 but someday hope to be able to use the Nikon 400 mm f/2.8 when viewing neotropical birds.
@@joshuahorner2639 No problem, the 200-500mm is a great lens. It's only downside is it focus speed, but it works pretty well in good lighting. It also has pretty bad sample variation meaning some are sharper than other's. Luckily the price of the big super-tele lenses are coming down everyday. You can now buy a used 500mm f4 VR for around $3800. Also for even less a used 200-400mm f4 VR can be had for around $1900. People are very lucky these days as you can get into wildlife photography pretty cheap, with the D500 and 200-500mm lens. If I could give any new photographer's advice though it would be to always buy new glass over new camera's. Save and spend your money on the best lens you can afford. Even a D7200 with a good lens is better than a D5 or D850 with a crap lens!
Good video but I have never had an issue with autofocus performance with the D850 in Costa Rica where most animals are not moving. Only with macaws that BIF are encountered. Very useful is the Lenscoat folding lens hoods for the 500mm and 600mm f/4 lenses. Folds flat in my backpack and no worries about damaging the Nikon hoods.
LMAO!!! I've actually used my shirt to clean a lens!! I knew I wasn't alone OR sinning so bad as to have to do camera penance some day!!
Right when I saw 399 for a backpack I almost bailed. But, I saw one, then two, then three cool features and stuck around. You know your stuff. I live in the land of cactus so I can't lay my shoulder strap side down on the ground. Rapid fire good information.
Always great info Steve, I learned a lot. Thanks for posting!
I'm heading to Costa Rica in a few months and this was VERY useful. My lens choices will be very different than what I was thinking of bringing, and I'm grateful for the insight to realize some mistakes I was going to make. Awesome video. Thanks!!
Fascinating to see that apart from the rocket blower, the microfibre cloth and the polariser, there's nothing there that I own. Okay, I do own other bags, other reflectors, other tripods, other lenses, other cameras etc., but most of it in quite different price categories! For instance, my 600mm lens is a Sigma 150-600, and it's only f/6.3 at the long end, but it was as much as I could afford, and it was exactly 1/10 of the price of a 500 f/4.
One lens that I always bring everywhere is my ef-s 55-250 stm (yes, I'm a Canon aps-c man). It's so super versatile, super sharp, lightweight, and the AF is fantastic. And although it isn’t really a macro lens (it doesn’t do 1:1), it beats my real macro lenses for catching butterflies. I consider it the best lens Canon ever made, and it's ridiculously inexpensive. (Only downside: You’ll have to buy the lens hood separately. Not even Canon knows why).
Love your work, very good video!
Thanks for another excellent video Steve! I particularly enjoyed this one as it was really loaded with so many great tips and information.
Great info Steve! I just came home from CR late last night after just over a month there based out of Dominical. Love the place and photographic inspirations! The Osa area is amazing. Did a whale watching tour out of Golfito and came away with some good stuff. I shoot mostly in water surfing but do animals as well. My kit is the D7200, Aqua Tech Elite water housing, x2 ports for a 10.5 fish eye & 24 - 70 mm, Macro 105 mm & the 80 - 400 mm. Pura Vida!
The timing is perfect for me as I am off to Costa Rica next month :-)
I'm going in January. :)
Thx great video... 2 things
1. Buy color plastic caps so u see them better
2. If d750 is small baby of d5 is it better in low light than d850. Reason I'm asking bcs I do architecture photography don't need speed but cropping could use. That little flash on d7200 & d750 makes difference for me, u can stay incognito in no flash zone.. Hehehe thx
I would think the use of flash on wildlife would disturb them. I know when I have my picture taken I don't like getting blasted by a flash of light. Informative video, Steve. Thanks.
Wow! Great Information, I'm learning lots.... 📷🙏
Time to investigate the Kiboko. My 500 f4 needs a bag!
Love it Steve , we similar to my wildlife bag set up but without the light modifying gear which was interesting to learn about
Wonderful to see what’s in your bag. I just wanted to know about 20mm 1.8 nikkor and 16-35f4.
Man, so good to see a vid from you.
This video is just fantastic. Thank you for all the advice. Do you think a Thinktank Airport is a good bag to travel with to CR?. I will bring a 30L Shimoda when I go out each day
We've had people use them in our groups and they seemed happy with their choice.
🤫Don't tell anyone...
Tells everyone.
Hehe jk great video, I love your videos. Thank you for all the great tips and information!
Fun and very informative video Steve. Thanks!
Steve, FYI the newest Kiboko bag has a pocket for a laptop up to 15". It's a great bag, a little pricey but worth it.
that's the Kiboko 22L.
The old one did too, but the 22L is just too small for the 600mm.
Steve, I would like to get your opinion on tripod gimbals. You are using the Wimberley WH-200, which is the one I was planning to buy. However, after doing more research I found that the Kirk G1 seems to be mechanically superior. Both pan and tilt pivots run on full ball and needle bearings, and the ability to adjust the ARCA Clamp to be aligned perfectly with the vertical axis of the pan pivot. Moreover, the Tilt bar can be removed, and the camera/lens assembly can be mounted side way (for weight reduction). The G1 is only priced $30 more than the WH-200.
Your thoughts?
Working with venomous snakes? I'd want an 800mm with a x2 convertor!! Steve I haven't seen you do a video about Macro? I'll check again, but if not could you do one please.
As a hiker (husband) with minimalist viewpoint, I will never get to this level of carrying heavy duty gear, but I have lots of takeaways from here.
I was looking at you channel quite a while, and then suddenly says Costa Rica... and I was like what!! Really!! The bear shirt guy is at my country, hehe, cool...
Wish I was there now TBH. :)
Great video!! Was that pit viper wild? I've always wanted to see one. I looked for them when I was there but sadly I couldn't find one. I did see loads of other beautiful animals though!
Great video Steve! So, in your opinion what is a good place to shoot Macaws and Toucans in Costa Rica? Looks like you are in Osla Peninsula. How was your experience over there?
The Osa is probably the best place for Macaws. I don't really have a hotspot for toucans. We see them all the time in the Osa, but I think there are easier places (like places where they come to feeders).
@@backcountrygallery Thanks for the reply 🙂
I'm assuming the running buddy pouch has a soft interior lining?
Good video, hopefully I’ll make it to CR one day. Have you used the L-Bracket for Nikon FTZ adapter?I have the Kirk r200-500 replacement collor and not sure if ir would be better to just rotate the lens in the collar instead of getting an adapter for the FTZ mount.
What do you mean when you say the lens/camera is good for focus stacking?
Im gonna hug you one of these days dammit ...... waves****
Back at ya man :)
awesome Steve thankyou so much
Hi Steve! Thanks for your videos, I like them a lot and they really help me in my photography.
I have a question for you. Do you think the Backpack will fit my Nikon d4+ d500 + d850 + 400mm 2.8 + 200-500 5.6 + 70-2000 2.8 + 17-55mm 2.8???
Kind Regards
Interesting session Steve,thank you
Steve, How well do you think the D500 with the 300mm PF and TC14E would stack up against the D5 with the 600mm f4 on one of these trips? Because of a back injury I'm trying to put together an ultra-light kit for bird photography mostly for personal enjoyment in retirement but, occasionally, for publication. I really enjoy your channel and the great tips you pass along. 👽👍👍👍
Both will give you good results. Having used all of the gear you mention, the D5 / 600mm is the better combo and will give better results on the whole. However, it's not night and day and if the D5 and 600mm are too much to manage they may take away from the enjoyment of the trip.
Really love your content, have been really helpful and I am happy to be the 999th like. I recently upgraded to a Nikon Z6.
Surprised you don't take a D500 for the additional crop and high ISO performance not to mention excellent AF. I don't normally watch these " what's in my bag " type videos but got to say I enjoyed this one because you explain why you took the gear you did.
I have used the D500 there before, but the FX cameras are at least 1 stop better. However, more than one way to do it - just can't take it all with me :)
As usual, great stuff; thanks!
Good stuff! Any suggesyions for someone with Parkinson trying to take photos?
Thanks! IMO, the most obvious solution is probably the right one - a tripod. VR can help if you're hand-holding, but ideally I'd recommend a good, solid tripod. I'd recommend a higher end one, something that will help you get the photo instead of getting in the way. Other than that, possibly going to lighter, more manageable gear (like a 500PF). Wish I had more, but that's all I can think of.
My husband has Parkinson. He shots with a Nikon d5600 and a 55 200 Nikon. And he takes amazing shots, he is very non fuss. Me I take along all the goodies. Lol
Would the nikon 200-500 be ok for someone who doesn’t do much wildlife, but loves animals and travel?
I also have the D850, 300 PF4, and 105 macro already. Oh, I’m 5’1 and 1/2”... not sure I could handle a 600mm???
When are you going back to CR or Africa? It would be a dream come true to join you! 🐒🐸🦁🦉🦅
Hello Steve
Was wondering if you had enough space or a bigger carry on bag to carry your tripod,monopod and the gimbal head
Would the costaricain customs allow you to do so?
Thanks
No idea - but honestly, the bag is have enough as it is. I'd need a much larger bag to accommodate the tripod stuff. It's all insured, I just check it and have never had an issue (I've checked tripods for years now).
Steve Perry thank you Sir.
I was surprised to not see the D500. Isn't it a better alternative to using a TC 1.4? I'm guessing you ran out of space :)
The D850 has a D500 built in :)
Awesome sir
Hi Steve, could you explain why Z7 is not the best for wildlife shooting?
I talk about it here a bit:
ruclips.net/video/YqKaUjjaA70/видео.html&lc=Ugx9tEeSX6PhZPq30eV4AaABAg
hey Steve, thanks for the informative video. long shot here but..i'm headed to Costa Rica this weekend. i'm bringing along Sony 600 f4 and am in between supplementing w/ either the 100-400 or the new 70-200 for closer subjects and pseudo macro. i'll bring a 1.4 TC along as well. any recommendation between those two? thanks!
Really depends what you're doing. For general wildlife, I'd be more tempted to take the 100-400. I don't think I've ever used a 70-200 in the areas where I typically shoot. However, some places you can get closer than others to the wildlife. Mostly, I use the 600 with and without the TX, sometimes something in the 100-400 range is nice, and I take a macro lens too of course.
@@backcountrygallery gotcha, thanks for the quick response! especially since i need to make a decision quickly (will be renting the lens, haha). the trip is for general wildlife, mainly in Monteverde and La Fortuna area. i figured the 70-200 paired with and without 1.4 would make a nice combo for closer subjects @ f2.8 and 100-300 @ f4. but to your point, the 100-400 may be more pragmatic due to its longer reach..just a tad slower. thanks again
@@jordanmanning4660 My tripod is my best friend in Costa Rica :)
Great !! What id the location?
Lots of good ideas in this video, thanks. I need to get those lens wipes, and I keep forgetting to put my rocket blower in the bag, so I should just get an extra that stays there all the time. I, too, have used my t-shirt more than once to clean the lens when I'm in a hurry. :)
Just wondering why not the D500 with 400mm f/2.8? An extra stop and the same reach as the 600 f/4 on a full frame body.
It's not an extra stop though - because ISO performance on the D500 is about 1 stop behind full frame (assuming a frame filling image). Still, I've used the 600 F/4 at lower ISOs with the D500 prior to the D850 coming out. Worked well. More than one way to do it :)
@@backcountrygallery Thanks for your perspective on this. It's the real world experience of actual wildlife photographers that I rely on for information about equipment I don't own, but might want at some point down the line.
Steve, why did you chose nikon over canon?
THE BEST OF THE BEST....
Nice vid as always Steve. Do I need both a QR plate and the RRS dovetail plate to make the gimbal to ballhead transitions? It. was an aha moment when you mentioned it.
Each head will need the dovetail and the tripod / monopod will each need the clamp. The QR plate is for the camera or lens. Hope that helps :)
Steve Perry yeah, I understand. I have the BH-55 head with the lever release for the camera/lens for landscape and have the Wimberley gimbal on my monopod for my 500/4e. Being able to change heads with the lever releases is what I’ve been looking for. Thanks for sharing your setup.
Wow I just found your channel from the recommendation of Angry Photographer :) subscrbed!!!!!!
Hi Steve, great video! This will be very helpful my trip. I've a question about the Kiboko 2.0 30L bag, per B&H interior depth of the bag is 5.91" and the diameter for most 600 f/4 without hood is 6.5" for most lenses (I measured my Sony 600, it is 6.5"), just wanted to confirm 600mm f/4 will fit without the hood, I know you been taking it in this bag, how you do that? Thanks.
All I can tell you is that mine has always fit - no worries. The bag isn't super stiff, so it's really not an issue. As you say, it will NOT fit with the hood, but does just fine with the 600mm by itself.
So you go out on the field and have the 600 mounted on the D5 and the 300 on the 850?
Back then, yes. Now I'm shooting Sony and Nikon, so it varies. For Nikon, I'll have the new 600 TC on the Z9 the next time I'm in Costa Rica, and probably put a 100-400 on another camera (a second Z9 or Z7ii).
@@backcountrygallery Tnx for the reply. I appreciate the video was old, but I've been looking at what gear pros take to safaris as I've done a few myself and I'm struggling with the following choice. I have a 300 f/2.8 which I use with a 2x that gives me a 600 f/5.6 which is not a bad deal and a 2nd body with a 100-400. However, the problem is that I stop at 600mm and as I'm already 2x I can't add a 1.4x. IQ is OK, AF speed for fast moving subject suffers a bit but willing to put up with cause flexibility, mobility, etc. So I've been thinking of trading in my 300 and getting a 500 f/4 which I could then have to marry with a 1.4x as natively I'll be shorter than what I have now. So I've going back and forth if I should trade my 300 for a 500 and I can't decide. I can't really afford to upgrade to a newer 600, and the older/cheaper 600 gens are too heavy to take around the world/cabin luggage. Any advice welcome.
@@dimitristsagdis7340 The 500 F/4 is a wonderful lens - I think it's a good way to go. You'll appreciate the extra reach. I had a 500 for awhile, when 600 because for me it was often just a bit too short and I had a TC on it frequently. On the plus side, it's way easier to travel with since it's about 1/3rd smaller than a 600 F/4 :)
Another interesting thought is the 500 PF - although it drops you to F/8 with a TC and doesn't AF very well on DSLRs with the TC. I think the 500 F/4 is the way to go, based on your description.
@@backcountrygallery Tnx, PF not a option for me cause I'm in the Canon system and f/8 is way to slow. I predict my 500 f/4 will also be married to my 1.4x :-) Tnx once again for your lights
Steve, I noticed that you don't take the D500 or Z6 and was curious why. My first thought is that it doesn't have the ISO capabilities as the other bodies you take (this is why I added a D850 and now a Z6). My second thought was file size (which would also explain why you choose the Z7 over the Z6). With my equipment, I've noticed that the D850 in DX mode does not give the same crop as the D500 (I've only tested this with the Nikon 200-500), it isn't as tight. I don't know if that is universal or just with my personal gear. Are other reasons than what I've listed for not taking the D500 or Z6?
For me, the D500 is redundant with the gripped D850. It has most of the D500 speed capabilities (close in frame rate, adequate for my needs with buffer, similar, nearly identical AF performance), but it also gives me the option to go between DX and FX - which is how I use it. As for the D500 DX area and D500, I've never noticed a difference. I've done testing with the cameras, side by side, and the field of view was the same, so not sure there...
The Z6 has two problems for me - the first and most critical is that it's my wife's camera :) Second, the D5 is even more capable at higher ISO and for my macro work, the Z7 is giving me larger files for the same effort.
All that said, the D500 and Z6 combo could work just fine there. For me, the kit I have works better (I've used all of it at one time or another in CR and elsewhere).
@@backcountrygallery Thanks Steve.
I used to have Guragear bag and they sound smart idea but actually it was really hard to think what to put inside and how to put "dividers" when you can only use half of the bag at time because there always were long middle wall from top to bottom of the bag.
Hey Steve, you ever known anyone to use Robus tripods? I’m wondering if they are quality enough to be an alternative to RRS without sacrificing too much. They are about half the price but seem nearly as good.
Nope, and maybe they are as good, maybe not. All I know is that I seem to get what I pay for :)
1:32 im seeing the bag now in BH and they are not 399.99 anymore, they are 480 LOL and the same model bag, not updated
Everything seems or be going up in price. You can get the bag from gura gear for $424 - and if you use the code below the link, you'll get an extra 10% off. That'll knock it down below the 399 price :)
guragear.com/?ref=xwU9xYfYfCW7HD
bcg10
Wish I could get into your workshops. You either need more workshops or you need to charge more.
Bob Koss they are sold out almost instantly. Lol
Laptop cannot be carried on in flight? I never had an issue of carrying a laptop inside my camera bag in flight.
WHAT! You've used your shirt! Blasphemy!
(Most) Lenses are incredibly durable, I seen a Nikon 200-500 mm "dunked" in about 3 inches of salt water hitting rocks on bottom. Not sure exactly what procedure they followed, but they dried & cleaned it up and it hasn't failed him. It does have a damaged threads and they cant attach the hood properly but it functions 100%.
Very surprised that was the outcome, given the fact it was salt water. But I'm happy it worked out.
@@anthonyc1883 welp..lol, that lens is showing signs of what I would say is "effects from the salt water", lol. It lasted about two months without issue, but last trip out with it my friend said it wouldn't focus properly, she said it appears soft and has a "haze" look..I haven't seen her pics to know exactly what she means, but either way, it appears to have succumbed to salt water lol. She sent it to Nikon this week, just waiting to hear back.
I knew it wasn't weather sealed, but the only "visible damage" was on the edge of threads. It didn't appear to have any water inside, but I would guess today that it did seep through enough to corrode something, or the internals have seized or shifted.
Saltwater is the worst, it will get in any seam and it does NOT stop corroding, it strives over time, lol. I live 200 ft from the North Atlantic Ocean and I'm an automotive technician, I have witnessed it corrode vehicle frames in unbelievably short times. Vehicles hardly last more than ten years here before the salt water has eating it's way through.
When you use your circular polarizer on your macro lens, do you try to compose your shot so that the sun is coming in from the side or does it matter?
Most of the time, I won't shoot in sun. However, even under overcast, the direction of the light can make a difference. Sometimes the polarizer is more effective than others. However, in the forest environment, I often don't have much as much choice in position as I'd like, so I'm sometimes just stuck with some reflection.
Hey Steve, very much enjoy your channel... Simple question... Do you believe that DSLR's will become a thing of the past due to "Mirrorless cameras"?
I believe mirrorless will become the new normal, but I don't think DSLRs will be gone forever anytime soon. However, I do like mirrorless - or rather the idea of it - more than DSLRs. We just picked up a Sony A7R4 and it's nothing short of amazing. The AF system and speed are just fantastic. I hope Nikon can bring their mirrorless up to that level.
@@backcountrygallery good to know Steve.. One more question and I will leave you be... I currently shooting with a Nikon B700 how much of a upgrade would the Nikon D7500 be with Nikkor 200-500 be? (Massive I'm assuming?
James here. Why not use a d500 and do without the teleconvertor. What's your thoughts. Thanks.
I could, but the D850 sort of has a D500 built in, so it gives me more options.
Have you used the 500 pf in Costa Rica yet. More in the consumer price range I would think
I returned from Costa Rica in late July and shot the 500PF w/ a D500.... much more affordable way to get to 750mm. Of course you lose one stop of light and have reduced dynamic range when compared to a D5 and 600mm f/4E. I concur with Steve about bringing a simple kit of gear... I've been there 11 times now and found that a simple kit is way more efficient than hauling a lot of gear around.
Bruce Leventhal That interesting because I always heard the d850 had much better dynamic range than the d5, and the test are saying the same. Maybe over a certain ISO the d5 has better dynamic range. I don’t really know what to believe...
@@albert3316 I think its all about ISO's here. The D5 produces beautifully flexible files above ISO 800. As a wildlife shooter in the modern era (post film with current cameras), I find myself shooting ISO's that range between 800 and 6400. My Z6 produces beautifully flexible files at 6400 and the D5 will be even better. At ISO 64-200, the D850 might have more dynamic range. This is great for landscapes, but if you spend your time pursuing wildlife at dawn and dusk, you will not get the shutter speed you need to free motion at ISO 200.
@@bruceleventhal3292 You may be losing a stop of light with the D500/500PF setup, but you're GAINING 250mm of reach, making it the equivalent of a 750mm f/5.6. Put a 400 f/2.8 on the D500 and you have a 600 f/2.8 equivalent. The D5 is a dud and didn't live up to it's name. It is just about universally panned for it's poor image quality and low dynamic range. The only thing it has going for it is a high fps, and perhaps durability. But with the grip, the D850 shoots 10 fps, and it has vastly superior image quality, 2.5 stops more dynamic range, more color depth and better low light performance: www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-D5-versus-Nikon-D850___1062_1177
Take the same image at say ISO 6400 on the D5 and the D850, process them and make large prints. Guaranteed the D850 print looks much better. On the computer screen too.
I have and still prefer the 600 F/4 :) While I really like the weight, the F/4 option on the 600mm gives me both an extra stop of light and helps keep busy backgrounds in check. However, I do use the 500PF (my wife's copy) as a walk-around lens from time to time and if you're careful with ISO, it's a great choice.
Is that in the Laguna del lagarto-lodge? :-)
Do you bring (or use) the lens hood for the 600mm F4 lens?
Yes, check out 20.06
@@backcountrygallery Thanks. I made it to the start of the "Cameras" section, where you mentioned that is everything in the bag.
That's a lot of stuff. Man!
I would never use a Nikon wipe on my Sony lens. Outrageous. I'd rather have a dirty lens. Just kidding, of course. :)
Which resort do you stay in?
At Botanika in the Osa.
Small word of warning - the Zeiss wipes are pretty bad for cleaning a sensor. Don't get me wrong, if push comes to shove, it's better than nothing, they'll do the job, and they won't damage anything, but they will streak. And you won't be able to get it off until you use a pec-pad with some methanol back home.
That said, i had a tiny little droplet of resin end up on my sensor while i was changing the lens and tilted the camera a bit too much (to check for what i thought was some lint). It must've dropped from the pine right above me. I had absolutely nothing to clean it off with but zeiss wipes (always keep a stash of those in my pockets, glovebox, trunk, bags, *everywhere*). It worked and was better than leaving a drop of resin on there, but was far from clean.
Yeah, I don't think I'd use them for cleaning a sensor, just the lenses. In fact, since I started shooting mirrorless more, I always have sensor swaps and solution with me :)
Hey Steve i have a question do scratches on lenses affect image quality?
Surprisingly, not as much as you may think. Minor scratches rarely even make a difference. More serious scratches may cause issues, especially if the light hits them just right.
Where is the link to your Costa Rica gallery?
Here ya go:
backcountrygallery.com/costa-rica/
@@backcountrygallery Thank you.
Great Vid Steve!! love wildlife photography!
How a tutorial on how to fold up those Damn Reflectors!
LOL - I may just do a quick video on that!!
🤣
@@lynelljansen8057 😆
if the difference between a good shot and a shot with dirt and dust on the image is me blowing really hard then wiping the lens with my shirt, I'm going to do that.
感谢分享！内容非常丰富！
People ask what you have in your bag, rolf.
Is that a real monopod or what's left from your Gitzo 5 series??? Tell me you didn’t amputate it man ..........!!!!
Nope, real monopod. My 5 series is safe and sound!
@@backcountrygallery But what is the monopod maker/model? I didn't hear you mention that in the vid, nor does it seem to be shown in your gear list. Thank you. (E-books purchaser here).
@@anthonyc1883 Sorry - I've updated the list. It's this one:
Gitzo GM4552L Series 4 Carbon Fiber Monopod
That is a lot of $$$
FIIIIIIrst Hello Steven !!
LOL - You Win!! (not a prize or anything, just bragging rights :)
@@backcountrygallery 😂God Bless Man 👍🏻
Congratulations 🥇
okay, zo low light performance, Z6 or D5 ? D5 has a battery grip and higher fps but the Z6 has the video option.
Nikon D3100
Z6 has better low light capabilities, at least it what the test says. On the other hand the d5 autofocus crush the z6.
$85 for the Perpendicular Plate? You can get a 100mm nodal rail for $18.
Hopefully not drugs
"If you're photographing venomous snakes." Note to self: stay out of Costa Rica.
Hey! You keep getting uglier and uglier each time I see you congratulations! I love your videos I’m subscribed
I'm sorry but the D5 isn't a good camera. The D4(s) is better. Hell, the D3X is better in many ways. The only thing it has going for it is a negligible fps increase over the D850, and with the grip the D850 is 10 fps which is just fine. For me, it's the image quality. The D5 is panned for it's poor image quality. Search it up. The D850 is several levels above the D5 in image quality, dynamic range, color depth, and, contrary to what you said, it is also better in low light: www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-D5-versus-Nikon-D850___1062_1177
The problem with the D850 10fps is when you shoot a burst, the buffer fills up too fast. Never had that happen with the D5.
LOL, if you say so. Most of my work is done with the D5 - especially the high ISO stuff. At higher ISOs (ISO 2000 or so +) nothing can touch it. As mentioned in the video, when I'm using lower ISOs, I prefer the D850 (better DR, color IMO), but get into the low light stuff, nothing comes close. And, yes, I've used the D3, D3x, D4, etc.
@@bobkoss280 You can get between 50-90 full size uncompressed raw files before you hit the wall and it slows down. I've never once in my life as a wildlife photographer (over 20 years) needed that. Hell, I started on film with 24 and 36 image rolls, lol. And pro wildlife photographers have gotten along just fine before the D5 was released, so if you need that large of a buffer, I'm not sure why. And that frame rate/buffer size sure isn't a reason to spend twice as much as the D850 when the that camera destroys the D5 in every other category. The D5 may take a lot of fast images, but it doesn't take good images, which is why it's mainly used as a sports camera with the vast majority of wildlife photographers using the D850 or something else.
@@backcountrygallery I love you man, and your channel, but do you really expect me to take your biased (you did purchase the D5) subjective word over that of not only the vast majority of other photographers, but the also the objective scientific measurements done in a lab? Come on. As I've said, take a picture of the exact same subject at high ISO with each camera, process them according to what they need, and then print them out. I will bet you a brand new D6 that I can easily tell the D5 image from the D850.
@@adamaj74 Well, all I know is I've shot over 100,000 images with the D5 and tens of thousands with the D850. At lower ISOs, I prefer the D850, but at higher ISOs, the D5 is simply better. Check out the DR chart - www.photonstophotos.net/Charts/PDR.htm#Nikon%20D5,Nikon%20D850
The two cameras basically are tied at about ISO 1200 and the D5 gets well ahead of it by ISO 2200 or so. The thing is, I'm not married to the D5. Anyone who knows me knows that I use what works. If I thought the D850 was better, I'd have two of them. I've shot both cameras at high ISO and there's just no comparison. In fact, check out this comparison in my D850 review - it shows the ISO differences with the D5 and D850 at 12,800: backcountrygallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/iso-tests-850-d5-12800.jpg
As for "most photographers", I don't agree with that at all. People shooting the D5 generally like it because they use the camera for what it was optimized for - higher ISOs. I agree, it's no very good at lower ISO - which is why DXO shows it "beating" the D850 - they test DR at base ISO. Even their own charts show the D5 pulling ahead at higher ISOs: www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-D5-versus-Nikon-D850___1062_1177
Right when I saw 399 for a backpack I almost bailed. But, I saw one, then two, then three cool features and stuck around. You know your stuff. I live in the land of cactus so I can't lay my shoulder strap side down on the ground. Rapid fire good information.