Equipment I Use To Film Wildlife Documentaries

[@glatznatureproductions]

Well done, Doug. You are the master rig builder - always appreciate your sharing your insights and advice.

[@adventureproductionz]

show us the bags next

[@kameradude]

Great video. ! Straight to subject Well done dude !

[@MexicanMovie]

that's one plus about my Canon C100 and C300, they have built in ND filters, and with the 4k sensor downsizing the files to 1080 the file sizes are really small and manageable. Doubt my laptop could handle any larger file sizes for editing anyway....... Only things i own from your list are Lowepro backpack, about 100 rolls of gaffer tape, a couple different sizes of ground blinds, camo clothing and snake boots..... also got a follow focus that i love, from a now defunct company by the name of Cinevate (bought second hand years ago like a lot of my stuff).

[@francischeefilms]

Great video, although despite what is considered necessary for "being a wildlife filmmaker", I'd say based upon our "content" we have had on all the big channels over the years (not as many as yours Doug) one doesn't need a 50K camera (but def great glass whether that's a microscope lens or a big zoom) to make the grade. I think sometimes we can get hung up about gear (I'm not saying that about you, I'm just saying it) but forget about all of the field craft/biology/research/camera crew/patience needed etc. etc because even with a million bucks worth of gear if none of those boxes are ticked then one is only going to capture "home movies" at best.

[@michaeltillman886]

What's up Doug? Once again, great video. Even though you have access to a great crew. And I mean a really great crew. You do very well by yourself. It was probably a little to chew on all at once. But you pulled it off. Great job my friend. Peace!

[@ScottBalkum]

Love it! Thanks for sharing your knowledge on this and wildlife filmmaking!

[@douggardner1]

My pleasure!

[@coleudall14]

Which matte box is this you’re using? Just seeing what option you picked for the 60-600! Currently building my kit with the same lens so I was excited to see that. Thanks!!

[@douggardner1]

Sorry I did not reply earlier: here is the exact matte box I'm using. Wooden Camera Zip Box Pro Clamp-On Matte Box (114mm) www.adorama.com/wc267100.html

[@coleudall14]

@@douggardner1that’s okay! Thank you! So the 114mm clamp on works even though the front diameter is a bit larger than 114mm? I was considering buying a larger matte box but then using a spacer to adapt down to the correct size. But if this one works directly that’s way better!

[@dengueberries]

I had no idea about the follow focus, what a great idea!

[@BobSouthDakota]

Such great information, thank you Doug.

[@richardweddle3408]

Very helpful. link to your matte box? link to your follow focus gear?

[@joelawryDOP]

Yea Id be interested to know which mattebox you've got on your 60-600. Im sick of the stock hood and would like something lightweight.

[@douggardner1]

Edelkrone FocusONE v2 Follow Focus: adorama.rfvk.net/dazO5W Tilta Follow Focus: adorama.rfvk.net/g1EOJg Wooden Camera Zip Box Pro Clamp-On Matte Box (114mm) www.adorama.com/wc267100.html

[@douggardner1]

Edelkrone FocusONE v2 Follow Focus: adorama.rfvk.net/dazO5W Tilta Follow Focus: adorama.rfvk.net/g1EOJg Wooden Camera Zip Box Pro Clamp-On Matte Box (114mm) www.adorama.com/wc267100.html @@joelawryDOP

[@CheikoSairin]

Amazing camera set-up for wildlife documentaries. Thanks for sharing. 1 LIKE for the video. Greetings from Singapore.

[@douggardner1]

Many thanks!

[@Wildlifevideopicture]

Thank you for this video very interesting. I Use an old Sony Fs7 wich i am still happy with. I just bought Sigma 60-600 seems super good. I have used Sigma 150-600 for many years before. Thanks again. Regards Karl-David

[@douggardner1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TotalRADandMORE]

Ive been interested in the 60-600 to pair with my KX but Ive gone for lighter options with less range for now so i can hike it up my local mtns and waterfronts. Have you tried using the AF with that lens?

[@Wildlifevideopicture]

Hello! If I answer for myself, never use AF when I'm shooting run fully manually. Karl-David

[@juliusdavies2005]

Great video, very interesting to hear about your decision points for the various elements. One question, what do you use for capturing audio?

[@birdwatchworld]

Thanks for this video. I really enjoyed it. I'd love a rig like that. I currently film with a Sony a6400 on a Manfrotto MVH502AH fluid head attached to a Sirui W-2204 tripod. I have some Smallrig rails, I think they're 12". It's not an ideal video rig, but it does the job for now. What's the weight of your rig?

[@maxmeier3617]

Great video! Thank you! I was just wondering how you accomplish zoom pulls while filming without any follow focus gear or similar? What kind of solution have you found making the 60-600 similar to the 50-1000 (or new 24-105/f2.8 Canon) with its side-mounted zoom motor?

[@douggardner1]

Zoom pulls are rarely ever used in natural history films, if they need to its done in post. Zooms while filming is more of video thing with lower budget films, news, sports etc.

[@TimsWildlife]

I don't understand why zcams aren't used more in wildlife cine. I use the m4, which shoots at night at iso 51200. Only the Sony a7s3 beats it. 4k at 160p. 1600 dollars.

[@douggardner1]

You actually have a very good point, I’ve used the Zcam several times, and had great results with it. A very good option for someone getting into the industry with a lower budget.

[@daniel_wiersma]

We have used a couple of Z-cams too, but were very difficult to match with Venice in post

[@TimsWildlife]

@@daniel_wiersma I believe you at that price point.

[@ScreenFiends]

Great video, how do you go about navigating with such a big set up? Do you plant yourself and wait or do you hike to different sites?

[@douggardner1]

Yes a little both, carrying that rig and the bigger one is painful but has to be done to get the shots. Sometimes if the budget allows we are given an assistant to help tote gear. But yes alot of sitting in blinds as well.

[@henrykirkwoodfilmmaking]

Thanks so much for explaining your accessories. I want to slowly build up my own equipment, I currently have the Sony A7Siii paired with 200-600 lens but am restricted by my fluid head (currently have Manfrotto MVH500AH which has started to jam!). Subbed and I'll look forward to future videos! Cheers, Henry.

[@ryaneskalis]

Very informative and helpful video! What's the brand of the follow focus?

[@douggardner1]

Eldlekrone FocusOne v2. www.adorama.com/edlfonev2.html

[@bonilsson3161]

How is that "follow focus" work when it gets cold and frost/ snow stick to it?

[@MrIanWebb]

Wow, I gotta get that ND wheel! Thanks. Ever consider an EVF? Once I got one I never looked back.

[@douggardner1]

We'll talk about EVF vs Monitor in another video. It's all about being situationally aware at all times.

[@MrIanWebb]

@@douggardner1 I can dig it

[@happy1wandering]

Great video thanks for sharing!! You don’t use an EVF ? Also is there focus breathing with the sigma 60-600 ? Thanks again!

[@douggardner1]

I do use an EVF in certain situations like high wind or extremely bright light coming from over my shoulder. However I prefer to use a monitor because I'm able to stay situationally aware of my surroundings at all times. All "photo" zoom lenses breath a little but this lens isn't too bad. Keep in mind breathing is do to zooming and autofocus neither of which pros use for video. In natural history work zooming in the middle of clip is rarely done, generally its a hard cut from one frame perspective to another.

[@WesleyClouden]

i use the Pd-Movi wired & wireless on the same by default give all photo glass a 270 degree throw the use just set there own speed

[@globalfunseeker6733]

Hi Doug, thanks for another wonderful video. What do you think of Nikon's purchase of RED? I think it caught everyone by surprise. Looks like a marriage made in heaven. Thanks.

[@douggardner1]

Not holding my breath! I'm almost positive this is the beginning of the end.

[@warrensmith3471]

Hi Doug I have the same Sigma lens paired with canon a c70. I’m looking at tripods and deciding between a sachtler activ8 and flotech 75 or a second hand video 20. Any thoughts on which would be smoother at 900mm?

[@JimHawkins1]

Thanks for this Doug. Great info. Have you ever tried the Tamron 150-600 lens? It's what I use, always wonder if the Sigma would have been a better choice.

[@douggardner1]

My opinion is that the Sigma 60-600 is a much better lens, build quality and sharpness are the items that stand out to me.

[@JimHawkins1]

@@douggardner1 Thanks Doug. Appreciate it.

[@EmberSkyMedia]

What Camo Tape are you using? And does it leave any marks when you remove it? Bascially doing the same thing, but for the price of one of those objects for my whole system (although I'm splurging on the 15mm rails and going with tangerines).

[@MexicanMovie]

looks like the same camo wrap (not actually tape) that you get for hunting to put on your gun or bow, it doesn't actually stick like tape, it is a static cling. I removed some from my compound bow after being on for 5 years and didn't leave a single mark on the bow. It's available in Walmart during deer hunting season in the hunt section and also at most sporting goods places and even on amazon described as Camo Tape Wrap Self-Adhesive Camouflage and it stretches as you apply it. We'll see what Doug says but i bet that is what he is using.

[@EmberSkyMedia]

thanks @@MexicanMovie I'll see of I can pick some up.

[@douggardner1]

The tape I use is not actually tape, it does not have an adhesive sticky back… Rather, it is more like a type bandage material that sticks to itself like Velcro. I use it on all my equipment because it does not leave marks or sticky residue on my equipment, and also it has a very doll non-shiny finish. Here’s a link to what I buy on Amazon. And thank you.amzn.to/3xmBtyu

[@EmberSkyMedia]

Thanks @@douggardner1, I wanted to make sure I was getting the right thing as I'm doing a lot of nature videos this spring.

[@tommcgovern6866]

Would love to know the brand of follow focus and matte box!

[@klaudiuszszatanik4369]

Yeah, me as well :) I have those AF lenses with a very small focus throw and some other pure manual focus come with almost 360 degrees …I’d need several different gears basically and from your video I understand that your follow focus works that way. Thank you for the great video!

[@douggardner1]

Edelkrone FocusONE v2 Follow Focus: adorama.rfvk.net/dazO5W Tilta Follow Focus: adorama.rfvk.net/g1EOJg Wooden Camera Zip Box Pro Clamp-On Matte Box (114mm) www.adorama.com/wc267100.html

[@douggardner1]

Edelkrone FocusONE v2 Follow Focus: adorama.rfvk.net/dazO5W Tilta Follow Focus: adorama.rfvk.net/g1EOJg Wooden Camera Zip Box Pro Clamp-On Matte Box (114mm) www.adorama.com/wc267100.html @@klaudiuszszatanik4369

[@klaudiuszszatanik4369]

Thank you sir 😊

[@nikolozgabedava6934]

Cool vid. Same with a sniper rifles.

[@RustyRogers]

What follow focus are you using?

[@douggardner1]

I use 2 different ones, the Eldlekrone FocusOne and the Bright Tangerine

[@apumountainguides]

👍✨️

[@kevinswilson66]

Impressive and enlightening - coming from a stills bird photographer, interested in moving into videography. I’ve been using Nikon gear (just upgraded from D850 to Z9). I was surprised and excited by the acquisition of Red by Nikon. It will be interesting to watch how future cinema cameras evolve.

[@douggardner1]

Let’s just hope it’s a good thing…

[@kevinswilson66]

@@douggardner1 I hear you! And I hope that Nikon will listen to Red, as well as to experienced filmmakers like yourself, in developing new cinema cameras and lenses.

[@stephenomondi4513]

THANKS mAN

[@douggardner1]

No problem

[@r.k.manandhar7271]

We prefer Nikon Z8 because Nikon is Nikon always ahead !!!👌👍❤