Inside an F1 PHOTOGRAPHER’S $70k Camera Bag!

[@Toastybear1]

This, and the logistics video every year, are both always extremely engaging. It’s the side of f1 you genuinely, never see. That’s quite a rare thing to say these days with social media.

[@KymIllman]

Happy to tell you what I know

[@maribou16]

I shoot basically the same thing, but only in North America. I'm starting my 15th season. I am very intrigued with all of the non-standard lenses! I also carry a tilt shift with me, but the TS-E 24mm. In addition to the model train look that you get looking down, I love bending the focal plane all over the place. My museum and garage lens...

[@reversal]

Much better thumbnail! Appreciate you listening to your viewers, I saw you updated the last thumbnail as well and it’s admirable seeing a content creator of your size taking feedback seriously!

[@KymIllman]

We did AB testing on that AI thumbnail

[@charlesharte7037]

Seeing Reversal be the first comment on a Kym Illman whats in my F1 gear bag video was not on my 2025 bingo card.

[@MichaelSeneschal]

I liked both thumbnails, AI and regular. Already invested in this channel, so I don’t care what the thumbnail looks like.

[@cheesejadeitekiwifox]

THE VIDEO US CAMERA NERDS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! THANK YOU!

[@KymIllman]

Glad you like it!

[@dominiqueschenck430]

I own the R1 … and I still watched this video twice. Canon: when are you making this Kym an ambassador? He is a master at getting you engaged and interested. And it is interesting!

[@KymIllman]

Yeah Canon come on!!!!

[@iammetaldave]

As a nerd for camera gear, I love these videos (as much as I enjoy the more F1 focused ones)! More of this please, Kim! 🙃

[@Powernuk]

A travel advice video and now a camera equipment video. Excellent work on the Pre-F1 season content Kym! The way its presented and the video is organised is top notch. Never seen how much work or things are needed as a professional photographer but this really does open your eyes. Quite expensive to even start with it. Massive respect for you and our son Jase for your work. Congrats on his credentiation as a permanent photographer 💪

[@KymIllman]

Many thanks for your support

[@adude394]

The kit is extremely impressive, but I would bet that Kym could get pretty good results with my 22-year-old 300D, too. Obviously, an old body like that one isn't near the powerhouse that today's cameras are, but when a photographer knows what he's doing, he can get better results than most of us "civilians" do regardless of the gear, simply because he DOES know what he's doing!

[@KymIllman]

I need all the help I can get and definitely Canon‘s latest kit makes it that much easier

[@adude394]

@@KymIllman Oh, for sure. Each generation of newer tech is that much more powerful than the previous and gives you that many more tools, and why wouldn't anyone want to take advantage of that?

[@nickm8494]

Very interesting video, Kym - thanks for giving the nerds a look at your kit! Love the bokeh on that mirror lens. As a Nikon user (amateur) we don't have the same lens mount issues as Canon, which means every F-mount lens ever produced can be used on modern cameras (some with modification). I have a couple of 1960s primes that are pin sharp and are often in the bag on field trips - the only downsides being manual focus and metering. Plus the second hand prices, which are quite steep for what essentially is a hobby. Look forward to seeing your "new" glass being used in creative ways. Best wishes from the UK. Cheers

[@ianmeechan2040]

Just for those who might wonder what the TS-E lenses are. The Canon TS-E lens is normally used to correct the parallel distortion for architectural photography.TS stands for tilt and shift. For example, when you look upwards next to a building the bottom is wider than the top naturally. This can correct that so the top and bottom are parallel. Photoshop can correct this now. Some photographers use it like Kym does now for artistic style shots.

[@KymIllman]

That is exactly why I use them.

[@kurtisca]

I love the ‘I live in hope’ cut, watched that 10 times in a row - Super funny and another great video!

[@KymIllman]

Glad you liked it!

[@davewatlingphotography]

I would love an in-depth video on how you setup your streamdeck. That seems like it could be a game-changer in my workflow. Great video!!

[@joshminnick7518]

thanks so much for the video! always love seeing what everyone is using in there kits! lume cube I looked at for months thought it'd help out as well ended up breaking after one month of use my Amazon off brand that was 20 usd is still going strong 4 years later

[@KymIllman]

They do themselves no favour by refusing to repair faulty gear

[@matth7856]

I like KYM he's a cool guy. He yelled at me in Budapest after the race for taking to long to get my camera ready. i was on the track after the race across the Mercedes paddock

[@Docdug]

My dream job. I’ve shot enough cycling events in a previous life hauling a 500/f4 and slew of other lens, a pair of bodies around. I was able to shoot the F1 races at Indy back in the day. Completely back breaking but it was a lot of fun. Could I do this full time, not anymore. But still it’s a dream job! Cheers Doc

[@capture_the_stoke9646]

This season is lining up to be a belter! can't wait keep up the epic work Kym!

[@nerv-adc]

This is fantastic! I'm just getting into photography, so the "if I had to take only two lenses" definitely helped (although I'd have to sell my house for those specific ones). Is there a reason many sports photographers seem to skew towards Canon over Nikon or Sony? You've found yourself a new subscriber!

[@lewisgeyer1440]

After spending 40 years of my life as a photojournalist I recently discovered the freedom of traveling with just a digital Leica rangefinder and a 50mm lens. No, I wouldn't use it to cover an event like an F1 race (went to a couple in Detroit way back when) but for personal work it's rejuvenated my love for photography. Less is more in my case.

[@pjtemplin]

Consider switching to the new Profoto Connect Pro trigger for your off-camera flash. Battery life is now on the order of weeks/months instead of minutes/hours on that crazy AirTTL-C. Also if that OCF is an A10, the new trigger can show you the actual power level on your flash which some people love.

[@KymIllman]

Thanks for the suggestion. I really use this so it might be an overkill. But good to know.

[@johnjr47]

A awesome lineup. I hope you do a review on the Canon R1

[@btraffordphotos]

As a working photographer it is great to see someone else's kit, about the only thing we have in common, I use Nikon, is the Leatherman, I would not be without it.

[@hez_am_i2448]

We stayed at someone's place in Port Melbourne for the F1 years ago. The people who owned the place were both ophthalmologists who loved collecting lenses - their loungeroom felt a bit like a camera store plus they had quite a few microscopes, telescopes and just various pieces of lense glass.

[@Katyg6nzalez]

Do I have a clue about cameras let alone professional equipment? Nah, not at all. Did I watch the whole video? Heck yea it’s KIM ILLMAN

[@KymIllman]

Delighted to see this my friend. Thanks.

[@littletweeter1327]

Neat stuff! As a wildlifer, I’m still clinging to my 7Dmk2 and the 100-400L II. Lovely combo walking through the forest with a blackrapid sash strap. And a macro lens for some cool insects. All in a nice camera backpack.

[@andrewwelchphotographer]

Awesome video and good luck on another year out on the road! I’d suggest a Ulanzi metal phone bracket instead of the manfrotto one (Or any brand really) just much more secure than the plastic clip inside that one. Also probably marginal gains but with the EL-1 or EL-5 and ST-E10 or ST-E3-RT you can charge the flash batteries with the LP-E6 charger for the R5. Would involve relearning a new flash though.

[@KymIllman]

Thanks for the heads up

[@shayzadg]

I just LOVE how neat and organized you are

[@alancrossley509]

I use many great vintage lenses on my 5dmkII. Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 is my favourite. Thanks for showing us your gear.

[@_mball_]

Congrats to Jace for the media pass! Kym, you gotta get the RF 10-20!! Game changer over my 11-24mm, though my primary stuff is city travel. In fact, I'm OK giving up my 15-35mm too just for the compact size and generally OK with just f4... But really, otherwise, look at HyperJuice USB-C chargers - 3-4 USB ports, 100+W if you need... super compact and trivial to adapt to multiple countries. I carry 2 with me and it covers all the devices for 2 people. Love your kit though. Not surprised to see the 100-300 making an appearance! Would love to own one some day... :)

[@TehScientist]

Really cool that your son is also accredited now, that must make you very proud.

[@Eliddinn]

That tiltshift lens is crazy, the images look so cool

[@VopsVops]

Thanks for sharing all your kit. I think your voice sounds much better on the Rode mic. I hope they sort out that issue for you.

[@KymIllman]

I’m not holding my breath

[@VopsVops]

@@KymIllman Is there a high pass filter setting on the Sennheiser? Maybe the high pass is too high for your voice? It was much fuller on the Rode, sounds thin on the Senn.

[@Julio-bc7pj]

wow Kym, My respect on your work and passion; thx so much for sharing. It was really cool information :) see ya on the next one buddy

[@KymIllman]

Cheers to you.

[@Julio-bc7pj]

😊

[@littletweeter1327]

Have a go with that mirror lens at a night race and get a bunch of lights in the background. Shouldn’t be too hard getting a shot in focus with the crazy burst of modern cameras

[@ryanheldoorn]

Canon DM-E1D mic for you r5 ii or R1's. Uses the digital hotshoe for power and sound, no mic cables, one button for audio changes, audio quality is fairly decent!

[@KymIllman]

I tried it, no good for what I do

[@markfitzurka9995]

Like how you cut the audio when you were talking about them. Nice little touch in the editing. I have a big tote in the closet that is overflowing with kit.

[@LarsAgerbk]

Years ago I superchated Kym Ilman on a live stream and asked him what was most expensive: His camera or his Porsche. He scoffed at me and said "What do you think?" Doesn't seem like such a dumb question now.

[@2_pelicans]

you gave this rich xunt money...

[@2_pelicans]

its worth 70k, you tell me his porsche is even near 70k

[@splenced7091]

He has a 997 turbo, which is worth way more than 70k.

[@bertko1710]

Amazing stuffs there Kym, wish you all the success in the new season! And STAY PASSIONATE!!!

[@KymIllman]

Thanks, I appreciate it

[@briangschaefer7048]

Fascinating! What a great job and interesting life you have, Kym.

[@yellowbond]

Back to front Black Rapid, Gold tip! Never thought of that but such a good idea for exactly the reason you said.

[@KymIllman]

The people at Black rapid actually sent me a message and said you know you’re wearing that back to front. It doesn’t feel any different than wearing it the other way though.

[@CanonEurope]

Loving those tilt-shift images ❤

[@KymIllman]

Still need a bit more practice my friend they are a unique look

[@johnwighton]

Great video, very interesting and useful. Good to see your son following Dad. Also liked the logistics video. Another one on income and expenditure would be good.

[@KymIllman]

Only the tax department gets that info

[@wonderwu]

I love tilt-shift photography that makes everything look like little figurines! So cool

[@shotbyarian]

i would love an in detail video about your stream deck workflow!

[@perthzakugirl6288]

This is amazing thank you! I did a film degree at uni and I'd love to take my old Super 8 to a race sometime (yes i still have film for it!You have to send it to Melbourne I think for processing to digital media) but I'm so out of touch with cameras now so this was very interesting. Also I love the bloopers at the end XD

[@KymIllman]

Good to hear. Thanks.

[@kinsersprint11]

Kym fantastic video and thanks for posting this after I asked you about it ❤❤❤❤

[@KymIllman]

You can rely on this video every year prior to the start of the season

[@tdalton854]

As a half assed photographer this was a blast to watch. Thanks

[@KymIllman]

Thanks for watching.

[@senorbenny5773]

Great video yet again Kym!

[@KymIllman]

I appreciate it!

[@ianjones7486]

Great video Kim and some valuable tips there

[@KymIllman]

Many thanks for watching!

[@netobrand1]

Very well prepare Kym...👏👏👏

[@FlatOutPhotography]

Here in Scotland where it rains a lot, myself and other motorsport photographers use chamois leathers to protect our cameras and lenses, even in the heaviest rain. Simply wring them out, wipe drops off your equipment and carry on, repeating as necessary. Using the more traditional covers with wet hands seems to cause more issues with viewfinders and lcd screens misting up. Which sticky gel sticks are you using for cleaning your sensors?

[@KymIllman]

Some no name ones from Amazon

[@TheMarkieHD]

Always one of the best videos of the year

[@KymIllman]

Cheers for that

[@iancooper2213]

Like this yearly video interesting to see your new old lens!

[@KymIllman]

It’s going to be a challenge to make the most of it

[@Jglattphoto]

Fantastic video! I shoot the cannon 100-300 with the r5ii for all my MLS and it’s an incredible setup. Dream of one day shooting an F1 race

[@KymIllman]

That lens is amazing!

[@pachote293]

LOL amazing to see my product photography be featured in your video! (the Macbook Pro photo from PCMAG).

[@KymIllman]

Thanks for shooting that shot then

[@B_-_t_-_-_-_]

Great video, thanks. So cool that your son is joining you!

[@KymIllman]

It's good to have him along

[@Ace_Hamilton]

Can't wait to see you in Australia Kym!

[@NikCan66]

Brilliant vlog yet again 👏

[@KymIllman]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Mark.Brindle]

I have added an R1 with my R3 for my hobby of photographing surf competitions. The prices in Australia are crazy. I have the same 600mm f4 II, as Kym along with the smaller 300mm f2.8 II plus a few other lenses for closeups, group photos etc. The cost as a hobby is nuts. I agree with Kym, the stream deck is an awesome add on to LR editing.

[@KymIllman]

They’re even more expensive in the UK

[@Mark.Brindle]

Wow! I wonder if it's VAT vs GST or a choice by Canon.

[@davidcaskie6680]

I love my ThinkTank bag...

[@KymIllman]

They dominate the market

[@filecore]

Kym, great video. Any comments on the more budget lenses - sigma, tamron etc? The canon ones are out of my range sadly!

[@KymIllman]

No comments as I’ve never used them

[@GooseGooseDuck797]

i know nothing about cameras but i watched just coz i love your chill style

[@KymIllman]

Many thanks for the thumbs up

[@stanbrow]

Excellent video. Really enjoyed seeing your equipment. Thank you.

[@KymIllman]

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it.

[@SuperNova-Steve]

Interesting Vid. What FD to RF adapter do you use? Also why you hanging onto the EF50mm 1.2? Size, unnescessary spend?I'm curious.

[@julianlemmens]

Great video! Do you have advice on most valuable focal length on Spa-francorchamps. 70-200 2.8 vs 200-600 5.6-6.3?

[@PhotogPilot]

Kym, doing some research prior to a purchase. Do you use the 2X teleconverter with the 100-300 and have you noticed any quality loss through the full range? So everything I've found indicates minimal, if at all. This may be a good answer to some primes.

[@KymIllman]

I do, and it’s okay.

[@nellatrab]

We can do tilt shift in post these days...!

[@richardharper2842]

Wow, what a great video. Lots of interesting things, along with why they are essential. Terrific. Kym, can you please, please, please, do a short video on your Lightroom Presets. A little bit about what in included in each pack, who knows, you might get plenty more A$!!! Cheers, Richard from Pommie Land (UK).

[@ryanf1425]

Congrats Jace!

[@ABD-j1r2x]

Amazing! I would love a job like that 😊 I was wondering if you engraved any of your equipment or what happens if you lose or have something stolen, is your equipment insured? 😮

[@KymIllman]

I have stickers on my equipment and yes, it’s insured

[@hagar40]

g'day Kim, is the upgrade from idx mk3 to R1 worth it ? could you do a small comparison at some stage? thanks, and Stay Passionate 😃

[@KymIllman]

You bet.

[@robertalmeida3180]

Great video! Air tags? How many and how do you use or hide them? If you can tell us. Cheers !

[@KymIllman]

I have them underneath the neoprene covers of my long lenses, and in both think tank bags and my suitcase

[@robertalmeida3180]

@@KymIllman Thank You for taking the time to answer!

[@velvetjones1856]

I still have my old school Canon F1 and motor drive with various lenses from when I did drag racing photography back in the 1970s. I wish I could find a good home for all of it.

[@KymIllman]

Very cool!

[@Sam-th4jl]

im far from a pro but it makes me feel better about the cost of the old 35mm film cameras i shoot with, even if each photo costs £1-5 (depending on the film stock and whether i get it printed)

[@simondepass4647]

Any video footage of you giving the drivers a Leatherman? What a awesome thing to do!

[@KymIllman]

I did a video on that whole giveaway. Check it out, it was uploaded about a week after the Race in Australia last year.

[@kylepope8679]

I noticed you also have the prograde card reader. I have fast CF express, and fast SD (I shoot R5's as well), but my computer indexes the photos from the SD more quickly than the CF express. Import speed isn't even comparable with how much faster CF express is, but I've noticed it'll take a few minutes with the ProGrade reader to show me every file on the CF express at first. Is that a problem you also have?

[@jaycee320]

Wow❤ gear heaven 😊

[@toddm-j5150]

G'day Kym, nice bucket hat mate. Any decrease in AF speed or accuracy with the EF 600 on the R1 with the adapter?? If I may ask another question, autofocus speed and accuracy comparison between the R1 and R5Mk2, like many folks I would love the megapixels of the 5 in the 1......thanks in advance mate

[@thailand-theroadslesstrave6580]

Thanks for an excellent video. One question. You do not include the DJI Pocket Osmo with its wireless lav. I know that DJI 4K files are huge but I find the built in gimbal excellent and the 4K footage acceptable. Am I missing something ?

[@KymIllman]

I don’t.

Hey Kym, how often do you create a new Lightroom library?

[@c0kemeister]

idk if there is a adaptor for a mount to rf, but minolta used to make a 500mm mirror lenses with autofocus

[@topgun787]

Wouldn't that be (the same as) a Sony A to RF mount adapter? Might exist somewhere but probably not worth putting money at, doubt AF would work

[@teamredgutz399]

Nothing like a MacBook Pro top-of-the-line with the maximum amount of RAM and the top processor. I use one for my law practice. Best travel computer you can get. Totally reliable never freezes/crashes, 20 hours or more battery life and you never have to wait for it a second. Worth every penny I’m with you on that.

[@s.flanders]

Are you saying the highest-specced one is worth every penny? I’m pretty sure you can get most of the same experience with a $3k spec, unless you’re doing graphically intensive stuff.

[@teamredgutz399]

@ the MacBook Pros are all good. All I can say is the high spec one that I have can keep 1 million different programs and windows open at the same time and have no performance impact.

[@KymIllman]

You can always make more money, but you can never make more time. And with what I do, I need to be doing it the quickest way possible.

[@paulgerrard9227]

Ever had a card fail mid race? I had a sandisk do that. Reformatted and it faltered again and i just binned it. So annoying. Does the camera do dual cards to avoid that? Mine dodnt 😢

[@KymIllman]

I shoot to 2 cards and I can’t remember one failing at a track

[@ramprasanth3343]

That was awesome Kym

[@GamachePhoto]

Love your gear video, thanks for the update! Can’t wait for 2025 season.

[@KymIllman]

I'm just as excited to see what the new season brings!

[@adambrown209]

Watch out with that leatherman when you go to Silverstone. In the UK if the blade locks you aren't allowed to carry it... You need a good reason. Silly law I think

[@KymIllman]

I don’t take it to the track, it sits in my hotel room and is often my saviour

[@thomasroth84]

That umbrella would get you in trouble at DTM events. It’s specifically ruled out to use those. I‘m surprised F1 allows them. Switched to an R3 late in the 2024 season as one of my 1D X Mark II failed on lap three of a 3 hour race. Never looked back!

[@KymIllman]

Why doesn’t DTM like umbrellas?

[@JaredRibic]

Thanks for doing this video! Do you ever check any of your camera gear, or are you able to carry it all on with you when you fly?

[@KymIllman]

A check a couple of lenses

[@JaredRibic]

​@@KymIllman - Any tips on checking lenses? I'm really nervous to do this, so I'm wondering on your choice of cases, and any other tips to prevent damage, loss, theft, etc.

[@KymIllman]

I put a couple in the think tank calico Camera bag inside my suitcase and never have an issue

[@CallieMasters5000]

This year, if your son starts breaking equipment on the road, you can start calling him Lance, like the Stroll family. 😂

[@brianirving5889]

Probably worth around 35K by the end of the season, sure you can stand it though Kym!

[@BurtonHohman]

Maybe I missed it but do you have a link to that little letter book with stickers? That’s such a fun little idea

[@KymIllman]

Letterstomy.com

[@BurtonHohman]

@ thanks!

[@roelantvanderbos]

Love the overview, but how do you "manage" the gear you take with you on foot. You probably can' t carry 3 big lenses walking the 10k+ around a track, so is it just an educated guess what you take (and your son takes the rest probably ;) ), or do you switch around on the fly?

[@KymIllman]

If I take a 600 mil, it’s on a monopod, and I carry two cameras and lenses on the black rapid straps

[@alexfelton8504]

Do you adjust aperture and shutter speed manually or shoot in automatic

[@KymIllman]

I shoot all sorts of options depending on the situation

[@ktjohnsey4659]

Your son has no idea how lucky he is

[@taterandy3958]

Wow must be a great and the stressful job but i bet very exciting!!!

[@kimkristensen2816]

Nice bit of kit. Surprised it actually is not more expensive consideret you can build a business up around it

[@bezaen]

Can you send photos from the camera direct over wifi or du have to download to a tablet or laptop first

[@KymIllman]

I send direct from the Camera

[@sankhadeepburman9709]

One word: “Damn” 😮

[@depotmsa2362]

i'm here for the 50 mm 0.95 !

[@fl2597]

Amazing Kit, Beware of part of your phone number showing on the flash image in the video.

[@actionimagesphotography]

70 grand! (100 thousand Canadian!) And that's one of the reasons I retired. :-) Lovely images and kit though. Having covered races we know how hard you work, well done.

[@KymIllman]

I've always loved photography but it is an expensive hobby!

[@zaper00]

i know it's big and heavy but you must try the Canon RF 85 1.2.

[@KymIllman]

I have one but rarely take it w me