The Best Gear I Have Ever Bought!

[@pjdilip]

Dude is the type of person you would love to have as a buddy 😂😂

[@joeyret.617]

As far as stills, my om1 and the MZuiko 150-400mm F4.5 with built in TC is my main go to. The Om1 has many built in computational features that I always find myself using. The lens gives me alota of reach, max at 1000mm (35mil equal.) f5.6. And it has a built in arca swiss that I do use from time to time but not too often because of its light weight. The mount has a half-moon smooth top, arca swiss plate on bottom thus it makes for a great camera and lens carry handle. I used to carry this kit with a shoulder strap, but I have switched to a wrist trap and carry it by the lens mount, it's easier. I hike many times over 3 miles or more when dry "for the shot" thru muddy swamp so this kit must be versatile in reach and light. As far as boots since I was a fisherman back when I still use my white shrimp boots, cheap and still does the job. A must have for me is also a full bug suit, sometimes in the summer wet season unfortunately, you need it. Always carry one camera and lens, on my hikes, the small stuff goes in my pockets. My Caden travel, carry on camera bag with all of my lens, filters, back up camera body stays in my truck. If it's a wildlife hike, then the fore-mentioned is the kit that is coming. The lens can focus on a minimum of 1.3 meters for photo-like macro stuff. I have pushed this lens to take wonderful landscape wildlife pics which are focus stacked in the camera, but I can also focus stack at home and compared both images and I cannot tell them apart. BTW I use my tripod as a hiking pole when focus stacking but not often because clean up sucks after the fact. I mostly carry my mini tripod that I set on a stump or rock and that goes in my pocket and it can balance my om1 with my 40-150 pro f2.8 or my 12-40mm f2.8 that I carry in my pocket and leave my 150-400 in the bag. I use cargo pants for hiking....many deep pockets! I always use one hiking pole for balance, which from experience, there are sometimes big roots and rocks submerged in the muck, that I have tripped upon in the past. I'm not as young, water or muddy proof as my camera gear. As a result, I have mounted some pics of my adventures on my wall, largest is a 61 cm by 92 cm that brings me back and makes me happy to look at. Cheers!

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing such a detailed comment, sounds like you are well and truly sorted. I would love to try that lens at some stage as I love the OM-1. Yes, I have a fly net for my hat as flys get really bad here sometimes. I also have a jacket with lots of pockets, you can never have enough :-) Cheers, Duade

[@esterix101]

That lens is absolute superior in my eyes. It's just incredible how amazing IQ it is when I tried it. I wish I have money for that.

[@dhanniamarasuriya1118]

You know that a reccomendation is genuine when someone says "no name brand jacket, and they don't make it anymore". Thank you for your honest reviews always. Much love from Sri Lanka xx

[@Duade]

Thanks, I wish it was a brand that people could buy as I love it. Cheers, Duade

[@rangersmith4652]

It was made by nobody, and nobody is still making it.

[@benicio1967]

@@Duade Truly amazing photos. Are these lenses just as good for recording landscapes and wildlife?

[@michaell.steigerwald2542]

Another wonderful video! I started photographing in 1978 with a Pentax K-1000. I’ve still got it, and I imagine it still works. My first DSLR was a Canon 20D. Boy, have things changed since then.

[@BillFerris]

I also have the canvas bag hide you mentioned. Here in the States, it's marketed by LensCoat as a canvas photography hide. I've used it to be near wildlife without being a disturbance. For birding - especially in winter - I'll often drape the hide across my lap and down my legs to conceal my lower body from raptors in-flight. It seems to help. Either they don't notice me or they do but don't see me as a threat. During the winter months, it also serves a purpose as another layer trapping warm air between me and the frigid cold :)

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing Bill, yes a great bit of kit I have used many times. If you have a couple of tripods you can also create a wall so to speak, but needs no wind. Cheers, Duade

[@RSafay]

Duade, another great video. I've had my Think Tank Airport Commuter bag since 2014. It has been to Africa twice, Alaska twice, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and recently to Antarctica, as well as numerous flights within the USA. It has never failed me, and it is the perfect size. I love the built in lockable security cable to prevent someone walking off with it. Keep making these great videos.

[@Mr09260]

I love Think Tank Gear >> I have just got a Think Tank Lens Bag for my Nikon 180-600 >> very impressed as I normally get Lowepro Back pack s etc

[@bigboi36]

Great video Duade! I truly believe that Nature/ Wildlife Photography/Birdwatching is the new therapy. At 55 years old I'm appreciating my journey in photography even more. After 20 years of running and gunning doing event/social/sports/ concert photography I'm enjoying the slow down. Actually my photography journey has taken me full circle. I started nature/landscape then onto documenting college/uni life to event/concert/sports/social. Now its Street/Wildlife. I no longer shoot for clients etc. I'm now looking to get new full frame pro body with the Zoom/tele. I decided to wait on the 2nd iteration of the full frame pro body Z9 II and the Pro Apsc. I do however have a Z50 as my go to carry. This little camera has surprised me, even with the kit lenses it came with. I hove however purchased the Z24-70|2.8S and it works great.. Auto focus is a little challenging at times but fine when I switch to single box | DSLR style mode. Very sharp.

[@Duade]

Great to hear, yes, Nikon have been killing it lately and every generation is improving on the last, much like DSLR's I guess. Good luck with it, Cheers, Duade

[@antonoat]

Duade that was great, you’ve created many, many superb photographs. I’ve been a Nikon user for 35 yrs but I’ve always had a curiosity about maybe changing one day, lol. The R5 and 100-500 is a very tempting proposition indeed. I do hope 2024 is a fantastic year for you, all the best from the UK, Tony 👏👍😀🍺

[@Duade]

Thanks, I think Nikon are killing it at the moment with the cameras and lenses. The Z8 100-400 would be great or the 180-600 or even the 600pf. Cheers, Duade

[@cp4512]

Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS L is a killer of a lens and now a fantastic value second hand buy.

[@silentrabbit247]

A few homemade / modified bits of kit I find helpful - mobile umbrella hide (best of hide & bag hide). Similar bag to yours (except Roller type ) but with added frame /larger wheels from A.T. pram buggy, makes for easy transport of heavy gear while using a light backpack at the same time.. A rifle mount made from a wooden crossbow butt & lastly a ground pod from cheap fry pan. Enjoy your informative presentations. All best.

[@angelsepulveda9211]

Thanks Duade, especially for the replacement collar for the rf 100-500. The plate coming loose has been driving me crazy, buying that now.

[@Duade]

My pleasure, it is not quite as smooth as the original when going from Landscape to Portrait but having the built in arca swiss makes up for it. Cheers, Duade

[@ScottRitchie-bw9ls]

Good on ya Duade. You were one of the guys are able to get me back into bird photography. Back in the 80s I had an old Canon FTB with a sigma 300. And my own dark room. and then I took a career hiatus you could say. And a few years ago I retired and got back into it. After a bit of research and watching you and Jan, I settled on the R5 and the 100 to 500 RF lens. And of course the 1.4 Tele converter. It's been great. The one piece of gear that I've added that you don't see much is a dot site. The PGD tracker. I can instantly put flying birds in the frame, and while the auto focus misses a fair amount (I'm working on that), I've been able to get some pretty damn good BIF's particularly of small birds that I would never be able to get otherwise. Keep up the great work. It would be lovely to bird with you someday.

[@denisesavage2382]

Great sense of what's helped make a difference. For me getting a bag I can wear as a bum bag when I'm out walking in the bush was a big one. Easily store and then grab the camera out when something grabs my attention. No faffing around with getting a back pack off etc. Also having an additional battery to hand charged and ready to go. Lastly - wet weather gear and warm gear for a Tassie winter.

[@captaincook6283]

I’ve been following your channel for sometime now and I still like very much for your positive energy that is not fake, but everyone can see how much you like this genre and as the audience we feel these vibes anywhere in the world. I also dreamt of the prime 500 mm version two but I go with the 100 to 500 zoom since my main topic is people photography. But I am enjoying to get nice shots of animals since it’s just nature and so beautiful to interact with these beautiful creatures even in a big city. I’m really looking forward for every new video that you’re doing and I wish you would give us some insight of your retouching process on a regular basis but even if not I’m still watching your beautiful videos keep continuing cheers ❤

[@Duade]

Thank you for the kind words and feedback, I appreciate the support, great to hear you are enjoying the 100-500, it is such a versatile lens that does just about everything. Cheers, Duade

[@robbrackimp]

Hi Duade Excellent video, solved my issue of the tripod foot on my Canon RF 100-500 tending to slip after a while when in use on an arca swift plate.Following your video I bought the iShoot Collar with the integral arca swift foot from Amazon uk at £49.99. The lens is now now firmly fixed when using my Gimbal. The collar fits the lens perfectly, and is well made. Though it is slightly heavier than the Canon Collar, 181g compared to 157g, with the necessary arca swift plate attached to the foot of the Canon collar that combination weighs 219g, making it heavier that the Ishoot collar. Thanks for the tip, didnt know these existed.

[@Duade]

Great to hear mate, glad it helped, Cheers, Duade

[@Xirpzy]

The R6 with RF100-500 changed the game for me. I also love the peak design handstrap and small SD card/CFexpress storage bag that lets me have all my cards in one place.

[@Xirpzy]

My oldest digital camera is a small compact pentax. Horrible quality photos but its rugged and tiny. Took it with me on a kayaking trip that I will never forget and I still have the photos. I believe this was around 2006. In 2012 my late dad bought me a Canon 600D. Used it sometimes through the years but tbh I had zero clue about anything camera related. No idea about aperture, iso, shutter speed. So I left most settings on auto which often resulted in noisy images. It wasnt until 2 years ago that I rediscovered my interest in photography and wanted to take it more seriously. While I was happy with the photos the low light performance was horrible so I looked at what options were available and landed on the R6 with 24-105 kit lens. I took the time to go out and experiment with all kinds of camera settings and read up on the basics. Soon after I got the RF 100-500. This combo was like going from an old flip phone to modern smartphone compared to my old 600D. Now I have taken many thousands of photos of both family, birds and other wildlife. I never thought I would have so much passion for photography when I bought the R6. But it makes such a difference to have quality photos and video to look back on wonderful memories.

[@173jaSon371]

I've been shooting since summer of 2022 and have been using a Canon 80D since about April of 2023. Until very recently, I was stuck just using a 400mm but still found that after months of doing so, I had improved DRAMATICALLY in every sense. I recently started using an old 600mm Tamron that my mom had going un-used, and it's really opening up my possibilities with composing images and getting more captivating action shots of raptors and such. I guess my point here is that even while using older gear or slightly shorter focal lengths, you can still learn an endless amount. I could buy all the gear I currently use on the used market for like 2k, which many with a larger budget would scoff at, but I find it gets the job done once you know alllll the in depth settings. I could not justify buying new gear both because of my budget AND because I felt as though I wouldn't get as much out of it until I learned my way a bit. I'd rather kill a $500 camera body or 2 while learning than a 2-3k one.

[@EdAylmer]

Thanks Duade. I really enjoy watching your videos. Although I am a wildlife photographer, i do love bird photography. Im still holding onto my Canon 5Dmk4 and Canon 1DXmk2 but find that particularly the 1Dx is heavy, when i travel with lenses as well. I'm now looking at lighter bodies such as R6 mk2 . Regards from South Africa

[@TwinIonEngines]

I'd really love to know how you travel with your BIG lenses and primes. I have a Sigma 500mm F4 I adapted to use with my Fujifilm X-T5 and the thing is just a beast, it practically takes up the whole of my backpack, leaves very little room for much else haha. Packing and traveling tips would be greatly appreciated! Gotta go find those birds.

[@nilanjan160]

Absolutely wonderful video...when u say that the trips themselves are more joy than all the gear that money can buy, that's a 100% genuine comment. All the best!

[@timotejm]

RF 100-400mm f5.6-8 for me. I just started my journey in wildlife photography. Always thought that for wildlife photography you need 2000$ + lenses so newer really looked into it. So after I found the 100-400 i was a bit skepticap but now I love it!

[@michaelpoole8410]

My best value purchase was a Minolta 300mm f2.8 APO second hand. It was probably 20+ yers old at the time, but in terms of contrast, colour and bokeh, it gave me much better results than the Minolta 100-300. It came with a x1.4, x2.0 and a massive UV filter - 114mm - which must have cost a bomb, but I chose not to use it. It performed very well wide open but also stopped down, still with good bokeh. Results with the x1.4 combined with the Sony Alpha 900 were great (up to ISO 800). After 3 years I swapped to Canon and the 300mm f2.8 II which was much lighter but critically much faster focussing, but with the right subject, I might still favour the Minolta. After 3 years of use I sold the lot for what I bought it for.

[@Duade]

Great to hear Michael, always great when you get a good purchase like that. And yes, these lenses do seem to hold their value which is great. Cheers, Duade

[@stubones]

The best thing I ever bought was my EF 500mm f/4L IS ii USM. I felt like I was selling a child when I had to let it go. 2nd best is my R6 mkii. It’s staying.

[@jessiecampbell4971]

I would love to see Australia some day and do some birding. I’m in Alberta Canada, so it’s very different here! I just recently purchased a canon 100-400mkii, I’m using it with a 80D and a 6Dmkii. I’m having a lot of fun with this set up so far. The dream camera right now is an R5 with a big prime lens, but I’ll have to wait awhile before I can afford that!!

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing Jessie, sounds like you have the bug as bad as I do. Have fun, Cheers, Duade

[@docflyer4773]

Your videos are so good because they are so down to earth. As an beginner in the field they are what I need.

[@olibertosoto5470]

Never used one but I like the ground pod gimbal setup. One combination I found really works for me is a monopod with ballhead. It's so versatile I've used it standing, kneeling, sitting and even laying down on the monopod to stabilize with the ballhead on the notch. Only problem with that is the mud - that's where that gound pod is looking really good.

[@LLUEVE]

Love to see your channel growing!!! You’re my “go to” guy for wildlife and telephoto lenses! Good vibes from Texas!!!!

[@d-entrecasteaux]

The gear that gets me absurdly close with an extraordinary hit rate is my OM1 and 150-400mm f4.5. I use this kit literally every day and I'm extremely happy with the results. I also use the 300mm f4 but find video work really needs a good zoom.

[@TomazNMelo-tf9sc]

The last subject is the one I want to spend my money now, trips. I'm happy with my R7 and my two zoom lenses, the Sigma 150-600 and the Canon 70-300 L. Depends on how difficult is the trail I preffer to use the 70-300 because the weight. I love zoom lenses and I'm loving take more habitat shots now, incluind more negative space in my photos.

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, yes, they are very important, unfortunately I have some personal circumstances restricting my travel at the moment and I really miss it. Cheers, Duade

[@davepastern]

for me it's: EF 500f4 mark 1 (so sharp!!!) Canon R3 (amazing DR and high ISO performance, and I LOVE the EVF) Kinesis L511 bag to suit the 500f4 lens Bioluminous custom lens cap to suit 500f4 lens Zamberlan hiking boots - absolutely worth every cent. They aren't cheap, but they are supremely comfortable. I had zero break in issues with a new pair and they were 100% comfortable from the first second my feet slipped into them. Amazing grip and ankle support. Quality hiking boots. coming from older Canon DSLRs, the MLC animal eye AF is just amazing. I thought I'd hate the EVF after a horror experience with a Sony EVF to suit the RX100II back in 2012, but I love the EVF in the R3. ES is great too, no more shutter noise scaring birds. And my God, the DR and high ISO performance - it absolutely craps on any of my DSLRs and by a country mile. It's daylight 2nd. I can confidently shoot up to ISO 8000 and not really worry. Even ISO6400 shots, when exposed correctly, are pretty much usable without any NR software being used. I still want to get a camo hide, and a groundpod. And I need to get camo clothing too.

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, great list of gear and great to hear you are enjoying it all. Yes, we are very lucky today that is for sure. Cheers, Duade

[@davepastern]

@@Duade I"m enjoying it other than the petrol costs. It's killing me.

[@zameerpashablr]

Thank You So Much, Respect your Dedication and true from Heart and Soul talking.

[@streetunka]

I got reunited with an old 1d Mark IV and bought a 400 5.6 and 500 f4 ver 1 last year... saving up for an R3 to pair them with :D

[@Findoesphotography]

Love this video and love seeing all the gear you use its so cool. also I've just been watching you're older videos about 1-2 years ago please bring back the out takes they are so funny and just add such a great end to a video love it keep up the work daude.👍🏻

[@Hummingbirder1]

I don't have much old equipment left, since I've managed to sell it off when upgrading/changing. Oldest thing (apart from a big Canon 550 ll Speedlite) that I haven't done away with yet is my EFS 60 mm/f2,8 macro lens, made for APSC sensors. I had it mounted on my Canon 600D, for moth photography. I still do, but now on my R6. With the adapter ofc, and since it isn't made for a full size sensor it seems I lose the big aperture of 2,8 as well as the full size sensor. I *really* like this little compact macro lens, and am loathe to get rid of it... But, I'm also not full tilt on getting a R7 just to (I guess, but doesn't know for a fact) get back the f2,8 aperture... and use of the whole sensor. So, I'm waffling on what to do about this situation. I'll probably keep it for moth photography only, mounted on the R6. Footwear: I actually have a pair of Muckboots, but not the same model. They're perfect for winteruse at our forest bird-feeding station, when we have a lot of snow and/or when the winter winds blow hard and cold and they keep me warm from the feet up over the calves. Excellent. Can't bring them on my Aussie trip though, too heavy and cumbersome. Gotta find some other perfect foot wear, which is very hard to do. I also got myself a Think Tank Airport-something-or-the-other, a bigger model with wheels. I'm hoping it will fit all the photo/laptop stuff I need to bring! Thanks to covid it's still untested. I chose the one with wheels bcs I'm done carrying it on my back, while snailing through immigration queues... I'm still unsure it's a good choice, but hope it was bcs it wasn't cheap! Anyway, good video as usual, Duade!

[@Duade]

Thanks Pia, the Think Tank is a great bag and takes lots of gear. Just be aware they are pretty strict on carry on weight on internal flights here in Australia. They usually weigh the bag, if you are over they make you put in your checked luggage or charge a high fee. Standard is 7kg which is not a lot when you have the bag, a few lenses etc. Sometimes you can pay extra for 10kg carry on which is often what I do but only certain airlines/routes offer this. In terms of the APSC lens, I assume if you use 1.6crop mode it will look normal in the viewfinder but of course the resulting photos will be smaller. Glad to hear you enjoy the muck boots, I really do enjoy mine and have just ordered another pair as they were on sale here in Australia. Cheers, Duade

[@lynseyvanforeest4887]

I can definitely second the Muckboot Muckmasters. I was leant a pair during an expedition trip on a ship around Svalbard in June and ordered some when I got back.

[@lynseyvanforeest4887]

I also have pretty much all the cameras and lenses you mentioned (except the 500 f4) - so that was reassuring 😀

[@Washingtonium]

My camera is the Sony rx10 iv. I've been looking into getting something better for dedicated birding, but I'm never giving it up for travel.

[@canonlensesandcameras4425]

some thing you missed is the 300mm f2.8 i noticed in your camera bag

[@ursthomann3463]

Really cool video, Duade, thanks. Funny, your question about ones oldest gear just gave me pause. In fact, I believe it is my Canon speedlite EX580 from 2006. I am told that this was not a very good investment because Canon‘s original accessories are notoriously overpriced. Well, it served me well and I still occasionally use it. Regarding the R5 coming from the 5Div, I cannot agree more with you. Cheers, Urs

[@IShyper]

When it comes to clothing/boots - hunting gear and hunting shops are where we should go. Hunters go for dry land, go for forest, go for swamps... Everywhere we'd go, so yea, they are basically like wildlife photographers when it comes to clothing.

[@servanfotografie15]

Amazing and lovely tot see Duade I missed the new RF 200-800 by the lenses but i can resume that one is to short on the market to put him by the best gear ?

[@allanwilliams2361]

It's gotta be the R5 together with the 100-500 for bird photography. And maybe with the 1.4.

[@Duade]

Thanks Allan, a wonderful combo for sure. Cheers, Duade

[@marklaurendet1861]

The oldest camera I own that I used to use is the RB67, glad I never use it now. Was a real pain back in the day. Even took it caving a few times. So much metal it would fog up and take days to unfog. My oldest pack is a original Paddy Pallin "A" frame pack. My father owned it first then gave it to me to use. Nearly 70 years old now I think

[@alexanderkbt]

My oldest gear are a Trioplan 100mm f2,8 from the 1970. My gear are the r7 + 400mm f2,8 mk1 and 600mm f4 mk1 💪6kg.

[@jyoungtricks]

My best piece of gear I ever bought I think was my sigma 150-600mm C, I have a few nic nacs but this lens and it's weight has let me just walk around for hours without getting tired

[@mitchmoore5052]

What skins do you use on your lenses, and do you recommend them? Not super-happy with the neoprene. Love your content, keep up the great videos!

[@cguerrieri4866]

Great video. Great choices. I prefer the LowPro pro tactic AW 45” bag. I can’t part with my canon 400 f5.6 (gave up on my Tamron 150-600 g2 and sold it). Then sprung for a 500 f4 II, Currently waiting for the summer roll out of the R1 to lower the R5 price used. Hoping for sub $2000 Keep the content coming!

[@robbrackimp]

Thanks

[@Duade]

Thank you so much for the support, Cheers, DUade

[@canadakaren1131]

I just purchased an R7 and was going through my old equipment. My 1981 Minolta X-G 1 with a Vivtar 70 to 210mm lens and a 500 mirror lens was my first SLR and even though I don’t use it anymore I would never sell it for sentimental reasons. I also have an old Nikon EM lol! What would you recommend for a wildlife lens that won’t break the bank for the R7? I shoot primarily moose, grizzlies, wolves etc. Thanks!

[@OlcayKabacali]

Amazing video as always. If you talk about finance I'd still watch it :) Oh and please review fujifilm xh2s and 150-600 lens. I would love to see you give it a try. There is no proper review from a pro birder on youtube lately.

[@ianwaldren116]

I still use the 400 5.6 on the r7 with good results, will never part with it. The game changer camera for me was the 7d 2 ergonomics perfect for me, I wore out two of them. Looking back the images I took are on par with the r7 and I got just as much enjoyment using the old gear.

[@gary_michael_flanagan_wildlife]

That’s one thing I’m not gonna say I regret, but when I bought my 600mm F4 II lens, I might have been better off getting the 500mm II lens instead. Both are fantastic and the reach is most welcome, but there is something way fun about handholding a lighter lens. But then at times when I’m at 1200mm f10 with the 600 II and getting portraits of small birds makes it all worthwhile in my opinion. You can never have enough reach. I do slightly disagree about the 100-500L. I much prefer the blurry backgrounds and less environmental style bird shots. For flight shots it’s good though! For mammals, definitely the zoom is welcome but most of the time a 600mm f4 minimum is just perfect for the shots I’m looking for. But the old 400mm f 5.6 was my first real tele lens and I made awesome photos with it. It’s so light and sharp. Handholding is a lot of fun!!

[@quettfenn]

Hi Duade, I'd love to get your thoughts on the older EF Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport lens when adapted onto an R5 or R6II. I'd like to know your thoughts on focal length and price. Cheers!

[@davidburton2294]

Great video Duade but you forgot to mention the brand of after shave you wear !!!

[@rahulbaburajan2729]

Sony A7m2 and 200-600 changed my photography.. I know a7m2 is not ideal but it's an okay gear for a beginner

[@RogerJones-mountfield]

Where did you get the RF 100-500 camouflage covers, Duade?

[@Duade]

G'day Roger, if you google 3M cover for RF100-500 I think there should be a few options. It is like a jigsaw puzzle and does take a lont time to apply, but offers a little bit of scratch protection to the lens. Cheers, Duade

[@RogerJones-mountfield]

@@Duade brilliant, thanks Duade 👍🏼

[@streetdenizen]

I just started wildlife photography as a fujifilm user. Watching this video made me think I used the wrong gears.

[@stefanusrheeder4162]

Hi Duade. now that you got the rf200- 800, you going to keep rf800 f11

[@garyknight3019]

Hey mate. Did you get your Muck boots in Australia or import from the US

[@Duade]

Hey mate, got them in Australia, Swandri have them on sale at the moment. Cheers, Duade

[@johngunning2123]

Hi Duade, Any news on the R5 Mk2?

[@jonz_wildlife]

Right now I have the canon 600d(1st body), canon r7, the canon 75-300mm(1st lens) and the canon 400mm5.6. I can say for sure the 400 prime is such a good and sharp lens! I mainly use the 400mm For birding and thinking of getting the sigma 60-600mm soon. Pls do a review on the sigma 60-600mm if U ever have a chance! Great video as always!

[@andredo4880]

Every sigma got worse af than any rf Lens. I switched my sigma 150-600 to canon rf 800 and its like hell and haven

[@jonz_wildlife]

@@andredo4880 are you referring to the RF 800mm f11

[@andredo4880]

@@jonz_wildlife yeah. But it works best only in bright day

[@douglasstemke2444]

I have a similar large blind that I hardly use for the same reason you noted. So for your portable cloth blind, what size seems to work best for you?

[@MewtwoExMasterMusic]

I’d love your take on the R8 after a 5d mk3

[@jamesclaassen8843]

How does the 200 to 800 fit into this list? Has it replaced any of your longtime favorites?

[@ilpoheikkila4773]

Great video!

[@djzone81]

Any regrets with the rf200-800? Too soon?

[@NOOBIFIER1337]

I enjoyed this video.

[@thijstukker8158]

Do you know a lens foot but only for holding it nicely en balanced. Not one to click in a tripod.

[@kpravinkumar]

I am using same lens with canon R8

[@jeremiahsrandomness1692]

Why did you go with a canon 400mm 5.6 vs the original 100-400mm mark 1? Because I have an opportunity to get one for about 600$ like new. I have an R5. I've heard mixed reports about this lens. Thanks in advance

[@jeremiahsrandomness1692]

Edit I have an opportunity to get the 100-400 mark 1. Thanks again.

[@BillyVerden]

Cool video.. but your title probably should have been best Canon gear I ever bought.. but still.. good video.

[@Twobarpsi]

He mentioned Sony, and at least 8 other different brands/products.

[@alexmacdonald1732]

I still used my Dad's Canon 7D and 100-400 both MK i's. I inherited it after my dad passed away in 2012 when I was only 13 so I love using his old kit because it keeps me close to him. He was far more into bird photography than I was but I used to out and join him with my 350D and 70-300 that he started with. This past 3 years I have yes the 7D a lot done loads of aviation and motorspot photography with some stunning results as well as getting out in the field to take some wildlife and landscape photos. I went to Canada with me this summer on a 9 day canoe trip in the Yukon. unfortunately, due to weight limits I could not justify taking the 100-400 so took a cheap supper zoom 18-270 Tamron it did an ok job, I wish I could have fitted the 100-400 in my bag. Also got a 24mm 1.4 sigma to take with me to Canada by far the sharpest lens I have. Love your video and they inspire me to get out and take more photos and I love that you show what the older gear can still do. however, I do feel it is time to upgrade soon as I have definetly found the limits of the 7D AF.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing your story Alex and sorry to hear about your Dad. Wonderful you have that kit to remind you of him. I am sure you can keep it even when you upgrade and pull it out from time to time. I still like doing that with mine. Have fun, Cheers, Duade

[@hypnoraythompson5824]

I hope you get a lot of pleasure from your dads stuff as I am sure you will. It would of made him happy. I lost my son a year ago, and all of my gear would have been left to him to enjoy. Now its not to be. Tak e as many memories with it as you can cos life can be short

[@robguyatt9602]

I have to say, going from the Nikon D850 to the Z9 is my best ever move. I have many treasured shots from the D850 with 200-500 but the switch to Z9 and Z 100-400 + 2xTC shifted the keeper rate up a notch. Actually, an order of magnitude is a better description. Switching to the Z 800 pf I feel has not gained me much. It is sharper than the above-mentioned 800mm combo for sure but not dramatically re in the field shots. But the Z9 and Z 800 are rarely parted and sit beside me ready for action on any road trip.

[@airtonsilva8006]

I am just a hobbyist bird photographer. I started in 2021 with a D5600 + Nikkor 55-30mm DX. It was light enough to get many photos and learn the correct techniques. But the lens was a bit soft in the 250-300mm range, so it always bothered me. Last year I decided to upgrade and got a D780 + 200-500mm. I think it was a near experience you had when you upgraded to the Z9 and Z lenses. The keeper rate is now an order of magnitude higher.

[@GrainOnTheGo]

This is the upgrade I plan to eventually make as well. Love the 810 i have but looking forward to the 810

[@robguyatt9602]

@@airtonsilva8006 Well done. I'm just a hobbyist too.

[@Duade]

Wonderful to hear Rob, yes the jump from the 5d4 to R5 I suspect was the same as you experienced, just on another level. Great to hear you are enjoying your combo. I hope your date was impressed by the size of your gear. ;-) Cheers, Duade

[@kevins8575]

I've always wanted a jacket just like yours! The best gear I've ever had is my R5 paired with the Rf100-500.

[@Duade]

Great to hear mate, yes, I wish it was a branded jacket. Cheers, Duade

[@xxholicxxclover7413]

That’s the lens I want

[@henrievankleef]

Hi Duade, I didn't hear you mention the rf 200-800, even though its laying in front of you ?

[@Duade]

Thanks, yes, I cut that part as I will be talking about it in the review I do later on. Cheers, Duade

[@blairblankinship4521]

I have been an avid photographer since 1973 when I was a Yearbook photographer for my high school. As work and marriage interrupted my photography I kind of fell away from it, but got back into photography with the advent of digital, starting out with a 3MP point-and-shoot (and Photoshop v3). My first serious DSLR was the Canon 20D with the tiny 1" LCD on the back. First serious lens was the 70 - 200 f4. Then the Canon 40D, and the Canon 100 - 400 L v1. I also purchased other important lenses like the 17 - 40 L, The 100mm macro, the fantastic plastic 50mm. Eventually I upgraded to the 5D MkII, and upgraded to the Canon 100 - 400 L v2. Other new lenses include the Canon 35mm, Sigma 24mm Art, and Canon 24 - 105L, and Canon teleconverter 1.4 mk ii. Then came the Canon 5D MkIV and the Sigma 150 - 600C, the Canon 24 - 70 L v2 and finally the Canon R5 with the 800mm f11. It has been quite a journey. As I tell my wife, it's my only vice... Keep up the good work!

[@Duade]

We sound like we have a lot in common :-) If I reflect on the number of hours I spend with my gear and the enjoyment it gives me it really does pay for itself. I could spend a lot more on boats, cars, motorcycles etc. Cheers, Duade

[@bequiet568]

Love your stuff man, Mine only use bridge camera Fujifilm HS35EXR, love this thing except taking picture flying bird since it cannot. but 700mm lens can easily sneak behind bird. but I think I'm gonna replace it with camera with better Mega Pixel. but now in 2024 sould I buy DSLR or Mirrorless camera?

[@janlamens84]

I've had the same Think Tank bag before, but the 'hip support' on it was very poor in my opinion. So after a few years I've changed to a LowePro ProTactic bag. It's a bit more bulky but it has the same inside specification and most important, padded hip support My oldest gear is probably my Canon 100mm Macro L lens. I'm still very much into bug photography and it's an amazing lens for that.

[@alexreed767]

Very insightful Duade! Have you done a comparison between the canon 500mm v2 and the 600mm v2? I’m considering purchasing one this year and have seen a lot of conflicting opinions about them. Is the price jump between the two really worth the additional magnification?

[@Rooster0529]

I think the one piece of kit I use most and really changed the way I shoot is my gimbal head. I find it’s always with me and so versatile.

[@Duade]

Great to hear, which brand did you end up going with? Cheers, Duade

[@Rooster0529]

@@Duade Movo, I’ve been very happy with it.

[@GobiTheDragon]

I just went from a canon 400d to a 7D a few days ago and my keeper rate and photos are just a thousand times better, with the 400d cropping was near always impossible as the image quality would just drop off a cliff but now with the 7D I can crop much further and in much more creative ways, it has made, paired with my Canon 400mm F5.6 made bird photography so much more enjoyable.

[@Duade]

Great to hear, you have the kit I loved for years, Cheers, Duade

[@marieta.s]

Ha ha I loved it when you said I only have one expensive hobby! In my experience all hobbies are expensive when you get serious about them and it only takes one to get you bankrupt he he.

[@klaustomasini]

My oldest gear are a Polaroid SX-70 and the original OM-1 film camera and a lot of vintage lenses. Digitally is my oldest gear an Olympus E-1. So, you see, I am very sticky to MFT ☺ The reason is that I was working for Olympus life science department as international marketing manager for a long time and understood their philosophy and I love it. Kachō Fūgetsu (花鳥風月) : ‘Ka‘ (花) means “flower,” ‘chō‘ (鳥) means “bird,” ‘fū‘ (風) means “wind,” and ‘getsu‘ (月) means “moon.”

[@luzr6613]

Love that E-1 too. Bought a 300 f/2.8 a week ago. I've had it on an E-5 but, when the light gets a bit better, we'll try it on the E-1. These are my 'family jewels' - never to be sold.🙂 Have a good one.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing mate, you must have some incredible memories on that Polaroid, I never had one but always admired them. Cheers, Duade

[@jobinkin8070]

My oldest gear that I still have is my Canon D60 (6.3 megapixel) DSLR full frame, purchased in 2002 when I went digital and I still have my original EF L series lenses 100-400 ( which I haven’t had the heart to sell yet) and 16-36 f2.8 with I still use on my R6 for Astro.

[@medavidcook]

I still use a Canon 1000d which is over 13 years old and still works a charm

[@polmestra]

Like you , my vacation choices always involves birds and photos 😊 The thing that changed my photography was your channel , so far, that has been the most impactful. Thank you ! ❤

[@Duade]

Thank you, you are too kind and glad to hear I am not the only one who finds the birds and then the holiday location. Cheers, Duade

[@mvp_kryptonite]

I sold my 400/5.6L recently and it was mint, hard to let it go but finally the 100-400Lii has replaced it. For me, the 7d was just automatic. Love the mkii and now the R7 and I’m tempted by an R3. Great video and tanks for putting it together

[@SIMpleSIM6]

Another enjoyable video Duade. It’s nice to look back at your gear and remember how far you’ve come with it. My oldest camera is a half frame Lancaster Special Instantograph. The red leather bellows in it is new but the camera and lens are from around 1891. I don’t use it for birding though, just landscapes. :) My current wildlife setup is an R7 with the EF 100-400 L ii and 1.4 extender iii. I’m also guilty of taking holidays where we can see birds, but luckily my wife has the same hobby so we spend a lot of time together enjoying the UK wildlife.

[@Duade]

Great to hear and wow that is an old camera. Cheers, Duade

[@bradleyrex2968]

We need Canon and other lens and accessory makers to agree on Tripod collars. They should all have Arca Swiss rails. And they should all have a rubberized, rounded, hand friendly top. And they should all be removable. The rails do not have any down side that I am aware of. And making a hand grip on top so the lens (or lens and camera) can be carried like a suitcase is a big plus. Removable because some time you don't want them.

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

Without question the Canon 500 f/4 L USM IS II and 100-400 L USM IS II f/4.5-5.6 coupled with the 7D Mark II and 1 DX series cameras were absolute game changers for my photography. Since then, the Canon R5 has been a major leap forward. I’m really looking forward to the Canon R5 Mark II. This last year, I sold my Canon R3 and purchased the Nikon Z9, which has proven to be a really excellent camera. The Fringer adapter allows me to use my Canon EF L-series lenses on the Nikon Z9.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing, yes the 1DX and version II primes really was a jump in quality. Glad to hear you are enjoying the Z9. Cheers, Duade

[@rangersmith4652]

It's great that you don't have any other expensive hobbies. I have amateur radio, PC building, music, bicycling, a bit of woodworking, and most recently a rekindling of photography. I have to keep them in some sort of financial balance. No giant primes, nor zooms for that matter, fit into that picture. It's a good thing my photographic interest leans more toward imaging things that are not trying to avoid me.

[@robertharvey2580]

For me, it was deciding to take the leap into mirrorless cameras, and buying the R7. I was really hesitant because of rolling shutter, but it’s just not a significant issue if you know how to work around it. The upgrade in AF was a much greater benefit, than not always being able to use the elec shutter.

[@Duade]

Great to hear Robert, it is a great camera once you overcome the few weaknesses. Cheers, Duade

[@WernerBirdNature]

G'day Duade, thanks for this different but equally interesting review!👍 Such bag hide and ground pod (my mate received his last week) were already on my wish list. I had seen you often with these boots, but all such high boots I knew were only meant for gardening and not at all suitable for hiking multiple km. Your boots sound pretty interesting indeed ! How much km do you feel comfortable walking in them (when it's not too hot) ?? My oldest gear I didn't sell is my EF100/2.8 macro, but I'm happy my longest-standing birding companion is my wife with whom I'm married for nearly 25 years. After watching Jan and you, I "risked" the jump to mirrorless at the time with R6 and it was awesome in every way, except in reach (coming from 70D). After a year, I invested some inherited money into a combo deal for the R5 & 100-500. This was clearly the biggest but also best gear purchase I ever made. In this first year I took 160k images with this combo ! After your first review of the 200-800, I couldn't resist ordering it after seeing your huuuuge smile and body language .. and fittingly I was interrupted watching this video by my camera shop informing me I can come pick it up on Monday 😀

[@Duade]

Wonderful to hear mate, you will love the lens on the R5. I find the boots fine for a casual hike through the bush looking for birds. If I am honest I don't walk too far so probably not the best person to give advice, but I have never found them to give me blisters. Just the heat can get a lot in the warmer months. Cheers, Duade

[@WernerBirdNature]

@@Duade Thanks a lot mate ! I appreciate the nuance regarding the boot usage! It has been fun following your gear choices with some delay .. but maybe I'll need to stop watching you to protect myself (and my wallet) once you start tasting the R5ii 😛 I just cannot justify ditching the R5 so fast for yet another upgrade ;-)

[@Duade]

I think I need to follow your line of thinking. The R5II will be probably close to 7K AUD which is a lot of money. Cheers, Duade@@WernerBirdNature

[@WernerBirdNature]

@@Duade Heheh, but your channel will help you get that R5ii much sooner than me! Lenses hold their value quite long, but after Jan said the R6ii was coming some weeks after I got the R5, this made the resale value of my R6 make a nosedive .. also because Canon kept selling the R6 with promotions until well over a year after the R6ii was released. Trying to be a good donkey, I vowed to not swap my R5 until it's almost falling apart ;-) This evening I managed my first ever shots of a black woodpecker 😀

[@GinoFoto]

Best invested money to photographic gear by me was definitely on EF-S 10-18mm IS STM, cheap, but amazing lens with which I took two of my all tiem favorite landscapes.

[@andrewyoder88]

My absolute number 1 boot for decades has been those green lacrosse boots. I believe they are insulated although very lightly. I wear them in the summer no problem and in winter I'll wear them down to around 10° F. Summer heat is the reason I've always had those instead of the Mucks

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing, I might have to check them out as a summer boot, Cheers, Duade

[@JuanRodriguez0]

The last item is so important, trips are the best investment for me. I have a cheap bridge camera, and the only thing holding me back from an upgrade is that for me the money is best spent on a birding trip. Amazing times with friends and incredible memories. In fact I have to hop on a trip in like 2 hours from now.

[@Duade]

Have fun on your trip, Cheers, Duade

[@mikem922]

Duade I found this so very interesting and filled in a few gaps for me. I had learnt bits and pieces from other videos on your kit but never knew the story behind the big 500mm prime lens for example. The RF 100-500 zoom alongside the bird eye detection of the Canon R-series bodies really changed things for me too. I love to see you experimenting with this lens and producing such wonderful silhouettes and landscapes. Really impatient to upgrade from the R6 to the R5II and excited to see what canon will release. Excited also for the 200-800mm possibilities alongside the new promised flexible teleconverter. Thanks again mate.

[@Duade]

Thanks Mike, yes, I too am very excited for the R5II, I suspect it will just be a more well refined version with a stacked sensor. The flexible tele is what I am really excited about. If that works with the 100-500 without losing the 100-300 range it would be fantastic. Also use on primes would be excellent. Cheers, Duade

[@Twobarpsi]

My 70-200 2.8 L III and my 5D Mkii, are my two favorite pieces of gear.

[@Jarbie]

An enjoyable and informative video, thank you. Last year I bought an R7 and found it such a leap forward from my 700D. I have recently progressed to M mode full time and am enjoying it so much. My most used lenses are my 400/f5.6 and 500/f4. I'm looking too sell some less used gear and buy the RF100-500 so was very pleased to hear your recommendations on all 3. ATB, John.

[@sprayhawk808]

This was a fun vid. Thinking back on all of the gear that I've churned through, a few components have left a mark on my photography - game changers. First was my 1Dii body that I got in 2005 and used until 2012ish. Ironically, it's demise opened my eyes on the capabilities of newer bodies. After cycling through a 7D, 7Dii and a 1Div, I upgraded to the 5Div, which I loved - but only for a year when I moved on to the R5, which I feel could be with me for many years. On the lenses, the 300F4L was the foundation for my 'big' lens for many years. I used it for surfing and birding and airshows and it rarely failed me. At the pricepoint, it was a steal.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing, lots of good cameras that I remember using, yes the 300 f4 was another option I considered. Great to hear they served you well. Cheers, Duade

[@VR_Wizard]

I am still on my first camera Sony A7iii with the 50mm 1.8 cheap prime. Together it cost me around 1200$ used but almost new. I did not know if I even like fotographing so much to even justefy spending the money but it was so cheap that I could have sold everything for more money at that time so I jumped in. I then started fotographing the hobbies i do mainly dancing in low light fast movement and people had no pictures from it becauae normaly phones don't work well in these situation. Now I photograph those events multiple times a week and get free entrance to the parties and dance workshops. I am corrently moving into the field of making also movies of dancers so my gear list just recently grew to a ronin gimbal and a 24mm 1.8 prime lense. I am currently shopping for a video light as well constently improving my skills.