The Nikon D850 at Zoo Miami | Behind the Scenes

Thanks to the talented and knowledgeable Ron Magill, we had an amazing day at Zoo Miami. Our subjects were an extraordinary array of colorful, exotic birds, which offered the Nikon D850 and Nikkor optics a real chance to demonstrate their abilities in the realm of resolution and sharpness. The setups were very simple, between one and three lights, and we principally used the Micro Nikkor 105 f/2.8. We used a mix of big lights and Nikon SB-5000 Speedlights, wirelessly controlled at camera by the WR-R10 transceiver, which speaks directly to the lights and governs their strength.
The birds were rockstars! They had wonderful vibrancy and color, in addition to the beautiful complexity and detailing of their feathers. Many thanks to the staff of Zoo Miami, and the handlers of these animals. And as always, big thanks to fellow Nikon Ambassador Ron Magill, who combines terrific skills as a photographer with an encyclopedic knowledge of the animal kingdom.
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[@jenniferlouiseday]

Proof that you can still get amazing photos with older cameras...all the new ones are marketed as if they discovered bright, vibrant, focused, and overall better photography. This camera got the job done and is easily on par with the newer mirrorless cameras. It shows that it's the photographer and their hard learned skills over the machine any day of the week.

[@roozbehbey]

A day at the studio with a couple of animals would have been a more appropriate title.

[@paristo]

What makes subjects so great, is the deep DOF and lighting. Do same with people and they look amazing.

[@gewglesux]

Great shoot!!!! Thanks all of you!!!

[@wilbmoore]

The images joe were so beautiful. Words can't Express

[@evaeriksson9950]

Wonderful!

[@pony2010qq]

That's so beautiful !

[@kentmillerstudios]

Nice work all!

[@johnnyswatts]

I GUESS this is a day at the zoo, but it isn't like any day I've spent at the zoo. Something more relatable to my own experience would have been nice. Lovely photos, though.

[@miloradkaravidin8818]

Awesome

[@sammadonline]

Stunning shots! I love the D850 and 105 Macro combo

[@tango_charlie_romeo]

Awesome Sir!

[@joshsantiago4397]

damn this is a work of art

[@muviewsic]

the owl is sososososo beautiful

[@edulopezphoto]

Fantastic work. I love the way you modify the light. You are a true inspiration to me. Cheers from Spain.

[@KennethRosenstroem]

Modify? I think they are standard...

[@gurudeclan]

Can't wait to see what Joe thinks of the Z6/Z7

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Beautiful results, Joe!

[@PierreBurnaugh]

Hey Joe, great shots and video as always! I was wondering if you keep UV’s or skylights on any of your glass for protection or you’re just super careful with them? I have Nikon L37’s on a couple of my older Nikon lenses and thinking about adding them to a couple of newer ones. But I’ve mostly just tried to be careful over the last 15 or so years and of course, the hoods help with that also besides with flare. Just curious, been enjoying and learning immensely from your work for years, thanks!

[@specialanddifferent]

Please, please could you show the lighting setup you used!! How many lights, what modifiers and reflectors did you use? And please explain why!!

[@sunilajmeri2490]

good sir

[@markshirley01]

Hi - why shoot the video on a D5?

[@JaspreetSinghArtist]

never saw Joe McNally without speedlights

[@skipad4306]

haaa i own everything in that gear list. but not a bird model. guess sparows will do for now