What's NOT in my camera bag for wildlife photography (2024)

Below is the full list of wildlife photography gear discussed in this video and that I use when I'm out in the field. Again, I have no sponsorships (I'm a small channel, subscribe!) so there are no affiliate links or links at all. Leave a comment if you have any questions with the gear and I'll respond as quickly as possible.
Instagram: / liamdmcinerney
Wildlife Gear List:
- Sony A7IV Mirrorless Camera
- Sony Vario Tessar FE 24-70 F/4
- Sony 70-200 F/4
- Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS
- Tragopan Grouse V+
- B+W 95mm nd-vario mrc nano xs-pro variable nd filter Schneider Kreuznach
- Rode VideoMic NTG
- Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5
- Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod
- Robus RCM-439 4-Secton Carbon Fiber Monopod, 65”
- Sirui PH-10 Carbon Fiber Gimbal Head
- Leofoto MPG-01 Side Saddle Tilt Head
- Leofoto LH-55 Low Profile Ball Head
0:00 Introduction
1:14 Must have for wildlife
10:41 Wish list
12:01 Gear I'll keep at home
17:50 Subscribe! I post weekly

[@MavHntr]

With the drone, make sure you add RED reflective tape on top of the drone body, sides too. This really works to Keep the birds away from attacking the drone, gulls & raptors included. And I use Stealth bright orange propellers as well. After several close encounters, finally had an attack on the drone, dive bomb style, and the drone plummeted, smashed into the ground. Good thing I had the DJI insurance policy, replaced it no questions asked. The attacking hawk was fine, not hurt.

[@KevinNordstrom]

I almost never use my tripod anymore. I either use a monopod or mostly handheld. My tripod is only now used for blind work.

[@liamdmcinerney]

Same for me. Any shoot where I’m sedentary I’ll bring the tripod. I’m going out to the marsh tomorrow and plan to throw on the 3D camo suit and will bring the tripod. Otherwise, monopods are a major weight saver

[@__Mr.White__]

Very nice. Imagine living in america and you can go to all that great nature and wildlife every time you want. 👍🏻

[@rickpetersonphotography]

First time viewer… great job! I’m subscribing and looking forward to 2024 content! 👍

[@liamdmcinerney]

Thanks, Rick! I'll have this weeks video up later today. Cheers!

[@northernfocuscreative-nfc-2511]

Your chilled approach is refreshing… newly subbed. I just sold my Canon prime (after owning for 7yrs) to carrier a lighter super zoom this season. Weight and bulk difference get in the way of the shooting experience for me. The tripod now stays home unless i’m don’t blind work. Your posts are great 👍🏻

[@liamdmcinerney]

Thank you! There's always a trade-off between primes and zooms. Personally I'd sacrifice aperture/sharpness/slight image quality for a lightweight zoom lens. Good luck out there this season, let me know how it goes!

[@benwilde4337]

As a non-video guy, I still appreciate the context in how the various features relate to stills photography. Currently a Nikon shooter but appreciate the unhyped insights. Thanks - new sub. 👍🏼

[@liamdmcinerney]

Hey Ben, thanks for subscribing! Like I said in the video, I’m not married to any brand. I actually find myself scrolling through Nikon gear and telling myself “well that looks like a fun setup” haha. Anyways, excited to share what I have coming out this week. See you soon

[@maurosegurah]

Super useful. Thank you!

[@madone550]

Last week I swapped out my Wimberly MonoGimbal (same thing as your LF MPG-01) on my monopod and put on my Gimbal head instead. For a little bit of weight (0.77 lbs vs 2.2lb), getting the lens back on axis was huge for me. It was so much better, stable, convenient. I found with the off-axis MonoGimbal, it was making it hard to get my hand on and use the zoom of my 180-600Z. Maybe not an issue with your 200-600, but def worth a try.

[@liamdmcinerney]

Interesting, I'll have to tinker with my gear and see if I like that setup better. Thanks for the tip!

[@richardsmith2289]

For wildlife (not landscape, or any commercial work), I take my Canon R6 with a Canon EF 70-300L, a Peak Design Slide strap, and an extra battery. That's it. No backpack or extra lenses. Sometimes I take a tripod with a gimbal. For blinds, I use an Ameristep Chairblind or a 3D Camo Pancho. I want to travel light and concentrate on making photographs rather than messing with gear. I am a long-time tripod user (I even have a mahogany tripod for my view camera), but I prefer working handheld with wildlife.

[@liamdmcinerney]

I’ve never tried a chairblind, how are you liking it? They look nice and compact. But I agree with you, traveling light is best. It can be challenging shooting video handheld with a 200-600 so I’m definitely happy with the monopod as a compromised “medium”

[@richardsmith2289]

@@liamdmcinerney I meant to say I don't shoot video so that is a big difference. The chair blind is very quick to set up and take down and your own weight keeps it in place. It's light and easy to carry. The Tragopan version is more versatile but also has more parts than my Ameristep. I mostly use my 3D poncho and a camp stool now because I have better vision all around and it's VERY simple - but you really have to think carefully about movement since you are wearing the blind.

[@jaketerveer445]

You will be super satisfied with the mini 4. Honestly amazing what they can pack into these sub 250g drones nowadays. It's also perfect for wildlife as it's relatively quiet compared to other drones and packs away so small. Thanks for the info! I'm on the opposite end of that spectrum. Well experienced with drones, but just recently got a 150-600mm for a great deal so jumping into some wildlife with my GH6!

[@liamdmcinerney]

Then I trust your input! I’m excited to get it going and have always hesitated to get a drone because of the noise. But I think it can be used responsibly/respectfully and still get some killer shots. Glad you picked up the 150-600, you’ll love working with that focal range. Let me know how it goes!

[@solar-e-bike-touring-europe]

Keep the content coming, subscribed 👍

[@liamdmcinerney]

Thank you! Looking forward to posting this weeks video, it’s got an animal I haven’t photographed before!

[@Austins0asis]

I just started doing photography a little under a year ago and I decided to go with a monopod. I do a lot of hiking and moving around so it just made more sense for me. I have a different one than you but im happy going with a mono. Also not having to hold your camera in a blind is super nice wish I would have got one sooner.

[@liamdmcinerney]

Agreed, I do a lot of hiking/photography and the monopod has been a game changer. I’ve also found a monopod let’s jump around in my photo blind much easier, especially if I’m set up in an area that has activity all around me

[@LickyDawg]

Great video and loving your channel !!! Could I ask what foot have you installed on your 200-600 please ?

[@liamdmcinerney]

Thanks, Licky! I have the Wimberley AP-620 Replacement Foot. Definitely recommend if you’re looking to replace the stock lens foot and get something more streamlined. See ya soon!

[@mike_s_media]

I am either shooting handheld or tripod. Which tripod usually depends on what I'm trying to shoot ie video or photo. I'm a big guy with power lifting in my past so lugging around what others consider heavy gear just doesn't bother me the least bit. It does make it pretty convenient when it comes to packing out my kit for a day or weekend shoot though!

[@liamdmcinerney]

I hear ya, if I’m solely shooting video there’s really no need for a tripod or monopod since I do wildlife and usually use fast shutter speeds. Having lugged around the tripod for so long you kinda forget about the weight and just immerse yourself with the task for the day. Thanks for leaving a comment, Mike!

[@rdphoto2]

Get the DJI Mini 4 Pro. You will like it. I have had several DJI Drones in the past and this one is on par with their products. New Subscriber. Cheers. Ron

[@liamdmcinerney]

Hey Ron, thanks for subscribing. I’ve definitely done my research and have decided to pull the trigger after next weeks paycheck comes in haha. Excited to implement that perspective into my videos. See ya soon

[@JFANDAPMFung-wp4jp]

Great video, nice and chill. New sub 👍

[@liamdmcinerney]

Thanks for joining! Glad you enjoyed the vid

[@osmantarar]

Informative video, how good can we print on a3 or a4 paper, with sony a6700?

[@jerryphoto1]

The tripod gives you the added security of keeping your camera gear off the ground so to me that's an added benefit

[@liamdmcinerney]

Great point and one I didn’t think of for this video. On wet days, snow days, muddy days…maybe the tripod is worth the extra weight.

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Do you get fed up with the slower frame rate or is it fine? Looking at buying the Sony with the 200-600 lens. Thanks.

[@liamdmcinerney]

Hey Alex, with shooting in 60fps and working with a 24fps timeline (I edit with davinci resolve) I like having the option for slow motion but also can use 60fps at normal speed if I absolutely need to. If I know I’m not going to use slow motion, I switch over to a saved video present for 24fps. You’ll be happy with the 200-600. Let me know how you like it

[@Jimmiehammarstrom47]

I dont think you are wrong doing monopod, I wish I could to monopod, have almost the same setup as you. But I Can't use a monopod, I have giving it a try so many times and I always get frustrated. So, nowadays I always use my tripod or handheld. ( I will probably take out the monopod in a few month and get just as frustrated again and put it back on the shelf )

[@liamdmcinerney]

Monopods can feel clunky some times especially when you need to change shooting positions rapidly. Handheld is definitely best for that when shooting photos. Ultimately use what feels best while you’re out in the field! Thanks for stopping by, Jimmie

[@Jimmiehammarstrom47]

@@liamdmcinerney Yeah, agree with that! Different gear is needed at different moment! Take care!

[@PhotoTrekr]

Sorry to hear about your 200-600mm. Maybe you can get it repaired. I'm an amateur photographer, but I've been shooting for over 40 years. So, these days I'm looking to lighten my load. My main cameras are two A7RVs. But, they are going to be replaced with an A7CR and A7CII. My main lenses are a 24-70mm GM II and 70-200mm GM II. I also have a 200-600mm G lens which I really like. My main tripod is a Gitzo G1325, which I've had forever, with a RRS ballhead. I don't use my monopods. I don't mind carrying my tripod. I just can't walk as far these days. My gear lives in a Pelican case and I use Tenba DNA bags to work out of.

[@liamdmcinerney]

I've heard great things for both Gitzo and RRS. When RRS annouced their PG-02 MK2 gimbal head for $1,000 I told myself some day I'll make that purchase haha. But I certainly understand lightening the kit load and I feel that 70-200 gm2 is just about all you need to bring out. Versatile and sharp. I've been debating between the Alpha 1 and A7RV for when I purchase my next camera body (will probably be some time next fall) and while there's more economical options like the 2 you mentioned, I'd love to have more than 10fps in an uncompressed raw format. Tenba makes some great bags, youve got yourself a great setup. Keep me updated on how you like the A7CR and A7CII, see ya back soon

[@PhotoTrekr]

@@liamdmcinerney Actually I've already purchased the A7CR and the A7CII. I like both cameras. I've looked for a travel kit for several years and tried various solutions. The shots that are most important to me are the ones I take when I travel to amazing locations. So, I thought if my "travel" kit is good enough for those shots, it should be good enough when I'm home. That's what led to me looking at the new A7C cameras. If I was a professional I would use the A7RV cameras. Since I'm not, the A7C cameras are "good enough" for me.

[@paraagshah4153]

Carry the monopod and use it as a walking stick, in case of another slip.

[@liamdmcinerney]

Hahaha, I think this is the answer

[@oklahomaokie]

Nice video If you haven't purchased a drone yet, I could save you some money on a great used one. EXO Blackhawk 2 Mino Pro. I bought both of them from a KZbin guy who specializes in drones for half price. They are $400 each. He wouldn't split them. I've flown them both, and they do great. 4k with great pictures, too. 4 times in the air for one and maybe 15 on the other one.

[@liamdmcinerney]

I do have a drone now! It's been a game-changer for sure and I went with the DJI mini 4 pro. This is my first time flying a drone and I've been pleased with the ease of use and the quality it produces. Also have put it up in some windy conditions and the thing held its own

[@oklahomaokie]

@liamdmcinerney great. Always nice to be happy with your investment. These are nice too. I just really only needed one.

[@MrPhilbautista]

If you're not bringing a tripod, how do you film yourself out in the field? If you don't film yourself out in the field for your content?

[@liamdmcinerney]

Haha great question. I always bring a tripod when filming myself, which is why it’s very nice to leave my telephoto tripod at home and bring the lightweight monopod. My tripod for filming myself is extremely lightweight, it’s the Leofoto LS-284CUS Travel Tripod. Thanks for inquiring!

[@AmNeuberg]

Gut nun wissen wir, dass diese Deine Kamera mit keiner X-H2s mithalten kann.

[@hankroest6836]

"Welcome back. My name is Liam" So, have I been here before or not?

[@eerofi]

I have to say I am disappointed with the video title vs. the content. What was an interesting title ended up being another typical here-is-my-gear listing with short sidenote in the end referring to what might not be in the bag every time. Adding the irritating and repeating meaningless background tune, this video went straight to the category of "useless gear list videos featuring a trendy indoor beanie", a category that probably most people have already seen enough of. That said, usually you have great content. All the best for the future video creation.