WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY on location, getting close to Hares in the rain with Nikon Z9 + 600mm Z TC

So I'm back with a second video from my time on Havergate island.
I had some really varied conditions this year with myself spending a fair amount of time lying in the rain! In this episode I'm back out getting VERY close to the wildlife to give you a little taste of just how special it is out on Havergate!
By popular request next year in 2024, I will be running a few select day tours to the island! You'll be able to join me for a day in the gorse photographing the Hares and other wildlife the island has to offer, looking to explore and create stunning portraits of these fantastic mammals, one that can be a challenge to get close to when you're getting started! Days and spaces will be limited so be sure to register your interest early. The tours dates and info will be sent out on my new newsletter for email subscribers that you can join here subscribepage....
If you are super keen and would like to reserve a place even sooner you can drop me an email or a message on instagram!
As always guys thanks for watching and if you do have any wildlife photography questions let me know down in the comments.
In this video I am using the Z9 and the new 600mm Z TC, its rather wonderful tidd.ly/3BJRVIl and YES for those asking my Z8 has arrived and I shall be doing some videos with it soon! So keep you're eyes peeled and make sure you've subscribed and hit the bell icon to get notified!
Huge thanks as always to the RSPB for the incredible opportunity to keep working over on Havergate, I'm hugely grateful to be given what is a truly unique opportunity to stay on this Island paradise for wildlife! If you are not a member its certainly worth joining, so many fabulous location and work down to help support nature in the UK and around the world! www.rspb.org.uk
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In my bag : (UK affiliate links help me fund the channel and cost you nothing)
Lowepro Whistler 450 AW II - (travelled flawlessly on all my flights with ALL the gear below inside!)tidd.ly/ee5e459a
Nikon Monarch HG 8x30's - Simply love these. tidd.ly/3df767b...
Nikon Z9 : tidd.ly/3GOPrcl
D850 + Grip + D5 batteries tidd.ly/5e9ce68e
Nikon Z6 and 24-70S - (All video for the channel now shot on this - love this little camera!) tidd.ly/18f827ed
Nikon 600mm f4 Z TC (My new super tele) tidd.ly/3BJRVIl
Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II (My all time favourite lens) tidd.ly/c3774d0f
Nikon 70-200 tidd.ly/50423b68
Nikon 35mm 1.4 G tidd.ly/74102f76
Nikon 20mm 1.8G tidd.ly/792d72d0
Nikon 1.4 TC tidd.ly/51bb49a8
Nikon 2.0 TC tidd.ly/6d38e4fe
Nikon SB-700 tidd.ly/40a57f1a
Spare battery tidd.ly/3c45d8ba
Gitzo Mini Traveller tidd.ly/eda4b0c
Petzl Headlamp amzn.to/2LX80SW
G-tech external drives amzn.to/2Yil63y
Macbook 12" amzn.to/2ZBQ57e
Rocket Blower ( I'd get this one) tidd.ly/8d6a3ab4
I also carry a trusty Gitzo Tripod, either my 4 series systematic or a 2 series traveller!
#NikonWildlife #NikonZ9 #Nikon

[@malcolmriley6897]

Wonderful images, and that wide angle video was incredible. So intimate. Great work, Tom

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks Malcolm, it’s truly a pleasure to be able to get so close to these guys, a real favourite subject of mine and one I’m just addicted to photographing!

[@ilcontezio01]

Hi - really nice video! What is the lens rain cover you are using? Looks nicely made…

[@Rob.1340]

Fantastic. Thank you. All the best. 👍📷😎

[@rudramkhatri177]

Your skills are just in a whole another level

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you, that’s too kind! Glad you enjoy the videos

[@randyschwager2515]

Fabulous images and the video of the hares is superb! WOW! Thanks for taking me along!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@tompetersphotography]

Great insight into wildlife photography in the ground Tom.

[@antonoat]

Just superb 👍👏😀

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you!!!

[@jamesorr7706]

Fair play Tom, that takes some patience to get that close without disturbing the animals! Great video😁

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks James, it's certainly special to get that close to a subject you love, not something ill forget in a hurry!

[@user-markparker]

Great video once again young sir. Really looking forward to following you & your adventures with your new 600mm f/4 TC lens & the Z9.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks a ton! I'm really excited to put it to work on a load of trips in the future and make a tone of images, is certainly already become a favourite lens, especially with it actually being rather light to work with!

[@germanshepherdmom5411]

My husband just bought this for me today for my birthday …I’m the luckiest woman in the world…he’s the best!

[@johnclay7644]

informative content Thanks Tom.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@JohnHavord]

Can't believe that wide angle video. Superb.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Cheers John, it was a rather special encounter!

[@gail9906]

Hares have facinated me for 34 years where we moved to a rural acreage and I would often see them on my run each morning. When we moved I was afraid I would never see one again but although we are semi rural now on a much smaller acreage, we still have them around. So Cool. Your images were amazing. ❤️🇦🇺🦘

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yes I do love Hares, they are simple awesome little mammals, glad you are still seeing them after your move!

[@frankchapman9464]

Great shots, love the close up video.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Cheers frank, yeah I do love that little clip, it was amazing to be so close!

[@wildphil]

17mm with a full frame images and video! Wow! Tom, I salute you. Seriously well done. Great video!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you! Yes it certainly look time, effort and lots of patience to get within 17mm range but it was certainly worth it I feel, amazing to spend time with these guys and have such close encounters!

[@divinerdetective44]

Now that's dedication!!! First rate shots, thanks for sharing.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you!

[@MrDunk66]

Thanks Tom, had no idea you could get that close! I was thinking at the beginning “what is he talking about, 17mm, fill the frame with a hare”. 😂

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I wasn't joking about my 17mm ;) thats why I was keen to make sure I had the new 17-28 before the trip! its just simply perfect for moments like that!

[@montanaylago]

Pretty amazing! Couldn’t get any closer than this, 17mm is quite wide and hare looks super close!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

It was rather close indeed! Probably 3/4 inches from the lens!

[@beyondthelensdraws]

Amazing video have subscribed just wondered what camera you use to film these?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

So for these ones I use my old Z6 for the filming, however thats going to switch the my Z8 not its in the bag. I'm thinking of adding a Z30 as well for something a little smaller to bring on more assignments when I'm working with my two main cameras, although the Z6 has served me well!

[@allaneastcoast]

Great Video. What jacket are you wearing ?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

So I’ve got two on, my Arcteryx FL waterproof and the Paramo smock over the top to keep it safe from the thorns! Both are rather excellent jackets

[@allaneastcoast]

@@TomMasonPhoto thanks

[@jamessnapsphotographylowes2236]

Great video! Wonderful Photos! I am about to upgrade my Camera and Lens! I am thinking of going for the Nikon D850 and the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6 what’s your thoughts on that kinda setup please? 😊

[@TomMasonPhoto]

The D850 is a fabulous camera, i had one all the way until I recently picked up a Z8. It’s a truly rugged professional tool. The 200-500 is also a great choice for wildlife photography if you lack the budget to step up to a pro fast super tele / don’t fancy the weight of carrying one around! I reviewed the lens a good few years back and found it worked very well for a whole range of wildlife photography applications!

[@mesutwildlife]

Great shots Tom...keep the good work..cheers from Turkey...

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you!!!

[@matthewmulroy5537]

Hi Tom, will the 600mm fit in the Gitzo Adventury 45l bag?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hey Matt so personally I don’t have the Gitzo 45 as I have the new Pro Trekker 650 Aw. In that bag it fits with camera attached so maybe check the specs and compare the internal space. I would think it fits but maybe not with a body attached, as I can squeeze the 600mm into my Lowepro whistler 45l without a camera on. Cheers, Tom

[@matthewmulroy5537]

Hi Tom, thank you so much for your reply. It really is appreciated. I'll have a look and hopefully, it should be fine. Thanks again.@@TomMasonPhoto

[@TheTS1205]

You would definetely benefit from the new Auto Capture Feature on the Z9!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I’ve already been testing it out for some wide angle stuff - having been using camera traps for years this new tech is going to open up some awesome doors and possibilities I think!

[@migonads]

What pants are those? I know Carhartt makes kneepad compatible pants

[@TomMasonPhoto]

The Fjallraven ones, I have a few pairs of the Pro trousers and they are fantastic