Camera Equipment
updated 4/2013
Equipment selection is often a battle between efficiency and necessity. A natural inclination towards a lightweight, simple gear selection can be overshadowed by a need for the precise tool for the job.
Below is the list of the current equipment I use.
Cameras
- I used to own the 1D and 1Ds series cameras, but with the advent of the 5DIII, I sold off the 1D series and hope to find sufficiency for what I do, in the 5D III. If necessary, I may end up with a 1Dx, time will tell.
- Canon 5d MarkIII
22MP full frame sensor DSLR, light weight option
Lenses
To compliment the cameras I use a variety of common and special
purpose lenses, including:
- Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF
A well priced alternative wide angle prime for shooting aurora borealis and super wide landscapes. - Nikor 14-24mm f/2.8 with Canon mount adaptor
Super sharp, a little odd to operate, but worth the quality – a target lens for auroa - Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Manual Focus
A very expensive lens, but extremely superb optical quality. The manual focus allows just turning the lens barrel to infinity and it is in focus, a huge bonus for aurora borealis photography. - Canon 16-35mm F/2.8L II
This photographer’s staple has many uses. Its wide angle of coverage is perfect for many scenic and landscape photos. Outstanding optical performance, even wide open, makes it a favorite lens for aurora photography, where any optical defects will be made more obvious. - Canon 17-35mm F/4L
A lighter weight option for a wide angle lens - Rokinon 24mm F/1.4
A much cheaper alternative to the Canon version, and very similar in quality at f/1.4 - Canon 24mm F/2.8
The third 24mm lens in the arsenal makes a great landscape lens that takes virtually no bag space. Being a prime lens (not a zoom) it suppresses flare and gives light sources a very pleasing “star” appearance. This is perfect for photographs with the sun in the frame. - Canon 24-105mm F/4L Image Stabilized
- A good lens for overall midrange shooting, but vignettes strongly. The versatility of range makes it a winner however.
- Canon 70-200mm F/4L Image Stabilized
A lightweight alternative to the f/2.8 version. - Canon 70-200mm F/2.8L Image Stabilized
Speed and great handling make this a wonderful lens for large wildlife that is approachable. It’s large aperture and
image stabilization make low light photography possible without a tripod. - Canon 100-400mm F/4.0L Image Stabilized
Very versatile zoom range - Canon 100mm F/2.8 Macro II lens
Allows subjects as small as one inch tall to fill the frame. The 100mm focal length provides longer working distance to avoid shadowing (or scaring!) the subject - Canon 400mm F/5.6L
Extremely sharp and lightweight - Canon 500mm II F/4 Image Stabilized
Another optical marvel, this massive lens is often used for Arctic wildlife, often with a 1.4x and sometimes a 2x extender. - Canon 1.4 and 2.0x Teleconverters
Tripods and Mounts
All of this gear must be securely anchored to prevent vibration and soft photos.
- Really Right Stuff TVC-33 Versa Series 3 Tripod: My large carbon fiber tripod. Light but durable and works well in the cold weather conditions. I use the Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with this tripod.
- For lighter weight gear, I use use a smaller Gitzo G1227 carbon fiber tripod with a Kirk BH-3 ballhead.
- Super lightweight Gitzo Trip: GT0541 carbon fiber-1.7lbs with a Really Right Stuff BH25 Mini Ballhead
Lighting
- Canon 600 EXRT flashes
- Chimera mini soft boxes
- Canon wireless flash system
Patrick: What would you recommend for a serious amateur? I’ll (hopefully) be photographing polar bear and Narwhales in June. I’ve a Canon Rebel XT w/18-55mm EF-S/3.5-5.6 (Don’t laugh)
Could I work with it and add 1 or 2 lenses?
Not sure if I should get video capability built into the Canon or carry something else?
Lastly, my tripod is quite bulky, but I sensed you recommend it as an essential.
Just trying not to be loaded down but still bring enough so I’ll be happy with my shots….
Kim,
You will definitely want another lens that reaches more than 55mm. For choices,the sky is the limit but the budget is the ceiling. You will to figure out what you want to spend, and generally, you get what you pay for in optical quality. A tripod is essential, although it need be a bulky one.
Hi there, excuse my lack of knowledge but I’m new to technology. My question is about memory pens. I have a fujifilm camera which can also take video clips, when I copied my photos and videos to the memory pen, I noticed that the videos only play when I put the pen into the pc, however when I plug the pen into the telivison I can only view the photos but not the video clips. Is this to do with the telivision or is it possible to purchase a memory pen that can play the clip when you plug it into the telivision? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hi John, Sorry but I’m not familiar with memory pens.
HI there. Thanks for making the website, its very helpful. Im currently using a canon 60d with an 15-85mm lense. I am considering buying the 11-16 tokina. Is there a better lense for the aurora in your opinion? Thanks for any input.
Todd,
I have not used either of those lenses, as I shoot a full size sensor, not the one sized at the 60d. However, in general, you want an f/2.8 at least, and as wide as you can get. So if the reviews of the 11-16 come out ok and it is a f/2.8, I would lean that way. You want to be able to grab a lot of sky space when the aurora begins to display.
Hi there,
I came across your blog during my search of an aurora lense. Great stuff you have! Perhaps you can offer me your opinion. I shoot full frame with Nikon D700 and already have the Rokinon 14mm/2.8 which does a decent job most of the times. Sometimes I have difficulties to focus with that one.
Now I’d like to get a new lense and I’m struggling between the 24mm/1.4 or the 14-24mm/2.8. The 1.4 is four times faster but has a smaller angle. The zoom is great but cannot take filters (for landscape photography during day time). I’m sure you are familiar with my agonizing over this.. I have only one body and restrains for investment, so it can be only one of them.
Which one do you find more useful and/or more in use? Are they both as sharp? And – last question – if you’d have to chose, do you have an obvious choice?
Thanks so much for your insight!
Thomas, Yes, that is a tough question to answer. Both have obvious merit. However, I would choose the 14-24 for versatility and optical quality.
Patrick: I noticed in your Ebook you recommend Gitzo GT3541 tripod. Why you do not list this in your camera equipment List?
Syed,
There are very many options for tripods these days, and there are always new ones coming out. I updated the list to reflect my current equipment, but in reality, there are many that may work, it just depends on preference, budget, and style of shooting.
That’s nice.