Here it is! I’ve had a TON of requests over the years for a “What’s in my bag” video. The trouble is, what’s in my bag varies by location. So, I decided to start with the wildlife kit I use when I’m in Costa Rica. However, this is also a really great “general purpose” wildlife kit as well.
For this video, we’ll discuss not only what’s in the bag, but WHY it’s in the bag as well. I’ll cover the bag I use, the accessories, the light modifiers, lenses, and cameras. So, sit back, relax, and hit play 🙂
Please Note: The video above is about what works for me. I’ve spent a lot of time in CR and this kit works perfectly for what I shoot. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the only way to go and I’m certainly not implying that it is. I’m just showing you what I take and why.
I’ve also had good luck with my D500 and 600 F/4 + 300 F/4. I’ve taken along the 180-400 once, as well as my 200mm macro instead of my 105. I have also used a 500PF there too in some conditions. Tons of options with LOTS of overlap. So, this isn’t meant to me the end-all and be-all of CR gear, just what I’m currently using 🙂
Also, I’ve had a few comments (some snarky) on YouTube about the expense of the gear. Please keep in mind that I do this for a living and the camera and lenses are my business equipment.
In reality, the cost of equipment for a wildlife photographer is quite low when compared to other businesses. Compare the cost of the gear in this video to the cost of opening a simple Subway restaurant (it can cost upward of $260,000).
I certainly understand that what’s in my bag is mighty be considered excessive for a hobbyist, but at the same time showing you a bunch of less expensive stuff I don’t actually use would have been disingenuous.
Links / names of the products in the video (order in which they appeared)
LensCoat LCRC2PM4 RainCoat 2 Pro
Micro Fiber Cloth (I like the 10×10 size)
Nikon Lens Wipes (they work on other brand too 😉 )
Wimberley Module 8 M-8 Perpendicular Plate
Sony XQD Cards (64GB) | Sandisk UHS II 64GB SD Card
Nikon 77mm Polarizer | Nikon 62mm Polarizer | Drop In Polarizer for 600mm F/4E (and 400mm 2.8E)
Nikon WR-R10/WR-T10/WR-A10 Wireless Remote Adapter Set
Acratech Stainless Steel 5/32 Allen Wrench
iProtec Pocket Chameleon 4 Mode Flashlight
Nikon lens / body cap set (generic – less than $7)
Impact Collapsible Circular Reflector Disc – Silver/White – 12″
Vello Octa Softbox for Portable Flash (Medium, 8″)
MagBeam Wildlife Kit | Better Beamer Flash Extender
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300MM f/4E PF
Really Right Stuff LC-A12 (300mm Collar)
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL
Really Right Stuff LC-18 (600mm Foot)
Running Buddy Magnetic Buddy Pouch
Nikon AF-S FX TC-14E III (1.4x) Teleconverter
Nikon Z7 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body
Kirk BL-Z L-Bracket for Nikon Z7 And Z6
Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera (grip)
Wimberley WH-200 Wimberley Gimbal Head II
PANO-GIMBAL CRADLE CLAMP | PG-CC
Clamp System:
Really Right Stuff B2-LR-II Lever-Release Clamp (60mm) (clamp)
Really Right Stuff TH-DVTL-40 Round Dovetail Plate (Dovetail Small, round)
Really Right Stuff TH-DVTL-55 Dovetail Plate Dovetail (for larger heads, like the BH-55)
Ball heads (not in video) BH-40 & BH-55
Gitzo GM4552L Series 4 Carbon Fiber Monopod
Hi Steve. First, I’m loving your videos. I’ve been to Costa Rica, shooting with Dennis 4 times, too.. I can relate to all of your CR images. Fantastic place to go. Well, I’m heading to East Africa in October with a group of non-photographers. The safari is limiting us to only 33lbs. So, as far as gear, I have the new Nikon Z8 and the 24-100 f/4. I’m also going to get the 100-400 z lens with a 1.4xTC. Do you think this will all be sufficient. I cannot afford the 400mm or 600mm prime lens. I may have to… Read more »
Hi Anna – I’d consider the new 180-600 for sure. In fact, I was waiting to reply to this until it was released so I could talk about it 🙂 The 180-600 range works REALLY well in E. Africa.
I always take my laptop – you can’t load directly to those drives, you do need an intermediary device.
I too use the Gura Gear bags but have moved from putting everything in a 32L Bataflae with a load of 37 lbs to using a second 18L Bataflae and putting my netbook, batteries, and shorter lenses and making the 32L backpack more than 10 lbs lighter. The 18L qualifies for personal item treatment as it fits under the seat in front of me. I prefer the 200mm f/4 macro which does not work for focus stacking but in my experience with venomous snakes and frogs there is not time to focus stack and I prefer being further back from… Read more »
Steve that bag is listed as 15cm deep inside, but the 600/4 is 17cm diameter with not hood or cap, and is 21cm with hood and cap. So how do you carry the 600/4? Do you have another larger bag that fits this lens?
It’s a soft bag so you can stretch it a bit and as you see in the video, it works. I use a soft cap for the lens to it doesn’t take up any extra space. The hood has to go severely (I put it in checked baggage).
Thanks Steve, this makes sense. I wish Gura Gear would say this in their product descriptions, they missed at least one customer by neglecting to provide this kind of information.
Hi Steve,
I see you use a Gitzo Monopod and RRS Monopod. I am looking to purchase a monopod for my Sony 600mm F4 lens and trying to decide between the Gitzo and RRS Monopods. Do you have any experience with the RRS Monopod, either good or bad?
Hi Eric –
I only use the Gitzo monopod, I don’t have an RRS one (although, Im sure it’s really good). SO, no experience with the RRS, but I can tell you the Gitzo is excellent.
I shoot birds in flight and kids in flight (hockey ((70-200)) & basketball). Thinking of replacing my 200-500 f5.6 with a 300 f4 pf and 500 f5.6 pf to use with my D850 (mainly) and D500 (with a soon to be purchased 300pf and 1.4 III conv). Just read the D5 which you predominantly use in low light CR has much better tracking (bif and BB). Even with the D6 over the horizon ($7000) a used D5 ($4200) might increase my keepers. Sound reasonable including “used” D5 camera bodies? Advice? Many thanks.
What are your recommendations for shooting a D5 with a 200-400 f/4? Will a teleconverter be enough? (can’t afford the 600mm 🙂
What size running buddy?
Sorry for the delay., I was in Africa. I use the medium size one.
Just curious what you take to CR for rain protection for yourself. A poncho, umbrella, nothing and just get wet? Thanks for all the great videos.
I have a raincoat, but almost never use it. It’s so hot and humid where we are, you get just as wet (and grosser) in the raincoat during the storm as you do just getting wet.
Another excellent and needed Vid Steve, thank you !
FWIW, Just returned from my annual trip to our Tropical north (Queensland)
Your quick release system was well worth the price (forgotten about it already ), maybe the wife take a little longer! 🙂
With this vid, I can leave the ballhead at home! (Wimberley 8 plate!)
Regards,
Gary
Is the z-6 good for macro as well? It’s supposed to be better in low light and it shoots faster. Only difference is MP count as far as I can tell.
Yup, it would be great. I use the Z7 for a few more MP, but I wound;t hesitate to use the Z6 if I didn’t have the Z7.
How do you backup your XQD cards to the SSD drive?
I have a laptop with me too – I suppose I should have put it in the video.
That’s a 15 inch mb pro…
Steve, I have the 22L Gura Gear bag and it does have space for a laptop. I carry a 5 inch MacBook Pro in it. Are you saying yours has no space for it?
Nope. When I talked to the guy who owns it, he said it was because, with the large diameter 600mm F/4 in it, the width of the laptop puts it over carry-on requirements.
I’ve seen a number of “what’s in the bag” videos. I have yet to see one that includes one of the most important items of all. Toilet Paper :-).
LOL – good point! I usually keep some on the car, but now you have me worried about my next hike!!
Great video!
Sorry to nitpick, but do you really clean your lenses with the rubber disc on the Lenspen? I get using the brush for dust and pollen…lightly…but rubbing a dry, solid object across the lens (without somehow cleaning off what ever you wiped off at the last use) makes me cringe.
I received one of these as a gift years ago but have not been able to mentally justufy using the disc end!
I don’t use the rubber thing on the lenspen – just the brush.
Many thanks Steve for this invaluable video. May I ask you what the final weight of your kikobo bag once all your gear is packed.
Also, do you have any tips or workarounds on circumventing or mitigating airline carry-on weight restrictions? Have a great time in CR.
I think it comes in a little over 30 lbs. We don’t run into too many problem in CR with weight (the airline we use just charges a little extra for overweight bags). However, it can be tricky in other places and you have to get more creative.
$$$$$ Way out of my league.:):)
Yup, it’s a lot for sure, but since I do this for a living, I sort of need it 🙂
Didn’t se the Samsung drive you mentioned in video. Link?
Sorry, it’s up there now.
Thanks very much!
Thanks for another informative video Steve and for reigniting my GAS.
i am not a man of gamble but I see the upcoming AF-S 120-300mm f/2. 8 E FL SP in that backpack of yours next year 🙂
I thought about it, but I think it’ll be too short (but you never know) 🙂
What do you use to record your videos? Camera, lens, and mic. Which are very well done BTW…
It’s usually a Z7, sometimes with the 70-300, sometimes with the DX 16-85 (depends what’s handy). We use the Sony wireless mics (not sure the model, I think they are a couple hundred bucks).
Great video, thanks, Steve! In your opinion, is the 500mm PF just too slow for Costa Rica? I’m heading there soon and considering renting a 600mm, but the extra cost – and weight – is making me think really hard about whether or not f/5.6 would be “good enough”…
No, not at all. It’s not as nice as an F/4 and there are times you may want the F/4, but we’ve had people use it and come away happy. However, I seldom have had a workshop participant regret renting the 600mm F/4. Most are really glad they did, but it also depends on your ability to handle it.
Steve great information as always, thank for taking the time to make this video. i have never traveled there i didn’t drive , it was very helpful for me. Thanks again Dale
Hi Steve,
Love your videos and books. Had a quick question – how do you backup the cards to the drives everyday? Through a laptop or is there another gizmo you use?
Thanks!
Just a laptop.
Great Video. Any comments on the D500 in Costa Rica?
It can work really well, just have to keep the ISOs down a little more than on the D5 / D850. I have used one there before (prior ti the D850) and was very happy with the results.
Super! I keep mine at or below 3200. Any thoughts on the Nikkor 200 f4 Macro with the Z7? its AF, not AF-S
It’s a non-starter since it’s an AF-D and not an AF-S lens. No focus, no way to drop the aperture.
Thanks! Terrific work, as usual. Great resource!
With a bag and contents like that, who needs a gym for workouts LOL. Seriously, a very good video and information. Thanks.
PS – I saw the FTZ on the Z7 in the video. Looks like it is missing from the list. I sure hope you did not find it too heavy … kinda like the straw that broke Steve’s back 😉
Actually, I don’ use any S lenses when I’m there, so I sort fo forget I have it attached!
After my last trip to Costa Rica earlier in the year where I had the 600mm f/4, 500mm PF, 80-400mm zoom, and TC-14 teleconverter, I have decided to leave the 600mm behind on future trips. The 600mm replaced a 500mm f/4 and for Costa Rica the 500mm with or without the 1.4x teleconverter worked much better. Even with the 500mm sans TC-14 it was often too long a lens and I would be using the 80-400mm instead. I take the Nikon 200mm macro and it provides more working distance for flash and to be a litte further away from poisonous… Read more »
No one kit fits everyone 🙂 It really depends where you are in CR. As to the 600mm vs 500PF, both are great lenses. My wife takes a 500PF with her and while she likes it, there are times she misses the extra stop. I use it for walking around with the group at the resort (my 600mm, tripod, etc is a pain when trying to teach), but I often find myself wishing it was an F/4. However, it really depends on the location. No one right answer IMO. I love my 200mm macro, but normally don’t take it since… Read more »
With 500mm f/4 I also had a usable 700mm f/5.6 but 600mm f/4 is often too long and subjects are too close. I need to remind myself that with digital I have ISO 6400 and not worry about a f/5.6 lens. I cannot imagine focus stacking with the snakes and frogs but makes sense if you can find one asleep or captive in a terrarium that you can photograph. Airline restrictions on weight are also making life more difficult and more expensive for photographers. Something to be said for the Olympus 4/3 system – my wife’s kit is half the… Read more »
A 500 F/4 is a really good lens in CR. More portable than the 600, still fast, still great with TCs. As for the stacking, we deal with wild frogs and such, awake, so it can get tricky. All but impossible to do manually and very problematic even with focus shift shooting. It can be done, you just gotta be quick and take steps to minimize the number of shots by using more F/stop (F/8~F/11) and sticking with a step width of “4”. BTW – I’m heading back to Africa soon and am running smack-dab into weight restrictions. So I… Read more »
23 minutes of nice gear info, we just love our gear 🙂