Equipment
I am often asked about the equipment I use, specifically cameras. I like to travel as light as possible. In recent years I’ve shot with the highest resolution pro digital camera offered by Canon: a 1DS, 1DS Mk 2, and now 1DS Mk 3, a 21-megapixel brick of technology. The pro body is almost impervious to rain, snow, and dust, which is why I prefer it to the cheaper 5D Mk2, despite its HD video and low noise capabilities.
I limit myself to a few lenses most of the time, all Canon. More than half of my images are shot with either the 16-35f 2.8 Mk2 or the 70-200 f4, which is just as sharp as the much heavier and more expensive 2.8 version. If I need a more powerful telephoto, I reach for the 400 DO; if I know I’ll be shooting a lot of wildlife, the 500 f4 comes along. That’s it for 90% of my work.
I still need the usual complement of small, rugged La Cie drives and a Lenovo laptop optimized for photographers (review to follow). A few flashes and reflectors make their way into the kit as well.
Cameras are just tools, though. Cartier Bresson shot The Decisive Moment with a Leica rangefinder and a 50mm lens. It is the eye that matters, and the will to get off the couch and shoot.
February 10th, 2009 at 23:16
Hi, Jim,
I don’t use the tilt shifts much because they replicate focal lengths I already have in my pack. I would use them mainly for parallax correction, but now Photoshop does the same thing so easily and with no extra weight that I go that way now. If If were an architectural photographer or doing tabletop, I would reconsider.
February 14th, 2009 at 22:22
Do you shot only raw, or raw+jpg? What software do you use to procces your images? Do you use picture styles in your cameras?
Thank you and regards
February 16th, 2009 at 00:02
Hi Art,
I watch your show and I noticed you never use a camera strap. Why not??
February 16th, 2009 at 04:57
I shoot RAW and RAW+JPEG. Everything goes into Adobe Lightroom and eventually Photoshop for color and contrast and to remove dust spots. I shoot straight, no picture settings.
February 16th, 2009 at 19:49
Thank you for your answer, Art. Do you process your pictures in camera or do you do everything (contrast, sharpening,…) with the raw software?
Thank you and regards.
February 24th, 2009 at 09:41
Hi Art.
Just a question about the 70-200 f/4. Do you use the one with IS or without?
I also wondered you never use a camera strap, neither when photographing whales on a moving boat…
Regards
February 24th, 2009 at 11:51
Hi, Giorgio,
I find that the straps get in my way, and after decades i am now in the habit of leaving them off the cameras.
March 6th, 2009 at 05:46
Hi Art,
Love your show and advice…was curious what tripod do you use?
March 6th, 2009 at 09:02
I use several different Gitzo carbon fiber models.
March 11th, 2009 at 15:46
Do you use tamrac backpack bag too. If so what model.
March 16th, 2009 at 12:05
I am curious as to what backpack you’re using. Doesn’t look like it fits the current airline size requirements, does it?
March 16th, 2009 at 13:35
I just saw your behind the scenes Nepal show. My question is not about camera equipment, although I also shoot Canon. My question is about the blue hat you were wearing. I really liked it and would like to get one. I am of the bald persuasion and hate the ball cap with the half moon opening in back and the sun burn tattoo that it gives you. Yours looked comfy and looked easy to roll up to have handy in the bag when you need it.
March 17th, 2009 at 04:38
I use several Lowepros. You must have seen their biggest model, the Super Trekker AW. Sometimes I can get it on as a carry on, but it is over the limit,
March 17th, 2009 at 11:44
It is an Outdoor Research hat I picked up in Seattle.
March 22nd, 2009 at 06:11
Hi Art,
Almost i use same equipment you are using and i am so happy since 2006.
Now i am ooking for going to Africa sooner or later, maybe in 2010 or 2011, and i am really confused which lens i should get? 500 f4, 600 f4 or something else?
I would like to shoot wildlife and nature there, mostly birds and animals, do you see that 500 is enough or usinf 600 is better or you will prefer to get 400? I don’t care much about the weight as both 500 and 600 are heavy no doubt, and even 400 Do is lighter but i am scared to end up with something that is little far, and i don’t want to crop most of my photos, many recommend me 500 as it is lighter, but most saying that 600 is better for more closer shots especially with birds, what do you say about that?
March 22nd, 2009 at 06:20
And i really respect your photography experience, i started to travel alone since 2006 and carrying a lot of equipment [cameras, lenses, filters, flash,....] so you are reminding me with myself, too bad i don’t have easy travel anywhere i go and i don’t have any helpers or assistants or so, but i try to do everything myself alone, and my ambition is to travel all over the world, i did about 20% now and soon i will complete my ambition in the future when possible.
Best Regards,
Tareq
March 24th, 2009 at 03:55
I find that the 500 hits the sweet spot between focal length and weight. A 1.4 extender takes it to a 720mm without significant loss of sharpness.
April 7th, 2009 at 18:07
I understand that you use various Gitmo carbon tripods. I’m wondering which ball head you tend to use with them. I tend to shoot with fairly large glass (ski and motorcycle races) and would like your thoughts. The ball head I see in your series, Travels to the Edge, seems to work well when locked and while panning.
I’ve recently started watching Travels to the Edge. I want to thank you and your crew for inspiring me to broaden my photographic horizons. Great show, very well produced.
April 8th, 2009 at 01:49
Thanks. I used the big Arca for a long time and switched to the big Kirk a while ago.
June 12th, 2009 at 00:12
I notice that the 400DO is your go-to long telephoto. I have considered purchasing this lens, but the reviews have been mixed and there seems to be substantial copy variation.
For the most part, the consensus seems to be that sharpness is OK (but not on par with the 500) and contrast is sub-par. What is your “take” on the 400DO? Why not use the 300/2.8 IS and 1.4 TC instead?
June 15th, 2009 at 07:02
While the 300 is definitely sharper, it’s bigger and I end up with less reach than the 400 with a 1.4x. There is always a compromise.
June 16th, 2009 at 17:57
Inspired by your awesome 3 day photo workshop in Seattle, which I and the whole class thought was outstanding, I have purchased 17-35 f2.8 wide-angle lens to enhance and improve my photographic experience and picture opportunities, esp in preparation for my circumnavigation next year around South Georgia Island with eco-tour expedition folks Zegrahm in Seattle. I really love your photography and your wonderful teaching to help make and inspire us to become better photographers. Thanks for sharing your craft and art of photobgraphy. You are the best, Art. Keep on teaching and shooting such ArtWolfeFull images.
July 12th, 2009 at 02:35
i was watching one of your shows where you were photographing Bears and you stated you were useing a 1000mm lens with the 1.4X .which made it a 1400mm. i was curious what a lens like that would cost but it doesn’t even seem to exist.. did i hear you wrong?
July 13th, 2009 at 11:23
That was shorthand. I had a 500 with a 2x on it and then added the 1.4 x. You lose significant sharpness but I thought the composition was worth the sacrifice.
August 16th, 2009 at 07:31
I see where you went from the Arca to Kirk ball head. What made you decide to switch? A good, big ball head is my next purchase, and these are two that I’ve been considering.
Travels to the Edge is a great program. Keep up the good work.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:44
I think they are comparable ball heads. The Arca had many years of faithful service in harsh conditions, The Kirk looked good so I gave it a try. You can’t go wrong with either one.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:09
That makes sense. Tossing quality heads from other makers like RRS and Markins into the mix, a choice between them is probably a personal and somewhat subjective one.
A few questions regarding your Gitzo tripods, what series do you use? Also, do you have multiple tripods? It seems that having a light weight tripod for most of the kit and another heavier one for the heavy artillery is the best setup if the budget will allow. How do you balance (no pun intended!) tripod stability, weight and portability?
August 24th, 2009 at 16:24
Hi Art,
I have seen situations where you add an extension tube to your 70-200 to take a macro shot. Are there any negatives to doing this vs. having a prime macro lens?
August 25th, 2009 at 01:28
You lose some light, as much as a couple stops if you stack extension tubes, but there is no change in sharpness. If you started with a sharper prime lens, then you would get a better result that using the zoom, but that has nothing to do with the tubes.
August 25th, 2009 at 01:30
I use a number of the larger, carbon fiber Gitzo tripods, usually with a short center post so I can go to ground level. I don’t pay any attention to the model numbers. The key is to go big for a stable platform.
September 1st, 2009 at 06:47
Hi Art,
When you use the extension tube on your 70-200 for macro, do you have to take it off to shoot normally again? I’m wondering what the result is when you take a far away picture with the tube still on?
September 1st, 2009 at 11:33
Any extension tube makes focusing at infinity impossible. You must remove it.
September 3rd, 2009 at 15:01
If you had to choose only one glass to shoot, what would you select and why?
September 4th, 2009 at 04:52
I don’t think I can answer that. It’s like asking if I would prefer to inhale or exhale. I tend to use the 70-200 more than the others because it works across more subjects than a wide angle or super telephoto.
September 12th, 2009 at 02:46
“It’s like asking if I would prefer to inhale or exhale”
That is one of the funniest thing i have ever read.
Sneef
September 19th, 2009 at 18:34
Hi Art
I love your show and your pictures that you take. I would love to know what you so in photo shot to give your pictures such bright colors. I know you shoot with a lot higher end camera than I do but what lens would you suggest for my Nikon D200 for wildlife shots. I am planning a trip to the Florada everglads and would like to make sure I have what I need. Right now I am useing a nilon 80-400mm 1:4.5.5.6D but I would like to get a little closer
October 1st, 2009 at 06:42
We do a little work to make the files look like Velvia film, a little contrast boost. For the most part, the colors are a function of the light, either low light or overcast.
January 13th, 2010 at 10:09
Hi art, so I finally desided what to do with my life…I’ve desided to be a photographer…so question now …what would you say is the best camera to invest in??? And lenses?? I look forward to sharing my photos with you…have a nice day!!!
February 13th, 2010 at 13:14
Hi Art. Just a note to let you know how much I enjoy your show. Beautiful photos from great locations. Keep up the good work.
March 1st, 2010 at 22:50
I’m just about to make a start on designing my companies intranet, so this is a great post for me – thanks!