My kit is: Protein bar, sunscreen, "disposable" poncho (feel a bit bad about this, but I rarely use them and try and re-use if possible), lenspen, rocket blower, spare body cap and lens cap and a couple of OpTech rain sleeves (same as the poncho - keep them for ages). Oh, and some elastic bands. Add in a spare mask and some hand gel and I'm good for 2020.
i recommend grabbing a mack in a sack its a reusable poncho rolls up super small i always keep it in bag and if it rains I've used it as a camera cover i put the lens through the neck and the bottom of it is around my camera body because there is enough space i can put my head inside it and still look through viewfinder without my gear getting wet.
Hi Tom I take one of those gardener's kneeling pads with me. Really lightweight. Obviously for kneeling on but also sitting on a damp log etc or leaning on. So light you hardly know you're carrying it, but helpful if it fits into a backpack. Might also have something to do with getting older lol
Great tip! Yes I often Have a pad in my bag for when I know its going to be cold and damp and I'll be sitting on the floor, often I like my mini ground chair as TBH having a back rest is so nice for long periods sat still! I must be getting older!
Glad you enjoyed it! I certainly find it enjoyable to see what others find helpful and carry in the field, always looking at the odd camera bag video myself! Cheers, Tom
Nikon d850 and 200-500. Camera or hiking bag with a light jacket, hat, bug spray, water, snack, tripod with fluid head. in pocket phone, pocket knife, AirPods.
@@LordSimsa I do indeed, they are a great pair of binoculars especially if you’re looking for the higher magnification. The performance in the field is great, very good field of view and the optics are excellent for all kinds of situations with the 42mm lenses certainly aiding the low light performance. The size makes them good comfortable for those even with larger hands with good rubberised grips. I often use them if I’m out birding for shore bird, smaller waders or just know I’m going to be wanting the added magnification on my subjects!
@@TomMasonPhoto Thank you for your answer! So you would definitely recommend them? How is the "image-quality" of the HGs (e.g. chromatic abberations, the edges)?
A very Informative video Tom. I also have the 500mm PF and love it as most of my wildlife photography is while out walking or having to hike into uneven terrain. The IQ is excellent and it is so lightweight. I agree about having the OS Map subscription - it's absolutely brilliant value for money and has got me out of a few scrapes where I've gone off route.
Always interested in what my favorite Photographers have in their kit. Thanks Tom! Fully agree with your advice regarding the binoculars - personally having the Nikon Monarch 7 in 8x30 and they are not less than brilliant. Also almost carry the 300 PF + TC 14 III and rarely the 500 PF with my Z7 and D850 - both lenses are incredible in size, weight and quality. Noticed you’re testing the 500 and would like to hear your opinion! Keep up your great work 👍
Hey Tom, what I am missing from your kit, is some more first aid stuff. A tourniquet , in case you need to stop bleeding, and a space blanket to help keep you warm. Might seem unlikely but having something you can use to slow a serious bleeding could be the difference between surviving long enough for help to come and bleeding to death. Buddy of mine was mountainbiking in the Ardennes, fell of his bike, branch pierced his leg, some artery, serious bleeding. He tied it off with a tourniquet and when help arrivied they said it saved his life. Also you might want to consider a SOS type device, like a Garmin Inreach or so. If you serious get hurt in the back county it can get you help. Depends on if you ever go to places with no cell service alone. Cheers.
Thanks, Yes I'm really loving the Z6 for video work, I actually have mine upgraded to the RAW option as well, so I'm using the Atomos Ninja V as well to record Pro Res Raw for some of these videos, just experimenting at the moment on some shoots, but loving the quality thats coming out, especially with my new 35mm 1.8 S Z lens too! I'll probably review that at some point and talk about video stuff!
duct tape or gaffers tape wrapped around an old gift card will slide into your pouch, takes up almost no room and is more versatile than the electricians tape.
I do have some Gaff tape too, as you say it’s handy for many things. Often have a roll in the camera bag but also have some rolled round a screwdriver I usually carry too!
Hey Tom! Now that I have completely switched to shooting wildlife on photographic film, I always have a few spare rolls in my pocket in case I get separated from my camera bag photographing :)
The 500 PF is pretty cool, just borrowing from a friend, but it wont be part of my kit as I'm waiting to see the Z mount teles . TBH my 300 2.8 is superior in all but the weight and I'm pretty used to that now, If I wanted to add a super light tele the 300 PF would be my choice, so much smaller and lighter and the f4 is really helpful! I'm looking forward to seeing what the Z mount 200-600 and 100-400 offer in the next few years before making any more big tele investments!
the 300mm 2.8 video i like it. i was in the marked for a super tele, i look at the canon 300mm is 2 its my dream lens, to next year i can afford it. on uesd marked
My camera is much more tolerant of water than my 300mm lens. The shower cap would do me absolutely no good, as the lens is still exposed. However, I carry most of the rest you listed.
I’m usually caring small towels (microfibre & paper) to clean my hands and/or to dry the lens & camera before putting them back to the bag... And even more essential, no toilet paper?
Hi Tom, so are you testing the D780, second time I have seen you carrying one in your videos and you have not mentioned it? The question is D850, D780 or Z6, which would you buy if you could only have one!
I have been using the D780 a last few weeks and have found it to be a good all round camera for photography. In regards to the choice between those three it comes down to a few things... if your main aim is the highest quality image with rugged build and solid performance, the D850 wins. If video production is a key focus the Z6 trumps all without a shadow of a doubt, it’s the reason I bought it (film my videos like this one with it) The D780 sits in the middle, the sensor is nice, same as Z6 almost, good IQ ISO performance, you get the benefits of the the DSLR in regards to optical viewfinder that’s less eye stress but the IQ isn’t as good as the D850, controls are less finessed and ergonomic, but it does have the added benefits of the on camera phase detection for video. One problem with this is that even though you have phase detection, without the new Z mount lenses with the new motor tech the Video AF still isn’t as good... so the Z6 would win. As you can see it’s a mixed bag, although I think if I only had one, I’d pick the D850 as stills are my passion, the Z6 would be my next choice! Hope that helps a little...
I look after my gear, but as a pro they are tools, sometimes you’ve got to risk kit in order to get the images you’re after. Pro gear can handle a rough life!
Hi Tom, hope you are well. A strange question that's not really related to this video. I one of your videos coming from your new home, i noticed what looks like an external storage device. Could you let me know what you use to backup / store you images on. I know some people use RAID drives, and others us SSD drives. I am looking to purchase something soon as i recently lost lots of images that where on a laptop of mine. Any advise or recommendations would be greatly received. Many thanks.
I usually cary it in most scenarios, I just want to make sure I'm clear about UK law in regards to knives/multitools and such. Personally I find them essential tools for the job!
I’m just using it for a while and will share some thoughts - for me the fast glass will always be at my heart so I’ll probably give it a hard time in testing but we shall see, I’m a little more excited to test the 100/400 and 200/600 when they appear for the Z mount!
Tom Mason Agreed! For hiking and quick scouting trips, the reach and image quality for the size and weight make it hard not to grab. Will never give up my 600E but it sits more than I thought it would since picking up the PF. Just a hobbyist but love your content, keep up the great work!
Awesome video! 👍🏻 I’m just starting in wildlife photography, so what binoculars do you recommend for under 100£ and that is pocket friendly? Thank you.
I don’t really know under £100 as largely a good pair is a little more than that, saving for a pair of the Nikon monarch 5s would be worth it. Although not the most pocketable - for quality and pocket size sadly the ££ goes up quite a lot!
I see you are using the D780, can we expect a bit of a "real world" review on it at some stage? I currently use a D50 and a D750 with my 500PF lens.......but a few more modern attributes with the D780 might be nice over the D750.....
I have been using the D780 for the last few weeks for a little test, I will probably be doing a sit down style Video taking about the camera and my thoughts from time using it as I’ve sent it back over to Nikon now. Didn’t have ages with it, but managed a few local shoots and images to get an impression of its performance.
Hey Tom I noticed you don’t have your Swarovski cl 8x30 binos out with you was just wondering if they are any good as I’m thinking of buying a pair thanks.
They were good but I switched to the Nikon monarch HGs a few years back after testing them in the rainforest. I find them to be a better fit for myself, hand shape and focus ring position.
I've used lens coats in the past and TBH just haven't got around to replacing them on my lenses, they are handy but I do like having my lenses bare for easy access to the controls and focus ring, the pro lenses fend off most conditions and I have an all in one cover for when I know its going to be a rough day!
My kit is: Protein bar, sunscreen, "disposable" poncho (feel a bit bad about this, but I rarely use them and try and re-use if possible), lenspen, rocket blower, spare body cap and lens cap and a couple of OpTech rain sleeves (same as the poncho - keep them for ages). Oh, and some elastic bands. Add in a spare mask and some hand gel and I'm good for 2020.
i recommend grabbing a mack in a sack its a reusable poncho rolls up super small i always keep it in bag and if it rains I've used it as a camera cover i put the lens through the neck and the bottom of it is around my camera body because there is enough space i can put my head inside it and still look through viewfinder without my gear getting wet.
Hi Tom
I take one of those gardener's kneeling pads with me. Really lightweight. Obviously for kneeling on but also sitting on a damp log etc or leaning on. So light you hardly know you're carrying it, but helpful if it fits into a backpack. Might also have something to do with getting older lol
Great tip! Yes I often Have a pad in my bag for when I know its going to be cold and damp and I'll be sitting on the floor, often I like my mini ground chair as TBH having a back rest is so nice for long periods sat still! I must be getting older!
Tom Mason , please can you provide details of the chair? I have been looking for one just as you describe.
Brilliant video, some great ideas that i never thought of. Thank you.
Hey Tom, loved this video. Always cool to see what other people are carrying!
Glad you enjoyed it! I certainly find it enjoyable to see what others find helpful and carry in the field, always looking at the odd camera bag video myself! Cheers, Tom
Nikon d850 and 200-500. Camera or hiking bag with a light jacket, hat, bug spray, water, snack, tripod with fluid head. in pocket phone, pocket knife, AirPods.
Always like a new video from Tom.
This binoculars aged really well. I love the slightly worn look of it!
Yes they do! I’ve dragged mine about and really used them hard and they look nicely warn in, a look I personally really dig too!
@@TomMasonPhoto Hey Tom, do you have any experience with the Nikon HG 10x42? Cheers, Simon
@@LordSimsa I do indeed, they are a great pair of binoculars especially if you’re looking for the higher magnification. The performance in the field is great, very good field of view and the optics are excellent for all kinds of situations with the 42mm lenses certainly aiding the low light performance. The size makes them good comfortable for those even with larger hands with good rubberised grips. I often use them if I’m out birding for shore bird, smaller waders or just know I’m going to be wanting the added magnification on my subjects!
@@TomMasonPhoto Thank you for your answer! So you would definitely recommend them? How is the "image-quality" of the HGs (e.g. chromatic abberations, the edges)?
A very Informative video Tom. I also have the 500mm PF and love it as most of my wildlife photography is while out walking or having to hike into uneven terrain. The IQ is excellent and it is so lightweight. I agree about having the OS Map subscription - it's absolutely brilliant value for money and has got me out of a few scrapes where I've gone off route.
Always interested in what my favorite Photographers have in their kit. Thanks Tom! Fully agree with your advice regarding the binoculars - personally having the Nikon Monarch 7 in 8x30 and they are not less than brilliant. Also almost carry the 300 PF + TC 14 III and rarely the 500 PF with my Z7 and D850 - both lenses are incredible in size, weight and quality. Noticed you’re testing the 500 and would like to hear your opinion! Keep up your great work 👍
Oh yeah, I bring a hat to keep the sun out of my eyes.
I always have a hat in the car, sometimes two.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Tom.👍
My pleasure!
Hey Tom, what I am missing from your kit, is some more first aid stuff. A tourniquet , in case you need to stop bleeding, and a space blanket to help keep you warm. Might seem unlikely but having something you can use to slow a serious bleeding could be the difference between surviving long enough for help to come and bleeding to death. Buddy of mine was mountainbiking in the Ardennes, fell of his bike, branch pierced his leg, some artery, serious bleeding. He tied it off with a tourniquet and when help arrivied they said it saved his life.
Also you might want to consider a SOS type device, like a Garmin Inreach or so. If you serious get hurt in the back county it can get you help. Depends on if you ever go to places with no cell service alone.
Cheers.
Always look forward to your videos!
Thank you! Hope you enjoy
thanks Tom for information.
No worries, hope you found it helpful!
Great video Tom!! The video quality from the Z6 looks great.
Thanks, Yes I'm really loving the Z6 for video work, I actually have mine upgraded to the RAW option as well, so I'm using the Atomos Ninja V as well to record Pro Res Raw for some of these videos, just experimenting at the moment on some shoots, but loving the quality thats coming out, especially with my new 35mm 1.8 S Z lens too! I'll probably review that at some point and talk about video stuff!
@@TomMasonPhoto - It looks fantastic. I would really like to see that review.
duct tape or gaffers tape wrapped around an old gift card will slide into your pouch, takes up almost no room and is more versatile than the electricians tape.
I do have some Gaff tape too, as you say it’s handy for many things. Often have a roll in the camera bag but also have some rolled round a screwdriver I usually carry too!
PLZ Make Another Video!! Maybe a Holiday Gift Guide for Photographers!
I shall add this to the list for the next few weeks and do my best to get it filmed!
@@TomMasonPhoto I Can't Believe You Responded!! 😃😃 You are AWESOME!!!
Hey Tom!
Now that I have completely switched to shooting wildlife on photographic film, I always have a few spare rolls in my pocket in case I get separated from my camera bag photographing :)
Great video !
I would like to see a video with your opinion on the 500 pf and the d780
I shall be giving some thoughts on the D780 and 500 PF in the future for sure!
Hi Tom, intersting stuff here, that little Gitzo looks uber cool. How are you liking the 500 pf, I have the 300f4 pf, it's an amazing little lens!
The 500 PF is pretty cool, just borrowing from a friend, but it wont be part of my kit as I'm waiting to see the Z mount teles .
TBH my 300 2.8 is superior in all but the weight and I'm pretty used to that now, If I wanted to add a super light tele the 300 PF would be my choice, so much smaller and lighter and the f4 is really helpful! I'm looking forward to seeing what the Z mount 200-600 and 100-400 offer in the next few years before making any more big tele investments!
@@TomMasonPhoto thanks for the reply Tom, yeah the new Nikon "Z" tales should be fantastic, can't wait to see them!
Yeah that Gitzo looks like a great little tripod to have!
the 300mm 2.8 video i like it. i was in the marked for a super tele, i look at the canon 300mm is 2 its my dream lens, to next year i can afford it. on uesd marked
My camera is much more tolerant of water than my 300mm lens. The shower cap would do me absolutely no good, as the lens is still exposed. However, I carry most of the rest you listed.
I’m usually caring small towels (microfibre & paper) to clean my hands and/or to dry the lens & camera before putting them back to the bag... And even more essential, no toilet paper?
Two things, A couple of large Zip Lock Bags and toilet paper, always bring toilet paper and bury it if you use it.
Definitely essential!
Hi Tom, so are you testing the D780, second time I have seen you carrying one in your videos and you have not mentioned it? The question is D850, D780 or Z6, which would you buy if you could only have one!
I have been using the D780 a last few weeks and have found it to be a good all round camera for photography.
In regards to the choice between those three it comes down to a few things...
if your main aim is the highest quality image with rugged build and solid performance, the D850 wins.
If video production is a key focus the Z6 trumps all without a shadow of a doubt, it’s the reason I bought it (film my videos like this one with it)
The D780 sits in the middle, the sensor is nice, same as Z6 almost, good IQ ISO performance, you get the benefits of the the DSLR in regards to optical viewfinder that’s less eye stress but the IQ isn’t as good as the D850, controls are less finessed and ergonomic, but it does have the added benefits of the on camera phase detection for video.
One problem with this is that even though you have phase detection, without the new Z mount lenses with the new motor tech the Video AF still isn’t as good... so the Z6 would win.
As you can see it’s a mixed bag, although I think if I only had one, I’d pick the D850 as stills are my passion, the Z6 would be my next choice!
Hope that helps a little...
What Jacket are you wearing?
It’s a Paramo smock!
Rough with your gear? Look after your kit and your kit will look after you!
I look after my gear, but as a pro they are tools, sometimes you’ve got to risk kit in order to get the images you’re after. Pro gear can handle a rough life!
@@TomMasonPhoto Fair enough. I guess the price has to be justified somewhere as well as just good glass! 🤷🏻♂️
I’m just starting out and found this video very informative. What do you recommend for footwear?
Hi Tom, hope you are well. A strange question that's not really related to this video. I one of your videos coming from your new home, i noticed what looks like an external storage device. Could you let me know what you use to backup / store you images on. I know some people use RAID drives, and others us SSD drives. I am looking to purchase something soon as i recently lost lots of images that where on a laptop of mine. Any advise or recommendations would be greatly received. Many thanks.
Carry a multi-tool with me all the time
I usually cary it in most scenarios, I just want to make sure I'm clear about UK law in regards to knives/multitools and such. Personally I find them essential tools for the job!
Must have missed when you picked up the 500PF. What do you think about it? Two stops is obviously a lot but it’s a nice lens to have, huh?
I’m just using it for a while and will share some thoughts - for me the fast glass will always be at my heart so I’ll probably give it a hard time in testing but we shall see, I’m a little more excited to test the 100/400 and 200/600 when they appear for the Z mount!
Tom Mason Agreed! For hiking and quick scouting trips, the reach and image quality for the size and weight make it hard not to grab. Will never give up my 600E but it sits more than I thought it would since picking up the PF. Just a hobbyist but love your content, keep up the great work!
Awesome video! 👍🏻 I’m just starting in wildlife photography, so what binoculars do you recommend for under 100£ and that is pocket friendly? Thank you.
I don’t really know under £100 as largely a good pair is a little
more than that, saving for a pair of the Nikon monarch 5s would be worth it. Although not the most pocketable - for quality and pocket size sadly the ££ goes up quite a lot!
@@TomMasonPhoto what about PROSTAFF 3S 10x42 ? It would be still affordable for me. Is it any good and worth buying it?
I see you are using the D780, can we expect a bit of a "real world" review on it at some stage? I currently use a D50 and a D750 with my 500PF lens.......but a few more modern attributes with the D780 might be nice over the D750.....
I have been using the D780 for the last few weeks for a little test, I will probably be doing a sit down style
Video taking about the camera and my thoughts from time using it as I’ve sent it back over to Nikon now. Didn’t have ages with it, but managed a few local shoots and images to get an impression of its performance.
Hey Tom I noticed you don’t have your Swarovski cl 8x30 binos out with you was just wondering if they are any good as I’m thinking of buying a pair thanks.
They were good but I switched to the Nikon monarch HGs a few years back after testing them in the rainforest. I find them to be a better fit for myself, hand shape and focus ring position.
Tom Mason ok thanks for your reply & look forward to seeing your next video 👌🏻 cheers Tom
The last two links in your video description do not work. The Nikon monarch link (the second one) doesn't work either. Double check the tidd. ly links
Any reason why you don’t use any lenscoat to protect and camo your lens?
I've used lens coats in the past and TBH just haven't got around to replacing them on my lenses, they are handy but I do like having my lenses bare for easy access to the controls and focus ring, the pro lenses fend off most conditions and I have an all in one cover for when I know its going to be a rough day!
Tom Mason That makes sence. Thank you for your answer
Hy you 'ev got a really good hair cut😅
Got interested by the smock until I inquired about the price....245 quid for a that is madness :/
No no no! This smock was £60!! It’s the Fuera smock in moss!
@@TomMasonPhoto Ahhh thanks Tom! I was about going bonkers when saw the price :P Cheers mate!
I find tweezers to be an important part of my medical kit in the field.
Very much so, the small knife has a set built in that’s very handy for removing thorns and splinters!