What's in Mark's kit bag?

If I’d kept all the cameras I have owned over the years, I’d be able to set up an industrial-scale museum of photography (the same applies to Apple computers, but that’s another story).

My first ‘serious’ camera was a Russian Zenit E, built like a tank and bought second-hand when I was in my late teens. I took my first published photo with it – a spotted flycatcher taken in the back garden – which was reproduced the size of a postage-stamp in the RSPB’s Birds magazine in 1981. I dabbled with Olympus for several years (I remember saving for 18 months to buy a much-coveted OM-1) and then went through a long line of Nikons. I started with the wonderful titanium F3P, built to withstand work in war zones, went digital in 2003 (initially for underwater photography – to avoid the limitations of 36 exposures) and completed the collection with several D700s.

In 2012 I switched to Canon. I sold all my Nikon kit – cameras, lenses, flashguns and all the other paraphernalia – and bought brand new Canon kit. It was a big (and expensive) decision to make, but I’m more than glad I made it and haven’t looked back since.

There were several reasons for the change. Mainly, it was for the Canon EOS-1D X camera. I had borrowed one to test in the Antarctic and was blown away. I also tested Canon’s 300mm f2.8 lens, and that was the real clincher. It was by far the sharpest lens I had ever used.

In autumn 2021, I made another big decision – to go mirrorless – and I haven’t looked back since.

So here is my current list of day-to-day kit:

Aerial photography

For aerial photography, I use DJI drones. I am currently using a Mavic Pro 4. I have a love/hate relationship with DJI. The software is a challenge (two drones have decided unilaterally to fly off into the sunset never to be seen again – though, to be fair, most of my flying is from moving boats, over the sea). But their drones do produce outstandingly good results. Currently, I am using:

Underwater photography

For underwater photography, I use Sea Frogs housing with my Canon R6 MkII camera and 14-35mm f4 lens. Sea Frog is considerably less expensive than many other housings, but it does the job brilliantly. I have used it successfully for a great many years. I also use GoPro for underwater videos and, increasingly, for still photography. The latest Mission 1 Pro is a game-changer – it’s 50MP still photographs are outstandingly good.

Camera Trapping

For camera trapping, I use Camtraptions housing, motion sensors and triggers. It’s the industry standard – easy to use and highly effective. I also use lots of trailcams - exclusively XTU 4K 64MP Solar Wildlife Cameras – which are brilliant.

Other kit

• Canon Angle Finder C
• Gitzo and Feisol tripods (various carbon fibre) with Wimberley heads
• Various Canon Speedlite flashguns

I usually carry everything in NYA-EVO camera bags, using several different models depending on how much kit I will need at the final destination. They are tough and simple (no complicated and unnecessary straps or fasteners) and provide excellent protection for the kit. There are also well-designed pockets for everything from a laptop to a water bottle. I particularly like the Fjord 50-C Gen 3 Adventure Camera Backpack, which is perfect for carrying my basic kit on small planes that allow minimal hand luggage.

And, to observe the wildlife I’m shooting (and to find it in the first place) I’ve used Swarovski for years:

A final word on equipment

While I’m the first to admit that having the best equipment gives you a clear advantage, even an R5 MkII can’t decide where to point and when to take the picture. That's down to the photographer.