what you really need for wildlife photography 

100% agreed. I just started getting into wildlife photography a couple of months ago. Before I did event photography for many years. I "only" got the R7 and an older EF 100-400 L MK2 lens I sometimes use with the EF 1.4 III Extender. Technically I can still take great shots with that combo, which I did a couple of times. The biggest issue I run into is finding wildlife and waiting for wildlife to show up. Like getting up at 5am, hiding in the woods for hours, just to realise I took the wrong spot. Or just to realise, that woodworkers recently were working in the area and all wildlife, went to the other side of the forest. Often I only end up with some decent shots of birds or squirrels, which is totally fine for me by the way. I realised that wildlife photography needs tons of patience. Sometimes just beeing in the forest and witness the sun rising is rewarding and pleasing enough for me, even if I leave without any great shots of animals. Thinking about getting a fast prime tele, to use in dusk or dawn conditions. I could afford it, but I need to earn it for myself. Like really getting a great shot of a deer, a fox or even an owl, pushing my existing gear to its limits. Only then I will allow myself, to buy a faster prime :)

I too have just purchased a 500mm f4 ii, and I’m also lucky enough to own the RF 100/500. I love both lenses, but after taking advice, and watching a few RU-vid vlogs on the 500 f4ii, I just felt it was the next step for me in my personal progression as a wildlife photographer. I worked my arse off to buy both lenses, and I wouldn’t give a shit what anyone thought about whether I needed one ,or not! That’s my business.But as you said, you need a thick skin,especially if you have ,like you, a RU-vid channel. I’m sure you’ve noticed a big improvement in owning the 500 f4ii, and paired with the R5, and 1.4 extender,it’s a brilliant combo. I personally wouldn’t be without that setup now, it’s perfect. Great channel Brent.🙂👍🏻

Brett, in my humble opinion you are generous enough to give wildlife snappers like myself the benefit of your 360 degree take on things. I live in the currently very dark and miserable UK. Your mantra of ‘physics not being your friend’ has served me well when I’ve returned with crap images. But boy. It doesn’t half pay off when I nail it. Your meaning is then understood. I’m grateful to you,

Some people are just jerks. I enjoy looking at your photos, but I also enjoy looking at MY photos. It’s what makes me happy.

Very well said. It’s all relative to the person. I work a second job to afford a 500 f4 and z9. I’ve bought plenty of second hand gear and traded up over 12 yrs and the gear does matter. Especially when you live in places like I do (South Dakota) and the weather can be crappy. It’s common to shoot in snow and 20 below and the weather proofing is essential.

"I wanted it, and I'm happy." Makes a perfect statement but also one that people who ask about things driven by negative thoughts will use to "reason" even more snippy remarks. What these people hardly ever realize is that that their mindset is what keeps them from being happy and appreciate what they have. For that matter; being able to take pictures however you wish at all is huge. It's out of reach for many, due to war, censorship, visual impairment or other unfortunate circumstances. That said, I don't think anyone has a right to feel entitled to question what gear someone else "needs" unless they're paying the bills for them. When breaking the boundaries you hit after years of hard work requires as "few" as a piece of equipment, you should definitely get that piece if it's affordable. I'm glad someone with your sense of art does wildlife photography, without your hard work and dedication, we'd miss so much beauty. Thank you for that and stay who you are.

I'm a novice and i wanted the R5. I love it, but some folk would say i shouldn't have it. I don't care. I could afford it. You certainly don't come across as a gear hungry person....some people comment on others lives, when they shouldnt. Love your videos. They constantly give me ideas and a wee push. Thank you.

I have a Canon 7D mkii and 100-400 L lens, did I need it, NO, but after working my butt off for years I wanted it. So I got it, $4,000 and it was worth it for the enjoyment I get out of it. If you can afford it , go for it, nobody's business. I enjoy your videos. Thanks

Love your channel Brent............... I learn and often laugh at each new video. You're genuine, fun and an exceptionally talented artist. Never change anything about how you present yourself. It's perfect!!!!

Guitars and cameras, a man after my own heart.

A good rule of thumb I've always used for myself and told others when it comes to what camera equipment to buy is - always buy the best you can afford. Everything else is irrelevant. It all comes down to what we want and what we can afford. I recently bought a Nikon Z8 camera and a Nikon 600mm F/4E lens so I could better take wildlife photos because that's what I wanted. I currently shoot primarily migratory birds.

One of the things I love about photography as an art form is the left/right brain integration of highly technical shit and artistic composition and viewing the world through the cameras viewpoint. Wildlife, be it insects or huge mammals inthralls me soo much to learn and understand about how they are in this plants ecosystem.

Life is too short. I just bought a Leica for my travels. Do I need it? No. Will it make me better? No. Do I enjoy using it? Hell yeah. I’m about to turn 50. I don’t want the back half of my life wanting a Leica. Is it over priced? Maybe. Do I regret it? No. I’m not rich so it was a sacrifice for me. I got one life and if I spend a little extra on something I truly love using then so be it.

Barely 5 minutes into this video. Gear DOES MATTER! You’re a professional photographer, quality is job 1 (to borrow a phrase.) I’m just an amateur and I can see the difference between various cameras or lenses. You can get far better results from this 500 f4 with a 1.4x TC than you ever would with say, an 800 f11. Thanks for your diligence and expertise and your videos! Especially your videos 👍 Edit: just finished watching the whole video. Amen brother!

My thinking on my 100-500mm is exactly the same: I wanted it, and I am very happy. After 4 months, I am just as happy. It makes me happy. I don't see that changing for probably a very long time. (I, too, could barely afford it, and I had to sell most of my lenses to get it. No regrets whatsoever.) I'm sensitive to the feelings of my friends who can't afford such a thing and do not talk about or even mention my lens unless they ask, but that's what being a friend is. Did I *need* this lens? No. Although: define "need". Does "really want it, it'll make me happy" qualify as "need"? Technically, no, but also maybe yes for other, unquantifiable (but still exceedingly important) reasons. Thanks for another excellent video. Very helpful mentoring on your part. (And it is mentoring, when you think about it.)

You don’t have to justify your equipment to anyone but yourself. I rented one for Bosque del Apache last winter. It was my 1st experience with the 500 F4 and I got some images that justified the rental for me. In the past at BDA I have used a 100-400 and 100-500 . At one evening fly in to the roost pond by the road to the entrance I was fortunate enough to meet you for a few minutes. Again what ever works for you as an individual is all that matters. You do you and enjoy the experience out there taking images .

When I was young, I had a Saturn V model. Your 500mm/f4 reminded me of it. 😉 Excellent video; too many armchair critics like to throw stones at others instead of getting out and doing the work to improve themselves and their craft. I've found that I do better and am happier if I don't emphasise comparing myself to others but rather focus on growing relative to my "past self." (That doesn't mean "don't learn from others", that would be silly.) Happy to have found your channel via Fstoppers! 👍

What do you need for wildlife: If you are not professional and want to pursue wildlife as hobby, you don't really NEED much anything. You need will to learn, you need patience, if you want to do wildlife photography - you need some kind of camera on top of that. But that doesn't mean good gear doesn't make a difference, one just needs to know his/hers financial limits and what do they wish to achieve. Great video btw! :)

I have health issues and getting on my knees and prone on the ground is not in the cards right now but I still get the best images I can get. Do not regret what you have for what others say. I enjoy you channel!

Being an electrician for 20+ years I needed the right tools to do my job, and that goes for any job that requires tools to be successful at one's job/career. Photography is no different. I think some people are just envious or jealous of others successes in life, but with success people don't always see the sacrifices that were made to get to that point because maybe they didn't or couldn't put forth the effort or willingness to sacrifice something. It's no ones business what you spend your money on. Being a "hobbyist" photographer I spent many years (14) with gear that I could barely afford and really wasn't even higher end gear, mostly apsc bodies, but I did the best I could with what I had and it was more about the adventure of getting out and being able to capture the things I enjoy doing and sharing it with family or friends. Capturing moments of when my kids were in school doing things. I'm better off financially now than when I was younger, struggling with a career, raising kids, life stuff and I've finally been able to get some nice decent gear and did I need it as a hobbyist? No not really, but I wanted it!!! LOL. I can afford it and I'm not explaining that decision to no one that doesn't matter in my life!!! That new lens you bought IS next level compared to a RF100-500 and if it helps you make more money I say buy 2 of them!! One for each camera!! Appreciate your channel Brent. I hope someday we can meet as you seem like a cool person and I really want to get down to NM at some point. Take care man, hope the shoulder is doing better, mine after a year from surgery is doing great and I'm thankful for that.

I'm retired. I spend a lot of time with wildlife photography. I use a canon t7 and mostly a canon 75-300mm. I been doing photography for over 50 years professionally and casually. I have what my budget can handle. When it comes to gear the best gear you have and use.

Brilliant quality rambling. More of this please!

I have seen your photos improve since you have it. And I'm glad you have it. Happy for you !

I 100% agreed! I recently purchased a second hand 500f4II as well. Do I NEED it? Absolutely not. Is it a bit insane? Probably. But I don't give a crap, I love it, I enjoy using it, it's giving me great results for wildlife and deep sky astro, so I'm happy, which is the point in my book :)

Love your videos Bro!!!

Tools of the trade - as a PROFESSIONAL photographer who makes his living in this industry quality pro gear gives you the edge pure and simple.

Great video. I own a canon R5 and have RF100-500. I feel my photos are pretty good. But I feel that a RF 500 prime would take it to the next level. I started using an RF 85 1.2 and it makes my portraits really pop. So when I saw how it changed portrait photos for me. It confirmed my thoughts on how a prime 500 would really up my game.

Image quality is like a chain. Every aspect of photography (knowledge, abilities, equipment) is a link. The quality of your work will be as good as your weakest link. Improving your weakest link will unlock new, previously unused strenghts in your other links. We need to identify your weakest link and work on it.

Different people have different toys. Some spend $80,000 plus on a car. Some a fishing boat. I bought my first and only somewhat pricey lens. I have saved money and after going through a number of health issues in the last few years. I decided that since I will have money left over to take of living, I will own one nice lens. The Olympus 150-400 f/4.5 lens. I am still getting over paying that much for a lens. I do not regret it and it allows me to get better images that I would either not get or making it very difficult to get. What I find sad, is that we see so many with much more expensive gear and are clueless on using it.

re: doing photography with a phone, I've taken surprisingly nice macro flora shots with S23 Ultra. That phone camera might have a small sensor, but still, in full sunlight, it can hold its own. And you have that phone always on you, so.

I have dropped using big and heavy Lenses, now I only use compact and Light weight gear, it makes every thing so much easier and it is a joy.

I enjoy your videos and appreciated your perspective on this topic. It sounds like you’re saying it’s not necessarily the gear that improves your photography, it’s the experience. Thx for inspiring me to get out there more.

You were right from the start. What people think is not your business. Your choices are your own. Your deep knowledge of the habits of your subject helps you to predict what they are going to do next, and ultimately get that great shot. People who wait aimlessly for something to happen, are usually too late when it does. Keep up the great work.

Great points and very well put. Thanks Brent.

Well said Brent. I have photo as a hobby, and never earned money of it. I have it just because of fun, and that I like hunting birds, dear, doing macro, or find the right landscape and the right light. Im also retired, so I cant always afford the gear I want, ending up with less costly gear. A lot of my lenses for landscaps are cheap, but good, manual lenses. But thats fine with me, as long as I got the shots I wants and having fun at the some time. I have been in this game since the 1970s, so I have no problem getting the best out of my gear. And in the end, is not the gear but the person behind it whos matter.

Thank you for your video. I have been deliberating about the 200-800. I's a maybe at this stage, There is one thing that I find annoying though and quite a few wild life photographers videos say the same thing. You want Canon to make an Arca Swiss fitting on the lens collar of their lenses. This would make the fitting unusable for a lot of people. I have 2 tripods, one is with the Manfrotto quick release and the other is Arca Swiss. It is easy enough to just screw on the Arca Swiss fitting and leave it there if that's what you want. I personally prefer the Manfrotto quick release fitting, but I use both. Just remember that not everyone has the Arca fitting on their tripod heads. I think Canon is doing the right thing here.

It depends. I am a “budget” wildlife shooter. Its a hobby. I live on a small holding so most of my best opportunities are right here at home. Owls, falons, egrets, mongooses, hares , many bird species etc. Big 5 etc is a weekend trip. I have been shooting for some time so have built up a collection of gear. R7 , EF 100-400 ii L, EF 500 is L (mk1), some short primes, EX580 ii with fresnel attachment, tripods… it adds up even though most lenses were bought used. Probably about USD 6500 all in , but this is over about 8 years. So, still costly. But I am happy with the gear. I am the limit in the system. Still… hunting is less costly!

I'd say what you want, or need, is totally up to you. I really want a 200-800, but zero availability right now, AND I can't really afford one right now anyway. I did always want a Big White lens... until the last couple of years. But now, with the advent of mirrorless cameras {how well they work with 'slow' lenses} and the new Noise removal programs, such as DXO Pure RAW, Topaz, etc, I really just don't even want a Big White anymore. But to whoever can afford one, owns one, and is having fun using one, that's awesome :) I'm truly happy for them :) Oh but hey, even though I can't afford a 200-800 right now, I can afford a 30 day, cross country birding trip, staring in April :) Hoping to take 20-30K shots, including a bunch of lifers :) Whoo Hoo ! :)

Well said. Appreciate the insights you give in your videos… too many people worried about other peoples wants / needs when they’re different from their own. Just focus on yourself

As a serious hobbyist photographer I have had strangers claim I don't need my R5 that's for professionals. I don't need my RF 100-500... (or any other of my RF L-series glass). What I really don't need is a strangers permission on what I should or shouldn't spend my money on.

At the end of the day you don't "need" any expensive pieces of gear etc because you can take photos with any body and lens combo though obviously some bodies/lenses will help you get better results when coupled with the right fieldcraft and knowledge. However it's nobody's business what any photographer wants to use and I personally wouldn't judge someone based on the gear they want to use as it really doesn't affect me or my photography journey. As I write this I've been without a camera for over a year as my motivation died but I'm now looking at the market to see what's available in my budget.

Nice video! You make some very good points. I watched a car review video earlier this week where the woman reviewer was criticized heavily in the comments for not wiping down the car for part of the shoot. She did explain that she was lucky both to borrow the car and then get last minute permission to shoot in front of a famous car museum. I am assuming that she had to drive over in crappy weather and then, with it not being her car, she didn’t have what she needed to wipe down the dirty car. Some of the comments were needlessly rude. I tend to agonize over gear purchases when, most of the time, I will be happy with whatever I decide. I shoot OM Systems for the last couple of years and I really enjoy it and am getting nice results. I have a really sore shoulder so I probably will never carry a really heavy lens again. My 300mm F4 Pro is incredibly sharp and works well with both TCs. At a bit over 3 lbs I can carry it all day. I do miss a zoom though and find myself lusting after the OMS 150400 F4.5Pro with built-in TC for $7500. It is the perfect wildlife lens. 1000mm equivalent at F5.6 and just over 4 lbs with internal zoom and is well balanced compared to most long lenses. I can afford it and actually had it on order for over a year but after some financial challenges due to family and health I find it harder to justify the cost of that lens. The zoom is not faster and not that much longer than my 600mm effective prime. I have only missed a few shots in my 14 months because of the lens not being a zoom. I have to say that those few shots do tend to bother me. I think that I am generally getting everything out of my gear it has taken a while to get to this point. My lack of animal behavior skills and willingness to be uncomfortable are holding me back some now. At some point maybe upgrading the gear will be easier or I decide that is what I want to do with my money. We’ll see.

I have to say though Brent - the gear snobbery goes both ways - especially with wide aperture lenses. There is an endless line of folks making the rounds on social media who endlessly promote and advise folks to buy 1.4 and 1.8 lenses who want to take pictures of their kids playing high school basketball. They certainly have their purpose but with today's cameras it just isn't necessary. What's worse are the endless recommendations for people who have never handled a camera to go buy an R6ii or R5. Then they show up in the facebook groups trashing the camera because it doesn't work right! Thanks for using your voice to add some sense to this. A lot of this is caused by social media photographers who post their 1 out of a 1000 photos and make people think that if they just buy that camera, they can take that picture. Its exactly the same in the guitar world and I imagine the same everywhere else too. Rick Beato said once that people who make negative comments on his channel are actually making that comment about themselves. That's a great way to think about it.

I'm sure that if that person received that lens as a gift, he would change his mind. As you said, many people try to conceal the caft that they cannot buy something by saying they don't need it or the don't want it. Truth is: any wildlife photographer would love the ultimate lens/camera combo. I'm happy with the equipment I currently have, but yes, I'd love to have a better lens and camera. Does that make me unhappy? No, I still enjoy what I have.

Brent what you brought is an amazing lens and w hat the hell does it have to do with anything else your choice mate take no notice

Mostly for birds, on R5, I have stuck with EF 100-400mm until I can swing the EF 500 f4. I love using whatever I have. When I have upgraded in the past, I always love the upgrade, but I am content whenever im out in nature.

Ironically enough my Nikon 500mm f4 FL (latest version) arrived today. I stressed so much over this purchase. Got it used for a killer deal but still was causing my anxiety. Got it. Played with it…thinking about marrying it. It is a dream lens. Keep shooting!

i found using the same dress i used archery and spring gobbler hunting replacing the bow and gun with a camera with the camo dress etc. i got my best pictures

Your money your business! People are always going to criticize and be jealous!! You be you!!!

Brent, don't sweat it. You use what you can afford and or want. Having been in photography for 50 years, I scraped together $200 to afford my first camera, at some point later in life I didn't even have a camera because I couldn't afford it. Now later in life I can pretty much afford anything I would desire. I have a mixed bag of affordable and expensive camera gear, because those pieces of gear suit my workflow and lifestyle. Just blow it off and keep up the great work.

I finally got my hands on a 50 - 500 for Pentax and she's chunky and for me does very good photography for landscape and for wildlife so long as I can hold the beast and shooting at 1/800 of a second since I am using a Pentax k-70 you know it's got a small crop sensor 1.5 and it does quite well at least for me And I bought it brand new unused in a eBay equity auction for just a little over $800

I think what people don’t consider is these things can be bought on monthly payments. I canceled a bunch of subscriptions while I paid off my first camera, it was like $30 a month. It’s not like you are buying a 500mm f4 every year.

I was always told to buy the best that you can afford, that fits the camera of your preferred manufacturer, I would love to be able to spend £7000 + on a top notch lens, but I got myself a £1000 + second hand lens and get some decent results. It's just people being jealous of what they would like to afford, the best thing people could do is the best they can with the equipment they have

You can make some of the people happy some of the time… And that holds true no matter what you do or say! I always ask myself… Is it going to benefit me… and if I can honestly say yes, then I’m happy with that decision! No matter what anyone else thinks! Lodah!

Hugh over at 'Three Blind Men and an Elephant" is a big Leica fan, and I once left a comment on one of their videos saying if I won the lottery and had millions of dollars, I still wouldn't buy a Leica SL2(or 3, or whatever is out at the time), but I DO own guitars that are WAY more expensive than they really need to be, so I understand the value of feeling inspired. Also, the RF 100-400 is fantastic. I think the only other lens that's a good bang-for-buck in the wildlife space is the Panasonic 100-300 for micro-4/3. They're both about $400 used, $600 new, and both sharp enough for most people. I've gotten great shots I'm still proud of with both.

To get results, you've got to put in the work...

Totally agree on being happy and having things that sometimes are not justified. I will soon have a f4 600. Is it needed.. nope... but I sure do want one and I work hard...so why not

I've been filming since 1990 I love it I took over 1million qtp,ooo photos but I love it want back in birding

Your videos are amazing and I love seeing to variety of gear & how it’s used. You worked hard to get that lens

Salute and respect from Ontario, Canada! Watched this video on our TV within an hour of its uploading. We think this lens is also used by Duade Paton, vlogger from Australia. People should appreciate the gear used by others. Since we cannot afford all, we experience the gear used by others vicariously.

I started with a canon 700d and 70-300mm usm Mark 1 ,and I have some pictures that I am proud of so ...

I hope we see day where photographers can find the joy in photography again and not be so heavily invested in their gear and whst others are using but in the experience. Crazy thing is those same people who complain about gear, when confronted in the field with other photographers, its never about gear. Its about the Joy of photography. Weird how that happens. I only meet folks who complain about gear is online. On location and In the field its like all of that goes away. Great topic, Brent. You're 100% right. The longer we can stay out there the better.

You don't NEED that lens!!! Just kidding. Buy whatever you feel you need or want Brent!! I think it's cool you've worked so hard to be able to afford niceties!! Great job, my friend! At some point, I'll be able to afford some niceties, too, and that's my business as well! But in the meantime, I'll just enjoy watching you ( and others ) play with their big boy toys and dream of the day I will be able to afford such toys for myself. But until then I'll just amuse myself with the gear I've been blessed enough to acquire!! Please, Brent, don't let the naysayers bring you down as you seem to be a ZEN individual, and those people don't deserve the energy or time it takes to effectively " enable" them!! Great video, my friend!!

Nice guitar collection! Love this video Brent. Without preaching you're telling it like it is. BTW, I thought that last video was great. The underlying humor in your "complaining" about forgetting the teleconverter made me laugh. You are so correct about wildlife. It's similar to sports in that you need to know the game/wildlife and the associated behaviors so you can anticipate the action. Then, you need to be vigilant and patient. I don't have a long enough focal length lens to do all kinds of wildlife in the wild, so I'm starting by going to places that either have a blind or where the wildlife won't be as easily spooked. "...this is like a gateway drug..' Oh, man, that is a spot on comment. I got started with my Google Pixel 2XL doing hiking photography. One thing that is great about phone photography is that it allows you to learn composition because all of the technical stuff is done by the device. Ha! A lot of people don't understand physics. Just watch them drive. LOL! Really glad I found your channel. Thanks and have a great week!

Great video ----I get as good as anybody, on a bright day with Sony Rx10 iv Bridge camera

your life, your money! Until you try something for yourself, you just don't know! We all have our own opinions and I am glad that you are able to disregard negative comments!

Keyboard warriors!!!!

I think it boils down to people just being jealous. Would I like to have a lens like that? Absolutely, but for the forseeable future my budget says no. I have the Sigma 150-600 & I am happy with it, it does what I want it to. You're right, what other people think of you & or your purchases is none of your business. Just be you.

Well said Brent

Love your philosophy, Brent!

Great video! Most great wildlife photos are from professionals or those retirees. It's not all about equipment, experience, patience, lucks, it's about the time, a lot of time, 24/7! Those who invest heavily and think they can get extraordinary photos as others when they only have a few hours to shoot per week or month, need to think it again.

What lens and how much it cost is secondary. The key for purchasing gears, is how often do we use it. Period. Your hard earn money, you are the best man for the job! Keep it up!! 😊

Brent, there are a lot of trolls out there. Love your videos so don't let them change. As for the lens, or a camera. If you want it go for it. Its no one elses choice or business but your own. This person was just jelous. You do great work and if this works for you and no regrets then thats perfect and good for you. Keep doing what you want and if others don't like it, give it the energy it needs (none).

We all have our own criteria as to what we need, or at least want - but don’t need to justify to anyone if we are buying with our own money. Also as far as camera gear for wildlife photography, it depends a lot on what type of images we are trying to produce. It is possible to shoot with gear costing under $2k, but for best possible results $20k may be the cost.

Love watching your channel. You are great.

As soon as you Asked that question, Even before you went into all that defense mode so to speak, I stopped the video and went to the comments. My answer to those kind of people is always "you Do you, i do me". End of story. Yes, They took some amazing photos using film But we advanced since than so why not do the best we can for ourselves? why not get the best and most expensive equipment we could? It's that simple. Don't let anybody get under your skin. ever. I love your channel.The way you speak your truth, the simpublicity, it is a lot Of fun and please keep on doing what you do Best, just being you. Now I could get back to finishing the video😊

I am here to take part of the knowledge and experiences you generous share with us. What gear you are using is *not* in focus. In the end it's all about the picture, right? Keep up the great work ❤

Great video and thank you for posting it. In keeping it real you should never justify why you have the lenses/cameras that you do. I fell into the same situation going from a very old and discontinued CANON T3 (12-megapixels) when i got back into photography to a 7D at a whopping 18 megapixels (back in the day) for the reason I love to shoot airshows and fast moving objects. I had to justify paying the price of the 7D. Now, I am a serious hobbyist in my passion for photography and until I got the R5 nobody questioned my sanity over what gear I had, unitl I learned of the R5 when it first came out. My girlfriend and friends started questioning why I needed such an expensive camera if my 7D and my gifted RP have an inch of dust on them. Well, i work 12 hour days for an engineering company up here in the Pacific Northwest, was traveling for business for a while and had no time to get out and take pictures as much as other people can. Sorry I am yapping here but long story short...I saved my overtime money for two years to get this R5. I never tapped into the budget money, the rent money or the money needed for bills, food...etc. I waited two years and I did it. Ive had my R5 for about two weeks now and am loving it. My next investment is going to be the 100-500 lens that I will use for wildlife pictures. But to me the main reason I invested in this new mirrorles gear is because its my passion, what gets me away from work and the demands I have thrown on me. Photography keeps me sane and lets me "refocus" mentally as well. I may not have a reason for a 12K RF 600 lens but my 3K investment in my R5 and soon the 100-500 lens will help me get better pictures and the mirrorless tech is amazing. I still love and use my 7D though. I hope this makes sense as photography is more then just taking pictures, its my get away from work and get back to nature, the outdoors and great way to clear the mind. I know you do your photography at a higher level then me, but does your photography help you "refocus" as well? Thank you for your time.

Well said about the psychological aspect. My experience with wildlife forums and comment sections is: people with zoom lens arguing that their lens is just as good as a prime or that it's unnecessary to have a prime... and then on the other side, it's people who own primes trying to justify owning one and saying it blows a zoom out of the water. It's quite interesting to watch... and I have been on both sides, so I definitely know it to be true. Here's what really matters... do you enjoy what you do? Does the gear you have work for you? Whether you have a $2,000 setup or a $20,000 setup, do you enjoy it and do you have fun? That is why we do it, right? I do own a 600 f4 and it wads worth every penny for me, I absolutely love it and it's the best piece of glass I've ever owned. Does that mean my old zoom lens was junk? Heck no, I got some amazing photos with it and still own that lens. Do what makes you happy. Buy the lens or don't buy the lens... but we should also let others do whatever they want to do without judgment. Get out in the woods and make some great photos!

Get whatever you want 😅 some people 😅I've got the 2008 AFS 500 4 Nikkor when it came out and barely used it and still have it 😊 maybe use it on my camera channel one day 😊

Feels like you're listening to the negative comments too much. You know what you're doing so just keep on going

don't worry. be happy. I don't want gear to be the obstacle. I stopped smoking ~10y ago. This is compensation LOL.

All i can say: Great Video and well said. I love your Channel and your attitude.

Its a hobby that we enjoy (unless it is also your job). I enjoy landscape photography and I'm also amazed by wildlife, and so that cheap RF 100-400 actually works really well for me. I'd love to have a bigger telephoto for wildlife, but I can't afford that and I am totally OK with that. One man's "trash" is another man's "treasure"... and all that.

I know it's easy to say, but...ignore the haters. The gear you have MIGHT depreciate by about 100-200 per month (probably less). That is what many people spend at Starbucks. The gear helps you get to a state of joy that Starbucks will not. Enough said.

Thanks Mick Jagger! I used to have that song on the backside of a 45.

All I can say is my good man Glad you got the lens that you want and you make very good use of it I mean come on now look at your photographs absolutely stunning so why not

Hi Brent, you are a pro photographer. Cameras and lens are tools are your tools of the trade, buy and use whatever you like. love your videos, I just want to hear play one of guitars.

Everyday I go out with my R5 and my 500F4II I praise the day I traded in my 100-500. Every....time. No regrets. You needed that prime because are you gonna offer workshops to clients that show up with primes like that and there you are struggling to get the that F7.1 to focus on the subject or the damn viewfinder is black and you need to raise the ISO to 6400 just to get a picture in the viewfinder? I'm happy with my prime because I go out early mornings and what I'm paying for is peace of mind. I want my gear to work in the condions I operate. Sometimws it's small birds in heavy foliage or sometimes a Northern Harrier gliding over high grass. I want shallow depth of field, because I want the AF to lock on right away and I want a cleaner background.

As a person that can't afford that at all I confirm it legit doesn't matter. There is a use for it, that's why it exists. I think the teams that work on these are people that are passionate about this art and think of everything when designing these products. Regardless of price, there's a use for it 😂

Getting back into photography recently. So much to forget, so much to learn, yet so much the same. I cannot justify the expense, though I can afford, the big new glass. I did limit myself, choosing Pentax DSLRs. I had lenses from the 90s, which I really cannot use. I've bought a few specific lenses, that I used in the military in the 80s. Getting more comfortable with them again, but patience is no longer my Forte. I'm choosing to have fun, make it fun. And, I get to hang out with a good friend, that DOES make a living at wildlife photography. I'll be out this weekend with him...

I would love to have a Nikon Z9 with an assortment of fast lenses from 14mm to 1200 mm can't afford them, but I am very happy for everyone who can. My D810 is not Z9, but it has taken some OK photographs however, Z9 would be much better. Nikon if you are reading let's talk. :)

I started out using my phone, even for wildlife, I never really got anything I was truly happy with apart from landscapes and the odd really close up shot of tame birds, however it started the passion, now im on a DLSR and sigma 150-600, while I save up for one of the new mirrorless cameras and some lenses. By the time I can afford that stuff, Im hoping I will have mastered my gear and getting the best out of it, It may take me years but I love it!

"Gear doesn't matter, until it does" is one of my favorite mantras also. Yes, I have as much GAS as the next guy. But I know my limitations, especially my financial ones. I have the best gear I can afford, and I'm happy with it.

Like your quote about happiness 😊😊😊

Very interesting, very useful, and very inspiring. Subscribed.

Great question answering. Greets Stefan

I think people should spend more time and energy focused inwards vs outwards. Meaning stop worrying about what someone else has, is doing and focus on building their own self and investing their self development. I shoot with a Lumix GH6 and a Leica 100-400. Nearly everyone I come across out in the refuge has "something better." R5, R6, Z8,Z9 600f4, 800mm... I'm always like "nice setup!" And go on about my business. I'll upgrade when I can and until then I will learn how to get every little bit out of what I have. I spend 10 hours a week or more out looking for photo ops, on top of a 50 hour a week day job. I just worry about me, being better than last week and having a blast while doing my best

I first spent 100£ on a film compact camera and borrowed my dad’s video… went to sabi sands 22 years ago… our footage was shocking..my advice to anyone going to any proper locations is get at least get a good lens or 2and a modern camera…on our latest trip so many people with iPhone thinking there getting life time memories…it just doesn’t work

I agree exactly either your thoughts and well said. I am guessing that person can’t afford better gear, and, or, is willing to put in the effort you do. It takes patience, knowledge of your subject, and many hours in the field. Too many people want instant gratification. Too many people are unhappy unless they come back with an excellent photo. Until they learn to enjoy simply being out in nature, and not so focused on a final product, they will never be happy. You may not call yourself a wildlife photographer, but the wildlife photos you post are National Geographic quality!