The gear I use

Written By David Potts

I am lucky enough to have two cameras, both Nikon, although I hasten to add nothing has been purchased as new! I started out using the Nikon D3200 and this was an excellent starter camera. Not the most demanding of learning curves, and with much assistance from YouTube via various experts, I found myself looking for something a bit more challenging.

I then took a step up to the more advanced D5600 (the only camera I have ever purchased new). I continued on the YouTube tutorial path and I started to shoot a variety of scenes, over and above purely birds at a local RSPB. I was now capturing wildlife, landscapes and after purchasing some inexpensive filters tried my hand at long exposure - an altogether new world to me! Having tried it, decided not for me long term.

By this stage, I was finding an issue when trying to capture birds in flight, as the frame rate of the D5600 was just not sufficient. It was time for the big jump - the DSLR considered to be one of the best of all time - the Nikon D850. I knew it would be a challenge, as this is a full-frame 45MP beast. It is unforgiving, but when you get it right the rewards are excellent. I literally had the camera for about 48 hours and dropped it 2 feet onto the living room carpet, and in keeping with my great luck, the viewfinder was broken. To say I was gutted just doesn’t cover it. In it went for repair and in the interim I purchased a D300 for peanuts (not literally of course).

So, here we are now in November 2024 with the following equipment that allows me to capture anything from close up portraits to distant wildlife,

  • Nikon D850

  • Nikon Z6

  • Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.4G (the “Nifty Fifty”)

  • Viltrox Z mount 33mm f/1.4

  • Tamron 70-210mm f/4

  • Nikon Z mount DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3

  • Nikkor 300mm f/4 PF VR

  • Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

  • Nikon Teleconvertor 1.4x

  • Nikon Teleconvertor 2.0x

  • Nikon FTZII Adapter

I would also say that over time I have purchased loads of gadgets and gizmos, mainly things like tripods and tripod heads and also straps and a battery grip.

David Potts
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