photography gear for wildlife

Travel Day. Goodbye Baja… Sort of.

May 24 – Travel Day
I'm headed home! It’s wild how fast these past four weeks have flown by—packed with magic, incredible wildlife, wild weather, and unforgettable moments shared with amazing people. I feel so lucky and humbled that this is my job. That I get to introduce people to wildlife, help them along their photography journey, and tell stories through it all.

Now I’m sitting here thinking: what are they seeing out in Baja’s waters today?

Actually—never mind. I probably don’t want to know… FOMO is real.

I already miss Baja, but thankfully I’ll be back in just two weeks. This is a short break. Originally, I was supposed to head to Africa to swim with Nile crocodiles, but that trip has been postponed until later. More on that another time.

For now, I’m going to recharge with some much-needed family time, do laundry, get some fresh merchandise made (I’m out of ball caps and my SDM t-shirts are worn to death), and then head back to Baja—because I’ve got unfinished business.

Top of the list? Orcas hunting mobula rays. That’s the moment we’re after.

We did witness them kill and eat a mola mola, which was incredible to see. Felt bad for the mola—but that’s the circle of life.

In the ocean, something is always eating something else. Molas have to eat, and so do orcas.

I woke up at 5 a.m. today to drive two hours to the airport and drop off our trusty van, Beluga. She was good to us—reliable, sturdy, and part of the team.

I always feel a little guilty peeling off the Tibby sticker from her nose before returning her to the rental company. I know it sounds strange to get sentimental about a van, but I really believe things carry meaning. Maybe not a heartbeat like ours, but they have a kind of spirit—especially when they’ve carried you through an adventure.

During this short break, I’ll be editing a few YouTube videos, writing daily blogs, and sharing behind-the-lens stories from our time in Baja—including what it took to get specific shots.

Right now, I’m sitting in the Houston airport, waiting for one last flight home… and still wondering what they saw out there today in Baja.

Damn it. I really don’t want to know... but yeah, I do.

Choosing the Right Camera: Speed, Durability, and Low-Light Performance

This is part three of a six part blog photography series.

When photographing predators, your camera needs to be fast, reliable, and capable of handling tough conditions. Here’s what to look for:

  • Fast Autofocus & Tracking – Predators rarely stay still. A camera with high-speed autofocus and excellent subject tracking is crucial.

  • High Frames Per Second (FPS) – The more frames per second, the more chances you have to capture the perfect moment. At least 10 FPS is ideal.

  • Great Low-Light Performance – Many predators are most active at dawn, dusk, or in the shadows. A camera with a high ISO range and minimal noise at high ISO is essential.

  • Weather Sealing – Whether you're in freezing temperatures, humid jungles, or dusty savannahs, your gear needs to survive the elements.

Top Camera Choices for Predator Photography

  • Canon EOS R5 / R3 – Excellent autofocus, 20+ FPS, and superb animal tracking.

  • Nikon Z9 – Fastest mirrorless AF, 20+ FPS, and built like a tank.

  • Sony A1 / A9 II – Unmatched tracking speed with high FPS.

  • Fujifilm X-H2S – Budget-friendly, fast AF, and great for travel photographers.

DSLRs still hold their ground too—Canon 1DX Mark III, Nikon D6, and Sony A99 II are great for wildlife… but mirrorless is the future due to its silent shooting, better tracking, and lightweight build.

The Best Lenses for Predator Photography
Zoom vs. Prime

Predators won’t let you get close… even though you want too, you really should not. A good telephoto lens keeps you at a safe distance while still filling the frame with incredible detail.

Zoom Lenses (Most Versatile and travel friendly Choice)

Zoom lenses give you flexibility—which is crucial when photographing unpredictable wildlife.

🔹 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 – Great balance between reach and portability. Perfect for handheld shots.
🔹 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 – Excellent for open landscapes, safaris, and birds of prey.
🔹 150-600mm f/5-6.3 – Affordable, great reach, and works well for handheld shooting.

Best for: Safaris, hiking with gear, general predator photography.

Prime Lenses (Best Image Quality & Low-Light Performance)

Prime lenses deliver the sharpest images, but they require commitment to a fixed focal length.

🔹 400mm f/2.8 – The gold standard for wildlife. Incredible sharpness, amazing bokeh, but heavy.
🔹 500mm f/4 / 600mm f/4 – Best for open spaces and birds of prey, but too large for handheld use.

Best for: Professional wildlife photographers, low-light shooting, and working from a fixed position (like a safari truck or hide).

What’s the Best Lens?

If you only take one: A 100-400mm or 200-600mm gives you versatility and reach.
For working professionals: A 400mm f/2.8 + a 600mm f/4 covers everything.

Tripods vs. Handheld: Which is Best for Predator Photography?

  • Handheld Shooting – Best for bears, wolves, and fast-moving predators. Requires good technique and image stabilization.

  • Tripods / Monopods – Essential for longer prime lenses (600mm+) or when shooting in a stationary position (safaris, hides, blinds).

For safaris, a bean bag for camera stabilization is more useful than a tripod since vehicles move constantly. Gimbal heads are also great for smooth panning shots.

Must-Have Accessories for Predator Photography

Great gear doesn’t stop at cameras and lenses. These tools enhance your shooting experience and keep you prepared.

  • Teleconverters (1.4x or 2x) – Extend your zoom range without carrying extra lenses.

  • Extra Batteries & Memory Cards – Cold weather, long days—you’ll need them.

  • Rain Covers & Lens Coats – Protection from dust, rain, and scratches.

  • Polarizing & ND Filters – Control reflections on water or bright snow.

  • Remote Shutter Releases & Camera Traps – Essential for setting up remote shots of elusive predators. Camera trap photography will be part of a future blog series.

Shooting in the Wild: Preparing for the Conditions

Bears in the Wilderness

  • You may be hiking for miles with gear—lightweight equipment is crucial.

  • You’ll shoot handheld most of the time—a 100-400mm or 200-600mm is ideal.

  • Low light can be a challenge—a fast prime lens is useful for dawn and dusk.

Lions & Big Cats on Safari

  • You’ll be in a vehicle—a monopod or bean bag for stability is a game-changer.

  • You’ll want zoom flexibility—100-400mm or 200-600mm is best.

  • Expect harsh light—ND filters help in bright African sun.

But in the end, the best gear is the one that lets you capture the shot when the moment happens.

Because when a bear locks eyes with you, or a lion stares down your lens, you don’t have time to adjust.

You just have to be ready.