This photographer spent 45 years chasing birds – here's the gear he swears by

Rainbow Lorikeet Nikon D810 w/ Nikkor 400mm F2.8 + 2.0x TC | F8 | 1/400 sec | ISO 3600 Photo: Lance Blackburn

If there's any class of creatures that deserves to be captured on camera in all its glory, it's birds. There are at least 11,000 known bird species across the planet and just as wide a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. As seen in the image above of the Rainbow Lorkeet, many birds carry intense and vibrant beauty across their feathers. Birds are a group of maniraptoran theropod dinosaurs with origins dating back at least 66 million years. They've had at least this much time to continue to evolve into some of the amazing species we see today.

Community member Lance Blackburn (aka Lance B in the forums) has taken some impressive bird photography over the years and is ready to share it with you in today's article. From starting out with a Pentax ME Super SLR decades ago to embracing modern mirrorless systems, his 45-year journey spans film, digital and mirrorless photography.

This story is part of our What's in your bag? community spotlight series. The series showcases the diverse gear and photography of our community, and shares their stories of how that gear helped them to capture the perfect shot.

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Meet Lance Blackburn (Lance B.)

Home base: Australia

Favorite camera and lens: Nikon Z8 paired with the Nikkor Z 600 TC and 135 F1.8 S Plena. Lance favors this setup for wildlife photography because it's lightweight for its class and includes a built-in teleconverter, giving him the flexibility to shoot at 600mm or extend to 840mm, perfect for capturing birds and other animals in their natural habitats.

Typical photo scenes: Lance primarily photographs birds, wildlife and landscapes within a few hours' drive from home, though he also travels overseas to capture unique bird habitats in places like Lord Howe Island, Australia. His work blends the exploration of raw nature with the diverse beauty of life in the air.

"I've been passionate about photography since I was 20, when I got my first Pentax ME Super SLR. My father's love for slides and film nights sparked my early interest, and I've carried that enthusiasm ever since. Life kept me from dedicating as much time as I wanted at first, but over the years, photography has become a vital part of my day."

While-bellied Sea Eagle catching a fish. Nikon D500 w/ Nikkor 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 @ 155mm | F5.6 | 1/2500 sec | ISO 360 Photo: Lance Blackburn

What's in Lance's bag

• Primary cameras: Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z9
• Lenses:
  • Nikon Z 14-30 F4 S
  • Nikon Z 14-24 F2.8 S
  • Nikon Z 24-70 F2.8 S
  • Nikon Z 24-120 F4 S
  • Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S
  • Nikon Z 100-400 F4.5-5.6 VR S
  • Nikon Z 180-600 F5.6-6.3 VR
  • Nikon Z 35 F1.2 S
  • Nikon Z 50 F1.2 S
  • Nikon Z 85 F1.2 S
  • Nikon Z 135 F1.8 S Plena
  • Nikon Z 600 F6.3 PF
  • Nikon Z 600 F4 TC VR S
  • Nikon Z 105 F2.8 MC
  • Nikon Z 1.4x TC
  • Nikon Z 2x TC
• Support gear: Lance uses a sturdy monopod paired with a gimbal head to manage heavy telephoto lenses while keeping mobility in the field. He also carries essential tools such as hex wrenches and a Leatherman for quick adjustments.
• Camera bags: "My camera bags are the Think Tank Backlight 18L, 26L or 36L. I choose between them depending on where and what I am photographing. I also have a few Lowepro bags that I use from time to time."

Lance's camera bag Photo: Lance Blackburn

What are your favorite pieces of gear?

"I have over 20 Nikon Z lenses that cover everything I love about photography, and they help me achieve the results I desire. The collection includes birding and animal lenses, landscape lenses, travel lenses and several others for more artistic endeavors."

"While my favorite lenses are the Z 600 TC and the 135 F1.8 Plena, all the lenses I own are superb, and I wouldn't want to do without any of them."

Any other interesting gear you take with you?

"It kind of depends on where I am going. If I know there are places to eat, I won't bring food. A water bottle always goes with me, and generally antiseptic wet wipes and a small towel. Depending on where I am going and the time of year, warm clothing and/or wet-weather gear are a smart thing to bring. I would also suggest bringing a few small tools, like an Allen key for tripod use."

Osprey with a catch. Nikon Z9 w/ Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR + 1.4x TC | F5.6 | 1/3200 sec | ISO 2200 Photo: Lance Blackburn

What got you started in photography?

"My father was into photography, mainly Super 8 film as well as still photography with slides and prints. I always loved those film nights we had as children, and that sowed the seed of interest."

"When I was about 20, I purchased my first 'real' camera, a Pentax ME Super SLR, and that got me hooked. However, I didn't have that much money back then, and I was busy with many other things, so my photography took a back seat. It was only when DSLRs became affordable in the early 2000's that I jumped into the hobby boots and all."

What's unique about photographing overseas locations?

"Every one of my trips overseas has been memorable. From visiting developing world countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand when they were developing countries, to the history and cultures of Europe and Japan.

Going to Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage Site, however, was a special treat. I got to photograph one of the world's rarest birds, the Lord Howe Island Woodhen, with fewer than 300 individuals left in its population.

Nankeen Kestrel preening itself. An endemic Kestrel native to Australia. Nikon D800 w/ Nikkor 500mm F4 + 1.4x TC | F8 | 1/3200 sec | ISO 1800 Photo: Lance Blackburn

What tips can you share for shooting rare birds?

"I like to shoot both alone and with others, depending on what and where I (or we) are going to see. Shooting birds alone is sometimes best, though, because extra people may scare them more easily. However, sometimes it is good to go with others for company and safety reasons. So, is the shot more important, or is the overall journey and experience with others more important to you?"

Sacred Kingfisher Nikon D810 w/ Nikkor 400mm F2.8 + 2.0x TC | F8 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 6400 Photo: Lance Blackburn

Lance really enjoyed writing the content for this spotlight article and would be grateful for you to join him in discussion in the forums. Thanks, Lance, for being featured!

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