Russell Donkin

Hi! My name is Russell Donkin and I live in Western Australia. The subjects that I like photographing are quite varied but I have developed a strong interest in the photography of birds.

I have always had a camera but since joining a camera club (guide) I have had the opportunity to experiment and develop my own distinctive style.

All my camera equipment is totally Canon; bar one lens. I bought my first digital camera many years ago, followed soon after by my first L series lens. I chose Canon as they were a well-respected brand with a huge range of lenses to grow into and who could not love Canon Colour!

Cameras

Canon EOS R – My portrait camera. Love the flip screen, eye focus and it can take great portraits at many varied angles (great for grandkids).

Canon D7 Mark II – The camera I use for 90% of my bird photography. It is fast, accurate, great ergonomics and tough!

Canon 5D Mark IV – This is my travel camera for general photography. Upgraded from the Mark II as it had live view, higher megapixels etc.

Lenses

Canon 24-105mm L f/4 – My first L series. Great all round lens – if I only had one lens to travel with, this would be the one I take as it is as sharp as a tack!

Canon 16-35mm L III f/2.8 – Brilliant for wide angle shots, bright lens and sharp.

Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L II – The lens I use 95% of the time for bird photography. Great colours, sharp and with great ‘reach’ when used on the Canon D7 Mark II.

Canon 70-200mm f/4 IS L – Quite versatile for landscape photography and when the 100-400mm won’t fit in the camera bag.

Sigma 50mm Art f/1.4 – Used in conjunction with the Canon EOS R for portraits – very sharp, nice bokeh and with such a narrow depth of field it can add a brilliant artistic bend to some photos.

Lights/Triggers

Canon 600 EX-RT – Used rarely but very versatile.

Bags/Straps

Lowpro Pro-Tactic 350 AW – Very comfortable bag, quite versatile and not too big so I do not carry unnecessary gear.

Peak Design Slide Strap

Joby Pro-Sling Strap – Love it! Best way to carry a DSLR when trekking.

Tripods

Manfrotto 190 – Good value for money.

Hardware & Software

• Photoshop and Lightroom subscription.
• NIK
• Topaz

I do not use presets. I find that I use my own settings depending on the shot.

Misc.

Nisi Filters. Other items in my camera bag include Canon charger, Canon battery and lens cloths.

Always trying to see the end picture a little differently.

www.russelldonkinphotography.com.au | @russelldonkinphotography

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