In this conversation, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus discuss their first impressions of the Canon R5 Mark II camera. They highlight the improvements in design, ergonomics, and functionality, detailing the redesigned grip, and the addition of a pre-record feature to the video mode. They also discuss the new focusing system, write speeds, dynamic range and video capabilities. The conversation segues into answering listener questions, including a discussion about food prep for backcountry trips, the team’s thoughts on where to best podcast platforms for the show and lenses for Alaska and the pros and cons. The crew ends the episode by answering a great question, “What is everyone’s bucket list destination.” Of course, the team goes into great detail, so you’ll get various perspectives in this episode.

Listener Questions

@FairFXMike
What do you do on back-country trips for food prep?

@KurtVHummel
Should listeners listen to the podcasts or watch the video podcasts on YouTube?

@AndrewStevensonPhoto
Give some tips on lenses to carry for Alaska, especially the one Jason went on to photograph the fishing bears. Do you carry both lenses on a strap or a Cotton Carrier-like device? Or pack in a bag and unpack it for every encounter?

@JamesEvansPhotography
What is everyone’s bucket list destination?

Takeaways

The Canon R5 Mark II camera has several improvements in design, ergonomics, and functionality.

The camera features a redesigned grip and a pre-record feature, as well as faster focus and write speed.

The dynamic range and video capabilities of the camera have also been improved.

For backcountry trips, freeze-dried meals and portable cooking equipment are popular options. Using a gravity-fed water filter system is an efficient way to filter water in the backcountry.

Power bars, protein bars, and freeze-dried fruit are lightweight and convenient food options for camping.

Adding flavor to water with juice squeeze boxes can make it more enjoyable to drink and provide electrolytes.

Listeners can choose to listen to the podcast on their preferred platform, whether it's audio or video.

Interacting with and sharing the podcast helps support its growth and sustainability.

When carrying lenses for wildlife photography in Alaska, it's important to consider personal preferences and shooting styles.

Options for carrying lenses include using straps, a cotton carrier-like device, or a backpack.

Bucket list destinations for wildlife photography include Denali National Park, the Pantanal for Jaguars, Pumas in Chile, and various locations in Africa and Antarctica.

Sound Bites

"Canon R5 Mark II. We've been waiting so long."

"It feels more substantial."

"Now they've made it so that electronic shutter, those are actually adjusted speeds."

"The gravity fed from one of those bags to the second, it's fairly efficient too."

"Power bars and protein bars, there's so many different options."

"You can get these little flavored juice squeeze boxes, and it's just to squeeze a couple squirts into the Nalgene."

Chapters

01:00 Introduction and First Impressions
02:05 Design and Ergonomics
03:27 Improved Electronic Shutter
04:24 Pre-Record Feature
10:18 Enhanced Focus System
18:20 Positive Feedback for the Canon R5 Mark II
21:24 Pro Tip for Backcountry Trips
33:57 Water Filters and Food Options
34:58 Choosing the Right Platform
43:52 Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography
57:41 Bucket List Destinations

Thanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast.To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.

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Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.