ESSENTIAL GEAR
The kit David relies on for capturing pro-quality architectural shots
1 CANON TILT-SHIFT LENS
“My well-used Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II tilt-shift lens is an amazing optic,” reveals David. “With a large field of view, your camera can be set up level and square to buildings, and then the composition ‘shifted’ around in the viewfinder. This keeps those important verticals straight, just as the eye sees them, which is an essential look for professional architecture photography.”
2 CANON EXTENDER
“This little EF Extender 1.4x III is my secret weapon! I use this teleconverter to multiply the focal length of my favourite lenses to make them even more versatile. My TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II becomes a 35mm, and my EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM telephoto zoom becomes a 560mm at the long end!” says David. “I simply use the EF-EOS R mount adapter so that I can use the Extender and EF/TS-E lenses on my EOS R3 camera.”
3 TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS
David loves to use his Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens for closer compositions of parts of buildings, or to compress perspective to bring elements closer together – like the columns in the cloisters. “It’s super sharp and reliable, and in daylight outside I shoot at 400mm handheld at f/11 and get shake-free shots with Image Stabilization,” said David. “Inside the cathedral and cloisters I use a tripod.”
4 PRO MIRRORLESS CAMERA
David has always used Canon cameras, and last summer he upgraded to a top-of-the-line Canon EOS R3 mirrorless model. “With travel and architecture imagery seeming to be so well covered in today’s media world, I am diversifying into video,” he says. “The R3 is a proper professional hybrid camera that captures amazing photos and high-quality 6K video. I can shoot at 30fps, use the Eye Control AF and subject tracking, work at higher ISOs without worrying about noise, and record slow-motion videos in ultra-high detail. I also love features like the VariAngle screen – it’s perfect for taking shots of Salisbury Cathedral’s ceiling!”