Here is my ideal kit for rainforest photography for Canon. If money were no object, this is what you would find in my bag in Costa Rica.

Nikon DSLRs

I think Nikon currently has the best camera bodies out there for rainforest photography. Since high ISO performance is such a crucial issue for the rainforest photographer I like Nikon’s decision to keep their bodies around 12 megapixels rather than trying to cram more and more pixels into the sensor at the cost of high ISO noise as Canon has done. So, I would be super stoked to have the D3s in my bag. Unlike Canon, this full-frame body combines the best in image quality with pro-quality AF and frame rate. As a result, I would use this body for pretty much everything, turning to the D300s when I needed more reach for telephoto purposes. The D700 is nice too so I would definitely want one of those on hand but I’m guessing it would be relegated to a backup as the D3s and D300s would probably be the most useful combo to have on hand in the field.

Nikon D3s	Nikon D700	Nikon D300s
I’m amazed at the high ISO performance of this camera. ISO 6400 is actually of publishable quality. Frame rate, build, and great AF are all there too.	The Nikon D700 is a great camera body akin to the Canon 5DII but with the same MP count as the Nikon D3s. So, it’s a shame but this camera would stay home a lot.	Great feel to this body, and 12 MP means pretty good high ISO performance for a crop factor (1.5x) body. Even though the D700 has better IQ, the D300s would be with me a lot.

Nikon Lenses

I love the reduced weight of the new Canon 400 mm f2.8 so that made inclusion of that new lens a no-brainer on my Canon dream list. Nikon’s 400 mm f2.8 lens, however, is so heavy that I don’t think I would consider it. I do like the Nikon 200-400 zoom, a lens for which Canon doesn’t have an equivalent. Nonetheless, it’s not at it’s best with converters. So, having it and a 500 mm lens would make the most sense for Nikon.

Nikon 500 mm f4 VRII	Nikon 200-400 mm f4 VRII	Nikon 24-120 mm f4 VR
Big and heavy but razor sharp, this is a great lens for rainforest birds.	This is such a cool lens! Even though it’s not as sharp as a prime, it’s still good, and the zoom range is fantastic for rainforest wildlife.	Since I would have the 200-400, there are times when I could see taking the 24-120 mm along. It’s a great focal length for landscapes and even semi-macro.

Nikon 105 mm f2.8 VR macro	Nikon 14-24 mm f2.8	Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR
Again, I’m not so sold on the VR for macro but still, this is a great lens, and the one I would choose for rainforest macro.	Even though the filter system is awkward, I would have to have this lens. The legendary corner to corner sharpness is too good to pass up. I love the ultra wide zoom range too.	Though this lens overlaps the 24-120, I can see times when I want a longer lens for hiking but don’t want to take the heavy 200-400. This lens still performs well with a TC so, in the bag it goes.

Nikon Flash

Nikon’s flash system offers some great stuff. Though I think the interface is less intuitive and efficient in many ways than Canon’s, I love Nikon’s wireless macro flash (Canon’s version has cables — so last millenium!) and SU-800 flash controller (which I would always have along).

Nikon SB-900	Nikon SB-700	Nikon R1C1 Closeup Flash
This would be my main flash for wildlife work.	As I do with my Canon 430 EX Speedlites, I would have 2 to 4 along with me for hummingbirds and multiple flash macro and wildlife.	Way cool, this flash system allows for ultimate freedom in macro lighting with the wireless feature. And the ability to purchase additional flash heads is a nice bonus.