American Robin with Cherry Tree in the background. Fujifilm X-T3 w/ AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5. 6E PF ED VR | F5. 6 | 1/2400 sec | ISO 800Photo: Morris Altman AKA Morris0 Continuing our new series on photography and gear, DPReview community member Morris Altman (AKA Morris0) shares how a childhood curiosity sparked by his parents After more than fifty years behind the lens, his bag today reflects both experience and intentional simplicity: every piece has its place.
Apply to be featured in
'What's in your bag?'
Morris0's photography journey
Based in New York City, Morris0 spends much of his time photographing wildlife along the Eastern Flyway, a prime route for migratory birds. Avian subjects dominate his portfolio, though his award-winning work also spans mammals, flowers, landscapes, and even aviation.
"I worked hard to refine my knowledge of lighting and composition, both of which I had learned from my father. I’ve won awards for the following types of photography: avian, mammals, insects, flowers, landscape and aviation," he tells us.
"I worked hard to refine my knowledge of lighting and composition, both of which I had learned from my father. "
"As if I weren’t busy enough raising a family and working as an IT director, I also served as a school board president. I studied both computers and technical theater in college and even worked on Broadway as a lighting and sound designer. Today, I’m retired and loving it. I spend much of my time taking pictures and sharing what I’ve learned about photography. "
When did you get started in photography?
"I’ve been taking photos since I was seven years old, using my first camera, a Kodak Instamatic 127 with those crazy flash cubes. My dad was an illustrator and comic strip artist, and I learned composition and the use of light from him. I was doing my own darkroom work by the age of ten and got my f
"While I’ve been taking photos for most of my life, it was around the year 2000 that I became truly passionate about photography. That was also when I went digital, started sharing my work online, and began entering various contests. "
Wood duck in flight with long exposure to blur the wings.
Fujifilm X-H2S w/Nikon 500mm f/5. 6E @ 500mm | F/6. 3 | 1/60 sec | ISO 800
Photo: Morris0
How have you upgraded your camera setup over the years?
"When digital came along, I first got a Canon G1, which was fantastic. Even with a teleconverter adapter, though, the focal length was too short for wildlife photography. My solution was to get a Fujifilm FinePix S602, since I couldn’t justify the cost of a DSLR at the time.
"When photographing birds, he leans on Fujifilm’s XF 500mm for tight shots, paired with a 1. 4x teleconverter for added reach. "
As my family’s finances improved, my wife told me to get the DSLR setup of my dreams, so I purchased a Nikon D70s along with an assortment of lenses. "
What's in your bag, Morris0?
Morris0
When photographing birds, he leans on Fujifilm’s XF 500mm for tight shots, paired with a 1. 4x teleconverter for added reach. If he expects large flocks or wider compositions, his second body carries the XF 70–300mm F5. 6.
Main Camera: Fujifilm X-H2S
Lenses: XF 500mm F5. 6 and a XF 70-300mm F5. 6
1. 4x and 2x telconverters
Sirui W-2204 waterproof carbon fiber tripod
Jobu Junior 3 gimbal head, and a Gitzo ball head
Think Tank Airport Advantage Roller
ORORO heated glove liners
Tilley LTM6 Airflo sun hat
Desiccant packs and cleaning cloths
Battery pouches with Fuji batteries
A pouch with hex keys
Morris0's Think Tank Photo Airport Advantage Roller backpack with camera, lens and other accessories.
Photo: Morris0
Why are these accessories in your bag?
"The heated gloves I use are Ororo heated glove liners, which are very thin and allow me to feel all the controls on my camera. Being able to feel the controls means I don’t have to take my eye off the viewfinder, which is a huge advantage when photographing action. There are several brands of heated gloves, but I’ve only tried these, and they’ve kept my hands warm even at -8°C (17°F). The batteries last a few hours, so carrying spares for long outings is a must. "
"My hat is a Tilley LTM6 Airflo Sun Hat. The vent on top helps keep my head cool by letting the breeze flow through, making hot days in the sun much more comfortable. The wide brim provides excellent shade, and I also use the hat in the rain – it’s made of canvas and keeps water off my shoulders and face. It even works well in the snow when I wear it over my hood. "
The top level of Morris0's packed camera bag.
Photo: Morris0
How did you end up becoming a Fujifilm photographer?
"I developed several pinched nerves in my neck and wrist that made my Nikon gear far too heavy to use. I couldn’t shoot for about six months, and when I finally could, I decided to lighten my load, likely the source of my problems. "
"Switching to the Fujifilm X
"When I first switched to Fujifilm, I worried that the XF 100-400mm wouldn
The sun burns through the fog at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
Fujifilm X-H2S w/ Fujinon XF500mmF5. 6 R LM OIS WR | F5. 6 | 1/900 sec | ISO 1600
Photo: Morris0
You're known for your love of birds. How did this come about?
"Living in New York City, I’m fortunate to be along the Eastern Flyway, which brings a variety of seasonal birds to photograph. I also love to travel and have visited many national parks and cities. While I often shoot alone, I enjoy working in small groups and mentoring other photographers. "
"I’ve had many wonderful photography trips, but the most recent, visiting Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and White Sands National Park, was truly special. It included the best single day of photography I’ve ever experienced. The day began before sunrise at a crisp, cool -8°C (17°F),
Snow Owl Photographed on the South Shore of Long Island on a foggy morning.
Nikon D200 w/ AF-S Nikkor 80-400 mm f/4. 5-5. 6 @ 260mm | F8 | 1/800 sec | ISO 400
Photo: Morris0
Morris0's advice for other photographers
"Some digital photography advice for you all: simplify your setup, both to keep weight down and so that you can be intimate with your equipment. Invest in clothing and accessories that keep you comfortable, as it's much harder to be creative and to operate your gear if you're miserable. "
You can also visit Morris0's social media channels on Facebook and his portfolio website.
Some responses have been edited for clarity and flow.
Editor's note: This article continues a new series, 'What's in your bag?', highlighting DPReview community members, their photography and the gear they depend on. Would you like to be featured in a future installment? Tell us a bit about yourself and your photography by filling out this form. If you're selected for a feature, we'll be in touch with next steps.
Apply to be featured in
'What's in your bag?'
2026-2-16 19:01