A Photo Adventure by Joe Donoghue w/ Canon R5 MkII & RF100-400mm Lens & DJI Air 3S.
When Henry’s and Canon invited me to take a Canon R5 MkII and RF100-400mm lens on our family adventure to British Columbia, I jumped at the chance. Our assignment was clear: chase mountains, capture wildlife, and document the wild beauty of BC—using only one lens.
With my wife, two kids, an iPhone, DJI Air 3S drone, and our trusty rented Scout camper from Northirn Overland, we embarked on an epic journey into British Columbia’s vast, wild landscapes. Here’s what we saw, how we travelled, and why the R5 MkII paired with the RF100-400mm lens proved to be the ultimate photography setup for our adventure.
Before I dive into our family’s epic adventure through British Columbia, I should mention—I’m certainly no expert photographer, and I’m just scratching the surface of photo editing. The photos you’ll see here are, for the most part, untouched apart from a bit of cropping. However, thanks to some incredible gear from Henry’s and Canon, specifically the Canon R5 MkII and RF100-400mm lens, I was able to capture some unforgettable moments that I’m excited to share.
Our Route: Sea to Sky, Mountains, Fjords, and Untamed Backcountry
We explored an incredibly diverse stretch of BC—from the more popular destinations around Squamish and Whistler to the remote roads and awe-inspiring wilderness near Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and Bella Coola.
Our overland setup allowed us to travel far off the beaten path, navigating rugged logging roads, winding mountain passes, and peaceful coastal trails. It wasn’t uncommon for us to spend entire days completely alone—on roads, at remote recreation sites, or on hiking trails we had entirely to ourselves.
Capturing BC’s Landscapes: Details, Drama, and Diversity
Using the Canon R5 MkII paired with the RF100-400mm lens allowed me to capture intricate details and distinct characteristics of each mountain range, clearly showcasing the variety across BC’s diverse ecosystems. Meanwhile, my DJI Air 3S drone and smartphone were perfect complements, enabling me to take wider, expansive shots that illustrated the dramatic scale of the landscapes and highlighted how drastically the terrain changes from one region of the province to another.
If I’d had more space, I definitely would’ve packed a wider range of Canon lenses and a second camera body to capture even more versatility on the trip.
To explore the coast, we chartered a boat from Bella Coola, venturing out into pristine ocean waters teeming with marine life. The tour was guided by two local Indigenous guides who generously shared insights about their culture and the deep historical significance this incredible place holds for their community and ancestors. They showed us historic petroglyphs and sang traditional songs—passed down through generations—accompanied by the rhythmic beats of their drum. It was a truly moving and memorable experience.
Wildlife Photography: Capturing BC’s Wildlife with the Canon R5 MkII
One of the biggest challenges from Henry’s and Canon was to capture wildlife using just the Canon R5 MkII paired with the versatile RF100-400mm lens. British Columbia’s wildlife often appeared distant, cautious, and elusive, making a telephoto lens critical. Thankfully, the lens’s impressive zoom capability allowed me to stay at a respectful distance while still capturing crystal-clear, detailed images of wildlife.
I started this trip with a wildlife wishlist—animals I hoped we’d encounter and photograph. However, nature had its own plans, and despite our efforts, there were a few notable absences: Caribou, Elk, Grizzly Bears, and the iconic Humpback Whales commonly spotted off BC’s coast.
The R5 MkII’s lightning-fast autofocus, even at long focal lengths, locked onto moving animals effortlessly—essential for photographing dolphins leaping beside our boat, soaring bald eagles, distant bears, and the elusive deer we spotted in valleys. In every wildlife encounter, the R5 MkII and RF100-400mm lens delivered images beyond my expectations.
Managing Drone Usage: How the Canon R5 MkII Complemented Our Drone Shots
With strict drone regulations around BC’s parks and wilderness areas, our DJI Air 3S drone saw limited use. Thankfully, the Canon R5 MkII and RF100-400mm lens filled the gaps beautifully, providing detailed ground-level perspectives and telephoto compression shots that complemented the drone’s aerial photography. The lens’s impressive zoom range enabled dramatic framing of expansive landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife from viewpoints we couldn’t reach by drone. Together, the camera and drone images perfectly documented the epic scale and beauty of our adventure, satisfying both creative and practical challenges set by Henry’s and Canon.
Wildfires: Understanding, Respecting, and Protecting the Landscape
Travelling through British Columbia during wildfire season is a stark reminder of nature’s power and vulnerability. During our journey, we encountered and reported a wildfire that later intensified—a vivid reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and respect these landscapes. Wildfires are a natural, necessary part of many ecosystems, helping regenerate forests, clear underbrush, and promote biodiversity. However, their increasing frequency and intensity pose serious challenges for wildlife, local communities, and the future health of these incredible environments.
Capturing these moments through the lens of the Canon R5 MkII and RF100-400mm lens was both profound and sobering. The images were undeniably beautiful, showing the raw power and striking colours—but also deeply sad, reflecting the fragility and vulnerability of the landscapes and wildlife affected. These photographs serve as important reminders of the delicate balance of nature and our responsibility to help protect these spectacular places for future generations.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Match from Henry’s and Canon
Henry’s and Canon tasked us with a formidable challenge: one camera, one lens, and a vast, diverse landscape. The Canon R5 MkII paired with the RF100-400mm lens didn’t just meet expectations—it exceeded them, providing outstanding flexibility, performance, and quality throughout our entire BC phojourney. Every moment captured—whether wildlife, landscapes, cultural experiences, or unexpected adventures—reinforced why this single-camera setup was the perfect partner for our once-in-a-lifetime family adventure.
Thank you again to Henry’s and Canon for this incredible photography challenge—and for giving our family the tools to document our adventure with a level of detail and emotion we never imagined possible.
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