Here’s what’s well-documented about Paolo Pellegrin’s camera gear—the celebrated Magnum photojournalist and Canon Ambassador:
Camera Bodies & Lenses
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV — Pellegrin relied on this full-frame DSLR for major conflicts and documentary assignments, often pairing it with the Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L USM lens at 35 mm or 70 mm depending on the story at hand.
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| Canon Eos 5D Mark IV see it on Amazon |
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Canon EOS R5 — In recent years (e.g. in Ukraine, volcanic expeditions, climate change projects), he transitioned to this mirrorless body for its silent shooting mode and reliability, especially under demanding field conditions.
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Particularly used with the RF 28–70mm f/2L USM lens—a fast zoom offering sharpness and flexibility where he shot at focal lengths like 40 mm, f/14 at 1/1000 sec, ISO 640.
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| Canon Eos R5 see it on Amazon |
Shooting Style & Kit Overview
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Pellegrin often travels with a larger base kit (multiple cameras and lenses) plus a lighter day bag for agile shooting on assignment, adapting as conditions demand.
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In fast-paced zones, he shoots in monochrome mode, choosing Manual, Aperture Priority, or Program mode based on urgency and light.
Visual & Technical Philosophy
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Black and white remains his preferred mode, as it “strips away a layer of reality” and offers symbolic abstraction rather than documentary literalness.
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Pellegrin follows the Cartier‑Bresson principle that images should be “solved in camera”: composed and accurate at capture, minimizing the need for post‑processing.
Why This System Works for Him
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Reliability in extreme environments, from conflict zones to volcanic landscapes and climate research fields.
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The silent mode on the EOS R5 helps Pablo maintain invisibility and respect in sensitive situations.
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His approach remains committed to precision, minimalism, and ethical responsibility in image-making.
Books featuring Paolo Pellegrin
