In My Bag

Cameras

Update November 2022:

I’m currently in Asia and am using several camera systems depending upon the subject.

I am using the OM Systems OM1 with the 12-40mm Pro II, 8-25mm f4 Pro and the 25mm 1.2 Pro as my main camera when travelling. The portability and weather protection are incredibly important to me as well as the ability to leave my tripod at home thanks to the IBIS. The handheld hi resolution mode is really usable should I need more than 20mp and the internal ND filter means that I can leave my filters at home. This makes for a superb lightweight setup which I use for travel, landscape and general photography.

The Sony A7IV + Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN – I bought the Sony as it is by far the easiest brand of cameras to get hold of here in the Philippines and having used it extensively in the UK I know that it is a great all around performer. I use the A7IV in low light or when I need the best auto focus in video work. The Sigma lens is excellent but if I am going to be travelling, often on a motorbike, then I find this combination a bit heavier than I like so I usually grab the OM1.

I also have a Panasonic GH6 which I have rigged up for documentary video work now that the latest update allows recording directly to an external SSD drive.

Finally, I have a Fuji XT5 on pre order and this should be with me before Christmas. I plan to use this with the new 23mm 1.4 WR and 33mm 1.4 WR lenses as well as the 16mm f/2.8 WR, 35mm f/2 WR and the 50mm f.2 WR for some planned documentary, street and portrait shoots.

As I am shooting a lot of video these days for my motorbike adventure channel and documentary projects I also use a DJI Mini 3 Pro (bought with the fly more kit), a GoPro Hero 11 Black (with media mod) and a GoPro Hero 7 Black. Along with these I use a bunch of Rode microphones includinging the Lav +, Video Mic Pro, Video Micro and Wireless Go.

I now work almost exclusively on a laptop which is currently the Asus Zephyrus G14. I find it very quick when editing photos and also works excellently when editing 4k 10bit footage in Davinci Resolve Studio.

I sold all the below camera systems when I left the UK in August 2022.

For landscapes I use the GFX50R medium format camera along with a selection of prime lenses including the GF 23mm f/4 and the 50mm f/3.5. I find that the tonality of medium format is a step up from full frame and gives me more to work with in post. Fuji medium format also allows me to print very large prints when required and still retain excellent detail.

For video, landscapes and portraits I also shoot the Fuji X-T4. It is an incredibly feature rich camera that allows me to have one solution for video and stills. The IBIS can be very handy and alongside excellent image quality, superb weather sealing and great battery life it is a very fast and dependible camera.

For Street/documentary and travel I shoot with the X-Pro 3 and prime lenses. This combination is small, lightweight, offers great image quality and is discreet which allows me to get shots without screaming I’m a professional photographer at everyone.

I often add an X100V to my bag when shooting with the X-Pro 3  as it adds the ability to use a built in ND filter and the fill flash which enables me to get shots simply not possible with other cameras. It is also small and lightweight while still offering excellent image quality. This is also my family camera 90% of the time so is brought with me on vacations and trips.

 

 

Lenses.

I use so many different lenses that it is hard to list all of them here. Here are a few of my favourites. All are available through Amazon.com here Lenses or using the Amazon UK links below.

Fuji GF23mm f/4 – Simply unmatched image quality combined with Fuji’s medium format sensor this gives me the greatest wide angle image quality available.

Fuji 50mm f/3.5 – Paired with my GFX50R this small (for medium format) lens allows me to shoot tighter landscapes but also works well for street and documentary too. It is sharp and one of the fastest focussing GF lenses.

Fuji 10-24mm f/4 – Go to zoom for landscapes on my X-Series cameras.

Fuji 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 – My other essential landscape lens, is surprisingly sharp and works well for more intimate landscapes, subject compression and isolating details.

 

 

 

Fuji XF 23mm f/1.4 – The 35mm equivalent focal length is probably my favourite and this lens is one of if not the best I’ve shot in this range. It is sharp, offers great contrast and the large aperture allows you to use it in low light and create some nice bokeh if used correctly.

Fuji XF 56mm f/1.2 – One of the best protrait lenses around it is smply beautiful Great focal length, colour, contrast and beautiful bokeh. It is not the fastest to focus but still does a reasonable job.

Fuji 35mm f/2 – Small light and sharp, plus it’s weather sealed and lightening fast to focus.. What more can you ask for in a lightweight walk around lens.

 

Camera Bags

At the moment I use a Lowepro Flipside 400AW as my main bag. It fits my It fits my OM1 + lenses and a DJI Mini 3 Pro with spare batteries.

 

Tripods

I use a Manfrotto 055X heavy duty tripod when I am shooting landscapes. When I tavel I use the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced lightweight tripod.

Filters

I use Hoya HD, UV and Protector and circular polarising filters on my lenses as they are very tough and much easier to clean than their Pro 1 D range.

For graduate ND filters I’ve always found Lee Filters to be by far the best.

This list will update from time to time as I test new cameras and lenses and sometimes swap my kit around. I enjoy going light with my gear now as I find it adds to my enjoyment and is less intrusive if I’m out shooting people on the street.