My Gear
Camera
Since beginning to take photography more seriously, I have always shot on Canon cameras. In December 2015, Santa gifted me a Canon EOS 750D which I was over the moon with. It was my gateway into learning the ways of manual exposure, and tackling both ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed, understanding the all important exposure triangle.
In 2024 I traded up and upgraded to a Canon EOS RP, my first full frame camera. Shortly after purchasing this camera, I began to get into Wildlife Photography, more specifically Bird Photography. Some of my finest bird pictures were shot on this, and won competitions with.
Mid 2025 came an opportunity for me to upgrade to a Canon EOS R5, my dream camera since it first came out in 2020. This camera ticks all boxes for both Landscape and Bird Photography, boasting a 45mp Full Frame Sensor, Eye tracking for animals/birds and 12fps with its Mechanical Shutter. There isn't a better camera I could ask for... (Maybe an R5 Mark II) however, I couldn't justify the cost difference with the specification it has.
I don't see myself upgrading camera body for many years, the camera performs spectacularly at every challenge I throw at it. I do believe Canon will struggle to ever properly replace this body.
Lenses
I have 3 lenses I carry with me, these are;
- Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS
- Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM
To use my existing lenses with the Canon EOS R5, I have an EF to RF mount adapter.
For landscape shots, my 16-35 is the best choice for me . When I was researching on the best wide angle, the 16-35 f4 was a clear winner. It's far superior overall than the first 2.8 mk1 variant, so much sharper in the corners than the 2.8 mk2 and much cheaper than the 2.8 mk3, that is admittedly sharper, but heavier and more large, too. Furthermore, the 2.8 variants do not have IS (Image Stabiliser) which does help in those low shutter hand held situations. I may be limited in the Astro field of photography, but I rarely shoot the stars.
My RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM is attached to my camera 90% of the time, except when I am photographing wildlife. Remarkably, this lens packs a fast, constant f/2.8 aperture into such a lightweight, compact footprint while continuing to deliver outstanding results. While the flagship RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L may offer that extra bit of width at 24mm and marginally better weather sealing, the massive price tag and extra weight are simply not justifiable.
When needing a closer shot of a subject, the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is the perfect choice for this. It offers an impressive focal length range, allowing myself to capture distant subjects with sharp detail. Its lightweight design makes it easier to carry, while the built-in Optical Stabilization ensures sharp images even when shooting handheld. With high-quality optics, fast autofocus, and durability for challenging conditions, this lens delivers exceptional performance in a compact package, making it an excellent choice when I need powerful reach without the bulk.
Accessories
You can't have a camera without accessories, how would you store, protect, carry and enhance your photography?
I use the Manfrotto Advanced Befree Backpack III, a bag that I have recently just picked up to fit all my gear in comfortably. This bag has excellent build quality, feels tough and durable. It comfortably fits my big 150-600mm lens, my 2 other lenses and camera body This innovative layout addresses a common shortcoming in most photo bags: the lack of storage space for personal items such as a jumper, additional tech gadgets, or a water bottle when the side pockets are already occupied. On the other side of my bag, I secure my Neewer LiteTrip LT32 Travel Tripod, (and hiking sticks if climbing a mountain... of course)
Like many photographers, I have been drawn to Peak Design's renowned offerings. I currently own three of their products, with the first being the Capture Clip. Initially, the idea of attaching an expensive camera to a backpack strap might seem precarious, however, once you experience its functionality, exceptional build quality, and robustness, you'll quickly convert. The Capture Clip provides a far more comfortable alternative to a generic neck strap, which can strain neck muscles over the course of a full day. It allows you to carry your camera with comfort, ease, and security.
Additionally, I use two straps from Peak Design: the Cuff and the Slide. The Cuff complements my Capture Clip perfectly, offering both freedom and security when the camera is in hand, away from its position on my bag strap. The Slide is ideal for times when I prefer to leave my backpack at home or in the hotel room, as I don't always need all my gear. This strap also ensures a comfy carry when using the Sigma 150-600mm for a fully days shoot. This setup proved invaluable during a trip to Rhodes, Greece, where temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius. Carrying a backpack in such heat is far from pleasant, so this alternative was truly paid for itself.
To complement my tripod setup, I also rely on the 3 Legged Thing Roxie QD L-bracket. It completely eliminates the awkwardness of flopping a tripod head on its side for vertical shots, allowing me to seamlessly switch between landscape and portrait orientations while keeping the camera’s weight centred and balanced. It fits the body like a second skin without blocking access to the battery door or side ports, adding a solid layer of protection to the camera's base. The integrated QD (Quick Detach) system is the real highlight though, providing a super-secure, flush mounting point that lets me click the camera onto my Capture Clip with ease.