My Camera Gear

With a nod to James Popsys : www.jamespopsys.com

I’m a big proponent of the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) ecosystem. This is primarily driven by the relatively smaller size and weight, particularly for the lenses, over Full Frame. This is important for travelling.

There are pros and cons with this system. Low light performance and depth of field are the usual “cons,” but MFT offers arguably better image stabilization, greater reach and improved macro photography capabilities. But for me, the real reason is size and weight.

I use the Panasonic Lumix G9 body with a suite of Leica-glass lenses.

Close-up image of a black Lumix G9 II camera body with a blank lens mount and various dials and buttons visible.

Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f 2.8-4.0 lens

This is my go-to wide angle lens - great for the inside of buildings or sweeping landscapes.

Close-up of a Leica DG Summilux 9mm camera lens with a black body, textured grip, and markings indicating specifications.

Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60 mm f 2.8-4.0 lens.

This is the workhorse of the fleet. Probably on my camera 60% of the time when I’m not in the studio working on macro photography.

Close-up of a black camera zoom lens marked with 30x magnification and f/1.28 aperture, isolated on a white background.

Leica Nocticron 42.5 mm f 1.2 lens

The legendary Noctricon: a heavy, very fast, crisp portrait lens. It doesn’t get used very often but when it’s on the camera it just feels powerful!

Close-up of a professional camera lens with focal length range 12-60mm, black exterior, textured focus ring, and lens markings visible.
Close-up of a camera lens with focus and aperture markings, isolated on white background.

Leica D G Vario-Elmarit 50-200 mm f 2.8-4.0 zoom lens

My first choice for long-reach zoom shots. Gives the reach of a Full Frame equivalent of 400mm lens but is less than 20cm (8”) long fully extended.

A camera lens with black exterior and textured grip, labeled 'Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm' with focal length and aperture specifications, and a red dot near the bottom.

Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 100-400 mm f 4.0-6.3 zoom lens

The “Binford” lens of my gear - when you need that extra reach!

It comes with a tripod mount as it can get little heavy and “tippy” when fully extended to 27cm (11”).

Stacked camera lens filters with black frames and markings indicating sizes and filter types, including CPL, ND1000, ND64, ND8, and others, with a black circular camera lens in the foreground.

Lumix G9 Mark II

I simply love this camera. The ergonomics are wonderful; it feels like an extension of your hand.

A professional camera lens with a black exterior, focusing rings, and focal length markings, against a white background.

Leica DG Summilux 9mm f1.7 lens

This is a sharp, fast, lightweight wide angle prime lens. It feels a bit “plastically” but it is a great companion!

Panasonic 30mm f2.8 macro lens

This is a great macro lens yielding 1:1 ratios

A professional camera lens with black body, labeled "100-400" and "Leica DG Vario-Elmar," featuring focus and zoom rings, and marked "Unlock" and "Lock."

Freewell Magnetic Filters

These magnetic filters are so easy to use for long exposure shots. I have step-up rings from 55 mm, 62 mm and 67 mm to my maximum lens diameter of 72 mm.

Filters are: ND8, ND64, ND1000 and CPL.