Curiosity is a good human habit (but sometimes bad for few others). If you are reading about photographic gear and their use, there is always this question in our mind concerning which specific gear the author is really using. And it is a tricky one especially if you changing it at a fast rate (as myself) or you don't want to influence people with photo equipment that don't suit their needs and their preferences.
So, before going in some depth about my own and modest photographic bag of the moment, please consider those before hand precautions. I love photo, I love photo gear but I love also to bring the less equipment that I can afford and to be honest I love the one camera/one lens only combination especially when I am on the go. So, the level of compactness can be the strongest determinant point of choosing a specific gear from another.
When the compact factor is on the discussion table, it englobe not only the camera body but also all the lenses and the auxiliary accessories. That leaves us in practical with two major types of camera image sensor format systems, APS-C and Micro Four Third (M4/3). The M4/3 offers an assortment of downscaled optics especially if you are looking for the biggest maximum apertures, or for the larger zoom focal ranges. Using bigger sensor formats such as the so-call Full Format (which is the equivalent of the old 35mm film format) or for larger ones, will induce inevitably photo gear with larger physical dimensions and more weight to hold and bring with you.
If you are looking for a specific camera system, Fujifilm, OM System (former Olympus) and Panasonic Lumix are each equally interesting and competent and can offer good quality products. Using any of theirs models will give excellent image output as long you respect their fondamental limitations which is the case of any photographic gear. I have used them extendedly with pleasure and satisfaction although I have understand that nothing can be the best choice for all of us. But for the compact factor, the M4/3 system seems to be the best for their choice of camera bodies and lenses (even thought they have abandoned their respective "rangefinder" style models such as Olympus Pens or Panasonic Lumix GM and GX series).
As an ex-pro photographer (meanly during the analog-film era), my preferences will go for the camera models that seem sturdy and durable and weather resistant. Presently I am using an Olympus OM-D E-M1 (first generation) that the external body dimensions and weight is not far from the ones seen on the Olympus OM-D E-M5s (original and Mark II) models that I have appreciated in the past for their performances and their easy-going virtues. Yes, this original E-M1 has been surpassed by the Mark II and III versions and by the actual introductions of the first OM System OM-1 and its Mark II version but I have chosen to stay on a realistic budget level and try to find the smartest deal over the Web for a used photo equipment.
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Find good optics is another challenge for all photographers of this planet. Even today selecting a lens model that will answer all your needs is almost impossible depending the kind of your subject diversity. The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 12-40mm F2.8 Pro stays certainly my first choice. This lens is a gem, built like a rock and offers you an outstanding image definition. Its zoom focal range starting at 12mm (wide angle) and going up to a small telephoto setting of 40mm is versatile and its constant maximum aperture of F2.8 is also a strong virtue. The focusing clutch system is very handy although it get a propension to be activated too easily for my taste.
A second optic companion like the Olympus/OM System M.Zuiko ED 75-300mm F4.8-6.7 II is fulfilling my specific needs for part-time snap-shot birding and for the telephoto extreme compositions. It is an extended zoom lens model that is obviously slow to use in low light conditions but its physical dimensions and its weight fit well into my narrow photo bag limits (an antique Lowepro Passport Sling first version!). Price point speaking, the M.Zuiko ED 75-300mm II is difficult to beat for preserving a minimum of image quality level and get a large zoom range (but I reckon that the best deal in that sense is still the M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm F4-5.6 R).
If you are in adept of vertical compositions, an optional power grip (with replicated control dials/buttons and shutter release buttons) can be appreciated in term of handling and long session use. The Olympus HLD-7 has been rightly designed for this task and is giving you an additional autonomy with its own battery embarked that double the potential number of pictures/time available. With longer lenses such as the M.Zuiko 75-300mm II you will felt more secure with a more balance combo. Giving the supplementary of weight it involves, it creates a more stabilized plate-forme to rely on.
Doing interior photography is another challenge in particular when you are facing dim and/or unequal light distribution. This is why I am still using occasionally an electronic flash with an orientable head (for bouncing). With the Olympus FL600R you have sufficient output for medium distance subjects and moderate space contextes. The flash works with its own four size AA batteries preserving that way the camera (inside) one. Surprisingly I did a good amount of pictures with this flash (in booth Olympus and Panasonic versions) with a good rate of successes.
Tripod and monopod cannot be totally ignored even today. I still have a venerable Manfrotto 190B tripod with a Sinnofoto Q-08 ball head as an occasional sturdy plate-forme. A very old and small Cullmann 741 monopod (with some alterations) is completing the camera standing department.
To conclude with accessories suffice to say that all my lenses are protected with a good (high quality) neutral color filter that avoid me to carry front lens cap and prevent me to clean the lens front first glass. Replacing a scratched filter is cheaper than a lens repair or replacement. Spare batteries and additional memory cards are also a must in my bag. USB cables, charger, portable power bank, cleaning kit, etc cannot be forgotten.
Gadget bag. Alongside the Lowepro Passport Sling already mentioned, a Vanguard Up-Rise 38 is my companion at the airport for its stocking ability for a computer and other accessories even a few clothing items. A Kanken Photo Insert (small) bag offers a safe long term space for non-used equipment. Regarding strap I try to avoid the shoulder ones but I keep a Tamrac model for the exceptional occasions. My repeated choices for years are the Jobe wrist strap, a simple non-intrusive concept that appears to be sadly no more available from the manufacturer.
At the end, be simple and lightweight with photo gear has been my moto for several years and help me a lot to concentrate on the most important parts of photography which is observing and taking pictures. In brief save your back and wallet, clean your mind and stay ready are may be a good way of enjoying more this beautiful activity.
Photos Daniel M
So, before going in some depth about my own and modest photographic bag of the moment, please consider those before hand precautions. I love photo, I love photo gear but I love also to bring the less equipment that I can afford and to be honest I love the one camera/one lens only combination especially when I am on the go. So, the level of compactness can be the strongest determinant point of choosing a specific gear from another.
When the compact factor is on the discussion table, it englobe not only the camera body but also all the lenses and the auxiliary accessories. That leaves us in practical with two major types of camera image sensor format systems, APS-C and Micro Four Third (M4/3). The M4/3 offers an assortment of downscaled optics especially if you are looking for the biggest maximum apertures, or for the larger zoom focal ranges. Using bigger sensor formats such as the so-call Full Format (which is the equivalent of the old 35mm film format) or for larger ones, will induce inevitably photo gear with larger physical dimensions and more weight to hold and bring with you.
If you are looking for a specific camera system, Fujifilm, OM System (former Olympus) and Panasonic Lumix are each equally interesting and competent and can offer good quality products. Using any of theirs models will give excellent image output as long you respect their fondamental limitations which is the case of any photographic gear. I have used them extendedly with pleasure and satisfaction although I have understand that nothing can be the best choice for all of us. But for the compact factor, the M4/3 system seems to be the best for their choice of camera bodies and lenses (even thought they have abandoned their respective "rangefinder" style models such as Olympus Pens or Panasonic Lumix GM and GX series).
As an ex-pro photographer (meanly during the analog-film era), my preferences will go for the camera models that seem sturdy and durable and weather resistant. Presently I am using an Olympus OM-D E-M1 (first generation) that the external body dimensions and weight is not far from the ones seen on the Olympus OM-D E-M5s (original and Mark II) models that I have appreciated in the past for their performances and their easy-going virtues. Yes, this original E-M1 has been surpassed by the Mark II and III versions and by the actual introductions of the first OM System OM-1 and its Mark II version but I have chosen to stay on a realistic budget level and try to find the smartest deal over the Web for a used photo equipment.
.jpg)
Find good optics is another challenge for all photographers of this planet. Even today selecting a lens model that will answer all your needs is almost impossible depending the kind of your subject diversity. The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 12-40mm F2.8 Pro stays certainly my first choice. This lens is a gem, built like a rock and offers you an outstanding image definition. Its zoom focal range starting at 12mm (wide angle) and going up to a small telephoto setting of 40mm is versatile and its constant maximum aperture of F2.8 is also a strong virtue. The focusing clutch system is very handy although it get a propension to be activated too easily for my taste.
A second optic companion like the Olympus/OM System M.Zuiko ED 75-300mm F4.8-6.7 II is fulfilling my specific needs for part-time snap-shot birding and for the telephoto extreme compositions. It is an extended zoom lens model that is obviously slow to use in low light conditions but its physical dimensions and its weight fit well into my narrow photo bag limits (an antique Lowepro Passport Sling first version!). Price point speaking, the M.Zuiko ED 75-300mm II is difficult to beat for preserving a minimum of image quality level and get a large zoom range (but I reckon that the best deal in that sense is still the M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm F4-5.6 R).
If you are in adept of vertical compositions, an optional power grip (with replicated control dials/buttons and shutter release buttons) can be appreciated in term of handling and long session use. The Olympus HLD-7 has been rightly designed for this task and is giving you an additional autonomy with its own battery embarked that double the potential number of pictures/time available. With longer lenses such as the M.Zuiko 75-300mm II you will felt more secure with a more balance combo. Giving the supplementary of weight it involves, it creates a more stabilized plate-forme to rely on.
Doing interior photography is another challenge in particular when you are facing dim and/or unequal light distribution. This is why I am still using occasionally an electronic flash with an orientable head (for bouncing). With the Olympus FL600R you have sufficient output for medium distance subjects and moderate space contextes. The flash works with its own four size AA batteries preserving that way the camera (inside) one. Surprisingly I did a good amount of pictures with this flash (in booth Olympus and Panasonic versions) with a good rate of successes.
To conclude with accessories suffice to say that all my lenses are protected with a good (high quality) neutral color filter that avoid me to carry front lens cap and prevent me to clean the lens front first glass. Replacing a scratched filter is cheaper than a lens repair or replacement. Spare batteries and additional memory cards are also a must in my bag. USB cables, charger, portable power bank, cleaning kit, etc cannot be forgotten.
Gadget bag. Alongside the Lowepro Passport Sling already mentioned, a Vanguard Up-Rise 38 is my companion at the airport for its stocking ability for a computer and other accessories even a few clothing items. A Kanken Photo Insert (small) bag offers a safe long term space for non-used equipment. Regarding strap I try to avoid the shoulder ones but I keep a Tamrac model for the exceptional occasions. My repeated choices for years are the Jobe wrist strap, a simple non-intrusive concept that appears to be sadly no more available from the manufacturer.
At the end, be simple and lightweight with photo gear has been my moto for several years and help me a lot to concentrate on the most important parts of photography which is observing and taking pictures. In brief save your back and wallet, clean your mind and stay ready are may be a good way of enjoying more this beautiful activity.
Photos Daniel M
