I often get asked what gear I use when I’m out shooting. While I believe that the best camera is the one you have with you, the right tools definitely make a difference.
Here’s a look at what’s in my kit right now, and why I chose each piece.
Camera Body
Panasonic G9
This is my main camera body. I love the G9 for its fast autofocus, excellent image stabilisation, and solid build quality. It’s a Micro Four Thirds system, which means it’s lighter and more compact than full-frame cameras, perfect for when I’m hiking or carrying gear all day. The G9 also has great ergonomics and custom buttons that make it quick to use in the field.
This is my main camera body. I love the G9 for its fast autofocus, excellent image stabilisation, and solid build quality. It’s a Micro Four Thirds system, which means it’s lighter and more compact than full-frame cameras, perfect for when I’m hiking or carrying gear all day. The G9 also has great ergonomics and custom buttons that make it quick to use in the field.
Lenses
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 Pro
This is my go-to everyday lens. It’s sharp, weather-sealed, and versatile for everything from landscapes to street photography. The constant f/2.8 aperture means I can shoot in lower light and still get crisp results.
This is my go-to everyday lens. It’s sharp, weather-sealed, and versatile for everything from landscapes to street photography. The constant f/2.8 aperture means I can shoot in lower light and still get crisp results.
Panasonic Lumix LEICA DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4.0–6.3
This is my wildlife and bird photography workhorse. The zoom range is incredible—allowing me to capture distant subjects without needing to get too close. It’s lightweight for what it offers, and paired with the G9’s stabilisation, it makes handheld telephoto shots much more practical.
This is my wildlife and bird photography workhorse. The zoom range is incredible—allowing me to capture distant subjects without needing to get too close. It’s lightweight for what it offers, and paired with the G9’s stabilisation, it makes handheld telephoto shots much more practical.
Video + Action
DJI Osmo Pocket
I use this tiny camera for quick, stabilised video shots. It’s small enough to carry everywhere, which makes it great for capturing behind-the-scenes footage or vlog-style clips without needing a big setup.
I use this tiny camera for quick, stabilised video shots. It’s small enough to carry everywhere, which makes it great for capturing behind-the-scenes footage or vlog-style clips without needing a big setup.
DJI Action 2
For action or wide-angle shots, I use the Action 2. It’s rugged, compact, and ideal when I want to record in challenging conditions without worrying too much about the gear. The DJI Action 2 is also perfect to mount on the hotshoe of my Panasonic G9 to give that perfect "POV" recording angle.
For action or wide-angle shots, I use the Action 2. It’s rugged, compact, and ideal when I want to record in challenging conditions without worrying too much about the gear. The DJI Action 2 is also perfect to mount on the hotshoe of my Panasonic G9 to give that perfect "POV" recording angle.
Audio
RØDE VideoMicro Microphone
Good audio is just as important as video. The VideoMicro is small, reliable, and gives me much cleaner sound than the in-camera mic. It’s especially handy when recording outdoors or adding narration to clips.
Good audio is just as important as video. The VideoMicro is small, reliable, and gives me much cleaner sound than the in-camera mic. It’s especially handy when recording outdoors or adding narration to clips.
Gyvazla Lavalier Microphone
A simple clip-on microphone I use for talking head videos. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and gives me cleaner audio than the camera’s built-in mic. Perfect for when I want to keep the setup minimal but still sound clear.
A simple clip-on microphone I use for talking head videos. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and gives me cleaner audio than the camera’s built-in mic. Perfect for when I want to keep the setup minimal but still sound clear.
Optics
Olympus 8x25 Tracker PC I Binocular
These compact binoculars are a great companion for wildlife photography outings, especially when I’m scouting locations or tracking animals before switching to the camera.
The 8x magnification strikes a nice balance between reach and stability, and the 25mm objective lenses keep the overall size and weight down; perfect for throwing into a side pocket of my bag. The optics are bright and clear for their size, and the build quality is solid enough to handle field use. I’ve found them especially useful for birdwatching or getting a closer look at distant landscapes when framing a shot.
These compact binoculars are a great companion for wildlife photography outings, especially when I’m scouting locations or tracking animals before switching to the camera.
The 8x magnification strikes a nice balance between reach and stability, and the 25mm objective lenses keep the overall size and weight down; perfect for throwing into a side pocket of my bag. The optics are bright and clear for their size, and the build quality is solid enough to handle field use. I’ve found them especially useful for birdwatching or getting a closer look at distant landscapes when framing a shot.
Accessories
ND & CPL Filters
I carry a selection of neutral density (ND) and circular polarising (CPL) filters.
ND filters help me control exposure in bright light (great for video), while CPLs reduce glare and make skies and water look much richer.
I carry a selection of neutral density (ND) and circular polarising (CPL) filters.
ND filters help me control exposure in bright light (great for video), while CPLs reduce glare and make skies and water look much richer.
Final Thoughts
This is the kit that works for me right now. I’m always experimenting and refining my setup, but these tools help me capture the photos and videos I share. If you’re just starting out, don’t worry too much about having the “perfect” gear, focus on learning your camera and building your skills.