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Good Gear


Very selected features on the hardware, software and extra wares that help me get the job done.

S-E100 F2.8 Macro for L-Mount

The S-E100 F2.8 Macro lens for L-Mount has just been released by LUMIX, and it’s very different to anything I’ve used on a mirrorless system before. It’s a super compact lens for super small subjects, but delivers super-sized performance and in particular the Autofocus is on a whole other level.



Leica Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH

Another great fast 50mm prime for the L-mount, this time with a seriously impressive build quality that we have come to expect from Leica.



Custom Settings for the LUMIX G9II

I've prepared an outline of my custom setup for the LUMIX G9II, plus a copy of my settings ready to download to your camera and customise for your own needs. A great way to get started and try some of the various features built into this amazing little MFT body.



SD Cards Explained

Shopping for an SD card is frustratingly hard, with so many brands, standards and price points to navigate through. Especially when speed is a necessity rather than a luxury. It's also possible that the best value SD card is a MicroSD card, if you have the right adaptor.



The Worlds Worst Menu System

I'm astounded that Sony have released a camera that is so darned good, yet crippled by a user interface so completely awful. The ZV-E1 is hard enough for a seasoned professional to tame, but a potential road block to be avoided for anyone just starting their journey into photography.



Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD

I travelled in the Himalayas for a few months in late 2023 with this lovely lens. If you're interested in more than just tech specs, and what it's like to work with this lens for an extended time then you've come to the right place.



20mm is the new 24mm

20mm is now far more common than ever for both primes and zooms, but is 18mm the better option for photographers? And why even bother with 24mm? When shooting wider than wide does it make a difference to buy an extra few mm of perspective?



Tamron Got It Covered

The Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 and 35-150mm F2-2.8 narrow the gap between primes and zoom. I didn't think I'd like these new lenses from Tamron so much, but the fact is every time I took them out to shoot I ended up with a tonne of great images. That’s a little bit annoying for a prime lens snob like myself.



Leica SL2-S

The SL2-S is a very modern yet practical 24MP camera that enjoys a touch of Leica flare. As my first chance to shoot with a Leica body in over a decade, this one left a very positive impression.



My Favie Magnetic Filter

From the studio to the harsh sunlight of Australia's North-West, I dragged my little pouch of magnetic ND filters around the country to find out which system works best. And found myself a new best friend in OKKO.



Coman Hussar TSC10A20

Teeny tiny super compact mini-tripod for table top mounting, yet fully featured and super strong. Just 420g but packed with full articulation and very sturdy design. Lots of hidden features make this a favie for me.



SIGMA 60-600mm Field Review

I spent a few weeks in The Outback with the new SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS SPORT L-Mount. The name is a mouthful, and the lens is a handful. This super telephoto represents the latest in AF and OS technology from Sigma, packaged into a superbly flexible and optically impressive full-frame wildlife lens. Available for both L-Mount and E-Mount.



Neutral Density Theory vs Chaos

Planning and shopping for a simple solution to my ND filter needs has been a major drama, right up there with renovating a house or planning a wedding. It’s just not nearly as straight forward as it should be. Will magnetic filters be the saviour of the stills+video shooter?



Sony ZV-E1 And Android

If you're having trouble getting the "Creators' App" on your Android phone to connect to the Sony ZV-E1, you're not alone. Here's a very short post on what worked for me to finally get the app talking to the camera over Bluetooth.



LUMIX S5II Custom Settings

Kick start your new LUMIX S5II with my pre-built file of custom settings to help you make the most of the custom dial feature, and make the most of a really great camera.



New Life for EF Lenses

Not only does the AF system on the LUMIX S5II deliver amazing results for native L-mount lenses, but the performance of EF lenses is exceptional to the point of giving Canon owners a legitimate upgrade path at an affordable price.



Benro GX35 Ball-Head Review

Quality yet affordable option for full-frame cameras if you're looking to swap out your old ball-head for an Arca-Swiss alternative.



Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 - Long Term Review

This is a hard lens to leave at home. It delivers quality and sharpness for landscapes and the night sky, plus has a neat party trick with rear pocket for ND filters. Worthy companion to any full-frame mirrorless camera. (Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN)