My Gear

This is a list of the gear my partner and I have now. It also includes most of the gear that I’ve had over the years that I’ve sold or disposed of. Before I get too far ahead, we are both very much hobbyists, we don’t sell or make money from our photography, we just enjoy it.

Current Bodies

In 2015, I switched from the Canon APS-C format to the Sony Full Frame Mirrorless system. My partner and I now have the exact same body, so we can share lenses.

Sony A7R IV

I love this camera body. I suppose it will always be the case that my current body is ‘the best I’ve ever owned’. Bought two in Feb 2020, one for myself and one for my partner. We didn’t get to use them on the inaugural trip for a few years, but broke them in towards the end. 61 MP sensor, a fast 10 frames per second (FPS) in burst mode, and really nice ergonomics. The layout isn’t that dissimilar from the Sony A7R II. I’ve been using more or less the same layout for about a decade now. The A7R IV is slightly thicker than the A7R II, which actually makes it feel better in your hands.

Sony RX100 IV

This was, arguably, an interim solution. The weight of the Canon 7D and associated Canon 18-55 mm f/2.8 were a bit much. So we went for something that we could travel easily with, and also have it ready on the moment. We purchased it around the start of 2016, and we also purchased the underwater housing for it. However, with a 20 MP sensor, it wasn’t even a match for the older Sony A7R II, and it quickly has just taken space in the shelf. I’m not keen to get rid of it, as I wouldn’t get much for it, and it can maybe get more use at some point. I will say, I have a friend that just got the Sony RX100 VII that I would consider upgrading to, but probably low on my priority list.

iPhone 16 Pro

We’ve had a number of iPhone over the years, but we both currently have iPhone 16 Pros. Handy for the quick snap, and with Wi-fi 7, 5G mobile, USB-C and a 48 MP camera, it is more than capable. I still like to use my ‘fancy’ camera for most of my photography.

Current Lenses (Prime)

For the Canon ecosystem, I really only purchased two lenses. I’ve gone ‘all-in’ on the Sony lenses.

Sony 14mm f/1.8

This is my latest lens purchase. While normally, my Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 is on my camera 75%+ of the time, this lens has offered some interesting versatility. It is especially useful in European cities where you don’t have much space, and want to get a whole scene. It also excels in wide-open expanses. My first use was in the Dolomites in northern Italy. I would recommend, especially if you are seeking an ‘ultra-wide prime lens’. I’d love to get my hands on the 14mm f/1.4, but Sony isn’t making one yet, even though Sigma is.

Sony 24mm f/1.4

I really want to like this lens. I mean, I really want to like this lens. It is just in a strange interim focal length that my existing Sony 24-70 mm f/2.8 covers the length, even if the 24mm f/1.4 is faster and produces better colours. However, I really struggle to pick it out of my bag. It’s slightly too wide for normal perspective, and I’ll normally just use my Sony 24-70 mm f/2.8 if I want to get to 24 mm. I don’t see myself selling it anytime soon. I do struggle to find the ‘sweet spot’ when I would pull this lens out.

Sony 50mm f/1.4

I love this lens, especially after previously having the Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8. The colours are fantastic. The auto-focus is quick and locks on. Its weight and distribution make it a dream to have on the camera. My only issue is that portraits are not my normal go-to style. I’ve used it somewhat sparingly since I purchased it a little over a year ago. I really like the output and would recommend it to anyone.

Sony 85mm f/1.4

I bloody love this lens. It is a long enough focal length that you can use it in public (as opposed to studio) quite effectively. The colours are great, the sharpness is fantastic, and the auto-focus is incredible. I’ve used it most at small concert venues with a friends’ band. I would love to get more use out of it. Highly recommended.

Current Lenses (Zoom)

I will say, there are some people that are quite ‘religious’ about prime lenses versus zoom lenses. I like to use both. I find in non-studio situations, having a zoom lens is much more flexible in public or on the streeet, where is ‘controlled’ situations, primes generally produce more optimal colors, clarity and speed. I will say, I probably have a zoom lens on my camera more than 85% of the time.

Sony 24-70 mm f/2.8 II GM

This is my complete work-horse lens. As I’ve said above, it is on my camera probably 75% of the time. I have had both the Sony 24-70 mm f/4.0 as well as the Sony 24-70 mm f/2.8 Mark I, and this lens is smaller, lighter and quicker, and better.

Sony 70-200 mm f/2.8 II GM

I know my parents that have kids say that ‘they are not supposed to have ‘favourites’. Well, I hate to say it, but this has to be my favourite lens. It is so versatile and quick. It has such good colour representation and balance that it is really hard not to like. I ran into a guy at a ferry boat crossing some 18 years ago that had the Canon version of this lens, and when I asked him what he thought of the lens, and his reply was “it is quickly becoming my favourite lens”. That’s is pretty much how I feel about this Sony lens. Again, I had previously rented the 70-200 mm f/4.0 as well as owning the 70-200 mm f/2.8 Mark I. This lens is leaps and bounds above. Again, if I could only have 1 or 2 lenses, this would be one of them.

Sony 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 GM

This is an extremely useful lens, but really only in a couple of scenarios. Primarily, this is my go-to lens when I go on safari. I used it as my go-to lens when we went to Rwanda, to Borneo and to South Africa. The only other time I really used it was during my niece’s University graduation. I was well up in the stands, and she was on the floor of the auditorium. I’d still recommend it, and it can produce great colours, but it really is a slightly limited use-case. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t turn down the Sony 200-600 mm. The Sony 400mm and Sony 600mm are also great. However, I can’t really afford the latter two, as they run upwards of $12,000+ each. I can’t wait for the ‘expected 100-400 GM II’.

Current Accessories

Peak Designs Slide

Peak Designs | Amazon AU | B&H Photo

This was my first ‘after market’ camera neck strap, since our cameras generally came with a branded strap that was ‘good enough’. The thickness and quality were much better (you don’t want to drop a multi-thousand dollar set of gear). The interchangeable anchors and the dual quick adjustable brackets are brilliant, and it helps that it has a padded shoulder portion. I would recommend this to anyone that wants something more than the strap that comes out of the box with a camera. Many colours to choose from for your liking.

Peak Designs Slide-Lite

Peak Designs | B&H Photo

This is nearly identical to the Peak Designs Slide, but thinner. Same length, same anchors, same brackets, just slightly thinner and a bit more manageable. Also, the shoulder padding is a bit reduced. I like it to feel a little less ‘cumbersome’. I’d still happily go with either the Slide or the Slide Lite. Many colours to choose from for your liking.

Peak Designs Cuff

Peak Designs | Amazon AU | B&H Photo

For about 6 years, I walked with the over 4-foot Slide wrapped around my wrist 2 or 3 times. I did this so I didn’t have to wear the strap around the shoulder. Until I finally bought the Cuff. Most of my photography is walking around cities, around nature, just out and about. Even I get tired of the weight of a camera and a nice lens on my neck and shoulders. This makes me need a massage. I found the Cuff is a brilliant solution. The strap is long enough to fit naturally around your wrist. All my modern cameras have a nice, ergonomic grip. This ensures it is placed comfortably in my hands and secures it well. On my walking days, I often use a sling or backpack. The shoulder strap then increases the strain on my poor shoulders. I still travel with my Slide. I take it just in case I’m up for a big hiking day. It will help me offload or free up my hands on a long day-walk. The Cuff is on my camera and in my hand 90% of my time. Again, it uses the same anchors, which are easy to switch out. It uses the same fabric, comes in many colours, and just slides on and off.

Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 Tripod

Amazon | B&H Photo Review| Digital Camera Warehouse

I have had this tripod for about 20 years. The links above are to the newer (v4) version of the tripod. As mentioned earlier, I don’t do a lot of work in a studio and carting around a tripod isn’t ideal when you’re on steep hikes. It is a workhorse, is light at 3.6 lbs / 1.6kgs, and has 4 sections. I don’t use it that much, but I doubt I would pick anything else. I still have the Manfrotto 498RC2 Ball Head on it.

Old Bodies

Sony A6400

Sony A7R II

Canon 7D Mark I

Canon Rebel TXSi

Canon Powershot A100

Paul Rin Travel Photojournalism

Seeing the world one step at a time.

My Gear

Current Bodies

Sony A7R IV

Sony RX100 IV

iPhone 16 Pro

Current Lenses (Prime)

Sony 14mm f/1.8

Sony 24mm f/1.4

Sony 50mm f/1.4

Sony 85mm f/1.4

Current Lenses (Zoom)

Sony 24-70 mm f/2.8 II GM

Sony 70-200 mm f/2.8 II GM

Sony 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 GM

Current Accessories

Old Bodies

Current Bodies

Sony A7R IV

Sony RX100 IV

iPhone 16 Pro

Current Lenses (Prime)

Sony 14mm f/1.8

Sony 24mm f/1.4

Sony 50mm f/1.4

Sony 85mm f/1.4

Current Lenses (Zoom)

Sony 24-70 mm f/2.8 II GM

Sony 70-200 mm f/2.8 II GM

Sony 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 GM

Current Accessories

Old Bodies

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