When I first started out on my photography journey, I used to find this topic absolutely fascinating. I loved reading about what camera body and lenses other photographers used. Now I know it’s less about the gear and more about the photographer’s eyes and, of course, their soul. Not that gear is unimportant, there is just so much more to it all than the equipment.
That said, I think there might be one or two of you out there who are curious about the kit I use and my favourite lenses :). I should preface this by saying I’m not really a gear person. I’m not into keeping up with the Joneses. I don’t upgrade my camera body or lenses just because new versions of them have come out. I use what I have until a) they break/get damaged, or b) it feels like the next natural step to add an extra lens, improved body to my kit, etc.
Right, let’s get into it:
My main camera body is the Canon 5d Markiii. I’ve been using Canon cameras since my early twenties and, right now, I don’t see any reason to change.
My baby, one of the loves of my life, my workhorse is… drumroll, please… the 85mm 1.2 lens. Almost every single one of my favourite photographs was taken with this lens. It just feels like we were meant to be together. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not perfect - it’s very expensive, heavy, clunky and often slow to focus, but when it locks in and I get the shot I want, the heavens cheer.
My story-telling lens, the one I use a lot for indoor sessions, is the Sigma Art 35mm 1.4. Sometimes I wish I went with the Canon version of this lens, but the Sigma is sharp, fast to focus and lets in lots of light. It’s probably my second favourite lens.
And the lens that most other photographers (not me) go bananas over is the Sigma Art 50mm 1.4. I remember when I was in high school there was this one particular guy. He was tall, dark and handsome. All the girls got hot and bothered over him, but he just never did it for me. I don’t know what it was. Yes, I could see that he was good-looking and charming, but that was as far as it went for me. I feel the same way about this lens. It’s definitely a great lens, possibly even a must-have lens to have in your kit, and is usually the one I travel with, but it just doesn’t excite me. Know what I mean?
Other less exciting stuff is a silver and white double-sided reflector, a Black Rapid camera strap, remote triggers which I often use when I put my camera on a tripod, and an external flash - the 430EXii flash. I most definitely prefer natural light in my own work, but unfortunately, given that five months of the year is Sweden is often very dark, additional light is often required. I definitely need to invest in extra lighting and am very open to any suggestions you may have. I am always learning :)
I really hope you found this a little interesting - if you are that way inclined ;)
Peace and love xoxo
