Camera Body
I've been a long term mirrorless Sony user, so transitioned from the A35 to the fantastic A7iii system in August 2019 after winning my Sigma lens collection. Unfortunately I was only offered Sigma or Canon EF mounts, so opted for the MC-11 adaptor on the EF system. The lens connectivity and auto focus speeds are great, I love the eye tracking and focus options on this camera. The ability to customise menus and save pre-set shoot settings is also a great benefit.
Camera System: Sony A7iii LINK
Camera L Bracket: Small Rig L Bracket LINK
A must have for any camera system, allowing horizontal and vertical placement instantly onto an arca swiss tripod clamp mount. I also benefit from the extra grip provided when hand holding the camera. Small Rig are also good at keeping battery and Memory Card access points clear for easy access.
MC-11 Support Mount: Small Rig Lens Adapter Support LINK
Just that little bit of extra support under the lens mount adapter for that piece of mind, particularly with the heavier set of Sigma 2.8 lenses. I wanted to reduce the stress put through the mount on the camera and adapter by distributing the weight through the L Bracket too.
Camera Strap Mounts: Peak Design Strap LINK
The one and only strap system. I actually have a 3rd party neoprene strap, but use the Peak Design anchor system to enable quick and safe attachment and release of my camera from my strap.
Lens System
Through the Photocrowd.com online photography community I was lucky enough to win the Sigma/Digital Camera Magazine 'three shot story' competition with my Baker Street imagery 'they come they go'. The competition featured a double page spread on my photography in the August 2019 issue, and the delivery of the Sigma 2.8 Zoom lens trio. I love these lenses, they are quick, sharp and work seamlessly with my MC-11/A7iii combination.
Lens Adaptor: Sigma MC-11 Sony E to Canon EF LINK
The essential piece of gear that allows most Canon EF lenses to be used on the Sony E Mount system. Stays fixed to my camera all the time and subtly holds its place through the Small Rig support mount and L Bracket. Works flawlessly with my lens/ cameras set-up and updates regularly for firmware updates.
Sigma Art 2.8 14-24mm LINK
My wide angle shooter. This is a stumpy but weighty lens that produces beautiful bokeh and depth of field. It also produces some great wide angle street and landscape shoot opportunities.
Sigma Art 2.8 24-70mm LINK
My go to lens, which sits on my camera body 80% of the time. I love this focal range as it covers so many opportunities from Street, Sport, Portraiture and Landscape. It's quick, sharp and covers what our eyes naturally see.
Sigma Sport 2.8 70-200mm LINK
My long ranger, utilised mostly for the tight shot in landscapes and for Sport. I have tried this for nature but the subject needs to be a little closer than practically possible some days. This lens needs a strong arm due to its weight, but it is a delight to work with.
Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS LINK
My super long range lense, utilised mostly for the tight shot for Motorsport & Nature. Absolutely super fast and sharp, however requires a monpod for long duration carrying and panning. Love this lens.
Lens Filters: A range of stackable Gobe (now called Urth Filters) Filters LINK
I have been impressed by the Gobe/ Urth camera lens filters for a number of years. They represent a great compromise of quality over price, striking a great balance. I have a range of 3 stackable ND filters that allow me to build up my ND values, all the way up to a 10 stopper which is great for control over my long exposure time values. I also have a circular polarising filter which really helps make skies pop, water clearer and reduce unwanted distractions such as flare and reflections. Urth photography accessories come highly recommended.
What Else Is In My Bag?
Camera Bag: Vanguard Sedona Wanderlust LINK
A great all round weatherproof bag. I particularly like the back wide open access and modular system that allows easy access, removability and customisation of the entire space. It has great access and mounting points for photography gear via the webbing and strap system which is great for holding tripods etc. externally.
Tripod: MeFOTO RoadTrip LINK
Part of me wants a solid Giotto work house of a tripod, but the practicality of lugging a brick of a tripod around all day doesn't appeal. The MeFoto RoadTrip is a middle of the road, light weight and highly customisable tripod. I like the built in monopod too, a great bonus for sports photography. It's compact, lightweight yet sturdy enough in most conditions I work in.
Flash System: 2 x Godox TT685s/ Godox X1 Trigger/ Flash Stands/ Softboxes LINK
I'm a tight arse, I know, but I'm not paying branded prices for flashes. The Godox/ Neewer systems are great, get the job done, aren't too overly complicated and most of all don't break the bank in the process. I have a few Amazon special soft boxes, gels, light diffusers and light stands to complete the set - all capable of setting the stage for a home studio and creative studio shooting platform.
Aputure LED Light (LINK) - I was also very lucky enough to win a superb piece of lighting equipment, the Apurture MW LED light via a PhotoCrowd competition. This small powerful light has bought on my table top, macro and creative photography by leaps and bounds as it has allowed unlimited lighting opportunities both indoors and outdoors. The ability to adjust light strength, light colour and warmth and mount on tripods etc. is fantastic.
Clas Ohlson ® Case (Water & Dust Resistant - IP 65) 41x32x18 cm LINK
This tough box is awesome for keeping all my flashes, flash mounts, LED lights and batteries all in one safe place. This comes at a great price (I paid £39.99) and is worth it's weight in gold for ease of just grabbing all your lighting equipment in one place when ready to head out to a shoot.
The Rest:
2 x genuine Sony batteries, ridiculous amounts of rechargeable AA batteries for flashes, rocket blower, lens cloth, sensor cleaning brush and wipe kit, digital shutter release cable with timer (great for long exposures and bracketing), Neewer Pro 4 Way Macro Focusing Focus Rail Slider for accurate macro work and focus stacking and a small Gorilla Pod tripod (for flashes, LED light and holding other equipment).
Sony A7iii
Small Rig L Bracket
Small Rig MC-11 Support
Peak Design Anchors
MC-11 Adaptor
Sigma Art 2.8 14-24mm
Sigma Art 2.8 24-70mm
Sigma Sport 2.8 70-200mm
Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
Gobe Urth Filters
Vanguard Sedona Wanderlust
Vanguard Sedona Wanderlust
MeFoto Roadtrip
Godox Flash Units X1 Trigger and TT685s
Aputure LED Light
Clas Ohlson Hard Case
If you have any questions, comments or feedback please reach out to me using the submission form below. I know these guides have been greaty received by many and I'm always happy to help out where I can.
Thank you!