A Landscape Photography Plateau (With the OM-5)

In this video my hiking plans are disrupted once again by less then ideal weather conditions. While in waterfall country, I try out the OM-5 and 12-100mm f/4 IS Pro lens on some familiar and unfamiliar Welsh trails, experiencing the benefits of a lighter and simpler camera set up.
What are your thoughts on the OM-5 and what is your go-to travel kit?
A big thank you to MPB.com for sponsoring today's video and for providing me with the OM-5 to test out. You can check out the gear used in this video with the links below:
mpb.com UK prf.hn/l/ZZ0dEld
mpb.com US prf.hn/l/aWLGm1e
mpb.com EU prf.hn/l/41l1WwP
mpb.com FR prf.hn/l/lGbBbJ3
mpb.com DE prf.hn/l/zn5nYeO
Camera: OM System OM-5
Lens: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS Pro
Filming Camera: Nikon Z30 + 16-50mm
Filming Tripod: Vanguard VEO 3T+ CF
Filters: Formatt Hitech Firecrest Magnetic Circular Polariser (10% with VICTORIA10)
Bag: Vanguard VEO Active 46
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You can find Hi-Res versions of the images in this video on my website here:
Website: www.courtneyvictoriaphotography.com
Instagram: / courtney_victoriaphoto...
ICELAND Workshop 2024: www.sirenadventures.com/multi...
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Music used in this video is sourced at Epidemic Sound. Sign-up here for a 30-day free trial and access to huge libraries of sound and music with no license worries.
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
#landscapephotography #olympus #om-5 #waterfallphotography #MyMPB @mpbcom

[@JerryWilliam63]

Thanks for showing us your journey, all through the year, and bringing us along, through your wondrous frontier. Your warm loving eyes, sees vast treasures of the heart, which reveals your true spirit, through your stunning captured art Our photographs show our journey, through life's short stroll, lending us comfort and tranquility, and a way to heal the soul. The holidays gather us together and encourage us to say, "Thanks" to those who loved us, to be what we are today❤ One day I would like to meet your mum, and offer her a warm embracing hug🫂 Perhaps say "Thank You", with a lovely bouquet🌹 and for loving you enough, into being what you are today👩‍👧🥰 Thank You Dear Courtney for doing what you do, but thanks most of all for 'Just Being You'🙏 Happy Holidays, Your Kindly Poetic Friend.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Thank you Jerry. I appreciate all the encouragement, support and beautiful poems you have given me this year! Warm wishes for a joyous holiday season and a happy new year!

[@JerryWilliam63]

You make it a pleasure. Since I won't be in the neighborhood anytime soon, will you give your Mum that warm embracing hug on my behalf? Have a Wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year; I'm already looking forward to your adventures in 2024! Take Care. (I know we're a day late, but pin it?)

[@ewright5866]

This was such a lovely comment. Just wanted to continue the positivity. :)

[@user-ix5yb1iy3u]

사진을 담는 한사람으로서 유익하게 시청하고 있어요 감사합니다

[@JerryWilliam63]

내 생각엔 그녀가 한국어를 읽는 것 같아.

[@wylie_photo]

I use the OM1 and 12-100 when I want to travel light, it's a really nice little set up. The OM1 has a number of extra features, like a higher resolution EVF, better menu system, and a load of other things that I mainly use more for street photography.

[@lindaw5890]

I love your waterfall pictures and these are no exception. Your Mom is adorable - Merry Christmas to you both!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@markielinhart]

“Everyday is a school day” even after sixty-odd years of photography you’re so right Courtney. Whether it’s about the gear or oneself and the gear…✌️🎄🇦🇺

[@rikardpersson9493]

Thank you for an entertaining video with truly amazing pictures! I especially like your 4x3 compositions! Regards Rikard

[@mikeyc7072]

The Olympus 8-25 F4 PRO (16-50mm "equivalent" ) is a stellar lens for ultra-wide. I use it with my Panasonic G9 - great results!!

[@peteg330]

Thanks for the videos this year, a nice combination of being informative, light hearted and beautiful scenery. Will be looking forward to your videos in the new year.

[@PHM00]

I found your videos about 3 weeks ago, have watched them all. Learning a lot from you and bonus your video style makes watching very easy. Well done and keep up the great work!!

[@jamiemasters7187]

Thank you Courtney for taking us on your journey throughout this year, always great videos, wishing you a merry Christmas and look forward to next year's journeys.

[@andywhiteside16]

Thank you for a very entertaining and inspirational year you have made my Sundays fantastic can't wait for your travels next year wishing you a merry xmas and a fantastic 2024

[@serged8826]

You are a gem, an inspiring one. Each an every video has so many things to tell. Thanks 🤗🤗🤗

[@terryosborn]

Thank you Victoria for all of your amazing videos this year, brilliant. Hope you have a great Christmas and a happy and healthy new year. Terry.

[@ddki9094]

Thank you Courtney for bringing us along on your journeys. Also, thank you for sharing your knowledge and showing us the ups and downs like what happens in real life. But most of all, thank you for being honest and for making photography fun. May this holiday season bring to you peace and may the new year bring to all of us some hope that indeed better times are ahead.

[@matthewpatterson9184]

Lovely to come along on this journey and I'm looking forward to seeing where you take your photography next year. Some beautiful images in here, Courtney.

[@suzannehill-gh1cx]

I really enjoy your videos. Beautiful country. Beautiful photos. Entertaining and educational for me. Thank you.

[@SteveWhodoo]

Your video posts are always great - but I must admit, this one is EXCEPTIONAL!! Keep up the excellent creation work!

[@joelrollins2841]

Your still photos and videos are both superb. I love them both. Best wishes to you & your family this holiday season. Can’t wait to see what catches your eye in 2024.

[@martincomeaux6949]

I admire and respect having to grow, moving forward. Whichever direction you choose, I hope you take us along for the ride. I do love your photography and your quirkiness. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!

[@PhotoStoryChannel]

Wonderful....great tool perfect result

[@rosssayer6524]

Really amazing locations and so many compositions, thanks for sharing Courtney, awesome images captured. Merry Christmas from over here in Australia

[@DinoPozo]

Absolutely great video Courtney, you're a lucky person to share those lovely, funny and fantastic moments with your Mom! Thanks for share it! I admire you a lot!

[@pepper6253]

Merry Christmas Courtney, excellent year of your picture journey . Love the country side and the dancing, Moms( got some moves) always brings a happy smile to my day. looking forward to seeing what you come up with in 2024 maybe street photography ? Have a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Many blessings in the coming year.

[@over2weeks]

Lovely work, as always! Here's to new challenges in 2024! Happy Christmas to you!❤❤

[@cindyshebley]

Thanks! I've enjoyed watching your videos all year. They're full of great information and enjoyable. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Thank you, this is very kind of you and I appreciate it a lot :) It's great to hear you've enjoyed my videos this year and fingers crossed you will continue to do so next year too haha! Happy Holidays and have a great New Year.

[@randyschwager2515]

Always wonderful to click on KZbin and see your smiling face. Also cool to meet your Mum and discover where your craziness comes from! I’m looking forward to your adventures next year. Thanks for taking me along!

[@timrosenburgh8597]

Another great adventure Courtney. Enjoyed both your dancing. It was nice to see your mum there too. Fantastic waterfall image's. The stabilisation on that camera is amazing to be able to take the image's hand held. Hope you have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks Courtney for another interesting video... great results at very interesting location.... hope you & your family have a great & safe festive season... keep up the good work... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊

[@jeffdrew625]

Oh my! Your images are grand! I love the waterfalls, their grottoes, and surroundings! Your storyline is excellent and keeps things interesting. More please! 🙏 subscribed.

[@kebeckreis1687]

Thanks! These incredible images are references in my compositions. Congratulations to you and your mother.

[@brianeibisch6025]

Courtney, Thanks for a year of truly great images in the various seasons of your environment; you live in a most beautiful place. Looking forward to next year’s vids and maybe some more of those “elven dances” that you do in the woods. Happy Christmas and New Year to you and yours. Cheers

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Thank you, I am truly lucky that I am surrounded by such incredible landscapes and nature here. Happy holidays and New Year to you too!

[@montanaylago]

Loved your Mom!!! She’s such a good sport!!! Great video by the way!😊

[@jasonstefanuk3579]

Merry Christmas. Great video. As a die hard Olympus man, I was glad to see you using this equipment.

[@stephank.502]

Thanks a lot Courtney. Have a great and blessed Christmas.

[@alanthornton3530]

I love the waterfall photos & spectacular scenery, this is something we don't have in Cambridgeshire (just big open skies), as always your videos are very entertaining. ❤

[@user-rh5fw2bq4t]

You make some of the most beautiful photography videos.❤

[@CamMead]

Great to see someone using an OM5 and making decent pics with it. Nice Job

[@jimadams6159]

I see you really take after your mum. Brilliant video as always. Seasons greetings to you and your mum. Looking forward to more from you next year.💚

[@deenugent473]

I just found your channel and I really enjoyed it and your work is amazing. I love the beautiful sceneries and the composition you'd captured it.

[@jimcross7002]

Olly’s have long been known for their quality optics And your inspired compositions Certainly do The om5 justice I enjoy the speed you use to get that Silky motion of water It’s almost tactile in how you take each shot Like you, your mum appears to be a lot of fun throwing in some Shapes bless her Your work Just keeps on getting better, can not wait For your next production!

[@chellestipe5647]

Hi Courtney. I just discovered your channel yesterday and spent the entire day watching your videos. They are captivating and fun to watch. I'll be watching all your new videos this coming year. I also wanted to thank you for your encouragement and reminders to no compare myself to other photographers and to be persistent. I've recently gotten back into photography after not doing much at all for a few years now. I've had to pretty much relearn photography. But, I have some new gear to move forward with. Just recently got a D750 which I'm loving. Still have my older camera as well, a D7100 which I'm going to keep using for landscapes and the D750 for wildlife. Those are my two passions. Can't wait to see more from you! I hope you have a wonderful new year!

[@b.2221]

Fantastic work. Merry Christmas to you and your Mum.

[@RoyJenkinsPacker]

We have two crazy dancers now. Great. Just a lovely video, Olympus before OMD, are beautiful cameras and gear, om1x has that extra hand grip, or by a add on shoe. Thanks for your lovely videos during the year, look forward to next year adventures. Seasons blessings.

[@aquienpuedainteresar4188]

You are becoming my favorite photography youtuber. Not just because i really love the locations you visit or that i lime your photographs. Or because you are beautiful young lady with a equally beautiful accent but mainly because you do really explain the process, the thinking, the positioning and why sometimes it doesn't work. In my day dreamings i always thought that if a were to start my channel this is exactly how i would wanted to do it.

[@denisesavage2382]

loved seeing you and your Mum dancin it up in the bush. nice.

[@rmetzger7368]

Hello Courtney! New subscriber here, and after binge watching for the last few days, I do believe I've made the right choice. Your photography is amazing, your way of delivering info is incredible. It is the breath of fresh air I've been looking for! Can't wait to see what I'll learn from you in the coming year. We'll be watching over your shoulder from Port Angeles, WA., USA, where the weather is quite similar to yours: on the coast, rainforest nearby, mountains close by. Have a safe holiday! R. (By the way- I luv the dance routines in your vids!!!)

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Thank you for taking the time to watch my videos and welcome to the channel! :) I hope you continue to enjoy it and I'm sure there will be plenty of dances to come in the future. Seeing as we've yet to have many misty mornings here so far this Winter, I think a few fog dance routines may be in order ha! I can imagine you have some beautiful landscapes where you live, you can't beat a mountain view!

[@dennismurray703]

Such beautiful countryside. Amazing images considering that they were hand-held, you clearly have a very steady grip! The Around the Corner shot at 4:54 was beautifully composed.

[@steveuow]

I made the 'big jump down' from Pentax FF to micro 4/3 with the OM-1 a few months back ... There may be less pixles to play with, but in every other way it's been a revelation. Great to see you pushing yourself and finding some new sources of phojo 😊 Have a great Christmas 🎉

[@alanhall5648]

An excellent video and some beautiful pictures 🔥🔥🇬🇧

[@steverolfe1935]

Another great video

[@panchulovikingo9763]

Excelentes vídeos 😊

[@jaybradley9083]

It was nice to see you having a photo outing with you mom. I see where you got your love of dancing. Excellent photos, by the way.🙂

[@Joe_I_Hadley]

Thanks for the wonderful content. See you next time

[@relaxingtherapeuticnaturevideo]

Interesting topic and beautiful work 😊

[@peterpatterson7568]

Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@TheOneAft]

Love the interaction between your mom and you 😃 Cool video too! 🙌

[@PhotoTrekr]

Every once in a while I'll think about buying into the Olympus or OM System. But, I always end up putting the money into my Sony system. I am impressed, though, by the images. I've always found that photographing new places excites me more than new equipment. Love your videos and Happy Holidays!

[@richturnerphotography]

I have a friend who has an OM camera and he loves it though I'm not sure of which model he has. I've been looking at these more compact cameras as well as they travel and carry much easier than the heavier DSLRs (as you've noted) but since I'm in the middle of converting from my old Canon gear to Sony, I'm not ready to make the switch to the more lightweight gear just yet. Glad you were able to bring your mum along; I'm sure she had just as much fun being out with you as we did watching you two together. I love your video style and your subdued humor! Can't wait to see what 2024 brings for you!

[@mastermike7000]

Just thought I'd say thank you for 2023's uploads - I took up photography in February, and your channel was one of the first I found for UK landscape. I've become a better newbie because of your thoughful composition explanations. Here's to 2024!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Thank you for coming along on my photographic journey! That's wonderful to hear and I hope 2024 brings you plenty of exciting photography opportunities and great images!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Courtney! I loved seeing you out exploring and dancing with your mom! ❤ I have been feeling the plateau myself and plan to stretch my creativity this year (trying some night/astrophotography is top of that list). Hoping to get out later today to record a video and take photos...it's been well over a month now and the itch is there!! Looking forward to your next video! 😀📸🥾

[@craiglindholm6338]

I bought the OM-5 for (mostly) travel. I picked up an inexpensive grip and it feels MUCH better.

[@majestic.feminine]

Thank you so very much! ✨💝

[@ZakariKha]

I found myself sitting here laughing aloud imagining the person who comes across you dancing like that minus the backing music for context! Another brilliant video Courtney

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Haha! We wouldn't have noticed at all if someone had walked by behind us! I suppose it would look quite odd seeing as the music I was hearing was only in my head!

[@ilpoheikkila4773]

Great video!

[@gr-os4gd]

Very cool that your Mum joins in some of your expeditions; now I see where you get your dance moves! 🎄📷

[@FierceSleepingDog]

Nice video. I just got into OM/Olympus MFT cameras and lenses this year. I love the system. I still use my excellent Nikon DSLRs (D500 and D850 with pro glass) for sports, but I reach for my MFT kits for everything else. The 12-100 f4 is fantastic! A little big and heavy compared to other MFT lenses, but it's a do-it-all lens with very few compromises. MFT has definitely rekindled my love for photography. The portability, weatherproofing, and computational features are awesome.

[@christophermason7735]

The OM5 looks great. Nice photos too 😊

[@matthewschleicher9419]

I love the videos Merry Christmas ❤

[@FierceSleepingDog]

100% on MPB. I've bought a LOT of MFT gear from them recently. Always a good srlection, good prices, and speedy delivery. Spending a fraction of the cost on slightly used gear is addictive.

[@ScottAllshouse]

Something different next year? I'm curious to see what you're planning. I'm happy to see you are trialing the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS Pro. It is my only lens and feels great paired with the EM1 MK3. Be assured they take a beating without fail. I've spent several years photographing forest trails and meadows near the Pacific Crest Trail. Most of my images are inches above the ground and I rarely use a tripod. You may have fun with the Olympus/OMD kit.

[@mwatkinsphotos]

Interesting to hear your thought on the OM5. Great video as always and great to see you using Formatt Hitech filters and Vanguard Veo Active bag too

[@johnpouw3352]

I love the Autumn Remnants photo, superb. That lens is exceptional for it's flexibility. The 8-18mm Panasonic Leica compliments it perfectly. Good to see you branching out and trying different :)

[@janneroz-photographyonabudget]

After nearly passing out, after cutting off my circulation with my D5 and the Sigma 60-600 around my neck, those two items are now for sale amongst other stuff. Keeping my Z7 and F mount 20mm Nikkor, everything else F mount is going. But I have invested in a second hand Lumix G9 with the Lumix 100-300mm attached to it. It's to replace the D5 with the big lens for wildlife. It gives me pretty much the same sort of results and the size and weight difference is incredible. After this brilliant video of yours, (they all are!) I'm now looking at other MFT lenses. I thought MFT was a dying breed but it seems that more and more people, even pros like yourself are looking at these lighter alternatives.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

OM Systems has 150-400 and newer 150-600 lenses. Follow Mike Lane FRPS, he switched from Sony to Olympus/OM Systems. He also has a G9 II and reports it's fine with these lenses.

[@tjsinva]

On to seascapes and woodlands. Carry on. 👍🥂

[@adventurelifewithbob2960]

Enjoyed your video (as always) and your views on the OM-5. We are currently cruising around the world. I didn’t want to lug around my big Nikon DSLR camera and heavy lens, so I went mirrorless with the Nikon Z8 and their 24-120 lens. Perfect for traveling. Keep up the great work.

[@Powerstroke98]

Lovely, as always Courtney, hope your bruise wasn't long lasting! Interesting how you mentioned it's time for a new Landscape challenge, as I can honestly say I have a similar issue, as I've not picked up my D750 for a few months now! I have been using my iPhone 14 Pro Max more of course, but not necessarily for Landscapes, so I do plan on getting out more in the months to come, as it's quite cool here in western Canada currently, and staying dry is more my cup of tea! Very much enjoy your video's Courtney, and as always, look forward to the next one! Keep those FB reels going too, as they're always welcoming!

[@tenuris]

The dancing scene is so cool 😎 👌🔥

[@David-my3uu]

Certainly understand hitting a peak in "the usual" photographs and when that happens to me, I: 1) stop thinking of going out to photograph and instead just go out to walk, hike, explore, etc any area that may be new, brining a single camera/lens along as a hand held, no bag which is only for when you encounter something to remember. Point is not to photograph but to just be out; a refreshing break that's likely to inspire. 2) become inspired by looking at others' outdoor/indoor work, gaining perhaps a different perspective and venue. You do so much in the woods and near waterfalls but what about just the wide open spaces of UK fields and hills? I love Todd Karol's work in the vastness of western Canada and find it inspires me to new and interesting things. I'll look forward to what you explore and interpret next!

[@markgoostree6334]

A plateau ? For me it's more like a pit.! I'm trying to climb out of the doldrums but I'm not making much headway. I keep talking myself out of getting my gear and going .... anywhere. I'm living vicariously through your videos. Keep making them... you are fun to watch!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

A pit haha, oh gosh that doesn't sound good! Sometimes it's beneficial to step away and put the camera down for a bit, that's my plan over the holidays and hopefully by New Year I'll be desperate to pick my camera back up again and get out with it. I hope you find some inspiration to get out with your gear soon, and if not that's okay too! :)

[@ianforber]

I moved from Nikon to Olympus a few years ago, buying the OM-5 Mk2 and the 12-40 f2.8 Pro lens. Only 16 megapixels and not up to the same stabilisation as the latest version. I gave up using it 3 years ago because the menu system drove me mad. I don’t go out taking photos every week (or month) and I could never remember how I’d set the camera up and what settings I’d given to the various custom buttons. The lens is so good I’ve kept the camera but it’s been sat in the cupboard all this time. The batteries are dead and I’ll probably need to buy new ones if I decide to start using it again! I take a lot of infra red photos so maybe try that to get out of the plateau? You’ll need that tripod again though.

[@alangamble3236]

@ianforber I had the same problem remembering MySets on my OMD-EM5 mkii. This camera however does allow you to assign MySets to the mode dial. So now I set by black and white MySets to the ‘scene mode’ and colour MySets to the ‘art mode’. When I am out and about I then just have to twist the mode dial. I have done the same on my OMD-EM10 mkii. Unfortunately the newer Olympus cameras don’t have the capability to reassign the mode dial…pity.

[@terrywarne9474]

OM system and micro 4/3 one of best systems in photography portable excellent lenses hi res modes and focus stacking an excellent system at a good cost point pro lenses are fantastic

[@thepiratecats801]

Trying something new is always a good idea. I'm off to get some seascapes in the new year. Maybe you can try something like street or portraiture.

[@alanbravofotografo]

amazing video my friend,nice work!

[@bigdhav]

Aw you're really fun! I'm glad I discovered your channel. I hope to join you one day for some adventures, I know it would be fun! All the best and looking forward to more videos 😊

[@askssk715]

Awesome! I shot Nikon for years, but boy was it heavy! I have been shooting with Olympus gear for several years now. Specifically, the EM-1 Mark III. I have 2 lenses that do everything I need - the Oly 12-100 and the Oly 100-400. For a hobbyist nature photographer, it's all I really need. Easy to travel with too! Love your channel, sense of humor and patience! OMG I love your mom too! Yes, the menu system is a bit, but you do get used to it. 🙂

[@TheSerialHobbyistGirl]

I have an OM-1 and an older EM-5 mk3, which I think is about the same size as the OM-5, and the OM-1 is definitely more comfortable. I doubt you'll switch to Olympus, well OM System now, but I highly recommend the M.Zuiko 7-14mm f2.8 PRO lens. It's fantastic.

[@JerryWilliam63]

Is there a front filter system that can be used with that lens?

[@ianparr1533]

The 7-14 f/2.8 PRO has no filter thread but if that's a must-have feature, choose the 8-25 f/4 PRO instead (or the Lumix 8-18) - both of those have filter threads.@@JerryWilliam63

[@TheSerialHobbyistGirl]

@@JerryWilliam63 there is (or at least was) a very expensive third party filter holder but I can't remember the name.

[@danatkinson1517]

I have recently switched from from a full frame system that I used for 13 years to the OM-1, primarily for macro. But I have also gotten back into landscape and wildlife, and have been very surprised by the dynamic range of a modern M4/3 sensor and it's low light capabilities. Sure it's not up with the best of the full frame sensors but, the fact that I am more likely to pick up the camera due to it being so much easier to handle means I have rediscovered my drive to get out and shoot again. I am finding the 12-40 2.8 Pro II an absolutely stellar lens for my landscape and ventures into street photography.

[@JeffreyJohnsonC]

I LOVE the focus clutch! Wish all premium lenses had that feature.

[@johnhall9895]

It's great that you tried Olympus. Stay with it and also with your big backpack, only with the new space available in the pack carry a tent and try night photography.

[@petermcginty3636]

Thank you for the video and, as usual, your images are beautiful. I use an OM-5, but I never seem to the problem of the bottom corner pushing into my right hand. However, I tend to support the weight of the camera and lens with my left and and use my right hand to balance the camera and press the shutter. Nonetheless, I do not own a 12-100mm zoom lens and so I cannot say if the additional weight of the lens is a factor. In any event, I hope that you enjoy using the OM -5 as much as I do. Cheers, Peter.

[@billkipper3264]

I'm with you on the size and weight of my gear. I got tired of lugging around my clunkey Canon kit. Especially as I like to carry my camera on a Peak Design Capture Clip. About two years ago I switched to the Fuji X-T3 and I couldn't be happier. It's smaller and about three quarters of a pound lighter. Plus, In my opinion I get better image quality as well, which is a bonus.

[@Yotengri]

Some winter photography would be nice.

[@terrygunnill7967]

great to see you using olympus gear, i,ve been a user for four years now, the om1 although a little bigger and heavier is nicer in the hand, stronger built and more bells and whistles. Also I noticed you using iso below the recommended 200 iso, if you go below this the quality can suffer a little. love your refreshing style and presentation.

[@NatsWright]

This is pretty much what I wanted to do, have a light weight camera bag for easier hikes. I use the Veo 42 bag and take fuji cameras. The lenses I take are the Tamron 18-300 F3.5-6.3 and the Tamron 11-20mm F2.8. Pair these with either the X-T5 or X-S20 and you have a great hiking kit, although the X-S20 is not weather sealed. Mind you, the X-T5 has a lovely grip and is so easy to setup with analogue controls. Great video, always love the whit you throw in to your videos too!

[@gliderpilot2006]

Great video! You should definitely try the OM-1 (the viewfinder alone is worth the extra weight) with the 8-25 (a lot wider than the 12-100). There are lots of good lenses in that catalog but for what and how you shoot I would have picked the 8-25. It was cool to see you trying new gear. Merry Christmas and don't stop dancing!

[@gordon3988]

Lovely..and such so great go get out with your Mom! To me the OM5 looked like a great choice,and while the 12-100 is likely the best all rounder it just seems too big and heavy to me, at least paired with such a small camera. You could likely have a small fast prime like the 12mm (or a Panny 9mm) and then perhaps a light zoom like the 40-150. Yes, the latter is a variable zoom and not that fast but small and light. You would have to change lenses though. Different tools for different needs of course.

[@jpsteiner2]

Courtney, I hope your OM-5 experience was good. I love mine. Try the 8-25mm f/4 pro lens for that extra wide. The 60mm m.zuiko macro with in-camera focus stacking is a super lightweight fun add to hiking kit. All this weather-sealed, too!

[@gilbertduran8708]

Nice having an assistant on your shoots. I'm guessing her fees are pretty reasonable. LOL. It's funny, I live in a desert area and if we saw a waterfall every photographer in the area would have to take a number to take a couple of shots. Good luck in finding something different next year. Maybe some videos on how you edit your photos or maybe changing some of your shots to B&W and going over the changes/edits with us? Always nice to learn something different. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@MJ_wrighthook]

A ❤ for mum and dancing 😂

[@MikePageKaltenberg]

As a long time Olympus user who's just bought a used Z7ii, it's interesting to see you and Henry Turner trying out OM-5's. My first comparisons have been surprisingly favourable in both directions, the Nikon is a lot lighter than I anticipated, but the Olympus is just so convenient in so many ways; exposure peaking, being able to see the histogram and spirit level at the same time, IS, built-in ND, etc. But in challenging light I'm growing to love the Nikon too, and I'm finding myself spending less time editing the images from the z7 as well.

[@johnmclean7852]

For the low weight days gear I suggest, ‘Lowprro’s ProTactic Lens exchange’ bags. For the plateau break step way out of the zone and go urban some evening. The composition rules are basically the same, this time of year the extra lights and an open f/stop make for nice back grounds. Coffee/tea shops are much more plentiful than in the woods and the dance clubs have a bar.