My Super Lightweight Full Frame Photography Kit.

[@james_0c]

“This camera is incredibly competent and as a consequence it has no quirks, no weaknesses, and therefore seemingly no personality”. From one James to another, that’s low key an amazing statement.

[@chuckfralick6456]

Well, except that the Sony menu system SUCKS. How can such a brilliantly engineered camera have such a sucky menu system?

[@Tardsmat]

I take offense to this as someone who's using a Sony camera that has the old menu system. Quirks and weaknesses galore and it's extremely annoying lmao.

[@iSirTaki]

the clinical feeling made me sell all my sony gear, it was boring 🤫

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@chuckfralick6456 I do not have problems, I have custom made a menu for my use and I often use the fn button.

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@iSirTaki Get a pinhole camera !

[@Stov11]

Photographers “I need the perfect camera” *searches for years -Sony : creates perfect camera , photographer responds “it needs flaws” 😅

[@stevenharper6888]

I’ve noticed that a lot more photographers are starting to ditch the ‘big’ set ups and trying more smaller and lightweight options, myself included. I found myself not really wanting to get out with the camera as much. I changed my gear to a compact Fujifilm XT30II , a 27mm prime, 3tmm prime and a nice lightweight 50-230 mm . All this I can fit in a 3ltr peak design sling 👍

[@TheJoshuaPeg]

Nice vid James. Glad you’ve settled on your kit. Still, like all of us, I have no doubt you’ll change again soon enough 😄

[@edshotsdotcodotuk]

I've got a very similar fun Sony kit! A7C 40mm 2.5 and Ricoh GR III as travel setup. No messing with switching lenses (even though I do have the Samyang 24mm 2.8 pancake it's the potential of missing a shot when switching). Sony 35mm 1.8, Viltrox 24mm 1.8 and Sigma 90mm 2.8 for a lightweight location portrait setup. All 3 have 55mm filter thread and are super sharp.

[@ekevanderzee9538]

Grey and Misty green. Always a winner.

[@anderstollestrup]

Before I moved on to Canon R5, the 24GM was my favorite lens. Just a fantastic little piece of glass.

[@benvisuals]

You're finally happy with your kit just for Lumix to drop the G9II lol

[@STEPHANREDKO]

I suspect we'll be seeing a "Why I'm ditching full frame for MFT (again)" in about a month.

[@DaveKingMusic]

Have you looked into the new A7Cs?

[@bunnytobin]

I've put myself through a similar torture the last couple years with numerous different brands and prime/zoom combos. I decided that the experience of shooting for me was more important than having something that did something perfectly for me every time. I am also the same with wanting gear that is compact and makes me want to have a camera with me. I have finally settled on a Leica SL2 (bought used at huge discount) with MF Leica M primes (just 2(who could ever afford more)) and 2 AF zooms to cover everything from 16-105mm for when I shoot video or any work where I can't possibly risk trusting my own eyes. As a working professional during the film days, I found once the shock and wonder of using modern autofocus systems wore off, I found myself missing the manual focus experience. I missed feeling that I was crafting the image, being responsible of how the picture was made, not taken. The same reason I've never used any setting other than M on any camera. Don't get me wrong many amazing photographers shoot in full auto with AF and only want to think about the moment and I respect that fully as well. But for me it eliminated any possibility for "happy accidents" which have provided me endless joy and great opportunities for learning and expanding my craft, and it just felt very impersonal to be so uninvolved. If that makes any sort of sense. Anyway, I love your videos and stream of consciousness meanderings, thanks for having me along.

[@arfmf]

Sign me in for that torture 😂

[@sunil3135]

SL2 is compact?

[@bunnytobin]

@@sunil3135 The SL2 body is only .4 inches wider than the A7RV which gives it WORLDS better ergonomics than the Sony. 6 button and a do all joystick for max simplicity. And with M lenses it is probably the most compact setup I've ever owned. Had the Sony, and I agree about it's competence. I would say it is wildly beyond competent. But while I had it I literally only picked it up when I had to for a job (which it did very well). The SL2 goes everywhere with me. Anyway I have no interest in selling anyone a camera. I never look at a photo and say "I wonder what camera they used". I'm just sharing, like James in this video, where that gear odyssey led me and where I landed and am happiest.

[@bunnytobin]

@@arfmf Ha yeah using and trying out the gear was never torturous, that's the fun part. Nor was where I happily ended up (although my wallet is NOT happy). The torture I am referring to is the non-stop gear indecisiveness and the constant weighing of features, cost, etc. Happy to just be thinking about the pictures themselves again.

[@sunil3135]

@@bunnytobin But the SL2 is very heavy, but I guess you compensate that small lenses. By all means, it seems like the SL2 is a fantastic camera with great ergonomic features. However, I have never thought of it as compact. But in the end, and as you say, you end up using the gear which makes you happy!

[@FeralGinger]

Another fantastic clip James! Glad you're settling on kit, look forward to seeing you change your mind within the next 3 months 🤣

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

Dinorwic Quarry is a fascinating place to visit, especially in the autumn, when the golden yellow leaves of the trees contrast with the blue-grey Slate. Another location I discovered this year is Dorothea Quarry (disused since 1974), where nature has completely taken over the buildings and tunnels.

[@kerry5586]

Worth visiting the quarries above Dorothea as well.

[@denisesavage2382]

Great places to explore further there sometime that’s for sure. Enjoy working with what you’ve settled on - for the foreseeable future.

[@martin9410]

I have what I call, my travel kit. It's the Sigma 17mm f4, Sigma 50mm f2, and the Sigma 90mm f2.8. They are all extremely small lenses with great image quality. I go with my more pro type lenses when doing event photography or portraits.

[@Just_Kev_]

What do you think about the A7CR? Paired with the 40mm would be an even lighter kit

[@WarrenPeaceOG]

I love a standard lens! 40mm is standard on this camera. The diagonal of the sensor is 42.9mm. I learned about standard lenses when I fell in love with 28mm on Super35/APS-C for all the qualities associated with a 'standard lens.' The diagonal of APS-C sensor is 31mm

[@LeneMulan-jt2dc]

Keep does videos rolling

[@KPGuitarStudios]

OM-5 with the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 and I'm good for most things. I hear you, it's always been frustrating to me to use a camera and then have it be so much different than what my eye sees. That's a very underrated aspect of taking photos. The pain of deciding on your kit is real!

[@JimmyPifPaf]

I have OM5 too and want to buy some 20 mm prime. I have 25 1.8, but I think 20 mm is bit closer to my view. I'm struggling between Panasonic 20 mm and OM System 20 mm...

[@KPGuitarStudios]

@@JimmyPifPaf The Panasonic is a good lens, not the sharpest but a typical good prime, it's fairly slow though. The Olympus 1.4 is far nicer but it's way bigger so it really comes down to application. I was looking for a tiny pancake so I got the Panasonic and I like the results

[@Emerald_City_]

I haven't visited your channel for a couple of years since you've changed the system, and I'm pleasantly surprised now. You've changed for better. Your video's are much easier to watch now, you've become more relaxed, calm. I think your family life must have contributed to it 😇. Keep up good work and concentrate on contents, although perhaps it doesn't pay nowhere nearly. But we seem to have collectively ended up in a sort of gear obsession, gear for its own sake, and rarely come to actual use of it.

[@davehemprich-bennett9336]

Mate, how have you never been there before?! I only lived in North Wales for a year but the quarry was one of my absolutely favourite places: if you’re not averse to joining all of the climbers in hopping a tiny fence there’s some amazing shots slightly further into the quarry/up the hill. Stuff like big decrepit winches, old huts and rusted rail tracks serving as foregrounds on ledges in front of big vistas or scary-looking drops. Lots of them are pretty safely accessible on foot (though if you have friends who climb, they could probably uh, ‘elevate’ your access a bit). Definitely an area to spend a few days scouting when light is poor, then an absolute treasure-trove in the right conditions.

[@kevinmoriartyphotors]

very cool James, thanks. So entertaining and informative

[@SeanPepper672]

I've recently bought a 40mm and have to say it is a fantastic piece of kit.

[@karlrichards]

Oh dear, is James going have the G9ii in his hands and think what am I doing! He couldn't bare to let go of the original one, Lol 😂

[@bartjes2509]

Nice so it is the Leica A7R5 (for now). I got an A7R4 via ebay auction, same sensor, same image quality, only no flipscreen, extra processor for autofocus and the shutter doesn't close when changing lenses but for a fraction of the price of the A7R5. I use the 28-200 tamron as my standard lens, a very versatile setup. To complement this I have the 16mm f/1.8 Viltrox and plan to buy either a Tamron 50-400 or 2nd hand Sony 100-400 for compressed and/or wildlife shots

[@hoodio]

btw, you can use acetone to wash out the white ink in the sony logos on the front of the body

[@johnclay7644]

informative video James.

[@ItsMe-oi9dy]

If you've been struggling with whether you like the 40mm f2.5, you should really look at the samyang 45mm f1.8 for an AF lens. Or look at an adapted manual vintage lens like the Minolta rokkor 40m f2 or Nokton 40mm f1.4. Chuck on a helicoil adapter so you can focus even closer and they're amazing lenses with a lot of character.

[@mjsdabest]

Title of next week’s video: ‘So I bought another Leica’.

[@Eikenhorst]

Have you considered a 35mm Sigma F2 lens? Slightly bigger and heavier, but quite a bit brighter and build like a tank. Personally I think the Sigma F2 primes are all super interesting

[@INSOLESandLACES]

Great location James, next time you're there check out the stuff high up, slate saws, compressor and brake winding gear that will be right up your street.

[@shaunmadill8866]

I’m coming to Anglesey at the start of next month, and I’ll definitely be checking that location out.

[@UlliMueller]

You’re the Kurt Rosenwinkel of landscape photography with human elements. He, like you, creates beauty while changing his equipment all the time.

[@andrewfrankel7163]

Another jazzer and photo gear fanatic! Thought I was the only one.

[@danielhenzphotography]

Would have loved to meet you in Zurich when I saw your post. Almost made it to a meeting with Sean. Happy shooting the great colors.

[@Sleepygrinder]

These are my exact two lenses, weird. Perfect compact and light companions for my A7c.

[@rubyewing1818]

your videos are always so helpful!

[@paxpaxman4423]

I have recently downsized my gear extensively. I only have a Nikon Z6 II and a 28mm f2.8 now. 28mm is my preferred focal length and i love the one camera one lens setup. If i can get into car photography, then i will likely pick up the 40mm f2 also.

[@Nico-bc4ir]

Never tried the Zeiss 55/1.8? Already too long? Sharp and bright lens. And lightweight.

[@toke7560]

James. There is another incredible site, further up. Through the village of Dinorwic. Top of the mountain.

[@kqschwarz]

If you like that lens, then you should really try the Zeiss Batis 40 mm f2.0 CF. The lens is faster than yours and has “close focus” capability (1:2 macro). The lens is larger than the one your are using, but is probably not significantly different in weight. Also, the lens comes with a terrific hood, which I never take off. All the best. KQS

[@benjhaisch]

I’ve been using the 24/2.8 a bunch for personal stuff and have the new A7CR on preorder. A better walk round size for sure.

[@kozman76]

Really enjoy your videos and editing style.

[@WilliamDeShazer]

The Sony 28 f 2 is worth checking out if you don’t want the 24 f 1.4. It’s tiny and pretty damn sharp.

[@JGcd001]

Agreed! Also if you don't mind shooting in APSC crop, the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 lens is the perfect compact 28-75 for travel. Quickly becoming a favorite if I need to travel light

[@SiddharthaJoshiFilms]

I love your Leica 😇

[@johngrand8602]

What are your thoughts on the new A7Cs (especially the R) ? Are you interested in getting one of them for family/vacation use?

[@captynrj]

You've won me over with the "Leica" label lol - but be proud of your Sony! I have the a7r4, I love it!

[@josephryan5448]

G9 mkii here we come!!!!

[@CanadianDrifter777]

Brilliant work. But the best gen here was “I’ll check again in 10 seconds”. Almost coughed up a piece of chicken I was eating. Hilarious!

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

James: This camera is really, really good. I hate it.

[@johannes.f.r.]

You should start bringing a step ladder in the car. You often want a background to be visible behind a big foreground element. They are also great to use in forests to get a neutral perspective. It can hamper the natural field of view feeling that you like in your photos, maybe.

[@JanneRanta]

Those UK slate mines are so awesome. We dont have anything like that in finland. If I ever get my ass to UK I'm going to have to shoot few rolls of film around those.

[@williamfrancecamera]

I like my Lumix, I have a GH5 which I love because its small (and made even smaller with the adapted vintage lenses I have) but am considering the Fuji XT-100 (because of how its looks are like film stocks and I never shot with film, and the medium format sensor) or the S5 because of the full frame sensor; but they'll be bigger as well thus more weight. Didn't think I'd consider it so much

[@Just-a-Guy1]

I have a Sigma 12-24mm as my main work lens which is massively heavier than my 28-300mm Nikon lens. My super wide lens usually only works on a tripod.

[@ブラウンクリストファー]

Light carry for my a7 is Samyang's 24/1.8 & 45/1.8 with the Yongnuo 85/1.8 =

[@francois-xavierdacunha1038]

After seeing all your videos and why you choose a camera instead an other.. I think you should try the RX1RII. I’ve got the 100v, the Ricoh gr3x, à Sony a73 with this 40mm and the RX1RII is the one with the best character, the lens by zeiss is just amazing… Ok it’s a 35 and not a 40 but trust me it is brillant, even 8 years after the release ! Love your videos by the way

[@mykeljewell]

I did the checking of my app all day for my A7C2 the other day. We were planning a trip to New Orleans and we had to wait for it to come before driving 9 hours. Waiting for it was more taxing than the drive.

[@smlhtr]

I’m very disappointed that your assistant wasn’t in it. I also don’t believe that it’ll last as your kit for the foreseeable future. On another note, you’ve made me regret selling my 40 in favour of the 50. Great video and I love that you’re just like all of use who can’t figure out what their final kit will be :)

[@Nick-lx7mb]

Thanks for the vid James! MPB sells the 24GM for € 944,- while they buy it from you for € 590,- blergh. I think the sales price is ok but the buying price is a slap in the face.

[@chrishowell5718]

If you think that's bad, what about poor James who has bought/ sold/bought his 40mm f2.5 eleventy times! James, do you know if you've ever bought back the exact same piece of kit that you previously sold?

[@kerry5586]

Try Dorothea Quarry at Talysarn: a quarry taken over by nature with Snowdon in the background. Also the quarries above it.

[@gromit219]

Want to try something even more minimal? Pair the 24mm/1.4 with a 55mm/1.8 and use your A7RV’s built in crop mode for the alternating focal lengths of 36mm and 82.5mm. A near perfect focal length ratio of 1.5 throughout! Only you can decide whether you can live with 26mp for the cropped focal lengths though.

[@sharvo6]

Kit looks like you're about ready to head off on holiday ... or maybe this is the James Popsys back saving kit? Either way looks like a good combination.

[@yule0]

I've settled on a 28 & 50 combo for a while now, but if I had to pick just one I'd pick the 40mm FoV equivalent. I wonder if a certain photographer inspired me ... 🤔

[@kerrygrim7934]

Not sure what you call your type of photography. I do nature and landscape photography. Yet I would call your photography landscape as well. Just that you do not exclude the human element (we are part of nature also) but embrace it. You do an excellent job of it, clean and simple. It will be interesting to guess what camera you will use next. Perhaps Nigel can lend you an old Z 7II.

[@PhotoTrekr]

I'm working on a lightweight kit, myself, at the moment. For the best quality shots I'll still use Sony full frame cameras and GM lenses. But, there are times when shooting just for fun and the photos don't have to be of the highest quality, that I want a lighter system.. Right now I'm thinking about using my a6600 and the 24mm G and the 50mm G primes which I've ordered. I've never owned the A7C, so I've ordered the A7CR to try as well. Good luck with your choices and with mine. 🤔

[@kucken64]

You have got to try the old Canon 40mm 2.8 macro pancake. The Framelines guys did a video about it so I picked one up second-hand and adapted it to my Sony. It's made of plastic, costs nothing but for some reason has the optical performance of $2k lens.

[@spidersj12]

James, I enjoyed your 3 book bundle, my favorite photo of yours is in that bundle... the autumn colors of that broom with the stone arch bridge. The one that looks like it should be in the hobbit movie. Nice to see you using some Sigma gear. I have the sig mmm a 24mm F1.4 EF mount for my Canon EOS R, yes I'm still sporting one of those, but it does what I need it to. I have 5 Sigma lenses in total.

[@julianheritage6436]

Been there on a number photo trips in the past, agree 100% very tricky to get a composition. Great location though

[@jasonlinn]

Looking forward to two weeks from now when you buy the GFX 100 ii or something

[@jonstout7635]

As soon as I saw the buildings I thought of miners. In Iowa, where I grew up, there were many small towns in coal areas that thrived and then faded when diesel engines replaced the coal burners. I really enjoyed seeing this, and I wish I didn’t have to swim the Atlantic to get there.

[@andy.photoandfilm]

also loved this lens alot, i wish they had made it 1.8 for a bit more size...

[@JamesChurchilljr]

I am glad you have settled on a kit yhAt suits you! Now please delve deeper into your interest in the interplay of man and nature in photography, storytelling etc. I think you have more to say.

[@mockit_rockit]

Also - would 100% buy your CAMSET file for the A7RV :) lol. Still messing with settings and just not content with anything just yet.

[@withmajul]

Did you ever consider the Sigma 45mm f2.8?

[@TheWtowns]

Missed it, might you have a link?

[@codybaggett9741]

I'd like to hear more about your video set-up

[@martindemanable]

Nikon zf and 40mm f2 might be worth checking out :)

[@Akiidan]

It’s very funny because I feel like I went through the same lenes you just did bro. From the 24-70 GM ii to currently the 40mm G and 24mm GM 😂

[@MiguelMorenoGP]

That's my dream setup right now, even with just the A7iv. But I'll have to stick with the apsc equivalents for now

[@HerrMittmann]

Ha, I even have the 40mm lens. Just came back from a journey through Norway and used it quite a lot for filming - I think, you should try it, as well. To me, it felt quite cinematic using that lens for video. That is, of course, as long as the field of view fits whatever you're filming. For hand-held selfie-videos it's probably too tight, or you need a veeery long arm. Anyways - just give it a try (: Btw. I also used the 85mm 1.8 from Zeiss quite a lot, especially in portrait orientation. When you find the right angle, the depth of field looks surreal/3D-ish.

[@apeadventurevans]

Can definitely see you rocking up with a Sony A7C R next week 🙂

[@fbhombal]

You are sir the perfect candidate for the Q3-43 - no doubt in my mind that is where you going to end up. About .5 lb lighter than this setup with the best 40 mm lens in the world. As far as video, you are only creating videos when you are probably reviewing something, so you will be having a second camera anyways.

[@Kreyyong]

I was really pleasantly surprised when you pulled out that 90mm Sigma, because I've been loving using that together with the 40mm G! I go out with the 40mm on my A7C and the 90mm in my jacket pocket, and it's all so compact while being fun in a tactile way. Although I'd like the sensor protection measures from the A7CII because I always get dust on my sensor despite having perfected my fast one-handed lens changing technique. Anyway, thanks for validating my lens choices James!

[@JosephLSSimpson]

0:13 - Anyone else reminded of Elden Ring from this shot?

[@DATApush3r]

As a follow up, you said that if you didn't shoot video you'd likely be using a Leica, Fuji, or Ricoh. I'm now very curious, what would be your full time go to camera setup if you didn't shoot video?! Thanks!!!

[@connorschaal2729]

I believe you’d love the new Sony A7C ii

[@airdailyx]

as an owner of the A7R5 I definitely identify with your opinion of it. But the reason I have it is it’s capability when I need it. I’ve pre-ordered the new Nikon Zf for every day walking around shooting which is a camera, that has a little bit personality…

[@sue.Hoo123]

I wonder if you will check out the new LUMIX G9ii as your video camera……hearing good things about the AF

[@johnadams3038]

Hey the Zeiss 40mm is also a really nice lens I had it once but maybe ill get it again

[@Mojave511]

Sorry if I missed it but what camera bag are you using in this video? What a great place to photograph!

[@grapesodatravels]

Haha yes Mr GST is just the same when there's a box from MPB on the horizon!

[@lukemerrill1272]

It's so funny when you say the camera has "no quirks, no weaknesses... and no personality". Well, I'm in line to get a Leica M8... a quirky camera with lots of weaknesses and tons of personality. We'll see how it goes. Great video of course!

[@kennethbradley]

If you haven't already, the Techart Lm-EA9 autofocus adapter with the Sony a7c - R would give you all the "competencies" of the A7R (minus the view-finder/screen), be more compact, and provide autofocus on any manual focus/vintage lens. True, it's not as fast as native sony lenses but for landscape and still subjects, is more than fast enough. I'd put it around the same as using the Fuji GFX 50r. Anywho, something to consider :)

[@STEPHANREDKO]

Don't make him go through the same roller coaster again 😆

[@kennethbradley]

@@STEPHANREDKO haha let's be real, it's a never ending journey for most of us 😝

[@STEPHANREDKO]

@@kennethbradley in my case it's more of a massive black hole in my wallet.

[@garthalley]

Have you tried the samyang 45mm 1.8?

[@benmorgan7331]

Great talk about the 40mm focal length, been focusing on 25mm recently but will give 40mm a go on my 15-45

[@coreymcsween697]

Bro you need to shoot film on a manual camera. All the flaws literally make it so much fun! 🎉

[@lucian5194]

Have you ever shot on a Canon? Or would you ever consider shooting on a Canon camera? Or what's your opinion on them?

[@thepirateshoots]

Mft is a full frame, too. Please differentiate between Mft, APS-C, small format, and medium format 👍

[@darrenhaken]

What are the trainers you’re wearing?

[@Tig510Tig]

@james_0c Why did you switch from Micro 4/3? It's even more compact than your current full-frame and you can take longer zooms which are as small as those full frame primes.

[@peetje28021970]

Primes are the way to go.

[@davesusko3517]

I was half expecting James to start talking about a new-new camera setup after the hard cut at the 8 1/2 minute mark.