Canon 5DS

This is my favorite camera. I know many photographers have switched to mirrorless systems for various reasons, and I don't doubt those reasons are valid. However, the Canon 5DS remains a top-quality camera with a 50-megapixel sensor. It's a robust and durable camera that can handle some rough treatment.

One of the things I love most about this camera is the color quality it produces. Another reason I stick with it is its seamless connection to my Apple laptop through the EOS utility. I can shoot directly into a folder on my desktop, which syncs across all my computers, allowing me to edit from anywhere.

The Canon 5D Mark II serves as my backup camera. Many photographers use these as their secondary option if they own a Mark III. You can often find a Mark II with a low shutter count at a reasonable price. I snagged mine for £237.00, and it only had a shutter count of 4,200.

Considering this camera has been in production since March 2012, that's pretty impressive. Despite being 12 years old, it boasts nearly 23 megapixels and a full-frame sensor. Not too shabby for an older model!

Canon MP-E 65mm 5-1 Lens

The MP-E65mm f/2.8 1-5X is perfect for capturing very small subjects, offering up to 5x life-size magnification. In macro photography, the burning question often is, How close can you get? This is where magnification becomes crucial. I’m fortunate to have this extreme macro lens in my kit and use it daily for both studio and field work.

The Canon EF MP-E65 f/2.8 1-5x macro lens stands out by allowing users to achieve 1 to 5x life-size magnification, enabling incredibly close shots. While it's not the easiest lens to master, overcoming its challenges will leave you amazed by the results.

Godox Flash Heads V1, AD100

I love the Godox flash system. While some might think they're cheap and poorly made, that's far from the truth. As a professional photographer, I use them all the time. I find the Godox AD-series and the V1 system flashes ideal because they're compact and lightweight.

For any flash to be suitable for professional photography, color output must be consistent. Colors need to look accurate, especially in nature photography where the hues of butterfly wings must be precise. For me, these flash heads deliver just that, providing a reliable starting point before any post-production work.

Canon 50mm f1.4

A Canon 50mm with an extension tube is my go-to lightweight kit for casual photography outings. Having grown up with the 50mm, it's always been my favorite lens. For macro work, I can find captivating images anywhere, whether in nature or the city—the macro world is always present.

Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di VC USD Macro

Initially, I wasn't thrilled when I saw this Tamron lens. I wondered why I'd choose it over a Canon lens, given the typical bias in the photography world. However, once I paired it with the Canon EOS 5DS, it was like a match made in heaven. Surprisingly, I ended up preferring it over the Canon 100mm macro lens. What I thought would be my backup macro lens turned out to be my go-to choice.