
When it comes to photography, the right gear can make all the difference and for me, that’s my trusty Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III paired with two amazing lenses: the M.Zuiko Digital 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO and the OM Systems 40-150mm f/4 PRO. This setup gives me everything I need to capture the world, whether I’m shooting a stunning landscape, a close-up portrait, or product details. Let me take you through how I use this gear and why it works so well for me.
My Camera: The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
This camera has been my sidekick for a while now, and I absolutely love it. It’s lightweight, tough, and packed with features that make photography easier and more fun. The 20.4MP sensor delivers beautiful image quality, while the in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) means I can shoot handheld even in low light and still get sharp results. One of my favourite things about this camera is how versatile it is. Features like Pro Capture for action shots and Live Composite for creative long exposures open up so many possibilities. Plus, it’s weather-sealed, so I never have to worry about rain or dust when I’m out shooting.
Lens 1: M.Zuiko Digital 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO
This lens is my go-to for almost everything and it’s on my camera 80% of the time! With a focal range of 12-40mm (equivalent to 24-80mm on full-frame), it’s incredibly versatile. The constant f/2.8 aperture is great for low-light shots and creating soft, dreamy backgrounds when I need them. Here’s how I use it:
For Landscapes: At 12mm, I can capture stunning wide-angle shots of mountains, coastlines, or cityscapes. The sharpness across the frame is incredible!
For Portraits: I like zooming in a bit (around 40mm) for portraits. The f/2.8 aperture helps me blur the background and make the subject stand out beautifully.
For Everyday Moments: Whether I’m walking around the coas or documenting my travels, this lens handles it all. I can go wide for a big scene or zoom in for details without missing a beat. It’s the perfect all-around lens for anyone who wants flexibility and top-notch image quality.
Lens 2: OM Systems 40-150mm f/4 PRO
When I need more zoom, I grab the 40-150mm f/4 PRO. It’s lightweight, compact, and delivers fantastic results for things like detailed product shots, up-close food captures, and even portraits. Despite being so portable, it still feels professional with its sharpness and fast autofocus. Here’s when I use it:
For Weddings and Events: When I’m photographing people from a distance, this lens does an amazing job. The 150mm (300mm equivalent on full-frame) gives me plenty of reach without sacrificing detail.
For Detail: Jewellery and Food shots are captured beautifully with this lens. Paired with the E-M1 Mark III’s autofocus system, I can capture sharp, dynamic images.
For Portraits: This lens creates a beautiful compression effect, making portraits look extra polished with a soft, creamy background. It’s my go-to lens when I need that extra reach with details while still keeping things lightweight and portable.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and these two lenses are the perfect combination for me. They’re compact and light enough to carry everywhere, but still deliver incredible image quality. Plus, the system’s weather-sealing means I can shoot in just about any condition, whether it’s raining or windy. It’s a setup that makes me excited to go out and shoot, no matter what I’m photographing!
If you’re looking for a camera and lenses that can handle just about anything, I can’t recommend the Olympus OM-D and these lenses enough. They’re versatile, reliable, and perfect for photographers who want high-quality gear without the bulk of larger systems. I’d love to hear about your go-to gear or answer any questions you have about mine. Feel free to DM me on Instagram and let’s chat photography!