OM System OM-1

OM System [or "Olympus" as they were once known] have really upped the game when it comes to macro photography with their newer lenses, and the Mark 1 body provides some very effective features for macro viz. focus bracketing, peaking, in-body stacking. In addition, several of the buttons on the body [as well as some lenses] can be overridden to make your in-field photography quick , ergonomic, and efficient. I have dedicated buttons for focus bracketing, peaking, magnified preview, ISO, Simulated OVF, such that I can kick all of these features in and out with my triggering hand. This saves loads of time, lets you set up your shot and at the same time minimizes the chance of scaring a live subject away before you take your shot [s]. Focus bracketing lets you click your stack with two presses of the trigger and goes up to 999 images/focus planes with customizable focus differentials. Or, if you want to stick to the old ways of stacking manually, you can utilize the ridiculously high burst rate [120 frames/second]. This, of course takes loads of practice. I keep the burst at 5 frames/second for manual stacks.

OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f-3.5 Macro IS PRO Lens

The holy  grail among macro lenses in 2024-25, the 90mm has been called the best macro lens ever made. After having scraped the internet for reviews and deep dives about the 90, I finally purchased one a few months ago [Jan '25]. And while I was blown away by the image quality it produces, the fact that it provides auto-focus at 2:1, and the IP-53 grade weather-sealing it provides, it took me a bit to get used to it. Coming from the Venus Optics Laowa 90mm, I found this lens slightly heavier. One other thing that I'm still trying to live with is the "digital" behavior of the focus shift [especially when using the super-smooth focus ring]. But, like all else, it takes a little getting used to. Had to cancel a couple guitar purchases for the year to get this one! Not pissing and moaning. 

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens

This is a nifty, practically weightless little macro lens, that will take the magnification to 1:1 [~2:1 full-frame equivalent]. That little twisty dial just pushes it into macro space, with very nice image quality and a very manageable working distance without freaking out your lovely subjects. I still have to build a diffuser for it and the OM-1 to maximize the results. All in good time.

Canon EOS RP full-frame body

My first foray into mirrorless. I must say, I didn't have too much experience with DLR cameras before this [just about 3 months], but that didn't make much of a difference, since all principles remain the same. Since I had spent those few months with a Canon body, and had a few EF lenses [thanks to my brother], I decided on the cheapest Canon full-frame body. It might seem trivial, but that grip on the body is just so comfortable for a beginner going single handed for macro! I spent some good weeks working my way around the rig: RF/Laowa 90/Godox TT685, and a Pringles diffuser [thanks Micael Widell, great macro photographer, super helpful good guy!].