Some of My Underrated Favourite Camera Gear (And Why I Swapped the Big Brands)

In this industry, it’s easy to get obsessed with just the "body and lens" combo. But once you’re actually out there working—whether it’s a high-energy music video, a wedding in Kent, or a creative studio session—you realize that the "supporting cast" of gear is what makes the day run smoothly.

I don’t believe in buying gear just because it has a famous logo or because "everyone else" uses it. I buy what works for my workflow. After years of shooting everything from fashion to documentaries, here is the underrated gear I swear by in 2026.

1. Why I Ditched Peak Design for PGYTECH Straps

This might be a bit of a hot take, but I moved away from Peak Design straps. While everyone else seems to swear by them, I personally found them incredibly uncomfortable on my neck during long shoots.

I switched to the PGYTECH Camera Strap Shoulder Strap Air, and the difference is night and day. It’s breathable, padded, and actually distributes the weight so I’m not aching by the end of the day. For professional work where I’m running two bodies, I use the PGYTECH Camera Strap Master.

The Win: The quick-release "bead" system is so much more intuitive for me than the Peak Design disks. I can swap my camera from my shoulder to my gimbal in a heartbeat.

2. The Stabilization Combo: DJI RS4 Mini + iFootage Monopod

I love gimbal work, but I hate heavy, bulky setups. I prefer staying lightweight so I can actually move and stay creative throughout a long shoot.

• DJI RS4 Mini: This is a powerhouse for its size. It’s incredibly lightweight but handles my Sony setup (like the A7CII) perfectly without feeling strained.

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• The Secret Weapon: The PGYTECH Arca Quick Release Clamp V2. This is the ultimate hack for gimbal users. By mounting this clamp onto the gimbal's original plate, I can turn the RS4 Mini into a universal Arca-Swiss system.

• Why it’s a Game-Changer: Because the clamp is Arca-Swiss compatible, I can pop my camera (which already has an Arca plate or cage) off my tripod or out of my bag and snap it directly onto the gimbal. The best part? Since the baseplate stays locked in position on the DJI arms, I can take the camera off to get a handheld shot and snap it back on without needing to re-balance the whole thing every single time. It turns a 5-minute faff into a 5-second snap.

• iFootage Cobra 3 Pro (A150S III): This monopod is my go-to for "crane shots." I extend it out, and it gives me those sweeping, cinematic bird's-eye views that look like they were shot with a professional jib. It’s an easy way to add production value without needing a massive crew.

3. Swapping the GoPro for the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

I used to have a GoPro Hero 10, but I’ll be honest—I never used it. It felt finicky, the interface didn't click with me, and it just sat in my drawer gathering dust.

Since switching to the Osmo Action 5 Pro, I use an action cam on almost every project. It is just so much more convenient. The magnetic mounting system is genius; I can snap it from a chest mount to a tripod in half a second. It’s the perfect "B-roll" or BTS camera because it actually works when you need it to, without the headache.

Final Thoughts

Gear should be a tool that stays out of your way. Whether it’s the comfort of the PGYTECH straps or the speed of the iFootage monopod, this setup allows me to focus on being creative rather than fumbling with equipment. If you're building your kit, don't just follow the trends—find the gear that actually makes your job easier.