Sebastian Oakley
For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and holds a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since his film days using a Nikon F5. He saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still, to this day, the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, the British Equestrian Writers' Association.
He is familiar with and shows great interest in 35mm, medium, and large-format photography, using products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2, shooting Street/Documentary photography as he sees it, usually in Black and White.
Latest articles by Sebastian Oakley

The best camera for filmmaking in 2025
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
BUYING GUIDE The best 4K camera for filmmaking will deliver high-quality video content, offer image stabilization and a range of codecs

The best binoculars In 2025: for astronomy, wildlife, sports fans, and more
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
Updated Choosing the best binoculars is easy when you know what the specs mean and what to look for

The best monoculars in 2025: perfect for when binoculars are just too big
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
Updated The best monoculars give you the same magnification as binoculars but in a smaller, simpler package

I can't afford a Leica M11-D, so I turned my screen off and cured my "chimping" for FREE
By Sebastian Oakley published
Opinion I adore the whole concept of the Leica M11-D but not its price tag, so I turned my own camera's screen off and cured my "chimping" for free!

The best tripod for photographers: give your camera a rock-steady support
By Matthew Richards last updated
Buying guide The best tripods offer high performance and sturdy build quality at a fair price, but which will win the three-legged race?

The best 70-200mm lenses: top constant-aperture telephoto zooms
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
BUYING GUIDE The best 70-200mm lenses combine a constant maximum aperture and top quality, and are an essential lens for pros

The best camera bags for photographers
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
UPDATED These are the best camera bags for all styles of photography, from backpacks to messenger bags

Best wireless follow focus units for filmmakers
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
Buying Guide These wireless follow focus units let you ditch manual focus pulling for 21st century technology

The best compact cameras: top quality cameras you can take anywhere
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
Buying guide These are the best compact cameras you can get right now, and we've tried them all. Get big camera quality in your pocket!

The best full-frame compact cameras: a short list, but a great one!
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
Updated These pocket-size cameras boast a full-frame sensor so there's no need to compromise on size or quality

Negatives don't fail: Why I choose film over digital cameras every time
By Sebastian Oakley published
Opinion Negatives don't fail: Why film photography will always have my heart and is my tangible backup

Leica in 2024: from film cameras and compacts to remixes and mirrorless
By Sebastian Oakley published
The must-have Leica cameras of 2024: From mirrorless to masterpieces

"The Leica Q3 is, in my opinion, the best deal Leica offers – and I use Leica M-cameras for a living"
By Sebastian Oakley published
Feature The Leica Q3: It’s the one Leica that’s as practical as it is prestigious, the best deal Leica offers

The best iPhone power bank: portable chargers for your Apple device
By Gareth Bevan last updated
buying guide Top up far from home, with the best iPhone power banks.

I sold all my Nikon gear for Leica—but there's one Nikon lens I will never sell!
By Sebastian Oakley published
Opinion I love Leica, but I just can't sell this outstanding Nikon lens from the 60's!

Voigtlander introduces new 90mm APO-Ultron f/2 in Leica M-Mount for 2025
By Sebastian Oakley published
News Voigtlander's new APO-Ultron 90mm f/2 VM for Leica M-Mount brings a telephoto focal length in a compact package

6 Months, 200 Feet of film, 36 rolls, and 864 frames: Here's why Fomapan 400 is my forever film stock
By Sebastian Oakley published
Opinion 200 Feet of film, 36 rolls, and 864 frames: Here's why Fomapan 400 is now my forever film stock

Leica R-mount is back from the dead thanks to new lenses from Meyer Optik Gorlitz
By Sebastian Oakley published
NEWS Leica R-Mount is reborn from the ashes of 2009 thanks to another German lens manufacturer Meyer Optik Gorlitz

Since becoming a father I've only used a "proper camera" to take photos – my phone is dead to me
By Sebastian Oakley published
OPINION Phones have their place, but you can't beat a proper camera to capture family moments. The phone is dead, long live the camera!

Arri unveils new Alexa 265 cinema camera which will revolutionize 65mm filmmaking forever
By Sebastian Oakley published
News Filmmaking reborn as cinema giant Arri revolutionizes 65mm format with the new Alexa 265

The best low-light cameras: capture dark scenes with detail!
By Jon Stapley last updated
UPDATED The best low-light camera will enable you to take high-quality pictures even when its dark thanks to a full-frame sensor

The best cheap cameras: top budget buys
By Lauren Scott last updated
UPDATED The best cheap cameras give you the best photographic features and quality for your money

Glossy is the new black: Leica M11 Black Paint lands with matching Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2
By Sebastian Oakley published
News Leica proves glossy is the new black with the announcement of M11 Black Paint and matching Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH
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