Raj Pillay

I shoot a mix of travel, street, landscapes, and portraits. This list isn’t about chasing gear or specs — it’s the photography setup I actually use and keep coming back to. Each piece here has earned its place by being reliable, enjoyable to shoot with, and suited to how I like to work. For portraits, I almost always reach for a prime lens.

This is how I make coffee at home, depending on time, mood, and effort. I rotate between four brewing methods — Moka pot, French press, drip, and Aeropress — each for a different reason. Nothing here is about chasing perfection; these are tools and habits I’ve settled into because they’re reliable and enjoyable day to day.

These are not showroom recommendations or sponsored picks. Every item here earned its place on real 300–500 km rides — by reducing fatigue, improving comfort, or solving problems you only notice after hours on the saddle. If you ride long distances, this list will save you money and mistakes. I currently ride a RE Interceptor 650 and a Triumph Street Triple 765 R, so this gear has been tested across very different riding styles and performance levels.

These aren’t fast reads or comfort books. They’re the kind that linger quietly and reshape how you see people, power, suffering, and yourself. I don’t recommend books often, but every one on this list left a mark — not through plot twists or clever writing alone, but through ideas and emotions that stay with you long after the last page. These are books you carry forward, whether you want to or not.