Over 65, and on vacation. How much gear do you carry ?

Over 70 and it depends on the vacation; but, let's assume it's travel.

We take several kinds of trips, basically cruises and land tours. On land tours we travel mostly by public transportation, carry our bags and stay in nice but not fancy lodgings.

For cruise I take more since I can leave gear behind on outings, but most trips are on land with a small group. Weight is not the issue but keeping focused on what I am seeing staying with the group and avoiding becoming a target for theft or other aggravations are my primary factors. I carry fairly old and non cutting edge stuff.

Photography is my real enjoyment and most people in our groups have been avid photography hobbyists so there is some consideration of my interest but I do not want to hold things up fiddling with set ups and swapping lenses. (I have gotten separated a few times taking pictures or trying to fix gear and it's a lot better not to do this.)

Our final product is a photo book or two so pixel peeper worthy IQ shots are of no value.

The ultra wide is very good if you are on crowded attractions. You can go in close to points of interest get the whole thing and few people. In these situations, it's important to have gear you know well. I set up get in and get out so I don't hog the shot, better to avoid aggravating fellow travelers.

My base kit is a mirrorless with an ultra wide zoom and a super zoom. I usually take a monopod with QR set ups and small external flash although I rarely use them. I carry spare batteries too and polarizers. I take about 70% with the mirrorless with its ultra wide.

My next trip is classed as a luxury cruise and I'll probably take some primes for my mirrorless. These are likely to be a fast short telephoto like a vintage 135 or 85f/2. I may also bring my very long vintage solid cat. I doubt I 'll carry them except when I anticipate a likely situation, but from a ship a very long long lens may get me some interesting shots, and I do a lot of night photography. Part of the enjoyment this trip is getting to use exotic optics so I'll bring a few I would not take on a usual trip

If you are on a seagoing ship you will probably have a safe place to stow gear and time to mess with exotic stuff. On a land only trip we are moving most of the time, typically 16,000 steps a day and tired at night. On these trips I keep it simple and spare.

Our last trip was about a month in Japan and we had to carry everything. I had a large travel backpack and a large messenger bag. I carried just the mirrorless with wide zoom and my ultra zoom (with batteries and polarizers) . I had my monopod and I think I used it twice, once because I was just determined to use it.

Camera stuff goes on the messenger bag and there is also room there for most of what we buy during the day, but we don't buy a lot.

My mirrorless is on a sling strap and it is out as soon as I think I'll start taking pictures.

I am always going to look like a tourist but i try not to look like a rich one with fancy gear. None of stuff is prominently trade marked.

My wife carries a travel zoom and I often borrow it for things like a morning jog

jonrobertp said:

Just wondering. The SLR with 2 lenses...not any more. Energy is too precious to use much of it up carrying gear. Usually one hi end compact, at most 2.

And cell phone, water....and it's usually in a hot climate.

What do you do ?

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I try to organise our trips with a base, where I can leave equipment relatively securely and only take with me, what I need for the day. I find as the trip goes on, my ability to carry more increases, as my left shoulder gets stronger. The types of photography vary with what equipment I carry. This year was my first trip with a zoom on my Leica SL (to Myanmar) after many years using primes on various Leica M cameras. I found the flexibility of the 24-90 zoom very useful and even better, not having to change lenses and carry a bag with the alternative lenses. The downside is missing very shallow DOF and low light capability of fast primes but I can change to the primes for evening or early morning work on the SL.

However my father, who was a better natural photographer than I am, took virtually all his photographs with a 50mm on his Leica IIIA for 35mm colour reversal slides and an 80mm on his Super Ikonta BX 533/16 for black and white on 120 film.

Hello again,

Congratulations! None of my 65 year-old friends is in that class.

The downside is that you do not have my easy solution.

All the best, Alistair.

Dr JLW said:

For cruise I take more since I can leave gear behind on outings, but most trips are on land with a small group. Weight is not the issue but keeping focused on what I am seeing staying with the group

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I find my focus is improved by trying to work out how I can get ahead of the group and fitness is improved by constantly running to catch up (I wait for the group to move on to keep them out of the picture).

My general experience with tour guides is that they tend to stop in one place and tell more than I want to hear * before moving on, so apart from wanting photos for their own sake I need something to keep me occupied.

* If the place really interests me I read up before leaving home; if I have only a passing interest I don't want loads of description.

I travel similarly but teh point I was making is that how you travel should determine what you carry. I too often run to catch up with the group but this requries that I remain focused on them enough that I do not let them get too far out of sight and it also depneds on the locale. In open areas I can get pretty far away but in tight quarters with lots of corners a small separation can be trouble.

I have to keep all of this in my head as I take pictures and something that breaks or is "fiddly" can distract me enough that I'll lose my group. This may of may be a problem. Once on my last day I lost the group at tend of the tour as they turedn down an alley and the meeting point was a large and complex cathedral. I knew we would eventually meet up at the Hotel which I knew how to reach and I elected not to spend the last hours of my trip looking for the tour guide. More often, it is important for everyone that I not get too lost as it spils everyone else's time too.

Case in point, my quick release holder fell apart in a cobblestone town square and I spent some time looking for the small nut that had fallen off the locking screw. That kind of thing is what I meant by fiddly stuff. I was not taking pictures, but trying to deal with a gear problem.

i do not know of a way to completely avoid this situation. The best I can do is use stuff before I travel and make sure it is reliable and not fiddly. To me changing lenses is in that category. Lots of stuff can go wrong doing this and so I rarely carry about a second lens for my mirrorless.

I also recognize that I am not a professional and my books are not going to be seen by many people. They are to remind me of my trip and prompt us during sessions with friends talking about the trip. They are a fun part but subservient to seeing and doing things.

Also, when with a licensed, professional guide I may not stay close but they usually have radio links and I usually listen to what they have to say. For guides from the tour company, I may wander more or look at and photograph something else.

The overall point I am trying to make is that how you are going to travel determines what to carry and if with a group avoid stuff that may get you separated and lost.

Thirty years ago I used to carry an slr with 6 lenses including two zooms, a bunch of filters, 40 rolls of film and a full size tripod.

For my trip to NYC (5 years ago) I took a 5D2 with a 17-40, a 70-200 f4, a TC1.4X and a table tripod. It was perfect.

For my last trip to Cuba (3 years ago) I took a Sony Nex 6 with the pancake zoom and a micro tripod. It was ok but I could it do better with a bit more.

Next time I travel internationally, I would take my two Sony A6000's, one is Infrared converted, the pancake kit zoom, the 20mm pancake, the 50mm, a polarizer and a nano tripod.

Yes, this is my current light travel kit. but if I had to buy it again, I would go for a Fuji XT2 system.

Eduardo

switched to m43, take 3 lenses, 4 batteries, a macro converter, 2 polarizers. all in a small sling pack. no problems with airlines. When out shooting for the day I will cut down to 2 lenses, 2 batts. and 1 polarizer. in an even smaller bag.

Panasonic GX7 + Oly 9-18/4-5.6 + Pana 14-42/3.5-5.6 + Pana 45-150/4-5.6 + Pana 20/1.7 + Oly 45/1.8. <2kg. Sometimes leave some of them at headquarters.

Depends. If it's a p[hoto trip and driving - quite a bit. Photo trip and hiking - not so much (camera and 2 lenses). If family trip for snapshots - belt camera (good P&S). For all - getting away from DSLT/DSLR, and going micro 4/3 or belt camera.

Age 73.

Peace.

John

Dr JLW said:

Over 70 and it depends on the vacation; but, let's assume it's travel.

We take several kinds of trips, basically cruises and land tours. On land tours we travel mostly by public transportation, carry our bags and stay in nice but not fancy lodgings.

For cruise I take more since I can leave gear behind on outings, but most trips are on land with a small group. Weight is not the issue but keeping focused on what I am seeing staying with the group and avoiding becoming a target for theft or other aggravations are my primary factors. I carry fairly old and non cutting edge stuff.

Photography is my real enjoyment and most people in our groups have been avid photography hobbyists so there is some consideration of my interest but I do not want to hold things up fiddling with set ups and swapping lenses. (I have gotten separated a few times taking pictures or trying to fix gear and it's a lot better not to do this.)

Our final product is a photo book or two so pixel peeper worthy IQ shots are of no value.

The ultra wide is very good if you are on crowded attractions. You can go in close to points of interest get the whole thing and few people. In these situations, it's important to have gear you know well. I set up get in and get out so I don't hog the shot, better to avoid aggravating fellow travelers.

My base kit is a mirrorless with an ultra wide zoom and a super zoom. I usually take a monopod with QR set ups and small external flash although I rarely use them. I carry spare batteries too and polarizers. I take about 70% with the mirrorless with its ultra wide.

My next trip is classed as a luxury cruise and I'll probably take some primes for my mirrorless. These are likely to be a fast short telephoto like a vintage 135 or 85f/2. I may also bring my very long vintage solid cat. I doubt I 'll carry them except when I anticipate a likely situation, but from a ship a very long long lens may get me some interesting shots, and I do a lot of night photography. Part of the enjoyment this trip is getting to use exotic optics so I'll bring a few I would not take on a usual trip

If you are on a seagoing ship you will probably have a safe place to stow gear and time to mess with exotic stuff. On a land only trip we are moving most of the time, typically 16,000 steps a day and tired at night. On these trips I keep it simple and spare.

Our last trip was about a month in Japan and we had to carry everything. I had a large travel backpack and a large messenger bag. I carried just the mirrorless with wide zoom and my ultra zoom (with batteries and polarizers) . I had my monopod and I think I used it twice, once because I was just determined to use it.

Camera stuff goes on the messenger bag and there is also room there for most of what we buy during the day, but we don't buy a lot.

My mirrorless is on a sling strap and it is out as soon as I think I'll start taking pictures.

I am always going to look like a tourist but i try not to look like a rich one with fancy gear. None of stuff is prominently trade marked.

My wife carries a travel zoom and I often borrow it for things like a morning jog

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Very good . Thanks, and happy travels.

Thanks. Can relate to much of it. Many good comments.

Happy shooting.

I am almost 60 and in great shape. I just have no need or want to carry around heavy equipment any longer. Way to much work. I recently invested in Olympus m4/3 with the O MD E10 mk II. I am amazed at the small light weight of this entry level system. Body, and three lens weight less than my Oly 50 200 lens from my E system. I have a wide range of basic lens that cover my needs in three lens, and might add a fourth. Typically I can take any two (total) and cover what I need outdoors, on adventures. There is a lot of bang for you buck here. I am amazed how good the photos look, how light the system is, and the overall cost at the entry level. Do I need full frame, NO! Do I need a pro quality 50 200, not anymore. I want the best possible photos, but if the system is too heavy, or too expensive I get nothing.

First, it depends on the type of vacation, and how I got there. If I drive, I can bring pretty much anything I own. If I fly, then weight and bulk is important since it can't be checked through. I have an airlines "legal" sized carry on bag with wheels and telescoping handle. My wife's little carry on stacks on mine if we have to walk any distance in airports, as she is not a fit as I am. Any camera gear has to fit in my bag along with documents, hat, a book to read, glasses, my meds, etc. Plus, I always take at least two cameras to have a backup, and to have some variety of camera size and properties.

Second, the cameras I select have to match the itinerary. If I know I'm going to visit a bird sanctuary, I'll take my FZ200 for the length. I'll probably pair that with my S95 for dinners, parties, and indoor shots, and maybe the SX230HS travel zoom. I could elaborate; but I'm sure you get the idea.

I'm 78 now. I haven't enjoyed carrying a DSLR around my neck in years and years. I started restricting camera size in the '90's and began carrying compact 35mm P&S film cameras, as I found I enjoyed the trip more.

One more note. On any trip on land or water, when you go out for the day on excursions, we really have to carry more than just the camera. Extra clothing, water for two of us, spare batteries and cleaning gear, maybe a small pair of travel binoculars, sun screen and/or insect repellant, maybe a compact umbrella or some plastic ponchos, meds, phone, etc. Years back, we went on a couple of bus tours with Globus. They gave us these nice flat shoulder bags with just enough room for the essentials and external mesh pockets for two small water bottles. I fitted that with a wide, curved, and padded strap from Lowe. It goes in my suitcase until we get there. A DSLR, or even my FZ1000 is really too big for that bag. So my rule is: if it doesn't fit in that bag with all the other stuff, it doesn't go. My FZ200 is about as big as I'll take.

I am not quite 65, but here goes ...

Basically, my "daily carry" has to fit in a Billingham Hadley Small. I know I can walk around comfortably for eight or more hours with the Hadley Small. My total gear for the entire trip, including my computer and camera(s), has to fit under the seat in front of me on an airplane.

In practical terms, this usually means:

* When I am out for the day, I carry two m4/3 bodies, each with a lens attached. I may throw in a small prime in some circumstances. In urban areas, I lean toward a wide angle and a mid range zoom. In less populated areas, I lean toward a convenience zoom and a small wide angle.

* On the plane, I will usually carry my computer, two m4/3 bodies, 5-7 lenses, and an external hard drive.

* Occasionally, when I anticipate that I will be photographing wildlife, I will take a longer lens and a slightly larger bag as my "daily carry." I know, though, that the extra weight and size will take a toll on me by the end of the day.

In less than 24 hours I'll be on an international flight for a 10 day vacation.

I feel I should be taking my MFT plus a few lenses but somehow I never do.

This time it'll be the FZ1000 plus my "new" Nikon Coolpix A.

Considering what I used to carry around in my film days this combo occurs far more than in the past. If I fail to get the best shots I feel it's more my failing than that of the equipment.

davesurrey said:

In less than 24 hours I'll be on an international flight for a 10 day vacation.

I feel I should be taking my MFT plus a few lenses but somehow I never do.

This time it'll be the FZ1000 plus my "new" Nikon Coolpix A.

Considering what I used to carry around in my film days this combo occurs far more than in the past. If I fail to get the best shots I feel it's more my failing than that of the equipment.

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I went to Italy a couple of years ago with just my LX7 and an iPhone. The LX7 served me well overall, but there were enough instances where I wanted something more that I upgraded to m4/3 after I returned home.

I'm pretty much okay with my "everything fits into a Hadley Small" rule when I am out for the day. I don't always fill the bag, and I don't think that the gear has ever hindered my explorations. Sometimes, though, I curse my tote bag full of gear briefly while racing through an airport.

I am headed to Venice for Carnival in February, and it looks like I will take a pretty loaded pack again: 2 m4/3 bodies, the 12-40mm, the 14-150mm (because it goes everywhere with me), the 45mm, the 9-18mm, an external flash, and possibly the 75mm. At any given time, though, I will carry at most two bodies with lenses attached and the flash. Carnival in Venice, though, is an exceptional circumstance, where I really need speed, extra light, and length. This will be my second trip to Carnival, and I have a pretty good feel for what I want to shoot. On most trips, I don't take that much gear.

I totally I agree that I still lose more shots than I would like because of my ability, or lack thereof.

Enjoy your trip!

For a long time, I carried a 28-105 on my Nikon FE2 or N80, only taking a longer lens if I knew I was going to see wildlife. As you say, that worked very well. But then I wanted lighter, and started carrying an Olympus 35 mm compact that covered 35-120 mm. Image quality was surprisingly good. However, it wasn't pants pocketable, so I added an Pentax Espio Jr (32 mm) for dinners and as a backup, and later, the Olympus Stylus Epic.

The two P&S models worked well until digital came along when I went through several cameras starting with a flawed Kodak design, a Canon G5, 20D with a Sigma 18-125, and after a couple more attempts, a Canon Pro 1 paired with an S70. That worked very well for several years, and today, I still have a Pro 1 (but not the same one).

I take all three of my lenses but only walk out the hotel door with one mounted and my 40MM pancake tucked away Sometimes I will only mount the pancake and leave the other two behind.

For full on vacations, E-M5+12-40, 40-150/f4-5.6, 45/1.8, 4/3s 50/f2+MMF3, GM5+12-32 (my complementary body), flash, filters, small travel and tabletop tripod. All goes in a daypack I've modified. Space for water, a rain jacket, snacks and so on. Within my pack is a smaller belt case that takes my GM5 + 12-32 + 45, and small flash. I can build up or sown in the course of a day.

Last night I reviewed the pictures I took with my RX100M3 on my trip. They weren't as good as the ones I took with my iPhone. Plus it's a disgusting camera to use.

There has to be a small camera with a viewfinder that works better than this.

--
Leonard Migliore