Gear for travel over the years

Iuvenis wrote:

When it comes to travelling with a camera, there are really three different kinds of weight (and bulk).

Luggage weight is the amount you take with you on the trip. That's really down to your tickets/luggage rules. Some very large lenses may be out, but even a GFX system could go carry on with most airlines, if you don't have much else to take.

Bag weight is the amount you take in the bag (if any) you have with you each day during the trip. In my view, that's the more important consideration, at least if you're walking a lot. A heavy bag means you enjoy things less.

Strap weight is the camera and lens you have with you. I'm not hugely sensitive to strap weight, but when I had an S1r with a Sigma 14-24 round my neck in Split, it did start to annoy me.

When planning for a trip, you really have to work backwards. Work out your maximum strap weight, then rule out any heavier combinations.

Then work out your maximum bag weight (and size) see what different combinations work for any particular day. It may be all your trip is the same and you plan to take everything everywhere. However, that often isn't the case. For example, in a town with historic buildings, you want the 14mm for sure. You can probably live with nothing longer than 35mm. On the beach you may want a WR combination. If you go to a wildlife reserve, you may need a long telephoto you won't take anywhere else with you, etc. As long as you have somewhere else to leave your other gear, you'll be fine.

Finally, you work out if your different combinations work in your carry-on luggage. If they do, I wouldn't worry about having more gear with you. You needn't take it all on every day, you just give yourself more options.

Oh, and nice shots by the way!

We travel a lot and just did Hawaii, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Canada, Uruguay, Argentina, Ecuador and Antarctica this year, and if it doesn’t fit in my Wandrd 11L or 21L under the seat then it stays home which is why I typically travel with only my a7rII (soon to be a7rv) w/24-105mm, a prime (soon 35mm f/1.4) , and my x100V for street shooting.

My wife and I never check bags no matter where we go so everything needs to fit in the overhead or under the seat (my Wandrd 21L fit under every airplane seat), this way I know I’m not packing too much to carry on long walks, and we walk a lot which is why I just purchased the 11L.  And a 24mm or 35mm would probably suite me fine most times for walking around so I’m going to purchase the 24mm or 35mm f/1.4 as my only travel prime.

I remember packing for a trip to Chile years ago and the damn backpack felt like it was over 30lbs and we did an eight hour hike up/back in Torres del Paine National Park and I was freakin’ miserable, and now I’m almost 10 years older. I also pack so that I don’t need to leave anything important in the hotel since some more rural destinations don’t have wall safes, that’s something to also consider depending on the type of travel some people may do.