Gear for travel over the years

I started with a Pentax ME, then a Voigtländer Vitessa, an early version of the X100 series then for many years a Nikon F3. 2 primes.

Then heavy stuff by comparison a Nikon F90x, then a Coolpix 5000 and then a variety of Nikons up to the D800.

In 2013 I discovered the first Fuji I wanted to afford, the X-E1. The camera came with the 18-55 and I quickly bought first the 60/2.4 for portraits and then the 14/2.8 for landscapes. Replicating my F3 days in a smaller package.

Fuji X-E1, July 2013, Indonesia

Lombok, Indonesia, July 2013

Then I started exploring other bodies, first the X-E2, then the X-T1. The bodies - and the lenses getting larger and sometimes heavier. First I replaced the 60/2.4 with the 56/1.2. The added the 35/1.4 and then the 90/2.0. So the package was certainly getting larger. But still ok.

Then I started traveling with more than one body. Added a variety of secondary bodies, sometimes another Fuji and sometimes just some extra - complementary - body. Like the RX1. Or the Olympus Pen-F. Or the Panasonic LX100.

In 2018 I traveled to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam with my to date heaviestestest Fuji gear. Fast glass, 2 bodies, 5 lenses.

Taken with the X-T20.

Chiang Rai, Thailand, March 2018

Luang Prabang, Laos, April 2018

Subsequently I decided to shed one Fuji and then take only one of the "larger" Fujis, either the 90/2 or the 56/1.2 but not both. Added one of the Sony RX1 series bodies, instead and often walked around cities and villages at night with just one body, one lens.

But kept on adding heavier lenses as I carried on. First the 23/1.4 and then the 16/1.4.

16/1.4 Myanmar, October 2018 (I think)

56/1.2 Myanmar, November 2018

That was already 2 fast lenses, large by comparison.

I then tried the 50/2 and the 16/2.8 to see where I might be going regarding weight and size.

And still, going back to the 56/1.2. Compromise?

56/1.2 Su Thep, Thailand, April 2019

56/1.2 Su Thep, culture clash, Italian woman at Buddhist Temple

Not happy-happy with my bag. Could have just taken the 56/1.2 and nothing else. Maybe the 14/2.8? But 2.8 isn't helpful at night ...

Again quite heavy travels later on in 2019. Took the 35/1.4 and the 56/1.2. plus ...

55-200 ... Varanasi, October 2019 (I think, maybe early November??)

That zoom wasn't particularly lightweight either.

And then 2020 came. The BIG reset. Lockdowns.

During lockdown, weight no longer mattered. And those trips within New Zealand were manageable. Car travel isn't difficult.

Fuji 35/1.4 (I think...) At home no trouble regarding weight or size ...

And then some "internal" travels within New Zealand:

Also no issues regarding size of weight.

But somehow, the dream of travel light was over. I then added an A7C plus some Monsters of Rock, the Zeiss 16-35/4 ... weighed a ton and since I also had my X-Pro3 with me in Rarotonga, I thought this wasn't really what I had envisaged in 2013: to travel light with a capable kit.

Sony A7C plus Zeiss 16-35/4 at 20mm, similar to the Fuji 14/2.8, but MUCH heavier!!!!!

Taken at 20mm ...

Fuji X-Pro3 + 16mm

That trip to Raro I thought was just not what I had planned when I had left the sjooopurr heavy D800 behind.

Then in 2022 I thought I would maybe simplify matters a bit by adding first a Q, the a Q2.

Leica Q2

But had my X-Pro there as well.

X-Pro3

And now I am pondering as to what to take to Vietnam and Japan in March.

Currently thinking of maybe the 52/1.2 and the Viltrox 13/1.4 ... the 35/1.4 and the Leica Q2??

Or maybe just the 13/1.4 and the 56/1.2 plus the Q2?

Leica Q2

Sometimes I think I might just get another 16/2.8 and then take the 50/2 and be done with it ...

First world problems aye??

You all have a good Christmas!

Deed

Since you have the Q2, it seems sensible to pair your Fuji body with it. Perhaps the Q2 and a 35 or 50mm? That seems like a great combination!

I really enjoy a Ricoh GR (same focal length as Q2) and the Fuji 35mm, but you seem to like the longer focal lengths around 50mm better. Interestingly, there's not much love for 23mm in your post, besides the RX1. I can relate. 18+35 always wins against 23 in my book.

My own travel gear started with the GR and a 18-135, and has evolved to GR and 16-80 and 35. Perhaps with a 70-300 in the bag. Wider angles I leave to panos, in order to save weight.

bastibe wrote:

Since you have the Q2, it seems sensible to pair your Fuji body with it. Perhaps the Q2 and a 35 or 50mm? That seems like a great combination!

I really enjoy a Ricoh GR (same focal length as Q2) and the Fuji 35mm, but you seem to like the longer focal lengths around 50mm better. Interestingly, there's not much love for 23mm in your post, besides the RX1. I can relate. 18+35 always wins against 23 in my book.

My own travel gear started with the GR and a 18-135, and has evolved to GR and 16-80 and 35. Perhaps with a 70-300 in the bag. Wider angles I leave to panos, in order to save weight.

Like I might have mentioned: the 13/1.4 for a wider view and the 56/1.2 for portraits and cityscapes??

Dunno yet, sometimes I feel like taking just the 35/1.4 and a wide angle ...

Deed

You've got GIS. Gear indecision syndrome.  Those are really nice images.  Take a standard lens and a wide one.  And a spare battery.

deednets wrote:

bastibe wrote:

Since you have the Q2, it seems sensible to pair your Fuji body with it. Perhaps the Q2 and a 35 or 50mm? That seems like a great combination!

I really enjoy a Ricoh GR (same focal length as Q2) and the Fuji 35mm, but you seem to like the longer focal lengths around 50mm better. Interestingly, there's not much love for 23mm in your post, besides the RX1. I can relate. 18+35 always wins against 23 in my book.

My own travel gear started with the GR and a 18-135, and has evolved to GR and 16-80 and 35. Perhaps with a 70-300 in the bag. Wider angles I leave to panos, in order to save weight.

Like I might have mentioned: the 13/1.4 for a wider view and the 56/1.2 for portraits and cityscapes??

Dunno yet, sometimes I feel like taking just the 35/1.4 and a wide angle ...

Deed

Great shots your post.

I took way too much gear with me on my vacations in the USA. 2 bodies, almost all my lenses but on my business trips in Asia I always try to keep it small and simple. My lightest camera bag was the X-T1 plus 14/2.8 and 27/2.8.

Now my standard is X-Pro3, 14/2.8, 23/2 and 35/1.4. When I compare to the images I get when I'm in the USA I ask myself if more gear means better images. I think sometimes it is the other way around.

Enjoy your trip!

A few thoughts:

- FF lenses will be normally bigger than APSC lenses;

- Fast lenses will be always bigger than slower lenses, regardless of the format.

- The compromise on size and weight is personal.

Thanks for sharing your journey.

Next time, just the Q2 and the Italian woman!

deednets wrote:

I started with a Pentax ME, then a Voigtländer Vitessa, an early version of the X100 series then for many years a Nikon F3. 2 primes.

Then heavy stuff by comparison a Nikon F90x, then a Coolpix 5000 and then a variety of Nikons up to the D800.

In 2013 I discovered the first Fuji I wanted to afford, the X-E1. The camera came with the 18-55 and I quickly bought first the 60/2.4 for portraits and then the 14/2.8 for landscapes. Replicating my F3 days in a smaller package.

Fuji X-E1, July 2013, Indonesia

Lombok, Indonesia, July 2013

Then I started exploring other bodies, first the X-E2, then the X-T1. The bodies - and the lenses getting larger and sometimes heavier. First I replaced the 60/2.4 with the 56/1.2. The added the 35/1.4 and then the 90/2.0. So the package was certainly getting larger. But still ok.

Then I started traveling with more than one body. Added a variety of secondary bodies, sometimes another Fuji and sometimes just some extra - complementary - body. Like the RX1. Or the Olympus Pen-F. Or the Panasonic LX100.

In 2018 I traveled to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam with my to date heaviestestest Fuji gear. Fast glass, 2 bodies, 5 lenses.

Taken with the X-T20.

Chiang Rai, Thailand, March 2018

Luang Prabang, Laos, April 2018

Subsequently I decided to shed one Fuji and then take only one of the "larger" Fujis, either the 90/2 or the 56/1.2 but not both. Added one of the Sony RX1 series bodies, instead and often walked around cities and villages at night with just one body, one lens.

But kept on adding heavier lenses as I carried on. First the 23/1.4 and then the 16/1.4.

16/1.4 Myanmar, October 2018 (I think)

56/1.2 Myanmar, November 2018

That was already 2 fast lenses, large by comparison.

I then tried the 50/2 and the 16/2.8 to see where I might be going regarding weight and size.

And still, going back to the 56/1.2. Compromise?

56/1.2 Su Thep, Thailand, April 2019

56/1.2 Su Thep, culture clash, Italian woman at Buddhist Temple

Not happy-happy with my bag. Could have just taken the 56/1.2 and nothing else. Maybe the 14/2.8? But 2.8 isn't helpful at night ...

Again quite heavy travels later on in 2019. Took the 35/1.4 and the 56/1.2. plus ...

55-200 ... Varanasi, October 2019 (I think, maybe early November??)

That zoom wasn't particularly lightweight either.

And then 2020 came. The BIG reset. Lockdowns. Dogs at play instead of burning people in Varanasi.

During lockdown, weight no longer mattered. And those trips within New Zealand were manageable. Car travel isn't difficult.

Fuji 35/1.4 (I think...) At home no trouble regarding weight or size ...

And then some "internal" travels within New Zealand:

Also no issues regarding size of weight.

But somehow, the dream of travel light was over. I then added an A7C plus some Monsters of Rock, the Zeiss 16-35/4 ... weighed a ton and since I also had my X-Pro3 with me in Rarotonga, I thought this wasn't really what I had envisaged in 2013: to travel light with a capable kit.

Sony A7C plus Zeiss 16-35/4 at 20mm, similar to the Fuji 14/2.8, but MUCH heavier!!!!!

Taken at 20mm ...

Fuji X-Pro3 + 16mm

That trip to Raro I thought was just not what I had planned when I had left the sjooopurr heavy D800 behind.

Then in 2022 I thought I would maybe simplify matters a bit by adding first a Q, the a Q2.

Leica Q2

But had my X-Pro there as well.

X-Pro3

And now I am pondering as to what to take to Vietnam and Japan in March.

Currently thinking of maybe the 52/1.2 and the Viltrox 13/1.4 ... the 35/1.4 and the Leica Q2??

Or maybe just the 13/1.4 and the 56/1.2 plus the Q2?

Leica Q2

Sometimes I think I might just get another 16/2.8 and then take the 50/2 and be done with it ...

First world problems aye??

You all have a good Christmas!

Deed

I often think that I have too much gear - at home and when I go out with a backpack with gear. And I do not believe  really (anymore)  that the great images are somewhere there far away. Local beach has surprised me quite often. And I can go there again tomorrow with some other gear;-) 

But it was nice to read your post - now my gear problems are just very small.

BTW - nice images.

Papa48 wrote:

Next time, just the Q2 and the Italian woman!

Would then not have to post much on the Fuji forum. I also have no idea who she is. My friend and lover Jacqueline, would possibly also have a thing or two to say about it, but was supportive regarding the 56mm. And the Q2.

KariP wrote:

deednets wrote:

I started with a Pentax ME, then a Voigtländer Vitessa, an early version of the X100 series then for many years a Nikon F3. 2 primes.

Then heavy stuff by comparison a Nikon F90x, then a Coolpix 5000 and then a variety of Nikons up to the D800.

In 2013 I discovered the first Fuji I wanted to afford, the X-E1. The camera came with the 18-55 and I quickly bought first the 60/2.4 for portraits and then the 14/2.8 for landscapes. Replicating my F3 days in a smaller package.

Fuji X-E1, July 2013, Indonesia

Lombok, Indonesia, July 2013

Then I started exploring other bodies, first the X-E2, then the X-T1. The bodies - and the lenses getting larger and sometimes heavier. First I replaced the 60/2.4 with the 56/1.2. The added the 35/1.4 and then the 90/2.0. So the package was certainly getting larger. But still ok.

Then I started traveling with more than one body. Added a variety of secondary bodies, sometimes another Fuji and sometimes just some extra - complementary - body. Like the RX1. Or the Olympus Pen-F. Or the Panasonic LX100.

In 2018 I traveled to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam with my to date heaviestestest Fuji gear. Fast glass, 2 bodies, 5 lenses.

Taken with the X-T20.

Chiang Rai, Thailand, March 2018

Luang Prabang, Laos, April 2018

Subsequently I decided to shed one Fuji and then take only one of the "larger" Fujis, either the 90/2 or the 56/1.2 but not both. Added one of the Sony RX1 series bodies, instead and often walked around cities and villages at night with just one body, one lens.

But kept on adding heavier lenses as I carried on. First the 23/1.4 and then the 16/1.4.

16/1.4 Myanmar, October 2018 (I think)

56/1.2 Myanmar, November 2018

That was already 2 fast lenses, large by comparison.

I then tried the 50/2 and the 16/2.8 to see where I might be going regarding weight and size.

And still, going back to the 56/1.2. Compromise?

56/1.2 Su Thep, Thailand, April 2019

56/1.2 Su Thep, culture clash, Italian woman at Buddhist Temple

Not happy-happy with my bag. Could have just taken the 56/1.2 and nothing else. Maybe the 14/2.8? But 2.8 isn't helpful at night ...

Again quite heavy travels later on in 2019. Took the 35/1.4 and the 56/1.2. plus ...

55-200 ... Varanasi, October 2019 (I think, maybe early November??)

That zoom wasn't particularly lightweight either.

And then 2020 came. The BIG reset. Lockdowns. Dogs at play instead of burning people in Varanasi.

During lockdown, weight no longer mattered. And those trips within New Zealand were manageable. Car travel isn't difficult.

Fuji 35/1.4 (I think...) At home no trouble regarding weight or size ...

And then some "internal" travels within New Zealand:

Also no issues regarding size of weight.

But somehow, the dream of travel light was over. I then added an A7C plus some Monsters of Rock, the Zeiss 16-35/4 ... weighed a ton and since I also had my X-Pro3 with me in Rarotonga, I thought this wasn't really what I had envisaged in 2013: to travel light with a capable kit.

Sony A7C plus Zeiss 16-35/4 at 20mm, similar to the Fuji 14/2.8, but MUCH heavier!!!!!

Taken at 20mm ...

Fuji X-Pro3 + 16mm

That trip to Raro I thought was just not what I had planned when I had left the sjooopurr heavy D800 behind.

Then in 2022 I thought I would maybe simplify matters a bit by adding first a Q, the a Q2.

Leica Q2

But had my X-Pro there as well.

X-Pro3

And now I am pondering as to what to take to Vietnam and Japan in March.

Currently thinking of maybe the 52/1.2 and the Viltrox 13/1.4 ... the 35/1.4 and the Leica Q2??

Or maybe just the 13/1.4 and the 56/1.2 plus the Q2?

Leica Q2

Sometimes I think I might just get another 16/2.8 and then take the 50/2 and be done with it ...

First world problems aye??

You all have a good Christmas!

Deed

I often think that I have too much gear - at home and when I go out with a backpack with gear. And I do not believe really (anymore) that the great images are somewhere there far away. Local beach has surprised me quite often. And I can go there again tomorrow with some other gear;-)

But it was nice to read your post - now my gear problems are just very small.

BTW - nice images.

There are I think 7 larger waterfalls here in Auckland and 100+ beaches, so could go out and take some pics. But that's not as exciting as it is to ride a motorbike up north somewhere where I haven't been before.

Wouldn't qualify a bushwalk before lunch as "travel" either, but know what you mean.

biza43 wrote:

A few thoughts:

- FF lenses will be normally bigger than APSC lenses;

- Fast lenses will be always bigger than slower lenses, regardless of the format.

- The compromise on size and weight is personal.

Thanks for sharing your journey.

True, but what I meant was how the 2013 setup was feather-light when compared to my 2022 arsenal.

And apart from DR not realess capable.

deednets wrote:

Papa48 wrote:

Next time, just the Q2 and the Italian woman!

Would then not have to post much on the Fuji forum. I also have no idea who she is. My friend and lover Jacqueline, would possibly also have a thing or two to say about it, but was supportive regarding the 56mm. And the Q2.

There you go!

Great photos ~ and I've been going through a similar journey to get lighter as I've gotten older, but still want the flexibility for a variety of shots. Had been a Nikon shooter for almost 30+ years then went to Olympus, then went to a Sony a7rII, and now also have an x100V so I'm trying to decide which way I want to go now that I'm retired and doing even more international traveling. Nothing worse than lugging 25+ lbs of gear on a 10-mile hike through the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador.

I have my eye on the Sony a7rV and may just suck it up and carry that and my x100V on our next trip to Thailand and Indonesia but the pack really does get heavy, but then I'm excited about the possibility of the xpro4 and what it may have to offer, then I can go totally Fuji.

I don't do much video and I love the IQ and AF of the Sony a7rv from what I've seen, but I've always wanted an x-pro for street/travel photography and simpler uncomplicated shooting ~ decisions decisions.

At this point, I think I'll continue to travel with my x100v and Sony a7rII then when the x-pro4 hits I'll decide if I want to go all Fuji or stay with the two systems. Hopefully, Fuji really puts some serious thought into what xpro shooters may want and need.

Sadly you can only pick one between having a small and light kit or fast and amazing glass and this applies no matter which system you buy into.

I will say that your post has me looking at the planned changes to my kit in a completely different light and now I'm looking at a third option to consider which would consist of just the 16/1.4, 30/2.8, 56WR, and 70-300, especially since the 30/2.8 has shown itself to be the prefect one lens solution for backpacking. Upgrading to an X-Pro4 would yield a full WR kit at just under 5lbs, a backpacking kit of under 2lbs, and a walkaround travel kit of the 16&56 at 3lbs which is very appealing to me and inline with what I'm trying to achieve with the other options with one less lens to keep track of and a completely uniform filter size outside of the macro.

I’ll leave the gear discussion to all you experts.  I’d just like to comment on the beautiful body of work you’ve shared in your post.  Some really gorgeous images. Huge 👍 and a testament to what the gear can do in the right hands.

Jerry-astro wrote:

I’ll leave the gear discussion to all you experts. I’d just like to comment on the beautiful body of work you’ve shared in your post. Some really gorgeous images. Huge 👍 and a testament to what the gear can do in the right hands.

Thanks Jerry you have a good Christmas and must bear in mind that there are still - and possibly always will be - cultural misunderstandings.

Deed

Joachim Gerstl wrote:

deednets wrote:

bastibe wrote:

Since you have the Q2, it seems sensible to pair your Fuji body with it. Perhaps the Q2 and a 35 or 50mm? That seems like a great combination!

I really enjoy a Ricoh GR (same focal length as Q2) and the Fuji 35mm, but you seem to like the longer focal lengths around 50mm better. Interestingly, there's not much love for 23mm in your post, besides the RX1. I can relate. 18+35 always wins against 23 in my book.

My own travel gear started with the GR and a 18-135, and has evolved to GR and 16-80 and 35. Perhaps with a 70-300 in the bag. Wider angles I leave to panos, in order to save weight.

Like I might have mentioned: the 13/1.4 for a wider view and the 56/1.2 for portraits and cityscapes??

Dunno yet, sometimes I feel like taking just the 35/1.4 and a wide angle ...

Deed

Great shots your post.

I took way too much gear with me on my vacations in the USA. 2 bodies, almost all my lenses but on my business trips in Asia I always try to keep it small and simple. My lightest camera bag was the X-T1 plus 14/2.8 and 27/2.8.

Now my standard is X-Pro3, 14/2.8, 23/2 and 35/1.4. When I compare to the images I get when I'm in the USA I ask myself if more gear means better images. I think sometimes it is the other way around.

Enjoy your trip!

Have just sold my 14/2.8 as often I found it a bit "slow" mainly at night, 2 stops is the difference between ISO3200 and 12800 where 3200 might just still be tolerable. Or 1/30s and 1/8s hand held with some movement.

But liked the 14/2.8 for its size, Could also easily live with your combo although I sometimes like a touch further to be more respectful - if you know what I mean?

Will be in Kyoto for 4 days in early April. Must check your travel blog to see whether you have some pics there??

Deed

deednets wrote:

KariP wrote:

deednets wrote:

I started with a Pentax ME, then a Voigtländer Vitessa, an early version of the X100 series then for many years a Nikon F3. 2 primes.

Then heavy stuff by comparison a Nikon F90x, then a Coolpix 5000 and then a variety of Nikons up to the D800.

In 2013 I discovered the first Fuji I wanted to afford, the X-E1. The camera came with the 18-55 and I quickly bought first the 60/2.4 for portraits and then the 14/2.8 for landscapes. Replicating my F3 days in a smaller package.

Fuji X-E1, July 2013, Indonesia

Lombok, Indonesia, July 2013

Then I started exploring other bodies, first the X-E2, then the X-T1. The bodies - and the lenses getting larger and sometimes heavier. First I replaced the 60/2.4 with the 56/1.2. The added the 35/1.4 and then the 90/2.0. So the package was certainly getting larger. But still ok.

Then I started traveling with more than one body. Added a variety of secondary bodies, sometimes another Fuji and sometimes just some extra - complementary - body. Like the RX1. Or the Olympus Pen-F. Or the Panasonic LX100.

In 2018 I traveled to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam with my to date heaviestestest Fuji gear. Fast glass, 2 bodies, 5 lenses.

Taken with the X-T20.

Chiang Rai, Thailand, March 2018

Luang Prabang, Laos, April 2018

Subsequently I decided to shed one Fuji and then take only one of the "larger" Fujis, either the 90/2 or the 56/1.2 but not both. Added one of the Sony RX1 series bodies, instead and often walked around cities and villages at night with just one body, one lens.

But kept on adding heavier lenses as I carried on. First the 23/1.4 and then the 16/1.4.

16/1.4 Myanmar, October 2018 (I think)

56/1.2 Myanmar, November 2018

That was already 2 fast lenses, large by comparison.

I then tried the 50/2 and the 16/2.8 to see where I might be going regarding weight and size.

And still, going back to the 56/1.2. Compromise?

56/1.2 Su Thep, Thailand, April 2019

56/1.2 Su Thep, culture clash, Italian woman at Buddhist Temple

Not happy-happy with my bag. Could have just taken the 56/1.2 and nothing else. Maybe the 14/2.8? But 2.8 isn't helpful at night ...

Again quite heavy travels later on in 2019. Took the 35/1.4 and the 56/1.2. plus ...

55-200 ... Varanasi, October 2019 (I think, maybe early November??)

That zoom wasn't particularly lightweight either.

And then 2020 came. The BIG reset. Lockdowns. Dogs at play instead of burning people in Varanasi.

During lockdown, weight no longer mattered. And those trips within New Zealand were manageable. Car travel isn't difficult.

Fuji 35/1.4 (I think...) At home no trouble regarding weight or size ...

And then some "internal" travels within New Zealand:

Also no issues regarding size of weight.

But somehow, the dream of travel light was over. I then added an A7C plus some Monsters of Rock, the Zeiss 16-35/4 ... weighed a ton and since I also had my X-Pro3 with me in Rarotonga, I thought this wasn't really what I had envisaged in 2013: to travel light with a capable kit.

Sony A7C plus Zeiss 16-35/4 at 20mm, similar to the Fuji 14/2.8, but MUCH heavier!!!!!

Taken at 20mm ...

Fuji X-Pro3 + 16mm

That trip to Raro I thought was just not what I had planned when I had left the sjooopurr heavy D800 behind.

Then in 2022 I thought I would maybe simplify matters a bit by adding first a Q, the a Q2.

Leica Q2

But had my X-Pro there as well.

X-Pro3

And now I am pondering as to what to take to Vietnam and Japan in March.

Currently thinking of maybe the 52/1.2 and the Viltrox 13/1.4 ... the 35/1.4 and the Leica Q2??

Or maybe just the 13/1.4 and the 56/1.2 plus the Q2?

Leica Q2

Sometimes I think I might just get another 16/2.8 and then take the 50/2 and be done with it ...

First world problems aye??

You all have a good Christmas!

Deed

I often think that I have too much gear - at home and when I go out with a backpack with gear. And I do not believe really (anymore) that the great images are somewhere there far away. Local beach has surprised me quite often. And I can go there again tomorrow with some other gear;-)

But it was nice to read your post - now my gear problems are just very small.

BTW - nice images.

There are I think 7 larger waterfalls here in Auckland and 100+ beaches, so could go out and take some pics. But that's not as exciting as it is to ride a motorbike up north somewhere where I haven't been before.

Wouldn't qualify a bushwalk before lunch as "travel" either, but know what you mean.

Of course I have done some traveling and I liked it  - Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Soviet-Union before it collapsed (you can not visit Leningrad anymore !) Budapest, Oslo , Copenhagen... Tashkent, Buhara, Samarkand ...

New Zealand is and will stay on my bucket list.

At the moment I'm "photographing stones" and trying to find some kind of artist in me.

Not sure if my images get any better if I leave my familiar tiny sand dunes and visit India...

Gringostarr wrote:

Sadly you can only pick one between having a small and light kit or fast and amazing glass and this applies no matter which system you buy into.

I will say that your post has me looking at the planned changes to my kit in a completely different light and now I'm looking at a third option to consider which would consist of just the 16/1.4, 30/2.8, 56WR, and 70-300, especially since the 30/2.8 has shown itself to be the prefect one lens solution for backpacking. Upgrading to an X-Pro4 would yield a full WR kit at just under 5lbs, a backpacking kit of under 2lbs, and a walkaround travel kit of the 16&56 at 3lbs which is very appealing to me and inline with what I'm trying to achieve with the other options with one less lens to keep track of and a completely uniform filter size outside of the macro.

That's a lot of glass. Looking at those lenses, why not try the unthinkable and just use the 16/1.4 and the 56/1.2? You might know how close the 16/1.4 focuses, right?

Deed

deednets wrote:

biza43 wrote:

A few thoughts:

- FF lenses will be normally bigger than APSC lenses;

- Fast lenses will be always bigger than slower lenses, regardless of the format.

- The compromise on size and weight is personal.

Thanks for sharing your journey.

True, but what I meant was how the 2013 setup was feather-light when compared to my 2022 arsenal.

And apart from DR not realess capable.

Which brings me to the third point above: what we are willing to carry is personal. Certainly there is today light gear too, so somewhere along the way from 2013 you made the choice of going on travel with heavier gear.

Reminds me of a Bresson quote: "photographing is nothing, looking is everything". Once we hone that second part of the sentence (which is not easy), then we can decide on where to compromise technically and gear wise.