We recently took a long weekend to visit my daughter in Queensland, which meant flying. Here in Australia (as in possibly every other country), having staff shortages at airports is a real problem.
Getting luggage at the other end of your trip has also been an issue. So we opted to take carry-on. One small bag for clothes and one camera bag. As there were two of us, that actually meant one camera each. And due to carry-on weight restrictions, that meant one lens each!
What to take?
One small bag of clothes for two people for five days was enough of a challenge. But two photographers (my hubby loves to shoot too), two different lots of camera gear (Nikon and Sony) plus all the options for lenses? Such a challenge. Thankfully for us, this was more of a social trip, but we did get in some photo opportunities too.
I have two Sony a7R III cameras, so the choice was easy. My hubby opted for his Nikon Z6 as it is small and light (compared to his D750). Lenses? Well we both opted for our general all-purpose workhorse 28-75mm (or 24-70mm). Both are relatively small and compact. Both can perform well at f/2.8 or f/16. For most situations, the wide-angle focal length worked well.
The pitfalls
We visited a butterfly house and nature park, and both wished we had a 300mm with us. But the 70mm was adequate and we could afford to crop in a bit. A 300mm would have been very helpful. Likewise, a macro lens would have been great to have with us too. I could have thrown the extension rings in, but I honestly forgot.
The benefits
As this was NOT a photographic holiday, it was pleasant to not have to carry all the gear. One camera and one lens meant things were quick, easy and simple. We took no filters, no tripods, and no fancy gear whatsoever. We even headed out some days WITHOUT the camera.
Get creative
Having just one lens does make you get a little more creative. Move your feet. I used to shoot all the time with a 50mm prime lens. I guess I have gotten lazy!
Great article…good timing as I am going to WA for a fortnight next month. I will be travelling light
Thanks Sue, travelling light is always harder than it looks for photographers! Good luck
On past trips my wife would always just bring her A7III + Sigma 24-70 2.8 DG DN, and I would bring my Nikon Z6 + Voigtlander 50mm f/1.2 ASPH VM adapted to it for very nice shallow DOF shots of people. However, the adapted M-mount lenses even with autofocus adapter, is very problematic and I often missed shots, and my wife was wishing she had more reach on the long end and wanted to take nice bokeh shots at f/2.8 at longer focal lengths (portraits, etc). So we changed our kit. My wife and I went on vacation to Europe… Read more »
Thanks for your input Curtis, yes there are lots of options on offer. Travelling light makes you re-evaulate everything. I took a Tamron 24-200mm on out last trip (borrowed) and it was fabulous
Recently traveled to Israel with my MF3 Lumix G9, 35-100, and 12-35mm. Both are f/2.8 through the range. I wore a photo vest with plenty of pockets to hold everything I needed everyday.
We have often looked at photo vests, but they seem a bit pricey and cumbersome???
I switched some time ago from a Nikon D7500 (crop sensor) with an 18-300mm lens to a Nikon Z5 (full frame) with a Z 24-200 lens. While I do have other lenses, that latter combination is now my “go to” and covers 90% of my needs 90% of the time. It’s not overly weighty and pretty much is my “walk around” lens. IF I need more reach, I also have a an FTZii adapter and can throw on a Nikon DX 70-300 lens. Although many people don’t think shooting a crop sensor lens on a full-frame body is a “good… Read more »
I’ve got just one word to say to you Kimmie… Sony RX10 Mk IV. No need for any other camera, lens, body etc, and the lens is sharper than my old Canon white lens was.
We all have our favs…
As a frequent traveller, its always a mare trying to decide the best combinations of cameras and lenses to take. If i had to decide on one lens for either, my 77d or M5, it would be the 15-85mm is usm lens from Canon. Its got a decent wide to zoom range that covers a great focal range, especially on the crop cameras. Both 77d and M5 are lighter than most out there, but purely from output i prefer the 77d, and battery lasts longer which means fewer batteries to carry. The 15-85mm IS USM is tack sharp and starts… Read more »
I must confesss I know next to little about Canon stuff, cameras or lenses. But we all have our favourites right?
Hi Julie, the 77d is a good ol fashioned dslr, (APSC)much like the 80d. The M5 was canons first mirrorless camera with an evf. A prototype to the R series we see now and a photographers camera not blogging camera. Both have the same sensor, one slightly smaller than the other. Few native lenses for the M5 has made this camera not such a hit, and canon have not produced any new native lenses. Instead opting for the ef to efm adapter so you can mount af/efs lenses on it. Enter the Efs(crop sensor lens) 15-85mm IS USM.
Thanks Annette
Nice article! my wife and I have a trip next month and we also decided to only use carry on. I’m going to take a full spectrum Sony RX1. It might be a decade old, fixed 35mm but it’s still decent image quality and I kinda like the focal length for travel. For variety I will have 4 filters to chose different wavelengths (visible, 830nm, 590nm & IR Chrome). The whole combo comes in at roughly 600g. I wonder is Sony will keep making the RX1 line as they’re great for this!
enjoy your trip, glad you enjoyed the article, thanks
Sounds like you’re all sorted Edd. Glad you enjoyed the article
One reason i like the Sony RX10. ONE camera and wide range. That said you have to find what works best for you.
I just go with my Leica Q2.. It’s fit for any condition..