I usually go just with my 150-600mm lens for the wildlife and still end up taking at least 50% landscape images 😂 Its all about appreciating the images you get, not be upset or stressed about the images you might have never gotten because you spent 3 hours changing lenses and carry a huge backpack.
For what it's worth - further minimising options... I Just started using OM (the OM5)... you can hand hold 2 second exposures - and lose the tripod - camera is very light too! Andy C :)
I’ve got it’s predecessor the EM5 mk 3 and loooooove it. Perfect if you’re doing other things like hiking or fishing, or just like carrying every lens you own like I do.
That reminds me of my early days, just roaming around with an entry level dslr and a kit lens. I still managed to take some pictures that spark joy even 10+ years later. Nowadays photo trips are more like expeditions, just as you've described. I got somewhat tired of this, and purchased the same era vintage dslr that the one I've originally started with. Having this and only a prime lens in a small bag is a refreshing experience, bringing some long lost kind of happiness the photography.
Welcome to the light side! As the proud owner of a 64 year old spine and knees, lightening the load is the way to go. I did an entire trip to Europe with my DSLR and 35mm prime lens, one spare battery, and a spare memory card, all of which fit in my day bag. The impromptu detour to a bird sanctuary in the Camargue was the only time I wished I'd brought the zoom lens as well. Even so, the 35m lens gets such crisp images, I was able to crop heavily and still get decent results. I realize the tripod helps with the video, but try a day without it. I shoot almost everything handheld these days!
Great vlog Henry, its a pleasant change to watch a photography video where someone doesn't rave on about their 2-3 grand camera their ultra expensive lenses and carrying a bag that wouldn't look out of place hiking from base camp of Everest!!!!. Some of us mere mortals have to make do with what we can afford, the important thing is to go out and enjoy it with what you've got. Well done Henry.
I take it all with me, but when I get on location, I choose, camera, 2 x lenses, polariser, nd, spare battery and tripod, which helps me to walk as I have mobility issues. Another belter of a video
I have four levels of kit. 1. Photo shoot with my Billingham 225, body, 3 zooms, one prime, filters and tripod. Gives the best results. 2. Walk with the wife in unfamiliar territory. Lowepro Photorunner, body, 2 zoom lenses and filters. Great compromise. 3. Walk with the wife in familiar territory. Body and zoom on a strap. Polariser option decided before leaving home. Great freedom. 4. Just my phone. There is no excuse not to get a usable photo these days. I used to have a Billingham 335 but I always filled it and it was always too heavy. Lighter and mobile wins!
I'm also on a quest for a smaller "system" to use during a (day) hike. A hip pack sounds interesting but I still would want to bring enough water and a bit of food. It is crucial to stay hydrated and energized! I feel naked without a tripod so the system needs to be able to cope with a small tripod as well. I've thought about leaving the tripod in the van but there are always some occasions where focus stacking is required. These situations are not handy without a tripod. I have looked at a hip pack but I'm not sure if it is able to cope with all of my requirements. One tip for you Henry: I use the kit lens on my Z50 (16-55) which is a great little and lightweight lens. You could still bring your 24-200 lens for more reach. The kit lens is also quite cheap and my most used focal ranges are between 24 and 70 mm (FF); which the kit lens completely covers.
Its better because you're not obsessed about gear, and hopefully can stay more focused on the composition. If you have one lens and one camera (or maybe two lenses) then you greatly reduce your choices to have to decide from (one lens I feel is ideal for most situations, like a travel zoom works good). This way you really never have the "wrong" lens on the camera and you can focus on shooting and capturing compositions. When I travel I usually bring 2-3 lenses and 2 bodies. But when I'm out on location, unless I'm shooting architecture, I usually just carry one travel zoom lens and a camera body (the second body is more or less a backup that I keep at the hotel or in the car just in case something happens to my primarily camera body).
I had a day out yesterday with just my Z6 and 24 - 200 nikkor at the hidden village in Co Antrim, it really makes it easier to wander the Antrim hills. I have been doing this now for a few months and it makes for an enjoyable time out
Just yesterday I went on a 13 mile hike with friends. I decided not to burden them (or myself) with a ton of gear. What I actually brought was only my iPhone. But now that I’ve been there to this epic location I am making plans to return with my dSLR,a zoom lens and a tripod but not much more. A small daypack to carry gear and water, a few snacks and rain gear (I always carry that. It’s so freeing going light and I have plenty of energy to get to locations I otherwise wouldn’t be able to get to. The timing of this video was perfect. Cheers!
Hi Henry, I’ve 6 lens and 2 bodies, only use parachute pack for taking gear away when we have a few days away. Before I leave wherever I’m based I decide which type of photography I’m gonna do then just take one set up and disciplined to stick at my original choice. Right or wrong I find it works for me. Max gear I would carry is 2 bodies with lens. Keep up the good work Henry, Trevor 👍
When I go backpacking I take a Lumix TZ100 1-inch sensor camera with a 25-250mm(FFE) lens. Thatis a quality hit but the low weight and size are worth it when doing multi-day hikes(50+ miles say). But on normal holidays I pack a Lumix GX80 MFT camera with 14-42 and 45-175 zooms plus a Joby tripod and 3 filters. That's 28-84 and 90-350 in FFE terms. The quality tradeoff is minimal but the two lightweight zooms are tiny and the whole kit fits in a small Vanguard messenger bag that, in turn, fits inside my handbaggage on the plane. All much smaller and lighter than my usual Olympus EM1 with PRO lenses plus tripod. And that in turn is much lighter than my old Sony FF kit.
I recently changed my heavy old Canon EOS 1D for a Canon R6 MkII with a 24-105 lens. It’s such a welcome change to have a much less heavy system! I’ve now started to just carry the R6+lens, filter holder, circular polariser and one ND Grad in a small back pack. I often don’t even take a tripod because the image stabilisation is brilliant. Also I feel a bit more safe not carrying an obvious camera bag. I’m enjoying the extra mobility this new strategy gives me. I can even fit my drone in the back pack! 🙂
I’m often minimalist shooting landscape because it’s a hobby and I’m traveling light or hiking and my knees need all the help they can get. I’m much more hardcore about sports photography. I’ll carry 18-20 pounds or so of gear for most of a day. Sometimes though, either my back is about to give out or as an exercise in simplicity, I’ll head out with a body and a lens, almost always my 24-70. Simplifies everything-moving, more endurance, saves my knees too. I can’t shoot the variety of images I can with all the gear but I still get plenty of good shots
I can definitely recommend a gorillapod as a minimalist tripod. I rarely go out without mine. I don't often use it but it is good to know it is there for those long shutter speed shots...
Great update and minimalist options. I tend to take a daily walk through the park next to me and have a 2 to 3 mile wander. That is normally just a Z7II & 24-200 plus spare battery, all handheld and minimalist. 👍👏
I'm just the same with taking gear with me on a hike, the fear I may need something if I leave it behind! Recently I have reduced what I carry with me, less weight, and with IBIS in modern cameras, I do a lot more hand-held photography, and only use a tripod in low light, woodland or for long exposures. Even without the awesome light, that pano I really liked👍
Excellent Video Henry, Always throw the everything bag in the car, but carry a smaller bag to transfer a reduced amount at the location for carrying. Great images as usual an inspiration to us all. Well done.
Henry, I just got rid of all my full frame gear for the exact same reason. Now shooting OM1 and the 12-100 f/4.0. Love how light and versatile this kit is. Historically low light and M4/3 did not really work together. ISO was high, Dynamic range suffered. With the OM1, I have been pleasantly surprised! Apparently the little Nikon is pretty good as well. Wonderful images!
Your video has good timing…. I bought a Nikon Z50 during lockdown to shoot music videos to share with friends but found yours and similar landscape photography channels and the rest is history. I then fell for the full frame arguments and perhaps MPB might get some hammer now as subsequent purchases are becoming unused. Despite having a D780 and lots of sexy lenses and a huge backpack, I find I take my Z50 and the two stock lenses, 16-50 and 50-250 with just a CPL and 10 stop ND filter out with me when doing a long walk, all of which fit in a small day rucksack with my water, coat etc. Your handheld panoramas on the Z30 had me outside straight after watching you, practicing shooting and Lightroom stitching. Food for thought! Thank you!!!
I do a lot of minimal gear with my impromptu photo walks. When I do, my lens is the 18-140mm on the Nikon Z50. I usually keep my 16-50mm as well since it is so small, and gets the wide shots where I don't have the opportunity to back up enough. I carry a spare battery, some filters, and cleaning cloths. The most important thing for me is to have enough water along to stay hydrated. And for good measure, I use my cell phone to capture the GPS coordinates for the starting and end points so I can place the photos on my Flickr Map, but also so I don't get lost!
Thanks for this video, Henry! It's given me a kick I hadn't known I needed. I hike quite a bit, often overnight, but never bring my camera, as my hiking gear is pretty lightweight and I had always felt that my big Sony A7RIII, two lenses, and my big tripod would just be too heavy. I had never thought of a fanny pack though! I never even considered not taking my tripod. But now that I think about it, I usually don't need it. It's an eye-opener, honestly. I already ordered my Apidura and I'm going to bring my A7RIII and the Tamron 28-200 along for every future hike. Thanks! My passion is rekindled. :)
Walked the West Highland Way with my Nikon Z5 with the 24-200 on a Peak design Capture, a polarizer and a 6-stop filter. One battery and two memory cards inside the camera. Charged from my power bank over night when needed, no problem. In heavy rain, I put the camera in an Ortlieb Aqua-zoom bag clipped to the straps of my hiking backpack. Weighs very little, but gives peace of mind in foul weather. My hiking backpack propped up with my hiking poles or even just a beanie on a rock made for great tripods (rock-solid even...😉). For that trip definitely the right choice. Still by no means ultralight, but (for once) it was not the photography gear weighing me down.
More and more I go out with only the Z7 with 24-200 and 14-30 in a shoulder bag that is just big enough. Massive change when I always took a Canon 5d and 3 L lenses.
If we’re out climbing fells then I attach (with a couple of carabiners) my little shoulder camera bag to my walking rucksack which carries one battery and one filter and take every shot handheld (unless I can find a rock in the correct place) with the one 24-105 lens. My camera rucksack is not suited to a whole day out hiking…that is used on photography days not hiking days
I'm 56 with bad knees, so always take the minimum out with me. Can only walk about 7k so unable to get to the tops of the mountains and back, so enjoy watching you to see what I'm missing
Henry, you actually might bring back into fashion the incredible Fanny pack. I have recently stepped out locally with just a camera and lens. My back thanks me for it. It is freeing in a way. Great adventure my friend. Keep on going
Thanks Henry for a great video & pics....yes I don't have a lot of gear with me when I go out....I just love walking around & photographing on the run...I don't take my tripod often...I always leave my backpack in my car so if I need anything I have it not far away from me .. cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊
I carry a ridiculous bag: 85+ litres. But that's mostly full with a tent, sleeping bag, matress, pillow, change of clothes, river shoes, lights, powerbank, solar panel, kitchen, and a week worth of food and water. Through hiking tends to choose your photography gear for you so I'm stuck with an all in one bridge camera. It does ok. I wish there was more done in this sector. They've basically given up now that phones are as good as they are. I'd like to see Nikon take the P950 and install all the computational photography you get on a Pixel phone so the sensor size is less of an issue, then just cede the 18-200 range to your mobile so there can be less compromises on the lens. Make it smaller/lighter, wider aperture, sharper optics - however they chose to engineer the benefits of reducing from 83X down to 10X. This seems the best compromise for fully minimal photography. It would make a great long range/wildlife option, and if you need to go wider just take your phone out of your pocket.
I went super minimalist. Sony Rx100 Vll with Sony GP-2BT Shooting grip, Sony Xperia mark 1 lV mobile (great camera, can be used as an external monitor) and because I watch birds a Kite 16x42 stabilised binoculars instead of a scope. I wear A Country Innovation’s waistcoat for wallet and and bits and pieces.
I've moved to a minimal set-up with only a 50mm for landscape and general purpose work. A 105mm for macro, though it can be handy as a 'longer' focal length, plus a 150-600mm for bird photography. I'm also shedding my square filter set-up for magnetic ones.
Video as I’ve been doing this for awhile I use a Fujifilm camera now that’s a lot lighter are use a new Ulanzi tripod which is really light…and small drone too DJi mini 3 pro ……if you like hiking and you like getting out and about carrying all that gear is gonna weigh you down and leave you completely exhausted. You might take some great photos but then you tired for the next two days They sometimes the best photo is the one right in front of you. We can spend ages trying to compose a landscape photo but then the light changes - if you’ve got your Camera in your hand you good to go I often carry my Fuji with a deep grip so I can actually carry the camera while I’m walking. See a composition - grab it - move on - A USB chargeable headlamp. There’s plenty of them around Henry. You don’t need to carry batteries. The Ulanzi or peak design tripod is super light
I use Peak Design small bag. I carry my D780 with a 28-300mm lens. I also take a polarizer. lens cloth and a spare battery. I have a very lite weight tripod as well. This makes for an easy day out where I'm not planning on shooting but when something pops up I have coverage. I do change what lens based on location. either my 24-70 or 16-35.
Thanks Henry, The mirrorless cameras are smaller than the DSLRs with the same sensor size. I have the 61 megapixel Sony A7R4 with Tamron 28-200 f/2.8-f/5.6 lens by default. A very nice & fast lens, good sharpness too and only 1,2kg in combination with the camera. I do use a Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 on selected trips and I'm considering a Tamron 150-500 after selling my Sigma 100-400 with Canon mount that I used with a converter. I use a small slingback bag when travelling light but used camerabag inserts to store camera & drone gear + batteries in a big hiking bag + spare clothing, food and drinks when I hiked to an active volcano in Iceland a couple of weeks ago. I stayed there for some 15h
That vertical pano was really nice! I've shot plenty of horizontals, but need to explore verticals more. As far as tips go... I usually carry a full load (for some value of "full load" LOL) when I go out. That's mostly because it's relatively rare when I take a "photo outing" beyond my usual over-shot locations. So I don't want to be XXX miles from home thinking, "sure wish I had brought that with me". However there's one thing which may seem a bit obvious, but... Before packing your case (regardless of size) seriously think through how you can "run a tight ship" by carefully choosing and packing those potentially unused -- but "hate to leave at home" -- items into as small of a space as possible. For example, I often use Ziploc bags to organize stuff. That way, once they're tucked away in a small pocket of the bag, they don't take up much room and don't have to be touched, except on that one trip out of ten when you really need them. A couple of hours working on a thoughtfully and carefully packed bag -- instead of "just toss it all in there" -- will pay dividends in the long run.
I didn't recognise you without your rucksack mate😅. I have to say, that little pack is the proverbial tardis with all the gear you had in it. Quite impressive.
I don't do landscape but really enjoy your video. I'm very minimal no bag just a pair of short work pants I carry lenses ect in the pockets and the camera is in hand.
This is old school Henry. When I first started watching years ago, you were a handheld kinda guy. It was a shock when you started using the tripod more often. Yes, I have gone out without a full kit. Usually, I take my Canon G5x with its 20Mp sensor and 24~100 equivalent lens. It's on a wrist strap when it's out of the 'bumbag' and, while it's only a 1" sensor, it gets a decent shot. But because of that small sensor even f1.8 is more DOF than I want sometimes. But even when I go out with the kit, I leave the 12~28 home unless I really want it because it's a heavy beast of a lens.
Hi Henry great video and really interesting to see you trying out a photography trip carrying minimal kit. I do more wildlife photography and have carried in the past a large telephoto lens, large heavy tripod and back pack that takes ages to get the camera out and when a photo opportunity arises. Four things I changed to. 1. dSLR Nikon 7200 to Nikon Z50 with 50-250mm lens, 2. a camera body strap so camera is accessible at all times (unless raining), monopod instead of tripod mini tripod Manfrotto MTPIXI-B, you could try this tripod for blogging it may give you and the viewer a different perspective. Also a sports hip bag to carry fluids. However when capturing video and fast moving subjects I really do miss a steady tripod. But just carry a small amount of Comms cord, as in nature especially woodland you will be able to find 3 similar lengths of branches and can make a tripod from this. Can use a beanie hat to support the camera. Keep up the very entertaining and enjoyable videos
Sometimes it's the way to go. I often just take the camera out with a 24-105mm especially during the day. Went to Rome last year and to cut down weight and baggage only put a 50mm RF prime on. This was such a light weight set up. It also made me think more about the image.
Hi Henry, when I was at photographic college a few years ago we had to go out with just a manual camera and a 50mm lens and take a variety of photos, no tripod but I did have an old bean bag to rest the camera on instead of the rock.. It really does make you think about your photography!! Loved the photos you took even if you did miss the light!! All the very best Graham
Firstly funny to see you taking the same image of lone tree in the Langdales after my recent trip and your guide....like that concept Henry....will try it one day 🙂👍
I went from a huge bag with numerous lenses etc to a much smaller bag, one lens, a filter kit and odds and ends. Don't need an unglamorous assistant to carry the bag anymore and stretch myself with compositions. Love it!
Oh Henry, has the name of a bump pack changed in recent years? I was in New Zealand in the 1980’s and approached a sales lady asking her if they hand any Fanny packs. She became so embarrassed while putting her hand to her mouth. Being a Yank, I didn’t realize it meant something else in the Commonwealth. That was the last time I used that word to anyone from the UK or the Commonwealth. 😂
@henryturner I've had my interest in photography renewed and this video is just perfect. My camera is a bit lumpy Nikon D7200 with an 18-140 Nikkor lens. I have decided to shoot RAW and edit later. If, however, I don't have my DSLR my Google Pixel 7 Pro does a pretty good job. Now looking for a lightweight tripod. Keep these videos coming.
There's one snag using panos for wide shots and that's DoF. I sometimes find I need to focus stack while doing the pano to get foreground and background sharp. Using a wide angle I'd have it all in a single shot.
My Fuji 40 megapixel sensor cameras are game changers for sure! The 70-300mm (which is a 100-450mm equivalent) is 1 pound and $700 USD new. Compare that to the 100-400 Nikkor that's 3+ pounds and $2600 USD new. 🙂 Or I can run my f2 primes and bring 4 lenses with me at under 2 pounds, under 3 pounds including the X-T5 camera and not lose any IQ over the FF for landscapes.
I use Olympus E M1 mark 3. For a minimalist landscape outfit I take the 12-40 f2.8 lens, spare battery, microfibre cloth in case of rain and perhaps a polarising filter . This is carried in a small Think Tank waist bag. I do not need a tripod if I do not need slower shutter speed than 1sec because of iBIS and I have a 5 stop built inND filter which if frequently enough. To me being able to leave the tripod behind is the biggest advantage now I am getting older.
As age descends it ‘was’ time to reduce the weight on my back. As most will know, gear is difficult to reduce / leave some at home 😮 I’ve literally sold off all my gear and replaced all (Nikon ➡️ Fujifilm). I’ve reduced weight … new smaller bag which restricts contents, lighter camera gear, small lightweight drone etc Your new Z30 is interesting 🤨 Good cometary and very scenic in this video. Your ‘yapping’ is really I think what most of us think.
Just went out to shoot on local area last wednesday, for a sunrise shoot. The gear i'm bringing is just a. Ol' Sony Nex 5 with a 16mm/2.8f prime lens, along side sony dsc qx-10 pair with Sony xperia xz1 as it's live view. So light weight, i had lots of fun running about. 😂
when I started with my slr ! it was a sigma sa7 with a 18-200mm lens ! I had a polarizer and that was about it ! My waist coat was the trick it was my fathers shooting waistcoat it had big deep breast pockets some with velcro some zipped and two deep waist pockets something like a snickers trousers ! great for bits and pieces ! the camera was in a lowepro sling bag ! and a monfrotto monopod I got from a friend doubled as a walking stick grand if your just out for a couple of hours ! great video .Take care
I used to take along everything I owned! Now at 73 years young, I don’t have that option! I have figured out exactly what I need for the particular outing and I have scaled way down. I do continue to take a tripod. I’ve rigged up a strap and sling it over my shoulder! Fun video! Thanks for taking me along!
Had knee surgery a few months ago and I’ve not been able to take my big camera out. Bought a drone and few batteries recently and that’s it now until my knee recovers.
I only own 2 lenses (Nikon Z 100-400 and Nikon Z 24-120). Lately I've started thinking of a spot I'd like to go and then choosing only one lens to bring along + my tripod. Bringing both and constantly switching can be cumbersome and I find that if I dedicate myself to 1 lens for a session that I find shots that I otherwise wouldn't
Good points about minimal gear... but I don't think I'd venture out that far without water! Or, can you drink the stream water there? If so, you are fortunate! Here in the US Pacific NW you can't, as it is usually contaminated with Giardia.
I have a parachutte backpack as well, but also have a small shoulder bag. But even at a couple of pounds the uneven weight is hard. I have a very small waist band pack that can hold only my camera and a few tiny accessories. I may look at getting a 3L bag like you have, it looks very usefule. But yea, I go out many times with minimal gear, not to be a minimalist, but to force myself to use a specific lens. Or I am going out for a specific shot and taking only what is needed for that keeps me focused on my goal. Thanks for sharing as alway.
I have nikon z5 and 24-200mm (only lens). I do infrared and have a a5000 and 18-55 lens . I usually use Lee 100 filter system. I use my main back pack to keep all my gear in plus tripod. When I need to go light- I'm a pensioner and don't do long hikes with camera bag but will use it for a mile or so - I have a sling bag that fits in the laptop section of the big bag and use the sling bag only to take the nikon camera, lens and a wallet with screw in filters.This really works well for me. To get wide angle shots I do as you did and take pano and stitch in LR. I am now also starting to realise the ibis and lens VR means I need my tripod a lot less than I did with my d7500 set up.
Like you, I love my tripod. We have a rule for family hikes that there is no tripod and a small back pack. I am of course cheating a bit as my camera clip frees up loads of room in the micro pack. The reason I keep it light on family walks is it stops everyone getting bored waiting for dad. Often I take my Canon crop sensor camera and 18-135. Sometimes I put the 10-18 in my pocket. Incidentally, I sometimes make a make shift tripod using a monopoly with a ball head and my two walking poles bound at the top with some elastic.
l always walk with the Olympus Em1 over my shoulder with a lens attached and my other lens in a container together with a small hip bag attached to a belt to hold battles and filters. Depend on want I'm chasing I may or may not carry my tripod ! I have a larger back pack but got fed up with the hassle of taking it off then on , then off then on etc . keep up the vids look forward to your next instalments
talking of travel, most airlines are now only offering 7Kg for hand luggage - having just packed for a trip its been a pain deciding what can and cannot go in - especially given the restrictions on bag sizes....
Enjoyed this video. I can no longer carry lots of gear in a backpack. I love the freedom of having a camera and 1 lens. It allows me to explore and be creative. Slugging around a bunch of gear just isn't fun. Thanks for all your videos and your enthusiasm. I look forward to the next one.
Purchased a Canon M50 with lens for under £400. Too much of a hassle on walks to carry my normal set-up, rucksack full of walking gear, sarnies, flask etc. Plus, a border collie to keep tabs on. Seems to be perfectly adequate for taking "a record of the walks" we are going on. Took it out the other day and managed to entangle my foot in the camera strap. It fell onto the grass and the lens zoom bit now has a slight split in it. Ah well, still takes images.
Thanks for another great video and the photos were great. within the last year or so I've traded in my heavy DSR and two heavy lenses. I now own a Nikon Zfc with a 18 / 140mm Nikor lens a poloriser plus one ND filter. I can say that there are not many times when I have been unable to get the photo I want. My bag is much lighter.
I went on a walking holiday in Switzerland this summer and didn’t want to carry so much gear as the focus was on long walks. I ended up taking just a Ricoh GR III and it worked out great. Admittedly, on the first day I saw 3 eagles and only had a 28mm lens, but the size and weight saving for the rest of the trip more than made up for it. For the record, I own several camera bodies and around 30 lenses so this was a big change for me.
Hi Henry as a previous follower has said I also often just take my camera and 50-500 lens and a spare battery and use it for both landscape and wildlife I wear it on a shoulder strap and never miss an opportunity for a fleeting moment
Nice hand held pano! I prefer minimal and no tripod. I appreciate your sharing your adventures. I am just get back into my adventures after about 8 years of not being able to.
Hi Henry. Back in 2010, when I was teaching photography, I suddenly saw the light, if you'll excuse the pun, and bought a Samsung EX1. My photography improved considerably, because I could observe more, quickly capture images and concentrate on composition. I later sold my Nikon D80 and all the lenses. This was before compact system cameras existed, and I later upgraded the RAW-shooting compact for Sony mirrorless. I now have a Sony A6000 with 10-18mm, 16-50mm and 55-210mm lenses all in a clever little Think Tank shoulder bag. And I never use a tripod. Cheers Pete
I have an entry level camera with a couple of lenses in a small backpack but I've had great outings and quite a few photos I'm happy with. I'm just living the dream like you. Cheers Henry!
Great video Love mpb just sold my r7 to them and that’s paid for some shore trips on a cruise around the Caribbean we’re going on next March My minimalist gear would normally be the r7 with the rf100-500 for birds and the r6 with the ef 16-35 f2.8 for landscapes for the cruise I’m going to sell my r6 to mpb and upgrade it to the r6 mk2 and I’ll just be taking the 16-35 f2.8 and the 24-105 f4 with few batteries and couple of filters 👍
Henry, Good video. I go out with a sling bag that looks to be about double your bag, so maybe 6L. One main compartment for camera and three lens (I could do w/less), and a top compartment for batteries, cloths and mini tripod. I can attached a regular, smallish tripod on the side. I shed the large pack w/multiple camera, a ton of glass and everything else yes ago. Yes it is FREEING! So depending on the shoot, you are on to something.
Buy 18-140 for your z30. 24-200 is too heavy for it. I tried both on z30. It is night and day difference from user experience point of view. Love my z30 +18-140. It is joy to use. Feather light (cca 750 gr)
Yes, I've been out with nothing more than a Leica Minilux 40mm compact camera, back in the days of slide film. Still got some lovely shots of the Yorkshire Dales on that trip.
I love minimalist. I’ve recently put my backpack aside, and picked up a Wotencraft Pilot 7L shoulder bag. I go out with the following combinations: Sony A7RV with 1) Sony 20-70 F4 G + 70-200 F4 MACRO G OSS II lenses, or 2) Tamron 28-200 or 3) Sony 16-35 GM + Tamron 28-200, or 4) 100-400 GM, 5) a6000 + 16-70 Zeiss. Wotencraft also has a 3.5 L Shoulder bag and a 3.5L waist pack. If you have never tried the magnetic clip on the shoulder back, we’ll, it’s like magic. Impossible to break into, one hand-two finger-super quick to get into, and closes itself. Sony is rumored to announce an A7C R this month. Even more minimalist.
I went on a 10 day family trip to Iceland so all I took was my R6 with the 24-105mm - no tripod, no other lenses. I honestly never regretted it at all - the photos were spectacular and I never felt that I missed something special for lack of a wider or longer lens. Above all, I’m so happy I didn’t bring a tripod - it would have weighed me down and tethered me, and I would have felt less free to enjoy the trip (& I would have missed so many great shots through not being free to react to the opportunity of a great shot right in front of me). I would happily do a dedicated photography trip with the same setup - it was truly a freeing experience.
That is the reason I was actually looking for something like a 18-300 lens. But I ended up buying the 50-300 and except for one occasion, I've used it the entire vacation. It was nice not having to constantly switch.
Age and health, meant I downsized what I carry, and 80% of my shots are with a peak design sling with a couple of lenses , and other bits. Reduced the tripod load , but still not got fully away from it, although upping the iso / image stabilisation goes a long way to help. Low light is still the problem. And for a really lightweight approach, I use a Fuji x100f and a minute filter system from NISI. Still got the big backpack and everything that goes with it, and there are times you really need it, such as adverse weather. Keep these up, they always make you think.
I have been walking around the last year with a Z50 and the 24-200 in a 5L Peak design sling, even throw it on my back on the motor bike so I can park up and grab the camera without getting off the bike 😄. Also been doing the portrait panoramas. Glad it's not just me doing this 😁
Hi Henry, I have a Mindshift 180 Rotation Pro which is a huge backpack but has a hip bag which rotates out of the backpack and back in again whilst the backpack is still on your back - it can be removed and used on its own - The 180 Pro hip bag will accommodate a DSLR with 70mm-200mm f2.8 and comes with its own shower proof cover. Of course the interior of the backpack loses internal space due to the hip bag. Great video as always 👌
Love your edits Henry, very skillfully and naturally done. Would love some tutorials regarding photoshop/lightroom however you're doing them. Keep up the amazing work!
The next video you should try to go out only with your phone. For example the pano isn't much easier with a phone? and you can put it directly on IG ? I'm not young as you and gear begin to be too heavy for me. Phones are getting better and better these days. Your vidéo bring a nice point of view on the necessity to have so much gear. Whats the best gear to cover the most of our needs? Of course it depends of what kind of photography we are doing. For me I shoot the most with 70-200mm. Thank Henri
I usually go just with my 150-600mm lens for the wildlife and still end up taking at least 50% landscape images 😂
Its all about appreciating the images you get, not be upset or stressed about the images you might have never gotten because you spent 3 hours changing lenses and carry a huge backpack.
For what it's worth - further minimising options... I Just started using OM (the OM5)... you can hand hold 2 second exposures - and lose the tripod - camera is very light too! Andy C :)
I’ve got it’s predecessor the EM5 mk 3 and loooooove it. Perfect if you’re doing other things like hiking or fishing, or just like carrying every lens you own like I do.
That reminds me of my early days, just roaming around with an entry level dslr and a kit lens. I still managed to take some pictures that spark joy even 10+ years later. Nowadays photo trips are more like expeditions, just as you've described. I got somewhat tired of this, and purchased the same era vintage dslr that the one I've originally started with. Having this and only a prime lens in a small bag is a refreshing experience, bringing some long lost kind of happiness the photography.
Welcome to the light side! As the proud owner of a 64 year old spine and knees, lightening the load is the way to go. I did an entire trip to Europe with my DSLR and 35mm prime lens, one spare battery, and a spare memory card, all of which fit in my day bag. The impromptu detour to a bird sanctuary in the Camargue was the only time I wished I'd brought the zoom lens as well. Even so, the 35m lens gets such crisp images, I was able to crop heavily and still get decent results.
I realize the tripod helps with the video, but try a day without it. I shoot almost everything handheld these days!
Great vlog Henry, its a pleasant change to watch a photography video where someone doesn't rave on about their 2-3 grand camera their ultra expensive lenses and carrying a bag that wouldn't look out of place hiking from base camp of Everest!!!!.
Some of us mere mortals have to make do with what we can afford, the important thing is to go out and enjoy it with what you've got.
Well done Henry.
That waterfall photo is intriguing. The big foreground rock almost looks like it could also be back of the background.
I take it all with me, but when I get on location, I choose, camera, 2 x lenses, polariser, nd, spare battery and tripod, which helps me to walk as I have mobility issues. Another belter of a video
Just glad that the weather was kind, otherwise you may never have got back 😉
This is my favourite way to go and photograph. One camera, one lens, in a PD Sling and my bike.
Yes, it's a good shout, mate. I often just take my Peak Design Sling bag, attach the Peak Design Clip and off I go.
I have four levels of kit.
1. Photo shoot with my Billingham 225, body, 3 zooms, one prime, filters and tripod. Gives the best results.
2. Walk with the wife in unfamiliar territory. Lowepro Photorunner, body, 2 zoom lenses and filters. Great compromise.
3. Walk with the wife in familiar territory. Body and zoom on a strap. Polariser option decided before leaving home. Great freedom.
4. Just my phone. There is no excuse not to get a usable photo these days.
I used to have a Billingham 335 but I always filled it and it was always too heavy. Lighter and mobile wins!
I'm also on a quest for a smaller "system" to use during a (day) hike. A hip pack sounds interesting but I still would want to bring enough water and a bit of food. It is crucial to stay hydrated and energized! I feel naked without a tripod so the system needs to be able to cope with a small tripod as well. I've thought about leaving the tripod in the van but there are always some occasions where focus stacking is required. These situations are not handy without a tripod. I have looked at a hip pack but I'm not sure if it is able to cope with all of my requirements. One tip for you Henry: I use the kit lens on my Z50 (16-55) which is a great little and lightweight lens. You could still bring your 24-200 lens for more reach. The kit lens is also quite cheap and my most used focal ranges are between 24 and 70 mm (FF); which the kit lens completely covers.
We my husband and I think the camera you used in this video was the best. The pictures are great
Good to see you use the Z30 for a trip :)
Its better because you're not obsessed about gear, and hopefully can stay more focused on the composition. If you have one lens and one camera (or maybe two lenses) then you greatly reduce your choices to have to decide from (one lens I feel is ideal for most situations, like a travel zoom works good). This way you really never have the "wrong" lens on the camera and you can focus on shooting and capturing compositions. When I travel I usually bring 2-3 lenses and 2 bodies. But when I'm out on location, unless I'm shooting architecture, I usually just carry one travel zoom lens and a camera body (the second body is more or less a backup that I keep at the hotel or in the car just in case something happens to my primarily camera body).
I had a day out yesterday with just my Z6 and 24 - 200 nikkor at the hidden village in Co Antrim, it really makes it easier to wander the Antrim hills. I have been doing this now for a few months and it makes for an enjoyable time out
Just yesterday I went on a 13 mile hike with friends. I decided not to burden them (or myself) with a ton of gear. What I actually brought was only my iPhone. But now that I’ve been there to this epic location I am making plans to return with my dSLR,a zoom lens and a tripod but not much more. A small daypack to carry gear and water, a few snacks and rain gear (I always carry that. It’s so freeing going light and I have plenty of energy to get to locations I otherwise wouldn’t be able to get to. The timing of this video was perfect. Cheers!
I have been out a few times now with just my 100-400, it really makes you look for the landscape shot.
I have a Z50 as a back up, comes with 16-50 & 50-250. Very light, good image quality handy when walking any distance.
Hi Henry, I’ve 6 lens and 2 bodies, only use parachute pack for taking gear away when we have a few days away. Before I leave wherever I’m based I decide which type of photography I’m gonna do then just take one set up and disciplined to stick at my original choice. Right or wrong I find it works for me. Max gear I would carry is 2 bodies with lens.
Keep up the good work Henry,
Trevor 👍
When I go backpacking I take a Lumix TZ100 1-inch sensor camera with a 25-250mm(FFE) lens. Thatis a quality hit but the low weight and size are worth it when doing multi-day hikes(50+ miles say).
But on normal holidays I pack a Lumix GX80 MFT camera with 14-42 and 45-175 zooms plus a Joby tripod and 3 filters. That's 28-84 and 90-350 in FFE terms. The quality tradeoff is minimal but the two lightweight zooms are tiny and the whole kit fits in a small Vanguard messenger bag that, in turn, fits inside my handbaggage on the plane.
All much smaller and lighter than my usual Olympus EM1 with PRO lenses plus tripod. And that in turn is much lighter than my old Sony FF kit.
I recently changed my heavy old Canon EOS 1D for a Canon R6 MkII with a 24-105 lens. It’s such a welcome change to have a much less heavy system! I’ve now started to just carry the R6+lens, filter holder, circular polariser and one ND Grad in a small back pack. I often don’t even take a tripod because the image stabilisation is brilliant. Also I feel a bit more safe not carrying an obvious camera bag. I’m enjoying the extra mobility this new strategy gives me. I can even fit my drone in the back pack! 🙂
I’m often minimalist shooting landscape because it’s a hobby and I’m traveling light or hiking and my knees need all the help they can get. I’m much more hardcore about sports photography. I’ll carry 18-20 pounds or so of gear for most of a day. Sometimes though, either my back is about to give out or as an exercise in simplicity, I’ll head out with a body and a lens, almost always my 24-70. Simplifies everything-moving, more endurance, saves my knees too. I can’t shoot the variety of images I can with all the gear but I still get plenty of good shots
I can definitely recommend a gorillapod as a minimalist tripod. I rarely go out without mine. I don't often use it but it is good to know it is there for those long shutter speed shots...
Great update and minimalist options. I tend to take a daily walk through the park next to me and have a 2 to 3 mile wander. That is normally just a Z7II & 24-200 plus spare battery, all handheld and minimalist. 👍👏
I'm just the same with taking gear with me on a hike, the fear I may need something if I leave it behind!
Recently I have reduced what I carry with me, less weight, and with IBIS in modern cameras, I do a lot more hand-held photography, and only use a tripod in low light, woodland or for long exposures.
Even without the awesome light, that pano I really liked👍
Excellent Video Henry, Always throw the everything bag in the car, but carry a smaller bag to transfer a reduced amount at the location for carrying. Great images as usual an inspiration to us all. Well done.
Loved the vertical pano shot. I rarely carry a tripod as I find weight an issue. I like the pack as find my shoulder strap rubs on longer hikes
Henry, I just got rid of all my full frame gear for the exact same reason. Now shooting OM1 and the 12-100 f/4.0. Love how light and versatile this kit is. Historically low light and M4/3 did not really work together. ISO was high, Dynamic range suffered. With the OM1, I have been pleasantly surprised! Apparently the little Nikon is pretty good as well. Wonderful images!
Your video has good timing…. I bought a Nikon Z50 during lockdown to shoot music videos to share with friends but found yours and similar landscape photography channels and the rest is history. I then fell for the full frame arguments and perhaps MPB might get some hammer now as subsequent purchases are becoming unused.
Despite having a D780 and lots of sexy lenses and a huge backpack, I find I take my Z50 and the two stock lenses, 16-50 and 50-250 with just a CPL and 10 stop ND filter out with me when doing a long walk, all of which fit in a small day rucksack with my water, coat etc.
Your handheld panoramas on the Z30 had me outside straight after watching you, practicing shooting and Lightroom stitching. Food for thought! Thank you!!!
I do a lot of minimal gear with my impromptu photo walks. When I do, my lens is the 18-140mm on the Nikon Z50. I usually keep my 16-50mm as well since it is so small, and gets the wide shots where I don't have the opportunity to back up enough. I carry a spare battery, some filters, and cleaning cloths. The most important thing for me is to have enough water along to stay hydrated. And for good measure, I use my cell phone to capture the GPS coordinates for the starting and end points so I can place the photos on my Flickr Map, but also so I don't get lost!
Thanks for this video, Henry! It's given me a kick I hadn't known I needed. I hike quite a bit, often overnight, but never bring my camera, as my hiking gear is pretty lightweight and I had always felt that my big Sony A7RIII, two lenses, and my big tripod would just be too heavy. I had never thought of a fanny pack though! I never even considered not taking my tripod. But now that I think about it, I usually don't need it. It's an eye-opener, honestly. I already ordered my Apidura and I'm going to bring my A7RIII and the Tamron 28-200 along for every future hike. Thanks! My passion is rekindled. :)
A great watch and lovely photos. Love your enthusiasm 😊 subscribing now.
Walked the West Highland Way with my Nikon Z5 with the 24-200 on a Peak design Capture, a polarizer and a 6-stop filter. One battery and two memory cards inside the camera. Charged from my power bank over night when needed, no problem. In heavy rain, I put the camera in an Ortlieb Aqua-zoom bag clipped to the straps of my hiking backpack. Weighs very little, but gives peace of mind in foul weather.
My hiking backpack propped up with my hiking poles or even just a beanie on a rock made for great tripods (rock-solid even...😉). For that trip definitely the right choice. Still by no means ultralight, but (for once) it was not the photography gear weighing me down.
More and more I go out with only the Z7 with 24-200 and 14-30 in a shoulder bag that is just big enough. Massive change when I always took a Canon 5d and 3 L lenses.
If we’re out climbing fells then I attach (with a couple of carabiners) my little shoulder camera bag to my walking rucksack which carries one battery and one filter and take every shot handheld (unless I can find a rock in the correct place) with the one 24-105 lens. My camera rucksack is not suited to a whole day out hiking…that is used on photography days not hiking days
I'm 56 with bad knees, so always take the minimum out with me. Can only walk about 7k so unable to get to the tops of the mountains and back, so enjoy watching you to see what I'm missing
Fuji X-T2 + XF 18-50 f2.8-f4 and XF 35 f2. The latter is no weight at all and I love it.
Whenever I go into the hills... my old D3300 with the AF-P 18-55 is all I take...
Henry, you actually might bring back into fashion the incredible Fanny pack. I have recently stepped out locally with just a camera and lens. My back thanks me for it. It is freeing in a way. Great adventure my friend. Keep on going
Thanks Henry for a great video & pics....yes I don't have a lot of gear with me when I go out....I just love walking around & photographing on the run...I don't take my tripod often...I always leave my backpack in my car so if I need anything I have it not far away from me .. cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊
I carry a ridiculous bag: 85+ litres.
But that's mostly full with a tent, sleeping bag, matress, pillow, change of clothes, river shoes, lights, powerbank, solar panel, kitchen, and a week worth of food and water.
Through hiking tends to choose your photography gear for you so I'm stuck with an all in one bridge camera. It does ok.
I wish there was more done in this sector. They've basically given up now that phones are as good as they are. I'd like to see Nikon take the P950 and install all the computational photography you get on a Pixel phone so the sensor size is less of an issue, then just cede the 18-200 range to your mobile so there can be less compromises on the lens. Make it smaller/lighter, wider aperture, sharper optics - however they chose to engineer the benefits of reducing from 83X down to 10X.
This seems the best compromise for fully minimal photography. It would make a great long range/wildlife option, and if you need to go wider just take your phone out of your pocket.
I went super minimalist. Sony Rx100 Vll with Sony GP-2BT Shooting grip, Sony Xperia mark 1 lV mobile (great camera, can be used as an external monitor) and because I watch birds a Kite 16x42 stabilised binoculars instead of a scope. I wear A Country Innovation’s waistcoat for wallet and and bits and pieces.
I often go out with just a body and a single prime lens. I think it helps keep your creativity alive to really restrict the kit you have.
Yes, I think there is a lot of truth in that, too.
I vary what I carry from fairly minimal to the kitchen sink. I try to think ahead of what I'm likely to need when out and proceed from there.
I've moved to a minimal set-up with only a 50mm for landscape and general purpose work. A 105mm for macro, though it can be handy as a 'longer' focal length, plus a 150-600mm for bird photography. I'm also shedding my square filter set-up for magnetic ones.
Video as I’ve been doing this for awhile I use a Fujifilm camera now that’s a lot lighter are use a new Ulanzi tripod which is really light…and small drone too DJi mini 3 pro ……if you like hiking and you like getting out and about carrying all that gear is gonna weigh you down and leave you completely exhausted. You might take some great photos but then you tired for the next two days
They sometimes the best photo is the one right in front of you. We can spend ages trying to compose a landscape photo but then the light changes - if you’ve got your Camera in your hand you good to go I often carry my Fuji with a deep grip so I can actually carry the camera while I’m walking. See a composition - grab it - move on - A USB chargeable headlamp. There’s plenty of them around Henry. You don’t need to carry batteries. The Ulanzi or peak design tripod is super light
I use Peak Design small bag. I carry my D780 with a 28-300mm lens. I also take a polarizer. lens cloth and a spare battery. I have a very lite weight tripod as well. This makes for an easy day out where I'm not planning on shooting but when something pops up I have coverage. I do change what lens based on location. either my 24-70 or 16-35.
Thanks Henry, The mirrorless cameras are smaller than the DSLRs with the same sensor size. I have the 61 megapixel Sony A7R4 with Tamron 28-200 f/2.8-f/5.6 lens by default. A very nice & fast lens, good sharpness too and only 1,2kg in combination with the camera. I do use a Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 on selected trips and I'm considering a Tamron 150-500 after selling my Sigma 100-400 with Canon mount that I used with a converter. I use a small slingback bag when travelling light but used camerabag inserts to store camera & drone gear + batteries in a big hiking bag + spare clothing, food and drinks when I hiked to an active volcano in Iceland a couple of weeks ago. I stayed there for some 15h
I have done a day with only 50mm prime lens. That made me really think what I was composing and from where
That vertical pano was really nice! I've shot plenty of horizontals, but need to explore verticals more. As far as tips go... I usually carry a full load (for some value of "full load" LOL) when I go out. That's mostly because it's relatively rare when I take a "photo outing" beyond my usual over-shot locations. So I don't want to be XXX miles from home thinking, "sure wish I had brought that with me". However there's one thing which may seem a bit obvious, but... Before packing your case (regardless of size) seriously think through how you can "run a tight ship" by carefully choosing and packing those potentially unused -- but "hate to leave at home" -- items into as small of a space as possible. For example, I often use Ziploc bags to organize stuff. That way, once they're tucked away in a small pocket of the bag, they don't take up much room and don't have to be touched, except on that one trip out of ten when you really need them. A couple of hours working on a thoughtfully and carefully packed bag -- instead of "just toss it all in there" -- will pay dividends in the long run.
Good way of looking at it
I didn't recognise you without your rucksack mate😅.
I have to say, that little pack is the proverbial tardis with all the gear you had in it. Quite impressive.
I don't do landscape but really enjoy your video.
I'm very minimal no bag just a pair of short work pants I carry lenses ect in the pockets and the camera is in hand.
This is old school Henry. When I first started watching years ago, you were a handheld kinda guy. It was a shock when you started using the tripod more often.
Yes, I have gone out without a full kit. Usually, I take my Canon G5x with its 20Mp sensor and 24~100 equivalent lens. It's on a wrist strap when it's out of the 'bumbag' and, while it's only a 1" sensor, it gets a decent shot. But because of that small sensor even f1.8 is more DOF than I want sometimes.
But even when I go out with the kit, I leave the 12~28 home unless I really want it because it's a heavy beast of a lens.
Hi Henry great video and really interesting to see you trying out a photography trip carrying minimal kit. I do more wildlife photography and have carried in the past a large telephoto lens, large heavy tripod and back pack that takes ages to get the camera out and when a photo opportunity arises. Four things I changed to. 1. dSLR Nikon 7200 to Nikon Z50 with 50-250mm lens, 2. a camera body strap so camera is accessible at all times (unless raining), monopod instead of tripod mini tripod Manfrotto MTPIXI-B, you could try this tripod for blogging it may give you and the viewer a different perspective. Also a sports hip bag to carry fluids. However when capturing video and fast moving subjects I really do miss a steady tripod. But just carry a small amount of Comms cord, as in nature especially woodland you will be able to find 3 similar lengths of branches and can make a tripod from this. Can use a beanie hat to support the camera. Keep up the very entertaining and enjoyable videos
Sometimes it's the way to go. I often just take the camera out with a 24-105mm especially during the day. Went to Rome last year and to cut down weight and baggage only put a 50mm RF prime on. This was such a light weight set up. It also made me think more about the image.
Hi Henry, when I was at photographic college a few years ago we had to go out with just a manual camera and a 50mm lens and take a variety of photos, no tripod but I did have an old bean bag to rest the camera on instead of the rock.. It really does make you think about your photography!! Loved the photos you took even if you did miss the light!! All the very best Graham
Thanks mate!
Firstly funny to see you taking the same image of lone tree in the Langdales after my recent trip and your guide....like that concept Henry....will try it one day 🙂👍
I went from a huge bag with numerous lenses etc to a much smaller bag, one lens, a filter kit and odds and ends. Don't need an unglamorous assistant to carry the bag anymore and stretch myself with compositions. Love it!
Oh Henry, has the name of a bump pack changed in recent years? I was in New Zealand in the 1980’s and approached a sales lady asking her if they hand any Fanny packs. She became so embarrassed while putting her hand to her mouth. Being a Yank, I didn’t realize it meant something else in the Commonwealth. That was the last time I used that word to anyone from the UK or the Commonwealth. 😂
Here in Germany they are sold as body bags… We will see ourselves out 😬
@@LarsBartschatGerman here, that's called a belly bag (Bauchtasche).
@@maggnet4829 true. But at Tchibo they were sold as body bags last time. 😆
@@LarsBartschat Seems they did indeed in the past.
@henryturner I've had my interest in photography renewed and this video is just perfect. My camera is a bit lumpy Nikon D7200 with an 18-140 Nikkor lens. I have decided to shoot RAW and edit later. If, however, I don't have my DSLR my Google Pixel 7 Pro does a pretty good job. Now looking for a lightweight tripod. Keep these videos coming.
There's one snag using panos for wide shots and that's DoF. I sometimes find I need to focus stack while doing the pano to get foreground and background sharp. Using a wide angle I'd have it all in a single shot.
My Fuji 40 megapixel sensor cameras are game changers for sure! The 70-300mm (which is a 100-450mm equivalent) is 1 pound and $700 USD new. Compare that to the 100-400 Nikkor that's 3+ pounds and $2600 USD new. 🙂 Or I can run my f2 primes and bring 4 lenses with me at under 2 pounds, under 3 pounds including the X-T5 camera and not lose any IQ over the FF for landscapes.
I use Olympus E M1 mark 3. For a minimalist landscape outfit I take the 12-40 f2.8 lens, spare battery, microfibre cloth in case of rain and perhaps a polarising filter . This is carried in a small Think Tank waist bag. I do not need a tripod if I do not need slower shutter speed than 1sec because of iBIS and I have a 5 stop built inND filter which if frequently enough. To me being able to leave the tripod behind is the biggest advantage now I am getting older.
As age descends it ‘was’ time to reduce the weight on my back. As most will know, gear is difficult to reduce / leave some at home 😮
I’ve literally sold off all my gear and replaced all (Nikon ➡️ Fujifilm). I’ve reduced weight … new smaller bag which restricts contents, lighter camera gear, small lightweight drone etc
Your new Z30 is interesting 🤨
Good cometary and very scenic in this video. Your ‘yapping’ is really I think what most of us think.
Just went out to shoot on local area last wednesday, for a sunrise shoot.
The gear i'm bringing is just a. Ol' Sony Nex 5 with a 16mm/2.8f prime lens, along side sony dsc qx-10 pair with Sony xperia xz1 as it's live view.
So light weight, i had lots of fun running about. 😂
when I started with my slr ! it was a sigma sa7 with a 18-200mm lens ! I had a polarizer and that was about it ! My waist coat was the trick it was my fathers shooting waistcoat it had big deep breast pockets some with velcro some zipped and two deep waist pockets something like a snickers trousers ! great for bits and pieces ! the camera was in a lowepro sling bag ! and a monfrotto monopod I got from a friend doubled as a walking stick grand if your just out for a couple of hours ! great video .Take care
Love your videos! I use the Nikon Zfc and the 18-140, it works perfect for travel.
I used to take along everything I owned! Now at 73 years young, I don’t have that option! I have figured out exactly what I need for the particular outing and I have scaled way down. I do continue to take a tripod. I’ve rigged up a strap and sling it over my shoulder! Fun video! Thanks for taking me along!
Had knee surgery a few months ago and I’ve not been able to take my big camera out. Bought a drone and few batteries recently and that’s it now until my knee recovers.
I only own 2 lenses (Nikon Z 100-400 and Nikon Z 24-120). Lately I've started thinking of a spot I'd like to go and then choosing only one lens to bring along + my tripod. Bringing both and constantly switching can be cumbersome and I find that if I dedicate myself to 1 lens for a session that I find shots that I otherwise wouldn't
Good points about minimal gear... but I don't think I'd venture out that far without water! Or, can you drink the stream water there? If so, you are fortunate! Here in the US Pacific NW you can't, as it is usually contaminated with Giardia.
I was thinking about this during the entire video. Made me thirsty just thinking about being outdoors all day with no water.
Yeah you can drink from the streams, however it's best to filter it first due to microbes and bacteria.
I have a parachutte backpack as well, but also have a small shoulder bag. But even at a couple of pounds the uneven weight is hard. I have a very small waist band pack that can hold only my camera and a few tiny accessories. I may look at getting a 3L bag like you have, it looks very usefule.
But yea, I go out many times with minimal gear, not to be a minimalist, but to force myself to use a specific lens. Or I am going out for a specific shot and taking only what is needed for that keeps me focused on my goal.
Thanks for sharing as alway.
I have nikon z5 and 24-200mm (only lens). I do infrared and have a a5000 and 18-55 lens . I usually use Lee 100 filter system. I use my main back pack to keep all my gear in plus tripod. When I need to go light- I'm a pensioner and don't do long hikes with camera bag but will use it for a mile or so - I have a sling bag that fits in the laptop section of the big bag and use the sling bag only to take the nikon camera, lens and a wallet with screw in filters.This really works well for me. To get wide angle shots I do as you did and take pano and stitch in LR.
I am now also starting to realise the ibis and lens VR means I need my tripod a lot less than I did with my d7500 set up.
I was out last weekend with my camera and just a standard prime lens.
Like you, I love my tripod. We have a rule for family hikes that there is no tripod and a small back pack. I am of course cheating a bit as my camera clip frees up loads of room in the micro pack. The reason I keep it light on family walks is it stops everyone getting bored waiting for dad. Often I take my Canon crop sensor camera and 18-135. Sometimes I put the 10-18 in my pocket.
Incidentally, I sometimes make a make shift tripod using a monopoly with a ball head and my two walking poles bound at the top with some elastic.
l always walk with the Olympus Em1 over my shoulder with a lens attached and my other lens in a container together with a small hip bag attached to a belt to hold battles and filters. Depend on want I'm chasing I may or may not carry my tripod ! I have a larger back pack but got fed up with the hassle of taking it off then on , then off then on etc . keep up the vids look forward to your next instalments
talking of travel, most airlines are now only offering 7Kg for hand luggage - having just packed for a trip its been a pain deciding what can and cannot go in - especially given the restrictions on bag sizes....
Enjoyed this video. I can no longer carry lots of gear in a backpack. I love the freedom of having a camera and 1 lens. It allows me to explore and be creative. Slugging around a bunch of gear just isn't fun. Thanks for all your videos and your enthusiasm. I look forward to the next one.
Thanks
I'm moving that way too, mainly hooting with only a 50mm. Though I may add a 135mm or 300mm (I'm still using a DSLR) for a longer focal length.
Purchased a Canon M50 with lens for under £400. Too much of a hassle on walks to carry my normal set-up, rucksack full of walking gear, sarnies, flask etc. Plus, a border collie to keep tabs on. Seems to be perfectly adequate for taking "a record of the walks" we are going on. Took it out the other day and managed to entangle my foot in the camera strap. It fell onto the grass and the lens zoom bit now has a slight split in it. Ah well, still takes images.
Thanks for another great video and the photos were great. within the last year or so I've traded in my heavy DSR and two heavy lenses. I now own a Nikon Zfc with a 18 / 140mm Nikor lens a poloriser plus one ND filter. I can say that there are not many times when I have been unable to get the photo I want. My bag is much lighter.
for minimal gear try a Platypod.
I went on a walking holiday in Switzerland this summer and didn’t want to carry so much gear as the focus was on long walks. I ended up taking just a Ricoh GR III and it worked out great. Admittedly, on the first day I saw 3 eagles and only had a 28mm lens, but the size and weight saving for the rest of the trip more than made up for it. For the record, I own several camera bodies and around 30 lenses so this was a big change for me.
Hi Henry as a previous follower has said I also often just take my camera and 50-500 lens and a spare battery and use it for both landscape and wildlife I wear it on a shoulder strap and never miss an opportunity for a fleeting moment
Nice hand held pano! I prefer minimal and no tripod. I appreciate your sharing your adventures. I am just get back into my adventures after about 8 years of not being able to.
Hi Henry.
Back in 2010, when I was teaching photography, I suddenly saw the light, if you'll excuse the pun, and bought a Samsung EX1. My photography improved considerably, because I could observe more, quickly capture images and concentrate on composition. I later sold my Nikon D80 and all the lenses.
This was before compact system cameras existed, and I later upgraded the RAW-shooting compact for Sony mirrorless. I now have a Sony A6000 with 10-18mm, 16-50mm and 55-210mm lenses all in a clever little Think Tank shoulder bag. And I never use a tripod.
Cheers
Pete
I have an entry level camera with a couple of lenses in a small backpack but I've had great outings and quite a few photos I'm happy with. I'm just living the dream like you. Cheers Henry!
Great video
Love mpb just sold my r7 to them and that’s paid for some shore trips on a cruise around the Caribbean we’re going on next March
My minimalist gear would normally be the r7 with the rf100-500 for birds and the r6 with the ef 16-35 f2.8 for landscapes for the cruise I’m going to sell my r6 to mpb and upgrade it to the r6 mk2 and I’ll just be taking the 16-35 f2.8 and the 24-105 f4 with few batteries and couple of filters 👍
Henry, Good video.
I go out with a sling bag that looks to be about double your bag, so maybe 6L. One main compartment for camera and three lens (I could do w/less), and a top compartment for batteries, cloths and mini tripod. I can attached a regular, smallish tripod on the side. I shed the large pack w/multiple camera, a ton of glass and everything else yes ago. Yes it is FREEING! So depending on the shoot, you are on to something.
Buy 18-140 for your z30. 24-200 is too heavy for it. I tried both on z30. It is night and day difference from user experience point of view. Love my z30 +18-140. It is joy to use. Feather light (cca 750 gr)
Yes, I've been out with nothing more than a Leica Minilux 40mm compact camera, back in the days of slide film. Still got some lovely shots of the Yorkshire Dales on that trip.
I love minimalist. I’ve recently put my backpack aside, and picked up a Wotencraft Pilot 7L shoulder bag. I go out with the following combinations: Sony A7RV with 1) Sony 20-70 F4 G + 70-200 F4 MACRO G OSS II lenses, or 2) Tamron 28-200 or 3) Sony 16-35 GM + Tamron 28-200, or 4) 100-400 GM, 5) a6000 + 16-70 Zeiss. Wotencraft also has a 3.5 L Shoulder bag and a 3.5L waist pack. If you have never tried the magnetic clip on the shoulder back, we’ll, it’s like magic. Impossible to break into, one hand-two finger-super quick to get into, and closes itself. Sony is rumored to announce an A7C R this month. Even more minimalist.
Fujifilm x pro 3 with a 50mm f2(75mm ff) caught some amazing panos
I went on a 10 day family trip to Iceland so all I took was my R6 with the 24-105mm - no tripod, no other lenses. I honestly never regretted it at all - the photos were spectacular and I never felt that I missed something special for lack of a wider or longer lens. Above all, I’m so happy I didn’t bring a tripod - it would have weighed me down and tethered me, and I would have felt less free to enjoy the trip (& I would have missed so many great shots through not being free to react to the opportunity of a great shot right in front of me). I would happily do a dedicated photography trip with the same setup - it was truly a freeing experience.
That is the reason I was actually looking for something like a 18-300 lens. But I ended up buying the 50-300 and except for one occasion, I've used it the entire vacation. It was nice not having to constantly switch.
Age and health, meant I downsized what I carry, and 80% of my shots are with a peak design sling with a couple of lenses , and other bits. Reduced the tripod load , but still not got fully away from it, although upping the iso / image stabilisation goes a long way to help. Low light is still the problem. And for a really lightweight approach, I use a Fuji x100f and a minute filter system from NISI. Still got the big backpack and everything that goes with it, and there are times you really need it, such as adverse weather. Keep these up, they always make you think.
I have been walking around the last year with a Z50 and the 24-200 in a 5L Peak design sling, even throw it on my back on the motor bike so I can park up and grab the camera without getting off the bike 😄. Also been doing the portrait panoramas. Glad it's not just me doing this 😁
Hi Henry, I have a Mindshift 180 Rotation Pro which is a huge backpack but has a hip bag which rotates out of the backpack and back in again whilst the backpack is still on your back - it can be removed and used on its own - The 180 Pro hip bag will accommodate a DSLR with 70mm-200mm f2.8 and comes with its own shower proof cover. Of course the interior of the backpack loses internal space due to the hip bag. Great video as always 👌
Love your edits Henry, very skillfully and naturally done. Would love some tutorials regarding photoshop/lightroom however you're doing them. Keep up the amazing work!
The next video you should try to go out only with your phone. For example the pano isn't much easier with a phone? and you can put it directly on IG ? I'm not young as you and gear begin to be too heavy for me. Phones are getting better and better these days. Your vidéo bring a nice point of view on the necessity to have so much gear. Whats the best gear to cover the most of our needs? Of course it depends of what kind of photography we are doing. For me I shoot the most with 70-200mm. Thank Henri