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| Why is camera equipment so heavy... | Rate Topic |
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| Posted by highlander: Tue Aug 16th, 2016 14:40 | 1st Post |
| I know we pay for quality glass in many ways but today I weighed my rucksack - 7.58kg. Thats one body, one flash, three lenses (wide zoom, prime macro, and superzoom, some filters, batteries, etc). I cannot even contemplate taking this in a shoulder bag!
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| Posted by jk: Tue Aug 16th, 2016 15:41 | 2nd Post |
| You dont say what cameras and lenses. If you go for top quality fast glass then you are into HEAVY! I just built my backpack for my trip to Burma, Cambodia and Singapore. It is using Fuji stuff rather than Nikon. My backpack is too heavy as I still need to add charger, iPad, other bits and pieces. I can drop a lens so 500grams less. I still need to weigh in,
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| Posted by Eric: Tue Aug 16th, 2016 15:56 | 3rd Post |
highlander wrote:I know we pay for quality glass in many ways but today I weighed my rucksack - 7.58kg. Thats one body, one flash, three lenses (wide zoom, prime macro, and superzoom, some filters, batteries, etc). And they get heavier every year.  The latest Nikons ...eg D500, D750, D600, D7200 are all similar weights and quite reasonable. I bet the lions share of the weight in your bag, comes from the lenses. The problem always comes from the lenses....especially the fast (ie wider) glass. It's one of the reasons I raised the thread discussing/comparing the 300 v 80-400 v 200-500. 300 f4...755g compared to 300 f2.8...2900g and 80-400.....1570g and 200-500...2300g Ive seen some superb images taken with the new 300f4. If your subject is big enough with 300mm...its a no brainier. But as you know with wildlife that's not long enough. So weight is a trade off. 
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Gilbert Sandberg: Wed Aug 17th, 2016 06:56 | 4th Post |
| H, And I always thought the Scots were a sturdy bunch... 7.5 kg: I do not weigh my bags regularly, but I would guess mine are heavier all of the time. (one body, somee lenses and no tripod) Regards, Gilbert
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| Posted by Iain: Wed Aug 17th, 2016 14:13 | 5th Post |
| I'm just glad I'm not a working press photographer anymore as my bag then weighed 15k when fully loaded.
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| Posted by Eric: Thu Aug 18th, 2016 03:50 | 6th Post |
| I suppose it's the age old problem of knowing what you need with you. If you could predict what equipment you would use, before you go out the door, your load need not be as heavy. For many of my work assignments I had the car close by, so I took the kitchen sink with me! The problem always comes with, not surprisingly, telephoto lenses. So I leave them in the car, unless I KNOW, what I am going to shoot probably needs them. My walk around gear ( two bodies and 3 lenses covering 18-300mm) only weighs 4kg. Switiching Nikon to Fuji reduces this to 2.2kg.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by jk: Thu Aug 18th, 2016 04:15 | 7th Post |
Eric wrote:I suppose it's the age old problem of knowing what you need with you. If you could predict what equipment you would use, before you go out the door, your load need not be as heavy. I agree with this 100%. I have loads of kit. I believe that if you have the right tool then the job is easier. Yes it is possible to muddle through with less so there is no right/wrong way just different approaches. However having so much kit brings its own dilemnas. I have a problem in that I am very familiar with my D3S and D800 and D600 but the D500 has a different control layout so I have to think more when I want to change ISO. The new position for the ISO button is easier but different! Then comes the weight difference which is pushing me towards Fuji. Carrying an additional 2kg all day when you are walking is a big deal.
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| Posted by Iain: Thu Aug 18th, 2016 15:45 | 8th Post |
| The problem with press work is you could go out on a job and while out get another two or three jobs through meaning you had to have something for every eventuality.
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| Posted by Iain: Thu Aug 18th, 2016 15:49 | 9th Post |
| Oops it didn't look as if that had gone!
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| Posted by Robert: Thu Aug 18th, 2016 17:30 | 10th Post |
Iain wrote:Oops it didn't look as if that had gone! It has now!  I have noticed there seems to be a delay when posting or accessing posts at the moment. I am currently on a 100MB/sec fibre connection and at home I am running close to 50MB/sec, The latency is low, yet I am seeing these delays both up and down. Makes me wonder about the contention ratio of the server...
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by amazing50: Thu Aug 18th, 2016 22:25 | 11th Post |
| When I want to go lite the Coolpix P900 24-2000 mm super zoom, with case etc. comes in at under 1kg.
____________________ There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept ;~) Mike Grace |
| Posted by jk: Fri Aug 19th, 2016 03:48 | 12th Post |
amazing50 wrote:When I want to go lite the Coolpix P900 24-2000 mm super zoom, with case etc. comes in at under 1kg.That is a good approach that I tend to adopt as well but it compromises the sensor size, and ultimately the image quality. My Nikon V1 cannot produce as good an image as my APSC D300. Sensor size is one of the key elements in good IQ.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Eric: Fri Aug 19th, 2016 04:38 | 13th Post |
amazing50 wrote:When I want to go lite the Coolpix P900 24-2000 mm super zoom, with case etc. comes in at under 1kg. When I want to go lite, the wife takes her Panasonic Fz1000 and I borrow it now and again.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Eric: Fri Aug 19th, 2016 04:40 | 14th Post |
Robert wrote:Iain wrote: I am sure you are right...whatever that means.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Eric: Fri Aug 19th, 2016 04:43 | 15th Post |
Iain wrote:The problem with press work is you could go out on a job and while out get another two or three jobs through meaning you had to have something for every eventuality. Yes I can understand that creates a dilemma. I was fortunate that I never did press work. I just went on fixed location photoshoots. The worse it got was 3or4 different locations in a day....but the subject matter (and hence the requisite equipment ) was the same.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Robert: Sun Aug 21st, 2016 03:56 | 16th Post |
Eric wrote:Robert wrote: Sorry for the jargon! Basically the latency means how fast the postman drives to your property and runs up your garden path to deliver the data. (Making the connection) The connection speed relates to how fast you can read that data, 8MB/sec is normal, 50MB/sec is fast, 100MB/sec is very fast. The server contention ratio indicates how good the access is into the post office (large door or small door) and how long the queue is at the counter. What I am suggesting is that the server where our forum is located has a narrow pathway and long queues. This type of server tends to be cheaper but slower. Do you agree with that analogy JK? One of the consequences of slow servers is that you think you haven't sent something because nothing happens so you send again, resulting in double posts. Key bounce and doddery fingers (like mine!) on touch screens can also account for it.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Robert: Sun Aug 21st, 2016 04:52 | 17th Post |
| Back on topic! I just weighed my now 'standard' kit of three good FX zooms, ranging from 18 to 200mm, Nikkor 50mm f1.4, D3, SB800, batteries and gubbins like cleaning wipes, grey card, D3 quick guide, etc. all in a Flipside 400 AW backpack. It weighs about 8Kg. The 80-200 is the main culprit, perhaps a lighter, slightly longer zoom might get the job done without the weight penalty. The 'family' D3300 with 18-105mm DX lens is featherweight in comparison, at 1.4Kg in it's nice little Nikon shoulder bag. Christopher made some lovely photographs with that camera on our recent visit to Skye and is more than adequate for most photography, even in novice hands. I am a great believer that mass (weight) adds to steadiness and steadiness improves images. In comparison to what I am used to carrying when doing my usual thing, (building and engineering) 8Kg is nothing. When I walked up to the Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle on Skye, I carried that plus my trusty old Kennet Benbo tripod which weighs almost 4Kg. I left my heavy (6Kg with mud) tripod in the car! Good, strong, robust gear is heavy. It all depends if that matters. If I am going with the main intention of taking nice photographs, the weight is irrelevant, if my main intention is to visit a location and take one or two snaps then my iPhone fulfils that need. I wouldn't take the D3 to London, or the top of Great Gable, the D3300 is more than adequate and a lot less conspicuous. Perhaps it's just me but I don't see any point in long lenses for casual photography, OK sports and wildlife yes but I wouldn't particularly want to take close ups of Big Ben clock as a tourist, more likely the whole building. If your going birding then that's different, leave the fisheye at home. My tuppence worth!
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Eric: Sun Aug 21st, 2016 05:17 | 18th Post |
Robert wrote:Back on topic! I think we are all saying the same thing. The occasion should dictate the equipment you take, but you need to have thought through the potential eventualities first....which is the hard part and where the 'just in case' selections start the problem.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Robert: Sun Aug 21st, 2016 05:31 | 19th Post |
Eric wrote:I think we are all saying the same thing. The occasion should dictate the equipment you take, but you need to have thought through the potential eventualities first....which is the hard part and where the 'just in case' selections start the problem. Nothing worse than being 400 miles from some small item that would have made the difference. Like a neutral density filter... Grrr.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by jk: Sun Aug 21st, 2016 05:48 | 20th Post |
Robert wrote: Eric wrote: I agree but the problem is when you have many 'just in case' items. Then there is the IR and/or normal light issues! 
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| Posted by jk: Sun Aug 21st, 2016 05:48 | 21st Post |
Robert wrote: Eric wrote: I agree but the problem is when you have many 'just in case' items. Then there is the IR and/or normal light issues!
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| Posted by highlander: Sun Aug 21st, 2016 13:52 | 22nd Post |
| Have decided part of the culprit is my macbook, although its only an Air and therefore lighter, its still not that light. Shame I have to carry it for work, but then I don't have to carry a camera, I just like doing so
____________________ Blog https://blythestorm.com Website http://www.blythestormphotography.com |
| Posted by Robert: Sun Aug 21st, 2016 14:47 | 23rd Post |
highlander wrote:Have decided part of the culprit is my macbook, although its only an Air and therefore lighter, its still not that light. Shame I have to carry it for work, but then I don't have to carry a camera, I just like doing so Ahh! Apple to blame again! Have you considered an iPad or iPad Pro? Pretty much same functionality/power but more compact and lighter.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Eric: Sun Aug 21st, 2016 18:18 | 24th Post |
jk wrote:Robert wrote:Eric wrote: In truth it was the addition of IR camera and dedicated lenses, that prompted my search for lighter equipment. Of course, it's an easy decision to leave IR equipment in the car or back at home, if the weather is overcast.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Eric: Sun Aug 21st, 2016 18:35 | 25th Post |
Robert wrote:highlander wrote: ...and it has an integral camera! 
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by jk: Sun Aug 21st, 2016 18:58 | 26th Post |
highlander wrote:Have decided part of the culprit is my macbook, although its only an Air and therefore lighter, its still not that light. Shame I have to carry it for work, but then I don't have to carry a camera, I just like doing so You had an X100. That is very capable. If you still have it use it or send to me! Money sent by PayPal. My X100 has died after 4-5 years use. Not heavy use but it has a screw loose inside (literally!) and is not right. It is probably repairable but is it economic to do so? I have decided that Fuji stuff is lighter built than Nikon so doesnt last as long but is just as good unless you need/want fast AF. For landscape who cares the Fuji wins, for wildlife or sport leave the Fuji at home and take the Nikon!
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Eric: Mon Aug 22nd, 2016 15:25 | 27th Post |
jk wrote:highlander wrote: Will let you know in a few weeks. I have decided to take ONLY Fuji equipment on my next European adventure. Wildlife will hopefully figure in it ...so I will see if the Fuji copes. If it doesn't, there will be a grand Fuji sale in time for Christmas. I just don't see the point of keeping one system for one category ( eg landscape = Fuji) Nikon bodies are not that much heavier than Fuji and could equally be used for landscape as wildlife as sports. Time to make a decision...watch this space.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by highlander: Tue Sep 6th, 2016 11:59 | 28th Post |
| I shall be excited to see the outcome of this, and will have my cheque book ready just in case My X100 sadly bit the dust, well actually water...lots of water... I sold my XPro1 and regretted it. Just (at the weekend) bought a Fuji XT1, 35mm, and 14mm. I think that will cover most of my needs and anything outside of that (wildlife) then I will use my Canon compact with its 45x optical zoom. OK, its not saleable quality but I don't intend selling those image. I rarely print them bigger than A4 (or actually 10x8 because I am old fashioned). My XT1 kit takes up 1/3rd of the room and weighs 1/3rd of the weight of my Nikon kit. Given this is a Nikon forum, it is quite funny how many of us seem to be heading in the Fuji direction, even if only part time... 
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| Posted by jk: Wed Sep 7th, 2016 09:24 | 29th Post |
| I am waiting for Eric's holiday report and see how he got on with his Fujis only. I am sure he will return with some great images. The camera is not a limitation unless you do some niche photography like I do or sports stuff. I think wildlife, except BIF, can now be done with the new Fuji 100-400 zoom.
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| Posted by Eric: Mon Sep 12th, 2016 13:08 | 30th Post |
| It's 35 deg here and ALL the wildlife is under cover...so nothing to report except... I HATE Fuji battery life. I don't know how you guys live with these temperatures? Spent most of the afternoon in the pool. Ironically I have taken more IR shots on the XE1 and films on the XT. A simple observation about Fuji XT poor? response time. I have to keep switching it OFF to save battery life. This may well contribute to the perception that it's response is poor ...well it would wouldn't it. Lol ....nevertheless it's an example of how bridge cameras and electronic viewfinder bodies eat into battery life to the detriment of the overall experience. No wildfire tomorrow either....of down a cave to keep cool.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Robert: Mon Sep 12th, 2016 17:46 | 31st Post |
| On our Skye trip Christopher switched the D3300 off except when he was actually taking photo's, I explained to him that the cameras have a little computer inside and every time you start the camera you use a chunk of battery booting the computer up again. When we went to Eric's and Cadwell Park he left the camera switched on while he was using the camera and didn't switch it off until he had finished taking photo's. He used two batteries on Skye to make about 700 exposures, when we went to Eric's and Cadwell Park he took about 600 exposures and was still on the first battery when the rain came and I put the camera away. Not very scientific but I'm sure with the Nikon DSLR's it's better to leave the camera switched on for the duration of the session. Except if you are changing lenses, especially VR lenses.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by jk: Mon Sep 12th, 2016 17:47 | 32nd Post |
Eric wrote: It's 35 deg here and ALL the wildlife is under cover...so nothing to report except... I HATE Fuji battery life.Lunch with wine, siesta, pool and night time G&Ts with cooling winds or fans or A/C. Which part of France are you in?
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| Posted by Eric: Tue Sep 13th, 2016 03:59 | 33rd Post |
jk wrote:Eric wrote:It's 35 deg here and ALL the wildlife is under cover...so nothing to report except... I HATE Fuji battery life.Lunch with wine, siesta, pool and night time G&Ts with cooling winds or fans or A/C. Dordogne at moment but moving across to Cevenne and Ardeche for a couple of weeks.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Eric: Tue Sep 13th, 2016 05:26 | 34th Post |
| Ok just a quick update. The XT1 is quite useless for wildlife or any erratically moving objects...at least in single shot mode. The Fuji optics are excellent, the speed of focus is not that bad. The problem is the EVF. While the file is be written to card, albeit a small period, the EVF freezes on the captured image. In that space of time, the subject can have moved out of frame, requiring you to 'find it' again and refocus. With an OVF you are better able to follow or predict the next resting spot. Of course the camera can be set to continuous focus and firing, but this machine gun approach is wasteful of the limited battery power. As an example, I was photographing small birds in a hedgerow today. A Blackcap moved to one spot and despite moving about on its perch stayed in the frame. A Wren however came to the same place and kept flitting about, side to side, back to front in significant leaps that took it out of the frame each time. I am pretty certain with my DSLR I would have been able to keep track of it and still file single shots. Anyone got an Xpro they don't want?
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Eric: Tue Sep 13th, 2016 10:13 | 35th Post |
| It's amazing what you learn, or perhaps remember what you forgot. At these temperatures, the raptors are too high, the beavers are too low, the wolves are hidden in the shade and the smaller creatures are waiting till at least iso 6400 is required. Only humans are out and about and their half naked bodies are not what I want to hold in memory, let alone photograph! I shall sit here in the shade with another beer for another afternoon and read the camera manual. It's amazing what you discover in the menus and buttons. I locked out all function changes for half an hour, then just before I threw the XT in the swimming pool I found the answer on page 3. Who the hell puts important info before the index?...Fuji do! I have however taken a photo of a bug...it's a slightly squashed bug, on account of the fact it bit me on the arm and I was sufficiently incensed to hit it with the XT manual. I hope it's last drink of my blood was worth it. Off to the pool unto it's below 30.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by jk: Tue Sep 13th, 2016 17:27 | 36th Post |
| Eric, yes I have an XPro. I am sure that we can do a deal. I need to come to UK in October. PM me your thoughts on what you want. I think depending on my XT2 assessment that I may want to change some of my Nikon and Fuji gear. We may be able to help each other out.
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