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Is Photography Weighing You Down? |
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Prime time
Prime lenses (fixed focal length lenses) really show their worth when weight is a premium. They are small and light, offering the same or even brighter aperture than their zoom cousins. For the weight of the 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom, you can pack a 105mm f/2.8 macro and a 180mm f/2.8. Not only are the primes usually sharper, they are easier to handle (a 180mm prime is easier to handle than a 80-200mm).
In addition, prime lens also gives you more versatility. You can replace the 28-70mm and 80-200mm with primes such as 28mm, 50mm, 85mm, 105mm and 180mm. Both choices might weigh the same, but you can selectively remove some primes to reduce the weight. But take out one of the zoom and you have just reduced your range by half!
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Accessories
Accessories are tricky - they expand your photographic possibilities without taking up too much space. However, no matter how small they seem, they take up a considerable bulk if you add all of them together. Things such as cable releases and vertical release grip are hidden carriers of weight. Remove all of them and you will be surprised at the weight you saved.
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Batteries
So far I have been trying to cut down the load from the bags, but I feel that some stuff should not be omitted, especially batteries. You should try to bring extra sets of batteries with you, since cameras are inoperable without them. Be selective about the batteries you bring - you can cut down the weight by standardizing on your batteries. For example, if you bring only accessories that use the same type of cell, you can save weight by bringing just one set of batteries. And if weight is really at a premium, use lithium cells instead of alkaline AA cells, since lithium batteries are lighter and lasts longer.
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Bags and cases
Other than smart packing, you can also use various bags, cases and accessories to help reduce the strain on your back. Comfort and convenience are the key words when choosing the appropriate bag or case. The more comfortable you feel when using the bag, the better you can shoot and the more frequently you will shoot. And convenience of access will dictate how useful the bag or case will be.
The traditional shoulder bag that we carry hangs all the weight onto one shoulder, straining it unnecessarily. However, the shoulder bag does give easy access to equipment. I'd advice that you buy shoulder pads that goes onto the bag strap so that the pressure is more evenly spread out over a larger area, making the bag more comfortable to carry.
Other than your usual sling bags, you have the alternative of backpacks. Because the backpacks are carried on the back, the weight is evenly distributed over the entire back and across the two shoulders. Good backpacks also feature rigid structures and adequate padding for comfort. The end result is a bag that you can carry over long distances without feeling as much fatigue. The obvious drawback is that the backpacks do not offer easy accessibility to the equipment stored within. To change your lens, you will have to stop, take off the backpack, place it on the ground, and open it to access the gear.
You can also consider the rolling cases that pack all your gear neatly into a luggage that rolls on the ground. It offers loads of protection for your gear, and you will love the ability to roll your gear around effortlessly. However, such rolling cases only work well when the area is well designed with ramps and such. Because there are many places in the world where sadistic architects have never heard of ramps or lifts, it is no joke dumping all your gear in one heavy roller case and lugging it up a flight of stairs for example.
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Conclusion
At the end of the day, the benefits of reducing weight from your bag should outweigh the potential loss of photographic opportunities. You should try to reduce the weight in exchange for greater mobility and enable yourself focus more on your photography.
Smart packing and accurate analysis of your needs will help you cut weight without sacrificing photo opportunities, while getting the right bag will let you carry your gear with maximum comfort. Combine the choice of bag with efficient packing techniques so you can shoot with the greatest confidence. Once you have gotten the knack of managing and carrying your gear in comfort, you are all set to conquer the world!
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Is Photography Weighing You Down?: Pg 1 | Pg 2
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