How much of your kit do you take out shooting?

Okay peeps,

I currently have a Lowepro AW Mini Trekker, it used to be big enough to hold all of my gear. Now my filters have arrived, the bag is no longer big enough, not to mention that it is flippin' heavy!!!

So, my question is do you take all of you kit with you or do your choose what to take with you each time you venture out? I just hate the thought of not getting that special shot due to not having the appropriate kit.

Ian.

I carry a large bag with all of my gear when I go out and about. Currently weighing in at around 20lbs, without actual hiking gear involved, it gets fairly heavy....but I don't feel unprepared

If I'm heading out with several other people, I'll usually pare it back to more reasonable amounts because I know I won't have time for "puttering".

There is no way I am going out with all my gear. I know what I plan to shoot, where I will be shooting and the conditions and plan accordingly. If it's just walking around, I'll have 1-2 lenses with me. If it's an event, 2-4.

IanW wrote in post #12125809
Okay peeps,

I currently have a Lowepro AW Mini Trekker, it used to be big enough to hold all of my gear. Now my filters have arrived, the bag is no longer big enough, not to mention that it is flippin' heavy!!!

So, my question is do you take all of you kit with you or do your choose what to take with you each time you venture out? I just hate the thought of not getting that special shot due to not having the appropriate kit.

Ian.

Even if you had all the right pieces, by the time you swapped to the correct lens for the shot, you would have missed the moment. Go out to each venture w/ an idea of what you want to shoot that day. Anything else is a chance encounter. If you use your imagination & skill, you can make a good shot w/ less than appropriate gear.

If you don't take it you'll need it.

Only what I think I might be using on that outing. Some gear is mainly indoors and some are mainly for outdoor use

for me I use a back pack to transport my gear and then a small shoulder or sling bag with a couple of lenses.

It depends. If I'm absolutely 100% certain I'm going going to need some stuff, I'll only take that stuff. But this is pretty rare. I usually take all of my gear. Luckily it all fits in one bag, although it's getting pretty tight. I have a SlingShot 302 AW that I think I'll need to upgrade soon.

I plan ahead and pack only what I need. Just like I don't pack a tent for a one day trip. Or a set of spare tires if I'm walking. Anything that you pack and don't need, is worth less than ballast. At least ballast has a purpose.

A few well chosen lenses can easily cover pretty much all basic needs. 1-2 is usually enough for me, for a simple day trip.

1-3 lenses. If I can't/won't change lenses, I'll bring just the 24-105. Sometimes I'll bring the 17-40 and either the 70-200 or 100-400. The third lens, if I bring it at all, might be either the 50/1.4 or fisheye depending on the occasion. With the overlapping focal lengths, there's no need to bring everything.

I only pack what I need for the shoot, I can get away with a minimum of gear.

Also, I get around on a motor scooter so packing a heap of gear isn't viable.

I always take all my gear just in case. You never know when you might need something you didn't bring. To me I don't think a little more weight in the backpack will make that much of a difference. I also don't like to leave my camera equipment in my car while I'm gone.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

I usually take the 24-70 and the 50, my 70-200 is only for my outdoor sports, usually I don't need that telephoto

I couldnt carry all of my gear if my life depended on it! Way too much!

I always plan ahead and pack as light as possible. Very rarely do I find myself needing more than two lenses, so at most Ill take three. And most of the time I leave the flash at home.

Light stands, umbrellas, tripod, etc., always in shoulder-cases in the car. Don't mind leaving them there on the floor, car locked, if I don't need them.

More extensive shoots? Kata 3N1-22 with pretty much everything I think I might use. Loaded, it's 21 pounds. Very comfy as quick-access sling or backpack.

Grab-n-go everyday? Kata H-16. LOVE this bag! 40D (Crumpler Industry Disgrace strap) with lens and hood, two more lenses w/hoods, 580 EXII, wireless remote release, 3' ETTL cord, filters, gels / bounce cards / flag/snoot (flat in rear pocket), spare batteries, CF cards, microfibre cloths, its own raincoat if weather looks iffy.

Sling it outta the way behind my back, or on my side with arm and hand draped over it in crowds, bring it around front to grab camera, get flash, switch lenses.

Bag's compact and perfectly shaped / designed, for me. Light even always loaded and ready. Never leave home without it.

If I think I'll need it, I'll throw a 430 EXII and long ETTL cord in jacket pockets or Big Pockets vest.