I've got a problem...

Here's my gear list... 5D, 17-40L 4.0, 50 1.4, 100 2.8 macro, 70-200L IS 2.8, 1.4x, 550EX, 540EZ, misc, batteries for camera and flash, light modifiers for flash, tripod, etc.

Now my problem is this. I feel like I've got to take it all with me any time I go out to shoot. I'm afraid that if I leave any of the stuff at home, that will be the piece of equipment that I need.

Does anyone else have this problem? To compound my problem, I ride a motorcycle so I can't leave anything behind once I get to where I'm going. I have to lug it all around while shooting.

I forced myself to go downtown last week with just the 70-200 on the camera which was nice but saw instances of where I wished I had the 17-40 with me. Arrrgggg.

What do you carry when you go out to shoot?

Hinson

Until Canon makes a 15-600mm F1.4 macro, you'll never have everything with you. Unless you have quick access to your car. When I was out walking through the park the last couple of days, I had my 28-75 on my camera, and my Bigma and Sigma 12-24 in my backpack along with a tripod.

Is there a different lens for each situation? Probably yes. But having only 1 lens forces you to be more creative.

If I had your set up, I'd take the 5D and 17-40 and 70-200 around with me. I usually know what I'm going to shoot in advance so I can tailor my equipment needs to that. However, I understand there are times when you don't know what you'll be shooting. I think the using the two zooms you have will give you the most versatility.

I went downtown Chicago last month and took my 30D with 24-105 and 70-200. The 70-200 worked great for getting candids and I used the 24-105 for everything else.

Oh how I wish that was my problem. I carry everything, even the usb cable in case I want to upload the pics to lappy. But I drive a car and only have two lenses so it's not a problem yet.

What if you just take the 17-40 and the 70-200? That gives you a broad range. What type of photos are you taking?

If I can I take all 3 main lenses, although if forced I just take the 24-70 and 12-24. Lately I have just gone out with the 150 Macro and forced myself to use just that...

I think the ideal walkround setup is probably a 24-70 and 70-200 on a 5D

I liked RedHot's responce. Learn to be more creative.

and.duncan wrote in post #3851692

What type of photos are you taking?

That, my friend, is the root of the problem. Until I had a heart attack last year, my main income came from shool photography. I can no longer lug all that equipment in and out of schools so until I refocus, I'm basically retired on SS. I like photographing people but at 65, it's a bit late to start up a portrait business. I'm thinking along the lines of stock but have to find my niche. Nature, landscapes, urban, pets, whatever. I'm trying it all now that I can get out and about.

Hinson.

I used to think I had to carry everything with me, but now I try to carry only the bare minimum I think I'll need for the day. I usually have a specific goal in mind when I go out to shoot, so I equip myself accordingly. The last time I took everything was when I went on a cross country plane trip. It's a little hard to shoot something when the lens you need is in San Diego and you're in Maine...

I also ride a motorcycle, but I have a touring bike with lockable hard saddlebags and trunk, so I can leave stuff behind if necessary.

You just need to think about your purpose for the day and accept that you might miss a shot or two.

If I know I'll be outside in daylight I only carry my three zooms, and if weight is an issue and I'm not shooting sports then I leave the 70-300 at home.

For indoor shooting I generally only carry the 35L + 50 1.8. Or if I'm shooting a school play or gymnastics then it's the 135L.

And when I go to do macro work, it's always planned ahead and I'm only carrying the 50CM and a tripod.

In short I have 4 shooting scenarios and I carry the gear accordingly.
1. General good light - 3 zooms 10-300mm
2. General low light - 2 primes 35 and 50
3. Long low light, portraits - 135L
4. Macro - 50CM

A second body would be advantageous to so you didn't have to worry about carrying an extra lens, 2 lenses 2 bodies, usually covers your subject if you know what you may encounter.

I had the exact same problem and similar gear. After dragging so many bags around, I am down to the 5D and 24-70 in one little Domke bag. It's so great. But, if I know I am in need of 2 more lenses, I take the 70-200 f4 and 17-40 along in my Velocity 9. That bag is the most used with that set-up. The 5D is such a great camera, I really don't miss the 70-200 when I am walking around. I can crop like crazy and still get a sharp image for most trips out. But I hear ya. I sometimes wish I had my 85 all the time, but it's just too much to take along.

My advice is to spend the money for a 24-70 or 24-105 or just rent one of those and see if it works for you.

I can certainly understand your pain!

I think it's just a matter of getting to know your lens lineup and figuring out a way to define each one's purpose.

For the fall foliage trip I am taking at the end of this month, I might take 3 lenses with me...17-40, 24-105, and 70-200 f4 IS. I'll probably leave the rest behind.

Reasoning:

1. 17-40 is nice for sweeping shots of mountain full of foliage, etc.
   
2. 24-105 is probably going to be mounted most of the time.
   
3. 70-200 f4 IS...just in case...probably won't get much usage.

sounds like me when i go hiking (to get some bird shots). i grab my 80-200 f2.8, then i think ill need longer so i grab my 400 f5.6. then i get my x2 just in case. then i figure might as well bring my 300 f2.8. then, wait what if no birds so i grab my 18-30ish lens. lol. then its too heavy and im too late to go haha.

I take it all with me. I have a desk job and I need the exercise.

mabas9395 wrote in post #3858861
I take it all with me. I have a desk job and I need the exercise.

Sounds familiar, that's why I have a Lowepro 300AW Slingshot and my shoulders, back and legs are getting stronger.

I just decided to suck it up.