The beauty of a small camera bag...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ก.ค. 2023
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This week I'm on the Llyn Peninsula here in Wales talking about how I've massively reduced the camera gear I take out with me day to day, and how I think it has made me a better photographer. Also most of the stuff I talk about is from Peak design, and while I'm not affiliated they do make great stuff...
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Peak Design owes you quite a sum of money for all of the unsponsored support you've given them over the years. Better than any ad they could put together!
So true! 😂
If you seriously believe that he is not sponsored, then I have a bridge I'd like to sell you!! LOL!
@@madcat1007He's legally required to state if he's been sponsored.
@@madcat1007basically every photographer on the West Coast of the US has one or more of their products, and a lot of popular photographers use a lot of their stuff, they can be really picky about sponsorships.
@@madcat1007it’s illegal if he doesn’t announce sponsors… like by LAW not just TH-cam rules.
haha I love your videos, the humour and vibes are so good
I think as you age as a photographer you pass through those early stages of trying loads of different lenses and focal lengths and subjects until you eventually narrow down to your most used and favorite gear and subjects to photograph. I'm at the point now where I not only want to create very minimalist images but I also want to do it with the bare minimum of gear. My real problem used to be collecting camera bags, trying to find the perfect one for each shooting situation. It never happened because there isn't one perfect bag. In the end I realized that a padded camera bag insert that I could shift between a regular messenger bag and a regular backpack was the closest to perfection I was ever going to find. It works, it doesn't look like a camera bag and if my bag wears out I can just find another, anywhere, at a reasonable price.
id say it depends on what you're into as a photographer and more importantly your budget. skateboarding is what got me into photography so i like carrying my fisheye lens to get as close as i can and i like carrying a separate wide angle lens including my tripod as. in case i want to take a sequence all while capturing the surroundings because sometimes there isn't enough room to use a 50mm or an 85mm. i also live on a peninsula so there's beaches everywhere so i also like to carry my telephoto. i personally don''t like sling bags and the downside to backpacks is that they don't usually make small sized the'yre usually medium or big which sucks. i also prefer prime lenses due to them being cheaper and faster. i love my lowepro bp150 which is a small backpack and fits everything i need when i just want to roam around to take photos or for when i take photos at a concert or festivals since its not bulky.
I have the peak design 6L too. I absolutely love it. Just enough space to stick my camera with a prime lens, my wallet, a small water bottle, and a few little bits and bobs. Absolutely perfect for a day wandering around a city
Lately, I've been carrying three primes and a full-frame body in my Peak Design 6L. 20mm, 35mm, and 85mm. Tuck in a spare battery, a cleaning kit, a neck strap, and strap a tripod on the bottom, and I'm set for pretty much any sort of photography other than macro or wildlife. And I can swap in my 85mm for my 70-180mm and my 45mm for my 35mm, if I expect to need longer lenses. And if I need even more reach, I'll swap the full-frame body for an APS-C body. The PD 6L is rapidly becoming my all-time favorite bag.
Love this setup. Most of the time, I use only the 24-105 oder even just the 50mm depending where I go.
But one thing I can't live without, is water. I would sacrifice most lenses for it .
I started in 1958 with a Waltz Envoy, fixed 50 Nikon Kogaku 2.0. After college I bought a Pentax with8 lenses. Now at 82, I am back to traveling light. Nikon Z6 or 7 with 35,50, 85 will do most of what I need. Most stuff stays home.
I agree with everything you said there. I recently got a similarly sized Domke bag and now I wonder how I carried a backpack around for so long. It sounds so insignificant, but really changes everything. There's a feeling freedom being able to just grab it and go, instead of lugging around a huge bag with too many options everywhere.
I got the 6L Peak Design Sling bag for $15 brand new at a thrift store in Maryland back in 2021 and I use it when I only need to bring one lens and body.
I love your videos, which focus on how gear is actually not as important as we might think. I can easily relate to the messages, especially when I look back at how I started my photography journey with just a basic camera body (Nikon D70) and a subpar kit lens, yet managed to capture many great pictures with that setup. It's true that having the passion and the drive to creatively tell stories with whatever tools you have is a much better motivation than relying on gear to boost your creativity (such as thinking, "If I get this new amazing telephoto lens, I can finally create more focused landscape shots," etc.).
It's astonishing how easily we can fall for all the marketing hype and end up amassing an endless amount of gear or constantly seeking the latest equipment, forgetting the essence of what photography truly is. Your videos serve as a wonderful reminder to stay focused on the art of storytelling and not get lost in the never-ending pursuit of gear. Keep up the excellent work, and thank you for sharing these valuable insights!
The beauty of rambling on has been perfected in you. I am left on a happy wave after listening to you. Keep it up!
The nice thing about carrying the 6L PD Sling is that it has mount points for the PD capture clip on either side. So you can carry the camera on the pack rather than in it and get the best of both worlds in terms of being both hands free and having quick access for spontaneity. Best part is that the capture clip plate is ARCA Swiss compatible and works brilliantly with that PD tripod you’ve got.
Wait really? My initial impression of this was it looks great except it makes the capture clip worthless because anytime I've attempted to hang a capture clip on a sling, the entire sling will shift down under the weight. Where do you attach the capture plate to this bag to make it applicable.
I use both the3L and the 6LPeak Design sling bags depending on what I want to lug about but I agree with you about how freeing not having everything with you at all times can be. I was surprised how little I used my telephoto lens for walks along the coast.
I’m literally packing my bag for a Chicago trip tomorrow, and saw this video. I loved packing while watching this, thx James 👍🏻
James, you're the most chill and entertaining landscape photographer I follow on TH-cam. I own both the 10L sling and the 13L messenger bag but use the sling more because of the waterproof zipper vs. the latch, which isn't weather resistant, though it holds more gear. I put a Sigma (100-400mm, 24mm F1.4) and Canon 24-105mm F4 and my Canon EOS R with battery grip with attached clutch and wrist strap and sling neck strap in my 10L sling. I can fit a 4 spare battery pouch in there as well, and two headlamps, one as a spare, and a 20,000 mah battery bank and USB-C 2m cable to charge my phone.
"I despise drones" -- thank you so much for saying this. I hate getting to a quiet and gorgeous landscape shoot hours early and then hearing the annoying sound of a drone whirling around a few minutes before sunrise. I believe many people feel the same way but do not verbalize it. A note to all drone users who are reading this -- please don't ruin the magic of being in a serene and quiet environment with your drone. People are there for the quiet and peaceful experience and not to hear your loud buzzing electrical gadget. Thank you.
That's my James. Always ahead of its time. Big camera bags will soon be forgotten.
Thanks for another great video!
I use my “massive bag” for camera gear storage at home now. I carry a holster style bag for my camera and kit lens normally. I usually have a Camelback backpack with water and there is room for my telephoto if I want to bring it. When I was first shopping for a camera a pro photographer friend told me that the best camera for taking photos is the one that you have with you. (That’s how I ended up with a micro 4/3’rd system. 😊)
James I have the same bag and I love it. I use the peak design capture clip. On the lower sides of the bag there are some flat loop things that are designed to put the capture clip on either side so you can take your shot and clip on the bag and keep moving. I can send a Pic if you want to know more.
That sort of answers the question I was going to ask as James didn't really mention that.
I use the same setup with the addition of tactical water bottle holder on the other end of the bag 👌
You always make such great videos with wonderful insights and the best comedic timing. i love it, keep it up (please)
I like a little 10l Tenba BYOB insert that I can throw in a small back pack. Fits lenses up to my Fuji 70-300 (450mm equivalent) + standard and wide focal lengths. Actual backpacks are far comfier and lighter than dedicated camera bags, far cheaper too.
That's my take after several years as well. Every time I look at camera bags it always ends like: "Wait, this thing weighs 2kg?" and then they don't even look comfortable. Regular backpack depending on activity, insert, peak design capture clip, that's the hiking setup.
These Squarespace sponsorship segues are getting smoother and smoother. They better be paying you well.
I used to buy fast (F2.8) lenses for my DSLR. When I got my mirrorless camera, I started buying slower lenses (F4 or F4-6.3) because I rarely use F2.8 when taking landscape photos. Slower lenses are cheaper, lighter and more compact. Therefore, I wouldn't need to carry a large bag to accommodate these lenses.
Now, I got the same peak design bag which you got and all what I need to carry in it are my mirrorless camera body, 14-30mm F4 lens and 24-200mm F4 - 6.3 lens with a couple of ND filters and shutter release remote. I never miss my F2.8 lenses.
Welcome to the club, i don't carry my big bag for some time. Although that bag is nice, i have it, i felt the need for a change and i bought a Bellroy. It is not for cameras so it doesn't have proper padding but i can fit my sony a7iii with a normal lens, or my olympus, or both. I like that it has 2 zippers and i can fit a bottle of water standing up on the opposite side of the camera. Being flexible i can also pack it flat in a bigger bag.
Very timely James. I've been dragging around a large sling bag through the hot summer days thinking, why I am carrying so much gear when I really don't need to. Part of the reason I continue to use the same bag, my first ever photography bag, is I'm just so cheap. And, I acknowledge I have a bit of a bag addiction. Well, a bag addiction rubbing up against Gear Acquisition Syndrome. I'd like a new lens to expand my options. So, instead, I haven't done anything. Not really sure you've helped but it has made me rethink the matter. Really enjoy your channel. Thanks James.
Great video. I wish more people would talk talk about a slimmer kit.
I searched for ages for the perfect small pack, and finally came across the EVOC Stage Capture 16. Side access is the perfect size for a full size camera and lens, with a decent main pocket for snacks, batteries, B camera, etc. Finally found the perfect pack for me. 🤙
a few years ago i bought the 5ltr peak design sling and sold all my lenses and kept the 16-55 f2.8 on my xt3 and 3 years later im still using the same set up and i love it, my days of a big back pack with loads of gear in has gone :)
The moment 6l and peak 3l are great too.
I have the same silver 6L bag - love it. I can carry Sony Alpha 6600 + 16-55G + 70-350G and lots of small stuff (DJI Mic *with the case, ND filter, two SD adapters, money and documents). It's actually amazing how much you can fit in this bag.
Oh I love their 3L sling bag. Got it in ash earlier this summer. Really well made. Looks brand new. Fits the camera and a prime, plus spare battery and SD card, and space for 1-2 circular filters. Sits nicely on the body, quality adjustable strap. Hardly notice it’s there.
I prefer smaller bags. Mine is a smaller backpack and I can fit one camera in it with lens attached, one camera body without a lens and then a couple spare lenses for either. Plus my accessories like a strap and film. Right now I carry my Sony A7II and a Minolta X700. Then for lenses my 28-70mm for the Sony and 50mm for the Minolta. My Sony always has a 50mm on it. Then I use the PD capture clip on the backpack strap for carrying my digital. It works perfectly for me as it holds my digital or film camera for whichever I'm in the mood for shooting and a couple lenses for either. I don't need anything bigger as I'm not a big person.
I've even used my purse to carry the lenses and accessories when I didn't feel like grabbing my backpack lol. I don't carry much as I'm not going on long hikes with my cameras. Just local romping around town.
I was just looking at almost this exact bag, but in the 3L as sort of an “EDC” for when I just want to have my Leica Q + some odds and ends (water bottle, phone, wallet, spare battery, etc.). This video may have been just enough to give me the confirmation I need to purchase yet ANOTHER bag! 🤪
I'm really hoping the OM-1 Mini actually goes past rumors and vaporware and comes out. It'd be nice to have the updated sensor and processing power to replace my E-M5.II for a small-but-more-than-walk-around body (that's generally an E-P5 or E-P7 these days). I'm actually a fan of the small grip/size of the E-M5 and even E-M10s. For tele, I have larger bodies, but even a decent tele prime like the 75mm f/1.8 (that goes to 150mm equiv) sits fine on my E-M5.II. 17mm with optical viewfinder generally sits on my E-P7.
I use my PD slings for so many photo outings. In the 3L sling I can fit my gx85 and three lenses. It’s amazing.
That’s exactly why I bought one. I can get my GX85 or my GM1 in with room for lots more. Great for a day out.
I'm glad to hear a serious (online) photographer say he's not fond of drones. I agree: sometimes they give a nice perspective on an area, but mostly it just seems like a cheap-cheesy way to juice up a video.
And I totally agree about the minimal setup, really freeing.
Like your style in the videos. Allso cool with the cameralamp on your desk. :-)
Micro 4/3 next for the full circle? hehe
one suggestion for next time you get the craving for a new bag... Osprey raptor 14L...... its designed for mountain biking but it works incredibly well as a photography day bag.... I can carry 2 cameras in mine along with 2 large lenses and 2 small lenses... 6 batteries and memory cards with space to spare.... and even a water bladder too.... well impressed with it 😎😎😎
I also travel light, one lens on the camera , a"maybe I'll use it second lens", spare battery, UV filter, small dusting brush, extra SDHC cards, a Peak wrist strap & a Peak neck strap, sunglasses, .all in my lightweight Think Tank Story Teller 10 bag.
Music: Taking My Time - iamalex, Felty, Soul Food Horns
Also…just have to say: absolutely stunning location you're in in this video! Made it all the more enjoyable.
I agree wholeheartedly. The paradox of choice has caused me a lot of kit anxiety in the past. These days I tend to have a small bags with a Fuji X Pro and a couple of lenses. I have stopped using a wide-normal zoom completely. I still use longer lenses but that's alway for specific jobs and I generally know in advance that I'm going to use them.
Trakke in Scotland make some excellent bags suitable for minimal camera use - the Largo Sling, Bairn and Kelso are nice options.
Good point James to limit your available options. It might people more happy and less indecisive. I will do this for myself. That options paralysis sucks.
I picked up that same bag a few weeks ago. I like it.
I also use a small camera gear (a 15y.o. lowepro messenger) and I all carry is the camera with a tele and 2 primes (and some batteries and memories). All the extras taht I don't usually use go into a small backpack (20l or less), and I try to use a hiking backpack, with the belt strap so it doesn't hurt my back.
The camera is always in the sling but it takes 1 second to take it out, not much longer than the peak design camera clip.
Great vid, is amazing to see your gear evolution
I’ve been using a PD sling for a good while and my most useful modification I’ve done is buy a flat water bottle (basically a 500ml hip flask looking thing) and I made a zip pouch that fastened with fratricidal straps and Velcro, fed through the bags strap stow away and pulled through.
I used an old T-shirt and it’s done a get job for a couple of years but recently got some waterproof fabric that’s similar to the bags ash finish to make a version 2.0 from.
I have this exact bag I got for my Lumix G95, and it's really the perfect and proper size. It's easy to carry around either as a fanny pack (whichever fanny you put it over, I suppose, depending on whether you're in america or the uk), a sling, a shoulder bag. It holds an M43 camera and a few lenses easily. It looks stylish. The only problem that I have with it, is that it's not really designed to easily pull something the size of a small DSLR out of it quickly. The main opening has to be pried open or else you're scraping your camera against the closure (which is guarded so it won't scratch, it's just annoying)
Sir, that was the smoothest transition into sponsor section I've seen for a while 😂. Well done!
By the way, I was thinking about buying PeakDesign Sling 6L for some time, when all of the sudden my new camera fell out of bag I owned on the concrete pavement. Enough to said, only the lens hood broke, but the next minute Sling was ordered. Never regretted buying it (as well as some other Peak Design stuff). I always thought their products are rather pricey, but man, they're worth it.
I've come to love going out with less gear too, it's quite liberating.
I've got a PD quick release mount on my 10L PD sling that allows me to hang the camera on the outside of the bag.
Well done James! you must be the only photographer on here who only has the one camera and one lens set up (and one bag) ok sometimes two on here and a tiny bag! that's all you need, in my case its often my pocket or a shopping bag, yes for long journeys I use a small bag too for a one camera set up! If you had problems with your legs or your back and you was a regular hospital or doctor patient you would be advised to limit the weight on your limbs and back, but you only have to watch those poor souls on TH-cam to see half a ton of gear on their backs and they are struggling to climb mountains! I do hope they watch your blog and take notice of it! Thank you James for talking a lot of sense again.....
I recently bought a Peak Design 3 litre sling and it’s been a game changer. Either I use it as lens storage for a larger camera on a strap, or as storage for a smaller camera like my GX85.
Perfect for being subtle while doing street photography, so I don’t look like a backpacker.
I've been using sling bags all along, and they got fairly small once I switched to micro 4/3. My preference however, has been for what would be called "tactical" bags with a padded insert. My fave was an Allen fishing sling until it recently tore after 4 1/2 years of usage. Not bad for $35 USD. But I have found a similar and just a tad larger replacement. Best feature for me is the ability to swing it in front of me for lens changes or getting something out on the go. Not screaming "Camera bag" is another advantage.
Yeah I like that about my north face. It doesn’t look like a camera bag because it isn’t and I can swing it to the front really easily. Doesn’t fit an insert but I’ve started using an insert in a normal backpack instead of a camera backpack for traveling.
I don’t get the large bags, it means more sh!t! Your camping comment made me laugh with you using your Shimoda 50L rucksack. Dread to think what you had as I have recently started to use a 30L with a small camera cube, Sony body with 70-200 GM2/2x teleconverter plus 20mm G lens. Same Peak Design tripod strapped to the side with tent poles, Tent strapped to the opposite side with the top section full of bed/stove/jackets. Front pocket is food n’ drinks. All good for two long days hiking with an overnight camp! Hate carrying to much gear or weight and this is about as small and light as I can go with all I need!
I've got the same bag and because of it I take my camera out more often. My Sony apsc fits nicely with two big lenses and some room to spare!
One hell of a nice location!
A small bag... You're preaching to the choir. Years ago I decided I was sick and tired of toting a big heavy bag around. Now, I carry the smallest bag I can squeeze the gear into (MFT body, 2 x lenses [17mm f2.8, 42.5mm f1.7], Insta360 One R, mini tripod for the One R and my phone, some filters, a blower and cleaning cloth and a couple of spare batteries). Bliss! (The Telesin magnetic pendant mount is great value)
Literally just purchased the same 6L sling to use when going on holiday instead of carrying the 30L everyday backpack. Yes, less storage but it does focus the mind on what to take and on what I need! Gone are the days of carrying a big heavy backpack through the airport and having to unpack everything at security and then carry it wherever you go, 'just in case' you may want the telephoto or tripod or something else I hadn't thought of.
Funny how experiences are similar but different. 😂
I have an 8l camera sling design for cycling. But as of late, I have been using my recently undusted Lowepro Fastpack 150 BP AW II, which I believe is a 16l, but balances the weight much better.
I was looking for a small camera bag and lo and behold, James delivers
I’ve got the 10L Sling, and I love it, but like you felt it was too big a lot of the time. So, I got the 3L version. It’s ace. Especially for a bit of street photography. I shoot M43 so can get a lot in it.
I spent the whole video hoping the cliff edge you looked to be sitting on did not fall away. Maybe it’s just the fact I get vertigo. But, brilliant video as always, really interesting to see you simplify the gear. Just shows you don’t need a lot of kit to take great photos.
Im doing most things on my 24-120 f4 now. I use a 35 for underwater. But above the sea, 24-120 all day.
I also have a 6l peak bag. There I have my Olympus M1 markII with 12-40mm F 2.8; prime lens 25mm and tele 40-150 mm 2.8 with 1.4 teleconverter and extra battery. Perfect for me when I travel.
I brought all my gear for my Japan trip. I ended up only using the 24-70 GM II and my X100V. Down sizing my camera bag as well. Selling my Shimoda Explore v2 25L and bought a Wandrd Prvke 11L.
It's funny this video just came out. I've been using a heavy backpack most of the time, loaded with almost everything I own photography related. I decided that, especially when I do street photography, I can use something smaller. One camera, one or two lenses....and it doesn't look like I'm carrying a fortune. About a week ago I got a similar bag to what you have. A small camera, a small prime lens, and a small bag with one more prime lens and batteries. Pretty nice.
Totally agree with you about the gear paralysis and the loathing of a big pack. I used to carry a similarly massive bag bag with many lenses, Lee filters and holders, tripod etc. and do lots of long exposures. The result? rushed, dull photos and not wanting to actually take the camera with me! Switched to a Wotancraft Pilot 7L and can pack variations of a Sony A74, 35GM, 45G, Sigma 65 and 85 art. Or i just take the camera and one lens on the peak capture and a small Osprey Raven 14 day pack with Camelabck, waterproofs and anything else i need. so much more likely to take the camera with me.
I use the peak design 6L for an old film SLR and a couple lenses, when I have the R6 and big lenses it’s the 13L messenger.
I've gone extreme and for the 3L and already have a capture clip - intention is to have the camera body outside the bag as you have done, and have fuji so the kit (i.e. lenses) are a bit smaller so work out ok. Wish it was 4L but oh well!
I have the 5l one. It's bit pointless actually, unless you are just going for a short stroll with one camera and one lens.
I bought Tenba Skyline 12 copule of weeks ago to carry Pentax MX with copule of primes. A small compact setup that doesn't break my back.
I carry less kit in my shoulder bag these days because of neck problems. I also put my Peak Design clip on my bent where it stays most of the time to cut down the bag weight. Less is more.
James
I recently visited the Southwestern United States ( Grang Canyon , Arches , Colorado Monument) I brought 2 lenses a 16-50 2.8 and a 55 -300 3.5 -5.6 to shoot all the pictures I took on the trip it worked perfectly
Interested in the magnetic neck strap you use with your GoPro
What is it and where did you get it please ?
That set up seems pretty perfect to me. But I am not a pro, or even a very prolific amateur. Though I have dabbled both with macro and concert photography. If by dabble you mean I've done it twice and was pretty satisfied with the result.
I use a variety of bags depending on what I am doing, how much gear I want to bring, and the weather. One is a backpack and the others are sling bags of various sizes.
Just purchased the 3L peak design sling, it’s going back tomorrow. Even for a small four thirds Olympus it’s a very small opening to get gear in. It’ll end up scratching on the zip. Feels expensive and over engineered. Going back to my domke type canvas back that cost a 1/4 of it and I can fit more in for the same footprint and it’s easier to open.
I've been tempted with the PD 6l myself for less photography based trips out when it's with family, currently use a lowepro flipside trek 450 which is big enough without being huge.
Side thought though, could you attach a PD capture clip onto a water bottle somehow, then use the mounting bracket on the side of your bag (on the designed straps), so you've got an easy way to attach a drink?
I love my PD 3L. My only complaint is the front zipper because it is hard to use and to get into. I prefer to have that front pocket in the back so I can put personal items securely in the bag.
Got it and love it. Isn’t it 7 liter🤔Anyways since ive switched to Fuji i love it even more ! I can squeeze in my XT5, XH2S the 23&33mm F1.4 LMWRs as well the Viltrox 13mm 1.4 on top - crazy… of course one of the bodies is in my hand or on the capture clip and then I can fit my wallet and phone inside.
There's no way that I bought the Sling 6L yesterday before knowing who you are and am now watching this today
I feel vindicated, thank you
Nice looking bags, was looking a squeezing a camera into a 3L, but I have so many bags already it’s embarrassing. Hope you checked for ticks after sitting in that grass too 😮
Have the same peak design bag but add in a capture clip + wrist strap. Carry a G9 plus 4 Pana Leica prime lenses : 12 1.4, 15 1.7, 25 1.4 & 42.5mm 1.2
Love this setup (can also get oly em5 iii plus kindle in the bag) .. BUT .. I still ponder a zoom again sooooo please review the OM systems 12-40 f2.8 II pro lens James, cheers in advance Rich
Great video. I too have reached the point of not carry a rucksack. My day to day bag is a Billingham Hadley Small, fits nicely my NIkon Z5, 24-70 f4, 15mm prime and 50mm prime plus filters batteries etc. Even fits the camera and lens in. If I ever do need my 100-400 the wife carries it in her bag.
One thing that I've wondered when you mention going on more distant photography trip is how you transport your gear when flying. I live in Thailand some of the time and I was thinking of getting a camera to broaden the types of things I can photograph. Beyond the gecko in our bedroom and crabs, frogs and scorpions etc that are in the kitchen or just outside the house, there are birds, snakes, butterflies water buffalo and many more that need something more than a smartphone. Even inside the house, keeping your distance can help.
I think it would be easier to get a used camera when I'm in the UK. MPB looks a good bet for that. I can't really afford to have either a camera and lenses in both countries or maybe just a camera and travel with lenses. I have two guitars but they are cheap and one was bought for me but I've only one laptop so I have to travel with that.
You seem to take laptop, but maybe I'm wrong about that, plus you probably need more kit than I will. Since it's not safe to put items like that in checked baggage, how do you cope with taking it as carry on?
This was a very old school James Popsys video. You know the kind where you spend most the time talking about things you don't usually have with you or no longer own and then get to the point where your camera can't fit in your camera bag :) BUT that said... I am a true believer in being light. First time I go somewhere I take a very generic lens (either a 24-70 or a 35mm prime)... If I really wished I had a tele or wide angle... I just note to bring them with me next time I go there. In general I get by with just having 1 or 2 lenses (although those change all the time)
For everyday shooting I'm mostly down to just taking one camera and one or maybe two primes so a small bag will fit everything I need and I can say its just so much easier than taking a whole backpack with me
Hey James, I recently watched your video on the 70-200 GM II. My next lens, would be interesting to hear more of why you don't use telephone lenses as much.
My camera bag carries 13” M2 MacBook Air, iPad Mini, Apple Pencil, slew of different chargers, mobile storage devices and accessories, some books, water bottle, and some needed things for short trips and lastly but not the least, my Sony RX100 VII camera.😊
I also have a nice little sling bag for my PEN and the trinity primes. That's it for most situations. Disadvantage: A day with a sling bag hurts at the shoulder.
Why wouldn’t you use the camera clip on the pd bag? Weather aside it’s just about in it but super available.
I use a fanny pack. Nice water bottle slot and just enough room for a camera, and one big all around zoom lens. I just sort of cram the rest of the pack with granola bars and the stuff I'd normally have in my pockets.
I've had a holster, sling, and backpack style bags. But I majorly prefer the fanny pack. It's more covert too. No one knows I have thousands of dollars of gear on me. No one questions a thing. I wish there were bigger fanny pack style bags but no one really makes them. I just got the biggest I could find at around 2-3L
Fanny in the UK means something a bit rude.
I also just take my 12-45 olympus for my e-m5, enough for (nearly) everything, or a film camera with 35, 50 and 90 or 100mm lenses.
did you also try out the 3L version of the sling??
What’s the lens that you showed for testing?
I had this same sentement but, I let it go to far. I got the 3L and it is just to small, the 6L is the one you need, I agree.
I am myself a landscape photographer solely who typically wants to avoid people, or buildings or roads (or even James's favourite telegraph poles :P) and while James is constantly developing his way of doing photography including recent and past changes in his set, camera brand or favourite focal lengths, I am using for long years without changes 16-35+70-200 (f/4 both) for my landscape photography and do not change it at all .. I almost feel like if I am missing something or if I am becoming a real (baby) boomer who just lives in the past :D .. I dare to say that to have in my camera bag just two lenses - ultrawide + zoom - also greatly reduces me thinking about which to use in a given situation ... I was considering (and testing out) to walk with prime nifty-fifty on my camera (while having in backpack mentioned 16-35+70-200) but it didn't turn out well for me .. Camera on my neck was just slowing me down and distracting me so I was typically very slow and shooting a lot of shots that ended up in the trash anyway in the end of the hike .. I also tried to just go on bigger hikes with 24-70 only but I realized, that for my style of photography I really want some lurid compositions and found out, why many photographers consider 24-70 as the most boring lens .. I absolutely agree that what works for one just doesn't necessarily work for other, but honestly, I do not know many landscape photographers hiking out just with 24-70 ..
a few things came into my mind:
1. everyone has its own way and own priorities
2. G.A.S :)
3. James is a youtuber. He needs to create content to attract viewers. The more gear you include in the videos the more viewers you can attract. The more gear you have the more vidoes you can make. (I guess...)
@@etibkel yeah, absolutely ... I agree with all 3 points and adding 4th - some people just love to tinker with gear especially if they are gear geeks :) ..
I've stopped wearing sling bags since I've got back problems from carrying all the weight on one side only for many years.
Reducing gear and forcing myself to compose and shoot with a single prime lens has done wonders for my photography. It's nice to be prepared for any shot, but I feel like it's more beneficial to figure out how to capture that shot with restrictions. Forces you to think differently about how you compose. At this point, I'm rocking a single 30mm f1.4 sigma lens and that's it.
I'm even less into bags and lots of gear. I leave my sling bag in the car, take my camera, no extra lenses, put spare batteries in my pocket, always have a polariser on the lens (I live in Australia), phone in another pocket and some water. Thats it. I've always done this, even back in the film days, I probably had a spare roll of film in a pocket instead of batteries. Once again very enjoyable, look forward to next video.
I sometimes do this too but then I’m stuck carrying a water bottle which is annoying if capturing a quick moment
I have the same feeling about drones. Some images you see are great, but not interested in taking them for me