Ultimate LIGHTWEIGHT Camera Kit: Top-Quality, No BACK PAIN!
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In this week’s episode, we discuss a complete lightweight camera kit that wont break your back for landscape photography. Lets face it, none of us are getting any younger, and there comes a point in everyone's life where your priorities begin to shift a bit. See, I suffer from what I call "Premature Back Fatigue" that stems from an injury in my 20's that I never properly took care of. And, over the course of the past few years, I've been heavily aware of how much weight I'm carrying on my back along with how far I'm hiking with this weight. With that said, a lightweight camera kit for landscape photography is something I've been working towards and I've finally landed on a setup that works best for me. I hope you enjoy this week's video and as always thanks so much for watching! - Mark D.
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🔘 Lightweight Tripod 03:04
🔘 Lightweight Camera Bag 04:36
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🔘 Sling Bag Problems 09:50
🔘 Hybrid Camera 11:18
🔘 Camera Straps 13:53
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💥QUESTION: Anyone else suffer from "Premature Back Fatigue" (PBF)?
Yes, for years. Went to many doctors with no relief. On one round of physical therapy the therapist identified that my muscles "were tied in knots" (not a medical term). She recommended I try the Graston Technique therapy. I didn't have anything to lose so I gave it a try. After five sessions my years of back issues were behind me. It has been 12 years since this and I haven't had an issue since. Not saying it is your issue but it is worth looking into.
Yes. Back aches when standing or walking. But, I’m 80+ old. 😂
@@davehallock3102 I've never heard of that, but will look into it!
Oh yes, I first hurt my back in a car accident in 1993 at the age of 37, and have dealt with problems ever since. I'm 68 now.
Hi Mark, I really appreciate your videos!
I'm sorry to hear you suffer from back pain. I'm assuming this is lower back fatigue, right? Curious, have you heard of the "Reverse Hyper"? It may help in decompressing the spine while strengthening it. I'm 6'3" myself and I've been using it for the past few years and found it's really strengthened my lower back a lot.
Anyway, looking forward to your Bali photos!
Dear Mark, I am delighted to inform you that, on account of your PBF, you have been pre-approved to join the community of MFT user's. You are therefore authorised to buy a Panasonic or Olympus camera with state of the art IBIS, replace your large "tiny" lenses with smaller, lighter lenses, ditch your tripod, buy an even smaller backpack and enjoy more pain free hours. Enjoy. 😊
Absolutely agree, but then he hasn’t hit 65 years old yet - or more!!!
😁
I have one herniated disk, and one that’s a protusion so i call it one hernia and a half, and ive got leg cramps, but im 30, can i be pre approved as well? Which is your favorite set up on olympus for travel, i like architecture, environmental portraits and animals, thanks! With olympus can you photograph a waterfall easier ?
@@LucamitmI suggest the OM5 with either the 40-150mm f/4 Olympus lens, or the LUMIX 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 which is smaller and lighter. I have the OM-D EM-5 mark iii, and the EM-1 mark iii, which is larger and heavier than the EM5, more of a pro camera, and the smallest EM10 Mark IV , similar to the EM5iii, It’s more of a beginner to intermediate camera but takes great photos. The OM5 is the newest, slightly better than the EM5iii and easy to handle. As for waterfalls any of these would be fine as all have shutter modes, similar to Nikon, Sony etc. The difference is in the sensor and megapixel size, micro four thirds sensor and 20 MP. Panasonic Lumix cameras are pretty much the same. They have MFT sensors and the more expensive have full frame sensors, always much heavier than MFT cameras. Both LUMIX and Olympus have little prime lenses as well, easy to carry. A 20mm lens equals 40mm of a 35mm equivalent lens.
@@Lucamitm I'm a Panasonic user with a G9 and a G90. For travel and landscape I use the G90, with the 14-140 Lumix lens that @trishfrei2 mentioned (it's not fast but for outdoor travel it doesn't need to be, it's compact and lightweight, and it has a wonderful 10x 28-280 equiv zoom range) as well as 2 or 3 small fast Panasonic Leica prime's ... 9mm f/1.7, 15mm f/1.7 and 25mm f/1.4. which are great for instances where I need something with faster aperture. Olympus has great options too. Check out Henry Turner's channel to see examples of him using Olympus.
I would like to see your latest van updates! Thanks again for all of your hard work Mark!
Thanks a million for the comment!
I'm extremely happy with my Olympus/ OM-System kit. All of my lenses are f/2.8, except the 300 prime. The newer f/4 lenses are smaller and lighter. The hi-res mode, Live ND, and Live Composite, Live bulb are all amazing! The IBIS and weather-sealing are top.
Hi Mark, what a great video! When I was a young professional photographer, working mainly with the UK armed forces, I used to carry a bunch of Nikon F bodies, motor drives and lenses in the limited range of camera bags that were available way back in the 70s and 80s - usually Billingham or Domke bags. They were shoulder bags and whilst being capable of carrying a lot of kit, they were limiting in that they were single strap shoulder bags, putting all the considerable load through one shoulder. Being young and fit I never gave that much thought and just pushed on, accepting the discomfort as the price to pay for my job. In the early 1980s I added a heavy Manfrotto Triaut 058B tripod to the equation, often lugging this incredibly heavy, machine-gun type tripod for miles across hill and dale whilst chasing troops on exercise.
The professional mantra in those days seemed to be that the more you carried the more of a pro you were! A stupid but common feeling! The more successful I became the more I carried, but the harder it became to carry what I needed in comfort.
It wasn’t until the early 2000s that I began to look at a rucksack-type bag at the same time as I was trying to work out how to carry less but achieve the same goals. When I finally completed the change from film to digital in 2006, getting rid of all my 5x4 and medium format kit as well as all my Nikon F4 and F5 bodies and changing to the Nikon D series, I finally thought about using a rucksack instead. However it wasn’t until I moved to the Nikon D3S, which were heavy bodies, and their AF lenses that I seriously examined where I was heading and what I wanted in order to ease the load on my aching body! I then bought a LowePro Pro Trekker AW400 and a Think Tank Airport Accelerator 2 which really made a big difference to my health and renewed my enjoyment of the job.
Roll forward a few years to the beginning of the mirrorless era in late 2018 when I bought a pair of Nikon Z 6 bodies and their associated relatively lightweight lenses. Here at last was a way to pare down the weight tag I was carrying I thought. I still had my 38 year old heavy Manfrotto tripod, although I seldom carried it for long distances, and the sort of lightweight kit that could be carried in either of the two rucksacks or off-loaded into an Army bergen when circumstances dictated. I was in heaven!
Well of course the inevitable happened. I moved from Nikon Z 6 to Z 9, added faster Z lenses, extra batteries, a drone perhaps - you get the picture. I found that I was carrying as much weight in 2023 as I was in 1973, but my body was just so much older! I had added a small lightweight Manfrotto tripod but it was a pain to use, had a ball head (which I hated) and awkward leg locking. In short I was back pretty much where I started.
And then I had that blinding light moment when I realised that it all had to change. I visited the Photography and Video show here in the UK this year and found the rucksack of my dreams; the Shimoda Action X40 V2. If I had sat down with a blank sheet of paper and designed a bag, that is what would have resulted. It made the transport of my kit painless again. Also, by buying a smaller (relatively) bag I was forced to put less in!
I then bought a 3 Legged Thing Billy carbon fibre tripod that was like a breath of fresh air after that heavy Manfrotto. It’s certainly not as heavy, nor perhaps quite as stable, but I can carry it most of the time - which I can’t with the Manfrotto. I replaced the heads on both my Manfrotto heavy duty tripod and my video tripod with lightweight Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Video Heads, each with the Kirk MVH500-BQRV2 Quick Release Bridge, and am now finally going to retire my Manfrotto (44 years old and still going strong - and heavy) and buy a lightweight carbon fibre 3 Legged Thing Pro LEO 2.0 tripod to replace it.
And the moral of this long-winded story? Always, always buy a bag SMALLER than you think you will need. That way you can never overload yourself. Only an idiot carries the kitchen sink with them, and no photograph is really worth the pain that this eventually brings! 😖
"Machine Gun Type Tripod "......😅😅😅😆😆😂😂😂
Olympus are superb small, lightweight cameras & lenses. With Lumix choice of glass is extensive, plus with class leading IBIS you can leave your tripod at home, except for astro, live composite & 50mp hi -res modes.
How long of an exposure can you do without a tripod? Thanks
@@Lucamitm I can do at least 2seconds with sharp photos on Olympus OM1 + Olympus 12-40 f2.8 lens at 12mm.On handheld high res mode or live ND even more around 8 sec. Olympus 12-100 f4 is even better since it got the lens IS
@@mihaidavid359 live neutral density ? How are those modes more stable ?
@@Lucamitm Superb! Can get blurry water from waterfalls with live ND or using handheld 50 MP high-res mode or light streaks from cars headlights without a tripod.Computational modes are awesome.You can also capture the sky filled with thunderstrikes or light painting with live comp.
Mark, Fuji rumors says the new fuji 16-50 kit lens will be announced mid may. As an internal zoom it should be great for weather sealing and would fill the gap in your lens trinity. I would also consider upgrading the 55-200 to the 70-300. I have both zooms and the 70-300 is about an inch longer but much more versatile and takes the 1.4 teleconverter.
Went with the Olympus OM1 + Olympus 12-40 f2.8 as main lens + cheapo and pretty good and lightweight Olympus 75-300 f4.8-6.7 + tiny fabulous Laowa 7.5 f2 for astro stuff. On my type of hiking/climbing trips nothing could last better on ocasional bumps on cliffs or the extreme temperature in winter.I had my old Olympus EM5 Mk.2 with me in the tent with its 9 years old battery at -25'C and the next day it was just ready to continue shooting without loosing charge over night.Olympus OM1 is even better at weather sealing and much more versatile for macro,wildlife,astro,ladscape.Heck...sometimes i bring a tiny tripod if i want to shoot for the stars but Olympus IBIS is so fabulous that i guess i could do astro heandheld if i push myself.So happy with this setup!
At 78, my back is the most limiting factor to my photography………. Tylenol and gritting my teeth are the best I can do!
I feel your pain - thank God for mirrorless cameras with flip out screens - and glasses of courses! Ain't old age grand :-)
I can totally relate to that!
I would love to see an updated video on the van
I hear yah
Bill, BE THANKFUL it's just your back! I am not at your age yet, but getting there faster than I would like. 22 years in the military, its back, ankles, and knees. And of course, we can't forget those readers.
After a spin surgery that went VERY WRONG, I have minimal use of my right arm. I am now FORCED to use a tripod no matter when or where I shoot. LOL, TRUST ME, there is a LOT of Tylenol and GRITTING MY TEETH! But Bill, we are still out doing what we love and there isn't a thing that will stop us! KEEP GOING BILL!
Perhaps you will get an Olympus or OM Systems camera when you really want to reduce weight. You can potentially leave the tripod back in the van too since they have amazing IBIS
Amazing IBIS on the XT-5 and unlike OM the sensor has 40mp not to mention the Fuji colours and Jpegs.
Fujifilm lenses especially the new primes are fantastic and dropping down to MFT from the XT-5 would be a downgrade, unless you shoot BIF of course...
How long of an exposure can you do without a tripod? Thanks
@@Lucamitm Who cares I shoot concerts, but in saying that if I'm shooting a drummer and want to slow SS I can, a pair of XT-5s offers me tools I don't have to think about while shooting, and the top dials are great for changing settings on the fly.
Also these new Fujis are fantastic at high iso essential for me, MFT aren't great in that environment, I've tried and the files were practically unusable.
Hi Mark, I can so relate to your back issues. After 20 years of law enforcement, wearing a gun belt, I was in a position to choose a life in a wheelchair or back surgery. I chose the surgery and now I'm happy to say that I'm 99.9 % back to normal. When I go out to do my photography I first determine the distance and elevation from my car. Next is the weight of my equipment. I have three basic setups based on weight and quality of equipment to use. There is no worse condition for a photographer then a back issue. It can effect your ability to work and your mental state leaving you a lack of desire to work. Good luck with yours and keep it strong. Love your channel and all the information you provide.
I switched from a GFX100 based kit a coupe of years ago. I have a blood cancer (Myeloma) and one thing it did to me was shatter my L3 vertebrae nearly 10 years ago. The damage and subsequent surgery has left me permanently disabled, but I went with the medium format kit for as long as I could. I now have a much more lightweight kit - a Fujifilm X-H2, 10-24, 30mm macro, 100-400 and a Laowa 65mm macro. It's a fantastic set up and my images have not suffered. I have though, and my photography has changed from landscape to more macro and nature based work.
I suffer from back fatigue too, I always weigh my kit, anything above 10 kg and "backache" alarm bells start ringing. I have to restrict myself to 1 camera, 1 lens and a lightweight tripod. I find I enjoy my day better with a lighter kit.
PS. Some of the techniques I've learned from you have helped me get around only carrying 1 lens. Cheers.
And it's a YES for a van video!
Thanks Phil!
Thank you for sharing such great information. You are an inspiration and great teacher!
The X-T3 with the original 10-24/4 and 55-200/3.5-4.8 PLUS the 35/1.4 are my standard travel kit for several years already. Before that the same lenses with the X-T2 and T1. Now I own a Leica Q3 it is my backup travel setup. 😊
Hi Mark. This video is very timely, as I have been recently updating my only camera kit to make it even lighter weight. At 68 years old, I too have had some back issues over the years, but I don't think it is as difficult as you have described. I compared the weight and specs of my latest camera kit to your specs and I feel pretty good about it. I have a full frame Canon R6 ii camera, with an extra battery, along with 3 full frame zoom lens (14-35, 24-105, and 100-400) that I use while hiking. I now use a very light weight non-camera backpack (Deuter Speedlight 21 Day Pack) and an Alpaka Bravo waist pack to be inconspicuous while in cities, etc. I put my Sirui AM-225 tripod and a Smallrig 3034 ballhead in the Day Pack on my back along with the 100-400 lens, when walking about, and there is still plenty of room for a jacket, snacks, water, etc. in the Day Pack. I put the wide angle or normal tele in my waist pack along with my iPhone and other small items and the other lens is on my camera on a wrist strap, that I carry around while hiking. If I need to hike using both hands, it all fits into the Day Pack. I find this is the easiest method on my back and it is very easy to change lenses quickly, from the 14-35 to the 24-105 without stopping to dismount the Day Pack. If I need the long tele or tripod out of my Day Pack, only then do I stop and take it off. Total weight (without the water, snacks, and jacket) is less than 10 lbs with only about 4 to 5 lbs on my back. I still have 24 MP full frame camera image quality from 14 to 400 mm without any gaps and can pretty much go all day with this setup. I do like your crop and medium format setup with the 40 MP to 100 MP range, but no way my wife would allow me to buy all of that, so this is a good compromise for me! :) Thanks again!
Great to see this topic, Mark, as I have dealt with weight-carrying limitations for a long time because of an old back injury. I started my digital photography pursuit in 2017 with the X-T20, because even the X-T2 felt too big and heavy. I loved that the X-T20 had the same sensor. Now I use the X-T30ii as my hiking camera. But I also now have an X-T5 that I use as my primary except when going on a longer hike. I'm hoping they come out with a successor to the X-T30ii or X-S20 that uses the 40M sensor. When hiking, I like to have the camera available to shoot, so I use a Promaster shoulder strap camera bag with the X-T30ii & 16-80 lens, and then a small shoulder strap Ruggard lens bag with the 10-24 on the opposite side to balance weight. I've thought about switching the 16-80 to the 18-135 for longer range. I like to shoot more wide angle and mid-range than telephoto on my hikes.
Dear Mark, this is very recognizable. In 1986 I broke a vertebra (car accident) and still have back problems to this day. Last year I made the step to exchange my 2.8 lenses for 4.0 lenses and switched to mirrorless. (Canon R5) By downscaling I now have more than 3kg less in my smaller backpack. I also thought that about FOMO, but the opposite is true. I focus more on my photography because I have less pain. All the best!
I considered Fuji, but went the Olympus direction, based quite a bit on weight. EM1iii and OM-5 (will likely sell the latter), 12-45 f4, 40-150 f4, 20 f1.4 and I am pretty happy. I can understand that staying in the fuji ecosystem might make sense, but my primary kit is Canon and their aps-c options aren't great (at least lens-wise). But, yeah, I have a bad back (and PBF!) and need a lighter solution when I need to hike. I can't wait to see your work with the XT-5. Love your stuff.
Thanks Brandon!
Thanks for the video. I just decided to go a similar way. Age is setting in (81 wears you out), and I have to move on with aching knees. After comparing many makes of all taste, I decided on an even lighter camera. I bought myself a Sony Alfa 7CR. It is a full Frame camera, but it only weights 490 grams. And I use APC-S lenses when walking, I still get 26Mpix. I have the option to put on a good Full Frame lens when at home and making pictures of my family and pets, eventually getting 61 MPX, allowing for aggressive crops on my indoor scenes.
Some time ago, I learned that professionals can select APS-C lenses for their work, your choice confirms me in my choice for me as an amateur. I have no second thoughts on your choice, but it helps me to get along with what I have. A big thanks for that.
Great video and an important subject for many of us. Here is my lightweight setup: Sony a7cii, Sony 20-70G f/4, Tamron 70-180G2 f/2.8. I will take along a Sony 20mm f/1.8 for low light or astro if needed. Crop sensor mode gives me about 270mm in reach if needed. I use a Peak Design travel tripod in graphite, and it is the best travel tripod I have used. Other travel tripods claim to be stiffer but the dampening system really seems to work. Peak Design Slide Lite strap is great. To me a 30L backpack is "full size," but everyone has to judge that for themselves!
Love the Radius Outfitters hanging off the passenger seat.
Thanks Mark it helps to see gear videos from time to time and see what pros use and why. I have found that a backpack style bag is easier for me, the weight is more balanced and I don't get tired as fast, it gets harder to hand hold the camera when you are sore and tired.
I am using mft as my lightweight setup. It has been a biggest surprise of my life on how sharp they are.
Very much enjoyed the video, and I always glean something from them, like the lens info in this one. Would definitely like to see more videos about the van! I don't recall seeing it before this video. Looks like something I would enjoy driving around the country.
Yet another excellent video. Kepp them coming.
Thanks Roger!
My default "light" kit for landscapes is similar to yours. I use the Shimoda Action-X 30L; the Fuji X-H2; and the FX 10-24; 16-80; and 70-300 lenses. I originally had the 55-200 as my long lens, but replaced it with the 70-300 , which is the same size and weight as the 55-200, but is longer, sharper, and allows me to further extend the reach with a teleconverter. Before I got the 16-80 I used the 18-55 as my mid-range zoom, but have found the 16-80 superior on every dimension, and about the same size as the 10-24. I have also had great results with Sirui carbonfiber tripods, and use their ST-125 (my mid-size tripod) as the default in my light kit.
I’d love to see an updated van video!!! Love your work!
I love the Fuji 70-300mm for a lightweight setup. Sharp, good AF, small, light, good reach!
For bags, my solution for unloading weight from my back is currently to put more on my hip with ThinkTank digital holsters en lens pouches hanging on their hip belt.
Works great even when carrying my 150-600mm lens on one side, and another body with spare lens on the other side!
I was a senior in HS when the music died. In 2020 I went to OM-D E-M5 iii and couldn't be happier. 14-150mm, 75-300mm, 12mm and
60mm macro.
Bought a 18-135 Fuji for our trip to Europe last year. Took great photos, light weight.Had it on my XS20, XT4 stayed in the hotel. My local day trips/walkabouts , one camera 1 lens & a 2nd lens in my waist/fanny pack / jacket pocket with extra battery & a couple of filters. Don't like using a shoulder bag, but a ThinkTank if I absolutely have to.Also injured my back severely several years ago, never been the same but I've come to deal with it. Enjoyed the video, thanks.
I can very much relate to your having back problems, as I have had several issues over many years, most recently 3 bulged disks in my lower back. My new super light, small, but competent travel setup is my Canon R7, with only the two Canon RF-S kit lenses (10 -18mm, & 18 - 150mm) this gives me an effective fov range of 16 - 240mm on a full frame sensor, and pretty much covers everything I need for my travel photography (if I need more reach the Canon rf 100-400mm (160 - 640mm efov) is small and light. My travel tripod (if I need to take one) is the Manfroto BeFree Advanced carbon fiber tripod with a Colorado Tripod Company small ball head. I have an R5 with assorted L and other lenses (ef and rf mount) if I am not traveling.
I can definitely identify with your back issues! I'm 70yo & have had lower back damage (L5-S1 disc) caused from abuse in my youth. It's an inhibitor for me to get out to photograph in the recent past, but I resolved to work to overcome the problem. About 2 years ago I decided to not just rely on pain medication but to strengthen other part of my back muscle structure. Physiotherapy, a gym program designed to strengthen and maintain my back & legs. In addition, I try to be careful with the weight I carry in my backpack and make sure I fit the pack correctly. This plan seems to be working OK.
Re your Van update: I'd love to see what you have done. I don't have a van but love seeing what you and others like Thomas Heaton have done. ( living vicariously in other people's vans) LOL!
LOL!!
Excellent video as always. When I went to mirrorless, my current camera backpack was giving me grief. So, I got a 30L Shimoda Explorer. This bag is extremely comfortable. I use it With A Nikon Z7 II, 14-30, 24-70 f/4, and 70-200 f/2.8. The 70-200 is a beast, but the IS and image quality is so outstanding, this was and still is my lens of choice. Depending on where I am, I will carry just 24-70 and 70-200. I don't find this all that heavy since the pack is so comfortable even though I am 71 years old. In fact with just two lens, I detach the help belt as it is not necessary. Over rough terrain, for stability I would use the belt. My point is that I feel a comfortable backpack is every bit as important, if not more, than the weight of the lenses.
I do advise you to use the belt nonetheless, as the whole point of it is shifting the weight from your shoulders to your hips, which reduces the stress on your back.
Serious back pain sneaks in over time, unnoticeable until suddenly very noticeable.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Mark, thank you for your videos! I look forward to your interesting ideas and comments.
I am currently travelling the Westen States, and like you, I have a travel (Europe) tripod and a Heavy Tripod. The heavy tripod seems to be the one I go back to because it's solid! BUT IT IS HEAVY! The light weight one I have to HOLD from being blowing away in the wind. It doesn't matter what I "THINK" I have planned for, I always need the gear I left behind. One of those darn if you do darn if you don't deals. So, I pack everything I have and march on.
I can't afford multiply cameras and gear, but you gave me some ideas on how to rethink what I am doing. THANK YOU!
Please continue with your videos! They are very helpful, and spark knew ideas.
Hey Mark, love the channel! I would definitely get the 35mm f2 to fill in the gap on your lightweight setup. It is my favorite lens and is super small and versatile!
I’m sure the 55-200 will serve you well for the long haul, but if you ever have the chance to trade it for the 70-300, take it. That lens is so sharp. I used to have it and had to get rid of it about a year ago. Just got the 100-400 and I love it, but it’s really heavy in comparison. I now miss my old 70-300 and thinking about getting that one again.
Also, I have no experience with it, but I hear the Tamron 17-70 is an amazing lens. Could be a a good 3rd lens for that middle ground. Though I don’t know how heavy it is. The 18-55 is super light weight and surprisingly sharp. No one ever seems to have an issue with the 18-55. Only complaint is that it’s not weather sealed.
Rather than that, great video. Love seeing people’s light weight gear that might have some sort of benefit and ideas for me.
Nice Mark, Yes, I also have some back issues once in a while which works as a reminder I need to move more. With higher megapixel cameras there's less of a need to fill a gap in focal length. With a 16mm lens on a 61 megapixel camera, you can crop in to equiv. of 24mm and still have 26 megapixels.
Proud X-T5 owner here too. I love the system, great quality and fun using the system!
Absolutely agree...and I have cases full of Sonys!
Thanks for another great video, Mark. As I do much of my landscape photography in the mountains, this really resonates with me, especially in winter when I'm carrying more clothing layers and more equipment, before I even add the camera. The 16-80 then makes a good, all purpose lens on the XT5.
Glad to do it and thanks for checking it out!
Nice video! I just thought I’d mention that another advantage of carrying a lightweight kit on long hikes is that you’ll likely be fresher and more able to devote energy to finding a comp and being more creative when you arrive at your shooting location. I previously used Fuji, or Sony APSC as my lightweight setup, but my current kit is actually based on the full frame Sony a7CR and is a tiny bit lighter than your kit, with essentially the same focal length range, is f/2.8 through roughly 35mm, and has no gaps in coverage. I use the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 and Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 and when I want more reach, I just know that with the 61mp a7CR I can crop down to apsc for that 300mm equivalent and still have 26mp available to me. I am also able to shoot astro with this setup and if I really need even more reach, I just trade out my 28-200 for my Tamron 50-400mm and I’m still only having to carry two lenses if I’m willing to deal with the gap from 28-50mm. Of course since you are a Fuji shooter these days it makes sense for you to stay in that ecosystem but I thought that full frame Sony shooters should be aware of a similar option that’s currently available to them.
You did a great work with van, compliments! Your advice about bringing a lighter kit during trip for photography Is helpful not only for back issues but also for other conditions .... Well done 👍
Thanks so much!
I injured my back in a skydiving accident in 1991. I didn't take care (I was in my thirties and an angry person) and reinjured a few years later, ending up in a wheelchair for a number of months. It took a full ten years to get to where I can live with my own personal version of PBF.
I use the Manfrotto 055 series of tripods. A 3-section for heavier setups like a star tracker for astrophotography, and the 4-section for hikes.
I'm small. I carry two cameras along with four lenses and accessories, in a 25-liter bag, with the tripod slung over my shoulder, rifle style. It works for me.
.. and yes, I'd like to see van videos. Been wanting to do that myself.
I am in the same situation as you, constant back pain / fatigue for years.
My main gear set is a EOS 7d mark ii with 4 L lenses including the 100-400 mk2. Hiking with that complete set wears out my back really fast. Since 2 years I own a EOS M6 mk 2 with 3 small lenses including a macro, really lightweight, can hike with that set the whole day without any problems. And indeed the "hiking" kit gives me less quality images but DXO PureRAW does wonders. Great solution.
Great video Mark, would love to see updated video on your van, it looks amazing
Thank ya!
The best travel tripod I've found is the Heipi travel tripod. It's two tripods in one, and the center column is not wobbly like most. Super unique design! Definitely recommend it for someone who needs a sturdy compact setup.
I feel your pain. Having had back problem for many year and surgery to fix a ruptured disc about 5 years ago I strive for fast and light. EM1m3, 12-45 f4 and 40-150 f4. Plenty of room in a 30L Shimoda backpack with additional gear for long days. It all fits in a 10L Peak Design sling for shorter hikes. Love the van.
I suffer from back injury, but you tend to learn the signs of upcoming problems. Top tip for you, please use the Hip belt, nice and snug just using the shoulder straps doesn't help your back problem. on longer hikes or even short steep ones use trekking poles, puts some of the effort on to your arms and less chance of slipping (twist your back time). I use the XT5 with two zooms 16/80 and the 70/300. Other bit of Kit for the back is a Tens machine, it does ease back pain and helps you relax. Stay safe & keep shooting.
I don't know if anyone has mentioned this for a backpack. But you might want to consider one that is designed to carry some or all of the load on your hips. Also, consider wearing a weight lifter's back brace. Most are elastic and roll up for easy storing. Thanks for showing the GFX 100 in video mode. I was looking at it as a possible camera for what I shoot. Is it the lens or the body that has to hunt for focus? For the price, I would consider it a defective camera and send it back. If they say that's normal, then I would say it is a flaw in the design of the camera and it needs to go back to the drawing board to fix and they should recall the whole production run. Good video.
Nice job on the van. I converted a van last spring to travel in. So many skills to acquire. So much time and effort.
Thanks David!
Good video Mark. Thank you.
Thanks Jim!
You are not alone with back issues, and being likely a dozen or more years older than you the issues only get more challenging as we age. Two setups here also, Nikon guy, so a D500 and two big telephotos for bif; then a Z7ii with a wide and mid range for landscape hiking, vacations, etc. Have to agree the tripod situation is the most challenging, but I like seeing that flat Benro...going to check out whats available. Always enjoy the vids...Nice Camper Van by the way!
I have the same setup with the XT3. The lens I use to fill in the gap btw the 10-24 and 55-200 is the XF 35mm F2. The 35mm is on the body 70% of the time and it will be the reference to consider if I need to switch lenses. The telephoto and wide are only for when I feel the need for compression or to include more foreground. These 3 lenses have distinct looks and thinking so making decision which one to use is pretty easy.
As a Wedding Cinematographer, I’ve learned quickly to get my travel setup light or at least supported. Technology is getting smaller, lighter and we really need to lean into it for our future health.
I travel with only 2 bags now, no pelicans or large cases, just 2 Roller/Hybrid Backpacks 🎒 that can both go straight on a plane ✈️. In these are 4 Tripod 4 Cameras 6 Lenses Audio and 2 Lights (this includes a 70-200 😮😅). The Tripods breakdown to 16 inches but extend to 81 inches.
You definitely get smarter as you go 😂 my back used to hurt, now my Gimbal is strapped and quick released, my Handheld is strapped and quick released.
Great Video.
Hello Mark. Thanks for the video. I like your presentation style. (I like the van. I might steal it but I would have to fly over there from Australia). I was really surprised at that 24mm to 55mm gap. I too shoot Fujifilm but I am not a pro. I developed my "lightweight" system based on my X-S10 (since then I have bought a used X-S20). However my lightweight kit os not Fuji. I have a Tamron 18-300mm which I used for all less than half a day outings, especially walking only. More recently I have purchased a Sigma 10-18mm to close that gap. For more than a day or so I tend to take my "full kit". Fujifilm 10-24, 16-80, 70-300 and usually my Laowa 65mm for macro. Optionally a teleconvertor and a 400mm reflex lens. I can't imagine going out without that gap filled somehow. And I realise that my ligtweight kit doesn't necessarily give the image quality many would regard as a "gap" in another sense. Regards.
Would love an updated van video! It's very cool.. maybe I can get my hubby to work on this for me!!
Thank you for the video. I use several Shimoda bags and my Explorer V2 30L and Urban Explorer 25L are my favorites. For a travel tripod I use Gitzo GT100K which is the equivalent of the GT1545T Series 1 Traveler. Trying an even smaller Ulanzi Zero F38 so we will see. I’m primarily a Sony Full Frame and APSC shooter, used to shoot Fuji but having FF and APS-C on the same mount and get 61 Mpixels so a huge amount of available lenses to choose from is great. Sony will be offering a 40 Mpixel APS-C later this year I’m told, we will see. Take care.
That’s exactly my main Kit - no GFX100S thought.
On filling the gap: After trying the xf18-55 f2.8-4 (didn’t like the picture quality) and the 16-55 f2 (too heavy, no WR) I find myself sticking to a 35mm f2 prime lens. It‘s simply amazing quality wise & weights nothing at all!
yes, yes ... updated Van video :-) Kind regards, Guy.
Totally understand that, Mark. I‘m 6‘2 myself without any serious back issues atm (consistently working out to avoid that) but it’s nice to have a lightweight setup for hikes. Got the Action X30 as well and the X50 for the ”deluxe“ setup. Great packs! 👌
Absolutely! Great bags!
Great video Mark! I like that, PBF. LOL. I am probably 20 yrs ahead of you on that score. A couple miles round trip is a good day for me. Fortunately though, as my back gets worse, my gear options get better. I'm tempted by the X-T5, but as a long time Sony shooter, I'm to invested to switch. I have chosen the A7CR as my only body. It's essentially the same weight as the X-T5, and gives me the option of shooting FF or crop lenses depending on the circumstances. It can't match the X-T5 mp count in crop mode, (26mp ain't that shabby) and I can't match the size of the Fuji 55-200 for telephoto, but it has different advantages. We're just fortunate to have so many great options.
I have two light systems: (1) Fujifilm X-T5, 10-24, 16-80, 60mm Macro, 70~300 (all Fujifilm). (2) Lumix GX85 (Micro 4/3rds), 9mm, 15mm, 12-40, 45mm, 35-100, 75mm f 1.8 (All affective focal lengths are double in this system, times 1.5 for the Fujifilm). 😢When flying I only take one system, when driving I take both and the kitchen sink! Solid tripod goes with either or both.
Yes to the van video!
Thanks Julie!
I switched from Canon to Sony to reduce weight and size and I have never looked back. Incredible quality in highly compact format. Best backpack I have found is the Gura Gear. Much easier to open than the others.
Mark, being a fellow back fatigue guy I too have found single shoulder straps,sling bags, etc unusable. Then I discovered the SpeedTopCrossbody 15 by Thinktank. That magnetic lidded bag (top opens away from your body) attached to a Thinktank Belt Pro Speed Belt V3.0 is fantastic! Puts the pressure where it needs to be: on my hips. Granted, it’s only a day system for light camera equipment (I’m presently carrying an Fuji X-H2, Tamron 17-70 and a Fuji 70-300mm lens. Great camera, and great lenses!
Check it out…
Excellent video and a new subscriber! I would be interested in a van update video. I'm looking to move away from a heavy pickup camper to something more manageable.
Mark, life has gotten in the way, and I haven't watched one of your videos for several years, but really glad to see you again; great stuff. FYI, you've gotten OLD. 🙂. Thumbs up!
Another great video Mark, I'm a 66 year old young man and with back problems on certain trips depending on the type of photos I have in mind to take, I take a Nikon Z 7 II with the Nikkor S 14-30mm f/4 lens for the convenience of Being able to take magnetic filters and a 24-200mm f/4-6.3, as Mark says, is not one of Nikon's best lenses but it is extremely versatile,
If you need a longer focal length, I leave the 24-200mm at home and take the Nikkor 100-400mm.
If I'm going to do NightScape or Astro, I'll take the Z 7 II with the Nikkor 20mm f/1.8 mm, which is one of Nikon's best lenses for Astro, and I'll take a Z 5 body with the 14-30mm to make some timelapses or some Startrails, but I have other options for the Noctunas Nikkor S 35mm f/1.8 and S 50mm /1.8 which are lightweight, well-built lenses.
These sets are very identical to the Fujifilm X-T5 with the advantage of being a Full Frame.
I would like to see your video of Van, and until your next video Tks, Mark
Thanks my friend!
I bought a Benro Induro Classic Carbon Fiber Tripod, 3 Series, 3 Section, purely on your advice. Not a flatty, but so sturdy with a good Blamazon-sold ball head. It handles my 7# Hasselblad 503cw with an OLD 40mm f/4 Distagon just fine. You also introduced me to Shimoda backpacks. Very happy.
Great to hear you're enjoying the recommendations!
Would love to see an updated van video!
Great video. I carry the 16-55 2.8 and 55-200 wi the XT5 or sometimes the XS20.
Thank ya!
Got my attention. My back is my limiting factor as well. Often, even after a short walk my back is in distress “enough” to make the actual photography difficult to give 100% attention. I too, shoot GFX and X cameras. The new 40mp sensor is pretty darn good for APS-C.
X-t5, Sigma 10-18 and Fujifilm 70-300 for me. For the mid range I carry the 27mm pancake, which I find is a really versatile focal length, or the 35mm 1.4 if I’m planning on shooting at night. Small Slik travel tripod and I’m good to go. For a REALLY light setup, like when I’m already maxed out with hiking/camping gear, I’ll take my old X-e2 and the XC15-45., plus a Leki walking pole with a tripod attachment on the top as a monopod.
Love to see updated van video!
👍
PBF is a real thing - I've had it for years. Nice to have the flexibility to go light when possible. My Shimoda Action X30 is a great pack. The van nis looking great!
I am a large very strong guy. Lots of hiking and three days in the gym every week working out. I love my small PenF with the 12mm lens. I also bring my D850 with 200-500 lens for wildlife. The small kit is about enjoying the walks. Small light and fun to shoot.
Photography has helped my back issues, somewhat, in that it gets me out and moving. When I first started taking pictures, I couldn't get down to ground level, but now I can. But I still want a flip/tilt screen. I don't go on hikes, mostly just shoot from wherever I am, so I don't have to carry my tripod or gear far.
Would love to see a van update!
Have you tried the Cotton Carrier, I got one and it made a huge difference, for me. I will say that on a hot day it can be a tad warm but if I have to walk a lot I love it.
Well that's funny, my "full size" is a Fuji X-T5 and my light weight is OM System (Olympus) OM-5. I guess I am older than you so I needed to go even lighter and smaller. Micro 4/3 has a 2X crop, so the 300mm lens I have for it is a Super Zoom, and still tiny.
Would love to see an updated van video Mark!
👍
I use a shoulder bag but I take much less. A strapped camera with a lens on it around my neck. One lens can in the shoulder bag an extra batteries and card. My K&H tripod, I may just take the monopod portion of it. I take a D5500 18-140 dx & 70-300 FX lenses.
Timely video - I’m in Japan and needed a lightweight kit - no tripod because it’s mostly travel and street shots. Went with the 10-24 and the 16-55. Carrying the xt5 around my neck and a fanny pack for the extra lens and batteries. The backup drive is at the room and using and iPad as the via to the backup drive. If i need to lighter 1 lens and a battery in the pants pocket. Still get pbf lol.
Nice van Mark. Update us on the new tweaks for sure.
I’d love to see a video on how you travel with your gear, especially when flying. I’ve only been a photographer for a short while and after investing $10k + into my gear, I’m paranoid to fly with it, or even take it on road trips in case of theft, extreme temps in the vehicle, etc. Even overnight backpacking. Would love to hear tips on travel cases, tracking devices, how you pack/organize, do you check your gear or carry on, insurance, etc.
Also, wondering how often and how far you travel with your van for photography. Is it primary when traveling in the states? Only specific trips? At what point do you decide to fly?
Nice setup.
Thank ya!
Mark, it’s so nice to hear a rational argument for different formats. And your choice of Fuji makes sense from a sponsorship and system consistency perspective. Looking at comments here, it seems that Olympus offers a great small platform for many of us..
I’m tired of the religiosity that surrounds our hobby or profession. I’ve shot both formats and enjoyed the results of both, and been frustrated by the limitations or characteristics of each. Today, I’ve returned to MFT with an OM1 and an OM5 with a suite of pro lenses. I’m mostly an outdoor photographer who shoots wildlife and landscapes. And the weight difference (lenses mostly) is telling in the field. I sometimes miss the creamy bokeh of my shorter focal length FF Canon lenses, but don’t miss the 200mm and longer glass in my bag. Life is series of choices, I respect anyone who makes different ones - after all, it’s not my choice. Great content, keep it coming.
What about the noise? Is it good enough for birds ? Do you use topaz labs ? Thanks
@@Lucamitm Are you asking me about the OM1 for bird photography - or Mark regarding the Fuji? If you meant me, then yes its fine. Wide open at F4 (or even to f8 if you push ISO). Noise is not an issue (though worse than full frame at equivalent settings). The big advatage is lens size, weight and cost - not the bodies which are quite large and quite expensive. I don't use Topaz, but Lightroom's new noise reduction is very good.
Mark, like you, I am a fan of the 55-200. I've gotten some really lovely shots with it over the years. I'd like to do a controlled comparison with the 70-300.
Being an X-T5 user also, I agree that it is a great setup. I did pick up a Small Rig L- bracket for my X-T5 which gives you a bit larger grip, and the L bracket for vertical shots from your tripod. They are available on ebay. A van update would be appreciated also. Keep up with the great channel.
This might be too narrow a topic. But I bought a Fuji GFX50(couldnt afford the "100"), because of your use of The GFX100. A short intro video of tips, hints on the Fuji Med Format would be awesome
Mark, yes please give us an updated van build video.
Hey Mark. The 16-80 f4 might be a good gap filler for you. I got mine as the 'kit lens' option with my xt-4 and I absolutely love it. It's lightweight and I've been really impressed with the weather sealing. It's taken a beating for sure. I use it alongside the 100-400xf, but I'm looking to replace that with the smaller, lighter 70-300 (fellow PBF sufferer) and saving to get the 10-24, which would be a pretty great cover-all set up I recon... Just need that xt-5 now!
Thanks for another great clip, Mark. Certainly as I age, I need to be a bit more circumspect with how much I carry. I use my backpack as storage and remove the things I am certain I won't need, unless I'm not walking very far and then I tend to take it all. It's interesting that you upgraded from the XT-4 to the 5. I recall a few years ago, you compared the IQ of the 4 to your GFX 100 shortly after buying the latter: I'd be curious to see how the 5 compares in a similar test, particularly the high-res mode of the 5.
I have a similar setup on my R5 with 16-35 and 100-500 and I filled the gap with nifty 50 1.8. This lens itself could be a good lightweight kit in extreme situations.
Hey Mark - I've been going down this route too! I've shot Nikon all of my digital life. But in the same year I bought my D850 I also got a used Fuji XT-1 as I wanted to try a ML camera, and it reminded me so much of My SV Pentax that I bought in around 1964/5. I got hooked into the Fuji system and up until very recently I had 2 XT-4s and a Nikon Z6ii to keep a foothold in Nikon. I'd got fed up waiting for a Z8. Now I've only got 1 XT-4 and have an XH-2s on order and if the Z6iii is halfway toward a Z8 I'll get one and likely trade my /xt-4 for an XT-5. Oh, yes - I also got a Nikon Z5 that I'll convert to IR. Have you ever thought of trying IR? I'll be 77 this year and already going down the not too heavy route.
Dear Mark,
Interesting video as I have to be carful with my back as well. I got the same kind of set up with the sigma 10-18 and the xf 70-300 and for the missing focale length, I like the tiny xf27mm f2.8 WR. Extremely light and very sharp. I use a Leofoto Mr. Y tripod when needed. If I do some portraits, I use the sigma 56mm 1.4
Thanks for your videos.
My 55 to 200 got the fungus disease so replaced with Tamron 18 to 300 which is weather sealed! My other is 10 to 24 same as yours. But still use XH1 with them! Love ya videos find them very useful like buying atlas backpack - yellow one!
I have been wondering how your van is working out so I would be interested in seeing what you have done.
I have to jump in on the M4/3 s bandwagon. Went from Nikon APS-C system to Olympus 2 years ago and haven't looked back. Small, light and weather sealed. Travel with the WANDRD PRVKE Lite 11 litre backpack and hike,Kayak etc no problem
Van update would be great!!!