Downgraded to Lightweight Photography Gear. 

Sadly RU-vid hasn't entirely succeeded in getting rid of bots and scammers! I will never ever contact you or ask you to contact me and I don't do give-aways. Any replies from me here on RU-vid you can recognize by the grayed out name!

I was a faithful Canon shooter until I broke my neck at work. Photography is my passion. But I realized that to continue I had to lighten the load. Even though Canon lenses are some of the best made, they are also some of the heaviest. I always shot full frame. The cameras are well built but a full frame DSLR is like a brick. I switched to Micro 4/3s. I went with the Olympus system. The OMD EM1 Mark 3. The Auto-focus is superior to even some of the big boys, and image stablization is award winning. I can do high res shots handheld up to 50mp and on a tripod 80mp. Because of the sensor size, my lenses are double what they say. So, my 100mm- 300mm is the equivalent of a 200mm-600mm full frame. The gear is light but comfortable to use. The build quality is great! With the image stabilization, I don't need to carry a tripod unless low light long exposures. And my camera with 5 lenses all fit in a small pack that is about the weight of my full frame and one lens. This all feels like an upgrade.

This sounds like "goodbye back pain, hello shoulder pain" and i am speaking from experience. The best for me is backpack but with less things in it. 🤷‍♀

This is one of the reasons that I appreciate Olympus/OM System gear so much. Nice light system for walk around or scouting photo locations.

I’m in my 70’s now and retired but after a back issue that led to a operation in my lower back was told to stop using shoulder messenger type bags by the surgeon and switched to small back packs most recently Shimoda urban 25ltr where the weight is evenly distributed Just a cautionary word if you’ve back issues 😅

I made an identical switch to a light weight kit with a shoulder bag three years ago using Canon gear. Sold my classic trio of heavy glass lenses and could not be happier. Have not touched the backpack since. And my 73 year old back loves it.

I've always kept the camera strap on my camera with the 24-105mm lens attached by default. When I'm out I have the camera to hand at all times with the strap around my body, which saves time taking the camera in and out of the bag (caveat: if it's not raining). I keep the 100-500mm in the camera bag if I need the extra reach.

I am a senior, so weight and comfort are major considerations for me. I bought a Tenba 16l backpack for a 2 week trip because it only holds the gear that I used for a 2 week trip to Madeira. It is small enough to be carry on luggage while flying. The image stabilization in my Z8 allows me to shoot at 1 sec with a focal length of 30mm or shorter hand held, so a tripod wasn't needed. The bag holds my Z8, 24-120, 100-400, 14-30, chargers, spare batteries, coffee mug and filters. Go with the smallest bag that you think that you can get away with, learn how to make due with less, improvise, shooting panoramas can eliminate the need for shorter focal length lenses. If you only use something once and a while, leave it home. We only come with one body, so use it wisely.

I also reduced the weight of my equipment (like changing my filters for magnetic filters) but I also bought a better bag (Shimoda) with a good waist belt to remove weight from my shoulders. In addition, Shimoda offers bags that were made for women. That makes a big difference too. Another big change I made, that was a huge contributor to back pain: Having an adjustable desk that I can use standing or sitting. Wow ! That desk change my life ! :-)

I'm going all out on size and weight savings and switching my Sony gear to Fuji. It's just starting to cost way too much to keep up with. 3 lenses and I have 12 - 450mm full frame equivalent. Packing light gear can make all the difference in wanting to grab your gear and head out or causing you to drag your feet. Really enjoying the fuji and breaking off from Sony's color science has been nice.

Yep, can't beat lightweight kit. I picked up a great tip from your video; using the Peak Design camera clip on a shoulder bag! For some reason I'd always thought of only using one on a backpack. Just a thought; it's possible that back problems could just as easily be caused by time in front of the screen during post-processing, as walking with a backpack full of gear.

Extremely timely video for me !!! I needed to make some decisions on reducing the weight of the kit I was carrying around and your video addressing the same issue was excellent.Thanks so much for the advice and direction.

Great video Mads. I use a Peak Design 6L and 10L for downsized outings. Again, back problems on and off for many years now. I can get 90% of what I used into either of these bags. The bonus of the 10L is that I can cram in some food and drink for trips when out more than a couple of hours. Carbon neutral stuff also which is nice.

I also have severe back problems. I have gone to James route in prime lenses.Makes you think about your photography compositions.

My lenses are 15-35, 24-105, 100-500. On a trip it’s hard not to bring them all, but walking around the neighborhood or local park.. the R5, 24-105, and hiepi tripod works well and is normally all I need.

It’s very freeing taking minimal gear. I can usually make do with a body and one lens. You can then take a small bag and just go. Rarely use a tripod so that makes the experience even better. Even on a longer hike I don’t take a whole lot of gear and use a dedicated hiking backpack for that.

So I have a deteriorated disc in lower back, SI joint problems, and shoulder/neck problems. I used to use smaller messenger bags almost exclusively, but found in my 30s that I could only go an hour or two before it would start hurting, because it unevenly distributed the weight. Now if going light, I have a small 15L backpack, or if I need the full support of a hip-belt I use a shimoda action x50 (barely fits my 22.5in torso).

Especially for travel, all I take is my Sony a7iii and my Tamron 17-28 and Tamron 28-200. I have protective wraps I use when getting places in my carryon and for photo days, I put it all in a Mystery Ranch 19 L packable backpack. Those Tamron lenses are excellent and I never feel I am missing a shot.

Recommend you consider/invest in a bag from Billingham. They're extremely well constructed/padded and best of all: will keep your gear dry in the hardest rain storm.

I have both back packs and shoulder bags. In my experience shoulder bags are good for short distances, but can be a pain on a single shoulder on moderate to long distances. Switching shoulders regularly is an option but is inconvenient. On long distances with a shoulder bag I attach a waist belt to relieve pressure on my shoulder. I use a back pack most of the time for best weight distribution, and go with the smallest pack I can for the outing. I'm embarrassed by how many bags I have, but smaller and lighter is more comfortable.

I’m a Nikon shooter with lots of back problems. My lightweight kit is a Nikon Z7 with the 14-30 f4 z and the Z 24-200. For a tripod, I just picked up the Ulanzi Zero Y which is only 2 pounds and is plenty stable for this lightweight kit. Going lightweight has allowed me to return to the field and enjoy landscape photography without pain!

A wonderful approach to a minimal setup. I do love a good shoulder bag myself and keeping things nice and light. the 50 to 400 sounds like an interesting lens. I must look into that! Cheers

I think part of the problem with back problems is how photographers carry their backpack. I often see landscapers on RU-vid wearing their backpack improperly, with it sitting too low on the back. That's going to give people back problems. Any photography backpack needs to be worn in the same way a hiking backpack is, higher up with the bag bottom sitting around the top of the hips. It also doesn't help that many photography backpacks aren't designed the way hiking ones are.

Mads, I had disk surgery 16 years ago and it immediately stopped the pain. If it gets bad, consider it. I feel for you and Nigel Danson. I’ve been there. Try doing live tv with a pinched nerve and not yelling ouch at the wrong time! At age 64 I have really lightened my load. I bought a canon r8 and a light tripod. I’d suggest a light lens for a longer day with a fancy lens only for the shorter photo walks. A needed topic, I’m glad you covered it! I crossed over that bridge by rail last year! Wow!

Ah, finally you're on Møn, my favorite island that I've been visiting for 30 years. I'm really looking forward to your Møn video and am very excited to see how you capture the spectacular landscape there.

OM-1 with the perfect Olympus 12-100/4.0 and 8-25/4.0. And yes, I am observing myself more and more often that i leave my backpack at home and opting for a lightweight shoulder bag instead.

Sure weight is a factor, but more importantly make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Eating healthy, mobility work, lifting, and staying active so you can continue to do the things we love for the long haul. Just my two cents.

I use a small, lightweight backpack to carry the bare necessities. I clip the camera strap to the backpack straps. This setup is the best to distribute the (reduced) weight on both shoulders rather than neck.

I switched to Fujifilm’s XT5. It’s been great. I also bought a relatively small camera backpack (Lowepro Flipside 200 AW II). This has helped both in keeping weight to a minimum and in managing my GAS. My challenge to myself is that ALL of my Fuji gear needs to fit inside this backpack at the same time and my youngest son should easily be able to carry it. So far, so good!

Actually I'm using a Think Tank slingbag. It contents: Fuji X100V Sony a6500 with a 18-15mm, 12mm and a 30mm Lenses. Plus SD-Cards, batteries and so on. It's still light weighted and I love it.

Nice to see, that you also like the combination of 28-200 and Ultra Wide lens. In terms of quality and flexibility in a small form factor, the 28-200 is hard to beat. I still wonder, why I don’t know anyone in person, who own the 28-200 instead of me and everyone say: I bought full frame for good quality and that’s why I stick with prime or 24-70/ 70-200. My UWW is a 17-50 F4 from Tamron which is also a nice lens, because from my experience, 35mm is not enough in many cases so you have to constantly switch from and to the 28-200.

Well, I would definitely have a backpack, my shoulder would fall off here

Yes, I noticed the difference between using Pocket 3 and Pocket 2. The video on the Pocket 3 is much more dynamic and you have a lot more options. For light weight, free yourself from the obsession with Full Frame, and get a Fuhi XH2 kit.

Due to back problems I switched from my beloved peak design messenger bag. I think the unequal weight distribution did my back no favours. Now with a peak design backpack I'm much better, and it's equally easy to handle. Just shows how different we all are.

My back hurts me too sometimes. I found that the newer style running vest style backpacks have helped me, because everything I need for my camera is upfront. My fujifilm xf 70-300 or 16-80 fit in one of the bottle pocket on the shoulder straps (And i have a bottle in the other pocket), and I carry the camera in hand with one of either of the lenses fitted. Not sure how it’d work with full frame lens though. Lens cloth, filters etc, battery fit in one of the hip pockets, and snacks/gloves etc fit in the other. I very rarely have to take the pack off my back, and the pack weight distribution is much better for me. Currently i’m using the Osprey Talon Velocity 20, but used the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20 before that (this didn’t have the hip pockets though) I hope that helps you, and best of luck to you for the future.

Hello. I watch all your videos and I have noticed the change in quality in the colors of the video. Now for the landscape photographer RU-vidr who has to walk in the field, it is understandable that the videos do not have much production quality since they are usually the work of a single person. Subscribers value the content and charisma of the RU-vidr more from my point of view.

My back and now hip problems came from 50 years in the building industry, but didn’t help myself by humping a camera backpack around, these last two years I carry light , one camera one lens 24-200 normally. I’m a lot freer and so much more mobile of course.

Thanks to an earlier video of yours, I was able to reduce my camera + 2 lenses travel kit weight down by half. And what a difference that's made. No longer will my gf need to take some gear as carry-on flights. 👍🏻

Mads, you are a pure soul!♥

Just left a link in my previous comment. Adorama is the only place that seems to have stock anymore, but the 3 Legged Thing Ellie PD may be a good option for ya Mads!

Mads I can’t recommend enough the 3legged thing L bracket for the A7rv, it’s blowing mind why it’s not getting more attention from RU-vidrs. It comes with a peak design bracket that slips onto the peak design clip with ease made out of hardened plastic instead of metal on metal. Soon as I bought one I’ve been recommending to all my friends. Take a look you won’t be disappointed 🤙🏻

Thanks!

what a conincidence ... exactly what I realized for myself the last two weeks! My 5d iii with 24-105 L weighs 1600g, often I had in addition the 7d ii with 70-300 weighing another 1700g or so ... the R6 with 24-105L is still 1400g ... now I take on nature trips my R7 with Rf-S 18-150 with just 900g... in most conditions out in nature the image quality is hardly discernible from more expensive lenses and it is so enjoyable just to have 900g and a small camera around my shoulder --- professional fotos in low light and so, there I use the heavy equipment, but not on hiking or walking trips (plus: dropping a 1400Euro lens is something else than dropping a 500 Euro lens in case that happens out in nature .... )

I got tired of carrying around a brick and associated lenses a couple of years back so I ditched my Canon kit for the Fuji X-T3 with a 16-80 and the 70-300. I also carry a lightweight tripod, filters, a 1.4x teleconverter and extra batteries That's all I need for any situation. I carry it all in a regular Osprey day pack with the camera on a Capture Clip so that if a fleeting image presents itself I'm much better prepared to capture it.

Various bits of me don't work so well any more. My main kit to accommodate this is a Fuji X-T5, Tamron 17-70 f2.8, Fuji XF 70-300, spare battery, one of each ND, UV and CPL. Both lenses use the same size filters. Spare battery, SD Cards, cloth, blower and Zeiss wipes plus sensor brush thingy. If I'm going really light X-E4 plus a couple of primes or the 18-55 or 27mm pancake. With the accessories as above. I can fit either set up in a small bag. Happy days.

I like a sling bag, on my back when walking/biking, swing around quick and pull camera, then snap. Not good for tripods though.

Seeing Nigel doing a livestream with you and James while on his back is why I started watching you three. Photography helps me with my back in that it gets me out and walking. When I first started learning my camera during the beginning of the pandemic, I couldn't get on the ground to take low pictures, but now I can. I still want a camera that has a pop out tilt screen, for those low/high shots, though. I think having a cropped sensor helps, and I have a lighter tripod. My 18-135mm lens is rather heavy though.

Most times I am out shooting I reduce the kit to one body with one lens attached. But I don't shoot b-roll ...

Hello Mads, I was always wondering to see you hiking with such an heavy pack on your back. I can only acclaim your dicision to reduce the weight of your equipment, without losing quality of shots. For the same reason I bought a light but good camera Canon G5X with a 1 inch sensor, and a comparable 28-100 mm lens for holiday use and great fun of shooting. And also I swapped my Nikon DSLR 7100 for a Z6 with a 24-70 S 4 lens and a 24-200 VR lens of which I only take one for shooting in a light shoulder case. This all after 2 herniated disc surgery's. I can confirm your choice to prevent back problems and give you more concentration and joy during shooting. All the best working in this way, so you can a long time provide us with excellent video's and continue to teach us photography. Bert.

Hi Mads, when changing up from a bridge camera I went for lightest gear possible choosing the Canon system gave me a Mirrorless camera with fast auto focus and lightweight telephoto 100-400 RF lens which is my main option as I usually am trying to shoot wildlife . For midrange I use the 24-240 lens and recently bought the new 10-18 wide angle lens. I also have a 1.4 converter which I use in good light and on a bird reserve. It’s heavier than the Sony RX 10 but I have more flexibility.If someone came up with a lightweight 20-400 that is comparable to the 100-400 l would change what I have and go for that. Who wants to wander around all day carrying all that weight. Hope your back stays strong.

I use a 10 litre sling bag which allows me to walk around with a Nikon Z and up to three lenses with focal lengths from 14 to 300mm. To keep weight down, it's also important to avoid heavy f2.8 lenses which are unnecessary for 99% of landscape or cityscape photography. Unfortunately, many "pro" photographers have promoted the notion that if its not f2.8 lens its somehow inferior , which is silly.

Great video, only down side is MPB the sponsor. I have used them twice and each time not a very good experience at all. The last occasion I part ex a lens for use one on the mpb web site only to find it had an error code when I tested it. After some reading of reviews I read this was a common issue with mpb not fully testing the gear, if at all, or the description was incorrect from the actual conditions. Also my part ex lens was knocked down on its value once they received claiming it had a scratch on the rear element. When The deal fell through and I asked for my lens back I had to pay FULL retail price for it from mpb, and when I did get it back I could not find any scratch. I used a macro lens and 45mp camera to hunt for said scratch, and strangely enough I did not find any scratch ! ! Problem when a deal with mpb goes south for the consumer it cost the customer in the pocket ! All mpb offered me was a £10 discount voucher off a £100 spend as their idea of compensation ! !

There is generally a travel option with a large coverage of focal lengths. Tamron 18-400 with which one lens can be successfully shot on the way and the back will say thank you.

I used to lug around 3 lenses and switch all the time, but now use almost exclusively the nikon 24-200 z. If you don't need big apertures these superzoom are great,

This video made me realize the camera is a lot more accessible when it is in a shoulder bag. I do not like to have my camera hanging from around my neck all the time. A backpack has more capacity but is not as easy to access...

When I've seen you with that shoulder bag Mads I've first thought... Man, is this the beginning of a new street photography career for this guy?? 😂 I cannot imagine yourself taking out of the bag a Leica or Fuji X-100VI...

Transitioned to a 10L satchel from a 20L backpack, mentally I always felt I needed to put as much as would fit I feel more stable with the bag being Carried cross body, and it is so much easier to get things out of the bag

I use Rivacase shoulder bag - I use two! One has my camera equipment and the other my drone. As a Canon 850D user - 3 batteries - 3 SD's ... But also 4 lenses. Sigma 18 - 300 / Canon 10 - 18 / Canon 18 - 55 / Canon 55 - 250. The last two lenses I don't really use but they are lightweight. The Sigma is heavy ... I've enjoyed using it but like you said ... Kit needs to be lightweight.

As the years are passing I find taking a lighter pack when I go outside is preferable. However, I don’t really like shoulder bags because I get pain on my shoulder since the weight is hanging from one side only. I still prefer a backpack but I use a smaller one. The good thing with the backpack is that it distributes the weight evenly so in theory you shouldn’t get too much pain. 😃 btw I love these 24-200mm lenses. They are very versatile and will be getting one hopefully very very soon.

The problem is the type of camera bag. I have attached waist straps to my 3 different shoulder bags so part of the weight is supported by my hips. I have a local shoe repair shop sew on attachment points for nylon web belt. I have 3 different sizes of bags so I only take what I need for a specific outing or photo session. Oddly enough but the larger the bag and the more weight it is likely to carry the less likely that the bag manufacturer will provide waist belt or even a way to easily add one later.

I've been using the Lowpro Messenger bag for years and hang my 3 legged Winston 2.0 tripod from the strap at the front, perfect, lightweight and very comfortable..

Thank you for sharing your experience and humanity in the pursuit great images. The 50-400 has reduced my kit by 1000g and 1 lens.

Same here. I m trying to minimize my equipment weight. I got a Canon RP with a 24 -105 RF lens, Canon 70 -300 USM with ring adaptor and a light travel tripod Manfrotto.

Recently I changed tripods to a benro columnless #3. 1kg weight saved compared to previous. Its definitely a benefit. (Z8+z24-702.8s+z105s).

Another enjoyable video: thanks Mads. I've a similar setup to yourself - A7 III + 28-200 + Tokina 20mm, and currently use a PD Sling (10l) after having changed from a PD Everyday Backpack 20l. I don't (yet) have any back issues, but - as a few others have pointed out - a sling probably isn't ideal for back issues, as it unevenly distributes the weight over the back. The sling suits me well, as I like to have my gear in an "under the seat in front of you" hand luggage with my trolley in the overhead compartment when travelling, but I have my eye on the PD Everyday Backpack 15l (zip model) as it also (just) qualifies for "under the seat in front of you", distributes weight better than the sling, and especially - as with all the PD backpacks - allows the backpack to be swung around to give "top access" via the side zips

A big backpack with hip belt make the weight rest on your legs instead of shoulders but that crossed bag you are wearing doesnt seem confortable at all, besides the weight is placed asymmetically…

I literally just downsized my kit for this reason. Went from a Canon R6 with a bunch of lenses, which all up weighed 4.4kg (not including bag, tripod, portable charger etc). My new setup which is a Fuji X-S10 and a few lenses is just under 2kg. And not only is it lighter but because it's smaller I enjoy taking photos more because I'm not lugging around a massive body

Best landscape photography advice I’ve ever been given: If in doubt, zoom out. -mads Peter iversen

MFT gear will also help with your weight issue.

Some lovely pictures here.

I have my 32 L lotus and a sling bag The sling I usually use traveling light with similar camera/lens, Water that's it +-. But the strain on My shoulder and back by the uneven load is an issue. Next I'm looking at a 16 L or something smaller standard backpack that distributes the load.

Ahhh....I thought you were going to tell us that you'd switched to Sony's A6700 APS-C system!

Mads. I use a lumbar support tool belt to carry a tripod. Really helps.

Sorry about the back problems, Mads!

I recently purchased a Crumpler shoulder bag for travel, so had to rethink my standard kit too. It is a difficult decision, though, as to what to leave behind!

Canon sl1 + 18-55 (plus if I feel like it) 55-250. The lightest kit mentioned here and also the cheapest. Hey wake up, don't break your backaccount.

"avian flu"?? That never bothered anyone until the "news" told you that you should be worried.

Hi Mads, great video and lots of bases covered. I've started to travel light and trying to do more photography without the tripod. This has given me a lot more freedom to capture moments that may only last a moment. I have a small, compact camera bag that I can drop in a canvas shopping bag and I'm ready to go. I still use the tripod when I'm going out on a planned photography trip, but I find I take a lot less photographs that way. Free hand or tripod seem to have their plus points and not so plus points. I purchased a used Nkon D800 last year from mpb, plus an 16-35 Nikkor Wide Angle lens. I got great service from mpb and I'm now looking at purchasing my next lens from them for the D800. It's a solid, heavy camera and I really only use it with the tripod on planned trips. I'm still using your great photograph editing package, Mads. I've had it for well over a year now and I keep revisiting my favourite sections to refresh my skills. I've found I pick up more information each time I go through the same materials especially on bracketing and focus stacking. Happy photography Mads. Paul, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

handheld shooting in combination with focus stacking would be nice topic of a video

I am a 50 year old man, I avoid carrying heavy loads on my shoulder by using one of those shopping trolleys elderly people use for carrying their groceries; it is a very good quality one with 3 wheels on each side to enable it to negotiate steps; I place my Billingham bag inside the shopping trolley containing 3 lenses, and a Cannon Eos 5D MKIV slung over my shoulder with a 16-35mm f4 MK3 lens attached.

I see many videos in which the photographer is wearing a backpack - usually with a tripod strapped to it - and carrying lots of gear. Having spent many years with film, including 4x5, which did require more gear, I am no longer carrying everything with me. My most used lens is a Canon EF 70-300L. Often I carry only the camera (usually on a Peak Design strap) and an extra battery. When I want a second lens, it's the Canon EF 24-105L which is almost always wide enough for me. I have rarely feel the need for an ultra-wide lens with landscape so that lens is used for architectural work. I just usually prefer longer focal lengths for landscapes When I need to carry more, I use a basic web-type tool belt from a hardware store (one without pouches) and add Zing pouches as needed. Even when I take the large backpack with all the gear, it stays in the car and I only take what I expect to need. Going lighter, without losing image quality, is a MUCH better choice.

As someone with RA and 67 y/o, i am about to make the same move if and when Nikon comes out with a Z7iii. I've used my D810 since 2015 and love the camera but have to say I'm getting tired of the size and weight and having so many lenses. Would love to move to a small full frame mirrorless and own just 2-3 lenses, and carry it all in a small backpack like the Tenba Fultn 14.

A good back pack from eg osprey, northface,…and the weight well distributed actually trains your core and is not necessarily bad. Core and back strength is the key! Spending too much time behind the screen editing and putting your body in certain positions to get the shot is much worse. I have had my share of back pain and I can’t deny I love m43 for longer days. But sometimes I love my Nikon d700 😂

Hi Mads! This topic of gear weight is on my mind daily. My kit is also the FE 16-35 PZ G + the Tam 28-200 paired with an a7Rv, and your previous lens reviews were influential. I'm not a fan of shoulder bags for those with back trouble. There was a time when I could do what you now suggest, but that was years ago. When I soon arrive in the Faroe Islands I'll be weeks from 78, and my back is arthritic and and fused with hardware. I can only carry this kit in a shoulder bag for about 1 km. Ironically I'm retired from a long career as a physician in which an important element of my practice was devoted to managing spine disease. My best solution to walking with gear is the Think Tank Rotation series of camera backpacks. I chose the smallest, the 22 L, because I'm of short stature (160 cm and my torso has lost 8 cm). It holds this kit and it fits beneath airplane seats. The weight of the camera + lens or lenses is entirely on my hips. Often I use only the belt pack component, when I'm not carrying extra clothing, food, water. For travel and hiking I may soon switch to an a7CR which saves another 200-250g. Have you thought of this?

Funny, I have been carrying a rucksack most of my life, 22 years in the commando’s and 20 years as a off road motorcycle guide. So I thought photography would be a rest, no I am still hauling 25kg daily. But I will say when I am just local I do resort to one lens. ???? Yes the magnificent Sigma 60/600mm with this I capture bif, deer and other furry critters, macro…. Ish shots of the little world, and of course landscape. Yes I know coupled with my d850 it’s almost 25kg anyway! As we used to say pain is just fear leaving the body.

Sooner or later, all of us think about downsizing our kits for one reason or another. I've been an amateur photographer for over 40 years. So, in my case it's getting older that has me looking to lighten my load. I mainly shoot landscapes. For a long time I put all of my gear in a Pelican case which has wheels, put the Pelican case in the car, then put whatever body and lenses I needed to use in a bag when I got to my destination. I currently just use Tenba DNA Messenger bags. My main gear is two A7R5 bodies with the 24-70 GM II and 70-200 GM II. The A7R5 bodies are going to be replaced with an A7CR and an A7CII, both of which I already own. I'm just having a hard time letting go of the A7R5 bodies. My lightest kit is an A6700 with a 24mm G and a 50mm G which I use for street and travel. My longest lens is the 200-600mm G which has it's own small PD backpack. I've ordered the Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN Sport lens, but it's on backorder. I have a few other lenses, but they aren't used as much. I'm sure we all will be looking for ways to lighten our loads as we get older.

I wonder if using hiking pack where the weight being carried on your hips not your shoulders would sort out the back issues.

Hi Mads. Another nice an informative video! Thanks. There is a 3 Legged Thing L-bracket that is peak design-compatible

Shoulder bag makes so much sense!

Nice , lightweight setup! I use the 28-200 when I want a I single lens solution for travel and hiking. I find, there is a bit of purple fringing, especially between branches and bright sky, but it is still a very good lens. I recently picked up the Sony 20-70 F4 G and Sony 70-200 F4 Macro G II, and they are small, super sharp, and light weight. I think you would like this combination. They fit well, with a room to spare in my 7L Wotencraft Pilot bag along with a small rocket blower, extra battery, flashlight, Sony remote, Kase Revolution filter stack, and extra SD cards. I sometimes throw in a 1.4 TC (for the 70-200). I can also throw in a small water bottle in one of the side pockets. I will sometimes add a 14mm GM, or a 16-35 GM, but it is a tight fit. I rarely shoot less than 20mm, and most of the time, if I need wider, I can do a pano. I chose the 7L bag because it limits the amount I can carry. That said, on rare occasions, I can swap out the 70-200 G for a 100-400 GM. It is above my all-day weight limit, and a tight fit, but doable for a few miles for me. If you were going to do that regularly, I would recommend the 10L Pilot bag.

Interesting video with good ideas.

I'm a big guy. I have gone out with a 400 2.8 and camera over one shoulder and a 300 2.8 over the other with my extra tall tripod with a Wimberly head. Needless to say, I don't go exploring with that set up. Looking for a very cheap Sherpa. :-)

You didnt mention the tripod name. Was that a Benro TMA38CL ?

Can recommend the Atoll S Plus (brand new) as an alternative to the L Bracket with a built in peak design plate for the capture clip and a standard arca swiss mount for the collar itself

Just so you know, the 3 legged thing l brackets are compatible with peak design clips.

Wonder why more photographers don't check out the Olympus/OM systems gear if they want to cut down on weight/size?

Have you ever considered the A7CR instead of the A7R5?

Cutting down on the weight of your gear is a great idea. But. Each person's back injuries are unique, but for me the messenger bag option would be a disaster. There is no ability to transfer any of the load to the hips, so all the load is on one shoulder. As others have said, the load is asymmetrical. I have my Fuji APS-C gear loaded into a Think Tank Mindshift Backlight 18 L backpack, and the weight of the bag with everything but my water bottle is 18 lbs. With the hip belt and the sternum strap between the shoulder straps, almost none of that weight is on my back/neck/shoulders. I have a couple of small sling packs and they both give me more discomfort than the backpack.

thank you so much for this!

I too have gone smaller and lighter due to shoulder and back issues. However, I am still not sure about the bag over one shoulder concept. It seems to me that it is causing other issues. Maybe a smaller backpack that distributes the weight (less) easier? Still in trials for me. Thanks.