drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio

I keep hearing about how everyone thinks their cameras are getting heavier or they think they need to pack lighter because they are getting older.
I am sorry to say these and I know I will be blasted for the following statement but....
Your gear is not getting heavier you are getting way out of shape. You need to get into an exercise program if you feel that 5 to 15 pounds of camera and flash are heavy.
My case is a foam lined metal case weighing in around 50 pounds. I carry it to my truck and on the job site. I usually carry two cameras (D7200) with attached lenses to a sporting event while putting an extra lens or two in my vest pockets. I am 67 years old and find that to be able to walk well and carry that gear I need to exercise. I chose weight lifting but then again I always choose weight lifting.
If you feel that your camera is weighing you down I suggest instead of a lighter load just get back into shape. Your wife and doctor would appreciate it and you will too.
For those of you who feel getting a mirror less camera will lighten the load.... face the fact you just want to have the new tech stuff and that mirror less is just the latest craze you want to be a part of.
Let's all face it men and women out there as we grow older we start to loose muscle mass around the age of 50. From there it is all down hill unless we start exercising regularly and add some muscle mass exercise to the routine.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

I agree!
I don't use my camera regularly and I'm feeling the effects if I take a lot images with the 100-400 lens.....
Pat

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Tell it like it is, drkird.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Seriously? You'd think by age 67 you'd have met at least one person who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis or Parkinson's or balance issues (such as caused by inner ear injury) or another disease/affliction that has nothing to do with weight and exercise.

Surely, as a professional photographer, you have more to offer this forum.

TheDman Loc: USA

Hehe, I've been saying this for years. Canon announces a new lens, it weighs 18 ounces, and the comments section of dpreview is filled with people complaining that it's "too heeeavy!!". I've come to the conclusion that photographers are the least ambulatory group of people one can find. 😀

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

my hats off to those who can still get out and about but for many of us
'sedentary' is a comfort word, not a damnation.

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

If it reassures you at all, I just bought a heavier mirrorless camera.

And I realize your name is shortened from "darklord", not "Dr. Klrd". So don't go preaching fitness to me and my 12% body fat.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Here here!!!

And eventually that mirrorless camera is going to feel like a bag of boulders, unless there is an intervention that involves some physical conditioning . . .

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

I agree with my personal experience.
Pat

snfapm1983

i think you're throwing a big net and as Linda stated, there are people who may have other health issues. There were a lot of "i's" in the original post and what applies to you may not be universal.

Comfort is something we're all looking for and if it's lighter smaller gear that fills that need then I say go for it. It's not written anywhere that lugging around a 50 pound gear bag is badge of courage.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Dr., could you please post a selfies of yourself in a speedo!!!
I need to see whether I should laugh or I should cry!!!
I'll post later.
SS

drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio

Seriously, I have diabetic nerve pain in my feet and legs along with extreme carpal tunnel and similar nerve damage in hands and arms. I exercise to make the pain less. In the Marine Corps I learned no pain no gain. So yes, even the exercise hurts. There are mornings I awake to stumble across the floor. I took a hint from my piano player buddy and many others who suffer in silence with physical pain. My piano player buddy was crippled with a back injury to his death he worked playing on stage his music and every morning he had to awaken to so much pain but he never gave in to the pain and kept on working. So yes, I have met those you speak of.
One friend had a license on the back of his wheel chair that told everyone to "get a life". I could find this MS patient our in the clubs or at the zoo in his chair enjoying life the best he could. He was unable to speak the waitress in a restaurant had to read his computer screen to know what he wanted.
I take the hint from these brave souls and never give in to my pain. Which is why I mention it here. So yes I know those who you mention. I take sports photos and sometimes the being on my feet is more pain than I want but like on that 10 mile run in the Marine Corps I keep going with no complaints and get the job done to collect my pay. My advice is valid and unless your doctor forbids any form of exercise we all need it.

drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Thank you!