Rongnongno Loc: FL

For what I read here.... When folks cannot get it up anymore... Err their camera up. Many threads on this that offer shoulder supported cameras, vests/tripod that uses the thorax to stabilize the camera, remote control...

Usually thought these are temporary solutions that lead to a draw down in gear and then visits to the zoos...

Photocraig

Mustache?

capnclive Loc: Hot-lanta Area

Sold my D800 and the 30+ lbs of stuff after hoofing - er huffing - it around Yellowstone for a few days. Discovered I am not as young as I thought I was. Went to the Oly EM1, and now have the EM1 Mark II. I have never suffered any camera envy yet. In fact it has features that I will never use, but a lot of them are great. The Mark II with the new 12-100mm lens is a fantastic combo for most of your shooting. It is a bit complex to learn especially after shooting DSLRs for a long time, but it comes together fairly quickly with some study.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I have 2 years on you and still use my DSRL I gave up on my 500 mm f/4 lens and went to the Nikon 200-500 with the Nikon D500 with is comfortable to carry and hand hold

warogers Loc: Surrey B.C. Canada

I've used Canon 5d mk11 and a g12 point and shoot cameras when we travel.Our last holiday my camera gear was an issue weight wise.I've recently bought a Canon M10 mirrorless along with a lens adapter which works with all my lens.This little camera takes good photos.On travel holidays I'll take my g12 and the m10 along with a couple lens.When in town I'll use the 5dmk11.

Croce Loc: Earth

I have Canon SX60 and my wife has an SX 50. They both do admirable work and they are great bridges between cell phones and full size SLRS but.....
I hate electronic viewfinders. For anything serious I use my full frame Canons.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

In my situation, I wanted to still keep my Full size bodies and lenses but wanted something I could use while traveling. I went the route of micro 4/3 and am very happy so far. I use Olympus products here, but understand that the Panasonic brand manufactures great products, as well. If micro 4/3 does not interest you, the Sony brand has some smaller APS-C bodies in the a6000 series line up that you may find attractive.

leftj Loc: Texas

That's quite a zoom lens!!!!!

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Last trip I took I shot entirely with my 17-70 Sigma, 1/2 dz shots with 55-250 and did not like the results, lighten load may not take the 55-250, instead the new 10-18, might take a faster prime for evening/night shots, Bob.

saside Loc: live in pueblo co

Chick as in baby chickens?

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

try using wheeled camera bags. they mitigate the load and once you are in a space that seems good for your images, then you can select what you need. don't forget the tripod!

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Why do you our opinion on what's right for you. If you want or need to go lighter for whatever reason, and you have alternatives that are acceptable to you, it's sounds like you're perfectly capable of making this decision.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

If you do not print wall prints, the SuperZooms might be great. The small sensor precludes their usefulness to me. I regularly print 11x14, 16x24 and 20x30. The images deteriorate rapidly with the tiny sensors. It's not a matter of brand. It is a problem of physics.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

It's not about being weak or strong...
As a 40(ish) year old who served proudly in the the Marines, I've never been called small at 6'-0", 225lbs. I simply choose to shoot with the gear I do because it works for my style. Larger gear (for me) is not needed when I can achieve the same image (if not better) with smaller gear. Besides, I'm usually out photographing with my younger kids and wife, and usually end up carrying more than just camera equipment. I feel like a pack mule at times...hee-haw.
Only if I were to go down the digital medium format route (which I do not have the money to even think about) before feel that I'd see a significant increase in quality...otherwise, I'm quite happy where I'm at. My combinations (me and my gear) produce great looking 16meg, 20meg, and 80meg RAW files and print just fine at 30x40...which is the max I've ever printed (other than a couple of 10' x 30' billboards, which don't need a whole lot of resolution). I can cover 15mm-150mm (FF equivalent) which is about 95% of what I shoot, and it all fits in a small sling bag that weighs less than 5 lbs. And if I want something different...I then grab the ol' Mamiya M645 and pop some 120 film in it.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

I went with a used Nikon 1 J1, the Nikkor FT-1 autofocusing adapter, and a used Nikkor AFS VR 55-300mm lens.
The camera has a CX sensor, better than a bridge camera, but not quite as good as a DX. However, the 2.7 crop factor gives an equiv focal length of 810mm. And the camera and lens can be hand held as it only weighs a little over two pounds total. Total cost was less than $600.
The attached pic shows the lens expanded and retracted. As there is no viewfinder on this model, I hold the camera by the lens with my left hand, and about a foot from my eye, using my right hand to autofocus and press the shutter.

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