gessman Loc: Colorado

Indeed it does, not because of concern for the disposition of my gear but because of concerns for my personal safety and freedom. With the drug culture and the young average age of people here in Colorado, many of whom are transient and temporarily down on their luck, one cannot predict when, where, and why you will encounter a drugged out kid needing a fix who will abscond with anything they perceive might bring a few bucks and the mountains where I like to shoot wildlife are crawling with such people.

At 85, in two months, I might falsely appear to be an easy target which might encourage some stupid behavior that I, in the absence of a nearby cop, might have to take drastic steps to deter, which I am equipped to do. I'm a 17.5 year military vet with the necessary skills and resolve so I am not afraid of those people nor afraid to deal with them but I am afraid of the legal and financial consequences of being put in a position of having to deal with them. Like Covid, I'm not afraid of getting it, nor of dying from it, but I am afraid of several months in ICU and the resulting financial ramifications. YMMV

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Insured with zero deductible no not a worry for theft. Otherwise, things happen in life. Only thing holding me back is Covid.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

That’s the thing about high end equipment, it’s generally more robust and made to handle tough environments.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

We are more often frightened than hurt; and we suffer more from imagination than from reality.

Mr Bill 2011 Loc: southern Indiana

If I'm going somewhere specifically for photographic purposes, I will take a DSLR. Normally though, I will carry my little Panasonic ZS-100 that works fine, and leave the heavy DSLR's and lenses at home in the drawer. It's not the value of the equipment, it's more the light weight of the camera and the fact I can carry it in a pocket or belt pouch, and not have the hassle of a big, heavy, inconvenient camera hanging off my shoulder.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Quixdraw, to me it's more about my mentality of wanting to be ever so careful with something expensive to me. Ooooo, be careful not to scratch it. Ooooo, don't smudge it with my fingerprints. Ooooo, don't let it get a drop of rain on it. It's a lot like having that shiny new truck with the leather interior compared to "old Betsy" that I can drive through the fields and the mud and any scratches become a badge of honor for providing me a service above and beyond expectations.

Regarding theft, a thief will take anything that they think that they can get a few dollars for. I've had my car broken into in a restaurant parking lot in mid-morning full of other cars and it cost more to repair the damage than the cellphone, pocket knife, and the satchel with my work files in it which would be of no value to anyone but me.

Criminal enterprise knows no bounds. Unfortunately, I can shoot a robber however I can't shoot a thief....doggone it..!!

therwol Loc: USA

That's the truth. After taking my Nikon D810 to England and back twice, I told my wife that I wasn't going to lug that thing (and lenses) around again. Then she said, "Why did you buy it?" Point made. Point taken. Took it again. Got some nice pictures.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Many years ago I traded for a Browning Goldline Medalist, now long gone. It was an absolute work of art, I think 470 were produced. It became the ultimate safe Queen since it was just too nice to take to the range and I finally let it go because I wasn't using it. That is my only experience of the type. I should have kept it, nowadays they go for around $3K. Of course, the money isn't worth as much these days.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Fear is a darkroom where negatives develop.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Those who talk about fear are generally most subject to it. The rest of us just prepare for difficult experiences and live life to the fullest.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

"I wasn't going to lug that thing around again" ???

You would perhaps have got better pics with M4/3?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

Quixdraw Loc: x

I lugged around a Nikon FB 8 case loaded with Photomic FTN, Nikkormat ELW, Winder, 4 lenses, 6 filters, Film and a small strobe all over England and Scotland on a couple of ten day visits. I have done the same with the digital equivalent on every trip in recent years. Photography is a key component of any vacation and I want to have and use a selection of my best gear. As a test, I took one full sized Nikon and lenses plus a small good quality Mirrorless on a trip instead of a second full sized body and barely touched it. Convenience is certainly an issue, but so is purpose and pleasure.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Definitely. I have an old Canon pocket camera, and if it got run over by a truck, I'd wonder what pictures I had lost. If I dropped my D750 onto a mattress, I'd be upset.