bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I agree too. But more is that small cameras get better travel pictures because they are less obtrusive.

Artcameraman Loc: Springfield NH

Good choice.

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

I mostly just travel with my iPhone 15 pro max.
However, for the eclipse, it was a very heavy excursion with 3 tripods and 2 bodies and several long and wide zooms.

Artcameraman Loc: Springfield NH

Yes, I agree.

KenProspero

I have a Z-5.

I always travel with my 24-200, which is on the body 90% of the time. I usually take one other lens with me depending on what I want to shoot. For example, if I plan on doing Astro, I'll either take a 14mm f/2.8 or a 17-35 f/2.8. For the Eclipse (or for birding) I'll take a 100-400mm + a 1.4 tele.

Am considering the new Nikon 28-400 -- but honestly, I think my current gear will carry me through pretty much whatever I need.

Artcameraman Loc: Springfield NH

Converted Z7ii to Ir full spectrum, with cut filter, chrome and cobalt. FTZII so I can use my "f" lenses but still my 50mm Z is a great lens. Even useing my 70-300 all manual with X1.5 and X2 multi. Yes, weight is still a problem.
Oh yes, added a 2 battery pack and cage with mounts so back to xtra pounds.

Randyfrieder Loc: Long Island, New York

I suggest the 17-35 f2.8 as well.
I personally prefer it to the 16-35 f4,
even though it doesn’t have vr.
(They are both excellent lenses)

I use it almost daily for events,
on a ftz2 and Z9.

Ymmv
IMHO
📸 Regards, Randy 📸

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

When I am a tourist I have either my Sony RX100v or Sony RX10iv. It forces me to be a tourist and enjoy the trip. I I'm be a photographer then I have it all, full frame cameras, and a wagon load of lenses.

Nortfish Loc: Port St. Lucie, Fla

I found traveling with a Sony A-6600 with an 18-135 plus a Olympus TG for the wet shots and when you just want a small unit, to be a great travel package. Also have an iPhone 13 for the quickies. My wife only uses her iPhone and gets great shots. I guess a good eye is worth more than a great camera.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

RetCapt Loc: NorCal mountains

I pretty much parallel Nortfish on this one.

I learned early on that I did not like carrying my FF system when travelling. Along with that I don't like to carry multiple lenses and do not like to change lenses in the field.

I started looking for what would give me the most bang sensor size wise in the least package. Sony had just introduced their Nex/Alpha APS-C system at that point. I bought a Nex 5, which came with the 18-55mm lens, which I just set aside. I paired the Nex 5 with the chrome Sony (not Tamron) 18-200mm lens. This combination was/is much less to carry than my full frame system. Besides less weight and bulk, I got almost the same focal length range with the single Sony lens compared to the two much larger lenses I needed in full frame. From the outset I was amazed at the quality of results I got.

I did several 4 - 8 week trips with this rig, a lot in summer heat, and I never found this camera/lens combination a burden to carry.

My printer goes to 13X19" (prints are all I do) and I cannot discern any image quality difference from my FF system.

Things have evolved a bit since those first few years. I have since purchased an @6300, and now the 18-200mm lens is mounted on that body. It was only after I had done this addition that I started using the 18-55mm lens on the Nex 5. I found, for the first time, what an amazingly compact and efficient little kit this is.

Now I keep them as two separate kits, Nex5/18-55mm and @6300/18-200mm. Either one fits my minimalist preference. Which I take with me depends on what I intend to photograph. For a lengthy trip, where I would not be able to return home until it was over with, I think I would choose the A6300/18-200mm system for the additional reach. Relative to a FF system it is still far less to carry.

I am also a great believer in 'tough' cameras. I will not endanger a camera to get a photograph. I know they are not as efficient in poor light as larger formats, but I have found that when I have used mine within (pretty much) their design limitations, I can get 11X14" prints indiscernible from my APS-C system. I've even done one print to 13X19" and it came out spectacular, but I consider it a specialized example. One thing I do know about my 'tough' cameras is that if I can survive an environment, they can too. Peace of mind makes for enjoyable photography.

I have not paid attention to what is available currently. I have no interest since I have my Sony system and am completely satisfied. So don't take this as an admonition that only Sony APS-C is the best for what you want. This is just my experience.

The full frame system is still parked.

jcboy3

You will not capture images at the same level.

But you will capture images that you wouldn't have previously because you weren't hampered by all the gear (either fiddling with it or being bogged down carrying it).

jeffhacker Loc: Dallas, Texas

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

I recently added a Leica Q3 to my collection. Very different experience than my typical gear I take with me. My family was shocked and my back was grateful. Am learning with and enjoying my new featherweight accoutrement.

Nortfish Loc: Port St. Lucie, Fla

I also found that the Clear Image Zoom on my 6600 give me the reach I mostly need (effective 400mm, 135x1.5x2)