Background: I have 1 external 2T SSD drive, one external 1T WD Passport drive and a 2023 MacBook Pro M2. I use one of the externals (SSD) for my Lrcats. I keep all of my RAW and jPeg images on the two drives, one holds roughly 33,000 images through August of 2023 (WD) and everything since on the SSD. I have checked both drives and the images and folders are as they should be, so nothing is lost.

Roughly 2 weeks ago, I wanted to import recent images from my SSD to LrC. When I clicked on import, I got an odd message about the catalog and to find another one or create one, sorry not too clear on which. I did what was asked. Finished the import, did some light culling and closed out. Later I went back into LrC to go to another folder on the WD external and that external did not show up. The SSD did show up but all the folders except the one I had created earlier in the day were missing. I rechecked both drives, both were OK, I found my LrCats and clicked on the most recent from mid-march. Same thing, Had a glass of wine and called a local Lightroom specialist to set up a zoom session and then a one-on-one session to trouble shoot. After the in person class, all was well. I appeared I had two Lrcats with the same name. Got home, all was still well, reimported and backed up the SSD to my 4T SSD using Carbon Copy Cloner (a new app my instructor and I installed). I did rename the LrCat that was good to 2024 so I could tell which was the good one. Yesterday, I opened LrC and all the folders imported from my 1T SSD were missing except those from a late summer trip. All the WD folders were present. Also missing was a collection I had started for another project. I closed out, sent a note to my instructor, and poured a glass of wine to calm myself down. I suspect this is something to do with not pointing to the right thing, but danged if I can figure it out. I know Linda is the expert on stuff like this, but I don’t know how to access.

You will love the lighter load! I ditched all my beloved Nikon gear to go micro 4/3s eight (!) years ago and have never once regretted the move. I’ve found that with the easier lift, I use my gear much much more.

Agree with others, mostly landscape opportunities. Try Inspiration Point for sunrise opportunities.

In 35mm equivalent, I took my 24-200, 50mm, 28-300 and two cameras.

Cross body with a wide strap

I have two Samsung SSD drives, 2T and 4T. They both work well and no set up process. Just plug it in and go! BtW, I have a MacBook Pro. And they’re smaller than a deck of cards.

I watched the first 2 episodes this past Monday and they were inspiring and educational. Can’t recommend highly enough. The new Nat Geo Magazine features the photographers in the series. Mondays at 8PM on the Nat Geo channel

Go with the 1.4. Everyone I know who has both a 1.4 and a 2x, regardless of brand, prefers the 1.4 for image quality.

I under expose and, in processing, I deepen the shadows and bump up the texture.

A few OM pluses: 1. 5 axis internal stabilization, reputed to be the best in the business 2. Less obtrusive 3. Supremely water resistant, dust proof, and still works well below zero. The only time I need a tripod is if I’m doing HDR, bracketing, fireworks, astrophotography. How water resistant you may ask? I took what would now be an 8 year old Olympus on Maid of the Mist and to cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls with no protection for my camera and it functioned flawlessly! Can Nikon boast the same? And, yes, the lighter weight is a plus. As to the lens… Oh, and image quality, oh that! Far better than anything I captured with my Nikon.

I went to Tanzania in the dry season and was able to witness, among other wonders, the wildebeest crossing of the Mara river. I am an Olympus user myself. And the dust is amazing as you note. DO NOT change lenses in the field, that is your best protection. Two of the three lenses I used were Pro lenses but my go to lens was not weather/dust proof but I had no issues with it at all. You’ll be fine. Enjoy your trip! FYI, I brought two Olympus cameras, one mounted with the 12-100 Pro and, most often, the other with the 75-300 lens and sometimes with the 40-150 Pro.

I haven’t had any issues with it. That said, I did have to replace my 2014 laptop last August because it had slowed to a glacial pace. I made the switch after being advised to do so by a friend who is head of cyber security at a major pharma firm.

I had the same issue and traded in all my Nikon gear and lenses for micro 4/3s in 2016. I’ve never looked back. BTW I went to Olympus/now OM Systems. Best in camera stabilization in the business.

3 cameras??? I went to Tanzania last September. Took 2 cameras, put my 150-600 equivalent on one and 28-200 on the other most of the time. I doubt you’ll need the 16-35. I also had a 80-300 that I didn’t use as much. Don’t forget that your weight allotment includes your clothes, etc.

Tough TG 6 or 7. I have the 6 and it’s pretty much indestructible. It flew out of my hand once and soared about 20 feet onto hard pavement with no ill effects. It will shoot RAW, has 3 internal axis of stabilization, good to 50 feet underwater, and great macro. You can also buy a lens cap as well as a telephoto attachment to add more zoom. Oh, and it fits easily into a cargo pocket.