Conundrum

[Mike Farley]

Unfortunately, when flying I will have no option other than to leave kit behind and my issue is that I have two systems. One is complete, but bulky, the other compact and lightweight but incomplete. One option would be to buy a new camera bag designed to be compatible with airline carry on regulations, but that would not be a complete solution as it would still not take everything.

Until recently, m43 lenses were lacking in quality telephoto options, but the recent introduction of the Olympus 40-150 and teleconverter has largely resolved that. There should also be a wide-angle zoom coming out from Olympus later this year, although Panasonic already has that covered. I suspect that if I were flying on a frequent basis, standardising on Olympus m43 gear would be a serious consideration as everything is so much smaller than the full frame equivalents. At a show earlier this year, I had a quick peak in Damien McGillicuddy's camera bag which had everything he needed, yet the bag was well within the maximum permitted dimensions.

One option I am considering is to see whether I can squeeze in the E-M10 with the 25 f/1.4 and 14-45 Panasonic kit zoom as well as the Canon gear previously mentioned. That would cover most bases, especially if I end up doing any street photography where I feel that a DSLR is a bit too conspicuous.

I might also see if I can find space for the two worst cameras I have ever used*. The AF is leisurely, high ISO usage is out of the question, write times to the memory card slow and battery life is practically non existent. Post capture processing is a pain as only the camera manufacturer's rather indifferent Raw converter software is available, so there are at least two extra steps before I can get images into Lightroom. All this pales into significance when you see the results, which are like nothing else I have ever seen. I refer, of course, to my Sigma DP Merrills which I would not want to be without.

OK, I am moving well away from Rose's minimalist approach, but as Dave says I probably would not end up carrying everything all the time and can pick and match to circumstances.

* Actually, that is not strictly true. That "honour" goes to a Fuji X-Pro 1 with the original firmware which I borrowed for an afternoon. Continental drift is faster than the AF on that camera.

[davidc]

You have more than one DPM now? Which did you go for after the DP2?

I have a standard sized rucksack, technically smaller than the plane limit, and I fit all my cameras and lenses in one bag with room to spare. Granted when I get a 70-200 some concessions might need to be made but until then, the size and weight onto the plane isn't a limiting factor.

Also, check if your airline allows a cabin bag + handbag or laptop. The budget airlines over here allow that and while I doubt ryanair would allow it, others might? Meaning you can take a dedicated camera bag for the plane and still a "manbag" for your snacks, books and make-up

Remember also your wife has a hand-baggage allowance and Lowepro bags do look quite fetching

I still think the m43 kit is a compromise too far, especially when you get proper pro lenses that are still chunky, but if you've settled on your M43 system now at least it means your future carry-on luggage requirements will be smaller even if your images aren't quite as good (#SubtleDigAtOlympus)

[Mike Farley]

You have more than one DPM now? Which did you go for after the DP2?

I had my eye on the DP3 Merrill for some time and got one when it was on sale just after Xmas. Quite a few of my POTD shots this year have been taken with it.

Also, check if your airline allows a cabin bag + handbag or laptop. The budget airlines over here allow that and while I doubt ryanair would allow it, others might? Meaning you can take a dedicated camera bag for the plane and still a "manbag" for your snacks, books and make-up

I am flying with British Airways which does indeed have a two bag policy and I have taken advantage of it in the past, even if a "manbag" is a step too far.

Remember also your wife has a hand-baggage allowance and Lowepro bags do look quite fetching

I have tried that. The conversation has gone along the lines of "Well, I have paid for your ticket." This forum is certainly not the place to quote the response.

My best bet is to win the lottery. I have promised myself that the first thing I will get is a sherpa.

I still think the m43 kit is a compromise too far, especially when you get proper pro lenses that are still chunky, but if you've settled on your M43 system now at least it means your future carry-on luggage requirements will be smaller even if your images aren't quite as good (#SubtleDigAtOlympus)

Ideally, I should not even allow that dig any form of respectability by giving it a response. On this occasion, though, I will let the last image in this link reply for me.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/ap ... ocks-41669

[Rose]

Mike I recently bought this bag...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekJc6C-c9nA
It actually takes ALL my DSLR kit - ie: 5Dm3, 24-105, 16-35, 100-400, 50mm, 35mm, lens hoods, battery charger, flash, laptop, iPad, tripod... not that I would ever contemplate carrying everything, but it's very flexible. It's a backpack, a right AND left slingpack with access from both left and right sides as well as the front. The straps and hip belt also stow away at the back making a neat pack which is airline compliant.

[Mike Farley]

Mike I recently bought this bag...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekJc6C-c9nA
It actually takes ALL my DSLR kit - ie: 5Dm3, 24-105, 16-35, 100-400, 50mm, 35mm, lens hoods, battery charger, flash, laptop, iPad, tripod... not that I would ever contemplate carrying everything, but it's very flexible. It's a backpack, a right AND left slingpack with access from both left and right sides as well as the front. The straps and hip belt also stow away at the back making a neat pack which is airline compliant.

Mmmmm, camera bag.

I must admit I have got quite a few, but not one with which I am entirely happy. This one looks to be closer to my ideal than most and could well be a contender. Thanks for the tip.

[Rose]

The Evolution 8 is the middle one of a range from Tamrac
http://www.tamrac.com/series/evolution-series/

[Mike Farley]

The Evolution 8 is the middle one of a range from Tamrac
http://www.tamrac.com/series/evolution-series/

Will you have the bag with you on Sunday's outing? It would save me a trip to Park Cameras to look at it.

[davidc]

I have the sling bag on the left

http://www.lowepro.com/passport-series

It's big enough to comfortably take my 150-600, 24-70+Camera and 17-40 with me and is convenient/easy to use.

[Mike Farley]

I was not expecting this to become a bag post, but it is helpful in terms of my original question.

My preference is for a backpack which has a separate compartment to carry non photographic bits and pieces when I am out for the day.* A laptop compartment helps as well since that is where I put my paper or magazine. An external pocket to carry a bottle of water is another useful option. I have tried three so far, with varying degrees of success, which is why the one suggested by Rose appeals as this seems to address the issues of accessing my gear while out and about.

At present I am using this Lowepro bag for my m43 kit, but I am not convinced that it is really big enough for a DSLR. While getting to the main compartment where I keep the camera via a side opening is convenient, getting to the other parts is less so. The main problem is a flap which has a couple of buckles which covers most of that section. The result is that I tend to shoot mainly with the lens which starts the day on the camera, which kind of defeats the object of carrying the others around.

http://www.lowepro.co.uk/products-fastp ... 0pd332.htm

* The problem is that I keep putting cameras in there as it is more convenent to get to them rather than use the main compartment.

[Rose]

The Evolution 8 is the middle one of a range from Tamrac
http://www.tamrac.com/series/evolution-series/

Will you have the bag with you on Sunday's outing? It would save me a trip to Park Cameras to look at it.

Yes I will