Portability vs IQ for Travel?
p.1 #1Portability vs IQ for Travel?
When traveling, do you lean more toward bringing along a heavy outfit for higher IQ, or a lighter outfit for portability?
Oct 04, 2026 at 08:59 PM
p.1 #2Portability vs IQ for Travel?
If relevant I bring whatever is legally allowed on the plane and perhaps a bit more. My general rule is that you don't have to carry it all with you all the time and some checked gear is fine if the risk is acceptable.
IQ has to be at whatever level it will be. I don't compromise weight for IQ other than what is feasible to carry at sea level vs. medium altitude vs. higher altitude and however rugged the conditions are each day. It's important to plan ahead, check online for other's experiences and have topo maps sometimes. If the gear if too heavy you are uncomfortable and unproductive. But I'm not traveling to lollygag around, but to get the shot.
If I go somewhere for 2 weeks I might carry 1 body/2 lenses one day and 2 bodies/4 lenses on another. Maybe I carry a tripod or monopod or not. It's not like you can travel 10,000+km to go back and get something you need.
EBH
IQ has to be at whatever level it will be. I don't compromise weight for IQ other than what is feasible to carry at sea level vs. medium altitude vs. higher altitude and however rugged the conditions are each day. It's important to plan ahead, check online for other's experiences and have topo maps sometimes. If the gear if too heavy you are uncomfortable and unproductive. But I'm not traveling to lollygag around, but to get the shot.
If I go somewhere for 2 weeks I might carry 1 body/2 lenses one day and 2 bodies/4 lenses on another. Maybe I carry a tripod or monopod or not. It's not like you can travel 10,000+km to go back and get something you need.
EBH
Oct 04, 2026 at 09:24 PM
p.1 #3Portability vs IQ for Travel?
snegron7 wrote:
When traveling, do you lean more toward bringing along a heavy outfit for higher IQ, or a lighter outfit for portability?
For the past decade or so I have left by big FF equipment at home when traveling (with some exceptions) and have relied on a Fujifilm APS-C system with a few small lenses for travel. I'm completely happy with the result.
What might be the exception? If the primary goal of my travel was, say, landscape photography and I did not feel a need to keep the size and weight of my luggage small, I might take (and have taken on rare occasions) a cut down FF system tailored to the specific needs of the trip.
A good APS-C system with good lenses can produce excellent results.
When traveling, do you lean more toward bringing along a heavy outfit for higher IQ, or a lighter outfit for portability?
For the past decade or so I have left by big FF equipment at home when traveling (with some exceptions) and have relied on a Fujifilm APS-C system with a few small lenses for travel. I'm completely happy with the result.
What might be the exception? If the primary goal of my travel was, say, landscape photography and I did not feel a need to keep the size and weight of my luggage small, I might take (and have taken on rare occasions) a cut down FF system tailored to the specific needs of the trip.
A good APS-C system with good lenses can produce excellent results.
Oct 04, 2026 at 10:46 PM
p.1 #4Portability vs IQ for Travel?
The best camera is the one you have with you. What I'll carry depends on the destination and purpose of the trip. A camera is just a paperweight if you leave it in the hotel because you're not comfortable carrying it. You will likely always have a "phone" (micro computer with multiple built-in cameras and image editing software) in your pocket. I prefer to shoot with anything other than a phone. There are lots of places where I don't want to walk around holding my phone at arms length.
Image quality is no longer limited by camera size. The lens is what really determines portability. A Sigma fP with a pancake 40mm or Sony RX1 give you the best IQ possible at that normal-ish focal length. If you want wider or longer focal lengths, the lens is going to be bigger than the camera. Especially with telephoto lenses, you can trade sensor size for lens size/weight. APS-C and m43 cameras can be relatively small even with 200mm (equiv) lenses.
Tripods versus bright lenses is another possible trade-off. A large f/1.4 lens might allow you to shoot handheld where a tiny f/4 lens would require a tripod to get similar results. Sometimes tripods are not an option so that "big" lens might be the best choice.
Image quality is no longer limited by camera size. The lens is what really determines portability. A Sigma fP with a pancake 40mm or Sony RX1 give you the best IQ possible at that normal-ish focal length. If you want wider or longer focal lengths, the lens is going to be bigger than the camera. Especially with telephoto lenses, you can trade sensor size for lens size/weight. APS-C and m43 cameras can be relatively small even with 200mm (equiv) lenses.
Tripods versus bright lenses is another possible trade-off. A large f/1.4 lens might allow you to shoot handheld where a tiny f/4 lens would require a tripod to get similar results. Sometimes tripods are not an option so that "big" lens might be the best choice.
Oct 05, 2026 at 11:27 AM
p.1 #5Portability vs IQ for Travel?
EB-1 wrote:
If relevant I bring whatever is legally allowed on the plane and perhaps a bit more. My general rule is that you don't have to carry it all with you all the time and some checked gear is fine if the risk is acceptable.
IQ has to be at whatever level it will be. I don't compromise weight for IQ other than what is feasible to carry at sea level vs. medium altitude vs. higher altitude and however rugged the conditions are each day. It's important to plan ahead, check online for other's experiences and have topo maps sometimes. If...Show more →
I can definitely relate to your comment "if your gear is too heavy, you are uncomfortable and unproductive." This is so true for me especially because of the way I carry my gear. I usually use a backpack woth essentials plus maybe some backpack gear. The backpack option works best for me because I can distribute the weight evenly on both shoulders. However, my primary camera with lens attached is carried hanging around my neck. This is easy with lightweight equipment, but gets much worse the heavier the camera + lens get.
Last trip with my R6II + RF 24-105mm f4.0L strapped around my neck was brutal. I felt the pain within the first 3 yours of my two week-long trip! Luckily my backup camera was my OM-5 with Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 G2, so my R6II + RF 24-105mm f4.0L ended up staying back at the hotel the last few days.
Sadly, I was so tired from carring around my heavy R6II all day that I had zero energy to do any nightime street photography while on that trip. I definitely missed out due to packing the wrong gear for that trip.
Unfortunately, good low light performance usually means fast lenses + heavy full frame bodies. While some noisy images might be saved in post processing, not all of them can be saved. For years I've been struggling to find the perfect balance of lightweight gear that yields great IQ even in low light conditions.
Oct 05, 2026 at 12:00 PM
p.1 #6Portability vs IQ for Travel?
I do wildlife photography and also take a P&S camera with a built-in zoom lens and 4/3 senor for street photography.
Oct 05, 2026 at 12:44 PM
p.1 #7Portability vs IQ for Travel?
It's all so situational.
Just picked up an RX10 V as a backup travel / casual everyday walking-the-dog camera. We'll see how it goes.
If it's a once in a lifetime trip and will have the time and opportunities - I'm bringing the A1 II and the appropriate lenses.
If it's a quick outing with friends for dim sum - the iPhone 15Pro takes pretty good casual photos.
Just picked up an RX10 V as a backup travel / casual everyday walking-the-dog camera. We'll see how it goes.
If it's a once in a lifetime trip and will have the time and opportunities - I'm bringing the A1 II and the appropriate lenses.
If it's a quick outing with friends for dim sum - the iPhone 15Pro takes pretty good casual photos.
Oct 05, 2026 at 04:35 PM
p.1 #8Portability vs IQ for Travel?
Depends on the trip and circumstances. For "family" fun, not self-directed, car trip, bulk not as issue, type trips, "less" is easily better.
I'm cranking through 2500 or so shots from our recent trip (some are dupes, Craig's fat finger and the "new" A7Rvi shutter feel aren't melded yet). Most of the sharing will be over social media and many of the viewers will be looking at their phone on the other end. "IQ" is almost not a part of the considerations.
I'm cranking through 2500 or so shots from our recent trip (some are dupes, Craig's fat finger and the "new" A7Rvi shutter feel aren't melded yet). Most of the sharing will be over social media and many of the viewers will be looking at their phone on the other end. "IQ" is almost not a part of the considerations.
Oct 06, 2026 at 10:57 AM
p.1 #9Portability vs IQ for Travel?
I'm in the "depends on the trip and circumstances" camp. When I'm just traveling with no other purpose than exploring new places and activities, I travel light, with one carry on, a backpack and one camera - usually a 60mp, fixed lens camera. So I achieve both - high megapixels and portability. This summer we shot a wedding while traveling, so I loaded up with camera gear: a mirrorless (Z8) with multiple lenses, a flash with modifiers and a Q3 for my wife to use as a second shooter.
Oct 10, 2026 at 09:47 PM
p.1 #10Portability vs IQ for Travel?
If mostly cities and walking, probably MFT gear. I’ll bring more gear than i carry on any given day. I generally don’t use backpacks, but may use a small sling.
If driving around and landscapes, generally my Fuji GFX 100s plus MFT with long lenses. It all goes in the car every day and I just take what I need at a location.
If driving around and landscapes, generally my Fuji GFX 100s plus MFT with long lenses. It all goes in the car every day and I just take what I need at a location.
Oct 10, 2026 at 10:45 PM
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p.1 #11Portability vs IQ for Travel?
snegron7 wrote:
When traveling, do you lean more toward bringing along a heavy outfit for higher IQ, or a lighter outfit for portability?
Thinking about this a little more, I don’t think that it is an either/or proposition. It is perhaps more of a balance, and one that being personal for each photographer.
There is no question that you can do things with a big system (imagine a miniFM system with a full range of lenses, a solid tripod, plenty of filters, cases to ship it, and perhaps an assistant to help you transport it) that you can’t do with a small system (your phone). It is equally true that you can’t do things with that huge system (walk freely through narrow streets and become part of the scene without being a distraction) that you can do as a photographer with smaller gear.
:-)
When traveling, do you lean more toward bringing along a heavy outfit for higher IQ, or a lighter outfit for portability?
Thinking about this a little more, I don’t think that it is an either/or proposition. It is perhaps more of a balance, and one that being personal for each photographer.
There is no question that you can do things with a big system (imagine a miniFM system with a full range of lenses, a solid tripod, plenty of filters, cases to ship it, and perhaps an assistant to help you transport it) that you can’t do with a small system (your phone). It is equally true that you can’t do things with that huge system (walk freely through narrow streets and become part of the scene without being a distraction) that you can do as a photographer with smaller gear.
:-)
Oct 11, 2026 at 08:56 AM
p.1 #12Portability vs IQ for Travel?
Thus is the realm of compromise, in which photography is firmly planted. If weight becomes an issue then compromise and go with the best alternative. It's either that or endure.
Oct 12, 2026 at 04:58 AM
p.1 #13Portability vs IQ for Travel?
I travel with camera gear in a Nomatic backpack, which goes in the overhead and an under-the-seat Mindshift 13L sling, which holds all of my medicine, toothbrush and electronics. I book hotels with a safe and only take out a subset of the gear in the Nomatic. When full frame, I put a lens in my pocket and if needed, I utilize a pouch on my belt. With medium format, or when utilizing larger full frame zooms, I put my extra lens in the sling bag. All of my lenses far exceed my ability to exploit their amazing optics.
Oct 12, 2026 at 05:55 AM
p.1 #14Portability vs IQ for Travel?
Depends on what one means by IQ, but there are plenty compact cameras and lenses that deliver great images. I personally use the middle of the road setup that contains a compact camera ( not the most compact around ) and use lenses that are not light but not heavy either and I feel I can get great images with the outfit.
The quality of the image is always dependent on me…not the gear.
I don’t think it’s a one or the other type of choice.
The quality of the image is always dependent on me…not the gear.
I don’t think it’s a one or the other type of choice.
Oct 12, 2026 at 05:54 PM
p.1 #15Portability vs IQ for Travel?
I compromise or not based on the destination and details. If its business travel with a side day of street photos, I go to my light system that fits my laptop bag. If it Kauai or similar for fun and photos, I'm taking the heavy kit for the best possible images and a full travel photography back pack.
Oct 13, 2026 at 12:31 PM
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p.1 #16Portability vs IQ for Travel?
There are so many high IQ/small and light options these days. Questions like these reveal a lack of experience with the market or lack of personal experimentation instead of providing a basis of an actual discussion.
Oct 13, 2026 at 12:33 PM
p.1 #17Portability vs IQ for Travel?
^^^
Uh, lack of experience with a product is the reason people ask for advice.
If you cannot help, no one is forcing you to reply. ;-)
Uh, lack of experience with a product is the reason people ask for advice.
If you cannot help, no one is forcing you to reply. ;-)
Oct 13, 2026 at 06:15 PM
p.1 #18Portability vs IQ for Travel?
gdanmitchell wrote:
^^^
Uh, lack of experience with a product is the reason people ask for advice.
If you cannot help, no one is forcing you to reply. ;-)
Funny thing is he can't even read! Nothing in my original post asked for advice or recommendations in any way, shape or form whatsoever, yet he still takes it upon himself to provide a condescending remark. Kind of reminds of Tony the Troll, or "imagemaster" as he goes by here on FM.
Oct 13, 2026 at 06:33 PM
p.1 #19Portability vs IQ for Travel?
gdanmitchell wrote:
^^^
Uh, lack of experience with a product is the reason people ask for advice.
If you cannot help, no one is forcing you to reply. ;-)
Ditto
Oct 13, 2026 at 06:52 PM
p.1 #20Portability vs IQ for Travel?
My question to myself is: How much am I willing to carry 24/7?
The answer is less and less as I get older.
I was in Italy a few years ago and just brought 2 Lumix G100 bodies, a PL9, PL15, PL25 and Lumix 42.5 1.7. I didn't feel like I needed anything else. I had great image quality from each lens, enough speed to shoot in available darkness, and more than enough quality from the sensor.
Now I have a Lumix L10. I'd bring that, and another one just like it in case it crapped out on me, or if I dropped it. It's all I really need. But, everyone is different.
But then heck, I did print a shot from Joshua Tree that I made about 7 years ago using a Lumix G9 and a Laowa 7.5. The client wanted it big, so we went 40x60 inches, printed on aluminum, and it looks great. Client loves it. If I had a bigger kit, I'm not sure it would have made enough of a difference to risk more damage to the already damaged disks in my spine.
I never want to bring so much gear that it makes me too tired to go out. And I never want to leave anything in a room, or a car. I thank goodness that I'm not a pixel peeper, because then I'd have to have bigger and heavier, and more expensive, everything. And you know what, I've never seen a dull photo ever made to look more interesting or beautiful because it had more pixels. But, a more energetic photographer will always go the extra step to make a stronger photo.
The answer is less and less as I get older.
I was in Italy a few years ago and just brought 2 Lumix G100 bodies, a PL9, PL15, PL25 and Lumix 42.5 1.7. I didn't feel like I needed anything else. I had great image quality from each lens, enough speed to shoot in available darkness, and more than enough quality from the sensor.
Now I have a Lumix L10. I'd bring that, and another one just like it in case it crapped out on me, or if I dropped it. It's all I really need. But, everyone is different.
But then heck, I did print a shot from Joshua Tree that I made about 7 years ago using a Lumix G9 and a Laowa 7.5. The client wanted it big, so we went 40x60 inches, printed on aluminum, and it looks great. Client loves it. If I had a bigger kit, I'm not sure it would have made enough of a difference to risk more damage to the already damaged disks in my spine.
I never want to bring so much gear that it makes me too tired to go out. And I never want to leave anything in a room, or a car. I thank goodness that I'm not a pixel peeper, because then I'd have to have bigger and heavier, and more expensive, everything. And you know what, I've never seen a dull photo ever made to look more interesting or beautiful because it had more pixels. But, a more energetic photographer will always go the extra step to make a stronger photo.
Oct 13, 2026 at 07:42 PM