Re: Lightweight Backpacking Kit on a Modest Budget
Most of my shooting comes while backpacking. Usually 15 mile days with 3-4k gain, and in the Sierras, so weight is a big concern. My camera is mounted with PD clip on my backpack strap. I have both an a7iii and a6000. I don't bring the a7iii backpacking, the a6000 works great for me. I use the 18-135 most of the time, I also bring the 10-18 with me. I love the 18-135, it really does great for being a travel zoom "kit" lens. I often find myself shooting on the long end.
If the trip is occurring near new moon then I'll bring Sigma 16mm F1.4 in place of the 10-18. The new Samyang 12mm f2 AF is very tempting to replace 10-18 and Sigma 16mm for wide and astro duty. The Sigma is a bit heavy so its not ideal. I also prefer to bring the a6000 because I can bring a very small light tripod and I don't have to worry about it tipping over or not being steady. I also find the a6000 is less bulky feeling on my chest when backpack strap mounted. Also if my camera gets damaged then oh well it's a cheap body and I'm not cursing over it. On the image quality side I think the a6000 is just fine, if you are backpacking to backpack and taking photos is secondary and an added activity then the a6000 is perfect. If you are backpacking to specifically take photos at specific locations and you will be at specific locations at the best times of day then bringing a FF makes more sense.
