I wrote about a similar problem in a recent post. When I returned to photography around four years ago, I bought a mirrorless Sony camera with several Sigma Art lenses. While Sony is a relatively lightweight camera for its build quality and capabilities, the lenses definitely weren’t. Not only were they heavy, but they were also huge, and the fantastic image quality couldn’t really make up for it. Since then, I’ve sold them all. Nowadays I use a 40mm f/2.5 lens from Sony, which still offers a fantastic image quality at 173g, compared to 815g of the Sigma 50/1.4 I used to own. I don’t need f/1.4, and f/1.8 or even f/2.8 is completely sufficient for my needs. I am even happy to increase ISO to compensate for the loss in brightness, since I usually add grain in software anyways. I also occasionally mount vintage lenses on my camera—in particular, Zuikos, which are extremely small and compact.
Yes, Sigma Art lenses are fabulous but indeed super heavy. I checked my Lightroom catalogue to see how much personal photography I had done with that lens after getting it. It was just a little over 1300 photos in 10 years. At least I used it a lot more for work, but it still makes me a bit sad to think about all the beautiful photography, I COULD have made with that lens :-) I'm glad you found a lightweight solution that works for you. Personally I will stick to film and iPhone. At least for now. Thanks a lot for commenting!
If the IPhone/film camera combination works well for you, why change a winning team? Of course in the ages of mirrorless cameras you have smaller alternative than a 5d and for sure the Fujifilm is outstanding when it comes to their film simulation of one doesn’t like editing. But is there a benefit for you?
Yes, you are right. I think I will stick to my current solution. I have definitely decided to give up on the DSLR, but I have to admit, that I am not ready for beginning all over with a whole new system (Fujifilm). I will probably begin to shoot even more film in order to use the phone less. It will be a bit expensive, but I think I will be more happy with the result. Thank you so much for commenting!
I often think about selling my DSLR to get the money for a Sony RX100 VII or other high-end compact camera. I like the idea of a small camera I can take anywhere. I have not done that yet but I am still thinking of it.
It's funny, after writing this post and seeing how other people have replaced their DSLR or are considering it, I am more and more convinced, that it's the right thing to do, and that maybe these big cameras are a bit outdated unless of course you use them for professional purposes. A lot of things have changed in these ten years and I guess it's more than ok to say goodbye to our DSLRs :-) Thank you so much for commenting!
I’ve had the same thoughts about my Canon Dslr some years ago. I went over to Fujifilm. Compact plus film simulations. Instead of shooting RAW and spending (too) much time with PS, I now only shoot Jpeg straight out of camera most of the time. In my next post you can read more about my journey😉
I totally understand you and the problem with heavy DSLR. I chose to go back to a smaller camera instead that I always carry with me and a lot easier to get the pictures when I want.
Yes, I guess most people use smaller (mirrorless) cameras today. I am happy to have my film cameras, which are so easy to bring with me. I can even bring two of them and still not be anything near the weight of the DSLR :-) Thank you for commenting!
Well, I have no experience with Fuji, so I wouldn't know. I tried once to shoot both raw and jpeg to see if I was happy with the jpeg files as they were. Needless to say I wasn't, so that did not work for me... I don't mind a minimum of editing, but I definitely enjoyed it a lot more in the beginning of my photography journey. Thank you for commenting!
I really hope you'll find a solution that fits you and your pocket! I wrote about the process of how I chose my camera last week, feel free to check it out😊☘️
There was a time I went on a solo trip to Vienna and didn't bring my DSLR for the reasons you mentioned🤦🏼♀️. That's when I knew I had to switch systems!
The film and phone combination sounds ideal to me. You have been through a lot with your old camera, and it is probably not that fantastic in a trade.... I have my dad's camera a Contaflex and my first serious camera, a T70 Canon on a nice shelf. I got rid of straps, lens caps, filters, tripods, flash, etc. Just the body and lens of the two cameras are left. When I look at them, I remember where I came from. I like that. They will never be used again, but they are part of the journey. I treasure that.
I think you are right. It's probably a bit pointless to invest further in this old camera by buying a new lens which wouldn't even be perfect. The phone (at least for now) may continue to be my digital camera, as long as I use my film cameras more often, which I do. I love how you keep your old cameras which meant something special to you on display. I may copy that idea :-) Thank you for taking your time to comment!
I wrote about a similar problem in a recent post. When I returned to photography around four years ago, I bought a mirrorless Sony camera with several Sigma Art lenses. While Sony is a relatively lightweight camera for its build quality and capabilities, the lenses definitely weren’t. Not only were they heavy, but they were also huge, and the fantastic image quality couldn’t really make up for it. Since then, I’ve sold them all. Nowadays I use a 40mm f/2.5 lens from Sony, which still offers a fantastic image quality at 173g, compared to 815g of the Sigma 50/1.4 I used to own. I don’t need f/1.4, and f/1.8 or even f/2.8 is completely sufficient for my needs. I am even happy to increase ISO to compensate for the loss in brightness, since I usually add grain in software anyways. I also occasionally mount vintage lenses on my camera—in particular, Zuikos, which are extremely small and compact.
Yes, Sigma Art lenses are fabulous but indeed super heavy. I checked my Lightroom catalogue to see how much personal photography I had done with that lens after getting it. It was just a little over 1300 photos in 10 years. At least I used it a lot more for work, but it still makes me a bit sad to think about all the beautiful photography, I COULD have made with that lens :-) I'm glad you found a lightweight solution that works for you. Personally I will stick to film and iPhone. At least for now. Thanks a lot for commenting!
Hey Birgitte,
If the IPhone/film camera combination works well for you, why change a winning team? Of course in the ages of mirrorless cameras you have smaller alternative than a 5d and for sure the Fujifilm is outstanding when it comes to their film simulation of one doesn’t like editing. But is there a benefit for you?
Loved reading your thoughts
Cheers Hanno
Yes, you are right. I think I will stick to my current solution. I have definitely decided to give up on the DSLR, but I have to admit, that I am not ready for beginning all over with a whole new system (Fujifilm). I will probably begin to shoot even more film in order to use the phone less. It will be a bit expensive, but I think I will be more happy with the result. Thank you so much for commenting!
I often think about selling my DSLR to get the money for a Sony RX100 VII or other high-end compact camera. I like the idea of a small camera I can take anywhere. I have not done that yet but I am still thinking of it.
It's funny, after writing this post and seeing how other people have replaced their DSLR or are considering it, I am more and more convinced, that it's the right thing to do, and that maybe these big cameras are a bit outdated unless of course you use them for professional purposes. A lot of things have changed in these ten years and I guess it's more than ok to say goodbye to our DSLRs :-) Thank you so much for commenting!
I’ve had the same thoughts about my Canon Dslr some years ago. I went over to Fujifilm. Compact plus film simulations. Instead of shooting RAW and spending (too) much time with PS, I now only shoot Jpeg straight out of camera most of the time. In my next post you can read more about my journey😉
I have indeed considered Fujifilm, and I won't exclude that I will one day get one. I will subscribe and follow your work. Thank you for commenting!
Thank you Brigitte 🙏 and I also start following your account.
I totally understand you and the problem with heavy DSLR. I chose to go back to a smaller camera instead that I always carry with me and a lot easier to get the pictures when I want.
Yes, I guess most people use smaller (mirrorless) cameras today. I am happy to have my film cameras, which are so easy to bring with me. I can even bring two of them and still not be anything near the weight of the DSLR :-) Thank you for commenting!
I'm so glad I'm not the only photographer who hates editing🤯! I love the process and being out in the streets📸, not spending hours in Lightroom.
My solution is to shoot jpeg only, and even though I might be a little biased😉, I think the Fujifilm film simulations are everything.
Well, I have no experience with Fuji, so I wouldn't know. I tried once to shoot both raw and jpeg to see if I was happy with the jpeg files as they were. Needless to say I wasn't, so that did not work for me... I don't mind a minimum of editing, but I definitely enjoyed it a lot more in the beginning of my photography journey. Thank you for commenting!
I really hope you'll find a solution that fits you and your pocket! I wrote about the process of how I chose my camera last week, feel free to check it out😊☘️
I read that post! It was great! I loved your thought about keeping it simple.
There was a time I went on a solo trip to Vienna and didn't bring my DSLR for the reasons you mentioned🤦🏼♀️. That's when I knew I had to switch systems!
Yes, I think I will stick to my film cameras from now on...
The film and phone combination sounds ideal to me. You have been through a lot with your old camera, and it is probably not that fantastic in a trade.... I have my dad's camera a Contaflex and my first serious camera, a T70 Canon on a nice shelf. I got rid of straps, lens caps, filters, tripods, flash, etc. Just the body and lens of the two cameras are left. When I look at them, I remember where I came from. I like that. They will never be used again, but they are part of the journey. I treasure that.
I think you are right. It's probably a bit pointless to invest further in this old camera by buying a new lens which wouldn't even be perfect. The phone (at least for now) may continue to be my digital camera, as long as I use my film cameras more often, which I do. I love how you keep your old cameras which meant something special to you on display. I may copy that idea :-) Thank you for taking your time to comment!