“Less Gear, Better Stories: Why I Streamlined My Setup”
For years, my camera bag was a beast. It was filled with an array of large, formidable lenses, each promising unparalleled sharpness, breathtaking bokeh, and the perfect focal length for every conceivable situation.
I hauled that weighty collection up hills, across miles of countryside, and through bustling city streets, often agonizing over which "monster" to attach for the perfect shot. More often than not, I'd get to my destination thoroughly exhausted, only to realize a hard truth: the perfect shot wasn't about the specific lens I chose, but the moment itself.
The Great Lens Purge
Those days are officially over. I've done it. I've purged the giants. All the big, heavy camera lenses are gone. And in their place? A quartet of delightful, compact lenses that perfectly complement my Sony A7cR and A7cII cameras:
24mm f/2.5 G – For wide environmental storytelling.
40mm f/2.5 G – My favorite "all-rounder" for everyday moments.
90mm f/2.8 Macro – For beautiful compression in portraits and details.
24-50mm f/2.8 G – A versatile zoom that covers my general needs without the weight.
The immediate feeling? Liberation.
Gone is the mental gymnastics of deciding which heavy prime or zoom to lug around. Gone is the aching shoulder from a bag filled with glass and metal. Now, my camera bag feels light—almost feather-like—and the joy of simply picking up my camera and going is back in full force.
"Creativity thrives within constraints. Instead of having every possible focal length at my fingertips, I'm now forced to think differently, to move my feet, and to truly see the scene before me."
Perspective Over Pounds
The 24mm forces me to get close and embrace the environment. The 40mm is a fantastic "standard" lens for a natural feel. The 90mm offers stunning clarity for the finer details. And the 24-50mm zoom covers the "in-between" without weighing me down.
The truth is, no matter what lenses you have, there's always a shot to be had. It's about your perspective, your eye, and your willingness to engage with the world around you, not the weight of your gear. This minimalist approach has not only lightened my load but broadened my creative horizons.
A Personal Choice
I understand that certain types of photography call for massive glass, and many photographers prefer the look of large telephoto lenses. Photography is a personal journey, and this is simply where mine has led me.
If you're feeling weighed down by your gear, perhaps it's time to consider a purge of your own. You might be surprised at the freedom you find.
New Work Coming Soon: I am currently putting this streamlined kit to work on a fresh series of images. Stay tuned—the new gallery will be launching here very soon.
