Tom Reichner

MY THOUGHTS ABOUT THE SIZE & WEIGHT OF GEAR

When someone is building a house, they don't complain that the circular saw is too big to fit in their lunchpail. When someone goes water skiing, they don't complain that the water skis won't fit in their purse. Yet for some bizarre reason, many photographers have whacked mindsets about what the size and weight of their gear should be.

For years, my everyday walkaround lens was the Canon 400 f2.8, which weighs 12 pounds. Then I switched from that to the Sigma 300-800mm, which was also 12 pounds.

Then two years ago I switched to a MUCH lighter and smaller lens for everyday shooting, the Sigma 60-600mm. This is half the weight, at just 6 pounds.

Yet, many people complain that LITTLE lenses like the 100-400mm f5.6 or the 70-200mm f2.8 are just too big and heavy for them. I just don't get that mindset. After all, we are out there solely to do photography .... it's not like we are out and about for other things and just want to have a camera in our pocket in case a good photo opportunity pops up.

For serious photographers, the only reason that we are out there, wherever it is that we are, is to do photography, so it stands to reason that we would not mind carrying professional-level gear. High-end photography isn't supposed to be convenient and easy, it is supposed to be productive. To go on a photo shoot and then complain that the lens won't fit into a pocket or handbag ..... is just ludicrous.