michael_maher1

<p>What to take is always a problem issue. When I'm traveling local (by car) I take it all, which in my case is relatively minimal but always adds up to a lot and it all get to go. Tripod, monopod, 2 camera bodies and lenses for both (one is a Canon 7d the other a small Fuji X-T1) plus a whole host of auxiliary stuff, most of which doesn't get used. Oh and then there is the MBPro.<br> Plane trips domestic or OS I do try to be more disciplined but again rarely succeed. I have a small Lowepro roller bag which is so good and works so well it always seems to me like it was designed by Doctor Who.<br> I always think carefully about taking a tripod because when I do it doesn't get used and when I don't take it I need it...no win there.<br> In more recent times I have been more careful and chosen to travel lightly with just the X-T1. I and a couple of lens. Later I will kick myself about the shots I missed because this or that bit of gear wasn't with me. Such is life.<br> But I have discovered there is a benefit to traveling light. Obviously, its a whole heap more comfortable, especially if like me you are getting on in years and the back is giving way. But also working with less is educational...I am convinced it has improved my photography. I have found that limited choices mean I have become more thoughtful about what I shoot.<br> The zoom lens for instance (in my opinion) makes us lazy, most of us will have more than one in the bag so we have choice on top of choice. Prime lenses on the other hand make us work more carefully to achieve the easy option found with a zoom...plus they are lighter and have better optics.<br> All that said, depending on what your shooting preferences are...wildlife, birds etc will mean that you will need to tote heavy equipment for a while to come yet.<br> Regards, Mike</p> <p> </p>

<p>Thanks Gary...looking forward to participating...I am member of a local camera club, which I enjoy. I have my own website which I also enjoy, and up to now a Flickr account. That last one is gone as far as I am concerned...flickr is a simple concept but since it has been taken over by Yahoo it has become so hard to work with I will be closing the flickr account...if that is possible.<br> From what I have seen Photo.net is a lot more than a place to park photos...so I am sure I will enjoy.<br> Mike</p>

<p>Thanks William...Yep for me the Fuji X range ticks all the boxes. I love that all the controls are on the outside (and pretty well everything else about it) it's just like my old film Spotmatic only smaller. My Canon has been semi retired and mostly only does Macro these days...still learning on that genre. Mike</p>

<p>Thanks to both of you for the welcome...this seems to be a pretty comprehensive community covering just about everything photographic. Just what I have been looking for. Regards Mike</p>

<p>I have been an enthusiastic photographer for more years than I care to remember so you might think I would have got it right by now...mmmmm, it ain't that easy and I am constantly looking at images from others and wondering how they can be so artistic and more to the point imaginative.<br> I am a member of my local camera club and find the competitions great, even won a couple but I have no doubt that I have a lot to learn...this is why I have joined PN.<br> My number one camera for some time now has been a Canon 7d with the usual collection of lenses. But in recent times my back has been complaining at the weight. About 2 years back I decided to see if fuji mirrorless could help and bought an X-PRO 1....I loved it but I love the X-T1 that I recently replaced it with even more.<br> I have placed just a few of my images on my workspace <<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/member-photos?user_id=9949687" target="_blank">http://www.photo.net/photodb/member-photos?user_id=9949687</a>><br> and if you have the time I would be grateful if you could check out my website. <http://www.bilgolafoto.com.au> <br> Looking forward to sharing with other members and hoping that I may be able to contribute<br> Regards to all,<br> Mike</p>