I Did Another Gear Overhaul and I’m Thrilled About It
A couple of years ago, I wrote here about how I simplified my gear. I had accumulated way too much stuff, so I pared things down to just a few lenses I’d actually use. That approach still resonates with me—fewer things, used more often—but recently, I changed things up again.
This time, simplification came in the form of carrying less weight.
As I’ve gotten older (hello, backaches and shoulder pain), I’ve decided I want smaller, lighter gear when I’m out shooting—without sacrificing image quality.
I’m still firmly in the Sony full-frame camp. I love the image quality, I love the lenses, and Sony just fits my style. But I’ve noticed that the camera bodies have grown over time—starting to feel more like my old Nikon D700 from over a decade ago. And part of what drew me to mirrorless in the first place was the smaller size and lighter weight.
For the past few years, I’ve shot with the 42MP Sony A7RIII. It's an incredible camera I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. But I’ve been craving a few modern features—without losing resolution or adding bulk.
I was tempted by the Sony A7RV, but it’s a bit larger and heavier than I want. Enter the A7CR: slightly smaller than my A7RIII, but with the same 61MP sensor as the A7RV. It gives me higher resolution, a more compact body, and some great new features. I had to give up a few (minor, to me) things—but the tradeoff was well worth it.
Sony had a nice trade-in deal, so I handed in my old A7II (which I hadn’t used in a while and ran on the older batteries). I’m keeping the A7RIII as my backup, and since both it and the A7CR use the same batteries, that’s one less thing to juggle. Two bodies, one battery format—simple.
While I was at it, I swapped out a couple of big zoom lenses too. I loved the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GMII and FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GMII—but wow, they’re heavy. Amazing lenses, no doubt, but they wore me down on long days.
Now I’ve got the FE 16-25mm f/2.8G and the FE 24-50mm f/2.8G instead. Smaller, lighter, and more affordable—plus, the shorter focal lengths are a better fit for my shooting style. Selling the GM lenses helped fund the A7CR and these lenses, so that’s a bonus. Definitely a solid reduction in bulk and weight.
Yes, I did lose the 70mm end—but I added the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD. It’s a mouthful for a lens name, but it’s light, compact, and budget-friendly. The aperture isn’t super bright, but for how I use it (occasional telephoto work), it’s perfect.
Technically, I now have a 20mm gap between 50mm and 70mm. Honestly? I don’t care. I mostly shoot wide anyway, and this Tamron gives me reach when I need it. I won't bring it on every trip, but I love having the option.
Oh—and I couldn’t resist grabbing another prime (I have a thing for these little guys). I picked up the FE 50mm f/1.8—tiny, lightweight, super affordable, and perfect for street photography or the occasional portrait. It was used and in great shape, so why not?
My Updated Kit
Here’s the current lineup:
Sony A7CR – primary camera
Sony A7RIII – backup camera
Sony 16-25mm f/2.8G – main landscape lens
Sony 24-50mm f/2.8G – midrange zoom, all around use
Sony 14mm f/1.8 – landscapes, night sky
Sony 20mm f/1.8 – landscapes, cityscapes
Sony 24mm f/1.4 – cityscapes, street, occasional landscape/night sky work
Sony 35mm f/1.4 – cityscapes, street
Sony 50mm f/1.8 – street, portrait
Tamron 70-300mm – zoomzilla
I think I’m set for a long while. (Famous last words?)
If you’re curious about my full gear list—including software, tripods, bags, accessories and more —I keep everything up to date on my gear page.
Now it’s time to go shoot!
What are you shooting these days?
