Weight Loss

[boBQuincy]

Not me, but my camera bag!

I typically carry a Canon 30D, 24-105, and 70-200 f/4, not as much as some other photographers but still almost 5 pounds! Add the bag itself, a couple spare batteries, etc. and we are closing in on 7 pounds, which feels like a lot after a 12 hour day in the parks. So, can the load be reduced *without losing any image quality*?

The short answer is probably no, but how about with no *significant* loss of image quality in most conditions? A Rebel Xsi with 24-85 and 55-250 lenses gives over a 2 pound weight reduction!!! I could go for that.

We have a 24-85 and it is not bad, not quite up to a 24-105 and it has no IS but image quality is quite good. At f/8 I can't tell a difference in sharpness, even with pixel-peeping.
The big question is how does the 55-250 compare to a 70-200 f/4, one of Canon's best lenses?
We also have a Canon 55-200, the precursor to the 55-250. Again, with both lenses stopped down to about f/8 the IQ loss is not that bad but it is noticeable, even at reasonable magnification. It's at the long end where the lower cost lens gives it up, even at f/8 it is only one stop down from wide open and it just is not that good.

The bright spot in all this appears to be the Xsi body, almost a pound lighter than the 30D but with almost no compromises. I previously dismissed the Rebel series due to the poor handling and loss of features compared to the D series but Canon has corrected most of that on this newest model.
Wow, I feel lighter already (and my wallet does too)!

 

[Michele]

Wow! I've been considering an upgrade from the original Digital Rebel (300D, I believe) to the 40D. But comparing the XSi side by side to the 40D at DPreview, you may have something here. I was concerned about the weight of the 40D when I held it. I'm going to take a closer look at the 450D (XSi).

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I'm seriously thinking about getting a 450D and a 5DM2 (or whatever it is) as my next two cameras. I want the 450D for something lighter, smaller, and with the crop factor and something better and full frame. I also like having extra bodies for when the need arises. Sadly, my AC just went out and needs some expensive replacing, so my toy budget is rather impacted.

 

[pjacobi]

First, decide what you are trying to accomplish with your equipment! Are your doing serious photography or just taking snapshots?

If you are doing serious photography, then you probably won't mind the weight of the 30D and a bag full of lenses.

If you are just taking snapshots, i.e., using a dSLR in full auto "green box" mode, 4x6 prints, consider buying a high quality P/S camera. Most P/S will fit in your pocket and handle most snapshot. In some situtations, a P/S camera can yield an image almost as good as a dSLR.


-Paul

 

[Groucho]

I think I did a comparison quite a while ago, about primes vs zooms... comparing Canons, you could get a 50mm, 100mm, and 200mm prime, and the total weight was less than the 70-200mm, and cost less, too. I can only assume that the numbers were for the F2.8 zoom, so it probably isn't a valid comparison for you, but I don't remember for sure. But that's one way to lose some weight.

Of course, it doesn't always work out that way in real life... my 105mm macro is pretty heavy, being older and all-metal and manual focus - but boy, does it feel (and work) nice!

As for handling - have you picked up an XSi in person yet? I mean, they're still pretty tiny and lacking in external controls compared to yours and the build quality certainly won't compete. Functionality-wise, they're right up there... but I'd have a hard time going backwards in terms of things like two wheels and direct control over various advanced features.

 

[jann1033]

boy i don't know what is wrong with me since i have been agreeing with Pentax aficionados groucho and uk lately so much lmao: ) but i agree here as well.

the xsi has some really nice features but the things it lacks are the things i want so i'll carry the extra weight ( and i really will since Sherpa hubby only carries the lenses and bag, i carry the camera) now if i already had a faster camera i might not care.( in particular, mostly for me it's the wildlife issue i find so annoyingly frustrating... if anyone remembers my dolphinless dolphin photos) and the 55-250 gets some good reviews for a $300 lens...as a wdw kit it sounds like it would be good enough to get decent photos and not as backbreaking. except for the low light issues but the 50mm 1.8 weighs what an oz and a 1/2?

although i have to somewhat disagree that "weigh" makes you a better photographer... if that's the case we need to all lug those wood behemoths through the parks

 

[Groucho]

boy i don't know what is wrong with me since i have been agreeing with Pentax aficionados groucho and uk lately so much lmao: ) but i agree here as well.

Jann, I still believe that you're a Pentax user trapped in a Canon user's body. You'll break free one of these days.

 

[jann1033]

Jann, I still believe that you're a Pentax user trapped in a Canon user's body. You'll break free one of these days.

funny you should say that..i once saw a tongue in cheek article about who buys what brand of camera...i did fit the "pentax" characteristics ( as far as i recall it was"the rebelish( hehe no pun/brand showcasing intended) type who don't mind being a tad left of center ") and didn't fit the "canon type" at all but to late now, the canon side will just have to be my alter ego