What's in your walking around kit?

Sandy Hancock · 07-14-2013, 07:16 PM

My walk-around kit changes all the time, but centres around what I can carry in an old Sony compact shoulder case. It was designed for my first digital camera, which had a fairly small body but a humungous Zeiss superzoom out the front on a pivoting mount. The case is well padded, looks pretty sharp, measures about 8"x6"x4", weighs next to nothing, is comfortable to carry even while running and is pretty much weather proof.

At the moment it has my K-5 IIs with DA21 mounted (my single in July challenge lens) and FA43/FA77 piggybacked on an Op/Tec double rear cap. The pockets on the sides have room for a filter or two and a spare battery if I feel really keen.

If I pack the K-01 instead, the bag can also accommodate four limited lenses on two Op/Tec rear caps.

Alternately, it will hold my Q10 with all four lenses and a battery charger if I'm that way inclined.

If I want to go WR I can keep the K-5 and DA*16-50 around my neck, and use the case for either the DA*50-135, or the DA*55 and DFA100WR doubled up.

If the case is not big enough it is no longer a walk-around.

Last edited by Sandy Hancock; 07-14-2013 at 07:23 PM.

**Esky** · 07-15-2013, 04:35 AM

I'm going to preface this comment with that fact that I am a beginner with about 12 months experience.

I spent close to two weeks last year cruising the Baltics, on and off the boat most days wondering around in awe talking as many photos as I could. My walking around kit slimmed down very quickly, and consisted of:

K30
DA 18-135 WR
DA 50 F1.8

The 18-135 spent most time on the K30, I like the versatilely it offered as a "walk" around lens. The DA 50 didn't see a lot of use but I could some great street photography with it.

The big mistake I made was my camera strap, the standard strap that came with the K30 just didn't cut it and at the end of a day walking with the camera swinging of my neck wasn't ideal. I've since purchased a Black Rapid Sport...one word...AWESOME.

About the head overseas again soon, so the BR is about the get a good work out.

Carried all this around in a Lowepro 102 AW slingshot bag, which was efficient and easy to use and made access to the camera and gear easy.

normhead · 07-15-2013, 05:35 AM

The 18-135 is my favourite walk around lens... if I take my belt and shoulder strap then, the DA*60-250 goes as well, with either the Sigma 70 macro (or Tamron 90 macro), or the Sigma 8-16 depending on whether or not there will be flowers or architecture. I also might add to that the K-01 with the 21 ltd or 40 xs on it around my neck.

If we want to go really light then the Sigma 18-250 plus the 8-16, but, it has to be a bright sunny day with no chance of moisture.

**TER-OR** · 07-15-2013, 06:21 AM

The 18-135 for general stuff, though during good birding season the 55-300 is usually on the camera. Now, during beespotting season I will occasionally take the DA100 macro. Rarely anything else, unless I'm looking for special shots.

I'm pretty satisfied with the 18-135 and have been caught a few times in summer showers on dog walkies.

I rented that Sigma 8-16 for a couple weeks. I really enjoyed that lens and took some really nice images with it. It's fun and very different from my 10-17 fisheye.

normhead · 07-15-2013, 06:26 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by TER-OR

The 18-135 for general stuff, though during good birding season the 55-300 is usually on the camera. Now, during beespotting season I will occasionally take the DA100 macro. Rarely anything else, unless I'm looking for special shots.

I'm pretty satisfied with the 18-135 and have been caught a few times in summer showers on dog walkies.

I rented that Sigma 8-16 for a couple weeks. I really enjoyed that lens and took some really nice images with it. It's fun and very different from my 10-17 fisheye.

Ya, if you position Tess on the edge of the 10-17 fisheye, it makes her look tall and skinny, if you position her on the edge of the 8-16 it makes her look short and thick. The she likes the fisheye, she hates the 8-16. The 8-16 could get you in trouble.

ToyTank · 07-15-2013, 07:02 AM

If I am going for a hike I like to travel light as possible(water is heavy and needed to live!)

One body(K30) Sigma 18-250 HSM "Macro" is surprisingly sharp for a hyperzoom and handles a large range of shots well enough. Close focus is handy but no replacement for a true macro.

Second lens depends on what I think I may need that day. Sometimes I take 3 lenses but I try to limit myself to 2.

Low Light or portraits-M-SMC 50/1.4

Bug/Flower hunting- Tamron 90/2.8 macro

Landscape, Buildings, Pets, Sky- Rokinon 8mm Fisheye. Fun lens I like the perspective you can get with it.

Lightning/Rain- DA 18-55 WR

If I'm hunting bugs or flowers I will bring either a Af360 or YN560 flash and diffuser. I have a Carbon Fiber monopod that was pretty cheap and quite useful. I have a ultrapod II that works pretty well and fits in the camera bag. If I really need it I will bring a full tripod but it always seems to be bulky and P.I.A to carry everywhere and between monopod and ultrapod I have alot of flexibility.

cyclone3d · 07-15-2013, 08:23 AM

My current walking around kit is as follows:

K-30
DA 10-17
DA 18-55 WR
FA 50 1.4
Panagor PMC 90mm 2.8 macro
DA L 55-300

Nikon SB-26 flash - works fine in Auto mode.

Those pretty much cover whatever I want to shoot for the most part.

Something like an 18-135 or 17-70 would be nice to replace the 18-55 so I have a decent amount of overlap.

I would also like to have a ~50mm 1.2 as well.

Last edited by cyclone3d; 07-15-2013 at 08:25 AM. Reason: re-arrange

dtmateojr · 07-20-2013, 02:04 PM

I'm wondering how you guys "walk around" with so much gear. I thought walk around kit is something that you bring, say, during lunch breaks.

PlumRT · 07-20-2013, 03:11 PM

My tripod and sling pack
K-30
18-55wr
Rokinon 8 fisheye
Sigma 10-20 f4 (soon)

If we get into going out allot will consider another lens to replace the kit lens for nice days

Schmidlapper · 07-20-2013, 03:38 PM

a K5 w/battery grip, extra battery, rocket blower, Pentax remote f, 49mm polarizing filter, sekonic incident light meter, DA15, DA35 macro, DA70 Ltds, FA*24/2 and a DA55-300, oh and a couple kitchen trash bags for emergency weather events.

**dadipentak** · 07-20-2013, 07:29 PM

I like to mix it up and it depends on what I think I'll be shooting, conditions and my mood.. At an event, I want auto focus: for a walk in the woods, manual lenses are fine. I use a sling pack--sometimes in combination with a Black Rapid strap or a big (long & fast) lens on a monopod. Also, since I rarely wander more that 300 yards from my car, I cheat by filling the trunk with lenses (you know: just in case.;~)

bass3587 · 07-20-2013, 07:42 PM

Pentax K5
Pentax SMC A35-105 alternating with the Pentax DA18-135 and my trusty Pentax F50 1.7 always comes for a ride. If I need a longer focal length then I'll move my feet.

Almost forgot to add the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 as some days it's paired with the A35-105 and DA55-300. Then only light one in the bunch is the 55-300

cyclone3d · 07-20-2013, 07:48 PM

Originally posted by dtmateojr

I'm wondering how you guys "walk around" with so much gear. I thought walk around kit is something that you bring, say, during lunch breaks.

I have a small camera backpack that goes with me anytime I plan on taking pictures.

wildman · 07-20-2013, 09:08 PM

For a true random "walk around"....

K5+Tammy 18-200 and I always have the Canon S95 handy in my shirt pocket for special situations.
Actually for walk around often the little Canon is more effective than the K5.

Finstermoor · 07-21-2013, 04:38 AM

Hiho!

Just the DA18-135 or DA35 depending on my mood that day (the WR lens for sure if I expect rain). Everything more than this I would not consider as 'walk around' setup.

So long, Finster.

07-15-2013, 07:02 AM	#51
ToyTank Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 675	If I am going for a hike I like to travel light as possible(water is heavy and needed to live!) One body(K30) Sigma 18-250 HSM "Macro" is surprisingly sharp for a hyperzoom and handles a large range of shots well enough. Close focus is handy but no replacement for a true macro. Second lens depends on what I think I may need that day. Sometimes I take 3 lenses but I try to limit myself to 2. Low Light or portraits-M-SMC 50/1.4 Bug/Flower hunting- Tamron 90/2.8 macro Landscape, Buildings, Pets, Sky- Rokinon 8mm Fisheye. Fun lens I like the perspective you can get with it. Lightning/Rain- DA 18-55 WR If I'm hunting bugs or flowers I will bring either a Af360 or YN560 flash and diffuser. I have a Carbon Fiber monopod that was pretty cheap and quite useful. I have a ultrapod II that works pretty well and fits in the camera bag. If I really need it I will bring a full tripod but it always seems to be bulky and P.I.A to carry everywhere and between monopod and ultrapod I have alot of flexibility. Last edited by ToyTank; 07-15-2013 at 09:19 PM.

07-20-2013, 07:42 PM	#57
bass3587 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 517	Pentax K5 Pentax SMC A35-105 alternating with the Pentax DA18-135 and my trusty Pentax F50 1.7 always comes for a ride. If I need a longer focal length then I'll move my feet. Almost forgot to add the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 as some days it's paired with the A35-105 and DA55-300. Then only light one in the bunch is the 55-300 Last edited by bass3587; 07-20-2013 at 08:34 PM. Reason: Added second walk around kit

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07-14-2013, 07:16 PM	#46
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,276	My walk-around kit changes all the time, but centres around what I can carry in an old Sony compact shoulder case. It was designed for my first digital camera, which had a fairly small body but a humungous Zeiss superzoom out the front on a pivoting mount. The case is well padded, looks pretty sharp, measures about 8"x6"x4", weighs next to nothing, is comfortable to carry even while running and is pretty much weather proof. At the moment it has my K-5 IIs with DA21 mounted (my single in July challenge lens) and FA43/FA77 piggybacked on an Op/Tec double rear cap. The pockets on the sides have room for a filter or two and a spare battery if I feel really keen. If I pack the K-01 instead, the bag can also accommodate four limited lenses on two Op/Tec rear caps. Alternately, it will hold my Q10 with all four lenses and a battery charger if I'm that way inclined. If I want to go WR I can keep the K-5 and DA16-50 around my neck, and use the case for either the DA50-135, or the DA55 and DFA100WR doubled up. If the case is not big enough it is no longer a walk-around. Last edited by Sandy Hancock; 07-14-2013 at 07:23 PM.*

07-15-2013, 04:35 AM	#47
Esky Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Perth - that's in Australia Posts: 48	I'm going to preface this comment with that fact that I am a beginner with about 12 months experience. I spent close to two weeks last year cruising the Baltics, on and off the boat most days wondering around in awe talking as many photos as I could. My walking around kit slimmed down very quickly, and consisted of: K30 DA 18-135 WR DA 50 F1.8 The 18-135 spent most time on the K30, I like the versatilely it offered as a "walk" around lens. The DA 50 didn't see a lot of use but I could some great street photography with it. The big mistake I made was my camera strap, the standard strap that came with the K30 just didn't cut it and at the end of a day walking with the camera swinging of my neck wasn't ideal. I've since purchased a Black Rapid Sport...one word...AWESOME. About the head overseas again soon, so the BR is about the get a good work out. Carried all this around in a Lowepro 102 AW slingshot bag, which was efficient and easy to use and made access to the camera and gear easy.

07-15-2013, 05:35 AM	#48
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	The 18-135 is my favourite walk around lens... if I take my belt and shoulder strap then, the DA*60-250 goes as well, with either the Sigma 70 macro (or Tamron 90 macro), or the Sigma 8-16 depending on whether or not there will be flowers or architecture. I also might add to that the K-01 with the 21 ltd or 40 xs on it around my neck. If we want to go really light then the Sigma 18-250 plus the 8-16, but, it has to be a bright sunny day with no chance of moisture.

07-15-2013, 06:21 AM	#49
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	The 18-135 for general stuff, though during good birding season the 55-300 is usually on the camera. Now, during beespotting season I will occasionally take the DA100 macro. Rarely anything else, unless I'm looking for special shots. I'm pretty satisfied with the 18-135 and have been caught a few times in summer showers on dog walkies. I rented that Sigma 8-16 for a couple weeks. I really enjoyed that lens and took some really nice images with it. It's fun and very different from my 10-17 fisheye.

07-15-2013, 06:26 AM - 1 Like	#50
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by TER-OR The 18-135 for general stuff, though during good birding season the 55-300 is usually on the camera. Now, during beespotting season I will occasionally take the DA100 macro. Rarely anything else, unless I'm looking for special shots. I'm pretty satisfied with the 18-135 and have been caught a few times in summer showers on dog walkies. I rented that Sigma 8-16 for a couple weeks. I really enjoyed that lens and took some really nice images with it. It's fun and very different from my 10-17 fisheye. Ya, if you position Tess on the edge of the 10-17 fisheye, it makes her look tall and skinny, if you position her on the edge of the 8-16 it makes her look short and thick. The she likes the fisheye, she hates the 8-16. The 8-16 could get you in trouble.

07-15-2013, 08:23 AM	#52
cyclone3d Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 511	My current walking around kit is as follows: K-30 DA 10-17 DA 18-55 WR FA 50 1.4 Panagor PMC 90mm 2.8 macro DA L 55-300 Nikon SB-26 flash - works fine in Auto mode. Those pretty much cover whatever I want to shoot for the most part. Something like an 18-135 or 17-70 would be nice to replace the 18-55 so I have a decent amount of overlap. I would also like to have a ~50mm 1.2 as well. Last edited by cyclone3d; 07-15-2013 at 08:25 AM. Reason: re-arrange

07-20-2013, 02:04 PM	#53
dtmateojr Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 604	I'm wondering how you guys "walk around" with so much gear. I thought walk around kit is something that you bring, say, during lunch breaks.

07-20-2013, 03:11 PM	#54
PlumRT Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: AZ Page LkPowell Posts: 50	My tripod and sling pack K-30 18-55wr Rokinon 8 fisheye Sigma 10-20 f4 (soon) If we get into going out allot will consider another lens to replace the kit lens for nice days

07-20-2013, 03:38 PM	#55
Schmidlapper Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Photos: Gallery Posts: 534	a K5 w/battery grip, extra battery, rocket blower, Pentax remote f, 49mm polarizing filter, sekonic incident light meter, DA15, DA35 macro, DA70 Ltds, FA*24/2 and a DA55-300, oh and a couple kitchen trash bags for emergency weather events.

07-20-2013, 07:29 PM	#56
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	I like to mix it up and it depends on what I think I'll be shooting, conditions and my mood.. At an event, I want auto focus: for a walk in the woods, manual lenses are fine. I use a sling pack--sometimes in combination with a Black Rapid strap or a big (long & fast) lens on a monopod. Also, since I rarely wander more that 300 yards from my car, I cheat by filling the trunk with lenses (you know: just in case.;~)

07-20-2013, 07:48 PM	#58
cyclone3d Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 511	Originally posted by dtmateojr I'm wondering how you guys "walk around" with so much gear. I thought walk around kit is something that you bring, say, during lunch breaks. I have a small camera backpack that goes with me anytime I plan on taking pictures.

07-20-2013, 09:08 PM	#59
wildman Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Flyover America Posts: 4,469	For a true random "walk around".... K5+Tammy 18-200 and I always have the Canon S95 handy in my shirt pocket for special situations. Actually for walk around often the little Canon is more effective than the K5.

07-21-2013, 04:38 AM	#60
Finstermoor New Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Dessau Posts: 11	Hiho! Just the DA18-135 or DA35 depending on my mood that day (the WR lens for sure if I expect rain). Everything more than this I would not consider as 'walk around' setup. So long, Finster.