My Camera Gear Evolution: From Pro Travel to Lightweight Mom Setup
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Note: This post was originally written when I was a solo travel photographer. I have updated it for 2025 to include my new 'Mom Setup', the lightweight gear I actually use with a baby. Jump to or scroll down for the Gear Iāve retired.
Why I Changed My Gear
For years, I relied on a heavy, dual-camera setup for my photography work. My kit was massive: a Nikon Z6II with the 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom, a 35mm prime for portraits, plus a backup Nikon D7200 with a telephoto lens.
But when I became a mom, everything changed. Trying to carry two cameras, three lenses, and an adapter, plus a diaper bag, stroller, and a baby, was impossible.
I didn't want to downgrade to just using my phone, so I found a 'hack' that lets me keep my professional camera body but cuts the weight in half.
My Lightweight "Mom Mode" Setup (Under 2 lbs)
The Camera Body: Nikon Z6II
I am still using my beloved Nikon Z6II. It is the heart of my kit. The most significant difference I noticed between this mirrorless camera and my old DSLRs is how well it performs under low-light situations and how sharp the images turn out.
Why I kept it: I didn't want to buy a whole new "mom camera." The Z6II is durable, fast, and I already know how to use it.
The "Magic" Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7
Weight: 135g (Tiny!)
Price: $266 (Very Affordable)
This is the secret sauce. This is technically a "Crop Sensor" (DX) lens. When I put it on my full-frame Z6II, the camera automatically switches to "DX Mode."
The Trade-off: The resolution drops to about 10 megapixels.
The Win: It turns my 24mm lens into a 35mm equivalent. This is the classic "storytelling" focal length, perfect for capturing the nursery, the park, or candid family moments without distortion.
The Result: I have a professional f/1.7 aperture for that creamy, blurry background (bokeh), but the whole setup fits inside my diaper bag.
My Professional Travel & Landscape Kit (The Heavy Duty Gear)
When I am traveling solo, doing client work, or have a stroller to carry the weight, this is the gear I rely on for maximum resolution.
The Pro Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
I opted out of the kit lens bundle to get this f/2.8 powerhouse. This is my primary lens for "serious" travel because the zoom range covers everything from landscapes to portraits.
Pros: Incredible sharpness. If a photo is too wide, I have plenty of resolution to crop in later.
Cons: The weight. It is heavy. I now only bring this out when I have a specific shot in mind or help carrying gear.
Check out these shots taken with my Z6ii + 24-70mm combo:
Drone: DJI Mavic Air 2
Update 2025: We still use our Mavic Air 2 and love the footage! The image quality is superior to the "Mini" versions, though it is heavier to hike with.
Note: If you are buying your first drone today, I would recommend looking at the DJI Mini 4 Pro because it stays under the 249g weight limit for easier travel regulations.
Check out FAA's Where Can I Fly for more information and how to get a fly license. We use the drone mainly for videos.
Check out this sunrise shot I took with the drone:
Retired / sold Gear:
Nikon D7200: I finally parted ways with this camera, the 18-140mm lens, my old 35mm, and the FTZ adapter. Realistically, I am never going to carry two camera bodies and four lenses again with a toddler in tow. Do I miss the extra zoom range for mountain peaks? Sometimes. But Iād rather have a lighter bag than let good gear sit at home collecting dust.
I will miss these shots with the d7200 + 18-140mm lens combo:
GoPro HERO9 Black: I originally bought this with big plans to start vlogging, but in reality, I never reached for it. It just ended up being extra weight in the bag. I sold it to truly lighten the load.
Honest Mom Advice: Unless you are surfing or doing extreme sports, your phone is usually plenty for family video clips!
Making the switch from "Heavy Pro Gear" to a "Lightweight Mom Kit" was a mental hurdle for me. I was worried that using a crop lens or selling my backup bodies would limit my creativity.
But the truth? It did the opposite.
Because my camera is now light enough to throw in the diaper bag, I actually bring it with me. And because I bring it with me, Iām capturing beautiful, high-quality memories of my baby that I would have missed if I was stuck with my heavy gear (or just my phone).
If you are a parent on the fence, I cannot recommend the Nikon Z6II + 24mm f/1.7 combo enough. It is the perfect balance of professional quality and "mom life" practicality.
Want to see sample photos?
I post lifestyle and travel shots taken with this exact lightweight setup on my Instagram. Come say hi @wenwensong and let me know if you made the switch!
Keeping this photo here to remember my old gear.
