Minimalist photography

[Loswr]

I don't see where the OP put any restrictions on the cost of the items, only the quantity. One of the tenets of minimalism is actually, "Less but better."

 

[illogict]

My current setup, a X00D body with an EF 28 f/1.8, pleases me enough: it's small and light so that you can bring it almost everywhere with you. Add an EF-S 55-250 IS or an EF 70-300 IS when you need to go tele, and you're pretty much done.

Sure it certainly won't bring super duper sharp pictures as with some other setups listed here, but so what? You'll be enjoying your time, and that's what's important, and won't have pain all over your shoulder

No, minimalism is about fundamental features.
A 1000D, an 18-55 kit lens and an EF 85mm f/1.8 will do. If you can’t take great pictures with that combination, anything better is a waste of money.

Funny that I ended up with a prime standard and kit zoom tele and you the other way

This said, my dream minimalist setup would be a NEX-7 with the Zeiss 1.8/24 ;D

 

[Eagle Eye]

Taking into account both the "one body, one prime, one zoom" restriction as well as the minimalist emphasis of the post, I'd do a T2i with an EF-S 18-135mm and an EF 35mm f/2.

 

[Edwin Herdman]

If we are talking fictional cameras (1D-X) id go:

1D-C
50mm Cinema Prime
24-70mm f2.8 L

If the Cinema camera does stills well enough that would be a tempting offer (assuming the equipment is bought and paid for, of course).

I do a lot of birding photography so the full frame camera restriction could be harmful. On the other hand, I could still just throw a TC on (I'll assume that fits in for flashes and tripods, which I generally don't use).

My setup would probably also be something like this:

1D X
85mm f/1.2L II
Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 OS (still nothing comparable from Canon - a 400mm f/2.8 zoom would be better, of course, but also considerably heavier...actually, why not a 300mm f/2? Nikon did it before, albeit in prime format.)

I would sorely miss my 135mm f/2L and especially my tilt-shift lenses, though...so perhaps actually I would be better served trading the 85mm f/1.2L II for the TS-E 90mm f/2.8.

Ultimately, this is a no starter for me because I need different lenses for different subjects - it's not just optional. Taking a picture of a building from the street with a 85mm lens is not going to work well - it needs a wide angle (and it had better be a shift lens, as well).

 

[willrobb]

I would go with my 5DmkII, 24-70mm f2.8L and 50mm f1.2L.

I've actually been trying this of late. I had an assignment in Seoul in the summer and all I took was my 5DmkII, 24-70mm F2.8L and my macro 100mm f2.8L IS. Last week I was traveling in Kyoto and just took my 5DmkII and my 50mm F1.2L (and a Mamiya 7II).

I'm actually finding it liberating only taking the minimal amount for each job. It's impossible to do this a lot of the time when I do portraits/weddings/events, but most media assignments where I'm only required to submit 1-5 cuts I prefer to keep my bag light and only take essential kit (which usually involves more inthe way of lighting).

 

[Eric]

If we are able to take two primes if we forgo a zoom, I would say 5D Mark II, TS-E 17mm f/4 L, and Schneider-Kreuznach PC-TS Makro-Symmar 4.5/90 HM.

 

[JackSw1ss]

For me....

A Leica M8.2 White LE
50/1 Noctilux (or a 50/1.4 Summilux)
28/2 Summicron (sorry no zooms here LOL)


Cheers

PS: I know I know...it's leica, but you didn't restricted to the brand aaaand you didn't put a money limit, so let me dream, please, let me dream for a bit longer ehehehe!!!

 

[Takuma]

If it is about a body, zoom and prime regardless of money I think I'd go with:

1 Dx (asuming it is as awesome as they say)
100-400 L (4 - 5.6) IS USM
24 1.4L II USM

From what I can afford:

7D
100 - 400 L (4.5 - 5.6) IS USM
24 1.4L II USM

For real minimalisem, Think about using a photoplate and a single simpel lens in a wooden box

 

[Heidrun]

1D mk III and ef 24-70 2,8 L. Thats all i need on a day out today. But if i could have a wish.
5 D mk II. 16-35 f.2,8 L mk II, 70 - 200 f.2,8L is mk II and a 2,0 converter

 

[bycostello]

the more weddings i do the less i carry...

 

[Heidrun]

the more weddings i do the less i carry...

Been married twice. Never again

 

[Eisbaer]

3D (hehehe), T* 1,4/35 ZE, EF 24-105 4L IS

Best regards
Eisbaer

 

[tron]

It depends on the kind of photography someone is interested in. I would say 5D mk II, TS-E 24mm II and 70-200mm f/4L IS.
This is a real combination (equipment I own) and there have been some days when I went out only carrying only these (I guess a small thinktank bag I sometime use contributed to this).

 

[AprilForever]

I am not a minimalist. When in full mode for wildlife and nature, I've got two 7Ds, a 10-20, a 24-105, 70-200 2.8, 180 3.5, and a 300 2.8, and usually a 50 1.4 and 30 1.4 tossed in for good measure, as well as a flash, and maybe even my tripod if I think I need it.

I think minimalism is a mindset and method which works best for some people and uses. I've done minimalism (for differing reasons, usually mountaining or something broke...), but I prefer to have all my options available.

However, if I am going out to town, or being with friends, I usually bring as my point and shoot, if you will, my 7D with either 24-105 or 50 1.4 (or sometimes 30 1.4 now that my 50 is having issues...)