The Great Lens Purge: Finding Freedom in Four Small Wonders.

For years, my camera bag was a beast. Filled with an array of large, formidable lenses, each promising unparalleled sharpness, breathtaking bokeh, and the perfect focal length for every conceivable situation. I hauled that weighty collection up hills, across miles of countryside, and through bustling city streets, often agonising over which monster to attach for the "perfect" shot. More often than not, I'd get to my destination, thoroughly exhausted, only to realise that the perfect shot wasn't about the specific lens I chose, but the moment itself.

Well, those days are officially over. I've done it. I've purged the giants. All the big, heavy camera lenses are gone. And in their place? A quartet of delightful, compact lenses: a 24mm f2.5, a 40mm f2.5, a 90mm f2.8, and a versatile 24-50mm f2.8 zoom and all fit my Sony A7cr and A7cii cameras.

The immediate feeling? Liberation.

Gone is the mental gymnastics of deciding which heavy prime or zoom to lug around. Gone is the aching shoulder from a bag filled with glass and metal. Now, my camera bag feels light, almost feather-like, and the joy of simply picking up my camera and going is back in full force.

What I've discovered and heard other photographers say and now discovered for myself is that creativity thrives within constraints. Instead of having every possible focal length at my fingertips, I'm now forced to think differently, to move my feet, and to truly see the scene before me. The 24mm forces me to get close and embrace the environment. The 40mm is a fantastic all-rounder for everyday moments. The 90mm offers a beautiful compression for portraits and details. And the 24-50mm zoom “well” covers my most common general needs without weighing me down.

The truth is, no matter what lenses you have, there's always a shot to be had. It's about your perspective, your eye, and your willingness to engage with the world around you, not the weight of your gear. This minimalist approach to my photography has not only lightened my load but also, broadened my creative horizons.

If you're feeling weighed down by your gear, perhaps it's time to consider a lens purge of your own. You might be surprised at the freedom you find.

The lenses I've chosen work well for me , and I know they won't be the right fit for everyone. I understand that certain types of photography call for longer lenses, and many photographers prefer using large telephoto lenses it's very much a personal choice.