If you’re hiking or filming yourself, it can be frustrating to carry around heavy equipment. For my needs, I want the lightest equipment to do the job.
Best Light Camera for full frame
The lightest full-frame camera is the Sony ZV-E1 and the smallest APS-C camera is the a5100. While these cameras are compact they’re not the best for most people.
The best lightweight camera for most people is the Canon R8. It weighs only one pound, it has some great lens options, and it’s relatively affordable.
If you search for the lightest full-frame camera you will probably see many different options, but the problem with light cameras is that they usually have heavy lenses.
So what is the lightest camera and lens that also has the longest focal range, interchangeable lenses, and great image quality? For my needs the camera must offer a range from 35mm-180mm. The reason being that if you had to carry an extra lens you could save more weight with a super wide angle zoom rather than and heavier telephoto.
Now I understand the small point-and-shoot cameras are the real champions here, but I’m mostly talking about full frame or aps-c for their use of dynamic range and sharper optics.
Lightest Full Frame cameras
As seen in the chart below the lightest full-frame mirrorless camera and super zoom is the Sony ZV-E1. The main thing making the ZV-E1 heavier than Aps-c is the battery size. You also need to realize that you lose valuable weight with the loss of a good EVF, and that’s why I prefer the A7Cii.
Here are the Sony a5100, A7c, and A7riii compared. As you can see the a5100 is tiny, but it’s also not that easy to hold. The A7riii is larger, but it has a substantial improvement in ergonomics.
Check out my other post on why I think the Sony A7c is still worth it today.
| Camera | Weight (with battery) | Sensor Resolution |
| Sony ZV-E1 | 14.1 oz/483 g) | 12.1 MP |
| Sigma fp | 14.89 pz/422 g | 24.6 MP |
| Canon R8 | 1.0 lb / 461 g | 24 MP |
| Canon EOS RP | 17.1 oz/485 g | 26.2 MP |
| Sony A7c | 17.95 oz/509 g | 24.2 MP |
| Sony A7Cii | 18.13 oz/514 g | 36 MP |
| Sony A7CR | 18.17 oz/515 g | 65 MP |
Lightest Full Frame camera and all-in-one lens
Finding a lightweight lens is just as important as the size of your camera. Below I’ve listed the lightest cameras and all-in-one zooms and their combined weights.
| Camera | Weight (body) | All in one Zoom | Weight (lens) | Combined Weight |
| Sony ZV-E1 | 14.1 oz | Tamron 28-200mm f2.8-5.6 | 20.3 oz | 34.4 oz/975 g |
| A7c | 17.95 oz | Tamron 28-200mm f2.8-5.6 | 20.3 oz | 38.25 oz/1084 g |
| A7sii | 22.1 oz | Tamron 28-200mm f2.8-5.6 | 20.3 oz | 42.3 oz/1196 g |
| Canon R8 | 16 oz | Canon RF 24-240 f4-6.3 | 26.4 oz | 42.7 oz/1211 g |
| A7iii | 22.9 oz | Tamron 28-200mm f2.8-5.6 | 20.3 oz | 43.2 oz/1224 g |
| EOS RP | 17.11 oz | 24-240mm f4-6.3 | 26.4 oz | 43.5 oz/1233 g |
| Nikon Z6 | 23.7 oz | 24-200mm f4-6.3 | 20.1 oz | 43.8 oz/1241 g |
| Nikon Z7 | 23.7 oz | 24-200mm f4-6.3 | 20.1 oz | 43.8 oz/1241 g |
| Canon EOS R | 23.2 | 24-240mm f4-6.3 | 26.4 oz | 49.6 oz/1406 g |
| Sigma FP | 14.9 oz | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Although the Nikon and Canon have slower apertures they offer image stabilization where the Tamron does not.
If you don’t carry a tripod you might lean more toward Nikon or Sony. If you need sharp optics I would think Tamron is the most sharp by a decent margin. It also has the fastest aperture which makes it ideal for those low light situations.
Lightest full-frame cameras for video
The chart below shows that the Sony A7c is slightly heavier than the Sony ZV-E-1. It also has a slightly smaller body design and features compared to the ZV-E1, such as a larger viewfinder. The overall dimensions are also marginally smaller. The Sony A7c is still one of the lightest full-frame cameras available and may suit your needs if you need the option of shooting both video and stills.
| Camera | Weight (with battery) | Sensor Resolution |
| Sony ZV-E1 | 14.1 oz/483 g) | 12.1 MP |
| Sigma fp | 14.89 pz/422 g | 24.6 MP |
| Canon R8 | 1.0 lb / 461 g | 24 MP |
| Canon EOS RP | 17.1 oz/485 g | 26.2 MP |
| Sony A7c | 17.95 oz/509 g | 24.2 MP |
Lightest telephoto lenses
I’ve put together a list of the lightest full frame and aps-c lenses below to compare their weight.
| Sony 18-135 | $491 | 11.5 oz / 325 g |
| Sony 55-210 4.5-6.3 | $298 | 12.2 oz |
| Tamron 28-200 2.8-5.6 | $729 | 1.27 lb / 575.5 g |
| Tamron 18-300 f/3.5-6.3 | $699 | 1.37 lbs / 620g |
| Sony 70-350 4.5-6.3 | $898 | 1.38 lbs / 625 |
| Sony 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 | $1048 | 1.72 lb / 780 g |
| 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II | $1698 | 1.75 lbs / 796 g |
| Tamron 70-180 2.8 | $1199 | 1.78 lbs/ 807 g |
| Sony 70-200 G f/4 | $1498 | 1.85 lb / 840 g |
| Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G | $1273 | 1.88 lb / 854 g |
| Tamron 70-180 2.8 G2 (new) | $1299 | 30.15oz / 855g |
| Sony 70-200 GM ii f/2.8 (New version) | $2798 | 2.3 lb / 1045 g |
| Sigma 100-400 f/5-6.3 | $949 | 2.5 lb/ 1133 g |
| Tamron 50-400 f/4.5-6.3 | $1299 | 2.54 lb/1153 g |
| Sony 70-200 GM ii f/2.8 + 2x teleconverter (New version) | $2846 | 2. 7 lbs/ 1250 g |
| Sony 100-400 GM f4.5-5.6 | $2498 | 3.24 lbs /1,469.7g (with foot) 3.07 lbs /1,393.2g (without foot) |
| Tamron 150-500 f/5-6.7 | $1399 | 4.14 lb / 1880 g |
| Sony 200-600 5.6-6.3 | $1898 | 4.65 lb / 2115 g |
Best Lightweight Cameras for APS-C
While comparing aps-c all in one zooms I didn’t find a lot of great options. Most all-in-one zooms for aps-c don’t have great image quality, and this is why I decided Sony wins the lightest aps-c category. However, continue reading how fuji stacks up to full-frame.
The Sony a5100 is the lightest camera that offers interchangeable lenses. The only problem is it doesn’t have a viewfinder like the a6100 and offers worse ergonomics.
Below are the lightest aps-c cameras listed by weight.
Here are my top choices for photo, video, and both.
- Photo – Sony a6100
- Video – Sony FX30
- Hybrid – Sony a6700
| Camera | Weight |
|---|---|
| a5100 | 9.98 oz |
| zv-e-10 | 12.1 oz |
| Canon R50 | 13.2 oz |
| Canon m50 ii | 13.7 |
| a6100 | 13.97 oz |
| Canon R10 | 15.1 oz |
| a6700 | 17.3 oz |
| a6600 | 17.76 oz |
| Canon R7 | 21 oz |
| Sony FX30 | 22.7 oz |
Lightest aps-c camera and all-in-one zoom
At 9.98oz, the Sony A5100 is quite light and pocketable if you have a pancake lens attached. The lightest Sony aps-c lens that offers both wide and telephoto is the 18-135mm (27-202mm with crop) at 11.5 oz. Combined with the a5100 the weight is 21.48 oz or 608 g. If you can handle a few more ounces the a6100 weighs 13.97 oz.
The only problem with the a5100 is the age. This isn’t a problem for most landscape photographers, but if you want the latest and greatest, I would go with the zv-e-10 or a6700.
Camera | Weight | All in one zoom | Combined Weight |
| a5100 | 9.98 oz | 18-135mm | 21.48 oz/608g |
| zv-e-10 | 12.1 oz | 18-135mm | 23.6 oz |
| Canon R50 | 13.2 oz | 18-150mm | 24.1 oz |
| a6100 | 13.97 oz | 18-135mm | 25.47 oz/722g |
| a6600 | 17.76 oz | 18-135mm | 29.3 oz/829g |
| Canon m50 ii | 13.7 | 18-150mm | 24.5 oz |
| Sony FX30 | 22.7 oz | 18-135mm | 34.2 oz |
Lightest Camera and lenses for Fuji
Lightweight Photography & Video Gear for Hiking
Lately, many landscape photographers are switching to Fuji over full frame. Fuji does not have a great all-in-one zoom, but they do have light lenses. Listed below are the lightest lens/camera combination for Fuji.
| Camera | Weight | Zoom | Combined Weight |
| Fuji x-t30 | 13.51 oz | 10-24mm, 55-200mm | 48.22 oz/1367g |
| Fuji x-t3 | 19 oz | 18-135mm | 53.71 oz/1522g |
| A7iii | 22.9 oz | Tamron 28-200 | 43.2 oz/1224 g |
I understand this is not really a fair comparison, but it gives you an idea of how much weight you can save with the all-in-one zoom.
Best lightweight telephoto lenses
My favorite lens for almost everything is a telephoto lens. It’s easier to isolate your subject for portraits, landscapes, and their way better for any type of action shot.
What telephoto lenses are available for APS-C
Here are the most popular telephoto lenses that are available for APS-C.
That’s a small list.
Recommended lenses listed by weight
Since there aren’t a lot of aps-c options, I’ve compiled this list of both full frame and aps-c lenses by weight.
| Sony 18-135 | $491 | 11.5 oz / 325 g |
| Sony 55-210 4.5-6.3 | $298 | 12.2 oz |
| Tamron 28-200 2.8-5.6 | $729 | 1.27 lb / 575.5 g |
| Tamron 18-300 f/3.5-6.3 | $699 | 1.37 lbs / 620g |
| Sony 70-350 4.5-6.3 | $898 | 1.38 lbs / 625 |
| Sony 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 | $1048 | 1.72 lb / 780 g |
| 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II | $1698 | 1.75 lbs / 796 g |
| Tamron 70-180 2.8 | $1199 | 1.78 lbs/ 807 g |
| Sony 70-200 G f/4 | $1498 | 1.85 lb / 840 g |
| Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G | $1273 | 1.88 lb / 854 g |
| Tamron 70-180 2.8 G2 (new) | $1299 | 30.15oz / 855g |
| Sony 70-200 GM ii f/2.8 (New version) | $2798 | 2.3 lb / 1045 g |
| Sigma 100-400 f/5-6.3 | $949 | 2.5 lb/ 1133 g |
| Tamron 50-400 f/4.5-6.3 | $1299 | 2.54 lb/1153 g |
| Sony 70-200 GM ii f/2.8 + 2x teleconverter (New version) | $2846 | 2. 7 lbs/ 1250 g |
| Sony 100-400 GM f4.5-5.6 | $2498 | 3.24 lbs /1,469.7g (with foot) 3.07 lbs /1,393.2g (without foot) |
| Tamron 150-500 f/5-6.7 | $1399 | 4.14 lb / 1880 g |
| Sony 200-600 5.6-6.3 | $1898 | 4.65 lb / 2115 g |
The very best APS-C telephoto lens for Sony
- Sony 70-350 4.5-6.3 G OSS
The Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS lens is the clear winner for the best telephoto lens for Sony. It’s also the perfect size and weight, and it has OSS.
Weighing approximately 22.2 ounces (630 grams), it offers an impressive 5x zoom range and optical image stabilization. This lens is perfect for capturing distant subjects like wildlife or sports events while maintaining portability.
I would highly recommend this lens if it’s the zoom range you need. I personally plan on purchasing it for my a6700.
The best lens for low light
If you need something faster than the Sony 70-350, I would recommend getting the Tamron 70-180. It’s still light (under 2 lbs), and it’s much faster than any APS-C lens that Sony offers. 
The only thing missing from the Tamron 70-180 is image stabilization, and the size savings of having an aps-c lens. Other than that, It’s really the perfect lens for both action and low light scenarios.
Best budget lens
If you’re on a budget, the best telephoto lens for aps-c is the Sony 55-210 4.5-6.3 or the Tamron 18-300mm
The Sony 55-210 is inexpensive, and it’s not as bad as you might think for a kit lens. It has a great focal range for telephoto, and it’s sharp.
Weighing in at just around 12 ounces (343 grams), the 55-210 is incredibly light and easy to carry, making it a great companion for on-the-go photography.
With a versatile zoom range, optical image stabilization (OSS), and a budget-friendly price tag, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a telephoto lens without the bulk.
The best full frame alternatives
With aps-c, you’ll save a lot of weight, but there’s not a huge selection. That’s why I’ve listed the best telephoto lenses for full frame below.
1. Sony 70-200 2.8 GM ii (2.3 lb / 1045 g)
The new Sony 70-200 2.8 gm ii is probably my favorite lens from Sony. The lens is one of Sony’s sharpest lenses and it weighs almost the same as the 70-200 f4 lens. It focuses extremely fast and with the 2x teleconverter this lens becomes a 140-400mm with the same aperture speed as the Sony 100-400. It’s better than the 70-200 f4 in every way and only slightly heavier.
Read my full comparison with the 100-400 here.
2. Sony 100-400 4-5.6 GM
The Sony 100-400 is my favorite focal length. I love it because it’s the best in-between telephoto lens, and it’s fast and sharp. It’s a great lens for sports, wildlife, portraits, and landscapes. It’s not as light as the sigma 100-400, but it’s much faster and sharper.
3. Sony 200-600 5.6-6.3 (4.65 lb / 2115 g)
If you’re shooting mostly wildlife, the Sony 200-600 5.6-6.3 is the lens of choice. The autofocus and sharpness is on par with the Sony 100-400 gm. The only downside about this lens is its versatility. It’s not a great lens for portraits or landscapes due to its size and weight.
4. Tamron 150-500 4.5-6.3 (4.14 lb / 1880 g)
The Tamron 150-500 f5-6.7 gives you an in-between option for the Sony 100-400 and 200-600. It’s fast, relatively light, and sharp. It’s not quite as fast as the Sony lenses on this list, but it can compete and it’s about half the price. Similar to the 200-600, this lens is not for portrait or landscape photographers.
Batteries
Batteries add extra weight to camera gear, and that’s why you should consider the size, weight, and photo/video specs when choosing a camera.
For example, the Sony a5100 is one of the lightest aps-c cameras you can find, but you will need an extra battery (1.5 oz) to take the equivalent photos/videos as most newer cameras like the a6700 or A7Cii.
Summary
If I could only choose one camera, I would go with the Sony A7c or A7Cii. At the combined weight of 38 oz, it’s not the lightest camera here, but it an EVF and great battery life compared to the alternatives.
For aps-c, go for the a6700. It’s slightly heavier than other options, but you get better ergonomics and a decent viewfinder.
For a more budget option, go with the Canon R10. It’s slightly lighter than the Sony A7C and it’s half the price.
I think the best lightweight zoom is the Tamron 28-200mm. This lens is in a class of it’s own and is much sharper than what is offered by any aps-c lens.
A lightweight camera provides photographers with a combination of portability, comfort, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and convenience. Whether you are a professional photographer or a hobbyist, a lightweight camera is a great investment for simplifying your approach and enhancing your creativity.
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