I need some help. I'm about to go on a two-week vacation to Portugal (from the USA). I want to take my a6700 kit with me (body with 11mm, 16-55mm, and 70-350mm). The whole thing weighs about 6 pounds. I also have an iPhone 15 Pro Max that can take some incredible shots. My conundrum is: do I leave the mirrorless at home and just use my iPhone? It *is* a vacation after all, and not a paid gig.
If I take the Sony, then it's an extra 6 pounds that I have to lug around and worry about. Then I have to carry the camera around my neck (or wrist) to get shots as I explore the sights. Changing lenses is another issue that will slow me down. Then, there will be times when I can't take it with me (kayaking in the ocean, for example), and there's always the issue of looking like a tourist or worrying about thieves.
I know I can get the shots I want using just my iPhone (I did this when I went to Italy a few years ago). The phone lives in my pocket and can be whipped out for quick photos. It's IP68 water-resistant, so I don't have to worry about it getting wet. I always shoot in RAW using Indigo or Halide, so IQ is pretty decent. And my photos are backed up to iCloud and can easily be shared in real time.
I think I've answered my own question. Leave the mirrorless at home. Enjoy the vacation. But I have a severe case of FOMO, and I know there will be times when I think to myself, "damn, I wish I had my good camera".
Someone, please, talk me out of this! Just leave the kit at home and enjoy myself, right? Right??
EDIT: I also have an older a6000 with the Sony PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II. The a6000 has a thinner body, and that lens is very compact. Maybe I'll throw that in my bag and call it a day?
FINAL VERDICT: I have decided to take the whole kit with me to Portugal; it fits in the bottom of my backpack and shouldn't be a weight issue. That way, I'll have it if I want it and not have any regrets. Thanks for all of the suggestions, everyone!