piblondin Posted March 22, 2015 Share #1 Posted March 22, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm going to be in Havana for about a week and was wondering what one lens one would recommend bringing. My choices are 50mm or 35mm. I'm not sure how to ask this question in a way that isn't equivalent to, "What id your preferred focal length?" I tend to prefer 50mm for street photography unless the streets and sidewalks are very narrow. I know nothing about Havana, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 22, 2015 Posted March 22, 2015 Hi piblondin, Take a look here One lens for Cuba trip?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Herr Barnack Posted March 22, 2015 Share #2 Posted March 22, 2015 If you are adamant about taking just one lens, I would take the 35. Given that 50mm and 35mm M lenses are so small and light, why not take both? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfhrased Posted March 22, 2015 Share #3 Posted March 22, 2015 one lens only - I'd probably say 35. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted March 22, 2015 Share #4 Posted March 22, 2015 I'm not sure how to ask this question in a way that isn't equivalent to, "What id your preferred focal length?" I'm not sure it can be anything other than a "what focal length to you prefer" question? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted March 22, 2015 Share #5 Posted March 22, 2015 50mm or Tri-Elmar 28-35-50. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
urukhai47 Posted March 22, 2015 Share #6 Posted March 22, 2015 Which leica do you use? Full frame: Summilux 1,4/50 is good for any situation M8: Summicron 2,0/35 Greetings Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted March 22, 2015 Share #7 Posted March 22, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) There was an identical question recently. Majority was for 35FLE Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted March 22, 2015 Share #8 Posted March 22, 2015 +1 My favourite two FLs are 28 & 50 as a pair but for a single lens for travel it would be 35 Summilux as it is so versatile.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithlaban.co.uk Posted March 22, 2015 Share #9 Posted March 22, 2015 (edited) I wouldn't go to Cuba with one lens. That said if I had to it would be a toss-up between the 35 Lux and the 50 Lux. Cuba compared to my usual haunts of Mediterranean villages and narrow alleyways where my carry around lens is the 35 has fairly wide streets and vistas meaning the 50 could be a better choice. If you want to capture people the 50 would also offer more discrete shooting. My choice is 21, 35 and 50. Edited March 22, 2015 by KeithL 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ynp Posted March 22, 2015 Share #10 Posted March 22, 2015 My choice for Cuba was 21-35 Konica Dual and 50mm ASPH Summilux. The 50mm. would've been my choice if I was forced to take one lens. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erlingmm Posted March 22, 2015 Share #11 Posted March 22, 2015 I would not go to Cuba with one lens. I was in Havana last year, and would not go without some form of a portrait lens. People are open and approachable and you can get a lot of semi-portraits if you behave. I would bring a 75 for that, and a 35 for general use. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mornnb Posted March 22, 2015 Share #12 Posted March 22, 2015 One lens only for travel? I'd bring the 28mm Elmarit. It's compact, light. Wide enough to fit most big things (i.e., architecture, landscapes), and for smaller things you just walk closer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mguy Posted March 22, 2015 Share #13 Posted March 22, 2015 I was there for a week 2 years ago. Took a Mamiya 7II w/ 43mm lens, great for narrow streets during daylight and close in candids. Also took my M6 with 35 1.4 for interiors. Wide and fast. People are open to being photographed, so you can move in with a wide and still show a bit of surroundings. They don't ask, but appreciate a few coin as thanks. Most are poor and can use it. Don't bring anything you can't carry or leave in your room safe. If you look and act like a rich tourist you might be resented and get no cooperation. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bocaburger Posted March 22, 2015 Share #14 Posted March 22, 2015 My minimalist Leica M outfit for serious travel photography is 21-35-90. I would bring my CV 21/4 rather than my Elmarit due to size and taking the same filter as my V.4 35 Cron and Thin 90 T-E. That's assuming strong-arm robbery and distrusting subjects aren't a major concern, and it seems they are not according to what has been said. If that were the case however I would probably take my Canon Rebel with the 18-55 kit zoom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted March 22, 2015 Share #15 Posted March 22, 2015 A 35mm would be excellent. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mguy Posted March 23, 2015 Share #16 Posted March 23, 2015 Forgot to mention, try to catch the extravaganza evening show at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. A throwback to old Cuba and very entertaining. Will need reservations well in advance. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paperman Posted March 23, 2015 Share #17 Posted March 23, 2015 35mm for me too... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
piblondin Posted March 23, 2015 Author Share #18 Posted March 23, 2015 Forgot to mention, try to catch the extravaganza evening show at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. A throwback to old Cuba and very entertaining. Will need reservations well in advance. Thanks for the suggestion. I probably won't go. I'm hoping to walk around taking photos the entire time I'm there, except for trying to catch a baseball game. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
piblondin Posted March 23, 2015 Author Share #19 Posted March 23, 2015 I would not go to Cuba with one lens. I was in Havana last year, and would not go without some form of a portrait lens. People are open and approachable and you can get a lot of semi-portraits if you behave. I would bring a 75 for that, and a 35 for general use. I'll likely bring a 50mm as a compromise between the two. :-P Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
algrove Posted March 23, 2015 Share #20 Posted March 23, 2015 This is such a confusing choice, I think I would stay home. 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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