Lens choice -- Machi Picchu and Galapogas

[SteveYork]

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I know it is a personal thing, but it always helps to hear what others think. Availbale for the trip are two Ms, a 35mm Summicron ASPH, a 50mm Summilux ASPH, and a 90mm Elmarit. These are the lenses I used for the last decade or so, but I've recently picked up a 21mm Elmarit and a 135mm Tele-Elmar (E46). That gives me a rather large system, and I'm starting to feel that's a drawback.

 

 

Part of me feels that a 35 and 90 plus one M is the way to go. If I miss some picks, I'm sure one of the digital guys on the trip will get it. I'm all in favor of not taking too much. But then ii picked up the 21mm and the 135mm just for this trip.

[andybarton]

21/35/90?

 

That will cover most bases.

[holgerf]

In my first five years I just travelled with my Summicron 2/35 and the lightweight Tele-Elmar 2.8/90 bevor I extended my gear with the Summicron 2/50. At least I can say that this works and it is a very light "burden"!

 

Best

Holger

[earleygallery]

I'd definately want the wide angle for landscape shots - basically I'd go with Andy's choices. Can't imagine you'd miss the 135mm if you've got a 90mm, for general use.

[wizard]

I am with Andy in general, but since you have the 135, I'd take that one on the trip, too. The difference between 90 and 135 is significant, 135mm being the only true telelens in the M-stable, and a four M-lens kit is still quite compact. Personally, I do not use a 21mm lens often enough to warrant an expensive Leica lens, so I bought the smallish CV 21mm, thus saving weight and space, too (and money, of course).

 

Andy

[xjr]

First how I envy you !

 

Take ALL except the 90mm.

[JosefSchachner]

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I would go 35+M and 90+M, changing lenses is evil :-) If you plan on a lot of hiking 1 Body and 35 + 90, the air is mighty thin at Machi Picchu. And you could sneak the 135 and the 21 in the wifes bag ;-)

[Guest Joachim_I]

Andy's choice + two bodies (one as a backup).

[PhilM]

I spent 5 days in the Galapogas about a year and a half ago. You will probably use the 90 most of the time however there will be a lot of picture opportunities for the 135. As long as you bought it I'd take it.

[smb]

The 135mm is an insurance lens for those distance shots that can not be reached on foot. Since this is a trip of a lifetime my recommendation is to take all the lenses as there is no duplication among them; and since you purchased the lenses to use them this is a fanatastic opportunity to do just that.

[bill]

Take the 135. No contest.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[spydrxx]

Having spent several weeks at and around Machu Picchu 5 years ago, I would suggest the 35 will be most useful. The 21 IMHO is a bit wide for the experience, although it would make a good street lens in Agua Calientes, the town at the base of the mountain. The 90 and 135 might be nice depending where you are staying. I stayed at the InkaTerra, which had on its grounds a rainforest with over 50 species of orchids, a tea plantation and roasting area (the lodge used the tea in its iced teas and sold some also), a hummingbird sanctuary, as well as a zoo on the backside of the rainforest (never got there). If you'll be staying in Cusco before going to Machu Picchu, you will find a 35 to be terrific for street work, as well as a 90. Both will also work fine if you board the train in Ollentaytambo to head to Machu Picchu, but also get some shots in O. of the incredible Incan terraces and mountaintop graineries across town (you can shoot from the terraces with a 135). If you are possibly getting off along the way (mile marker 88 or 104) to hike the final section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the 35 will be your real friend in the deep valleys, rainforests and jungles, and believe me you won't want an ounce more of weight than you have to carry. I took an N brand digital instead of my Leica, so I've converted my comments to 35mm equivalents.Can't speak to the Galapagos however. Have a great trip.

[peter_n]

... the air is mighty thin at Machi Picchu...

+1. If you are going to be at Machu Picchu shortly after you get to Peru and you haven't acclimatized, this is a real factor as you will be 8000ft/2430M above sea level. Think weight.