Want-a-leica Posted March 20, 2011 Share #1 Posted March 20, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm going to Paris in August and I intend to take my M8 plus a lens or two (probably a 50 and something wider like a 28). I would however also like to take something with a zoom on it, preferably with a decent range. I've used DSLRs in the past; some have been excellent and others pretty unimpressive. Given the chance, however, I'd prefer to take something like a superzoom, or a zoom with a single lens. Less dicking around with swapping lenses, and less weight. I'd love to hear about peoples' experiences with the various types of zoom that are out there. I saw the specs of the V-lux 2 and it sounded way too good to be true (25-600? 11fps? Wha?). Then there's the far less zoomy (and apparently discontinued) Digilux 2, which seems to have quite a few fans. In regard to the V-lux 2, I'm led to understand that it has one of those electronic viewfinders. If that it what I think it is (focus seems to be made by a computer, with a great deal of flickering), then unless it's a million times better than the superzoom I tried in a camera store, then no thanks...it took about a week to lock on to anything at all, unless I was using it wrong. But the zoom range is awesome, and 11fps screams "sports". I'm just wondering where the hidden clause is. The Digilux seems more like a camera for general all-around shooting but with the advantage of a zoom. "Only" 5 mp, but that's enough for most things. Are there alternatives to these two? And are they any good? Be grateful to hear any and all thoughts on this. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 20, 2011 Posted March 20, 2011 Hi Want-a-leica, Take a look here Leica with zoom...what's good?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
earleygallery Posted March 20, 2011 Share #2 Posted March 20, 2011 What do you want to use the zoom lens for? I've never found the need for anything longer than the 50mm in Paris for general 'sightseeing' and street photography, although I forced myself to use a 90 just as I'd brought it along. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Want-a-leica Posted March 20, 2011 Author Share #3 Posted March 20, 2011 What do you want to use the zoom lens for? I've never found the need for anything longer than the 50mm in Paris for general 'sightseeing' and street photography, although I forced myself to use a 90 just as I'd brought it along. It's probably a habit left over from DSLR days, a nagging sense that you need a zoom to cover everything that you want to shoot. Rationally I know that's not true (I went out shooting today and used the same lens for everything), but it's kind of a thought which won't go away. And there are also times when it's nice to be able to take shots from a distance (like at a performance where you can't get close to the stage, etc). That's the main reason. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
prk60091 Posted March 20, 2011 Share #4 Posted March 20, 2011 What do you want to use the zoom lens for? I've never found the need for anything longer than the 50mm in Paris for general 'sightseeing' and street photography, although I forced myself to use a 90 just as I'd brought it along. I haven't been back to Paris in 11 years. When I was there last, I took only a minilux (which had a 40mm if I remember correctly) and I have a a beautiful 16x20 hanging on my wall from that trip. 1 lens in the 35-40mm length is all that I need. It really helps me frame my perspective-I know what the sensor/film is seeing so I know how to frame my shot accordingly- it makes photography fun-for me-ymmv. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted March 20, 2011 Share #5 Posted March 20, 2011 My advice fwiw is to take your 28, 50 and a Foot Zoom*. * Use your feet to get you closer. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted March 20, 2011 Share #6 Posted March 20, 2011 Are you going to Paris "to take photographs", or just on holiday, or for work? I'm with lazaruz on this. Take one lens and enjoy yourself. If you're on holiday with your family, there's nothing worse for the people that you are with than a photographer saying "Hang on, I just need to change this lens. Again". Whenever we go away on city breaks, I only ever take one M-body and a max of two lenses (because that's all the M lenses I own) If you want something cheap and cheerful and can find one before they all go, the unloved V-Lux 20 has a massive zoom and fits in the pocket. The Digilux 2 hasn't been made for years, but can still be found used. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nigelb Posted March 20, 2011 Share #7 Posted March 20, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Just take your M8 with 50 and 28. If I was going to Paris I'd just take my Digilux 2 - still my most used camera. I'm afraid I don't go for plasic cameras with ridiculously wide range superzooms but if I did, I would probably go for the Panasonic equivalent and save myself a packet. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpitt Posted March 21, 2011 Share #8 Posted March 21, 2011 +1 for the Digilux 2, light , not too large, almost no PP needed for the JPGs. Take the M8 if you want to take your time shooting. Or take it with the D2 with only your favorite M lens. The zoom of the D2 takes care of the shots your M lens can not do. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Verrips Posted March 21, 2011 Share #9 Posted March 21, 2011 I've been there in 2009 with a Nikon D3 and 4 lenses, only used the 28-70 With the M i would advice the 28 & 50 mm. Superzoom is no good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicoleica Posted March 21, 2011 Share #10 Posted March 21, 2011 and a Foot Zoom*. * Use your feet to get you closer. Pete. And all this time, I thought it meant a 300mm lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Want-a-leica Posted March 21, 2011 Author Share #11 Posted March 21, 2011 Thanks for the replies so far. I had a chance to try out the V-lux 2 today, but I don't like the autofocus. Too slow by far and I didn't get a chance to work out how to do it manually. The Digilux 2 seems nicer (having read through some of that huuuuge thread on it, I'm really impressed with many of the pictures), although the only place I can imagine finding one is on ebay or similar auction sites. The stuff on Thorsten Overgaard's site is pretty inspiring. What's the focusing (manual and auto) like on the Digilux 2? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted March 21, 2011 Share #12 Posted March 21, 2011 If you really feel the need for a zoom, just stick a TZ-series Panny in your pocket. It does the job and costs next to nothing. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted March 21, 2011 Share #13 Posted March 21, 2011 If you really feel the need for a longer lens, just buy a 90 or 135 for your M. You don't need a zoom. If you're going to a concert or the theatre in Paris just enjoy it. I'm sure the people sitting around you will appreciate you not fiddling and holding a camera up every few minutes (not to mention that photography probably won't be allowed anyway!). The lens on the D2 is - I'm sure - 28-90, so why go to the bother of lugging another camera, batteries, charger around when travelling? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpitt Posted March 24, 2011 Share #14 Posted March 24, 2011 If you really feel the need for a longer lens, just buy a 90 or 135 for your M. You don't need a zoom. .... .... The lens on the D2 is - I'm sure - 28-90, so why go to the bother of lugging another camera, batteries, charger around when travelling? An extra lens is not the same as having a second body or camera. Its faster to switch, easier and switching lenses outdoors all the time will likely dust up the sensor. If I take a second body that is inferior to the first, it would stay in the bag as long as the first would not be broken. Its frustrating afterwards to have captured a great scene and only having it in a second grade quality. For me with M8 primary, that leaves only these options: Digital M, film M or D2. A FF DSLR would do the job as well but is disqualified because of its weight and size. The .D2 is the lightest package that comes close in IQ and has the zoom the OP asked for. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
freusen Posted March 24, 2011 Share #15 Posted March 24, 2011 ............with the M i would advice the 28 & 50 mm............ ............or 35 & 75 mm Summicrons. ____________ FrankR Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
freusen Posted March 24, 2011 Share #16 Posted March 24, 2011 ............if you really feel the need for a zoom, just stick a TZ-series Panny in your pocket............ ............or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 (not the GF2)............ ____________ FrankR Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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