StephenPatterson Posted January 30, 2012 Share #21 Posted January 30, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) When I'm going somewhere new I tend to first use the 35mm focal length. I try not to change lenses often, but rather go looking for context that suits the lens that I am shooting with. A typical day for me might be to shoot with the 35 in the morning, then after lunch change to either the 50 for more isolation (street portraits, architectural details) or the 21 to get more context crammed in the frame (crowded streets, large structures). As I mentioned before my kit consists of 21, 35, 50 & 90 and I like to mount one and carry two. If I notice that I haven't used a particular lens in a few days I tend to make a conscious effort to mount that lens for the next morning's shoot. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 30, 2012 Posted January 30, 2012 Hi StephenPatterson, Take a look here One trip = one lens. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Deliberate1 Posted January 30, 2012 Author Share #22 Posted January 30, 2012 Thanks for all your kind replies. There are two schools of thought which reflect the two voices in my head (metaphorically speaking). One lens means one perspective. It is either liberating physically, logistically and esthetically, or it is confining and certain to cause disappointment from missed opportunities. But like me, many of you find that whatever the lens you have attached to your camera, it is the one you use exclusively or most of the time. And others are carried for "insurance" against the "if only" insecurity. But does the luxury of choice only foment insecurity? If I have more than one lens, I have more than one perspective. Or, more accurately, an exponential increase in perspectives when DOF and shutter speed considerations are factored in. Pehaps like some of you, I struggle to escape from my compositional comfort zone - to perceive and capture an image as my camera lens sees it - though not, necessarily as I do. It strikes me that the single lens option (not a zoom - no cheating) means that you may have to work harder to reconcile what your camera sees with what you want to see. With one lens, the camera rules. With more than one you rule or not, if you accept the notion that the real missed opportunity is what you failed to see until you had to. And that may be more rewarding. It is interesting to note that no contributer to this post who carries multiple lenses suggests they are all used equally. Mostly, one lens does the work. Either that lens has trained the eye, or it is the one the brain likes best. As with most things articstic, there is no one answer. It is the inquiry that matters. I know this - and have not even been to India yet. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted January 30, 2012 Share #23 Posted January 30, 2012 .....It is interesting to note that no contributer to this post who carries multiple lenses suggests they are all used equally. ... David I think this has been answered, here or elsewhere. It is all to easy to stick with one lens, even if more are carried. There is an element of laziness or reluctance to change in some situations. I find there are spells when my 21 is not used, largely because it calls for a special mind-set. Once fitted the world seems filled with suitable subjects for it. A lens change refreshes your visual outlook! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted January 30, 2012 Share #24 Posted January 30, 2012 One lens means one perspective. No, standing in one place with ten lenses will each yield the same perspective. Move your feet and your one lens changes perspective. But that's another discussion. Jeff PS I often prefer taking two bodies, with one lens on each. That provides back-up as well as convenience. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ynp Posted January 30, 2012 Share #25 Posted January 30, 2012 My daylight street lens for travel is a Konica Dual 21-35mm, a very good lens in my view. My evening lens is the 1,4/50. I tried to shoot with only one lens and decided that the 1,4/35 is easier for me and I tend to use it as my sole lens on my trips. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter H Posted January 30, 2012 Share #26 Posted January 30, 2012 I totally disagree that one lens = laziness or lack of fresh vision. In fact, you could make a very strong argument that the opposite is the case. But whatever works for you is good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deliberate1 Posted January 30, 2012 Author Share #27 Posted January 30, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) I totally disagree that one lens = laziness or lack of fresh vision. In fact, you could make a very strong argument that the opposite is the case. My thought exactly. One lens may make you work for the shot with wonderous results possible. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted January 30, 2012 Share #28 Posted January 30, 2012 When I used to vacation by bicycle trip and had to carry everything in a pair of small bags, there was no question of taking several lenses - if I also wanted clothes! So my M4 and Leicaflex (and lenses) would stay home, while the CL and 40 went along. When I quit fussing about what I didn't bring along, I was very happy with the one lens I had. Even today I often opt to leave the kit at home, and just bring the M9 with either 35 or 50. The shots are waiting - you just need to see them, and not wish you had lens XXX. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JATA Posted January 30, 2012 Share #29 Posted January 30, 2012 Of all my camera's and lenses, these day's when I travel I pack one of my trusty M6 ttl's with fresh batteries and the wonderful 28 summicron attached and a ton of film and keep the camera on me at all times so I don't miss a beat. The M9 stay's on the shelf I'm afraid. Why? 1.Reliability 2.Less bulk, no need for charger's, cards etc 3.Automatic sensor clean every 36 frames 4.Don't waste precious holiday time chimping or wondering when the battery is going to run out. 5.Best of both world's with the 28, wonderful wide and great for portraits as well, I used to travel with just a 50 but find the 28 free's me up to all possibility's (personally) These day's for me, my photography is more about being involved in the moment and the less my gear gets in the way the better. And my photography definitely benefits from this simplicity. I'd go with your 35 if I was you, and if in doubt chuck the 50 in your pocket just in case. You've got insurance haven't you? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted January 30, 2012 Share #30 Posted January 30, 2012 Interesting topic (though a reprise of the discussion of your India trip, I guess). I give quite a lot of thought to what I take on trips. I have a camera with me pretty much all the time, and think about images, but I take pictures sparingly. I guess I'm just stuck with a film mentality ... My kit comprises M9, NEX-5n & 6 lenses - 75, 50, 35, 28, 21 & 15, with ancillary "stuff". For any trip, I think in terms of how much I'm prepared to take, what images I'm likely to want to take and how long I'm away for. I'm just back from Melbourne, and for that trip I felt I would mostly get street-scapes, and perhaps a little from the tennis. So I took: M9 (batteries, chargers, WhiBal card etc) NEX-5n (and similar) Summilux 50 ASPH - and UVa & 3 stop ND filters also good for the 35 Summilux 35 ASPH (FLE) Summilux 21 ASPH - and 3 stop ND filter However, having those combinations available did not mean that I took them with me all the time. Each day, before I went out, I'd think about what I was likely to encounter, and I'd take one lens. That meant I had to think about what I might want to photograph, but it in no way limited me to one lens for the whole trip. On the one occasion I had more than one lens, I lost a good shot as I was fooling around swapping the 35 for the 50. In my view, I have the lenses to give me choices. I don't need all the choices all the time, and usually I take only one lens when I'm walking about, or I think of a situation and select one lens. To my mind, its a bad idea to try to swap out lenses for each image - it never works. Here is the one I was happy with: M9, Summilux 50/1.4 ASPH, f/5.6 @ 1/2,000 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/171628-one-trip-one-lens/?do=findComment&comment=1913556'>More sharing options...
carcam Posted January 30, 2012 Share #31 Posted January 30, 2012 I have a 3 lens M9 set-up but often travel with the 50 Summilux only. However, I cheat- I also take the Pany equivalent of the DLux5 (LX-5). For the vast majority of what I shoot, it's the M9 but there are times when I want/need the 24 or 85mm FOV (or flash) of the LX-5. If the M9 should ever fail, I still have a decent back-up camera for pictures. I know it won't make sense to most of you, to leave a perfectly good Leica 28/2 and 90 macro Elmar at home in place of a point and shoot but it works for me and allows me to travel super-light and cover the widest range of options with the least choices. If I'm going on a "special" trip, I take all 3 Leica lenses and the LX-5. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
red_dot Posted January 31, 2012 Share #32 Posted January 31, 2012 David, I can honestly tell you that while this is indeed a very, very bold move one can make, it is not only liberating, but it does force you to think and see creatively and work within and with certain limits. This past summer, I took the wildest bet I ever did: went to a three weeks trip to Italy (Rome and Tuscany) armed with only one M9 and a 35 Summicron. Yes, I missed a wider lens on a couple of occasions and a longer lens such as a 75 or 90 for a tighter framing. BUT, 99.9% of the time I enjoyed my equipment and cannot say that it was a bad choice. Remember, M9 has a lot of power and if you'll find that a certain shot will need some cropping, you can surely do that in post processing phase. Whichever lens you'll choose, be happy. One more thing: try not to remember the trip from the viewfinder. Scout with your own eyes and shoot the most important. PM me if you'd like to see some shots taken with M9+35 Cron in Italy. Cheers, Sebastian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
algrove Posted January 31, 2012 Share #33 Posted January 31, 2012 Maybe you answered your own question when you were thinking of a Tri-Elmar. The MATE has 28-35-50 and there you go. No lens changing and it is fairly small and you just make do with what you have. If your really wanting a second lens, take a 90 for that those "must have" long shots. Two lenses and four focal lengths. Pretty good setup to me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
richfx Posted January 31, 2012 Share #34 Posted January 31, 2012 David: I recently returned from a three month road trip to Alaska, BC, Yukon Territory and numerous states in the Pacific northwest, southwest and rocky mountains and brought my 25mm Zeiss Biogon 2.8, 35mm Leica Summilux ASPH FLE, 50mm Leica Summilux ASPH and 90mm Leica Tele-Elmarit M. Having ample space in my van (a 1978 VW Westfalia camper) enabled me to bring each of these lenses, but you know what - I kept the Leica 35mm Lux ASPH FLE on my M9 98% of the time. It just felt right, no matter what I was shooting, and I didn't feel the need or urge to change it regardless of what I was attempting to capture. As a result, I would feel totally comfortable taking just this lens on any trip - short or long - in the future. I know, I know, lenses with different focal lengths enable one to take different shots and achieve different perspectives. Well, my feet were my zoom, and I did just fine. Perhaps knowing that I had the other lenses and focal lengths made me more relaxed about using the 35mm Lux virtually all of the time, but I learned that I really wasn't giving anything up (this is a fantastic lens, as most of us know). So, that's my perspective on taking one lens for a long (or not so long) journey. Enjoy your trip. Rich Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sm23221 Posted January 31, 2012 Share #35 Posted January 31, 2012 My other comment would be to try the one lens approach in your city for the day before you embark on your trip - see if you like it. I'm of the camp that if you try to prepare for everything by taking "too many" lenses you end up prepared for nothing and constantly think about changing lenses etc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
haroldp Posted January 31, 2012 Share #36 Posted January 31, 2012 I cheat and use the 28-35-50 tri-elmar. Sometimes adding a 50 lux and 90 elmarit-m to my one lens solution. there are three kinds of people, those who know how to count and those who don't. Best of luck ... H Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted January 31, 2012 Share #37 Posted January 31, 2012 I totally disagree that one lens = laziness or lack of fresh vision...... With respect, there is an element of selective reading in your quotation. What I actually said was, "....There is an element of laziness or reluctance to change (lenses) in some situations." Your over-simplification distorts my meaning. We all know how easy it is, when ttired and trudging around strange places, to avoid changing lenses every few minutes. My generalisation does not apply to serious commissioned or project photography. I certainly was not inferring that Leica photographers are lazy! I remain an advocate of carrying minimal kit but would be extremely reluctant to go on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to India with just one camera body and one lens. I would take two at least; probably three. Plus a small digital compact for emergencies. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter H Posted January 31, 2012 Share #38 Posted January 31, 2012 With respect, there is an element of selective reading in your quotation. What I actually said was, "....There is an element of laziness or reluctance to change (lenses) in some situations." Your over-simplification distorts my meaning. We all know how easy it is, when ttired and trudging around strange places, to avoid changing lenses every few minutes. My generalisation does not apply to serious commissioned or project photography. I certainly was not inferring that Leica photographers are lazy! I remain an advocate of carrying minimal kit but would be extremely reluctant to go on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to India with just one camera body and one lens. I would take two at least; probably three. Plus a small digital compact for emergencies. I'm sorry if you feel I misrepresented your view. I didn't intend to. If you're simply referring to the odd occasion when we don't change a lens because it doesn't seem worth the trouble, of course we've all done that, and who could disagree with you? But I don't really think that's the type of decision we're talking about. It's more to do with trying to get the best photos you can, and I do really believe that quite often the "lazy" option is to stick a different lens on the camera rather than to use your imagination and creativity. It is for me, anyway. But as I said, whatever works for you is good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted January 31, 2012 Share #39 Posted January 31, 2012 I always set off with the lens fitted the lens I intend to use. Frequently that is a 50mm. Invariably I also have my X1 with me giving me a handy 35mm alternative. Move indoors, to a museum for example, and a faster lens is selected. Just occasionally, when out on a local quick foray, I am happy to take just one lens and rise to the challenge of making pictures with that choice. Another day, another choice. Discover a location which cries out for a wider or telephoto solution and I return later for a fresh interpretation. For a serious few days of photography away from home I would always have at least three appropriate lenses and invariably use them all. Analysis of LR metadata confirms that level of use. We are all different, yet often follow a similar pattern of working. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manolo Laguillo Posted January 31, 2012 Share #40 Posted January 31, 2012 ...I remain an advocate of carrying minimal kit but would be extremely reluctant to go on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to India with just one camera body and one lens. I would take two at least; probably three. Plus a small digital compact for emergencies. this is probably the important point. The hotel room = "home". There you can leave 2 out of 3 lenses. It's not necessary to adopt radical decisions, like "only one" Why not adhere to a more flexible approach? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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