Going to the Philippines in Sept

[Hank Taylor]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Which lenses should I take? I'm not really sure I want to take a full assortment of my lenses with me since I want to travel light and would prefers only taking 2 lenses with my M9.

 

Here are the lenses to chose from and which two do you think I should take.

 

Zeiss 21 2.8

35 Pre Summilux

50mm Pre Summilux

90mm Elmarit 2.8

135mm f4 Tele-Elmar

 

Thanks Hank

[akiralx]

21 & 50. You need a wideangle and a fast lens.

 

90 as well if room.

[jaapv]

Depends on what you are planning to do when you are there. Just like when you walk out of the door at home. If you are going to do landscape you want a 21 and 50. if you intend to do people and town/street you need 35 and 90.

[jdsheepdog]

I am here (Cebu, Philippines) and I use:

28 mm f2.8, landscapes and street scenes

90 mm street portraits and semi distant marine.

50 mm f 1.2 Summilux. The sun goes down quickly, and a big 50 in the dusk or under the forest canopy is a huge plus.

 

Apart from lenses, I would carry batteries, lots, and a film M body and film, in case the M9 misbehaves. I sold my M8 before I came here for an MP and I have not regretted it for a moment.

[Hank Taylor]

I am here (Cebu, Philippines) and I use:

28 mm f2.8, landscapes and street scenes

90 mm street portraits and semi distant marine.

50 mm f 1.2 Summilux. The sun goes down quickly, and a big 50 in the dusk or under the forest canopy is a huge plus.

 

Apart from lenses, I would carry batteries, lots, and a film M body and film, in case the M9 misbehaves. I sold my M8 before I came here for an MP and I have not regretted it for a moment.

 

Appreciate your input I'm arriving in Manila where my friend will be meeting me then after spending 2 days in Manila she and I will be taking an overland and water trip back to her home just outside Cube. Planning on staying only 12 days. Wanted to stay for the full 21 days but my business will need attending. My concern was safety of my equipment and being able to travel light since we will be touring her island on motorcycles. .

 

Thanks

 

Hank

[DLS]

Just back from 18 days in China where I brought 18mm Super-Elamr, 35mm Summicron, 50mm Noctilux and 75mm Summicron because I didn't want to get there and wish I'd brought something else. I also brought a Sony NEX-7 as a "backup" and took 100 or so images with that. It turned out that of the 1070 photos taken with the M9, 900 were with the 50mm Nocti, 120 were with the 18mm, and 50 were with the 35mm, which I used only because I wanted to see what that would "feel" like after using the M9 with the heavy Noctilux. For me 50mm was best "compromise" of focal length and widest possible range of shooting situations from brightest daylight (with ND filter) to nighttime, but some vistas and a few interiors called for ultra-wide angle. The 75mm never came out of its case. Anyway, that was my experience. Have a great trip!

[Hank Taylor]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Just back from 18 days in China where I brought 18mm Super-Elamr, 35mm Summicron, 50mm Noctilux and 75mm Summicron because I didn't want to get there and wish I'd brought something else. I also brought a Sony NEX-7 as a "backup" and took 100 or so images with that. It turned out that of the 1070 photos taken with the M9, 900 were with the 50mm Nocti, 120 were with the 18mm, and 50 were with the 35mm, which I used only because I wanted to see what that would "feel" like after using the M9 with the heavy Noctilux. For me 50mm was best "compromise" of focal length and widest possible range of shooting situations from brightest daylight (with ND filter) to nighttime, but some vistas and a few interiors called for ultra-wide angle. The 75mm never came out of its case. Anyway, that was my experience. Have a great trip!

 

Every time I get ready for a trip the thought of not having the right lens with me is always there especially when you only take two with you. I may end up taking all except the 135mm. I'll just have to make room thanks.

Hank

[tenoates]

Hi Hank,

 

I grew up in Cebu (where jdsheepdog is). I am now based in Manila. Where exactly will your travel take you so I can advise on the lenses to take? (sorry I'm not familiar with "cube"

 

You might be right to take all except the 135. You'll never know what you'll encounter. Since you'll be going to the islands, the 21 will do nicely for landscapes and architecture like old Spanich churches. The 35 is great for environmental shots of people in their workplaces like markets, handicraft shops and such. The 50 and 90 work well with portraits of the locals.

 

Filipinos, especially those in the countryside will generally not mind being photographed especially by tourists and some will voluntarily pose for you. You will find their warmth and smiles worth capturing.

 

I always have 2 batteries for my M9 and a bunch of memory cards. You will need ND filters if you want to shoot wide open with the Summilux during sunny days at the beach.

I know you want to travel light but you might not want to miss taking some LE shots of the water at sunset or sunrise. You'd need a tripod for that of course.

 

Let me know if you need more insights and suggestions on where to take nice photos along your travel route. I have a simple blog over at grantorbetaphotography.com with some photos from my local travels mostly in the archive section.

 

BTW, Sept would be part of the wet season so make sure you have some protection for the M9.

 

Grant

[wda]

If I could only take one lens with my M9, it would be a 50mm. A second lens would definitely be a 28mm for confined spaces and some landscapes. In fact those two focal lengths plus a 90mm were all I had to use with my M3 for nearly thirty years, travelling to many parts of the world.

 

I would not be comfortable on a one-off trip such as yours to the Philippines with less than three lenses. Forced to take two from your inventory, it would probably be 21 + 50.

[Hank Taylor]

Hi Hank,

 

I grew up in Cebu (where jdsheepdog is). I am now based in Manila. Where exactly will your travel take you so I can advise on the lenses to take? (sorry I'm not familiar with "cube"

 

You might be right to take all except the 135. You'll never know what you'll encounter. Since you'll be going to the islands, the 21 will do nicely for landscapes and architecture like old Spanich churches. The 35 is great for environmental shots of people in their workplaces like markets, handicraft shops and such. The 50 and 90 work well with portraits of the locals.

 

Filipinos, especially those in the countryside will generally not mind being photographed especially by tourists and some will voluntarily pose for you. You will find their warmth and smiles worth capturing.

 

I always have 2 batteries for my M9 and a bunch of memory cards. You will need ND filters if you want to shoot wide open with the Summilux during sunny days at the beach.

I know you want to travel light but you might not want to miss taking some LE shots of the water at sunset or sunrise. You'd need a tripod for that of course.

 

Let me know if you need more insights and suggestions on where to take nice photos along your travel route. I have a simple blog over at grantorbetaphotography.com with some photos from my local travels mostly in the archive section.

 

BTW, Sept would be part of the wet season so make sure you have some protection for the M9.

 

Grant

 

 

Thanks Grant, I decided to pick up a light tropical camera jacket by Scottyvest This one the sleeves detach and it becomes a light weight Vest that has 20 pockets which I'll be able to carry my camera and lenses. I used a heavier jacket when I was in Europe last time and had no problems. This is one way to do away with a camera bag. By the way my girlfriend is from Tudela Cebu (got it right this time) and we plan to spend the remaining time there before I have to return to the states.. Appreciate your insight and suggestions

 

Hank

[k-hawinkler]

21

50

135

[jdsheepdog]

Appreciate your input I'm arriving in Manila where my friend will be meeting me then after spending 2 days in Manila she and I will be taking an overland and water trip back to her home just outside Cube. Planning on staying only 12 days. Wanted to stay for the full 21 days but my business will need attending. My concern was safety of my equipment and being able to travel light since we will be touring her island on motorcycles. .

 

Thanks

 

Hank

Hank,

Since you are going to be on Cebu, please get in touch when you are here, I am in Balamban, across the island from Cebu City. One other tip with cameras, if you can, don't leave the M9 or lenses in air-conditioning, or if you have no choice, zipper the bag and let them warm up slowly. If you don't, as soon as you leave hotel etc air-conditioning, and re-enter the humidity, they fill with condensation, and this is a place where electronics go to die!

[Hank Taylor]

Hank,

Since you are going to be on Cebu, please get in touch when you are here, I am in Balamban, across the island from Cebu City. One other tip with cameras, if you can, don't leave the M9 or lenses in air-conditioning, or if you have no choice, zipper the bag and let them warm up slowly. If you don't, as soon as you leave hotel etc air-conditioning, and re-enter the humidity, they fill with condensation, and this is a place where electronics go to die!

 

When I get there, I'll get in touch and see if we might arrange a place we can meet, This will be my first trip to Cebu and from what I have been told is a great place to have fun sigh see and take photographs. Also good advice about the humidity.

 

Best regards

 

Hank

[earleygallery]

Regardless of where, for travel photography there's not much you can't do with a 35 and 90.

[kidigital]

Hank,

 

I've been in the Philippines for the past 8 months and have really enjoyed the experience. As mentioned earlier, Filipinos are very warm and hospitable and really like to have their picture taken. My advice is to take your camera with you everywhere. As it's warm everyday, you'll like the lightweight flexibility of being able to carry around the M9 and just a couple of lenses with you everywhere.

 

I have lots of images of the streets of Manila on my blog if you are interested in taking a look.

 

Cheers.

 

Kurt

[Hank Taylor]

Hank,

 

I've been in the Philippines for the past 8 months and have really enjoyed the experience. As mentioned earlier, Filipinos are very warm and hospitable and really like to have their picture taken. My advice is to take your camera with you everywhere. As it's warm everyday, you'll like the lightweight flexibility of being able to carry around the M9 and just a couple of lenses with you everywhere.

 

I have lots of images of the streets of Manila on my blog if you are interested in taking a look.

 

Cheers.

 

Kurt

 

Kirt it was a pleasure viewing your great shots. Just wondering which lens did you end up using most?

 

Thanks Hank

[Messsucherkamera]

I would take the 21, 35 and the 50.

 

Yes, I know you asked which two. But surely one more won't ruin your trip.

[Paul J]

It depends on what you want to shoot but personally I would take the 35 and 50. The 90 too if I could afford the extra weight.

[sm23221]

Just take the 35mm, concentrate on your photos and have a wonderful time.

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[Hank Taylor]

I would take the 21, 35 and the 50.

 

Yes, I know you asked which two. But surely one more won't ruin your trip.

 

I have to agree with you, my favorite lens is a 35 mm. I realize there are the hard core 90 mm who like the perspective for portraits but since I enjoy putting my face up close to the subject the 35mm and 50mm will cover it for me. But no doubt the 21mm comes in handy for me when shooting interiors and scenic landscape shots.

 

Thanks for your suggestions.

Hank