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Travel Kit recommendations...time sensitive


jackstraw

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Well, now I'm better informed, thank you, I thought the M9 was like the M8. In any case I don't think I'd change my recommendation, the 21, 35 and 50. The 90 is pretty specialized in application.

 

 

For my own 12 day trip, where I'm luggage space constrained as well, one carry on (clothes plus one lens) plus 2 cameras, jacket & umbrella. I'm taking two lenses for digital, a16-35 and a 28-70, both f/2.8, plus a doubler for the 28-70 which will then reach out to 140, albeit at f/5.6. Frankly, I doubt I'll use the doubler, maybe while on the river. I'm leaving my 70-200 f/2.8 at home, along with the flash and tripod.

 

For my street photography, my Leica MP with the 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit. Almost certainly to be used exclusively for B&W, though I'm still open to the right color (Velvia?) supplement. I'm taking lessons by studying the images in the Street Photograhy forum, there are some gifted photographers here.

 

The M8 is 1.3 crop, M9 and others are FF.

 

The 90 is good for picking out details in street scenes and architecture, as well as street portraits. Useful to have such reach with you when travelling even if it will only get minimal use.

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I think there should be an unwritten rule that if you ask the forum for lens choice advice you have to abide by the majority opinion (maybe one of the mods should turn it into a vote?).:D

It's naturally an impossible question to answer but 21 + 35 + 90 covers all bases or you could go with the classic combination of 35 + 50 + 90. Personally speaking I'd take the 35 only and be happy with that.

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I'd take the 21-40-90

 

OP will be shooting a lot by night. In Madrid, life if shifted forward in time and it is normal to find restaurants closed before 8:30 PM :rolleyes:

A stop more light on the 35 is really really convenient. If weight/size is so important, then I'd rather leave the 21 out.

 

I've been in Madrid early January with 24/3.8, 35/1.4, 50/1 and no tripod:

- Used the 35 for 95% of the shots.

- Used the 50 for a few night portraits.

- Found the 24/3.8 so painfully slow and flat that I am considering upgrade to a much faster lens.

- I really missed a tele, and bought a used 90 Elmarit (beautifully small) as soon as I got back. Although I know myself: I will find it too slow for cities at night, and will get a 75 Lux.

- And yes, I used the M240 in light rain with no troubles. The M9 is another story though. OP must be sure to account for rain in this period of the year, especially in Paris.

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I think there should be an unwritten rule that if you ask the forum for lens choice advice you have to abide by the majority opinion

 

+1

And another rule that you need to post a little trip report with at least one photo for each lens used ;)

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Actually it would be interesting if the OP could tell us whose advice he's taken and also report back after his trip to say how good the advice was e.g. did he feel that a particular lens should have been taken, or was not very useful.

 

That would help others asking in the future (those who have to ask such questions that is).

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The most important sentiment is what do you shoot? What do you shoot normally when you are not traveling?

Don't complicate your life by experimenting too much when traveling. You are already dealing with an unfamilar environment, exploration, and adventure; why taint that with equipment that you are not as familar with?

 

Now if you only shoot when traveling, bring them all and choose the lens you want for the day. Then leave the rest in the hotel safe.

 

For me: I shoot some travel, reportage... I'd stick to my staple lenses...

50mm planar and 28mm elmarit.

 

If I had the lens you have, and shot the way I shoot...

21mm for the architure and those large environment of buildings and people. A little distortion will add a sense of gradure to the city.

50mm for daily use. It is long enough so you don't have to get into people's faces. Plenty of isolation. and the summilux is great for low light. (However if you prefer to work a little closer, go for the 35mm.)

90mm for portraits. And the architure detail like the trim or stone statues. (I suppose the statues can count as poraiture)

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You should really KNOW which lenses you use the most on a trip. Its entirely a personal 'vision' thing.

 

I have 4 Leica lenses.

24/2.8 ASPH I use for 'Winogrand' style street shots - I also like wide fast lenses at night. So planning to upgrade this to a 24/1.4

 

35/1.4 ASPH non-FLE, stays on whichever body I'm using as a default, and use 80% of the time. Love this lens for its sharpness and bokeh. Feel I understand it.

 

50/1.4 ASPH I'm not really a 50 person, but its such a gorgeous lens, I sold one then purchased another a year later. I use it sometimes if I feel 'in a rut' with the 35. Can stay at home if I only want 3 lenses.

 

75/2 ASPH. Very similar rendering to the 50, but a bit more 'reach'. Great for street portraits and narrowing on details. Frame lines are not ideal, but this would go with the 35 on a 2-lens pair. I had a 90/2.8, but found it a little long and didn't like the rendering quite as much as the 75.

 

Try and work out what you use your lenses for and what you like about them. Its FAR FAR more important than 'covering a range' in steps. Those who advocate this have no particular style or intent and just don't 'get it' that some of us like particular lenses for the rendering they give, and that's why we spend ££ on them rather than jet getting a Nikon and a couple of zooms.... :D

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