Traveling with the S. Lens selection?

[Pieter12]

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I will be traveling by air later this year to Ireland and Berlin and I am considering taking the S 006 with one or two lenses. Option A is the 70mm and a Hasselblad H 28mm with the adapter, of course. Option B is just a Hasselblad 50-110mm with the adapter--I don't have the S 50-90 and it is outside my budget range right now. I already own the fixed lenses and could pick up the Hasselblad zoom for a reasonable price. Weight and size are a consideration. Either prime lens weighs less and is considerably smaller than the zoom--I think the combined weight is about the same as the zoom lens--and the image quality is probably better overall but there is the hassle of changing lenses and carrying the extra bulk. I know the focal range is different, but it is a compromise I think I can live with. I am leaning toward the 28 & 70 right now, but the idea of a zoom seems nice.

[Jeff S]

Years ago I experimented for a week with the S006 and S30-90 zoom.  I concluded that, for me, steady handheld results (my intended use) were best realized in good light only due to the slowish lens speed and limited ISO range. (Modern noise control software might have improved results somewhat nowadays.) This was exacerbated by using the optional split image screen, which sometimes half blacked out when using the longer, slower focal lengths. I decided that, if I were going to invest in the system, I would stick with faster primes and/or consider the S007 for its higher ISO flexibility.

Jeff

[Pieter12]

The 28 is a f4, but because of the focal length I think that should work OK. And the 70 is a 2.5. The Hasselblad 10-110 zoom is kind of slow at 3.5-4.5, but a bit faster than the S 50-90 at the long end. At this point, an S007 is not in the picture. In the end If I were reasonable, I'd just take the Fuji X-Pro2 with an 18-55mm zoom. Much lighter obviously and smaller to carry around with decent image quality, good ISO range and OIS.

[Jeff S]

You’ve written S50-90 in both posts…assume you know it’s 30-90.

Jeff

Edited July 17, 2023 by Jeff S

[Pieter12]

Sorry. Yeah, I know. It's the Hassy 50-110 that has me misstating the zoom range. But is isn't under consideration, anyway.

Edited July 17, 2023 by Pieter12
addendum

[Stuart Richardson]

I think you are on the right track with the 28 and 70. I would just bring the 70, but I am not much of a wide shooter. The 30-90 can cover a good focal range, but it is very heavy and slow and not as good as the other S lenses. I deeply regretted buying one back when the only way to buy one was new...I lost a ton of money on it...the only time I lost money on a Leica lens. I know some like it, but I found it to be mediocre. Mine was quite sharp on center, but never got truly sharp in the edges or corners, at any aperture, especially when longer than 60mm. Yes, it went back to Leica and they confirmed it was within spec. The MTF shows it...caveat emptor.

In any case, even if the total weight is slightly higher, I think it is better to have two lighter primes than one heavy zoom. The biggest experience of weight and driver of fatigue is when you are holding the camera up to your face, rather then when it is in a backpack or shoulder bag. In that sense, have a lighter lens on the camera and the other lens in the bag feels less fatiguing than having a heavy single lens on the camera at all times. Others may feel differently, but that is my take at least.

[Pieter12]

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That is what I am thinking, too. One lens in a bag or backpack and the other on the camera around my neck will be less fatiguing than a much heavier lens on the camera. Just get paranoid about dust on the sensor changing lenses. Although at this point I think I will probably be shooting the 28 most of the time, at least in Ireland.

[Jeff S]

More discussion regarding the zoom, including edge performance…

Jeff

[Leica Land]

7 hours ago, Pieter12 said:

 

I had reviewed My past travel photos most of it was taken by S30-90mm.

If handheld it is advisable to shoot at 1/250 and invest in Lopaz software it is a lifesaver.

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited July 17, 2023 by Leica Land

[Guest]

I was in the same boat. And decided not to take my S. Instead, I am traveling with the Leica CL and a couple lenses (23 and the 55/135 zoom). I enjoy the lighter weight, especially when out and about in this heat that seems to follow us everywhere we go these days (ok, maybe not Ireland…).

Anyway, I get the pictures I want, which is the most important aspect of having a nimble camera at one’s disposal under all conditions (well, almost…see below). 
T

(writing from taifun-y Hong Kong)

[albireo_double]

I've done trips with the S45 / S100 or S35 / S70 or S35 / S120 combinations, and even one with the S35-90 and S120 but, I have to admit, nothing beats an M with a couple of M lenses for any scenario where I will be hiking / walking with a camera bag on my back / shoulder. Unless photography is the sole or at least the main purpose of my trip and there are no family members in tow. I did a ten day's trip in Uganda with an S2 in 2012, with an S35 and S120, for example. Carried this equipment for four hours up the hill in 30 Celsius 100% humidity in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, to photograph the gorillas. The images were wonderful but I don't think I would do it again. It is of course much easier if you plan to drive everywhere and make only short outings with the camera, and use a tripod.  Like the S2, your S006 does not shine at high ISOs, so you need to take that into account when shooting. Also, unless your S lens (or lenses) have the updated AF motors, I would advise you definitely take an extra lens with you as back-up, even it if stays in the hotel when you go out. I've had a total of 7 S lenses fail...they are all good now but I'd still prefer to have back-up on any important trip.

[steveash]

The Hasselblad HC 50-110mm is a mighty beast. It handles better on the S than it does any Hasselblad camera as it is better balanced. It is an excellent performer but still bulky, heavy and conspicuous. Not what I would call a walk-about lens, in fact after an hour or so of use I’d have trouble holding it steady. Perhaps I just need to go to the gym more often!

[ynp]

For me the Hasselblad 50-110 mm is a studio lens, very flattering to a human face at 110 mm. 

[davidmknoble]

Different camera, same problem.  I just spent a week in Spain with the M11, the 35 Summilux (new old edition 1970’s), the 50 Summilux ASPH and the 90 APO.  95% of my shots were with the 35 Summilux.  I used higher f stops for more ‘scenic’ shots (f/5.6, f/8) and lower for people shots (f/2 f/2.8 f/4).  The key was that I had the f/stops for being in and out of poor lighting and the ISO to help.  The old adage of wide, std, télé works well and you end up picking one lens you use most of the time (in a given day or location at least).

Here, I would consider taking only the 28 and 70 (if you don’t have a 100, 120).  You have 37mp to crop the 70 some if you need it.  I’ll bet you shoot the 70 mostly on your trip with some 28 thrown in for those gotta have a wide shots.  Small, compact, good f/stop.  Great walk about lens if you want to use the S system.

 

[alainD]

I have the full collection of S lenses. Wwhen I want something "light", my go-to kit is the S3 with the 35mm and the 180mm. There is something special in the color rendering of those two lenses. However, for my upcoming trip in south-east Asia. I'm not sure if I'll take the S or the CL. The weather sealing on the S is attractive, but the weight of the CL might be more important.

Alain

[Pieter12]

I will try my backpack with the 2-lens outfit later this week for a few hours of walking and see how I do. It also occurred to me that I will most probably have to check the backpack when I go to museums in Berlin. I wonder if I can even haul a big camera into them, anyway? The thought would be to leave the 28 behind in the hotel and just take the S with the 70 for museum days. Or even Irish pubs for that matter--they seem pretty small inside, maybe skip the camera & backpack altogether. The Fuji X is looking better. I'd just hate not having the S, to miss out on the Irish countryside and towns.

[epines]

I recently figured out an easy, quick-access way to carry around an S body with two lenses: The body with one lens attached goes in a sling bag (mine is a Peak Design one) over the shoulder; the second lens goes in a Think Tank lens pouch (Skin 75 Pop Down V3.0) attached to my belt. Easy, quick access to both lenses for walkaround shooting. And not a lot of weight on your neck, shoulders and back. Here's what I do for travel and walkaround shooting:

Just one lens with me: 45mm

Two lenses with me: 35mm & 70mm

Three lenses with me: 30mm, 45mm & 70mm

 

 

[Hans-Dieter Gülicher]

I have the S3 with 30-90 mm lens. But travelling far away I prefer my M10-R mostly with the APO-Summicron 35 mm, only. I am nearly a pure landscaper.

[Milan_S]

I would go for 35mm, 70mm and 120mm or 45mm / 100mm or if you want to keep it easy the Zoom for traveling plus a Q or M camera with a fast lens 35mm f1.4/50mm f1.4

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[davidmknoble]

If you take the S with 2 lenses, I would consider adding a third and use the 70.  It is incredibly small, has a very wide f/stop compared to many of the S lenses and is the most compact S lens.  The old 35(28) 50 90 routine is easy with a 45, 70 (100/120/180) and the weight is not much more.

Let me be clear, there is NO compact S kit.  But I love the S for intentional photography.  Otherwise, I travel with a smaller camera base.