Another Iceland lens kit question for SL2-S

[lincoln_m]

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I went in March 2022 and again in April 2023 with just M10 and 35 summilux fle for 90% of shots and Sony A7 with Leica 50 summicron as backup. For wide panoramic I set the shutter speed and took 5-6 shots that i stitched together in Lightroom when I got home. That seemed to work most of the time. I even did a close up left right up down right on the Gullfoss falls in the mist.

with the wind, dust, and mist you do not want to be changing lenses outside.

I find I get best results with one camera one lens M10 + 35 summilux fle. The first time I went to Iceland in March 2009 I took 2 M bodies, slide and b&w film plus a canon G10 compact so I took everything 3x. Only my first shots at each location with MP and 35 summicron on Provia are any good. 
Be in the moment and take in the scene instead of having your head in your kit bag changing bodies and lenses.

take several smaller SD cards and change them every day or so so that everything isn’t all on one card at risk of loss or damage. Because SD cards are so much cheaper than film l can afford to store the big trips SD cards away afterwards instead of reformatting and reusing. I those cases I treat my sd cards as if they were slides, I.e. the original source. A 32GB card costs about the same as a 36 exposure film without processing.

[lincoln_m]

As the weather is so changeable in Iceland what has worked for me is to do out and back trips. So in 2022 I did the south coast staying in Vik for one night then 2 nights in Hofn followed by another night back in Vik. That meant when I got to Jokulsarlon the first time it was late afternoon with a moody overcast sky but when I came back two days later it was bright and clear sun ideal for diamond beach. If it wasn’t for the sun glinting on the icebergs I wouldn’t have realised the beach was better than the lagoon and parked up. I’m glad I did, it was morning so very few people in late March.

you go all that way at great expense and drive for 2 hours then stop for 1 hour only to have bad weather, but as you drive away to the next spot the sun comes out for 10 mins but is back in at the next location. Doing an out and back trip gives you two chances at the same location. 

[georgecp]

Jeff,

Already many good suggestions....Having been to Iceland in the winter (2011) and Summer (2014), the comment I would make on your selections relates to the tripod.  Iceland can get very windy in a split second.  I would ensure that you have a solid-enough tripod with a hook and a hook on your backpack to weigh it down depending on the image, context, etc...  A monopod or lightweight tripod will not do enough to help you depending on your goals and how you shoot.

Have a great trip!

[eab]

On 5/3/2024 at 9:48 AM, LocalHero1953 said:

When I went, it was the colours that I looked for, especially where colourful buildings were placed in the landscape. I've posted this before in other threads.

I took the Elmarit-M 28 (30%), Summilux-M 35 FLE (40%) and Apo-Summicron-M 90 (30%). I never felt I was missing a lens. But then I rarely do, whatever lenses I take . That says more about how I approach photography than about Iceland - so it's not much use to you!

I had a look at your flipbook.  Very nice, it was an excellent remainder that you don’t need a huge lens selection, killer AF, etc. to produce some beautiful work.  thank you.

 

[Bohns]

On 5/3/2024 at 8:00 AM, ImmerDraussen said:

I used a S007 with the 30-90mm lens that gives the same possibilities as the 24-90mm and a SL2-s with the Sigma 150-600mm. I had the 16-35mm with me, but rarely used it.

Fully agreed !

I have been there twice, in 2018, and last summer.

First time, I brought my SL with 24-90 and my M240 with Voigt 15, Lux 50 and Summaron 28. I never used the 15 mm. 24 mm was more than wide enough there. But I was too short for wildlife; don’t neglate this part of your upcoming trip; there are many possibilities, with birds, seals, eventually whales, foxes, horses, eventually reindeers, etc. Iceland is not just wonderful landscapes and traditional dweelings.

Last summer, I went there with « just » the SL2, 24-90 and Sigma 150-600 (wonderful wonderful lens !). My wife had the SL of 2018 and a Panasonic 24-105. Sturdy tripod. Polarizer and ND filters incl. big-stopper for waterfalls. Period.

I just posted wildlife shots :

Several more posts with landscapes, roads, churchs and traditional dweelings, waterfalls may follow. All those were taken above 24 mm and below 105 mm.

You’d better bring several more batteries and <= 64GB (for safety) SD cards then a wide angle length below 24, unless you are wishing to shoot nothern lights (May-end may be too late, but this year sun activity may change the rule a bit).

So, personally looking at your kit, I would bring SL2-S with 24-90 (general purpose) + APO 21 (very few shots and nothern lights opportunities taking benefit of th f/2), SL2 with APO 90-280 (mainly wildlife, with crop possibilities of SL2 to lengthen reach), tripod, filters.

Regards,

Stef.

Edited May 18, 2024 by Bohns

[beewee]

I was there last year August-September and I took a similar setup with an SL2-S + Q3 for a road trip around the island as well as into the highlands with some hikes.

Just to provide some context, my style of shooting is more of documentary and landscape and I’ve had a ton of experience shooting while hiking in the mountains so I have a fairly good idea of what focal lengths I like to use when I’m actually ‘on the ground’ and up close to the mountains. In contrast, I have less experience doing the more typical tourist thing where I drive up to a scenic spot and take photos from a farther distance. With this in mind, when I’m in the mountains in Canada, I’m normally shooting around 24mm and the 16-35 SL is normally my go-to lens of choice when shooting with the SL2-S. 

For my Iceland trip, I took the following:

• Sigma 14/1.4 DG DN which never got used - I took it mainly for astro and aurora but the sky was never dark enough to see it
• Sigma 14-24 DG DN which never got used - I took it mainly for waterfalls and such in case I wanted a lighter 14mm lens than the 14/1.4 which is a total beast
• Leica 16-35 SVE - used for about 6% of my photos taken, mainly while hiking and shooting up close like black sand beaches, wide landscapes of glaciers, waterfalls, etc.
• Leica 24-90 VE - used for about 50% of my photos taken, main walk-around lens for landscapes, geysers, bigger waterfalls, sea cliffs, glaciers, scenery while driving, arctic fox
• Leica 90-280 VE - used for about 3% of my photos taken, mainly very distant landscapes, wildlife like seals and puffins
• Q3 - used for about 35% of my photos taken, mainly landscapes photos while on hikes or from the side of the road
• iPhone 14 Pro and DJI Air 3 for the remaining photos

A few things to keep in mind:

• Iceland is windy and it can be dusty and/or rainy so for this reason I left my 28 APO SL at home and I never felt like I needed it, especially with the SL2-S
• There’s a ton of mist coming off the waterfalls so you probably don’t want to change lenses while shooting near one
• The mountains are often much farther away from the road compared to other places like in Canada, US, and the alps so I found that an ultra-wide is less useful. In most cases, the 28mm on the Q3 was plenty wide, even while hiking in the highlands and I didn’t feel like I needed a 24mm or wider
• The iPhone is an awesome waterproof camera for times when you don’t want to risk submerging your Leica gear, like in the blue lagoon

A few highlights from the trip - I still have a huge backlog of photos to process.

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[Joker Jeff]

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@Bohns @beewee - thank you for the practical advice.   Down to a few days before the trip and I think you plus all those who have responded have solidified the plan on the lenses.    

Since my original post, I bought a few things - 1/Pana 70-200 F4 as an alternative to the 90-280 due to weight and size;  2/Compagnon Element 30L camera backpack from Germany - very comfortable.      

Thanks,

JJ

[Joker Jeff]

TRIP SUMMARY - appreciate all the sage advice as mentioned above so sharing out my post-trip report for those who might be spinning on gear, backpacks, etc.  I will add  the trip was not just Iceland - had a week in Switzerland, a few days in Copenhagen, a week on a cruise around Norway and Iceland, and four days in Reykjavik.    

Gear setup 

• Q3
• SL2-S  + SL 21 APO, SL 24-90, Panasonic 70-200 F4 (bought thinking my 90-280 is too heavy to schlep)
• 4 Batteries, 6 Hoodman Steel SD UHSII 64GB SFDC cards
• Breakthrough X4 Dark CPL filter
• Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
• AER Travel Pack 3 (35L) X-Pac backpack (my fav brand for EDC and travel backpack) with Neewer NW140S Waterproof Camera and Lens Storage Carrying

Gear thoughts 

• Q3 used every day as "always have with me" in smaller 20L PAKT backpack I use as my daily EDC.   Will continue "always have with me". 
• SL2-S with 24-90 used for 88% of SL2-based pics (Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, ship, most of Iceland); 70-200 used for Black Sand Beach, Thridrangar lighthouse, all the xxFoss (waterfall) locations.    Could have survived with the SL2-S, the 24-90, and the 70-200 + Q3 
• 70-200 F4 (Panasonic) vs bringing my SL 90-280.   I could have used additional reach for landscape (additional 80mm), however, I didn't need more weight.   Pleased with the 70-200 F4 for the limited use it received.   NOT suggesting it's a 1:1 replacement for the 90-280, just smaller and lighter.   
• 21mm used for a handful of architecture pics in Rekyavik; could have left home and been fine with a 24 - 200 across two lenses but how can one not bring an APO lens!   If I wanted to be a minimalist, I could have brought the SL2 + 24-90 and cropped for > 90.
• Fast lenses - not needed late May > early August due to sunrise / sunset times
• Gear was heavy and had me wondering if I should have brought the Fuji XT landscape / architecture / travel setup to save weight and the sweating at the airports.
• Backpacks - all this gear on my back in airport and walking around using one of the best backpacks (AER) was HEAVY!  I purchased an Element Companion 30L dedicated camera backpack thinking this would more functional - didn't take it and used regular backpack + camera thinking I would need the regular backpack features which wasn't the case.    I should have brought the Element 30L as it is very comfortable and practical (the German design thing) as pulling gear in and out of a camera case inside a backpack isn't practical when on the street, etc.   Both backpacks are water resistant but in reality, not needed for this trip (didn't stand under waterfalls).
• less gear is more if an SL shooter.    Did I yearn for my APO prime setup (21, 35, 50, 75, 90) - kinda of but to the point about wind, changing lenses in the field isn't recommended as it is WINDY.   Did I yearn for an M setup - yes before the trip but not during the trip.   Yearned for my Fuji XT setup due to weather resistance, great SOOC pics, weight, great lenses, etc.   The weight is reason my Q3 had a ton of use. 
• Use something with wheels gear and/or the bag carrying the gear for airport, hotel transfer, etc., if taking the SL setup.   I had a backpack (camera setup) and a duffle - painful going from one side  of the airport to another.     I'm athletic / fit person and noticed in my home airport before I boarded the first flight how painful my setup was to schlep through the airport.

 

Thoughts on trip other than gear 

• recognize the difference between a "photography trip" and a "family trip with a camera" to avoid frustration.  This was the "family trip (11 of us) with a camera" so had to remind myself several times as going off the beaten path to "get the unique Iceland shot" wasn't welcome by the other 10.
• I thought having everything weather resistant and/or waterproof (gear, bag, etc.) was a must - wasn't really as I didn't stand under waterfalls.   We had snow in the northern part of Iceland along with rain - no problems with the gear.
• Iceland requires at least a week to see and ideally with a Class B RV or hotels across the island.   We based ourselves in Reykjavik and some drives were long, e.g., drive to Vik.   
• VISIT ICELAND - photography aside, just a beautiful and unique place.   We are going back for a "photography trip".     

NB - lamb is the meat of choice with whale and horse also being an option

NB - leica is still my platform of choice although there might be systems better suited from a weight and range perspective for a "family trip" hence my Fuji comment.

Thank you!

 

 

[jaapv]

Yes a heavy gear backpack should have wheels which is why I use this backpack/ aircraft trolley. 

 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I use backpacks in the field. I much prefer slim ones that keep the weight close to my spine. That’s why I don’t like the universally praised Shimodas and stick with the super slim Wandreds.

Through the airport I always pack my heavy gear in my carry on wheeled bag or at least have my backpack attached to my wheelie bag (weight restrictions vary). I won’t carry anything on my back through airports anymore. If I’m allowed one bag my gear is in it and my photo backpack is then in my main bag. I also always carry a hip bag that can take a couple of lenses for walking around cities and days my back just wants a rest. I’m incredibly fussy about which bag goes on which trip. Things like tripods, filters, extra chargers etc are all in my checked luggage. Only the minimum to take photos travels with me in carry on.

In Iceland we worked from the car. The longest hike was around 500 meters. So not arduous although we did have snow crampons on (it was winter and we were on a glacier). Because Iceland is so safe we generally carried what we needed and left the rest locked in the car. My super wide spent most of its time here, except for the caves and waterfalls. So did extra cards and cleaning stuff. 

It’s also important to know your personal weight limits. Mine has lowered form 10 to 8kg in more recent years. That’s everything including tripod, filters etc. YOu can save a ton of weight by examining those things as well as your body and lenses. Also look at HOW the weight is distributed in your bag. And all that extra crap you carry….

Gordon

 

[BLeventhal]

These questions depend on how tolerant you are about carrying gear on your back. I find that backpacks are the most secure way to carry gear because it frees up your arm and hands to balance yourself. I am an outdooor nature photographer for 95% of my photography. Other than doing the very rare corporate portrait, I'm outside. Being outside often mean walking on trails, off trails, on sticks, on ice, through sand, and/or through the snow. Anything but a pack with with a hip belt and chest cross-strap increases the chance I will lose balance. I am neither young nor old... depending on your own frame of reference 😆... I'm 59. 

My heavier Nikon kit is carried in a ThinkTank/Mindshift Backlight 36L. This is the only bag that I can comfortably carry my Z9 attached to the 400 f2.8TC w/ my other Nikon bodies and lenses. I carry my Leica kit (2 bodies & 3 zooms from 14mm to 400mm) and 13" MB Pro in an F-Stop Tilopa. All of the gear fits is the Medium Sland ICU, and leaves the top half of the bag for everything from a change of clothes to batteries and filters. If I'm on a commuter plane with very little personal storage, I can slide out the ICU and easily fit this with a 13" laptop under a seat.

Both bags are purely utilitarian and lack the style and refinement that is often associated with Leica shooters. As such, I am not viewed as somone with expensive camera equipment, and thus not a target. All of my gear is intended to help me produce what I'll colloquially refer to as "art" and help me generate income through image sales and photography education. 

I'll be heading to Iceland in November (trip #3) and Japan in January (trip #2). I'm intending to leave most of my NIkon stuff at home and shoot with the Leicas for these winter excursions... Because both bags are airline safe and have rear-entry compartments, either bag should be suitable for these trips.

regards,

bruce

[tom0511]

Thanks for the great Summary!

I also own the Element and like it quite a bit. The Leica Zooms are heavy but great range.

I think the 70200/4.0 is also a good choice, I find it optically to be quite good.

[Virob]

I’m hoping to get to Iceland next year if possible.
Gear choice is very personal and what works, will differ from person to person. I lean towards wide angle lenses for landscapes and was starting to wonder if I need to reconsider when thinking about Iceland. 
Here is an interesting video from a landscape photographer who used the hasselblad 20-35 for 90% of his images while in Iceland.

 

[BernardC]

26 minutes ago, Virob said:

Here is an interesting video from a landscape photographer who used the hasselblad 20-35 for 90% of his images while in Iceland.

That lens was announced today, so he had a strong incentive to use it for most of his shots!

[beewee]

10 hours ago, Virob said:

I’m hoping to get to Iceland next year if possible.
Gear choice is very personal and what works, will differ from person to person. I lean towards wide angle lenses for landscapes and was starting to wonder if I need to reconsider when thinking about Iceland. 
Here is an interesting video from a landscape photographer who used the hasselblad 20-35 for 90% of his images while in Iceland.

 

I’m a wide angle shooter but this would be a limiting lens for iceland.

Also, the corner performance on this lens is a bit lack luster. I think you’d get better image quality for landscapes with the SL3 + SL 16-35.

 

Edited September 11, 2024 by beewee

[S Maclean]

I would take the 24-90 and 90-280  those will cover about 99% of Icelandic landscape needs.  And yes, then the 21 would be a good addition.  The M 18mm also would work really well.

 

edit:  or yes, the 16-35, 24-90 and 90-280  and a couple of ND filters and polarizers because….. ice and water! It’s a heavy bag, but you’ll get your images !!

Edited September 11, 2024 by S Maclean

[Virob]

My bad. I don't follow Hasselblad gear, don't own any of it, likely never will, didn't intend for that to be the subject of my post and honestly, don't pay a lot of attention to what brands people use. What caught my attention was 1) Iceland, 2) Photography and 3) ultrawide zoom, and whether an ultrawide is useful in Iceland.

Several post here suggest that an ultrawide isn't that useful in Iceland. I am also doing my homework and thought it might be helpful to share some information I stumbled across. Nothing more, product review or not.

It is a Leica SL forum and will restrict my comments to Leica SL equipment from now on.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

17 hours ago, beewee said:

I’m a wide angle shooter but this would be a limiting lens for iceland.

Also, the corner performance on this lens is a bit lack luster. I think you’d get better image quality for landscapes with the SL3 + SL 16-35.

 

The SL 16-35 is actually quite similar to this wide open, so, no, I don't think it will. I'll tell you next week when my lens arrives. I have found that generally the X2D with something like the 55V still outperforms the SL3 with 50 APO. The Leica lens is a bit better but as a system you can't beat the larger sensor with 16 bits. Having said that I have no hesitation using the SL3 for my large format printing needs. I've been wanting this lens for a long while so I'm excited to get mine.

***************

I'm three weeks back from our 2nd trip to Iceland this year. Summer this time. I took both a SL3 kit and one X2D body. VE 16-35, Panny 24-105 and Leica 100-400 for the SL3's and a few primes for the Hasselblad. Basically, didn't use the 'blad at all. That was because I used the zooms. Next time I'll leave the X2D at home and take a drone.

I was extremely pleased with the SL3's. The longer lens was quite useful to me and I used the whole 16-400mm range. I also had a 500mm and 1.4x but the Puffins didn't co-operate. I did a lot of stitching as many of the Icelandic landscapes suit that framing. I really appreciated the zooms. You can't just move forward to frame. Too many cliffs to walk off. I have no doubt that the X2D IQ would be higher but I'm not having any issues with the SL3 files and where I needed I stitched and/or did exposure bracketing. I have around 100 stitches to do.  More than once I tested the SL3's weather resistance. Overall, the cameras were a joy to use and I liked them much more than the Sony kit I took in winter, where I topped out at 200mm.

I think my ideal kit for another trip would be X2D with 2 wide zooms and Leica with a 90-280 or 100-400. I'd also take the 24-105 as we did a few 3-4 hour hikes and sometimes you need to carry less. That's because I can. In reality the kit I had this time was near perfect.

Gordon