If you had to choose a lens to leave home

[scorpius73]

I'm off to Istanbul, Turkey for a week and then Bologna, Italy for a week. I have dilemna. I'm taking a Nikon D700 with 17-35mm, 28-105mm and a 50mm f1.2 with a Leica M6 with Zeiss 35mm f2 Biogon. I have 2 lenses on the fence as to which to take. Would you take the Tokina 80-400mm for a those distant shots with the D700 or the Nikon 50mm f1.4 Millenium with Amadeo adapter for the M6? Thats my dilemna. Any thoughts, I torn.

 

[Krosya]

When I was in Turkey I used M-Hex 50/1.2 and ZM 21/2.8 the most and never needed much more. I also had M-Hex 28/2.8 that I used at times. All used on Hexar RF and M5 . I think it's nice to have a very fast lens for the inside/late night cafe shots. I wouldnt take a big long lens like 80-400 - as I wouldnt use it much or would want to carry around. Cant say about Italy - never been there. Have a good trip and post some pics when you return!

 

[Krosya]

Also , you can take a look at some of my pics from that trip here:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80863

it may give you some ideas about gear and country.

 

[oftheherd]

Somehow I never understand the questions about which lens to take. How do you see? I see more in wide than telephoto. I will take what I think I will need if I know what I am shooting. If I don't know, then I lean towards wide. That is my preference. I also like low light, so I would have a 50/1.4. That is why I would probably only take an SLR or at most for RF, an XA.

What is your preference for shooting?

 

[Lukino]

You will not find a long lens very useful in Bologna. In every city, in Italy, I constantly squeeze myself against the wall to make buildings and stuff fit inside the frame - go wide!

 

[jonmanjiro]

Hmmm I just tried to post something, but lost it...

I agree with the last poster, you'll want to go wider rather than longer. Take the D700, 17-35/2.8, and 50/1.2 and call it a day. If you really want to take the M6 as well, stick the Biogon 35/2 on it and you're done!

Less is more! And your back will thank you for it!!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Yet another vote for wide or fast rather than long and slow. I don't recall any occasion in Istanbul when I wanted anything longer than 105mm.

Cheers,

R.

 

[scorpius73]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I will take the advice and leave the 80-400mm at home. It is rather heavy.
When I was in Italy last year. I rarely used my 90mm Hexanon on the M6. It's just that I sometimes want to bring everything when I know deep down I probably won't need it.

 

[ebino]

28mm-105mm and 50mm 1.4. Honest answer.

 

[scorpius73]

I'm in Istanbul and my back is killing me with this gear! Ha ha! No room safe to leave things in. Oh well, this is a great city for photos and the people are super friendly.

 

[Krosya]

So what did you take with you?
Have fun and post pics!

 

[jonmanjiro]

I'm in Istanbul and my back is killing me with this gear! Ha ha! No room safe to leave things in. Oh well, this is a great city for photos and the people are super friendly.

Hate to say I told you so ... but I told you so 😀

Hope the rest of your trip is just as good!

 

[scorpius73]

So what did you take with you?
Have fun and post pics!

Nikon D700 with vertical grip
Tamron 17-35mm
Nikon 28-105mm
Nikon 50mm f1.2 AIS
Nikon SB-600

Leica M6
Zeiss 35mm f2 Biogon
Nikon 50mm f1.4 Millenium
20 rolls of b&w film

I will post some of my favorites when I get home.

 

[scorpius73]

Hate to say I told you so ... but I told you so 😀

Hope the rest of your trip is just as good!

Yes you did! But I'm still enjoying myself. That's all that matters. Ran into a Japanese tourist in the Grand Bazaar yesterday. We struck up a conversation when he saw my M6. Rangefinder lovers are everywhere.