Off to Paris, what lens selection

[BCMielke]

Yes, this is going to be another one of those what lens should I take questions.

I will in Paris for work and then staying over a couple of days for sightseeing and photography. I like photographing Churches, architecture and also people. Last year I had more church and architecture photos than people. This year my goal is to reverse that.

Last year I took the Contax 35-70 mounted on my Leica M 240, with an 18mm SEM and a Voigltander 50mm f/1.5. This system worked fine, but I found that on the wide end there was quite a bit of gaps. I knew this going in, but I couldn't fill them then. I have the following lenses to choose from now though.

Leica 90mm f/4 macro (with the newest adapter)
Voigtladner 50mm f/1.5
Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 II
Voigtlander 28mm f/2
Leica 18mm SEM.
Contax 35-70.

I have been debating about something in the 24-25 focal length or the 21mm focal length. The problem I am running into is the 24-25 seems too close to the 28 and the 21 seems to close to the 18mm. If I don't take the 28 the 24 makes some sense because then I have 18, 24, 35, 50 and 90. There is of course the classic 21, 35, 50 and 90, but I'm pretty sure the 21 won't be wide enough to capture some of the churches in Paris so then I would have the 18, 21, 35, 50 and 90. I could probably go without the 50 as I didn't use it much last year, but 50 is such a versatile focal length.

Anyone have something I haven't considered or a solution?

Thanks,

 

[johannielscom]

Yes, this is going to be another one of those what lens should I take questions.

...

I have been debating about something in the 24-25 focal length or the 21mm focal length. The problem I am running into is the 24-25 seems too close to the 28 and the 21 seems to close to the 18mm.

...

Anyone have something I haven't considered or a solution?

Thanks,

How about no new lens, but a few steps back or forward, or cropping a bit to get the desired AOV? It's easy to do and cheap too! 😛

 

[mfogiel]

My advice will be a bit rude:
- buy postcards instead of photographing churches
- take one lens - 35mm or 50mm and enjoy seeing Paris

 

[Out to Lunch]

If at all possible, I'd also bring a 21mm lens. Great for architecture.

 

[raid]

I recommend a minimalist approach. You will bring out the best photography capabilities and creativity in you. Two cameras and two lenses would be my recommended max set. Some people prefer 21-35 others like 35-50 or other. Make sure that the weight and size are manageable.

 

[BCMielke]

Johan,

I hoped people would offer this. Then I could spend the money on a very nice meal. Well more than one. 🙂

 

[noimmunity]

there was quite a bit of gaps. I knew this going in, but I couldn't fill them then.

You have a pretty awesome choice before you as it is.
I'd suggest rethinking what "gaps" are, in the largest sense possible, and taking that to heart in your photography.
Sounds to me like you are thinking in terms of how to fill a frame, rather than slowing down enough to let photos come to you.

 

[Schlapp]

Paris; 50mm Skopar
Bruges; 35mm f2.5

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

When I'm in a Paris, which is twice a year, I like to bring 21,35,75.

 

[johannielscom]

Johan,

I hoped people would offer this. Then I could spend the money on a very nice meal. Well more than one. 🙂

Drink a beer in my honour then, glad I could be of assistance! 🙂

Have a nice trip to Paris!

 

[Lauffray]

My advice will be a bit rude:
- buy postcards instead of photographing churches
- take one lens - 35mm or 50mm and enjoy seeing Paris

I second this.
That said, I found myself using mostly a 50 in Paris last time I was there (whereas I use a 35 most of the time)

Don't forget to enjoy the city 🙂

 

[BCMielke]

I truly had an incredible time last year. That really undersells it.

 

[Gadge]

Last time I was there, I took only a 50mm.
This proved to be a really BAD IDEA.

I badly needed wider. That Eifel Tower takes some fitting in as do those churches externally. So I suggest take a 35mm too or maybe 20/24 if you have it.

I tend to use 90mm most successfully for portraits but they could really have been taken anywhere with little background showing in them. so only take a 90mm if you want to take those kind of shots (IMHO natch).

 

[ramosa]

28mm + 50mm

 

[raid]

If one lens is taken, I would consider a 35mm or a 50mm lens. Change the composition of the images based on the chosen lens.

 

[Spanik]

When I'm in a Paris, which is twice a year, I like to bring 21,35,75.

Would be my choice as well. Maybe even drop the 75 and take 135 but then I'm not into shooting people when on holiday because as been said above, those could be taken anywhere. I'd add something panoramic.

 

[Godfrey]

I'm in the minimalist camp too.

The body, two batteries, a couple of 32G cards, two lenses. For travel to an urban scene, unless you're on assignment, 28 and 50mm lenses is enough.

Or take the the one lens you most like to shoot with, and add either a much longer or a much wider lens for the occasional special shot. Something like a 50 as standard and an 18 as ultra wide is often a nice way to poke up your seeing. Or a 28 as standard and a 90 in the bag for the occasional shot works well too.

Or just take the one lens you most like to shoot with and be done at that. I could go for weeks and not get tired of shooting with the Summilux 35 v2... Or just taking the Leica X instead of the M. 🙂

G

 

[raid]

I share with Godfrey my love for the V2 Summilux 35/1.4.

 

[Richard G]

28mm + 50mm

This. I did it and was very happy with the combination. Light weight crucial. I used the black 28 2.8 ASPH and my old black tabbed Summicron 50. Walked all day and wasn't distracted by gear, bulk or weight, and didn't have a 'camera bag'.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Chris, look at the number of keepers you had from last trip and definitely take the lens you made them with. As for the other... go for something very different.

Every time I go to Europe I take something wide (usually 35mm) and something long (a 90mm lens). Since I only use the long one because I don't want it to be always idle (which means that I force myself to use it), next time I'll take a 50 instead.