"outdoor" photo equipment: 1 body + 3 lenses or 3 x (body + lens) ?

[Thomas78]

Hello,

yesterday I was at an outdoor museum showing old regional buildings from the 18th and 19th century.

I took a 35 mm, a 50 mm and a 135 mm lens with me.

While I used the 35 mm most of the time photographing the buildings (were I again noticed that a 28 mm would often be a better choice) I also needed the 50 mm for a windmill behind a large meadow and the 135 mm for taking pictures of the animals.

Because of the time needed to change the screw mount lenses and the viewfinders I only changed the lenses three times (35 --> 50 --> 135 --> 35) and skipped some oppertunities.

Now I think whether it would be a good idea to just put three complete RF bodies with lens and viewfinder (28, 50, 90 - 135) in the camera bag so that I have the "right" focal length at hand every time.

What is your experience/opinion on using multiple lenses in the field ?

 

[thegman]

I rarely change lenses out and about, but if I did, I would not want to carry 3 cameras around with me. When I go carry more than one camera, it's one for MF and one for 35mm. If you can be bothered to carry 3, go for it, but if you've got the pennies, maybe a Tri-Elmar would be good.

 

[FrankS]

On a dedicated photo walk in the big city, I usually have 2 rf bodies with me, and 1 or 2 extra lenses.

21/28/50 or 21/28/35/50

 

[SamStewart]

buy an slr with a zoom lens.

 

[back alley]

i like 2 of the same body with a lens attached to each body...maybe carry another lens in the bag.

 

[Mephiloco]

On my trip I carried around my M2 with a 21/4. When it got too dark for the 21/4 I went to the 50/2 Jupiter 8 or my Canon 50/1.2. Unfortunately my Ultron 'broke' during my trip so I had to go 21/50 the whole time 🙁

 

[Vics]

Interesting question. I've been trying to narrow it down, too. I don't like changing lenses either, mostly because I'm afraid I'll drop one. I'm down to the M3 with a Summaron 35/2.8 and a Contax IIIa with a Sonnar 50/1.5. The two lenses are perfectly matched by signature, but the two cams are really heavy for walking around all day. Today I just took the Contax, but I often missed the wide lens. When I just take the Leica I'm happier. I have toyed with the idea of a Leica-cum-35 + Rollei MX combo (crop to the tele image) and that may work. I really wish I only owned one cam and one lens...

 

[Bingley]

I am w/ back alley and FrankS on this question. When going out for the day (or out on vacation), I take two bodies with three lenses, usually 50/35/28 or 50/35/25 depending on where I'm going and what I'm likely to be shooting. Even so, I rarely change lenses.

 

[kxl]

Walking around ***MY*** city or in a city within easy drive, it's one body, one lens (okay, maybe two lenses)

Walking around a city when I'm on holiday, then it's 2 bodies, and 3-4 lenses.

 

[santela]

For me it'll probably be the R4m+21mm and a Leica M7+35mm. And a 50 in the bag will do.

 

[35mmdelux]

I liken a lens to a window on the world. Move around, think creatively or you'll lose the shot you said you lost. As stated by others, there are photographers who achieved fame by just shooting with a 50mm lens.

 

[paulfish4570]

one cam, one lens on my person; maybe another cam/lens left in the car ...

 

[n5jrn]

One camera (IIIf), two lenses (5cm Summitar, CV 35/2.5). Generally one lens stays on the camera most of the time while I have the other with me in case I need it. Would rather not take two bodies since I prefer traveling light. If I fiddle with removing and replacing lenses, it's often to insert a NOOKY-HESUM between IIIf and Summitar for a close-up shot.

 

[GaryLH]

For me --> Two RF bodies max. Either a 21/40 or 24/50/90 with the 90 in the bag along with the rf body that has the wide angle lens. More than two bodies to me gets to be confusing plus adds a bit of weight.

Gary

 

[Nikon Bob]

buy an slr with a zoom lens.

Exactly, by carrying around 3 bodies with lenses attached you have lost the size and weight advantage RFs offer. Easiest solutions are to just get used to changing lenses and finders in order to get the framing you want or carry one lens and live with having to fore go some shots.

Bob

 

[yadong110]

M4-2 Summaron 35/2.8, Hexar RF 28/2.8 (or 50/2), + Elmar 90/4 ( 3 element)
It's lighter and easy carry.

 

[Chris101]

I prefer shooting with a single camera and lens. However I can handle 2 of each if I need to. Three cameras? I'd get them tangled together and not shoot anything.

 

[Shade]

Wow yes the thought of not needing to change lenses is nice, but three cameras oh man.. I wouldnt do it..

 

[Jamie123]

I recently tried the multiple camera thing with two Hasselblads (one with an 80mm and one with a 50mm) and a 5DII around my neck when I took some photos of a friend of mine. Was a nightmare. Even though I was just a short distance away from the car and we soon went on to the next location it was less than convenient. Only way I'll ever do this again is if I have an assistant to hold the cameras I'm not using.

 

[FrankS]

I recently tried the multiple camera thing with two Hasselblads (one with an 80mm and one with a 50mm) and a 5DII around my neck when I took some photos of a friend of mine. Was a nightmare. Even though I was just a short distance away from the car and we soon went on to the next location it was less than convenient. Only way I'll ever do this again is if I have an assistant to hold the cameras I'm not using.

Heh, heh. That's quite a visual.