Paris - one lens to rule them all ?

One from Frances: use what you have. She once used nothing but a 15/2.8 fisheye (full frame) for a trip to Paris. Also, as she says, "Your Paris will be different from my Paris".

You are always going to miss some pictures. Decide in advance whether you want to miss them changing lenses and wondering what focal length to use, or having the "wrong" lens on your camera but being able to shoot quickly and fluidly.

Cheers,

R.
 
After hauling a Canon full-frame setup with the three basic zooms (17 to 200mm range) around Israel and Jordon in 2010, I gladly switched to micro 4/3s for travel. On a 2013 assignment to document mission work in El Salvador, I took two OMD-5 bodies and 14-150, 20 f1.7, and 45 f1.8 lenses in a small Domke bag. The outfit was just right, and the 14-150 was far and away the most used.

If I wanted to travel super-light, I would take one OMD-5 body with the 14-140 (I've switched to Panasonic for a little more sharpness) and the 20mm f1.7 for low light.
 
Paris is a city best explored by foot so whatever you bring (which is irrelevant as far as I am concerned) make sure you can carry it all day.
 
The last time I was in Europe (last year), I used only a Nex6 with a 10-18mm and 16-50mm. It was fine, but I wished I had my DSLR with me for its versatility.

The next time I visit Paris, I only plan to bring my D800e and 28/1.8 AFS. Yes, it's bulkier and heavier than a typical CSC or RF kit, but it is manageable. This also guarantees that I will use whatever gear I bring. Like someone else suggested, use a film camera if you are on your own and can focus (pun intended) on photography. In this case, enjoy the trip and the time with your family -- don't sweat the photography.
 
 
Good Advice - thanks

Roger Hicks said:
One from Frances: use what you have. She once used nothing but a 15/2.8 fisheye (full frame) for a trip to Paris. Also, as she says, "Your Paris will be different from my Paris".

You are always going to miss some pictures. Decide in advance whether you want to miss them changing lenses and wondering what focal length to use, or having the "wrong" lens on your camera but being able to shoot quickly and fluidly.

Cheers,

R.
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Roger Hicks said:
One from Frances: use what you have. She once used nothing but a 15/2.8 fisheye (full frame) for a trip to Paris. Also, as she says, "Your Paris will be different from my Paris".

You are always going to miss some pictures. Decide in advance whether you want to miss them changing lenses and wondering what focal length to use, or having the "wrong" lens on your camera but being able to shoot quickly and fluidly.

Cheers,

R.
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That's good advice, and not only for Paris.
 
Update

I bought 12 rolls of B&W film yesterday at Freestyle - $88 including shipping , I thought it kind of pricey , yet convenient for sure.

Kit selection is coming together:

1. Fuji X100t (35mm equiv lens) - I'm a sucker for new, I sold my s and ordered the t
2. Nikon SP with 50 and 85 or OM-4t with 50/85
3. DSLR with 50 (I'm testing and getting to know a new combo)
4. Tripod

I'd leave the tripod in the apartment during most of the trip and take it out if I get to do some longer exposure night shots

I'd only carry 2 cameras with me at a time - probably rotate the film and the DSLR

and yes you all are right - If I go with this setup, I'm taking too much...
 
I have a really great tripod - i'm looking up the model - it fits diagonally in my carry on samsonite and is carbon fiber - reasonably light
I also will put in checked if I'm already checking baggage

update:

My tripod is a Benro C2680T w acratech GP-ss ball head.
the tripod has 4 leg segments - generally I use 3 and don't elevate the center post - seems to work well

I'd say it's definitely overkill for a family trip - if I use it once, that would be great , I won't carry it during the day

robert blu said:
Just curious, how do you fly with a tripod? Do you have it in your suitcase or as a "special" luggage?

robert
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Everyone is different of course; I'm not a tripod guy. On my motorcycle trip, I strapped on a tripod but didn't use it once. For night scenes in Paris, I'd use a small table tripod and push it against a tree or building, if no appropriate horizontal surface was available.

Another subjective choice is that I'd rather go with a shorter focal length (21 or 28) instead of the 85 for your Nikon rf.
 
I live in Paris and have "phases" of using either 35mm or 50mm. I rarely take both out at once, unless it's a party or something where I might need to go from cramped situations to the street and use flash for everything.

Right now I'm on 50 since I just got my Planar. I find my compositions a little neater with 50, for just about everything.
 
I covered Paris, Cassis, Arles, Dijon, Auxerre, and much more with the following:

Leica IIIc with 35mm CV in the right vest pocket
Leica IIIc with 28mm or 25mm CV in the left vest pocket
Leica/Panasonic D-Lux 3 (in any pocket)

I could have out at any given time, one or two of these; or have them all pocketed. It was never a burden to carry three cameras, and I got many great shots!

Enjoy the trip, and may the light be with you!
 
I tend to shoot some rather grainy films (Double-X in HC-110) and feel I have limited cropping available so I shoot a 50 most of the time. If the situation is fluid then a 35 and I crop to what I want regardless of grain. I have to be out a while to see how things feel. If in doubt 35 or even 28, but remember strangers don't want you in their faces these days. Asshats like Gilden don't understand that.

s-a
 
I've been three times to Paris, on work. A single 35-70 zoom worked fine for me. If you want primes, a 35mm will do the work most of the time. For some subjects you will want a wider one. A 50mm is the longest I would take but It all depends on your shooting preferences,

Best of Paris happens in the streets so you need something light and practical. You will walk a lot and weight increases every hour you are walking.

Don't forget to get the Eiffel tower from Trocadero any time of day, but especially at night.
 
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