Help! What camera what lens(es) for travel?

Karl K · Apr 24, 2009

Leaving for three weeks to Europe: London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rekjavik, etc. Traveling via trains and busses, so I want to travel fairly light. Am considering:
Contax G2 28, 35, 45, 90 set, CLE 28/3.5, 35/2.5, 50/2.8 (I don't have fast Leica lenses.)
Or, a DSLR w/18-200?

When I shoot film, it will certainly be B+W only. I do mostly street shooting and low light museum/nightlife stuff. I haven't shot film in Europe since pre-9/11/2001.

Any ideas?

pcooklin · Apr 25, 2009

film! you've posted to a film group so presumably thats the answer you want

P C Headland · Apr 25, 2009

Based on what you've got, I'd take the Contax set. If you've got room left, then add the CLE with the 35.

perkeleellinen · Apr 25, 2009

I've never shot any of those cameras, but my choice would be the most reliable body with a 35mm lens only. I wondered if the 28 might be better in those old cities with narrow streets, but the slower aperture may hinder your low light capabilities. Either way, one body and one lens would be all I'd take and all I have taken on such trips.

2F/2F · Apr 25, 2009

Pack your bags, then see how much of a kit you have room for without burdening yourself.

The DSLR with the wide-range zoom will certainly be the most bulky option and give you the worst-quality pictures of the three ("quality" admittedly recognized as being subjective, however).

I would be tempted to take the CLE with the 28 and the 50 lenses, myself. If only one lens, then the 35mm.

If I had the room, and photography was one of the main purposes of the trip, I would bring the Contax with the 90 as well. I am really the wrong person to ask, though. When I go on a trip, the cameras take priority. I brought my only Nikon with me on a trip once, just so I could have a 135mm lens, which I no longer have in Canon mount. It was an extra body, but it was well worth it to have that FL. If you were me, you'd really miss that 90mm...but you are not me, so it depends on how much you use the lens.

Aurum · Apr 25, 2009

Travelling for business, when I can't be guarenteed a day off shooting, I'll take a small zoom compact. Not my weapon of choice, but its quick and easy to use, and doesn't mark you out as anything but a tourist.

Travelling with photography in mind, I'd prefer a SLR (or rangefinder) with a 28mm and a 50mm lens, if travelling light. If I'm staying a few days, well you can always pay the excess baggage charge........

MattKing · Apr 25, 2009

Are you travelling alone, or with someone else?

I ask, because if you are travelling with someone else who also photographs, it may make sense to plan together.

Which lens and camera combination together is the smallest? If, for example, the G2 with a 35mm lens is the smallest, I would be sure to take that, because there may be times you want to leave some of your gear in a hotel safe, and take with you as little as possible.

Do you like to shoot different films (e.g. C-41 and B&W)? If so, you should consider taking two cameras.

I wouldn't want to be without a moderate telephoto, so I would be reluctant to take just the CLE, but you may be different.

In my case, I would be sure to take at least one 35mm lens, because I really like that particular focal length on 35mm film, but you may be different.

G2 with 28, 35 and 90 would be my choice if I decided to take one camera only.

Hope this helps.

Matt

Sirius Glass · Apr 25, 2009

I worked and lived in Europe. I have also travelled for periods over a month in Europe over ten times.

I found that my most used lens was the 28mm, followed by my 21mm, and then my 50mm [58mm when I had that]. I almost never used a telephoto or a telephoto zoom. I personally would leave out the 35mm and the telephotos if I were space/weight limited or take every lens if I were not.

I do not tend to take portraits so that is why I have not discussed the 90mm lens.

Steve

Q.G. · Apr 26, 2009

I also lived and worked in Europe, and have travelled through it many times.
My advice would be to take a lean, but all-round set: wide angle (for street photography, the 35 mm would be the one), normal and tele.

Don't worry about pre or post 9-11-2001.
We're still very relaxed over here. No worries.

kavandje · Apr 26, 2009

In your position, I'd take the G2 with the 28, 45 and 90. Keep it simple.

nicefor88 · May 4, 2009

Hi Karl,
While in Brussels you may be interrested to visit the following areas:
- the Grand-Place and surroundings (very touristic but a must-see)
- the Sablon (cafes, art market in the morning, antique shops)
- the Cinquantenaire park (close to where I live): park + arch + war museum/ancient art museum
- the European Union area (Commission, parliament, Council): close to previous
- the Marolles (old Brussels, flea market, etc)
- a short trip to Brugge, ancien flemish town, 1 hour by train, very picturesque

Enjoy yourself!
Serge

Help! What camera what lens(es) for travel?

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency