Lens Picks For Trip To Chicago

*NeverSatisfied* · 04-10-2009, 10:01 PM

I'll be spending a few days sight-seeing in Chicago next week and thought I'd ask those who've been there, to recommend what would be the best one lens (or two at most) to bring with my K20D.
Here's the list of candidates: FA 35/2, FA 50/1.4, DA 12-24/4, Tamron 28-75/2.8, DA*16-50/2.8. And just for the hell of it I could add the DA*50-135 but I really don't believe I'd need anything even that long. I could be wrong!
I'll be visiting Navy Pier, some of the museums on the south side (Lakeshore Dr.), the "Miracle Mile" along Michigan Ave., and then I also read that Macy's is putting on some big Spring flower display. We may also do the sight-seeing boat trip. I'll also have my teenage son with me who won't tolerate much fiddling and thus the need to keep my choices simple. Plus I'd like to travel light.
I'm really leaning toward the Tamron, especially since it has close-focus ability, but I worry it's not wide enough. Or maybe that plus the FA 35 as a compact option. Anyone that's been there have a good recommendation? Thanks!

*AdrianM* · 04-11-2009, 02:54 AM

Looking at the lenses you have, I would suggest that you pick the Tamron 28-75 because it is the longest focal length you have, and then choose one of the DA 12-24 or the DA*16-50, probably the latter because of its wider apperture (for dark places like the inside of museums) and better focal length range (which means you won't be changing it so often). If you really want to avoid changing lenses, in my view the best lens for general walking around is easily one of the 18-250 lenses that are available from Pentax, Tamron and Sigma.

cheers

*daacon* · 04-11-2009, 05:59 AM

I was in Chicago last year for a few days. The downtown is huge is (second or third largest city in the US I think) and has all kinds of interesting buildings. Millennium Park has this aluminum structure called the Bean that is very cool. I like the DA* 16-50 and DA 12-24. The city is very compact. If you get a change to go the Sears Tower the DA* 50-135 will come in handy - quite a view from up there. And the 50-135 will be nice if you take any water taxis. Enjoy it’s a beautiful city!

*NeverSatisfied* · 04-11-2009, 07:25 AM

The long-term weather forecast looks pretty decent too. Well I think the Sears Tower thing is out, my son doesn't care for heights! Guess I was hung up on the Macy's flower display, but if we cross that one off our list the 16-50 looks like the strongest option (no real need for close-focus then). I'd be interested to consider the 12-24 but it is a little slow for anything indoors. Then yes of course the water taxi thing sounds good.
Geez I live in the suburbs, never spent time in any big cities with a camera (although my local Flickr group REALLY seems to enjoy the urban decay of Detroit!

). I just imagine I'd better bring something wide or I'll miss out. The 16-50 is definitely my first pick. So lens number two is down to the Tamron or the 50-135. Thanks for the tips so far!
Paul

Robert S Donovan · 04-11-2009, 08:54 PM

I see lots of these "what lens should I take to..." threads. Chicago lends itself to wide angle shots but also medium and the occasional telephoto shot. So... take the lens(es) you are most comfortable with and most likely to use. I've done Chicago with a full compliment of lenses and nothing more than a fast fifty and gotten great shots every time. The real trick is not to end up constantly second guessing which lens you have mounted and spend more time concentrating on composition. If it were me going on the trip you describe I'd pack the FA 35 and keep things simple.

Here's a shot I took with a 28mm f/2.8 lens on my old full frame DSLR and a Gorillapod:

*Canada_Rockies* · 04-11-2009, 11:20 PM

I lived in Chicago for four years. The lens most often on my MZ-S was the FA 24-90. I didn't have anything wider and needed it occasionally. I did pick up a 28/3.5 shift that worked wonders on buildings, but that's too long for dSLR. I would take, of my list (and yours) the DAs. 12-24, 16-50 and 50-135 - this last particularly for Navy Pier and the aquarium's shows. I get all that with my M 100/4 macro and a tele converter into a LowePro 100AW, so it's not really a heavy kit.

If the bridge tours are running this early, take one. Every one of the bridges has a different railing pattern. Fascinating. You can also get some interesting perspectives on the Lyric Opera, and the tour boat patter is fascinating.

Jewelltrail · 04-11-2009, 11:38 PM

Firstly, you have a great set of lenses from which to choose--lucky dog! If I could only take one of them to Chicago, or to any big city for that matter, it would be the Da 16-50mm--great focal range, great speed. My second choice has to be the Tamron 28-75.

Have a great time!

*jmc7104* · 04-12-2009, 06:12 AM

I have the Tamron 28-75 that is on my K10 most of the time. I take it off once in a while when the K20 wants to borrow it. Great indoor lense as well as outdoors, so that would be my main lense for this kind of trip. For daytime buildings and and other objects probably just use the 18-55ll kit lense, 1/2 the weight of the 12-24. jim

*NeverSatisfied* · 04-12-2009, 07:22 AM

Ostensibly this trip is a time for my son and I to have fun together; the photography is secondary. But I'd be crazy to NOT bring a camera! The recommendation for the FA 35 is well noted, but our time is limited and his patience is short, therefore "zooming with my feet" probably wouldn't work out as well as just bringing an actual zoom. Right now I'm thinking strongly on the Tamron 28-75 on the camera, and the DA 12-24 tossed in my backpack. (Despite some of the pricier glass, the Tamron already lives on the camera 90% of the time.) Thanks for all the great advice!

*Canada_Rockies* · 04-12-2009, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by jmc7104

I have the Tamron 28-75 that is on my K10 most of the time. I take it off once in a while when the K20 wants to borrow it. Great indoor lense as well as outdoors, so that would be my main lense for this kind of trip. For daytime buildings and and other objects probably just use the 18-55ll kit lense, 1/2 the weight of the 12-24. jim

Unfortunately, half the field of view as well. Believe me, I could have used a 20mm lens a zillion times in Chicagoland.

*NeverSatisfied* · 04-13-2009, 06:50 AM

Duly noted! Thanks again. Off I go...
Paul

*Rhizo* · 04-15-2009, 01:41 AM

Originally Posted by Robert S Donovan

I really like this shot! Chicago is a great city to go around shooting.

*daacon* · 04-16-2009, 05:49 PM

Here's a few sets of Chicago I took last year (and the weather was crappy!)

This includes the water taxi to Sears Tower as well as shots from the top

Chicago Sears Tower - a set on Flickr

Chicago - a set on Flickr

Robert I really like that shot wish I could have seen that view. Well done

Robert S Donovan · 04-16-2009, 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by daacon

Robert I really like that shot wish I could have seen that view. Well done

Thanks, Dave. Nothing like a little cloud cover to make the city really glow. Main thing I recall about taking this shot was that I spent about 2 hours out on the pier waiting for the right light... and freezing my you-know-whats off!