[slipdm16]

So I have a couple of upcoming trips planned, and I've been trying to think of what lenses to bring (a) to save space and (b) that if for some reason any were stolen/damaged I wouldn't be totally depressed for the rest of the trip:

Door County, WI - on lake Michigan, lots of parks and "cutesy" shops.

Boracay, Philippines - a tropical island for a destination wedding - potential for rain, sand, and good portraits of old friends.

I like to take all different kinds of photos as evident by the lenses in my signature below, but have a small-ish Lowepro bag (Nova AW 160) that can only fit 2-3 lenses (including the one on the camera).

Your thoughts on kits?

Thanks!

[EarlVonTapia]

If I had your lenses, I would only bring 2:

FA 31
DA 18-135

Boom.

Maybe the DA 15 as well if I could sneak it in . . . and if you could sneak another, the FA 77.

But definitely the first two.

[carrrlangas]

From your signature, I guess you wouldn´t have any problem putting a kit togheter...
You could go with just the DA18-135. Light, good range.. perhaps complement with either DA15 for WA shots or DA35 for low light, depends on which you like more.
Prime kit could be DA35 + DA50 + DA18-55WR The last one adds WR and WA capability and it is really small, so...

My real advice: Take the lenses you like the most and enjoy them.

[bkpix]

I'd take the 15 and 77, nothing else.

Insurance helps prevent post-theft depression.

[slipdm16]

Thanks for the quick feedback! I was originally thinking the 18-135 and maybe a knock-around DA 50, and definitely the DA 15, it's an amazing lens and so tiny. I think I would be really sad about any of the FA "Princesses" coming to any harm, so maybe the FA's come to Door County but not Philippines? I am still doing my research on the Philippines, but I love taking longer wildlife shots so the DA 50-200 was on my list - plus it doubles as a halfway decent macro for bugs and the like. My only concern with the 18-135 was the weight...

[slipdm16]

PS - the FA 43 is probably my most used lens around the house for portraits and snapshots...

[carrrlangas]

but I love taking longer wildlife shots so the DA 50-200 was on my list - plus it doubles as a halfway decent macro for bugs and the like. My only concern with the 18-135 was the weight...

If taking the 50-200 for the range, then take the DA18-55.. they are lighter than DA18-135 and will offer better IQ. The DA18-135 is a compromise but "2 lens in one means no swaping lenses... So, your call.
If you always use FA43, then take it instead of the DA50 by al means!

[EarlVonTapia]

I think I would be really sad about any of the FA "Princesses" coming to any harm, so maybe the FA's come to Door County but not Philippines?

Seriously?

Your lenses are better off in a safety deposit box until you're ready to cash them in.

Let that FA 31 run free and wild. Or if you prefer, the FA 43, since you indicated that was the lens you used the most around the house.

We're all into this photography stuff to take great pictures, right?

[tclausen]

Seriously?

<SNIP>

We're all into this photography stuff to take great pictures, right?

Clearly you've not frequented a certain Leica forum

I'll second the "bring your favorite lens with you (possibly taking out insurance)" statement. I love my 31mm, I'd be devastated if it came to harm or was stolen - but that's nothing against how I'd feel if I was somewhere unique taking (or, failing to take) pictures without it.

I do baby my 31mm - which implies that I do not leave it unattended, and certainly not locked up at home whilst I am out and about....babies need parental oversight

[NZUnicorn]

I would take the DA15 and DA35. They are small, light and very good. I would be more relaxed with the DA35 than the FA31 in a fairly hostile climate.

Then it would be either 18-55 and 50-200, or 18-135. It would depend on whether the 50-200 would be used mainly at the shorter end (take the 18-135 and save changing) or longer end (take the two lenses and get the reach)..

[DSims]

Take the DA18-135 and the FA77. Add the DA15 and/or DA35 if you can.

As you said, the DA15 is so small it's hard to buy the excuse that "it wouldn't fit."


I found the FA77 can virtually replace the DA*50-135 for versatility. It's worth the risk because it's the one you shouldn't leave home.

The FA31 should be left home. The DA35 (either one) is a good lens. FA43 could alternately go.


Probably #1, however, is simply put the lenses (and camera) in something that doesn't look like a camera bag.

[hcc]

You got some good advice. I travel a few times per year overseas and I like to travel light. I have 3 preferred setups/kits, depending upon my needs:
(a) DA18-250mm + Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4
(b) FA31mm f1.8
(c) Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4

Kit (a) is my default and most common option. The versatility of the DA18-250mm is unmatched (IMO) across all brands, while the VL58mm is a great lens for low light and very low light.

When I shot outdoor mostly, Kit (b) is another option. The FA31mm is a perfect prime for landscape in my opinion. Not too long, not too wide. The IQ is outstandng as expected from a FA Ltd

The Kit (c) is for poor lighting conditions, incl. fog, smog, smoke and sunset/sunrise. The VL58mm is a surprising lens, and sometimes I prefer it to the FA31mm for poor contrasting lights.

All these lenses are among the best across all brands in their own rights. They are all very sturdy.

My 5 cents....