Do I really need long zoom for New York trip?

micromacro · 08-31-2015, 08:59 PM

I'm going to NY to meet my friends there, explore Manhattan, take subway, ferry to Liberty island , walk near bridges - all standard tourist attractions.
I will lend my Canon with 40mm to my friend using Pentax K5iis myself most of the time. The only travel zoom I have is Canon 55-250mm and I take that lens as well. In case I need it, we can simply swap memory cards.

Now, for Pentax I take the widest 21mm ltd I have, 70mm ltd for friend's portraits (and flash for that only reason since the group all of us will only meet ones at late evening) and for zoom Tamron 90mm macro. The other zoom is Sigma 70-300mm, and it's not the best travel option.

Now I'm thinking if I really need to take Tamron, and want to take old F 35-70mm instead. That lens is sharp, small, and the FL is good for streets. I can use super tak 50mm hood with it.
With that setup I can figure out what would be better: 21mm and 70mm, or 21mm and F34-70mm for walk around the city. Plus it will be occasional use of 55-250mm on Canon, mostly for the Statue of Liberty.

Do I really need Tamron? Will I regret leaving it home?
With two cameras my bag is already heavy.

Paul the Sunman · 08-31-2015, 09:22 PM

I would be surprised if you use anything over 135mm. If anything, you'll need wider than 21mm.

micromacro · 08-31-2015, 09:35 PM

That what I suspect. I wish I could go for 15mm ltd instead of 21mm ltd because sometimes 21mm is not wide enough for landscapes, but that what I have for a moment.

The problem is that I got used into longer zooms shooting birds, and not much streets, and going without anything above 70mm is not comfortable. LIke feeling naked

However, may be I have to pull myself out of that habit and practice wider options to create the "vision" for wide zoom and start feeling it.

**UncleVanya** · 08-31-2015, 09:50 PM

Originally posted by micromacro

I'm going to NY to meet my friends there, explore Manhattan, take subway, ferry to Liberty island , walk near bridges - all standard tourist attractions.

Streets - Wide (21) to Normal (35) mostly. Some opportunity for subject isolation above the crowds with telephotos - 70 may be sufficient here.

Subway - smallest gear available - least conspicuous. 21mm.

Ferry - Wide expanses but long range shots too... 21, or 200+

Bridges - See streets.

With the Canon along and a 55-250 on it - you should be OK. I would take the 21, the 70. The zoom 35-70 is another choice that fits but I would avoid lens changes and try to stick to one option most of the time in an area. 21mm in the city, then the 70 for portraits.

---------- Post added 09-01-15 at 12:54 AM ----------

Let me say this. I think anything you take can be made to work. But a light kit makes for a happy tourist.

**ramseybuckeye** · 08-31-2015, 10:06 PM

Your idea to swap memory cards could leave you with corrupted photos. If you must swap cards each of you should have one for each camera, and format them in that camera before using.

**mattt** · 08-31-2015, 10:09 PM

35mm and 21mm were my favorite F/L when I visit. I've taken wider zooms but got better results from the 21 / 35 combo. As for Tele... probably better for the parks or ferries than right in the city.

micromacro · 08-31-2015, 10:46 PM

Originally posted by ramseybuckeye

Your idea to swap memory cards could leave you with corrupted photos. If you must swap cards each of you should have one for each camera, and format them in that camera before using.

I swap card on my camera sometimes, and so far did not get corrupted photos. I mean shot with one card, then turn it off, then after a while put different card. Can it really cause corrupted files if cards are good, and formatted?

---------- Post added 08-31-15 at 10:47 PM ----------

So, I will leave Tamron at home and learn how to get rid of zoom addiction

It should be fun.

ddamski · 09-01-2015, 12:16 AM

Originally posted by micromacro

I'm going to NY to meet my friends there, explore Manhattan, take subway, ferry to Liberty island , walk near bridges - all standard tourist attractions.
I will lend my Canon with 40mm to my friend using Pentax K5iis myself most of the time. The only travel zoom I have is Canon 55-250mm and I take that lens as well. In case I need it, we can simply swap memory cards.

Now, for Pentax I take the widest 21mm ltd I have, 70mm ltd for friend's portraits (and flash for that only reason since the group all of us will only meet ones at late evening) and for zoom Tamron 90mm macro. The other zoom is Sigma 70-300mm, and it's not the best travel option.

Now I'm thinking if I really need to take Tamron, and want to take old F 35-70mm instead. That lens is sharp, small, and the FL is good for streets. I can use super tak 50mm hood with it.
With that setup I can figure out what would be better: 21mm and 70mm, or 21mm and F34-70mm for walk around the city. Plus it will be occasional use of 55-250mm on Canon, mostly for the Statue of Liberty.

Do I really need Tamron? Will I regret leaving it home?
With two cameras my bag is already heavy.

If your friend is using the Canon with the 40mm you can use the K5iis with the 21mm and have in your bag the 70mm. If you want a longer range get the 55-250 aswell.
When i am on a trip, i mostly use two cameras with following lenses : DA15mm and the DA*50-135. Or the combo Ricoh GR with the Pentax 50-135.

Cheers

grispie · 09-01-2015, 12:29 AM

Originally posted by micromacro

With that setup I can figure out what would be better: 21mm and 70mm, or 21mm and F34-70mm for walk around the city. Plus it will be occasional use of 55-250mm on Canon, mostly for the Statue of Liberty.

21 & 70 will do fine.
limitation sometimes is a good thing
my 2 cents
& likely you'll do a lot of hiking. no need to bring a lot of weight.

john.mason.5099 · 09-01-2015, 02:08 AM

If I were going I would take my 16-85 and 55-300 but would most likely never use the 55-300.

**robgski** · 09-01-2015, 03:45 AM - **1 Like**

I love my 40mm pancake for street shots, and I think the 21mm will be even better for it. You'll want to be able to take everything in, so wide is the way to go, and the 21mm on a body is inconspicuous. I agree with the others, travel light.

Also, I recommend the Circle Line Boat tour around Manhattan Island to everyone who visits NYC. You get to see almost everything from the boat, without having to take subways and taxis all over, in about 3 hours. You get to see places you might not want to spend time on otherwise.

Enjoy!

IchabodCrane · 09-01-2015, 04:52 AM

Originally posted by micromacro

I swap card on my camera sometimes, and so far did not get corrupted photos. I mean shot with one card, then turn it off, then after a while put different card. Can it really cause corrupted files if cards are good, and formatted?

---------- Post added 08-31-15 at 10:47 PM ----------

So, I will leave Tamron at home and learn how to get rid of zoom addiction

It should be fun.

I recommend you never use the same card in more than one camera without formatting (erasing) each time the card changes cameras.

**klh** · 09-01-2015, 05:01 AM

I also recommend you take the DA21 and DA70, and while you're in NYC, stop by B&H and buy a DA40 (used as low as $230). You will have all you need and still have space in your pockets. In the rare situation that you would want a telephoto, you can get by with cropping.

Jonathan Mac · 09-01-2015, 05:03 AM

I took an old "M" series 135/3.5 to NY and I used it a few times but not often. I suppose it will depend on your shooting style, but I'd say a telephoto is far from being essential.

bdery · 09-01-2015, 05:05 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by micromacro

21mm ltd

21 will be fantastic for street, candids, night (bring a tripod for gorgeous long exposures).

As for a long lens, it depends on your style. I grabbed a lot of candids from a distance with a 70-210 Vivitar series 1 a few years ago. Now I'd clearly bring the 60-250. Statue of Liberty indeed, anything shot from a boat on the Hudson, people, details of buildings. It depends on what you intend to shoot, and how. You could probably only bring the 21 if that's your style

08-31-2015, 08:59 PM	#1
micromacro Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,722	Do I really need long zoom for New York trip? I'm going to NY to meet my friends there, explore Manhattan, take subway, ferry to Liberty island , walk near bridges - all standard tourist attractions. I will lend my Canon with 40mm to my friend using Pentax K5iis myself most of the time. The only travel zoom I have is Canon 55-250mm and I take that lens as well. In case I need it, we can simply swap memory cards. Now, for Pentax I take the widest 21mm ltd I have, 70mm ltd for friend's portraits (and flash for that only reason since the group all of us will only meet ones at late evening) and for zoom Tamron 90mm macro. The other zoom is Sigma 70-300mm, and it's not the best travel option. Now I'm thinking if I really need to take Tamron, and want to take old F 35-70mm instead. That lens is sharp, small, and the FL is good for streets. I can use super tak 50mm hood with it. With that setup I can figure out what would be better: 21mm and 70mm, or 21mm and F34-70mm for walk around the city. Plus it will be occasional use of 55-250mm on Canon, mostly for the Statue of Liberty. Do I really need Tamron? Will I regret leaving it home? With two cameras my bag is already heavy.

09-01-2015, 05:01 AM	#13
klh Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2009 Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, USA Posts: 827	I also recommend you take the DA21 and DA70, and while you're in NYC, stop by B&H and buy a DA40 (used as low as $230). You will have all you need and still have space in your pockets. In the rare situation that you would want a telephoto, you can get by with cropping. Last edited by klh; 09-01-2015 at 05:08 AM.

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08-31-2015, 09:22 PM	#2
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,846	I would be surprised if you use anything over 135mm. If anything, you'll need wider than 21mm.

08-31-2015, 09:35 PM	#3
micromacro Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,722 Original Poster	That what I suspect. I wish I could go for 15mm ltd instead of 21mm ltd because sometimes 21mm is not wide enough for landscapes, but that what I have for a moment. The problem is that I got used into longer zooms shooting birds, and not much streets, and going without anything above 70mm is not comfortable. LIke feeling naked However, may be I have to pull myself out of that habit and practice wider options to create the "vision" for wide zoom and start feeling it.

08-31-2015, 09:50 PM	#4
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,445	Originally posted by micromacro I'm going to NY to meet my friends there, explore Manhattan, take subway, ferry to Liberty island , walk near bridges - all standard tourist attractions. Streets - Wide (21) to Normal (35) mostly. Some opportunity for subject isolation above the crowds with telephotos - 70 may be sufficient here. Subway - smallest gear available - least conspicuous. 21mm. Ferry - Wide expanses but long range shots too... 21, or 200+ Bridges - See streets. With the Canon along and a 55-250 on it - you should be OK. I would take the 21, the 70. The zoom 35-70 is another choice that fits but I would avoid lens changes and try to stick to one option most of the time in an area. 21mm in the city, then the 70 for portraits. ---------- Post added 09-01-15 at 12:54 AM ---------- Let me say this. I think anything you take can be made to work. But a light kit makes for a happy tourist.

08-31-2015, 10:06 PM	#5
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,294	Your idea to swap memory cards could leave you with corrupted photos. If you must swap cards each of you should have one for each camera, and format them in that camera before using.

08-31-2015, 10:09 PM	#6
mattt Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,907	35mm and 21mm were my favorite F/L when I visit. I've taken wider zooms but got better results from the 21 / 35 combo. As for Tele... probably better for the parks or ferries than right in the city.

08-31-2015, 10:46 PM	#7
micromacro Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,722 Original Poster	Originally posted by ramseybuckeye Your idea to swap memory cards could leave you with corrupted photos. If you must swap cards each of you should have one for each camera, and format them in that camera before using. I swap card on my camera sometimes, and so far did not get corrupted photos. I mean shot with one card, then turn it off, then after a while put different card. Can it really cause corrupted files if cards are good, and formatted? ---------- Post added 08-31-15 at 10:47 PM ---------- So, I will leave Tamron at home and learn how to get rid of zoom addiction It should be fun.

09-01-2015, 12:16 AM	#8
ddamski Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fribourg , Switzerland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 163	Originally posted by micromacro I'm going to NY to meet my friends there, explore Manhattan, take subway, ferry to Liberty island , walk near bridges - all standard tourist attractions. I will lend my Canon with 40mm to my friend using Pentax K5iis myself most of the time. The only travel zoom I have is Canon 55-250mm and I take that lens as well. In case I need it, we can simply swap memory cards. Now, for Pentax I take the widest 21mm ltd I have, 70mm ltd for friend's portraits (and flash for that only reason since the group all of us will only meet ones at late evening) and for zoom Tamron 90mm macro. The other zoom is Sigma 70-300mm, and it's not the best travel option. Now I'm thinking if I really need to take Tamron, and want to take old F 35-70mm instead. That lens is sharp, small, and the FL is good for streets. I can use super tak 50mm hood with it. With that setup I can figure out what would be better: 21mm and 70mm, or 21mm and F34-70mm for walk around the city. Plus it will be occasional use of 55-250mm on Canon, mostly for the Statue of Liberty. Do I really need Tamron? Will I regret leaving it home? With two cameras my bag is already heavy. If your friend is using the Canon with the 40mm you can use the K5iis with the 21mm and have in your bag the 70mm. If you want a longer range get the 55-250 aswell. When i am on a trip, i mostly use two cameras with following lenses : DA15mm and the DA*50-135. Or the combo Ricoh GR with the Pentax 50-135. Cheers

09-01-2015, 12:29 AM	#9
grispie Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 1,199	Originally posted by micromacro With that setup I can figure out what would be better: 21mm and 70mm, or 21mm and F34-70mm for walk around the city. Plus it will be occasional use of 55-250mm on Canon, mostly for the Statue of Liberty. 21 & 70 will do fine. limitation sometimes is a good thing my 2 cents & likely you'll do a lot of hiking. no need to bring a lot of weight.

09-01-2015, 02:08 AM	#10
john.mason.5099 New Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 1	If I were going I would take my 16-85 and 55-300 but would most likely never use the 55-300.

09-01-2015, 03:45 AM - 1 Like	#11
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,816	I love my 40mm pancake for street shots, and I think the 21mm will be even better for it. You'll want to be able to take everything in, so wide is the way to go, and the 21mm on a body is inconspicuous. I agree with the others, travel light. Also, I recommend the Circle Line Boat tour around Manhattan Island to everyone who visits NYC. You get to see almost everything from the boat, without having to take subways and taxis all over, in about 3 hours. You get to see places you might not want to spend time on otherwise. Enjoy!

09-01-2015, 04:52 AM	#12
IchabodCrane Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,728	Originally posted by micromacro I swap card on my camera sometimes, and so far did not get corrupted photos. I mean shot with one card, then turn it off, then after a while put different card. Can it really cause corrupted files if cards are good, and formatted? ---------- Post added 08-31-15 at 10:47 PM ---------- So, I will leave Tamron at home and learn how to get rid of zoom addiction It should be fun. I recommend you never use the same card in more than one camera without formatting (erasing) each time the card changes cameras.

09-01-2015, 05:03 AM	#14
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,902	I took an old "M" series 135/3.5 to NY and I used it a few times but not often. I suppose it will depend on your shooting style, but I'd say a telephoto is far from being essential.

09-01-2015, 05:05 AM - 1 Like	#15
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,360	Originally posted by micromacro 21mm ltd 21 will be fantastic for street, candids, night (bring a tripod for gorgeous long exposures). As for a long lens, it depends on your style. I grabbed a lot of candids from a distance with a 70-210 Vivitar series 1 a few years ago. Now I'd clearly bring the 60-250. Statue of Liberty indeed, anything shot from a boat on the Hudson, people, details of buildings. It depends on what you intend to shoot, and how. You could probably only bring the 21 if that's your style