[normhead]

From December 17th I will be travelling in Chile for four weeks. Most time will be spend in Santiago, the carratera austral (highway through the Andes going south to Patagonia), and a week hiking in Torres del Paine national park.

Of course I hope to take a lot of beautiful photographs with my K1, but that puts me also in bit of a dilemma while choosing lenses:
- DA 12-24: for architecture in Santiago and landscapes. On the K1 you can use 18-24 mm
- DFA 24-70: workhorse, this lens will definitely be in my camera bag
- FA 77 Ltd: it is my favourite prime and perhaps even my favourite lens, but the DFA 24-70 covers almost the same focal length
- DA 300: for capturing wildlife
- HD TC 1.4: for extension of the DA 300

I can take all lenses, but than my bag is full and heavy, which is not perfect for hiking, as I will also have to carry my tent, sleeping mattress/bag, cooking stuff, etc. So I am thinking to leave the 12-24 and the 77 at home.

What do you think? Any tips of alternatives?

No sense in leaving the 77 home, it's pretty light, and it's your only sub f2 lens for low light situations. And it might work with the 1.4 TC if you need an intermediate lens in the 150 range.

[Dlanor Sekao]

I would stick with only the 24-70 and leave all else at home.
When you mention hiking....that changes the game.

[GeneV]

No sense in leaving the 77 home, it's pretty light, and it's your only sub f2 lens for low light situations. And it might work with the 1.4 TC if you need an intermediate lens in the 150 range.

I'd agree. If finances permit, I'd also look into picking up the M20mm F/4 for the wide end. It never leaves my bag or vest when I have he K1 because it is a tiny but very effective alternative to the 12-24. They have gone up a bit in price since the K1, but can still be had for under $300. An M 200 F/4 with your rear converter might also be a very cheap and light way to get some reach without much weight. You do lose AF with the M lenses, but they are great for keeping the size and weight down. On the M 20, loss of the AF is far less an issue than on the M 200, because of the extended DOF and hyperfocal point on the M 20. You could just pick up a 50-300, which works pretty well at FF. I am into birding enough that I might still consider taking the DA*300.

[Lampo]

Thanks guys for all the suggestions, I have made up my mind, especially since I have packed by backpack and know what kind of wight I am going to lug around ;-). With great remorse I will leave the DA*300 at home, but it is just too big and too heavy. Instead I have purchased the new DA HD 55-300 PLM that really suprised me with the image quality. It is not a DA*300, but it is pretty decent for such a lightweight lens. The 24-70 will be in the bag as well, as my workhorse, the HD rear converter, the FA 77 Ltd (cannot leave that one behind) and an Irix 15 mm Firefly.

It is still somewhat heavy, but it will cover my needs more than adequatly and I can leave some lenses behind when I am going to hike for a couple of days.

Meanwhile my K-1 has been repaired under warranty (a broken CCD messed up the autofocus on all shots...), so I am all set for a hell of a trip! Hope to show you guys some nice shots when I am back.

[surfar]

Great decision on the lens selection, have fun and I look forward to seeing what you capture.

[jacamar]

Have a great time - looking forward to your shots.

[GeneV]

Sounds like a great kit.