Hiking in Chili: which lenses should I bring along with my K-1?

Lampo · 11-16-2016, 01:59 PM

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?

Last edited by Lampo; 11-17-2016 at 12:48 AM.

**Canada_Rockies** · 11-16-2016, 02:08 PM

I have a K-3 and a slew of glass. My really light do everything kit is the 12-24 and 55-300. My head doesn't miss the gap from 24-55 at all. I have also used the 16-50 and 55-300 as a kit. Not as wide (24mm equiv) but seamless. I find, though, that I miss the 12-15 mm range at times.

Electric Eye · 11-16-2016, 02:14 PM

...I'd take the 18-24mm and the 24-70 mm with the teleconvertor... Unless your birdwatching, leave the 300mm at home and send the 77mm to my home address as payment for my consult!...lol.

LensBeginner · 11-16-2016, 02:35 PM - **6 Likes**

I'd bring some tortilla chips for the chili... :-P

fwcetus · 11-16-2016, 03:07 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by LensBeginner

I'd bring some tortilla chips for the chili... :-P

Yes - it may just be a typo, but, if one is going to visit "Chile", one should spell it correctly (and I'm speaking as a citizen of the "United Steaks of America").

bm75 · 11-16-2016, 03:13 PM

I didn't understand which is your camera body. if it's K1 I would take D FA 24-70 for WR and the DA300 . I would get some cheap old mf lenses primes like a 20mm and one from 100 to 135 mm to complete . If APSC da 12/24+24/70+ and a cheap and fast 135 for tele. Think about a fast prime for some night photography : in those places the sky could be great at night.

SpecialK · 11-16-2016, 03:21 PM

The 24-70, 300 and a Samyang 14 or 16 or similar wide that you can sell for not much of a loss if you don't want it after returning.

**jlstrawman** · 11-16-2016, 03:37 PM

Originally posted by LensBeginner

I'd bring some tortilla chips for the chili... :-P

Very tasty, and one of my cold weather favorites.

**UncleVanya** · 11-16-2016, 04:03 PM

I'd be inclined to follow along with what you planned but I would not be sure that the 300 would be used enough to justify the space and weight. But you know your own photography better than we do. I see mixed results from the DA 55-300 - something like that would be ideal for occasional reach while hiking but I don't know what works on the K-1 that is in the same class.

jgnfld · 11-16-2016, 05:06 PM

I'm going down to Austin, TX and visiting the DFW area as well. For sure I'm taking my 55-300 PLM. Undecided on low end between 10-20 sigma + a 28mm FA or my 17-50 sigma alone.

gifthorse · 11-16-2016, 05:09 PM

Originally posted by LensBeginner

I'd bring some tortilla chips for the chili... :-P

My thought was "If you're going to be hiking in chili,you'll want weather resistant lenses and maybe some Beano." On a more serious note, take at least one portrait lens. Christmas is a very big deal in South America and you'll have some great portrait opportunities. Llamas hitched to Santa's sleigh is a sight not to be missed!.

**jrpower10** · 11-16-2016, 05:10 PM

I lived in Santiago for a year and spent many weekends travelling to various locales. I was shooting a K-5 at the time and my most-used lenses were the DA 12-24 and the DA 55-300. The wildlife I saw was fairly limited (foxes, llamas, birds) and I shot quite a bit at 300mm. With a K-1 and your lenses I'd be tempted to take the 12-24, 77 and 300 and leave the 24-70. When I shoot zooms it's usually at the extremes and not so much in between. The 12-24 and the 77 would give you the extremes of the 24-70 and allow you to shed some weight.

One caution while in Santiago; theft is a big issue. Watch your gear closely. If you sit down at a restaurant with a bag, keep the strap around your leg or the bag in your lap. If you're on the train with a backpack, take it off and hold it in front of you and watch it. Violent crime isn't really a problem, but pickpockets are plentiful, people will cut your bag with box cutters and remove items if you're not watching, and I had a friend almost lose her handbag at a restaurant from someone tossing a hook over the strap and pulling it out from under the table while she was distracted. Luckily she realized it in time and the thief bolted.

pinholecam · 11-16-2016, 06:38 PM - **1 Like**

When I saw the thread title, I thought it was about touring in the chill (ie, cold)

For lenses, my pick :

Option 1 : 12-24; 24-70
Option 2 : 24-70
Option 3 : 12-24; 77ltd

Enjoy your trip.

**robgski** · 11-16-2016, 07:49 PM

As always, it depends on your preferred shooting style, preferred subjects, and your agenda. I'm the kind of person who likes to travel light, and really does not like changing lenses any time there is a chance of dust or moisture, so I tend to slap on one lens for the day and make the best of it. For hiking in the wide open spaces, the 12-24 would probably be my lens of choice, with the 24-70 my walk-around lens in the cities. However, if I was more interested in people, I might sit in one spot, a cafe on a plaza, or walk through market places,and use the 77mm to best advantage.

I look forward to seeing your pictures.

Davidparis · 11-17-2016, 12:30 AM

Originally posted by fwcetus

Yes - it may just be a typo, but, if one is going to visit "Chile", one should spell it correctly (and I'm speaking as a citizen of the "United Steaks of America").

He spelled it correctly. In Dutch and in French, the correct spelling is Chili. Where's the problem? The United States is spelled "les Etats-Unis" or "los Estados Unidos" in some countries which is not an error either. The OP appears to be from the Netherlands, which means he sees the word Chili more often than the English Chile. Didn't see your answer to his question beyond critcism of his correctly-spelled vocabulary.

I'd take the 24-70 and hike comfortably.

11-16-2016, 01:59 PM	#1
Lampo Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Leiden Posts: 59	Hiking in Chili: which lenses should I bring along with my K-1? 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? Last edited by Lampo; 11-17-2016 at 12:48 AM.

11-16-2016, 03:13 PM	#6
bm75 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Italia Photos: Albums Posts: 354	I didn't understand which is your camera body. if it's K1 I would take D FA 24-70 for WR and the DA300 . I would get some cheap old mf lenses primes like a 20mm and one from 100 to 135 mm to complete . If APSC da 12/24+24/70+ and a cheap and fast 135 for tele. Think about a fast prime for some night photography : in those places the sky could be great at night. Last edited by bm75; 11-17-2016 at 12:46 AM.

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11-16-2016, 02:08 PM	#2
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	I have a K-3 and a slew of glass. My really light do everything kit is the 12-24 and 55-300. My head doesn't miss the gap from 24-55 at all. I have also used the 16-50 and 55-300 as a kit. Not as wide (24mm equiv) but seamless. I find, though, that I miss the 12-15 mm range at times.

11-16-2016, 02:14 PM	#3
Electric Eye Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 238	...I'd take the 18-24mm and the 24-70 mm with the teleconvertor... Unless your birdwatching, leave the 300mm at home and send the 77mm to my home address as payment for my consult!...lol.

11-16-2016, 02:35 PM - 6 Likes	#4
LensBeginner Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,696	I'd bring some tortilla chips for the chili... :-P

11-16-2016, 03:07 PM - 1 Like	#5
fwcetus Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New England Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,286	Originally posted by LensBeginner I'd bring some tortilla chips for the chili... :-P Yes - it may just be a typo, but, if one is going to visit "Chile", one should spell it correctly (and I'm speaking as a citizen of the "United Steaks of America").

11-16-2016, 03:21 PM	#7
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	The 24-70, 300 and a Samyang 14 or 16 or similar wide that you can sell for not much of a loss if you don't want it after returning.

11-16-2016, 03:37 PM	#8
jlstrawman Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Midwest US Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,058	Originally posted by LensBeginner I'd bring some tortilla chips for the chili... :-P Very tasty, and one of my cold weather favorites.

11-16-2016, 04:03 PM	#9
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,446	I'd be inclined to follow along with what you planned but I would not be sure that the 300 would be used enough to justify the space and weight. But you know your own photography better than we do. I see mixed results from the DA 55-300 - something like that would be ideal for occasional reach while hiking but I don't know what works on the K-1 that is in the same class.

11-16-2016, 05:06 PM	#10
jgnfld Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,796	I'm going down to Austin, TX and visiting the DFW area as well. For sure I'm taking my 55-300 PLM. Undecided on low end between 10-20 sigma + a 28mm FA or my 17-50 sigma alone.

11-16-2016, 05:09 PM	#11
gifthorse Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Nevada Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,945	Originally posted by LensBeginner I'd bring some tortilla chips for the chili... :-P My thought was "If you're going to be hiking in chili,you'll want weather resistant lenses and maybe some Beano." On a more serious note, take at least one portrait lens. Christmas is a very big deal in South America and you'll have some great portrait opportunities. Llamas hitched to Santa's sleigh is a sight not to be missed!.

11-16-2016, 05:10 PM	#12
jrpower10 Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Richland, Washington, USA Posts: 935	I lived in Santiago for a year and spent many weekends travelling to various locales. I was shooting a K-5 at the time and my most-used lenses were the DA 12-24 and the DA 55-300. The wildlife I saw was fairly limited (foxes, llamas, birds) and I shot quite a bit at 300mm. With a K-1 and your lenses I'd be tempted to take the 12-24, 77 and 300 and leave the 24-70. When I shoot zooms it's usually at the extremes and not so much in between. The 12-24 and the 77 would give you the extremes of the 24-70 and allow you to shed some weight. One caution while in Santiago; theft is a big issue. Watch your gear closely. If you sit down at a restaurant with a bag, keep the strap around your leg or the bag in your lap. If you're on the train with a backpack, take it off and hold it in front of you and watch it. Violent crime isn't really a problem, but pickpockets are plentiful, people will cut your bag with box cutters and remove items if you're not watching, and I had a friend almost lose her handbag at a restaurant from someone tossing a hook over the strap and pulling it out from under the table while she was distracted. Luckily she realized it in time and the thief bolted.

11-16-2016, 06:38 PM - 1 Like	#13
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,709	When I saw the thread title, I thought it was about touring in the chill (ie, cold) For lenses, my pick : Option 1 : 12-24; 24-70 Option 2 : 24-70 Option 3 : 12-24; 77ltd Enjoy your trip.

11-16-2016, 07:49 PM	#14
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,817	As always, it depends on your preferred shooting style, preferred subjects, and your agenda. I'm the kind of person who likes to travel light, and really does not like changing lenses any time there is a chance of dust or moisture, so I tend to slap on one lens for the day and make the best of it. For hiking in the wide open spaces, the 12-24 would probably be my lens of choice, with the 24-70 my walk-around lens in the cities. However, if I was more interested in people, I might sit in one spot, a cafe on a plaza, or walk through market places,and use the 77mm to best advantage. I look forward to seeing your pictures.

11-17-2016, 12:30 AM	#15
Davidparis Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 290	Originally posted by fwcetus Yes - it may just be a typo, but, if one is going to visit "Chile", one should spell it correctly (and I'm speaking as a citizen of the "United Steaks of America"). He spelled it correctly. In Dutch and in French, the correct spelling is Chili. Where's the problem? The United States is spelled "les Etats-Unis" or "los Estados Unidos" in some countries which is not an error either. The OP appears to be from the Netherlands, which means he sees the word Chili more often than the English Chile. Didn't see your answer to his question beyond critcism of his correctly-spelled vocabulary. I'd take the 24-70 and hike comfortably.