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06-02-2018, 04:34 PM   #1
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What lenses should I carry for a family reunion?

Hello,
I am traveling by Air (Boo!) and need to limit the lenses I carry with my KP for a long weekend with Cousins and Sisters.
I know that my DA* 50-135 is coming as well as my DA 15, FA 77, and perhaps my 55-300 PLM. My Tripod will be in my suitcase.

Should I bring my DA 50 1.8 or my DA 20-40 Ltd for just hanging around? I can't bring my Sumo backpack as my personal bag since it is too large and I am not checking my suitcase so I am probably going with three lenses, four maximum..

Also should I bring more than one of my Yongnuo 585s for off camera use?

So, the DA* 50-135 is coming, the DA 15 is also likely to go along, what else would you recommend?
Thanks in advance.

06-02-2018, 05:00 PM   #2
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Get a 16-50 for an event like that. They're super cheap used now.
06-02-2018, 05:08 PM - 2 Likes   #3
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How much time do you want to spend hiding behind a camera? I would take the KP with a walk-around zoom and the DA 15. The longer lenses and the flash are likely to stay in the bag. Last year I flew cross country (Portland, OR to Ashville, NC) for my sister's wedding and my entire kit (K-3, Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 (C), FA 77/1.8, and Rokinon 8/3.5 Fisheye) fit in a small, re-purposed drink cooler. Except for the reception, the FA 77 stayed in the bag and I think I took maybe 100 shots over a full three-day weekend and none of those using flash. (It was a protracted affair in a group of vacation rental houses in the mountains.) I was there for the wedding and not as the photographer.


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06-02-2018, 05:09 PM - 1 Like   #4
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I think your DA20-40 would get a real workout (this range puts you in the sweet spot for group and portrait shots). I recently went OS with FF and took my FA20/FA31/FA43 and really used the 31 and 43mm - these being in the APS-C 20-40mm range. Add the FA77mm for special portraits and you will be totally setup.
The DA50-135 is a good lens, but you might find it a little too long in the environment you will be in. It will act like an 80-200mm does on full frame (not a normal lens for close quarter photography). So, in that respect, you will probably benefit more from having the DA50mm as it is compact and will fit in between the 20-40 and 77mm lenses. And it is fast so will be better in poorer light.

With 'fast' lenses you may not need the flash. Dial up the ISO a few (say 400) and that will give you extra shutter speed if your aim is to shoot at f5.6 or thereabouts.

Anyway, this is my two cents worth.

06-02-2018, 05:12 PM - 1 Like   #5
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I would have the 20-40, 50-135 and likely the 15 due to its small size. Most likely I would use the 20-40 more than any other lens I own.
06-02-2018, 05:12 PM - 1 Like   #6
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can you wear a jacket or vest onto the plane

are you willing to risk putting a lens into a pocket, perhaps wrapped in bubble wrap or some other " protective " material

would that help you with an extra lens?
06-02-2018, 05:20 PM   #7
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Just keep battery in case
My last flight battery in my backpack irritates security too much

06-02-2018, 05:54 PM - 1 Like   #8
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IMO the 20-40 limited is perfect for your setup and is what I’ve partnered with my 50-135 and sigma 10-20 f3.5 as my all-around one small bag kit. So 15+20-40+50-135 and call it good.

I’d only bring the 50 or the 77 if I knew I needed a long-ish to long portrait lens faster than my 50-135. Or the 77 even if I didn’t because it’s such an unique lens. I wouldn’t bring the 55-300 unless you plan to drag far away from family at this reunion...
06-02-2018, 05:57 PM   #9
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I would take just the 20-40 and be done. It's family :-)
06-02-2018, 06:27 PM - 1 Like   #10
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I'd say the 15, 20-40, & 50-135mm.
06-02-2018, 07:11 PM - 1 Like   #11
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I shoot family reunions on a regular basis and the 20-40 would be the for sure first lens in the bag. It being a fairly wide zoom you will most likely use it heavily.
06-02-2018, 07:17 PM   #12
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Wow! thanks for the opinions and ideas! I was considering the PLM because we are going to be at a lake house and, you know, critters! But The shorter focal lengths probably make more sense.

After reading the responses here, I am leaning towards DA 15, 20-40 Ltd., 50-135, maybe my FA 77or DA 50 in my other carry on. I am limited to a laptop backpack but all of these as well as my computer and kindle for reading will easily fit in this bag. And one flash for fill since Washington state is not known for its sunny weather!

I have weeks to decide and plan out what I am taking so lets get to 50K posts and tell me what to do! Filters? I have some ND 2-10 and several CPLs for my Limiteds. Suggestions?

---------- Post added 06-02-18 at 07:17 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by Kozlok Quote
Get a 16-50 for an event like that. They're super cheap used now.
Kozlok: I just bought my 50-135 and am trying to sell my extra lenses, not bring down the wrath of SWMBO! If that was the range I was sure of, I would bring my DA 17-70 because it is brilliant.
06-02-2018, 08:19 PM   #13
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For family I think the 20-40 should cover most everything. Other than that take lenses for whatever else you may want to do, if there are critters take the 55-300. Have fun!
06-02-2018, 08:50 PM   #14
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15, 20-40, 77
The rest is gravy.
06-02-2018, 08:50 PM - 1 Like   #15
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One of my favorite 3 lens kits for my k-3 is the 15,20-40,50-135... .

Your KP excels in higher ISO than the k-3 so you're unlikely to miss the faster aperture lenses for low light. Also it is likely that the 135mm @ f/2.8 gives slower depth of field than the 50 or 77 wide open.
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