Pentaxor, thanks for the tip on the 14mm. I hadn't considered it but I'll definitely take a look at it. I would be curious how it would compare with the 15mm LTD. Since i don't shoot a lot indoors, just occasionally, the faster aperture isn't a huge bonus for me.
Todd, sorry to hear about the spring on your zoom! Good thing you had the backup lens and were able to continue shooting landscapes on a trip like that! I am definitely considering the 15mm as an additional lens down the road. Either way I go with the LTDs, the zoom would overall one or both of the focal length. Hmmmmm.
Thanks, mtngal. f/11 would definitely be a benefit for the type of photos I try to take (some large feature in the foreground and mountains in the back). Do you find that the lens balances nicely on the camera?
Originally posted by PhilB: What would you like to do for your total kit that you carry?
This is exactly the dilemma. I'll have two different types of kits, a hiking kit for 6+ mile trips, and then I have the "around town" kit where a zoom isn't as big of a deal. I do more hiking style shooting than in-town stuff so the weight is definitely the larger concern. I visit Yellowstone twice a year for some serious hiking / wildlife shooting and weight is more critical with everything except the long glass. Every ounce I can save is a few more steps on the trail and maybe that "one shot" that's lurking out there. I had plans for the 21mm and 35mm LTDs just like your setup. In fact, I have the 50-135mm as my current walkaround "details" shooter.
Thanks, k100D. I'm not sure the weight of the 2.8s is a benefit on mile 12 but I know what you're saying about overall versatility. My concern is more about whether the optical performance is worth the weight of if it's nearly a wash. Hmmm.
Has anyone noticed any optical issues with the 21mm that is pause for concern? Photozone shows them pretty evenly matched at f/8 and f/11.