I got my K-x (my first DSLR) a few months ago so that I would have some time to learn how to use it before going on a trip to Turkey and Greece in January. Focus of the trip is mainly biblical and classical sites, so that means lots of pics of ruins and such along with detail shots. Using the free
ExposurePlot program, I checked similar collections of shots, so I have some idea that I will be taking a lot of wide angle but enough telephoto to make it necessary for both. I think I'm in good shape with accessories (SD cards, nice monopod, mini-tripod, lens hood, CPL filters, eneloop batteries and charger, rocket blower, etc...). My questions deal w/ the lenses.
So, here's what I have to choose from and my experiences with them:
- DAL 18-55mm (a good lens but not my fav)
- DAL 50-300mm (I really like this lens)
- F 35-70mm (this has been a great lens; at the same lengths, it beats the 18-55mm and is as good as or better than the 50-300mm)
- SMC-M 50mm 1:1.7
- SMC-A 50mm 1:2 (the 1.7 is better, but this one is pretty close to it and the A setting is definitely easier for me to use; they both do better than the 18-55mm, especially in low light)
- Vivitar 28mm 1:2.8 (it's an okay lens; about the same as the 18-55 at 28mm but does better in low light)
- Raynox DCR 720 Wide Angle Conversion lens (for which I have rings to attach it to any of my lenses except the 50-300)
Here are some of my priorities:
- I want, of course, to get the best quality pics possible. (And keep in mind I'm still rather new to DSLRs.)
- As a teacher, most of my shots are intended for projection in the classroom, but I'd like to think I also have a little artistic creativity that makes me want pics w/ a little higher quality.
- I want to travel as light as possible. (I'll settle on a sling bag once I know how much I will be bringing.)
- I am not going to have a lot of time to set up shots. I will need to be able to work quickly with a minimum of lens changes.
- I don't want fisheye, but previous experience shows that I can't get too wide of an angle.
- We have some long days scheduled, and we are in winter, so I will have to deal with some lower light situations.
- There will also be some indoor (museum) shots for which I may not be able to use flash.
- (I do have a decent external flash, but I don't plan to bring it.)
SO...
Do I have the right lenses to choose from? Which do I bring? - The only lens I am definite about bringing is the 50-300mm lens.
- I'd like to just match it with the 18-55mm lens, but the 35-70 does take better pics, and the primes are better in low light...
- Am I going to use the Raynox wide angle conversion, or should I just plan on taking panoramas that I'll stitch together later if I need wider angle?
- I really don't want to spend more money, but I don't know when I'll be able to take a trip like this again, and I don't want to miss a lot of shots just because I didn't have the right wide angle. Can someone persuade me to buy a wide angle zoom to compliment the 50-300? ($350 would have to be about the max. Also keep in mind that I'm working at a K-x quality level.)
- So do I bring the primes? (I realize I'll probably have to decide between the somewhat greater convenience of the A-50 as compared to the quality of the M-50.) Would simply a better wide prime be a good solution?
I think I'm close, but you can see I have a bunch of questions.
I would really appreciate the wisdom of the experienced travelers and photographers on this forum. Thanks.