Travel lens discussion

[DrLex]

I have been using the Panasonic 14-140 (the first edition of the 3.5-5.6) on travels for many years and I have found this to offer a nice range with overall good image quality, while remaining very portable. The II edition adds extra weatherproofing, but my first edition has survived the occasional drizzle or waterfall spray. I have considered the Oly 12-200, but it has a considerable weight and size penalty for not that much of extra range.

 

[Blufftonian]

In FF terms I’d say that 24-120mm can do 95% of what you’d need. The faster, the better. And for that other 5% you probably need 400mm at a minimum.

I travel to Europe frequently and mostly all I take is DX body with a 16-80 f/2.8 which has the same FOV as a 24-120 on FF. If I’m going to shoot inside museums or art galleries I might take a 35mm f/1.8 but generally the zoom gets the job done.

Ireland is a terrific country to visit. Go have a pint of Guinness at Davey Byrnes bar in Dublin!

 

[Lan]

Typically when travelling I take three lenses 12-24 f4, 24-105 f4/OSS and 100-400.

I would leave the 100-400 at home if I'm staying in the city though, as it's quite obtrusive and heavy.

The 12-24 is very useful for interior shots and situations where you can't zoom with your feet.

 

[AlbertM43user]

I'm going to Ireland in a week. Hitting mostly tourist traps with a few off the beaten path stops.

I'll me toting my M43 gear, but will ask my question in FF terms to collect a general set of responses.

What is the range of focal lengths you would recommend taking (again in FF terms).

If there was a sweet spot range between the high and low, what would that be?

Thanks,

Dan

Might I know what will be your M43 camera? Olympus or Panasonic?

For general travelling, there are 2 10x superzoom from the 2 manufacturers. The Olympys 14-150 f/3.5-5.6 and the Panasonic 14-140 f/3.5-5.6 mk I (non WR) or Mk-II (WR). They offer an equivalent AoV of 28mm~280/300mm that are good for majority of usages.

The O is non IS, so better for the more effective Olympus IBIS. It is also cheaper but has slightly lower IQ than it's counterpart. Having said that, it is still a sharp enough lens.

The P is IS, so better for non IBIS Panasonic bodies. It is also a DUAL IS 2 compatible lens, so work great on DUAL IS or DUAL IS 2 Panasonic bodies for 5~5+ effective stabilization. Even better for G9 etc flagship models. A treat for 280mm EFL lens. It has IQ very similar to the 12~35 f/2.8 or the legendary 14~45 f/3.5-5.6, bet 12~32 f/3.5-5.6, and is better than 45~150 f/4-5.6 and 35~100 f/4-5.6. So it is a very outstanding kit class lens despite it is 10x superzoom.

The P is in similar length to 12-35 f/2.8, only 265g so highly portable.

If you would wish marginal better IQ, don't mind the weight and cost, might look for the O 12-100 f/4. 24-200 EFL is also very convenince for travelling.

There is the compatible IQ Leica 12-60 f/2.8-4. At marginally lower IQ and at a cheaper cost, there is the P 12-60 f/3.5-5.6.

Finally there is the O 12-200, but as per lab test it's IQ stops quickly after 100. But it is the only >10x superzoom of the format. When you need the reach but less concern on IQ, another interesting option.