Inspiring next lens (for trip to Vietnam)

All of that said, the greats in all artisitc fields have had muses. Something like a lens can indeed be inspiring. If a lens can unlock a bit of creativity, great. But which lens? I would ask a rather vague question: how do you 'feel' when you're shooting and looking at your images afterwards? Do you feel like there are particular details that you would rather have focused on rather than 'getting it all in'? Is there too much space in your hectic market scenes? Does your 14mm diminish the 3D look or imposing feel of a particular mountain or cityscape? If so, a short telephoto is probably want you want. A tele can help pick out important details and isolate them; it can stack layers one on top of the other to create masses of people, urban forests of buildings or towering hills looming over plains and valleys. Telephotos are greatly underused by amateur landscape photographers. If this is the case, go for the 45/1.8. Awesome lens. I 'see' in telephoto and would never be without one. The 60 Macro could be an option as well, though I have no experience with it.

If you feel that your photos lack space, lack that massive perspective difference between near/far objects, then you want something wider...and probably wider than the 12mm. Most people use UWA lenses to get as much of the scene in as possible...this is the exact wrong way to use an UWA. Get close and don't forget your basic rules of composition: make sure you have objects of interest in the foreground that compliment, enhance or even juxtapose the middle and background layers. UWA ask that you get close and involve yourself in the scene; you're on your belly a meter away from the rocks and the lapping waves or you're in the centre of the market catching people's smiles as they react to your camera so close. Get the fruit heavy in the foreground with the fruit seller in the background, smiling and laughing at a big foreigner taking pictures of something like fruit. For this, probalby the panasonic 7-14 is your lens.

So, I can't tell you what to buy, sorry. I can only tell you to pay attention to how you see and feel when yout take photos. Then, take one the lens that has this feel. That's it. Your choice of lens is out of the picture. No second guessing. Now, compose around it. For me, I've always found this challenge inspiriational and has produced my best and most satisfying work. If one lens for a whole trip is tool imiting - and frequently it is - then have 'days'. Telephoto day, which will result in portratis and details. Wide angle day, which will result in more landscapes and wide street scenes.