Lense selection for travel

I will be moving to the UK in a few months to work for about 4 months and then travel for about 2 months. I would like your opinion on selecting lenses to use with my E-1 to backpack with.
I currently have:
E-1
14-54mm
40-150mm

I will buy ONE of the following:
11-22mm
50-200mm (and sell 40-150)
50mm f/2

These lenses are extremely expensive so I can only afford one lense. The 11-22mm lense makes the most sense to me since I already have a "cheaper" telephoto (which I'm happy with), but I've seen some incredible shots (with better reach) with the 50-200.

I'm not interested in hearing about the quality since I've researched this to the end and like all three possible lenses. The weatherproof factor is also desirable.

I will generally be backpacking and therefore size and weight are a concern, another reason I'm ruling out the 50-200mm (but gosh, I'd love to have that lense!). Landscapes, architecture, and indoor shots mostly, with some candid portraiture.
I have a P&S for "crazy nightlife."

I'm leaning toward the 11-22 so as not to overlap as much (remember I have the 40-150) and I'm not quite sure how "walkable" the 50mm f/2 is. I'm worried about the DOF for a walkable lense, but I've seen its capabilities as a portrait lense.

If any of you have experience backpacking and can suggest a combination for me I'd appreciate it. Do you think 2 lenses would be a better option, over three lenses?

Also, if you can post images of the physical size difference betweent he 4 lenses mentioned above (at least two lenses in one image) that would be great. I can get size/weight info off of the Oly website, but I'm looking for purely comparitive pictures.
--
-Tim
'Be the change you wish to see in the world.' -Mahatma Gandhi

Trust your gut! Go with the 11-22

Timskis6 said:

I will be moving to the UK in a few months to work for about 4
months and then travel for about 2 months. I would like your
opinion on selecting lenses to use with my E-1 to backpack with.
I currently have:
E-1
14-54mm
40-150mm

I will buy ONE of the following:
11-22mm
50-200mm (and sell 40-150)
50mm f/2

Click to expand...

You might want to wait for a bit. There is a rumor that a 12-60mm will soon be introduced, which would give more range than the 14-54 on both ends. I wonder what it will do to the 11-22mm and 14-54mm, since it overlaps with them.

In terms of those 3 lenses, they each are different, so it depends on what kinds of things you shoot. Look at your current pictures. If you find most of them were shot at 14mm, then I would go for the 11-22mm. If most of your pictures were shot at 150mm then go for the 50-200mm. If you anticipate shooting telephoto in non-sunny conditions, the 50-200mm might also be desired. If you find yourself shooting closeup shots, then the 50mm might be best. If you find yourself shooting in lowlight, then the 50mm or the Sigma 30mm f/1.8 might be the best.

Tim--

Sounds like you're in a nice position to be in, especially with the knowledge that another quality optic is headed your way.

What to choose though...hmmm.

first off, who knows about that "rumored" 12-60mm anyway? I wouldn't bank on it even if it is in the works, as it probably would not yet be available in time for your trip. So that leaves your current set-up, plus one of the choices in your list.

As an owner of both a 14-54mm and the 50-200mm, I can appreciate your desire for the latter lens--and it is a beauty--but it can also get to be a heavy beast if you have to carry it all day long (I typically use mine for sporting events, zoo trips, and other long-reach situations, often with a monopod). For me, I would only take the 50-200mm if I were traveling to truly exotic locales and really wanted to have a set-up where a long lens might really be needed, such as on a safari (still a dream and on my short list of things to do and shoot before I...you know).

And, particularly given its stellar reputation for quality and sharpness, I toy with the idea of picking up an 11-22mm to round out my f/2.8-3.5 lens set up and try my hand at the wide end (and I'm sure you know that debate over the 14-22mm overlap vs. the extra 3mm on the wide end has been done to death here, so you'd have to decide where you come down on that!).

But it occurs to me that you already have a nearly ideal travel kit: the 14-54mm for most of your bread-and-butter shots, plus the more lightweight 40-150mm for those (probably outdoor) situations demanding some additional reach. It would, therefore, be helpful to know where your travels might take you and the types of shots you anticipate (more outdoor shooting vs indoor, or vice-versa, candids, landscapes, cityscapes, urban vs. rural, etc.). The kit you have may be sufficient.

Still another option you left off--but perhaps worth your consideration--is the EC14 teleconverter, which will add reach to both of your existing lenses (at the loss of one stop). Frankly, since I do not have the 40-150 as a lightweight travel telephoto lens, the EC14 really helps extend the reach of my 14-54mm (a lens I absolutely swear by, not at!), let alone what it does for the 50-200mm, as you may expect. The weight is negligible compared to adding any of the lens options you cited--another possibly worthy consideration given your plans.

Don't know if this helps you or muddies the waters more, but, for travel, I like what you already have for most situations.

--Bob C

Tim--

Brain hiccup on my end: in my response, I failed to note that you DID indicate some of what you planned to shoot--landscapes, architecture, candids, and some indoor shooting.

In that vein, I think I, like you, might lean towards the 11-22mm for the architecture, though I think it's about a tie when it comes to landscapes and the focal lengths you might use. Still, that 14-54mm is pretty versatile for much of what you might shoot already.

Another thought, and hopefully it will be available by/before you leave, might be that 25mm f/1.4 prime coming from Leica (c/o Panasonic). Probably decent for candids and that low-light stuff you may encounter; the other currently available alternative is the Sigma 30 f/1.4 folks seem to like (there's also a 24mm f/1.8 due out from them too, spanning the gap between the upoming Leica and the existing Sigma).

--Bob C

Honestly, if I were you, I'd hang on to my money and stick with what you have.

The 11-22 would some additional capability, as would the 50-200. For architecture and interiors the 11-22 might be esp. nice.

But you already have a great set up for backpacking. The 14-54 will cover a lot of ground for you now, and the 40-150 is a fine, light lens well suited to your use. So why not hang to the cash, and perhaps in couple of months reconsider? By then the 12-60 might be out, and perhaps you'd be interested in updating the E-1 body. I'm like new glass as much as anyone, but if it ain't broke why fix it?

--
Jeff

RNCJr said:

Tim--

Brain hiccup on my end: in my response, I failed to note that you
DID indicate some of what you planned to shoot--landscapes,
architecture, candids, and some indoor shooting.

In that vein, I think I, like you, might lean towards the 11-22mm
for the architecture, though I think it's about a tie when it comes
to landscapes and the focal lengths you might use. Still, that
14-54mm is pretty versatile for much of what you might shoot
already.

Another thought, and hopefully it will be available by/before you
leave, might be that 25mm f/1.4 prime coming from Leica (c/o
Panasonic). Probably decent for candids and that low-light stuff
you may encounter; the other currently available alternative is the
Sigma 30 f/1.4 folks seem to like (there's also a 24mm f/1.8 due
out from them too, spanning the gap between the upoming Leica and
the existing Sigma).

--Bob C

Click to expand...

Thank you bob for your input, it really does help, a lot. I've been pondering this all day and just can't decide what I should do. Also, I'm just out of college and what money I do have should be saved for something besides glass. =)

I toyed with the Sigma 30mm 1.4 a while back but after reading that you needed to stop down to 1.8 to make it worthwhile I figured I'd wait a bit and see what else comes out. I haven't even considered the Leica 20mm 1.4 but I will check that out. Honestly, the 30mm was even a bit long for me for indoor shots, which is solely what I'd use it for. The 20mm sounds much more inviting. I'm not the greatest at manual focus but I can do it, although I'd rather have AF like everyone else. I'll look into it, thanks for bringing it to my mind.

I completely forgot about the EC14. I see that it is compatible with the 40-150 and would be a good complement to a later 50-200 addition, but alas, its MF only with the 40-150. I'll still consider it though.

It seems as though every time I turn on the computer to plan my Europe trip (work, play, travel), the cost just keeps adding up. Hopefully (big hopefully) I land a job through my current boss's husband just south of London in the biotech industry. If that happens I will definitely be able to afford a new lense. But, if not....

It's sort of a jugle right now. I want the best equipment I can afford because I don't want to miss any shots when I'm there. It will be quite a while before I go back, as medical school is coming in the fall. But glass=$. At this point I almost have to give up visiting one country to buy one lense. Haven't decided if its worth it yet!

I think I'll wait at least a month before I jump on anything...more on "waiting" in the response to the next thread...

--
-Tim
'Be the change you wish to see in the world.' -Mahatma Gandhi

Jeff said:

Honestly, if I were you, I'd hang on to my money and stick with
what you have.

Click to expand...

This is also the little voice in the back of my head telling me to do just this. I have a decent backpack"able" setup, especially for just being out of college, and that lense money will sure go a long ways when I'm travelling around.

Jeff said:

The 11-22 would some additional capability, as would the 50-200.
For architecture and interiors the 11-22 might be esp. nice.

But you already have a great set up for backpacking. The 14-54 will
cover a lot of ground for you now, and the 40-150 is a fine, light
lens well suited to your use. So why not hang to the cash, and
perhaps in couple of months reconsider? By then the 12-60 might be
out, and perhaps you'd be interested in updating the E-1 body. I'm
like new glass as much as anyone, but if it ain't broke why fix it?

Click to expand...

As of right now, Jeff, I'm going to do this. Just wait a bit, see what comes out, and probably spend my $700 on a few plane tickets abroad. Even if the 12-60 hits the market, I most likely wouldn't get it because it would make my 14-54 obsolete, and I spent my hard earned money on that glass! haha

Thank you for your input, and putting me back in my correct mind. $700 is a lot of money. For me, anyway! =)

Jeff said:

--
Jeff

Click to expand...

--
-Tim
'Be the change you wish to see in the world.' -Mahatma Gandhi

With the 14 - 54, it is the almost ideal lwalkaround lense. Then if you get the 11-22 later, you can leave it on all the time unless you need the extra stop of light.

That being said, it is hard to pass up the 50 - 200, that lense is really unbelievable...

You always have the flexibility later to get something that fits your needs. There are a few other things you might find helpful while traveling:

-- A good, fast 2 or 4GB CF card is nice because then you can shoot raw without having to worry about running out of room.
-- a polarizer can add a lot of value when shooting outdoor scenics

-- of course, a good travel tripod. Don't cheap out on the tripod; good ones are expensive, and you'll eventually buy one anyways.
-- a good case to hold your kit.

You've already have a great start with the E-1/14-54/40-150. Even if you're on a tight budget, focus on quality. imho, a simple, high quality kit is a much better long term value than a settling for a lot of items that won't stand up to hard use.

Good luck. My wife and I have very special memories of a year in London during our 'salad days'.

Jeff

Timskis6 said:

Jeff said:

Honestly, if I were you, I'd hang on to my money and stick with
what you have.

Click to expand...

This is also the little voice in the back of my head telling me to
do just this. I have a decent backpack"able" setup, especially for
just being out of college, and that lense money will sure go a long
ways when I'm travelling around.

Timskis6 said:

The 11-22 would some additional capability, as would the 50-200.
For architecture and interiors the 11-22 might be esp. nice.

But you already have a great set up for backpacking. The 14-54 will
cover a lot of ground for you now, and the 40-150 is a fine, light
lens well suited to your use. So why not hang to the cash, and
perhaps in couple of months reconsider? By then the 12-60 might be
out, and perhaps you'd be interested in updating the E-1 body. I'm
like new glass as much as anyone, but if it ain't broke why fix it?

Click to expand...

As of right now, Jeff, I'm going to do this. Just wait a bit, see
what comes out, and probably spend my $700 on a few plane tickets
abroad. Even if the 12-60 hits the market, I most likely wouldn't
get it because it would make my 14-54 obsolete, and I spent my hard
earned money on that glass! haha
Thank you for your input, and putting me back in my correct mind.
$700 is a lot of money. For me, anyway! =)

Timskis6 said:

--
Jeff

Click to expand...

--
-Tim
'Be the change you wish to see in the world.' -Mahatma Gandhi

Click to expand...

--
Jeff

Jeff said:

You always have the flexibility later to get something that fits
your needs. There are a few other things you might find helpful
while traveling:

-- A good, fast 2 or 4GB CF card is nice because then you can shoot
raw without having to worry about running out of room.

Click to expand...

I currently have a 133X Lexar 4GB CF, and I'm looking for a second backup, probably in the lesser speed arena due to cost. I generally do not shoot more than 4GB in one day with RAW+JPEG which is why I currently only need one CF in the E-1.

I'll probably grab a second just before I leave, as CF prices are plummeting day by day. A month ago Kingston was offering a MIR for a 4GB 45X at $17 after MIR. Crazy.

I also have a 30GB PSD and will invest in an external HDD enclosure with OTG capability to put my current 250GB HDD in.
I have a feeling I'll be bringing a lot of chargers/power supplies...

Jeff said:

-- a polarizer can add a lot of value when shooting outdoor scenics

Click to expand...

This is probably the area I need the most work in. I have a 58mm Hoya HMC polarizer that I used on my 8080 and now on the 40-150. I'll probably stick with that because a 67mm polarizer isn't cheap. But, practice practice practice!

Jeff said:

-- of course, a good travel tripod. Don't cheap out on the tripod;
good ones are expensive, and you'll eventually buy one anyways.

Click to expand...

Well, I cheaped out about 2 years ago and bought one off of amazon for $25. It works, but its not great. Can you recommend a small, portable tripod that will fit in a photo backpack, that is sturdy? I've seen numerous posts here on tripods, I'll also dig through them.

Jeff said:

-- a good case to hold your kit.

Click to expand...

I've got a Canon photo backpack that nicely holds my E-1, 14-54, 40-150, SHLD-2, and some odds and ends, with an outer zipper for a jacket, etc. For backpacking, I think it will work, as I can also fit in some clothes. Probably won't take the SHLD-2, too much space/weight.

Jeff said:

You've already have a great start with the E-1/14-54/40-150. Even
if you're on a tight budget, focus on quality. imho, a simple,
high quality kit is a much better long term value than a settling
for a lot of items that won't stand up to hard use.

Click to expand...

I agree, I've been trying to keep it at just that.

Jeff said:

Good luck. My wife and I have very special memories of a year in
London during our 'salad days'.

Click to expand...

Well, to tell you the truth, I'm moving to London with my high school sweet heart. We dated in high school for a long time, then broke up throughout college, and recently got back together. We'll see where it takes us! =)

Jeff said:

Jeff

Click to expand...

I agree. An E-1 and a 14-54 is an excellent combination. It's tough and reliable, and the size and weight is such that you'll actually have it with you most of the time. I know several very serious pros who would not hesitate to take on editorial assignments with only moderate focal lenghts. You'd probably be surprised at how rarely many of them use their more exotic lenses. Never forget that some of the greatest photographs ever were shot with kit users in this forum would laugh at.
Sophie.

Jeff said:

Honestly, if I were you, I'd hang on to my money and stick with
what you have.

Click to expand...

I should add that the Cairo/Giza, Egypt trip will be at the heart of my travels. Most of the photographs I've seen of the pyramids are landscape type, but has anyone ever needed > 150mm to photograph them?

What about on the Nile, anyone know if 150mm is sufficient? EC14 coming to mind...
--
-Tim
'Be the change you wish to see in the world.' -Mahatma Gandhi

I have a 50-200 now, but I think my travel kit in many cases will remain at 14-54 + 40-150, simply because of the size/weight. (What I'd love is a telephoto of a similar range to the 40-150, but weatherproofed.)

How many photos are you going to lose because you needed the 150 to 200mm range? (A lot if you're going on safari, but very few in other contexts.) How many photos are you going to lose because you have f/4.5 at 150mm instead of f/3.1? Trade that against the photos you'll lose because waving the 50-200 around makes you self-conscious, or because it's just too heavy.

Danny.

good points and well taken. Especially waving the longer lense around in areas where optical glass comes at a premium.
--
-Tim
'Be the change you wish to see in the world.' -Mahatma Gandhi

Timskis6 said:

I will be moving to the UK in a few months to work for about 4
months and then travel for about 2 months. I would like your
opinion on selecting lenses to use with my E-1 to backpack with.
I currently have:
E-1
14-54mm
40-150mm....

Click to expand...

Timskis6 said:

If any of you have experience backpacking and can suggest a
combination for me I'd appreciate it. Do you think 2 lenses would
be a better option, over three lenses?

Click to expand...

For me 14-54 + 40-150 works quite nice. I did exchange the 40-150/3,5-4,5 against the new 40-150/4-5,6, which saves another 200g and let you keep the tele lens in a big pocket of a jacket or trouser while the old 40-150 has to stay in the backpack (and is used only rarely because of that)