Compact kit with best IQ for travel?

Boss of Sony wrote:

Aaron801 wrote:

I'd go with the Em5 and that little 12-32mm zoom. I( like to have something with a viewfinder and I like to use a zoom, especially for traveling, when you may not want to deal with switching lenses all that often. I'd also take the 20mm prime lens because it's the fastest and that focal length will give you the max background blur, so even if you're not doing a lot of that you have the option...

For me that outfit would be pretty much perfect as the Em5 isn't what I consider too large to port around; it's not pocketable, but not something really big and heavy to hang off your shoulder either. I'd be happy with that midrange zoom because 90% I'd be wanting to take would fall in that range and the fast prime would be a nice addition for when something faster is required (and it's a nice focal length, I think)... All that, extra batteries, a charger and a polarizing filter for the zoom (I probably wouldn't even bother with one for the 20mm) and that would be a nice and tiny kit. If you think that this kit really is so tiny though bring another lens because it'll probably not ad enough weight that you'll care too much if you never use it...

I took the 12-32mm lens to Japan last year and regretted it when I saw the images. In brilliant sunlight, IQ is ok, but on cloudy days or in the shade, nearly every pic is just horrible. Water colour effect and really dull colours that are difficult to work with. I would much prefer a single sharp prime like the 25mm f1.7 or 20mm f1.7. I'll be better prepared next time.

Interesting... I've never used that lens but heard that it's very good. I don"t think that I'd like the fact that it has no focus ring... If it were me, I'd probably heft a bigger, faster (and better IQ) zoom, but the OP says that he doesn't want to carry that much...