Compact kit with best IQ for travel?

zuikowesty wrote:

Not sure what I will do for a computer, but that's another story...

I'd go with a water-resistant Android phablet with a microSD slot and a USB-OTG adapter so you can back up to an internal 256GB or 512GB card via a USB card reader.  You could also dump the contents onto a USB stick every month or so and mail it home.  For extra versatility, switch to using microSD cards with an SD card adapter to use in your camera.  That allows you to put the microSD card directly into your phone if you ever happen to lose the OTG-USB or card reader.

Personally, I can't imagine going on any long trip w/o a computer.  Tablets are nice but for myself, I strongly prefer a computer, so for me, I'd probably look for an 11" Macbook Air.  Although I'd still go for the above-mentioned Android setup as well.

• Laowa 7.5/2 - small, fast, good IQ, manual focus, not sealed

That's a good choice.  I already have an Oly 9-18 so I'm on the fence as to whether the Laowa's faster aperture but fixed FoV is worth the switch.

• Oly 12/2 - small, fast, good IQ, expensive, not sealed

I opted for the 12-35/2.8 which I find small and light enough, so a 12/2 isn't required.

• Voigt 10.5/0.95 - large, fast, good IQ, expensive, manual focus, not sealed

Too big.

• Oly 17/1.8 - small, fast, good IQ, not sealed
• Pany 20/1.7 - tiny, inexpensive (used), fast (except AF!), good IQ, not sealed
• PL 15/1.7 - small, fast, good IQ, not sealed
• Pany 14/2.5 - tiny, inexpensive (used), average IQ, not sealed
• Sigma 19/2.8 - small, inexpensive, good IQ, not sealed

I opted for the 15/1.7, primarily because I like its FoV over my 20, plus the 15 is silent AF which is important since I also shoot video.

Zoom options for either body

• Oly 12-40 - already own, good IQ & sealed, but a bit heavy

Consider the 12-35/2.8 unless you really think 35 is too short.  When I was shopping for a 2.8 zoom, I passed on the 12-40 because I thought it was too big and heavy.  I've never regretted the choice.

• Oly 14-150 - same size as 40-150R, all-in-one option, sealed

Might be a tough "cultural" change if you're used to the 12-40.

As I see it, a bare minimum kit in terms of size could be:

1. Laowa 7.5 or Oly 12/2 + E-M5ii

2. Pany 14/2.5 or 20/1.7 + E-PM2

3. Optionally, add one of the zooms in a pocket for extra reach, either the 40-150R, or the 12-32.

You'd have to be a rather dedicated wide prime shooter.  If I were in your shoes and was forced to go super minimal, it'd be the 12-35/2.8, Laowa 7.5 and 15/1.7.  I can't live w/o a zoom.  And if that were too big, I'd give up the Laowa.