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Hiking Inca Trail in Peru: 19mm Prime or 14-42 Zoom?

Started Jan 24, 2020 | Questions thread
IQuisitor Forum Member • Posts: 66
Re: I was there...

I took a GX85 + 12-40 Pro, plus a Sigma DP2M (45mm equivalent) and a DP3M (75mm equiv.) I was going to take a tripod, but didn't. Turns out no tripods allowed. The GX is normally my casual/low-light/indoor shooter. Turns out I used it (wide-end) almost exclusively. What is most breath-taking about Machu Picchu is the enveloping feel of the endless layers upon layers of mountains, with higher and higher peaks. Even the 45mm-e is too tight, but I did use it for a couple stitched panos (as another poster recommended). Bottom line, imo, 24mm-equiv. is what you need in the mountains.

One variable of note: because it's in the mountains, the mornings tend to be fogged in, which can be quite atmospheric/telegenic. Otoh, because it's in the mountains, the sun drops behind the surrounding peaks around 4PM, casting long shadows. Besides, the park closes at 4 or so, so you can't catch the golden hours anyways. That said, don't let the urge to take pics get in the way of living in the moment of being there. Face it, most of us are unlikely to go back.

Did you buy tickets to Huayna Picchu? You should do that hike, too. Btw, be sure to bring insect repellant. They will eat you alive.

 IQuisitor's gear list:IQuisitor's gear list
Sigma DP2 Merrill Sigma DP3 Merrill Sony a7R II Olympus E-M1 II
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