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Best Travel Camera for Long Trip?

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Michael Benveniste said:
RIkenberry said:
I'm planning a 2 month (non-photographic-oriented) trip early 2024 to Australia and New Zealand. Weight and compactness with be important and I plan to take only my 24-200mm, 40mm f2, and 14-30mm F4. I don't plan on much wildlife photography, hence nothing real long, although the Z7 will give me a chance to crop more or shoot DX for a little more reach... Mostly landscape, street and travel sights.
Click to expand...
As the other responses demonstrate, there's no one "best travel solution," let alone camera. People vary too much in their fitness, demands on gear, and tolerances for weight and portability. But here are some of the things I think about when assembling an "away team."
  1. You've already stated this is a non-photographic oriented trip, keep that in mind as you make your choices. In a later response, you said you "though It might be nice to have a full frame this time," which tells me you may not be so sure.
  2. In what class are you flying, and what gear are you willing to commit to checked luggage? A couple from Australia visited us recently, and both have quite a bit of status on United. The good news is that allows them to pack a lot of luggage. The bad news is it doesn't do jack when bags get lost, as they did on their trip home. If they hadn't had Air Tags in their suitcases, they might still be waiting for United to track them down.
  3. Once you arrive, what are your land travel arrangements? Taking a full-size camera and a couple of lenses on a tour bus is not a pleasant experience. Nor is it pleasant if you are frequently transferring between trains and planes. On the other hand, if you are traveling by car as a couple, you have a lot more options.
  4. In your own style of street photography, how important is it for you are those proverbial "creamy backgrounds?" Are you more focused on people, or is the environment part of the story you want to tell?
  5. Who are you traveling with? My wife is tolerant of my desire to wait for the right light, but if we're traveling with other couples or on tours, that doesn't work.
The Z7 clearly brings stuff "to the party" that the OM-1 can not, but you may want to think whether it's worth it. I've never taken a 2-month trip, but I suspect that at least once in that time, I'd get to urge for some good old-fashioned anti-social time behind a camera. For 2-3 week trips, I tend to take 2 cameras -- my standard "full frame" setup and a "fast and light" kit for urban settings, longer hikes, and those bus rides. I'm willing to endure the hassle that causes on the long hauls and the risk of leaving gear in hotel rooms or state rooms; you may not be.
Click to expand...
 
Pixel8888 said:
Michael Benveniste said:
RIkenberry said:
I'm planning a 2 month (non-photographic-oriented) trip early 2024 to Australia and New Zealand. Weight and compactness with be important and I plan to take only my 24-200mm, 40mm f2, and 14-30mm F4. I don't plan on much wildlife photography, hence nothing real long, although the Z7 will give me a chance to crop more or shoot DX for a little more reach... Mostly landscape, street and travel sights.
Click to expand...
As the other responses demonstrate, there's no one "best travel solution," let alone camera. People vary too much in their fitness, demands on gear, and tolerances for weight and portability. But here are some of the things I think about when assembling an "away team."
  1. You've already stated this is a non-photographic oriented trip, keep that in mind as you make your choices. In a later response, you said you "though It might be nice to have a full frame this time," which tells me you may not be so sure.
  2. In what class are you flying, and what gear are you willing to commit to checked luggage? A couple from Australia visited us recently, and both have quite a bit of status on United. The good news is that allows them to pack a lot of luggage. The bad news is it doesn't do jack when bags get lost, as they did on their trip home. If they hadn't had Air Tags in their suitcases, they might still be waiting for United to track them down.
  3. Once you arrive, what are your land travel arrangements? Taking a full-size camera and a couple of lenses on a tour bus is not a pleasant experience. Nor is it pleasant if you are frequently transferring between trains and planes. On the other hand, if you are traveling by car as a couple, you have a lot more options.
  4. In your own style of street photography, how important is it for you are those proverbial "creamy backgrounds?" Are you more focused on people, or is the environment part of the story you want to tell?
  5. Who are you traveling with? My wife is tolerant of my desire to wait for the right light, but if we're traveling with other couples or on tours, that doesn't work.
The Z7 clearly brings stuff "to the party" that the OM-1 can not, but you may want to think whether it's worth it. I've never taken a 2-month trip, but I suspect that at least once in that time, I'd get to urge for some good old-fashioned anti-social time behind a camera. For 2-3 week trips, I tend to take 2 cameras -- my standard "full frame" setup and a "fast and light" kit for urban settings, longer hikes, and those bus rides. I'm willing to endure the hassle that causes on the long hauls and the risk of leaving gear in hotel rooms or state rooms; you may not be.
Click to expand...
Regarding airtags, check with the airline country regulations, whether they are allowed or not. The FAA considers them safe. But not every country airline does.

https://www.euronews.com/travel/202...batteries-airlines-electronic-rules-explained
Click to expand...
That is stale news. From here (CNN) :

Yes, AirTags are Federal Aviation Administration approved. The FAA ruled that having an AirTag in your luggage is permitted and, in fact, not a safety hazard since the small devices only contain 0.1 grams of lithium, which falls below the FAA’s limit.
 
Pixel8888 said:
Regarding airtags, check with the airline country regulations, whether they are allowed or not. The FAA considers them safe. But not every country airline does.

https://www.euronews.com/travel/202...batteries-airlines-electronic-rules-explained
Click to expand...
Since that article was written, Lufthansa reversed itself and now explicitly allows AirTags. So do all airlines flying from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand via the Pacific route as well as Emirates and Qatar.

if you happen to be flying Air India or Turkish Airlines, you might want to check with them.
 
Michael Benveniste said:
Pixel8888 said:
Regarding airtags, check with the airline country regulations, whether they are allowed or not. The FAA considers them safe. But not every country airline does.

https://www.euronews.com/travel/202...batteries-airlines-electronic-rules-explained
Click to expand...
Since that article was written, Lufthansa reversed itself and now explicitly allows AirTags. So do all airlines flying from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand via the Pacific route as well as Emirates and Qatar.

if you happen to be flying Air India or Turkish Airlines, you might want to check with them.
Click to expand...
I’ve read that the FAA say that with under 0.1g of lithium the CR2032 is below the limit where they ban batteries in checked bags. I’m flying Qatar in a few weeks, they’ve stated AirTags are fine. Good to know of a couple of airlines (above) where there may be an issue.
 
CliveTJ said:
Michael Benveniste said:
Pixel8888 said:
Regarding airtags, check with the airline country regulations, whether they are allowed or not. The FAA considers them safe. But not every country airline does.

https://www.euronews.com/travel/202...batteries-airlines-electronic-rules-explained
Click to expand...
Since that article was written, Lufthansa reversed itself and now explicitly allows AirTags. So do all airlines flying from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand via the Pacific route as well as Emirates and Qatar.

if you happen to be flying Air India or Turkish Airlines, you might want to check with them.
Click to expand...
I’ve read that the FAA say that with under 0.1g of lithium the CR2032 is below the limit where they ban batteries in checked bags. I’m flying Qatar in a few weeks, they’ve stated AirTags are fine. Good to know of a couple of airlines (above) where there may be an issue.
Click to expand...
I recommend putting AirTags inside the checked-in luggage and not attaching them outside. I had several AirTags attached to the handle stolen/lost, coincidentally always at the same airport ;-).

P.S.: I cannot confirm that Air India or Turkish Airlines prohibit Airtags in checked-in luggage.
 
Or you just go without any checked-in luggage. I’m using the F-Stop Loka as my main travel bag. For my photo gear I have a smaller bag, that counts as a personal item, and so can also be brought into the cabin.

There is always a risk that my bag might have to be put in the hold, but it’s never happened to me.
 
Since it's a non photographic trip, I'd go for the Z7 and 24-200.

I've done the Z6 and 24-200 several times and it works out well. However, over time I did not end up liking the 24-200 overall and got the 24-120 F4 and I like that lens better for me.

For backup, I'd just use my phone in this case.
 
virtualkyr said:
Since it's a non photographic trip, I'd go for the Z7 and 24-200.

I've done the Z6 and 24-200 several times and it works out well. However, over time I did not end up liking the 24-200 overall and got the 24-120 F4 and I like that lens better for me.

For backup, I'd just use my phone in this case.
Click to expand...
I sold my original 24-200 because I knew it was compromising some... but then got it back again as it's just pretty useful for a trip.

I did the same with my 26mm 2.8 ... sold then bought again.

One is the best for my needs for versatility, and the other is the best of size.

Neither are my best lenses, but they get used the most.
 
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Z7 and the 28/2.8. Go DX to "punch in" when needed. Get creative otherwise. Our predecessor used to run around with a fixed lens whatever and recorded the World. Make it a challenge and photography remains fun and creative. Travel light, keep your camera near, and grab what you can with what you have. Lugging a camera with a giant lens to dinner/??? is often a no-go. Small, fast, malleable. Have a great trip!
 
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D1X + 17-35/2.8D

D100 + 28-70/2.8D

D300 + 20/1.8

Df + 20-35D

D810 + 25/2 ZF2

D850 + Voigt 21/1.4 and 40/1.2

Z7 + Voigt 21/1.4

Z8 + Voigt 21/1.4

I’m feeling a trend here…
 
Just take your iPhone...
 
9eeda31913ce45129fecdd0f46a3ad67.jpg

iPhone. NZ
 
THIS . It's not a popular viewpoint here - yet - but will become more so with every passing new year and new phone...

Sad, but reality bites blows sometimes..

OP, Since you said this is a LONG trip, then maybe just the Z7 and one lens - 24-200..

Less chance of getting tired of carrying stuff around and less chance of it being misplaced., etc..

And of course, carry your phone, in case the cam or lens develops issues..
phgordon said:
iPhone. NZ
Click to expand...
--
“The problem is not lack of competence, it is confidence without competence.”
 
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sirhawkeye64 said:
RIkenberry said:
I'm planning a 2 month (non-photographic-oriented) trip early 2024 to Australia and New Zealand. Weight and compactness with be important and I plan to take only my 24-200mm, 40mm f2, and 14-30mm F4. I have a Z7 (original) and a Zf (with a SmallRig grip). Thoughts on what makes the most sense and why? I don't plan on much wildlife photography, hence nothing real long, although the Z7 will give me a chance to crop more or shoot DX for a little more reach... Mostly landscape, street and travel sights.
Click to expand...
I'd say a Z6 II or Z7 II (Z6 II has better low-light and fine if you don't need 45MP), or get a Zf and get improved AF.

Then pair that with a 14-30, a 40 or 50mm for low light, and the 24-200.

You could swap the 24-200 for the 24-120 but you'd have to decide if an extra 80mm and VR but slower apertures is a good compromise over a constant f/4. And that just depends on yourp reference. On one had, the 24-200 starts to lose sharpness around 135mm+ but at the same time, the 24-120 doesn't even go to 135mm so you're not really losing anything (throughout the shared range, the 24-120 and 24-200 are similar, with the 24-120 having the advantage of a constant f/4 aperture and probably being slightly sharper at the longer common focal lengths). Ricci (on Youtube) did a comparison of the 24-120 and 24-200 you could check out. The variable aperture between the shared range is the biggest difference, so with that I'd almost say use the 24-200 for maximum flexibility.

These three lenses should be a good travel kit (you could substitute the 40mm for a smaller/cheaper fast prime). The only downside to the 24-200 is it gets quite slow beyond about 85mm (f/6.3) but it does have VR, which the 24-120 does not.
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He stated in his third sentence which camera bodies he owns. He is trying to decide which of the two to bring on the trip. That's what we are debating here.

Op, unless you need the extra resolution of the Z7, I would be inclined to take the Zf, the 24-200 and the 14-30. If you were bringing the 40 for lower light stuff, the ibis in the Zf might negate your need for that, as probably will your phone. If you choose the Z7, I would bring the 40. Have fun!
 
RIkenberry said:
I'm planning a 2 month (non-photographic-oriented) trip early 2024 to Australia and New Zealand. Weight and compactness with be important and I plan to take only my 24-200mm, 40mm f2, and 14-30mm F4. I have a Z7 (original) and a Zf (with a SmallRig grip). Thoughts on what makes the most sense and why? I don't plan on much wildlife photography, hence nothing real long, although the Z7 will give me a chance to crop more or shoot DX for a little more reach... Mostly landscape, street and travel sights.
Click to expand...
I would carry my Z8 + 24-120 S + iPhone 15 Pro.
 
Totally agree with this. The z7 is small and light for general use.. I did go travelling in the US 14 months ago, and I took the 24 - 200 as well as 24 - 70 f/4 with my Z7ii. I was using the 24-200 almost constantly as it was easy to carry on the z7.. however halfway through my travels I looked at the images in some detail, and was disappointed with my 24 -200.. the images often seemed to lack punch and vibrancy.. and looked flat. I swapped to my 24 70 for the rest of the trip… and looking back now the image feel between the two lenses was quite noticeable.

Sure I missed the reach of the 200, but all in all I prefer the images to better capture the vibe than have reach.

The 24 - 70 f/4 is compact and light and with the z7 is a small compact package. Perhaps I would consider the 24 - 120 f/4 now if I was doing that trip.. and indeed just come back from a short travel trip in Central Europe and the 24-120 f/4 was fine, albeit on a larger z8. (I have since sold my Z7ii)

--
Simon
https://www.flickr.com/people/suffolkimages/
 
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I'm going to suggest something completely different and counter intuitive on a Z forum....

One small camera, one lens, make it force you to be more creative.

Money no object means Leica Q3 (or 2), or a secondhand M with a well chosen prime. Other cheaper options are the Fuji X100V or Ricoh GR. Bring a spare battery. Leave everything else at home.

Any of these would be great for lightweight travel with your non photographer wife and, when you get into the groove, more than capable of turning out superb images. Pano mode / stitching will let you do wider angle landscapes when required. Higher pixel count of the Leica gives decent cropping capability.

I've previously travelled with just the X100, and would do soon again.
 
I agree with your observations - I also got the 24-120 and have been much happier with the shots I'm getting with that lens vs the 24-200.
 
From looking at your galleries, I think you'd be happy with a single body and the 28-200mm. I took my Z7, 28-200, 14-30 on a trip to Italy. I only shot a handful of images with the 14-30. Otherwise, the 28-200 did a very respectable job for me. I rented the 28-200 for the trip. It was well worth the rental fee. Z7 or Zf would both do the job nicely.
 
RIkenberry said:
I'm planning a 2 month (non-photographic-oriented) trip early 2024 to Australia and New Zealand. Weight and compactness with be important
Click to expand...
Sounds like a good cell phone camera fits the bill. Nothing is going to be lighter. For a non-photographic trip, why not?
 
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