July 4th in New York. Need tips on lenses, hotels and places to visit. Please share your photos.

Yake wrote:

You have 3 big zooms. For a family trip I'd find that pretty burdensome. Everyone has their own tolerance for bulk & weight and I respect anyone wanting to carry that much. But it sounds like even you are thinking it will be heavy given that you're planning to leave 1 or 2 lenses in the hotel safe.

For may last family trip, I carried 20/2.8, 35/2 IS and 70-200/4L IS. That's as much as I could carry.

Thanks for your answer Yake.

Your lens setup "20/2.8, 35/2 IS and 70-200/4L IS" got me thinking, perhaps adding one or perhaps two primes. One really small and one really fast for my most important and most used focal lengths 35-40mm.

My wife brings her Sony RX100 III and my son his Lumix LX3. They will also take a lot of photos. This means that my wife and son have 24-70mm and 24-60mm covered.

Then perhaps a small Canon EF 40f/2.8 and/or a really fast Sigma 35f/1.4 Art prime are better companions to my 16-35f/4L IS and 70-200f/4L IS than my 24-70f/2.8L II?

One or some times two of the zoom lenses will some times stay in our hotel room safe. I will bring different lenses on my 6D depending on our plans for the day.

Bringing home the best reporter style photos of my wife and son discovering NYC is my absolute priority. Our son is 13 years old and he is growing up very fast. I can always come back for more photos of NYC iconic buildings and places another year.

The most obvious of my lenses to bring to NYC and most big citys is my 16-35f/4L IS. It is certainly a perfect lens for cramped places and architecture.

But is it also the best lens for family/people? IMHO 16-28mm is to wide for people. I prefer using 35mm for my most important reporter style family/people photos.

The Sigma 35f/1.4 Art and even the small Canon EF 40f/2.8 primes are faster and a lot better resolution wide open than my 24-70f/2.8L II and my 16-35f/4L IS at 35mm.

http://www.photozone.de/images/8Reviews/lenses/canon_2470_28_mk2/mtf.png

http://www.photozone.de/images/8Reviews/lenses/canon_1635_4is/mtf.png

http://www.photozone.de/images/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_35_14_eosff/mtf.png

http://www.photozone.de/images/8Reviews/lenses/canon_40_28_ff/mtf.png

I am more and more leaning for this NYC set up:

6D + 16-35f/4L IS + 35f/1.4 Art and/or 40f/2.8 + 70-200f/4L IS.

Like my 24-70f/2.8L II if we decide to get the new primes they will be on my 6D for more than 80% of the time and depending on our plan for the day one or two zooms will be carried in our two small & simple backpacks with our 3 small refill tapwater bottles.

99% sure: Canon EF 40f/2.8 Pancake. It will make my 6D really as small, light and inconspicuous as it possibly can be.

80% sure: Sigma 35f/1.4 Art. 2 full stops faster, smaller, 140g lighter and even better IQ than my excellent Canon 24-70f/2.8L II.

Grateful for all your thoughts, advice and suggestions. Thanks!

Pietro Marchesi wrote:

(Snipped)

My wife brings her Sony RX100 III and my son his Lumix LX3. They will also take a lot of photos. This means that my wife and son have 24-70mm and 24-60mm covered.

Then perhaps a small Canon EF 40f/2.8 and/or a really fast Sigma 35f/1.4 Art prime are better companions to my 16-35f/4L IS and 70-200f/4L IS than my 24-70f/2.8L II?

One or some times two of the zoom lenses will some times stay in our hotel room safe. I will bring different lenses on my 6D depending on our plans for the day.

Bringing home the best reporter style photos of my wife and son discovering NYC is my absolute priority. Our son is 13 years old and he is growing up very fast. I can always come back for more photos of NYC iconic buildings and places another year.

The most obvious of my lenses to bring to NYC and most big citys is my 16-35f/4L IS. It is certainly a perfect lens for cramped places and architecture.

(Snipped)

-- hide signature --

Best Regards
Pietro M
Stockholm

I remember using my EF 40mm STM on a 5D, and my EF-S 10-22mm on a 7D, for a late afternoon/early evening walking street/architecture/moonrise photography class in Houston's Downtown a few years ago, led/taught by Kathy Adams Clark. (10-22mm on a 7D is equivalent to the angle-of-view of a 16-35mm lens on a 5D/6D.) If I brought a longer lens, I do not remember using it, at all, for this shoot.

Notably, as I was repeating this class for a second time, I tended to capture the other photographers, with candid images, rather than concentrate upon the inanimate subjects. This could be seen as equivalent to you capturing images of your family as they shoot.

My 40mm STM virtually lived on that 5D, until the 5D experienced the not-unexpected mirror failure. This little lens is not so happy on my 5Ds R, though AF micro-adjustment may be the only remedy needed. I have yet to bother trying AFMA, largely because my 5Ds R is so very happy with my EF 35mm f/2 IS, and the Shorty 40 does well in other cameras.

The EF-S 10-22mm still lives on my old 7D. I see no reason to part with either of them, even though I now have a 16-35/2.8L II, and 7D Mark II cameras.

Edited to add: To be clear, I am not meaning to discourage bringing a longer lens.

Kelly M Jones wrote:

Here's a few photos from places we visited in Manhattan a few years back.

Bronx Zoo, Ground Zero

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151095062098447.461018.736893446&type=1&l=bd89151d40

High Line

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151095062098447.461018.736893446&type=1&l=bd89151d40

Hope your trip is wonderful.

-Kelly

PaddyC wrote:

3. Visit the Lower East Side Tenement Museum (you take a tour). Book ahead. This is an amazing experience.

I can 2nd that recommendation. Even my young son was very interested during the tour. I can confirm your recommendation of the High Line walk, very enjoyable. We visited B&H as well. Thanks for your informative response.

-Kelly

Thanks for your tips and photos Kelly, I really appreciate you taking the time to share.

The Tenement Museum is now on our to do list. I love history and what we all can learn from history in our daily decisions private and in politics.

Rexgig0 wrote:

Pietro Marchesi wrote:

(Snipped)

My wife brings her Sony RX100 III and my son his Lumix LX3. They will also take a lot of photos. This means that my wife and son have 24-70mm and 24-60mm covered.

Then perhaps a small Canon EF 40f/2.8 and/or a really fast Sigma 35f/1.4 Art prime are better companions to my 16-35f/4L IS and 70-200f/4L IS than my 24-70f/2.8L II?

One or some times two of the zoom lenses will some times stay in our hotel room safe. I will bring different lenses on my 6D depending on our plans for the day.

Bringing home the best reporter style photos of my wife and son discovering NYC is my absolute priority. Our son is 13 years old and he is growing up very fast. I can always come back for more photos of NYC iconic buildings and places another year.

The most obvious of my lenses to bring to NYC and most big citys is my 16-35f/4L IS. It is certainly a perfect lens for cramped places and architecture.

(Snipped)

I remember using my EF 40mm STM on a 5D, and my EF-S 10-22mm on a 7D, for a late afternoon/early evening walking street/architecture/moonrise photography class in Houston's Downtown a few years ago, led/taught by Kathy Adams Clark. (10-22mm on a 7D is equivalent to the angle-of-view of a 16-35mm lens on a 5D/6D.) If I brought a longer lens, I do not remember using it, at all, for this shoot.

Notably, as I was repeating this class for a second time, I tended to capture the other photographers, with candid images, rather than concentrate upon the inanimate subjects. This could be seen as equivalent to you capturing images of your family as they shoot.

My 40mm STM virtually lived on that 5D, until the 5D experienced the not-unexpected mirror failure. This little lens is not so happy on my 5Ds R, though AF micro-adjustment may be the only remedy needed. I have yet to bother trying AFMA, largely because my 5Ds R is so very happy with my EF 35mm f/2 IS, and the Shorty 40 does well in other cameras.

The EF-S 10-22mm still lives on my old 7D. I see no reason to part with either of them, even though I now have a 16-35/2.8L II, and 7D Mark II cameras.

Edited to add: To be clear, I am not meaning to discourage bringing a longer lens.

Thanks your reply Rexgig0!

I really appreciate hearing of your good experience of the EF 35f/2 IS on your 5Ds R.

I was really interested in the EF 35f/2 IS as it is sharp, relatively small, only 335g and IS.

But then a youtube review changed my mind when comparing it to the Sigma Art. The review was very positive of the EF 35f/2 IS but I was put off by high coma in the border/corner affecting contrast and resolution at f/2.0 and f/2.8.

Have you found coma at 2.0 and 2.8? Is a real problem at night or is it exaggerated and not really visible other then in very extreme situations, perhaps only in bright lights in night city photos?

I will try to find the reviews and post links to them here after work.

I have been thinking of what 35mm lens I really need/want all day.

I am really searching for a prime that is significantly smaller and lighter than my zooms. I also want it to be faster, sharp wide open and have better or the same IQ as my best 24-70f/2.8L II zoom.

Canon 35f/1.4L II and Sigma 35f/1.4 Art are both excellent, 2 stops faster and better IQ, but also nearly as big and heavy as my zooms.

The EF 35f/2 IS checks most of my boxes! It is significantly smaller and it weigh 470g less than my 24-70f/2.8L II (805g) standard zoom. The EF 35f/2 IS is also one full stop faster and has IS. IQ, other than coma in the FF corners the EF 35f/2 IS seems on par or even slightly better than my 24-70f/2.8L II.

The EF 40f/2.8 Pancake is the absolute lightweight (130g), bargain prize and small size winner. IQ is also great. But for my needs the EF 35f/2 IS (335g) is small and lightweight enough. A near perfect walk around lens for my 6D. Also adding IS and one full stop faster is great.

Thank you all for NYC tips and for helping me in my quest to add the right walk around 35mm prime.

As I promised earlier today, here is the youtube review that mentions coma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFqyDA2iGtg&index=34&list=PLtJIwPiOPe4VULfU7zp2xfj_c7nXp2Ath

While searching l also found this: http://www.calebkeiter.com/canon-35mm-f2-is-usm-lens-review/   One of the best lens review I have read in a long time.

Pietro Marchesi wrote:

Rexgig0 wrote:

Pietro Marchesi wrote:

(Snipped)

My wife brings her Sony RX100 III and my son his Lumix LX3. They will also take a lot of photos. This means that my wife and son have 24-70mm and 24-60mm covered.

Then perhaps a small Canon EF 40f/2.8 and/or a really fast Sigma 35f/1.4 Art prime are better companions to my 16-35f/4L IS and 70-200f/4L IS than my 24-70f/2.8L II?

One or some times two of the zoom lenses will some times stay in our hotel room safe. I will bring different lenses on my 6D depending on our plans for the day.

Bringing home the best reporter style photos of my wife and son discovering NYC is my absolute priority. Our son is 13 years old and he is growing up very fast. I can always come back for more photos of NYC iconic buildings and places another year.

The most obvious of my lenses to bring to NYC and most big citys is my 16-35f/4L IS. It is certainly a perfect lens for cramped places and architecture.

(Snipped)

I remember using my EF 40mm STM on a 5D, and my EF-S 10-22mm on a 7D, for a late afternoon/early evening walking street/architecture/moonrise photography class in Houston's Downtown a few years ago, led/taught by Kathy Adams Clark. (10-22mm on a 7D is equivalent to the angle-of-view of a 16-35mm lens on a 5D/6D.) If I brought a longer lens, I do not remember using it, at all, for this shoot.

Notably, as I was repeating this class for a second time, I tended to capture the other photographers, with candid images, rather than concentrate upon the inanimate subjects. This could be seen as equivalent to you capturing images of your family as they shoot.

My 40mm STM virtually lived on that 5D, until the 5D experienced the not-unexpected mirror failure. This little lens is not so happy on my 5Ds R, though AF micro-adjustment may be the only remedy needed. I have yet to bother trying AFMA, largely because my 5Ds R is so very happy with my EF 35mm f/2 IS, and the Shorty 40 does well in other cameras.

The EF-S 10-22mm still lives on my old 7D. I see no reason to part with either of them, even though I now have a 16-35/2.8L II, and 7D Mark II cameras.

Edited to add: To be clear, I am not meaning to discourage bringing a longer lens.

Thanks your reply Rexgig0!

I really appreciate hearing of your good experience of the EF 35f/2 IS on your 5Ds R.

I was really interested in the EF 35f/2 IS as it is sharp, relatively small, only 335g and IS.

But then a youtube review changed my mind when comparing it to the Sigma Art. The review was very positive of the EF 35f/2 IS but I was put off by high coma in the border/corner affecting contrast and resolution at f/2.0 and f/2.8.

Have you found coma at 2.0 and 2.8? Is a real problem at night or is it exaggerated and not really visible other then in very extreme situations, perhaps only in bright lights in night city photos?

I will try to find the reviews and post links to them here after work.

I have yet to test my EF 35mm f/2 IS for saggital coma flare in night images, as I have not considered the 5Ds R much of a night-shooting camera, compared to such cameras as my D3s (with Nikkor 35/1.4G,) but now that this issue has been raised, I will try to check for coma, soon. There are clouds in the near-term forecast, but city lights are available.

I had wanted to see how my EF 16-35/2.8L II performs with pin-point light sources, anyway, on the 5Ds R, so bringing the 35/2 IS along will not be much extra trouble.

I do seem to recall the new EF 35/1.4L II performing well, regarding sagittal coma flare, according to at least one user.

Pietro Marchesi wrote:

I have been thinking of what 35mm lens I really need/want all day.

I am really searching for a prime that is significantly smaller and lighter than my zooms. I also want it to be faster, sharp wide open and have better or the same IQ as my best 24-70f/2.8L II zoom.

Canon 35f/1.4L II and Sigma 35f/1.4 Art are both excellent, 2 stops faster and better IQ, but also nearly as big and heavy as my zooms.

The EF 35f/2 IS checks most of my boxes! It is significantly smaller and it weigh 470g less than my 24-70f/2.8L II (805g) standard zoom. The EF 35f/2 IS is also one full stop faster and has IS. IQ, other than coma in the FF corners the EF 35f/2 IS seems on par or even slightly better than my 24-70f/2.8L II.

The EF 40f/2.8 Pancake is the absolute lightweight (130g), bargain prize and small size winner. IQ is also great. But for my needs the EF 35f/2 IS (335g) is small and lightweight enough. A near perfect walk around lens for my 6D. Also adding IS and one full stop faster is great.

Thank you all for NYC tips and for helping me in my quest to add the right walk around 35mm prime.

As I promised earlier today, here is the youtube review that mentions coma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFqyDA2iGtg&index=34&list=PLtJIwPiOPe4VULfU7zp2xfj_c7nXp2Ath

While searching l also found this: http://www.calebkeiter.com/canon-35mm-f2-is-usm-lens-review/ One of the best lens review I have read in a long time.

The posted YouTube link is for a review of the older EF 35/2, not the current EF 35/2 IS. The newer may have less coma, perhaps.

Rexgig0 wrote:

Pietro Marchesi wrote:

I have been thinking of what 35mm lens I really need/want all day.

I am really searching for a prime that is significantly smaller and lighter than my zooms. I also want it to be faster, sharp wide open and have better or the same IQ as my best 24-70f/2.8L II zoom.

Canon 35f/1.4L II and Sigma 35f/1.4 Art are both excellent, 2 stops faster and better IQ, but also nearly as big and heavy as my zooms.

The EF 35f/2 IS checks most of my boxes! It is significantly smaller and it weigh 470g less than my 24-70f/2.8L II (805g) standard zoom. The EF 35f/2 IS is also one full stop faster and has IS. IQ, other than coma in the FF corners the EF 35f/2 IS seems on par or even slightly better than my 24-70f/2.8L II.

The EF 40f/2.8 Pancake is the absolute lightweight (130g), bargain prize and small size winner. IQ is also great. But for my needs the EF 35f/2 IS (335g) is small and lightweight enough. A near perfect walk around lens for my 6D. Also adding IS and one full stop faster is great.

Thank you all for NYC tips and for helping me in my quest to add the right walk around 35mm prime.

As I promised earlier today, here is the youtube review that mentions coma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFqyDA2iGtg&index=34&list=PLtJIwPiOPe4VULfU7zp2xfj_c7nXp2Ath

While searching l also found this: http://www.calebkeiter.com/canon-35mm-f2-is-usm-lens-review/ One of the best lens review I have read in a long time.

The posted YouTube link is for a review of the older EF 35/2, not the current EF 35/2 IS. The newer may have less coma, perhaps.

Apologies! Here is the correct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbWlacRVgWQ&list=PLtJIwPiOPe4VULfU7zp2xfj_c7nXp2Ath&index=40

I also found this LensTip review reporting coma in FF corners: http://www.lenstip.com/365.7-Lens_review-Canon_EF_35_mm_f_2_IS_USM_Coma__astigmatism_and_bokeh.html

Pietro Marchesi wrote:

(Snipped)

Here is the correct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbWlacRVgWQ&list=PLtJIwPiOPe4VULfU7zp2xfj_c7nXp2Ath&index=40

I also found this LensTip review reporting coma in FF corners: http://www.lenstip.com/365.7-Lens_review-Canon_EF_35_mm_f_2_IS_USM_Coma__astigmatism_and_bokeh.html

-- hide signature --

Best Regards
Pietro M
Stockholm

Yes, I do see coma being a bit of a concern, in these linked reviews. I have seen much worse coma in images captured with 35mm lenses, and have seen images indicating that the Sigma 35/1.4 Art is better, regarding coma. Notably, however, Lenstip does not show coma at infinity, but at their usual, much closer testing distance. (This is why landscape/night sky shooters will not depend upon Lenstip, alone, for test results.)

On the Nikon side, performance with coma, at night, was a factor in my adding a Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G, but not as significant as weather-sealing, and claimed sturdiness, to complement the sealing and sturdiness of my Nikon D3s. (Sigma Art-series lenses are not built with environmental sealing.)

When I bought my EF 35 IS, its presence on Canon's list of recommended lenses for the 5Ds/5Ds R was significant. Dustin Abbot's review was also important, and, notably, he compared the 35IS to the Sigma 35/1.4 Art, shooting the same subjects in the same conditions.

If you look at Dustin Abbot's blog, be sure to see his night sky images. I do not remember if he shot the night sky with the EF 35 IS, but he certainly did so with the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VR, using a 6D. The big Tamron is a contender if I decide to eventually add a lens with good sagittal coma flare performance, for night landscapes, with night sky backgrounds, being a priority*. User reports have indicated the big, wide Tamron works well with the 5Ds R.

The big Tamron, of course, is a bit large for urban walking-about shooting, so off-topic here. I did, however, walk-about Washington, DC, last June, one evening, for several hours, with the significant mass of my Nikkor 14-24/2.8G, on a D700 camera, plus another D700 with a Nikkor 24-70/2.8G. (This big, wide Tamron is comparable, in mass and bulk, to the Nikkor 14-24/2.8G lens.) I certainly felt the weight, by the end of the evening.

*My budget may dictate, however, that I be happy with my Nikkor 14-24/2.8G and 35/1.4G, primarily on a D3s, for night sky images, for quite some time.

Rexgig0 wrote:

Yes, I do see coma being a bit of a concern, in these linked reviews. I have seen much worse coma in images captured with 35mm lenses, and have seen images indicating that the Sigma 35/1.4 Art is better, regarding coma. Notably, however, Lenstip does not show coma at infinity, but at their usual, much closer testing distance. (This is why landscape/night sky shooters will not depend upon Lenstip, alone, for test results.)

On the Nikon side, performance with coma, at night, was a factor in my adding a Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G, but not as significant as weather-sealing, and claimed sturdiness, to complement the sealing and sturdiness of my Nikon D3s. (Sigma Art-series lenses are not built with environmental sealing.)

When I bought my EF 35 IS, its presence on Canon's list of recommended lenses for the 5Ds/5Ds R was significant. Dustin Abbot's review was also important, and, notably, he compared the 35IS to the Sigma 35/1.4 Art, shooting the same subjects in the same conditions.

If you look at Dustin Abbot's blog, be sure to see his night sky images. I do not remember if he shot the night sky with the EF 35 IS, but he certainly did so with the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VR, using a 6D. The big Tamron is a contender if I decide to eventually add a lens with good sagittal coma flare performance, for night landscapes, with night sky backgrounds, being a priority*. User reports have indicated the big, wide Tamron works well with the 5Ds R.

The big Tamron, of course, is a bit large for urban walking-about shooting, so off-topic here. I did, however, walk-about Washington, DC, last June, one evening, for several hours, with the significant mass of my Nikkor 14-24/2.8G, on a D700 camera, plus another D700 with a Nikkor 24-70/2.8G. (This big, wide Tamron is comparable, in mass and bulk, to the Nikkor 14-24/2.8G lens.) I certainly felt the weight, by the end of the evening.

*My budget may dictate, however, that I be happy with my Nikkor 14-24/2.8G and 35/1.4G, primarily on a D3s, for night sky images, for quite some time.

I have seen many good Youtube reviews by Dustin Abbot, but missed Dustin Abbot's blog, it is really great! Thanks Rexgig0!

I am already tempted by the 35f/2 IS and this made me want it even more: http://dustinabbott.net/2016/01/35mm-shootout/

As tempting as it is, I will not add a smaller prime for this short family trip to NYC. I am afraid that I would miss the 24-70f/2.8L II versatility to much and end up switching lenses even more often, I am wrong?

Thanks for pointing out LensTip short testing distance, I assume Photozone also do this? Any reviewers you recommend that test lenses at infinity or at longer distances?

Yes, a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is very good to have on a trip. Not everyone likes to carry the weight and bulk, but the focal length range is very appropriate for so many images, and f/2.8 is helpful in low light. I have a Nikkor 24-70/2.8G, an ergonomic marvel, that pairs very well with a Nikon D700. My teen nephew and I traveled, last June, from SE Texas, across the Old South, into the southern Pennsylvania, DC, and northern Virginia area. I wore a D700 and 24-70/2.8G on a Peak Design Slide strap, almost the entire time.