Compact kit with best IQ for travel?

I am planning to pare down my travel kit as I approach retirement, with plans for some extended travel in remote parts of the world, and would like to find a few lenses suited for these needs. As much as I love my 12-40 and 7-14, they are both too large for the task, especially the 7-14, when I am talking about travelling for weeks or even months at a time, with only carry-on sized baggage. Not sure what I will do for a computer, but that's another story...

However, I also don't want to sacrifice IQ. I am thinking that a few primes, and maybe a compact tele-zoom is all I will want to carry between my wife and I, to pair with our E-PM2 + E-M5ii bodies.

Here is my list of candidates:

Ultra wide to wide, primary lens on my E-M5ii

• Laowa 7.5/2 - small, fast, good IQ, manual focus, not sealed
• Oly 12/2 - small, fast, good IQ, expensive, not sealed
• PL 12/1.4 - largish, fast, good IQ, expensive, sealed
• Voigt 10.5/0.95 - large, fast, good IQ, expensive, manual focus, not sealed

Wide option, primary lens on my wife's E-PM2

• 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

Zoom options for either body

• Oly 12-40 - already own, good IQ & sealed, but a bit heavy
• Oly 40-150R - already own, small & light, slow, ok in good light
• Pany 12-32 - already own, tiny, average to good IQ in good light, prone to SS on E-PM2
• Pany 35-100 - about 1/2 size of 40-150R (but... I'd probably opt for the 14-150 below for not a lot more cost, and much more versatility)
• Oly 14-150 - same size as 40-150R, all-in-one option, sealed

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.

If I add the 14-150, then things become much more versatile, with one wide range zoom on one body, and the pancake just comes out at night for low light and pocketable use, while I have an UWA or WA as my primary lens.

Oh, and just to toss another wild card in the mix, I'm still considering testing the waters with an A7/A7R and a small legacy WA in the 20-24mm range.

I'm interested to hear opinions from those of you who have used both the pro zooms, and some of the mentioned primes (those in bold are the ones I am most seriously considering).

The main reason I moved to m43 was to travel light.  This started 3 years ago.  I was lugging dSLRs before that (for 8+ years).

2015(2 weeks Caribbean cruise): EM10.i + GM1 + 9BCL + 9-18 + 14/2.5 + 25/1.8 + 45/1.8 + 40-150 IIR.  Each day, I decide which 2-3 lenses I'd need and leave the others in the hotel safe.  I also always carry a waterproof P&S - in this case a Nikon AW110 - for obvious use cases.  Least used: 45/1.8

2016(21-days Japan/Singapore/Malaysia): Similar setup and routine as 2015 (7.5/3.5 replacing 9BCL and 15/1.7 replacing 14/2.5) and with a TG-4 waterproof P&S.  Least used: 45/1.8

2017(21-days Peru/Mexico): PEN-F + GM1 + 9-18 + 12-32 + 15/1.7 + 25/1.8 + P45-150.  And TG-4 for WR activities.  Least used: 9-18 supplanted by 12-32.

I strive for the lightest possible bodies/lenses with minimum sacrifice in IQ.

Hi

Oly 9-18mm, Pana 20mm, Pana 35-100 the small one.

I go away tomorrow and I am taking that combo. I have a lot of other options, but do not expect rain, and its just a week.

If I were expecting bad weather or difficult conditions then the EM1 and 12-40 would have to come. Its a get the job done combo.

I travel quite a lot - it's amazing how, when you get down to essentials, you get back to the basic principles of lightness and compactness. Unglamorous though this may seem, it comes down to the kit Panasonics 12-32, 35-100, and the 20/1.7.

Yes, I've got other primes and zooms, including the Samyang fisheye, but as weight is a consideration when travelling, for me a backup body (which could be a high-end compact) takes priority over a proliferation of lenses. Because it is so tiny and not the most robust of lenses, I would consider packing a backup 12-32.

zuikowesty wrote:

I am planning to pare down my travel kit as I approach retirement, with plans for some extended travel in remote parts of the world, and would like to find a few lenses suited for these needs. As much as I love my 12-40 and 7-14, they are both too large for the task, especially the 7-14, when I am talking about travelling for weeks or even months at a time, with only carry-on sized baggage. Not sure what I will do for a computer, but that's another story...

However, I also don't want to sacrifice IQ. I am thinking that a few primes, and maybe a compact tele-zoom is all I will want to carry between my wife and I, to pair with our E-PM2 + E-M5ii bodies.

Here is my list of candidates:

Ultra wide to wide, primary lens on my E-M5ii

• Laowa 7.5/2 - small, fast, good IQ, manual focus, not sealed
• Oly 12/2 - small, fast, good IQ, expensive, not sealed
• PL 12/1.4 - largish, fast, good IQ, expensive, sealed

If you're thinking about the 12mm f1.4, why not bring your 12-40mm and bump the ISO if you need to?

Wide option, primary lens on my wife's E-PM2

• PL 15/1.7 - small, fast, good IQ, not sealed

Zoom options for either body

• Oly 12-40 - already own, good IQ & sealed, but a bit heavy
• Oly 14-150 - same size as 40-150R, all-in-one option, sealed

If I add the 14-150, then things become much more versatile, with one wide range zoom on one body, and the pancake just comes out at night for low light and pocketable use, while I have an UWA or WA as my primary lens.

I'm interested to hear opinions from those of you who have used both the pro zooms, and some of the mentioned primes (those in bold are the ones I am most seriously considering).

I travel a lot and see you trying to put together a flexible travel kit. It can be a tough task and trying to decide what to take and leave can be nerve wracking!

I love my primes, but after a certain point, I realized that I was carrying too many lenses and spending inordinate amounts of time and mental energy futzing with me gear rather than soaking in where I was! Not good!

To forego all the blah blah blah blah on my part… keep it simple. BUT take your best lenses and/or lenses you love, have worked with enough, are happy with the results AND you enjoy shooting with! Travel is special, why compromise TOO MUCH?

• 7-14mm (hopefully, it's the Panasonic f4?) You have it, you love it and all your other choices are compromises. It can be used for walking around. As you know, none of the WA lenses you listed can match the 7-14mm
• 14-150mm - super versatile and weather-sealed. It's nice to have that amount of reach without having to swap lenses.
• 15mm for low light. It's a little wider than the 17mm, so better for narrow streets and interiors.

That's it. If you're carrying two cameras, during the day the 7-14mm lives on one, the 14-150mm on the other. Pop the 15mm on either for night time. Very versatile!

I've pared my travel kit down to 3 or 4 lenses. 7-14mm f4, 12-40mm, 17.5mm for low light and an adapted 75mm f2.5. Lately I've been opting for the 14-140mm II during the day instead of the 12-40mm. I always have my 7-14mm f4!

zuikowesty wrote:

Ultra wide to wide, primary lens on my E-M5ii

• Laowa 7.5/2 - small, fast, good IQ, manual focus, not sealed
• Oly 12/2 - small, fast, good IQ, expensive, not sealed
• PL 12/1.4 - largish, fast, good IQ, expensive, sealed
• Voigt 10.5/0.95 - large, fast, good IQ, expensive, manual focus, not sealed

I usually use the Oly 9-18mm as my wide option.  I would use the Laowa 7.5mm if I had one.

Wide option, primary lens on my wife's E-PM2

• 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 use the Oly 17mm f/1.8 as my fast prime.  I find 17mm to be a very versatile focal length. A lot of people like the PL 15, but I find it too similar to the focal length on my iPhone.  Also, I like to do a lot of portraits, and 15mm is just too wide for me.

Zoom options for either body

• Oly 12-40 - already own, good IQ & sealed, but a bit heavy
• Oly 40-150R - already own, small & light, slow, ok in good light
• Pany 12-32 - already own, tiny, average to good IQ in good light, prone to SS on E-PM2
• Pany 35-100 - about 1/2 size of 40-150R (but... I'd probably opt for the 14-150 below for not a lot more cost, and much more versatility)
• Oly 14-150 - same size as 40-150R, all-in-one option, sealed

I usually take both the Oly 12-40 *and* the Oly 14-150.  That may be a little weird, but it works for me.  I use the 12-40mm more in urban situations and the 14-150mm --- well, I use the 14-150mm just about everywhere.

I sometimes take the Panasonic 12-32 as an ultralight option, but the 12-40mm winds up in my bag more often.

If I add the 14-150, then things become much more versatile, with one wide range zoom on one body, and the pancake just comes out at night for low light and pocketable use, while I have an UWA or WA as my primary lens.

I *adore* the 14-150mm, one of my most heavily used travel lenses.  It has been my go-to lens for so many travel situations:

• Hiking (anywhere)
• Balloon rides in Turkey
• Downpours in Alaska
• Cloudy days, when I have to go for detail shots because the sky would just be blown out with a wide angle.
• ...  (the list just keeps going)

Anytime I don't know what to expect photographically, the 14-150mm is my pick. The only drawback is 14mm isn't quite wide enough for a lot of urban situations.

I can't imagine taking a trip without the 14-150mm in tow.  The only trip where I didn't use it heavily was Carnevale in Venice last year.  Of course, I pretty much had my entire kit with me on that trip.  The f/2.8 zooms, along with the 75mm, were my mainstays there, but that was an exceptional circumstance.

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...

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.

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...

To the OP:  Lenses:  9-18 Oly, 14-150 Oly, 9mm f8 Oly body cap fisheye lens.  I would also procure a Panny GM1 body and take instead of the OM-D EM body.

I travel with Oly EPL-1, Panny GM-1, 9-18 Oly, 14-42 Oly EZ pancake, 60mm Sigma, smallest Oly flash, all of which fit in a 10-inch Olympus 'Mini-Backpack'.

If I think I will encounter wildlife, e.g.  Grand Tetons, I take Panasonic G3 body (tiny BUT has built in EVF) instead of EPL-1.

IMO a lot of the kits suggested above are still too bulky and some verge on being too heavy in hot climates.

Spent two weeks in Scotland and Ireland with the EM 1.2 and the 12-100 F4 and PL 15. Actually never took the 12-100 of the camera it was so good.

For you, the 12mm and stitch for wide.  Zoom, the 14-150, a very nice lens on the EM5 MK II with excellent quality.

For your wife, the PL 15, a little wider than the Oly 17 but really either one is a great choice. Buy her a 14-150 too. 

I would consider getting the Olympus 9-18, one of my favorites, small and mine has impressive sharpness. With the IBIS, very easy to great indoor shots. The Laowa is nice and small with decent sharpness but I prefer the rendering of my Olympus 9-18.

Computer? An iPad Pro.

addlightness wrote:

The main reason I moved to m43 was to travel light. This started 3 years ago. I was lugging dSLRs before that (for 8+ years).

2015(2 weeks Caribbean cruise): EM10.i + GM1 + 9BCL + 9-18 + 14/2.5 + 25/1.8 + 45/1.8 + 40-150 IIR. Each day, I decide which 2-3 lenses I'd need and leave the others in the hotel safe. I also always carry a waterproof P&S - in this case a Nikon AW110 - for obvious use cases. Least used: 45/1.8

2016(21-days Japan/Singapore/Malaysia): Similar setup and routine as 2015 (7.5/3.5 replacing 9BCL and 15/1.7 replacing 14/2.5) and with a TG-4 waterproof P&S. Least used: 45/1.8

2017(21-days Peru/Mexico): PEN-F + GM1 + 9-18 + 12-32 + 15/1.7 + 25/1.8 + P45-150. And TG-4 for WR activities. Least used: 9-18 supplanted by 12-32.

I strive for the lightest possible bodies/lenses with minimum sacrifice in IQ.

Thanks for the info. The 9-18 is one lens I forgot to add to my list. I noted with interest that it is almost identical in size to the Pany 35-100, although since I have the 40-150R, I can't see getting the Pany just to save a few inches.

The 45/1.8 is out for me - I found it frustrating to use as I am spoiled by the close focus of the 12-40, and the 45/1.8 just couldn't get close enough.

jeffharris wrote:

zuikowesty wrote:

I am planning to pare down my travel kit as I approach retirement, with plans for some extended travel in remote parts of the world, and would like to find a few lenses suited for these needs. As much as I love my 12-40 and 7-14, they are both too large for the task, especially the 7-14, when I am talking about travelling for weeks or even months at a time, with only carry-on sized baggage. Not sure what I will do for a computer, but that's another story...

However, I also don't want to sacrifice IQ. I am thinking that a few primes, and maybe a compact tele-zoom is all I will want to carry between my wife and I, to pair with our E-PM2 + E-M5ii bodies.

Here is my list of candidates:

Ultra wide to wide, primary lens on my E-M5ii

• Laowa 7.5/2 - small, fast, good IQ, manual focus, not sealed
• Oly 12/2 - small, fast, good IQ, expensive, not sealed
• PL 12/1.4 - largish, fast, good IQ, expensive, sealed

If you're thinking about the 12mm f1.4, why not bring your 12-40mm and bump the ISO if you need to?

Not really thinking that seriously about it... due to size and price mainly...

Wide option, primary lens on my wife's E-PM2

• PL 15/1.7 - small, fast, good IQ, not sealed

Zoom options for either body

• Oly 12-40 - already own, good IQ & sealed, but a bit heavy
• Oly 14-150 - same size as 40-150R, all-in-one option, sealed

If I add the 14-150, then things become much more versatile, with one wide range zoom on one body, and the pancake just comes out at night for low light and pocketable use, while I have an UWA or WA as my primary lens.

I'm interested to hear opinions from those of you who have used both the pro zooms, and some of the mentioned primes (those in bold are the ones I am most seriously considering).

I travel a lot and see you trying to put together a flexible travel kit. It can be a tough task and trying to decide what to take and leave can be nerve wracking!

I love my primes, but after a certain point, I realized that I was carrying too many lenses and spending inordinate amounts of time and mental energy futzing with me gear rather than soaking in where I was! Not good!

Agreed, I'd rather not think about gear when travelling.

To forego all the blah blah blah blah on my part… keep it simple. BUT take your best lenses and/or lenses you love, have worked with enough, are happy with the results AND you enjoy shooting with! Travel is special, why compromise TOO MUCH?

• 7-14mm (hopefully, it's the Panasonic f4?) You have it, you love it and all your other choices are compromises. It can be used for walking around. As you know, none of the WA lenses you listed can match the 7-14mm

It's the f/2.8, mainly because I didn't want to deal with purple blobs (yes I know there is a fix) and it is cheaper in Canada than the Pany (I paid ~$900USD new). The 7.5FE can replace it in some cases if I want to go light and defish it, but I'd probably consider the Laowa instead.

• 14-150mm - super versatile and weather-sealed. It's nice to have that amount of reach without having to swap lenses.

Agreed - I borrow a friend's for a week in Japan, and really liked it. My wife really liked my 12-40 on her E-PM2, so I might need to get her the 14-150 so I can have the 12-40 back...

• 15mm for low light. It's a little wider than the 17mm, so better for narrow streets and interiors.

If it weren't for the 15/1.7 I'd probably have a 17/1.8 by now... I haven't tried the 15 yet, and until I do, I'm hesitant to get a 17/1.8, although I did like it for the few days I tried it.

That's it. If you're carrying two cameras, during the day the 7-14mm lives on one, the 14-150mm on the other. Pop the 15mm on either for night time. Very versatile!

Yes, for the next few short trips, this will work (heading to Sedona again in 10 days), but considering 3 weeks in South America in March, so I'll want a smaller kit by then.

I've pared my travel kit down to 3 or 4 lenses. 7-14mm f4, 12-40mm, 17.5mm for low light and an adapted 75mm f2.5. Lately I've been opting for the 14-140mm II during the day instead of the 12-40mm. I always have my 7-14mm f4!

Thanks for feedback!

BostonC wrote:

Instead of Epm2 consider EPL7+ instead for better IBIS. EPM2 has as loud shutter and useless 2-axis IBIS, is easy to cause shutter shock.

Yes, this is one of the faults of the E-PM2, and has probably resulted in some soft images with the 12-32. The 12-40 on the E-PM2 performs much better, and I think a small prime like the 15/17/20 would also do better. I suspect a non-OIS lens might be less prone to shock from the violent little shutter!

Reaper wrote:

Spent two weeks in Scotland and Ireland with the EM 1.2 and the 12-100 F4 and PL 15. Actually never took the 12-100 of the camera it was so good.

I love the 12-100, and will probably get one to replace my 12-40 someday, but it's a bit big/heavy for going really lightweight.

BruceRH wrote:

For you, the 12mm and stitch for wide. Zoom, the 14-150, a very nice lens on the EM5 MK II with excellent quality.

For your wife, the PL 15, a little wider than the Oly 17 but really either one is a great choice. Buy her a 14-150 too.

Looks like the 14-150 is getting a lot of votes...

I would consider getting the Olympus 9-18, one of my favorites, small and mine has impressive sharpness. With the IBIS, very easy to great indoor shots. The Laowa is nice and small with decent sharpness but I prefer the rendering of my Olympus 9-18.

Computer? An iPad Pro.

I'm a bit old school to consider an iPad a computer, and I just can't get used to iOS... besides, I try to avoid buying anything Apple, except for their stock - part of my retirement plan I use a 2015 MBP, but re-built it for almost free from parts, only cost me a $40 trackpad and some time spent cleaning the boards. For now, it's light enough to travel with.

My pick:

- Olympus 12-50mm F3.5-6.3

- Olympus 40-150mm F4-5.6

- Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7

Went Japan last week with this combo, on my OM-D E-M10 body. I can testify that this combo is more than enough to capture all type of photography throughout the 7 days trip. My whole system was purchased through Craiglist, as such as unrealistically high IQ to price ratio.

To be fair, 12-50mm is not the lens with best IQ, in various review it only beats the II R kit lens marginally. However, it certainly a "swiss army knife" that is designed to cut through anything, be it wet or dusty. The lens excel at street photography setting by offering super fast AF. Optimal sharpness can be achieved at >20mm-50mm range and its is still rather impressive if you can let go 12-17mm focal length.

Coming next is the 40-150mm F4-5.6 Lens. Despite not weather sealed like the 12-50, it has superb telephoto quality. At its widest, it can be used for tele-portrait. While at its furthest, it can hunt down wild games with ease. Surprisingly the lens is quite usable in low-light condition, you can safely use it during civil dawn time. Forget about shrinking the aperture, its optimal sharpness is achieved at F4-F5.6.

Finally I guess we all agreed the Panny 20mm is among the best lens for travel lovers. As a compact pancake that features almost the best sharpness, the lens can be used for almost any situation except sport photography. While day time photography is mainly covered by the above two lens. All night time, indoor and low-light situations, the 20mm is the only lens I can count on. I tested the lens limit by shooting the night sky and result is stellar satisfaction.