I just got back from a trip to London and Paris and realized that I do not want to carry SLR anymore - usually I travel for work and with two laptops I take with me, misc computer junk etc, having a camera, 10-22 and Tokina 2.8/35 is a bit too much, so I'm thinking about something like Nex 5N with viewfinder and CV 4.5/15 and 1.4/40 - did anybody try something like this for travel ?
I just got back from a trip to London and Paris and realized that I do not want to carry SLR anymore - usually I travel for work and with two laptops I take with me, misc computer junk etc, having a camera, 10-22 and Tokina 2.8/35 is a bit too much, so I'm thinking about something like Nex 5N with viewfinder and CV 4.5/15 and 1.4/40 - did anybody try something like this for travel ?
TIA
Dimitri
When I travel for business I carry my Fuji X100 and could NOT be more happy with the results.
I own both of the lenses you mentioned, and the 5N. My specific goal is small size and weight.
If you are comfortable with those focal lengths and speeds, I think you would be very happy with the size, weight, and performance of that kit.
There is no lens that I know of as small and light as the CV 15 with a similar FOV, and I think you'd be hard pressed to find a fast 35-40 that's similar in size to the CV 40. There is also the Pen F 40/1.4 to consider.
The 15 does have some color shift that you'll probably want to correct in some or all of your shots. The 40 doesn't exhibit it, but you may want to study images from that lens as it does have a bit of character that some people don't care for. Just something to be aware of.
The Contax G lenses are also very nice (more snappy rendering than the CV lenses), light, and relatively inexpensive... but of course they have to be focused via the adapter which may or may not suit you.
This is pretty much why I stopped using an SLR about 5 years ago. Got hooked on RF and haven't looked back. Now with all the mirrorless cameras and large sensor compacts, you've got a ton of options.
If you like 35mm FOV, I think the Fuji X100 would be a great choice. If you want to fiddle with manual lenses, maybe go with the NEX. Or just pick up a micro 4/3rds; they've got a couple pretty cool lenses for that system.
Dimitri
I have had similar issues as you state. I travel a lot for work--- 100K United flier for 12 years straight. I used to lug my 35mm DSLR or even digital medium format gear. Now I take my 35mm DSLR gear only if i am traveling to a very special area that I will have a reasonable amount of down time. However on most of my trips, I go with a micro 4/3rds system. I generally take my Panasonic GH2 and a 14-140mm and 7-14mm lens and depending on where i am going another small lens or two (e.g. 45mm macro). Sometimes i take the 100-300mm as well, again depending on the location. I also sometimes carry a small flash unit too. I can fit all of this stuff in a Domke F10 bag that packs into my clothes carry on. My second carry on contains my work lap tops and other work items i need to bring with me. If i am flying to a place I doubt I will much free time at all, I still usually take my GH2 with the 14-140 in a smaller bag. So with three lenses I can essentially have a 35mm DSLR focal range of 14-600mm.
I really hope that diaphragm issue is fixed in recent production units. I did a bunch of tests in all kinds of conditions and AF works just fine with a bit of common sense i.e. switch to EVF for close distance, decrease AF area for difficult targets etc.
Dimitri_r wrote:
After much deliberation got X100.
I really hope that diaphragm issue is fixed in recent production units. I did a bunch of tests in all kinds of conditions and AF works just fine with a bit of common sense i.e. switch to EVF for close distance, decrease AF area for difficult targets etc.
Worst comes to worse and something does happen to it, Fuji is replacing the lens unit under warranty and promising 48 hour service with free FedEx overnight shipping back to you. Certainly still a pain if it happens, but I think the chance is pretty slim and they will work to make it right.
What I think makes the X100 great for travel is that by being a fixed lens your not tempted to bring more gear with you. When I had my M, it was easy enough to carry but I'd always take 3 lenses and thus needed a small bag. If I did go with just one I'd always be kicking myself for what I didn't bring.
Somehow with the X100 I find that since I know the limitations going in, I simply accept what it is, make the best of it, and look for what I can shoot with its 35mm equiv focal length, which just so happens to be my favorite anyways.
It puts you in a different mindset of shooting, simply experiencing things as they happen to come up, rather than trying to plan and anticipate what you might need, which lenses will work best, or trying to find certain things because you've got a given lens with you that you feel you need to make some images with it since you brought it.
Its not a tool I'd take (at least not soley) on a trip if the purpose was dedicated to photography, but, for being able to make some great images when your in a new city for business and have some downtime etc, its just fantastic
