The Sigma 20-200mm sounds like a perfect do it all zoom lens when in good lighting. I keep getting tempted to pick it up. For example, it sounds like a perfect lens to take when I go fishing, since light isn't an issue and changing lenses can be challenging. The 20-200mm range would also cover most of my non wildlife photography needs.
But for times when you know the light is going to fall, part of me feels like it's going to end up becoming another lens in my bag instead of making my bag lighter. After spending a day in NYC recently, I am wondering if my best move might just be a second body. Swapping cameras should be quicker and easier than swapping lenses, the weight would be about the same as adding an extra lens, and having a backup camera with you is never a bad thing.
It's easy to creep up that load ladder, but if in the need/want a second lens, or a second body point, swapping cameras can be faster than swapping lenses. Maybe not for everyone or all the time. But works for me at least some of the time.
I sometimes go out with 3 lenses using 2 bodies. Voigtlander 15/4.5, Sony 24-50/2.8G and Tamron 50-300/4.5-6.3 which gives me a fairly versatile kit though if travelling I would add either my 65/2 or Sony 85/1.8 to the bag. Al that said the only camera I carry with me everywhere is the Leica Q3M
For travel the Tammy 28-200 ƒ2.8-5.6 is in my bag. Its IQ is very good. While there's usually another lens along for the ride I find that this lens stays on the camera for most of the time.
There is truth to this. Like you are pointing out, most people will view it on a cell phone... But if we are doing thia for IQ for our own selves, I imagine it will be viewed through prints and large monitors on non compressed file hosting sites.
And my personal favorite travel combo is the 12-24 with 50-150.
Craig Gillette wrote:
No answer, maybe can direct some questions that may help. (Incidentally, there could be suggestions of lazy or FOMO because some people just don't like that other people have different solutions.)
I've found the idea of a prime or two doesn't work for me. Three or more lenses (primes or zooms) may cover my desired range but suggests swapping is going to happen. Weight and bulk (and cost) considerations can over-ride perfect iq (for me). My generic "travel" range is 16mm to 200mm and driving trips are different than international air travel. Lots of walking differs from lots of driving. My "urban" focal length range preference differs from my general non-urban focal length range Most of the time, for me, it's my 28-200. The 2x-200w generally eliminate the need for a 70-200. The 20-200 does away with much of the 28mm isn't wide enough concerns. (But that may not mean at times 20-70 and 50-300 isn't a good choice, or 17-28 and 28-200, or toss a 14mm in there, too.)
Subject matter? Do you want that gargoyle or long shots or subject isolation? The narrower the focal length range you carry, the more you might need to stitch or crop and there are limits to how much one can crop.
End use? Wall prints? Or social media - and sharing with folks who may be viewing on their phone or a generic laptop or desk top? Is that "IQ difference" a real issue or discussion point? Does it go beyond you to your end uses or just something that you know might be there to some extent? Are "we" wearing blended bifocals, etc., or nose to the corners?
Are you in the "What's wrong with what you have?" or "Enjoy the experience and views and family and don't spend all your time with that camera to your face!" zone. TBH, looking at an upcoming trip - Geneva, wine and champagne country, Paris and the surround and a bit of London with adult family. I'm one of two with photo interests and really, the idea of "one camera and lens" but more/better than my phone" so a 20-200 is tempting. Really tempting. I don't have an answer yet. Just simlar thoughts. ...Show more →
ratherfish wrote:
What's the best camera/lens? The one you have with you.
This line was coined by Chase Jarvis. He was promoting his book and the idea that the iPhone was a fully capable camera, and that was more than a decade ago. If you had fully bought into that pitch, you probably wouldn’t be shooting anything but your phone today. For this group, the best camera is definitely the one you’re planning to buy next.
