Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
p.1 #1Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
Folks another which camera gear for the trip post:
I have a bunch of Sony lenses and two A1 II bodies. I just turned 50 and got a cardiac issue 9 months back, so mindful of how much weight I can carry. Heading off to a family trip in Japan and have the following lenses:
1) 24mm f1.4GM
2) 50mm f1.2GM
3) 85mm f1.4GM2
4) 100mm f2.8 GM Macro
5) 28-70 f2
6) 50-150 f2
7) both the TC’s
Combo 1: both bodies, 24, 50 and 85
Combo 2: both bodies, both primes
Combo 3: both bodies, 24, 50 and 50-150
Combo 4: both bodies, 28-70, 50, 100 and 2X TC
Have only been to Japan for two days last year on my way back from Hawaii, and this upcoming trip is longer. Which would you recommend, depending on how wide and how long focal lengths need to be based on your experience. We will be in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo.
Thanks for your time.
I have a bunch of Sony lenses and two A1 II bodies. I just turned 50 and got a cardiac issue 9 months back, so mindful of how much weight I can carry. Heading off to a family trip in Japan and have the following lenses:
1) 24mm f1.4GM
2) 50mm f1.2GM
3) 85mm f1.4GM2
4) 100mm f2.8 GM Macro
5) 28-70 f2
6) 50-150 f2
7) both the TC’s
Combo 1: both bodies, 24, 50 and 85
Combo 2: both bodies, both primes
Combo 3: both bodies, 24, 50 and 50-150
Combo 4: both bodies, 28-70, 50, 100 and 2X TC
Have only been to Japan for two days last year on my way back from Hawaii, and this upcoming trip is longer. Which would you recommend, depending on how wide and how long focal lengths need to be based on your experience. We will be in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo.
Thanks for your time.
Jun 16, 2026 at 10:23 AM
p.1 #2Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
Honestly, given your desire to go lighter, I reco one body and get a 20-70/4 zoom. Those f2 zooms are excellent but massive to travel and walk around with. The 20-70 and maybe the macro, done.
Jun 16, 2026 at 11:08 AM
p.1 #3Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
There is an argument for the 50 1.2 in low light situations, esp. as night shots of Japan streetscapes can be amazing, but otherwise I agree with Jack above. I would just take the 24-50 2.8 if you owned it, and one body. I guess you could take a second body for absolute safety and leave it at the hotel unless needed.
Jun 16, 2026 at 11:20 AM
p.1 #4Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
Japan is a busy/overwhelming place. Pack as light as possible. Depending on which month you're going, it will start to get very hot soon. I would only bring one body and two lenses max. If you can get away with it, bring one lens only. You'll be fine.
Jun 16, 2026 at 11:23 AM
p.1 #5Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
Given your current gear and parameters, I'd bring the one body and the 24mm and just be okay with using crop mode. I might bring the 50 if the 24 alone made me uneasy.
Jun 16, 2026 at 01:13 PM
p.1 #6Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
Two bodies vs one? The A1iis are very reliable and a failure or lost/stolen body is very, very unlikely. A long walking urban day, I usually carry just one body. So maybe take both, carry one.
Your lens selection is on the faster/wider apertures. Could you consider different lenses, perhaps giving up the shallower/shallowest depths of field for lighter/smaller lenses? Or only from what you have?
I was in Japan almost 50 years ago. 25mm was, I believe, my widest lens. Recent experience is all other places. Things have changed a lot since then with what is available.
My generic travel idea, for me, is about 16mm to 200mm. Recent experience results?
24-70 is often neither wide enough nor long enough. I'll want/use wide more on the "urban" side. 17-28/2.8 and 28-200/2.8-5.6. Non-urban my 28-200 gets almost all the useI I've added a 20-70/4 to reduce that urban swapping. I've added a 14/4 for potentially wider than 17mm or 20mm.
For Japan, as our upcoming "Europe" trip, I'd probably take the 20-70 and 28-200. The 14 may go, it's not so big or heavy as to be a packing problem. I've had the 20-70 for a while but not lots of urban use. I don't know that I'd be comfortable with either the 20-70 or 28-200 =as a "one lens" solution all the time but some places, either might be fine.
Your lens selection is on the faster/wider apertures. Could you consider different lenses, perhaps giving up the shallower/shallowest depths of field for lighter/smaller lenses? Or only from what you have?
I was in Japan almost 50 years ago. 25mm was, I believe, my widest lens. Recent experience is all other places. Things have changed a lot since then with what is available.
My generic travel idea, for me, is about 16mm to 200mm. Recent experience results?
24-70 is often neither wide enough nor long enough. I'll want/use wide more on the "urban" side. 17-28/2.8 and 28-200/2.8-5.6. Non-urban my 28-200 gets almost all the useI I've added a 20-70/4 to reduce that urban swapping. I've added a 14/4 for potentially wider than 17mm or 20mm.
For Japan, as our upcoming "Europe" trip, I'd probably take the 20-70 and 28-200. The 14 may go, it's not so big or heavy as to be a packing problem. I've had the 20-70 for a while but not lots of urban use. I don't know that I'd be comfortable with either the 20-70 or 28-200 =as a "one lens" solution all the time but some places, either might be fine.
Jun 16, 2026 at 03:33 PM
p.1 #7Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
At 56, I'm able to generally hang going uphill with the fastest riders in our 500+ person cycling club and one of the guides at my home mountain in Utah says I'm the fastest uphill hiker (on snow) he's met. I don't say this as a masculine throw down, but simply to offer my personal perspective on carrying gear as a "pretty darn fit" person.
I've taken four trips to Japan in the last 3 years - 3 winter trips and one spring trip. I'm headed to Japan again next winter. My kit has consisted of an A7Rv, 14GM, 28-200, favorite focal length prime (35GM in my case). I generally head out with just the 28-200 and (maybe) the 35GM. The only change I'll make next winter is swapping the A1ii for the A7Rv since I just upgraded bodies.
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The variations I would consider include:
A different superzoom. The 20-200 Sigma or 25-200 Tamron instead of the 28-200 Tamron if you want to go wider. I prefer the 28-200 due to it being faster at most focal lengths. No right answer here, as they all go to 200mm.
20-70G if wide is your jam more than telephoto
If you are *really* into fast zooms, then the Tamron 35-150. I bought one new in Japan for $975 (!) at Bic camera earlier this year and it has a lovely focal range for shooting in lower light at the long end. I personally would not enjoy the 50-150 since *for me* the disadvantage of starting at 50mm far outweighs the benefits of f/2 and internal zooming.
Add a third prime to the 14GM and prime of your choice. For me this year, it was the 55ZA. I do love the 24GM, but in my experience, since I prefer to shoot longer, I've rarely used the 24GM in my travels. YMMV.
If you are going to be in the mountains snowboarding or skiing, bring a native Sony 85. I prefer the FE85 as a good size / weight / performance tradeoff. I didn't mention this up front, because I only bring the 85 for on-snow shooting.
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Other thoughts:
I was excited to bring my new 100GM macro to Japan last year and I brought it out one time over the course of two weeks. Yikes - too big and bulky. If I was really into macro, I'd personally lean towards something like the Nisi achromatic magnifier. Close enough performance if you're going to shoot flowers.
Most importantly - just bring one body. All four trips, I brought the A7Rv. I never felt the need for second body with the 28-200, as it covers everything except those wide angle shots.
I've taken four trips to Japan in the last 3 years - 3 winter trips and one spring trip. I'm headed to Japan again next winter. My kit has consisted of an A7Rv, 14GM, 28-200, favorite focal length prime (35GM in my case). I generally head out with just the 28-200 and (maybe) the 35GM. The only change I'll make next winter is swapping the A1ii for the A7Rv since I just upgraded bodies.
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The variations I would consider include:
A different superzoom. The 20-200 Sigma or 25-200 Tamron instead of the 28-200 Tamron if you want to go wider. I prefer the 28-200 due to it being faster at most focal lengths. No right answer here, as they all go to 200mm.
20-70G if wide is your jam more than telephoto
If you are *really* into fast zooms, then the Tamron 35-150. I bought one new in Japan for $975 (!) at Bic camera earlier this year and it has a lovely focal range for shooting in lower light at the long end. I personally would not enjoy the 50-150 since *for me* the disadvantage of starting at 50mm far outweighs the benefits of f/2 and internal zooming.
Add a third prime to the 14GM and prime of your choice. For me this year, it was the 55ZA. I do love the 24GM, but in my experience, since I prefer to shoot longer, I've rarely used the 24GM in my travels. YMMV.
If you are going to be in the mountains snowboarding or skiing, bring a native Sony 85. I prefer the FE85 as a good size / weight / performance tradeoff. I didn't mention this up front, because I only bring the 85 for on-snow shooting.
---------
Other thoughts:
I was excited to bring my new 100GM macro to Japan last year and I brought it out one time over the course of two weeks. Yikes - too big and bulky. If I was really into macro, I'd personally lean towards something like the Nisi achromatic magnifier. Close enough performance if you're going to shoot flowers.
Most importantly - just bring one body. All four trips, I brought the A7Rv. I never felt the need for second body with the 28-200, as it covers everything except those wide angle shots.
Jun 16, 2026 at 04:01 PM
p.1 #8Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
You do have a unique collection.
I'd say bring 1 body, the 28-70, the 24, and maybe the 100 with a tc. You don't need a second body. No point carrying all that weight around for backup/insurance. If your camera messes up, use your phone or go to Bic/Yodobashi Camera and buy replacement. Save your back.
It's also really hot in Japan in summer, and you will have to lug your gear up and down stairs.
I'd say bring 1 body, the 28-70, the 24, and maybe the 100 with a tc. You don't need a second body. No point carrying all that weight around for backup/insurance. If your camera messes up, use your phone or go to Bic/Yodobashi Camera and buy replacement. Save your back.
It's also really hot in Japan in summer, and you will have to lug your gear up and down stairs.
Jun 16, 2026 at 04:33 PM
p.1 #9Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
Some possibly unhelpful suggestions for a kit of small lenses (because they would involve new purchases):
1) Sony 24mm f2.8G (or the GM you already have) or Sigma 17mm f4
2) Sony 40mm f2.5G or 55mm f1.8
3) Laowa 85mm f5.6 macro
4) crop mode
Edited on Jun 16, 2026 at 07:29 PM · View previous versions
1) Sony 24mm f2.8G (or the GM you already have) or Sigma 17mm f4
2) Sony 40mm f2.5G or 55mm f1.8
3) Laowa 85mm f5.6 macro
4) crop mode
Edited on Jun 16, 2026 at 07:29 PM · View previous versions
Jun 16, 2026 at 05:53 PM
p.1 #10Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
I would take just one body. My ideal travel kit in Japan (been living in Tokyo for the last 30 years) nowadays is Sony PZ 16-35mm F4 G + one fast prime at around 40mm or 50mm along with my A7CII. I think most of the sightseeing locations are best covered with a WA zoom.
From OP's existing gear I'd go with one body and 24/1.4 + 50/1.2.
From OP's existing gear I'd go with one body and 24/1.4 + 50/1.2.
Jun 16, 2026 at 06:46 PM
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p.1 #11Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
Thanks for all the kind and thoughtful responses. I don’t want to buy new gear specifically for this trip. From what I have, based on the suggestions here, I’ll take 24 and 50, and perhaps keep 100mm and 2X TC in the hotel just in case. I’ve never traveled overseas with a single body, so that’s a bit courageous for me, I don’t mind taking it and keeping it in the hotel. For daily outings, 24 and 50 would do, and will take the 100 out only if I have specific need.
Is 24 wide enough for Japan cities? in Europe and also in places like NYC, I have used 14-24 f2.8 lenses (during my Nikon days), so wondering if there needs to be a 14 or 16mm prime as well. Thanks again!
Is 24 wide enough for Japan cities? in Europe and also in places like NYC, I have used 14-24 f2.8 lenses (during my Nikon days), so wondering if there needs to be a 14 or 16mm prime as well. Thanks again!
Jun 16, 2026 at 08:51 PM
p.1 #12Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
sandy27000 wrote:
Thanks for all the kind and thoughtful responses. I don’t want to buy new gear specifically for this trip. From what I have, based on the suggestions here, I’ll take 24 and 50, and perhaps keep 100mm and 2X TC in the hotel just in case. I’ve never traveled overseas with a single body, so that’s a bit courageous for me, I don’t mind taking it and keeping it in the hotel. For daily outings, 24 and 50 would do, and will take the 100 out only if I have specific need.
Is 24 wide enough for Japan cities? in...Show more →
I think your lens choice (considering avoiding buying new lenses) is wise.
I have the experience of several extended (multi-month) stays and travels in Japan, where I am now until July 15.
I shall second suggestions of travelling as light as possible when going to Japan.
To be specific, on this trip I have a camera + lens in a holster, plus a relatively light backpack: the total weight is 10 kg (22 lb).
On the basis of the extensive past experience, I took a single body and two lenses on this trip: GF20-35mm F4 (equivalent to full-frame 16 - 28mm F3.2, and extendable to 35mm in the full-frame crop on my GFX100S II) and the GF55mm F1.7 (equivalent to full-frame 44mm F1.3 and extendable to 55mm F1.7 in the full-frame crop, or to close to 80mm F2.5 in the APS-C crop).
Covering the wide-to-normal range, from about 20 to 50 mm, is important in Japan. Having a fast 50mm lens should be very useful in low-light situation and for portraits.
When considering and booking accommodation in Japan, it helps to have some of the stays in hotels that have a laundry (washing machines and dryers) available to their guests. I basically take enough clothing that should keep me going for 5-6 days, expecting to use a laundry afterwards. One caveat, however, is that summer days in Japan are so hot and humid that one may need two changes of clothing a day. This can complicate things. On the positive side, many hotels provide pajamas and robes for their guests, and one can change into those (and in some places, e.g., ryokans, even walk inside).
Thanks for all the kind and thoughtful responses. I don’t want to buy new gear specifically for this trip. From what I have, based on the suggestions here, I’ll take 24 and 50, and perhaps keep 100mm and 2X TC in the hotel just in case. I’ve never traveled overseas with a single body, so that’s a bit courageous for me, I don’t mind taking it and keeping it in the hotel. For daily outings, 24 and 50 would do, and will take the 100 out only if I have specific need.
Is 24 wide enough for Japan cities? in...Show more →
I think your lens choice (considering avoiding buying new lenses) is wise.
I have the experience of several extended (multi-month) stays and travels in Japan, where I am now until July 15.
I shall second suggestions of travelling as light as possible when going to Japan.
To be specific, on this trip I have a camera + lens in a holster, plus a relatively light backpack: the total weight is 10 kg (22 lb).
On the basis of the extensive past experience, I took a single body and two lenses on this trip: GF20-35mm F4 (equivalent to full-frame 16 - 28mm F3.2, and extendable to 35mm in the full-frame crop on my GFX100S II) and the GF55mm F1.7 (equivalent to full-frame 44mm F1.3 and extendable to 55mm F1.7 in the full-frame crop, or to close to 80mm F2.5 in the APS-C crop).
Covering the wide-to-normal range, from about 20 to 50 mm, is important in Japan. Having a fast 50mm lens should be very useful in low-light situation and for portraits.
When considering and booking accommodation in Japan, it helps to have some of the stays in hotels that have a laundry (washing machines and dryers) available to their guests. I basically take enough clothing that should keep me going for 5-6 days, expecting to use a laundry afterwards. One caveat, however, is that summer days in Japan are so hot and humid that one may need two changes of clothing a day. This can complicate things. On the positive side, many hotels provide pajamas and robes for their guests, and one can change into those (and in some places, e.g., ryokans, even walk inside).
Jun 16, 2026 at 10:10 PM
p.1 #13Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
sandy27000 wrote:
Thanks for all the kind and thoughtful responses. I don’t want to buy new gear specifically for this trip. From what I have, based on the suggestions here, I’ll take 24 and 50, and perhaps keep 100mm and 2X TC in the hotel just in case. I’ve never traveled overseas with a single body, so that’s a bit courageous for me, I don’t mind taking it and keeping it in the hotel. For daily outings, 24 and 50 would do, and will take the 100 out only if I have specific need.
Is 24 wide enough for Japan cities? in...Show more →
Personally I like to have flexible WA coverage starting from around 16mm for Japan sightseeing spots, including cities, shrines & temples and other sites. I find that I use the wide end of my 16-35 quite a lot in such scenarios, but it's also good to have flexibility for different compositions through the whole range. If the options were a 14mm or 16mm prime, I'd go with 16mm. I think 24mm could be a little limiting although still decent.
Thanks for all the kind and thoughtful responses. I don’t want to buy new gear specifically for this trip. From what I have, based on the suggestions here, I’ll take 24 and 50, and perhaps keep 100mm and 2X TC in the hotel just in case. I’ve never traveled overseas with a single body, so that’s a bit courageous for me, I don’t mind taking it and keeping it in the hotel. For daily outings, 24 and 50 would do, and will take the 100 out only if I have specific need.
Is 24 wide enough for Japan cities? in...Show more →
Personally I like to have flexible WA coverage starting from around 16mm for Japan sightseeing spots, including cities, shrines & temples and other sites. I find that I use the wide end of my 16-35 quite a lot in such scenarios, but it's also good to have flexibility for different compositions through the whole range. If the options were a 14mm or 16mm prime, I'd go with 16mm. I think 24mm could be a little limiting although still decent.
Jun 16, 2026 at 11:23 PM
p.1 #14Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
Temples and shrines and generally tight shooting spaces in major cities are why I recommended the 20-70 as a lighter weight doitall zoom; 20mm being useful over 24 a lot of the time. In my case, I would add the Viltrox 50 f2 air lens as it’s fast enough for night strolls, is excellent optically and weighs almost nothing in the bag. Finally I would add either the Viltrox 14 f4 air, also minimal weight and very good performance, or the Sony 16/1.8 G — a little bigger in the bag but outstanding optics and speed, either one offering wider coverage than the 20. But these would be luxuries as I could stitch from the 20 when a wider view was needed; but of course this is more work after the fact many don’t like to deal with.
One more comment and please don’t take this the wrong way. While I respect you don’t want to buy anymore gear for this trip, from the range of top notch lenses you have now, it appears finances are not much of a limitation for you. In this, buying another $1,200 zoom for a nice trip that is more compact and lightweight than anything you already have seems worth considering perhaps... 🤷🏼
Again, my .02 only.
One more comment and please don’t take this the wrong way. While I respect you don’t want to buy anymore gear for this trip, from the range of top notch lenses you have now, it appears finances are not much of a limitation for you. In this, buying another $1,200 zoom for a nice trip that is more compact and lightweight than anything you already have seems worth considering perhaps... 🤷🏼
Again, my .02 only.
Jun 17, 2026 at 06:09 AM
p.1 #15Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
I will add to the unhelpful advices to your question by 1) picking from your kit and 2) what I've done in Japan.
From your kit, I don't think I would bring 2 bodies. If you have 4-5 batteries for one body its more than enough for a day's shooting. As for lenses:
I'd pick your 24GM, the 28-70, and maybe the 100 Macro or 85GM. I am not sure what type of photography you are into, for general walk around the 28-70 is probably good for everything. Shooting interior of shrine I think in most cases 24 should work. Its not every places you gonna see a giant buddha . I had a 20G for this one though (https://photos.app.goo.gl/1fTCwkGCYch7iUSv9). 85 or 100 can be good for street photos with some compression. And with A1 you can probably get away with shooting in APSC-mode for a bit more reach. 50-150 is good focal length but knowing the size of that lens you might not want to have it your bag everywhere. especially with a 28-70 in it already.
When I visited the last 4 times(alternating between short 1 week in Tokyo area only and 2-3 weeks going all over). I brought quite a lot with me:
16G/20G/24GM(one of these)
CV28APO/20-70G(one trip each)
CV35 f1.2/40G(one of these)
FE85/Sigma 85 Art(one of these, Sigma replaced the Sony)
Pentax 50 f1.4/ 55Z(one of these)
70-200GII(every trip)
1.4xTC(one time)
Day to day I usually have a sling bag with 1 body with a lens plus 2-3 lenses in it. And I packed the rest in the main luggage with packing cube. I swap the content of the sling bag based on what I planned to shoot that day. Like usually the day I bring the 70-200 the 85 won't be there. If I don't think I need an ultra wide I might pack the 50. I usually don't use my 20-70 that much but one of the trip I packed it and I didn't bring the 24 or 20. I did think about this last trip though if I have a 28-70 F2 I think I would use it a lot. The things that give me pause is the price and the size of it. Most of the time I can get away with a 35 or a 40 but I usually go there with some photos in mind that I "must" use certain lenses for and they will end up with me on the trip.70-200 GII btw always surprises me how often I use it. Its small and light enough to be not terrible to pack and its versitile enough for a lot of situation.
From your kit, I don't think I would bring 2 bodies. If you have 4-5 batteries for one body its more than enough for a day's shooting. As for lenses:
I'd pick your 24GM, the 28-70, and maybe the 100 Macro or 85GM. I am not sure what type of photography you are into, for general walk around the 28-70 is probably good for everything. Shooting interior of shrine I think in most cases 24 should work. Its not every places you gonna see a giant buddha . I had a 20G for this one though (https://photos.app.goo.gl/1fTCwkGCYch7iUSv9). 85 or 100 can be good for street photos with some compression. And with A1 you can probably get away with shooting in APSC-mode for a bit more reach. 50-150 is good focal length but knowing the size of that lens you might not want to have it your bag everywhere. especially with a 28-70 in it already.
When I visited the last 4 times(alternating between short 1 week in Tokyo area only and 2-3 weeks going all over). I brought quite a lot with me:
16G/20G/24GM(one of these)
CV28APO/20-70G(one trip each)
CV35 f1.2/40G(one of these)
FE85/Sigma 85 Art(one of these, Sigma replaced the Sony)
Pentax 50 f1.4/ 55Z(one of these)
70-200GII(every trip)
1.4xTC(one time)
Day to day I usually have a sling bag with 1 body with a lens plus 2-3 lenses in it. And I packed the rest in the main luggage with packing cube. I swap the content of the sling bag based on what I planned to shoot that day. Like usually the day I bring the 70-200 the 85 won't be there. If I don't think I need an ultra wide I might pack the 50. I usually don't use my 20-70 that much but one of the trip I packed it and I didn't bring the 24 or 20. I did think about this last trip though if I have a 28-70 F2 I think I would use it a lot. The things that give me pause is the price and the size of it. Most of the time I can get away with a 35 or a 40 but I usually go there with some photos in mind that I "must" use certain lenses for and they will end up with me on the trip.70-200 GII btw always surprises me how often I use it. Its small and light enough to be not terrible to pack and its versitile enough for a lot of situation.
Jun 17, 2026 at 12:36 PM
p.1 #16Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
If that were my trip I’d take a PZ 16-35mm F4 and then a couple of fast longer primes. The zoom is small/lightweight and sharp.
And really, I’m not loving the size/weight of your primes for the trip either…I’d want some smaller ones…maybe like the Viltrox EVOs (35, 55, and 85). You’d get great image quality and it would be easier on the body.
And really, I’m not loving the size/weight of your primes for the trip either…I’d want some smaller ones…maybe like the Viltrox EVOs (35, 55, and 85). You’d get great image quality and it would be easier on the body.
Jun 17, 2026 at 03:39 PM
p.1 #17Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
Jack Flesher wrote:
... buying another $1,200 zoom for a nice trip that is more compact and lightweight than anything you already have seems worth considering ...
I have to agree, although $200 is more than enough for me. My last trip to Japan was 25 years ago, and I took the risk of early digital with a Coolpix 900—that was painful. My current tourist rig for summers in Asia is one camera on a strap, one kit zoom, no bag. I can hike up mountains and sweat buckets in relative comfort:
D500, 18-55 DX, somewhere near Huế. My equivalent Sony rig is A1 plus 28-60/4-5.6 for 900g total weight.
... buying another $1,200 zoom for a nice trip that is more compact and lightweight than anything you already have seems worth considering ...
I have to agree, although $200 is more than enough for me. My last trip to Japan was 25 years ago, and I took the risk of early digital with a Coolpix 900—that was painful. My current tourist rig for summers in Asia is one camera on a strap, one kit zoom, no bag. I can hike up mountains and sweat buckets in relative comfort:
D500, 18-55 DX, somewhere near Huế. My equivalent Sony rig is A1 plus 28-60/4-5.6 for 900g total weight.
Jun 17, 2026 at 04:02 PM
p.1 #18Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
sandy27000 wrote:
Folks another which camera gear for the trip post:
I have a bunch of Sony lenses and two A1 II bodies. I just turned 50 and got a cardiac issue 9 months back, so mindful of how much weight I can carry. Heading off to a family trip in Japan and have the following lenses:
1) 24mm f1.4GM
2) 50mm f1.2GM
3) 85mm f1.4GM2
4) 100mm f2.8 GM Macro
5) 28-70 f2
6) 50-150 f2
7) both the TC’s
Combo 1: both bodies, 24, 50 and 85
Combo 2: both bodies, both primes
Combo 3: both bodies, 24, 50 and 50-150
Combo 4: both bodies, 28-70, 50, 100 and 2X TC
Have...Show more →
I'd want a camera on my arm at all times, ready to use. I just spent a week there and used a Leica 35/50 combo. I left the hotel with a single lens on the camera—no bag, just the camera and a shoulder strap.
I liked the 50 best in Japan.
With your kit, it's all way too big for me to even consider, except maybe the 24 1.4 or the 85 1.4. Everything else I'd never touch.
Do yourself a favor: bring one body and one, maybe two, lenses.
Small hotels, tight trains, crowded city, recovering health—you don't need all that crap!
Folks another which camera gear for the trip post:
I have a bunch of Sony lenses and two A1 II bodies. I just turned 50 and got a cardiac issue 9 months back, so mindful of how much weight I can carry. Heading off to a family trip in Japan and have the following lenses:
1) 24mm f1.4GM
2) 50mm f1.2GM
3) 85mm f1.4GM2
4) 100mm f2.8 GM Macro
5) 28-70 f2
6) 50-150 f2
7) both the TC’s
Combo 1: both bodies, 24, 50 and 85
Combo 2: both bodies, both primes
Combo 3: both bodies, 24, 50 and 50-150
Combo 4: both bodies, 28-70, 50, 100 and 2X TC
Have...Show more →
I'd want a camera on my arm at all times, ready to use. I just spent a week there and used a Leica 35/50 combo. I left the hotel with a single lens on the camera—no bag, just the camera and a shoulder strap.
I liked the 50 best in Japan.
With your kit, it's all way too big for me to even consider, except maybe the 24 1.4 or the 85 1.4. Everything else I'd never touch.
Do yourself a favor: bring one body and one, maybe two, lenses.
Small hotels, tight trains, crowded city, recovering health—you don't need all that crap!
Jun 17, 2026 at 04:10 PM
p.1 #19Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
I would agree with those take the 20-70 and the 24.... there are a lot of spots you will want pics that are low in light.The other things is being discrete. Stores may have No Camera signs especially in markets but it bodes well to remember to not draw attention while taking pics.
if not going light the 24 and 50-150 will do you well
if not going light the 24 and 50-150 will do you well
Jun 17, 2026 at 04:18 PM
p.1 #20Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
why not take a 24-50mm, with a 16-24 if you need and your 100mm macro, both bodies and your set.
or take 24-50mm, with a 16-24mm and one longer focal length if you think you might use it if not just two bodies and two lenses...I also would look at a 75mm viltrox or comparable manual focus small lens as an option.
As for me if I was going to Japan for some street and landxcape my kit would be X2d2 with 35-100mm and another X2d2 with the 20-35mm or to save weight X2d2 with the 55mm V and X2d2 with the 28mmP and a 75mm P.
or take 24-50mm, with a 16-24mm and one longer focal length if you think you might use it if not just two bodies and two lenses...I also would look at a 75mm viltrox or comparable manual focus small lens as an option.
As for me if I was going to Japan for some street and landxcape my kit would be X2d2 with 35-100mm and another X2d2 with the 20-35mm or to save weight X2d2 with the 55mm V and X2d2 with the 28mmP and a 75mm P.
Jun 17, 2026 at 05:27 PM