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Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip

  
 
Craig Gillette
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p.2 #1Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
For weather, try a search comparing to your home area. I was near Tokyo with the US Navy for couple of years and didn't think it that bad. But from California and we were back and forth to the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc., so had warmer,too.

Google Street View, YouTube and Vlogs on touring and photography or videoing Japan can show spots that interest and give views of some of your destinations that could offer some insight. Along with the different preferences and experiences here.
Jun 17, 2026 at 06:14 PM
freaklikeme
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p.2 #2Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
Is there something wrong with the 28-70/2? I mean, you did spend all that money on a day to night zoom for convenience, right? And it's only about 180 grams more than the 50 alone. I know 28 isn't 24, but I think you'd be surprised how easy it is to make 28 work in situations where you'd otherwise want the 24.

I love my primes, but, if it were a matter of my health, I were determined to do it with a FF, and I already owned that lens, then it and an a1II would be my choice. But then I think of this...

a6700, Sigma 10-18/2.8 (favorite lens in Tokyo), Zony 24/1.8 (my fav focal length on the crop, but if you're more a 50mm shooter, the Touit 32/1.8's a better choice), and Tamron 35-100/2.8 (fantastic lens for the crop with a relatively nice size and weight, plus works well with a Kenko Pro AC1 No. 3 diopter, so a dedicated closer focuser isn't necessary for vacation pics) packs for about 1600 grams with extra battery, cards, and filter.

a1II, Sony 24/1.4, 50/1.2, and 100/2.8GM mac, I'd be at about 2700g with an extra battery and cards. That's without considering the second camera, extenders, or the bigger bag necessary for this kit.

I could work with either, and I know there are sacrifices made with the slower kit, but, if I needed to baby my health, I'd go APSC.
Jun 18, 2026 at 01:33 PM
bwcolor
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p.2 #3Lens 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 →

How was your trip? Any images to share? What lenses did you take? If you were to pack again, what lenses would you take?

I found this question interesting:

“ Is there something wrong with the 28-70/2? I mean, you did spend all that money on a day to night zoom for convenience, right? And it's only about 180 grams more than the 50 alone. I know 28 isn't 24, but I think you'd be surprised how easy it is to make 28 work in situations where you'd otherwise want the 24.”
Jul 19, 2026 at 10:15 AM
 


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sandy27000
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p.2 #4Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
The trip starts August 12.

Normally I wouldn’t worry about carrying the zooms, but I suggested a heart attack last September so counting every gram can save. Also, I find the 28-70 f2 a bit conspicuous vs the 50 or 85, and historically I have been a prime shooter. But fair challenge on the weight. Trip is still 3 weeks away so I can re-evaluate:

bwcolor wrote:
sandy27000 wroteFolks 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.
How was your trip? Any images to share? What lenses did you take? If you were to pack again, what lenses would you take?

I found this question interesting:

“ Is there something wrong with the 28-70/2? I mean, you did spend all that money on a day to night zoom for convenience, right? And it's only about 180 grams more than the 50 alone. I know 28 isn't 24, but I think you'd be surprised how easy it is to make 28 work in situations where you'd otherwise want the 24.”

Jul 20, 2026 at 11:37 AM
liggy
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p.2 #5Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
First lens in the bag for a Japan trip is the 20-70. I hated the idea of an F4 lens but it's really excellent in real life.

24 is not wide enough for me - especially in Tokyo. Naturally that is a personal choice thing.

Most of the time I don't bother with a bag. All I need is the A1 II, a nice bandolier worn shoulder strap and an extra battery. My wife and my usual travel companions don't really care about photography so I'm not about to mess up the vibe with lens changes etc.

35GM 1.4 for nighttime comes along as part of the kit as needed but the A1 II stabilization is excellent so not an absolute necessity.

We were there in March and will be going back later this year for more fun.

Jul 20, 2026 at 12:03 PM
mudlake
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p.2 #6Lens choices for upcoming Japan trip
Have fun on your trip. When we visit Japan next year, I’ll be taking one body (A7R5), the Tamron 35-150/2-2.8 (primary lens on the camera 80% of the time), and the Sony 16-25/2.8.
Jul 20, 2026 at 01:30 PM


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