cwp3420

My wife and I are taking a once in a lifetime trip to Israel in May. However, I am in a quandary over which lenses to take, and I wanted to pick my fellow Hogs brains for advice. Because of all of the hiking and walking, I'm going to take only two lenses with me. Having never been to Israel though, I am unsure which two would be best for use in a small country such as Israel. Allow me to list what I have and why I'm considering taking it, and please give me your reasons why I'm right or wrong. If any of you have visited there, that would help also.

I use a Fujifilm XT-1 camera, which uses an APS-C sensor with 1.5 times magnification, and I have the following four Fujifilm lenses to choose from. They are:

1. XF 16-55mm F2.8 lens- I'm strongly considering this lens, as I believe it will give me a good walking around lens for daily use, plus it's one of my faster lenses for night time shots, if the opportunity presents itself. it also gives me wide angle capabilities, which I believe will come in handy there. This lens is equal to 24-84 mm. lens on a full size sensor camera.

2. XF 55-200 f3.5-4.8- I really enjoy this lens, but I'm considering not taking it because it would be a little slow for night time shots without a tripod. Plus, I'm not sure that I would need a lens with that large of a zoom range in Israel itself. This lens is equal to 84-305 mm. on a full size sensor camera.

3. XF 90 mm F2.0- This is another one I'm strongly considering taking, both because the focus is very crisp and sharp, and because it is the fastest lens I have. I feel it could also be used if I need a little bit of zoom during day trips. This lens is equal to a 137 mm. lens on a
full size sensor camera.

4. XF 18-155 mm f3.5-5.6- This is another good lens, and I have considered it as a good walking around lens for daytime use, but not so good at night without a tripod. This lens is equal to a 27-206 mm. lens on a full size sensor camera.

At this point in time, I'm planning on taking the 16-55 and the 90 mm lenses with me. I have circular polarizers for all of the lenses to take with me also. Do you folks think these would be the two best lenses for the reasons I stated above, or would any of the other two perhaps be more appropriate there? Thank you for your time.

MarkD Loc: NYC

I would take the 16-55 f/2.8 and 55-200. The 16-55 will cover most shots and the 55-200 can be useful for shooting people, for shooting things that you can't get close to, and for picking out details in buildings.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Yes, but if you want to save weight you can leave the 90mm at home.

When I travel by plane to cities I take my DX camera with only 17-50 mm f2.8 and never miss not lugging more. If you travel with tour groups you don't have time to fuss with changing lenses. I only used the 2.8 a few times indoors.

If I need wider angle I shoot overlapping images and make a pamorama in Lightroom when I get home. If I want to be closer I crop when I get home. Cropping to 1/4 frame still yields a 6 MP image...plenty good for 8x10. And considering camera crop factor that makes 50mm equivalent to 300 mm on an FX.

On the other hand on my upcoming Africa trip I will schlepp the D800 and 200-500mm lens. But you won't be seeing lions and elephants on your trip and I don't see them in Europe etc.

PS: check your numbers on your item 4

cwp3420

Thanks for the heads up on #4. I corrected it. I appreciate it.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I travelled all over Israel with a tour group. I had stopped taking film and had not started taking digital. One of persons that traveled with asked me not to take a camera. they thought that I would be too rounded up in it. That is probably true.

Here is what I have found that being light and quick I get the best single images and best over view of the trip, Wider is better than longer. One lens of high quality

I concer that I would loose the 90. and be good. A small light stabilization platform of you choose.

J. R.

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

I'm not sure why you mentioned the small size of the country or what that has to do with which lenses you bring but I'd bring the 16-55 for its speed and for a little more reach the 55-200. Israel is dusty, very fine, airborne dust, even in the cities so you'll want to change lenses as little as possible.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

Take #4. Don't change lenses. Keep your sensor clean. Enjoy your trip. Your pictures will be fine, free of dust bunnies, and great souvenirs. Cancel all of this advice if you have a National Geographic assignment.

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

I was in Israel more than once and have a very good idea what places you will visit. I would take one lens for this trip - your 16-55 f/2.8, it will serve most of your needs. Have a nice trip.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Are any of your lenses stabilized? What ISO are you willing to go up to with that camera? I'm thinking that you may be putting too much emphasis on shooting at night; lens #3 gives you some extra photons, but at the cost of a focal length that may not actually be that convenient much of the time. I would probably take #4 to get maximal flexibility for a majority of the time ... but that may just be my shooting style. Ultimately, the question is what you are most comfortable with, and only you can answer that one.

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

I'd take #1 & #2. I've been to Israel, you'll love it. Have a great time. Old Jerusalem was my favorite.

Allen McDonald Loc: Atlanta, GA

Keeping to UHH tradition I would suggest you buy a different lens, the 35mm (50mm equivalent) 1.4 prime to use at night. Take this and your #4.

Grnway Loc: Manchester, NH

I'd take #1 & #2. Vistas and street photos are a great part of a travel story. Your #1 will cover that very well. If you see something that requires a little more reach, and you're fearful of dust when changing lenses, then come back later with lens #2. I think that your #1 lens will cover you for your night, or low light photos.

philo Loc: philo, ca

Take what you need. Just because you take it doesn't mean you have to carry it.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I'm also going to Israel in June for my birthday (longest, farthest and most expensive trip yet), but I had to make the tough decision to buy a bridge (?) camera, an FZ200 from another 'hog', due to luggage restrictions (one suitcase and one carry-on) and leave my Sony at home. I hope it works out. Where will you be going? Have you been there before? I'm going on a 15-day small-group tour. I chose the Lumix because of the constant f/2.8 Leica lens and the 25-600 mm range. I just watched a video of the Dead Sea on YouTube...it was 42c (107f)!!!

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

Been to Israel - fascinating. I have a DX (D5300) and if it were me, I'd take my 18-140 3.5/5.6 and my 35 or 50 mm f1.8 for low light. I found that I used the 18-140 for 95% of my shots on a trip like this one.