John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

I am going to Japan in the fall for 2 1/2 weeks as part of a small group photo expedition. I typically shoot a full frame Nikon cameras and have a lot of lenses, too many to take so I need to say, pick three. We'll be shooting the typical shots in Japan: Landscape in the mountains of Shikoku and Koya and some along the sea coast at night, Temples/Shrines in Kyoto from exterior and inside, and also some arranged shoots in the evening with dancers, Geisha, etc. I want to keep my pack small and not too heavy so I am thinking about a 16-35 F4 and a 70-200 F4, both of which I have used on previous trips with good success. I am thinking I need a third fast lens between those two, maybe a 50mm or 85mm. I don't really want a third zoom lens (ie, 24-70 F2.8), and think I need a fast lens for night shots and portraits. Advice about selection and considerations is always appreciated.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I would take a faster 28 or 35mm for night shots. Other than that I think you are pretty well set.

Dennis

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Will you really need more for what you will be shooting than a 35mm f/1.8 and/or 50mm f/1.8?

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Your considerations are right on. Also make sure to take Polarizing filters for your lenses. They have been a must in my travels to Japan.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

So the choice comes down to the 50 or the 85. I'd go with the 50 mm.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

My personal favorite portrait lens is the Nikon 85mm 1.8 G. Finest, lightest, fastest, cheapest, sharpest 85mm lens that Nikon ever made.

ggenova64

I am thinking about a 16-35 F4 and a 70-200 F4, both of which I have used on previous trips with good success. Here is your answer!

CWGordon

While I think the 50 is a vastly under utilized lens; I probably would go smaller and faster. I think I would use something in the 35 range, if not wanting a zoom. You said no 24-70. I understand, but my favorite walking around lens is the 24-120. Sharp and light with a wider range. Maybe not quite as sharp as the 24-70, but soooo much lighter.

Naptown Gaijin

Some thoughts to ponder: you will be traveling around Japan mostly on a train or a bus, and shooting through windows
The Shinkansen bullet trains are VERY fast (think 290 KPH) and high shutterspeeds are required regardless of focal length.

You will not do interior shots of shrines, as they are small and only Shinto priests (and funeral mourners) are usually allowed in.

Buddhist temples are much bigger, sometimes with several buildings, and visitors are usually welcome. The interior of temples are usually dimly lit, requiring a fast lens, preferably f1.8 or better, and a focal length or 28mm or shorter. Flash may or may not be allowed in a temple, depending on the meditation activities going on at the time and the policies of the head monk.

The most striking thing about nights in Japanese cities is the plethora of colors. They have bright colorful lights in urban centers, much more so then in the typical US city. It's like a Times Square only more so.

My choices would be a 24-70mm f2.8 zoom as this will cover landscapes, shots from busses and trains, and daytime street shots.

Second choice would be a fast wide angle in the 14-24mm range (prime or zoom) for temple interiors and maiko/geisha performances.

I don't think you will use a 70-200mm f4 that much. Too big, too heavy, and you can crop in LR. Just my opinion, but I lived there for 10 years....

Gan batte kudasai !!

worldcycle Loc: Stateline, Nevada

I travel extensively. Main camera is a 5DM3. Cover almost all bases with 3 lens. A 16-35 f4, a 70-300 f4-5.6 OR a 70-200 f 2.8 (depending how I feel about potential reach) and a 50 f1.4. For candid's or when I don't feel like carrying my bag, a G5X pocket camera (also my wife can take shots with me in them) That's it. Sounds like a lot but it fits in a leather satchel that does not even begin to resemble a camera bag. Just got back from 5 weeks in China and Tibet. Don't worry about the f4 lenses. You can always bump up the ISO

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

35 1.8 and/or 20 1.8
.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

If you have all those lenses and can not figure out how to use them or what they are for you might wish to delay the trip and spend time learning how to use your camera and equipment instead of collecting cameras and lenses and having no clue what to do with them.
All situations that you mention are things that you can do here.
Landscape, mountains, buildings of various sizes and low light portraits.
Again spend time not money and actually use your equipment.
"Fear the man with one gun".
Most know what I mean.

CWGordon

WoW! Another heloful guy with helpful comments. I am sure the guy who asked for help could not be more appreciative for your insight and kindness.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

"I typically shoot a full frame Nikon cameras and have a lot of lenses, too many to take so I need to say, pick three." says it all.
Again, learn what you have. All those scenarios are here in the USA.
Silly question for the collection of "Stuff" they have and no idea how or where to use it.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida