Well, we'll be leaving for 11 days on the ground in France and Benelux in just
over a month. I've been pondering what to take and settled on a set of glass
from 21 to 200 (maybe 300, maybe 400, more later) and two bodies. Included are
the 200/5 and 75-150/4 Zuikos that we have been discussing lately. I'm trying
for light and simple (all, or most, 49 mm filter size) (well, as simple as 5-6
lenses can be).
I haven't been using the 75-150 or the 200/5 lately so I figured I'd better
pass some light through them and see if they are still as I remembered. I
spent today at a water park with my 7-year old nephew and his friend Sara (also
seven). One-hundred degrees plus (that's 38 C), and merciless Texas sun so it
wasn't really like France, but at least I got them out and shot. I've mostly
been using my enormous new Sigma APO 70-210/2.8 lately. What a pleasure,
though, were the two ultra-light Zuikos when holding them for an extended
period waiting for the kids to rocket out of the water slide. A great time was
had by all.
Some of the locals with whom I have been corresponding regarding this trip have
pointed out that it may be rainy in September. Too bad - I've made may
selections based on weight, not brightness. I am struggling with the urge to
also take either my 300/4.5 Zuiko or Sigma APO 400/5.6. The Tamron 400/4 will
definitely remain behind. The Zuiko fits in my camera bag better, but it never
seems long enough now that I own a couple of 400s. Not sure what I need a long
lens for - the beaches at Normandy, Paris street scenes? I guess I could poll
the list, but I'll probably take one.
Speaking of Paris street scenes: I plan a smaller kit in my Tamrac hip bag for
the streets. 24/2.8, some sort of 50, the 75-150 and one body.
So here's the list (with additional comments):
21/3.5 (architecture, seascape panoramas, etc.)
24/2.8
50/? (1.4, 1.8, 3.5 macro - still pondering)
75-150/4
200/5
longer lens - maybe
OM-4T with 2-13
OM-1N (absolutely reliable back-up)
F-280 (taller and lighter than a T-32, more powerful than a T-20, but I don't
expect to use Super FP mode. I need to test to see if it will cover a 24. . .)
Velbon 640CF with Bogen mini-ball head (not a great head, but light)
25 (?) rolls Provia 100F (carried, not packed in baggage)
a couple of rolls of some chromogenic B&W
C-polarizer
deep orange (15) filter
spare silver and Hg cells
hoods
cable release
trash bag for rain protection
Left behind: 28/2.8, 35-70/4, 85/2, 100/2.8, 135/3.5, 180/2.8, 70-210/2.8
Sigma, 400/4 Tamron, 1.4X-A, 2X-A, extension tubes, winders, T-32, T-20, etc.
Always interesting to hear others' thoughts on kit selections. Let 'em rip.
Gary Edwards
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