Opticallimits

Hi all,



we (bunch of amateur photographers) have organized a photographic tour to northern Vietnam (two weeks starting from the 3rd. week of October). Any kind of advices are appreciated from the ones who experienced such a tour... "Any" might be a broad range for some, but experience is golden for me because I did not have a visit to south east Asia before (and furthermore, this is my first photographic tour for 2 weeks). Nevertheless, I can name some of the interest areas to be more specific:

1. Which lenses to bring with me (for Nikon FX)? Weight is one of the most important issue here because we'll be on the road or will be hiking every day. Northern part of Vietnam have very decent landscape opportunities + the local villages & tribes (and markets) will be visited. I plan to take the following with me (some of them will be ordered soon):
   
   
   
   - D800
   
   - Tokina 17-35mm (or Nikon 16-35mm, or Nikon 17-35mm, or 28mm is enough wide?...)
   
   - Nikon 50mm f/1.8G
   
   - Nikon 85mm f/1.8G (maybe, maybe not!)
   
   - VL 90mm
   
   - Nikon 135mm f/2 DC
   
   
   
   As you can see, the wide angle part (as usual) is the issue. I have no idea if wider than 28mm will be needed. And since these UWA monsters are too heavy and big, I don't want to make a mistake here.
2. Which filters? I've heard (and read) that the landscapes can be misty/hazy. I though polarizers and ND filters can help to capture nice shots. What do you think?
3. Portable storage: I don't plan to take a laptop with me. Rather than a laptop, I'm getting close to the idea to bring such a portable storage: [url="http://www.nextodi.com/product/en_nd2730.html"]http://www.nextodi.com/product/en_nd2730.html[/url]. It is said to be fast and robust. Battery life looks fine also. But I never used such storage devices, and not familiar with what is "user friendly" in this area.
4. Extra camera: I've ordered the Fujifilm X10. I thought that the extra camera I will take can only be used if something happens to the D800... Therefore, the extra should have been small and light. I hope this will be a good decision, but I'm still open to advices from your side.

That's all (for now <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />)... Thanks in advance...







Serkan

[quote name='PuxaVida' timestamp='1340618029' post='19087']

Hi all,



we (bunch of amateur photographers) have organized a photographic tour to northern Vietnam (two weeks starting from the 3rd. week of October). Any kind of advices are appreciated from the ones who experienced such a tour... "Any" might be a broad range for some, but experience is golden for me because I did not have a visit to south east Asia before (and furthermore, this is my first photographic tour for 2 weeks). Nevertheless, I can name some of the interest areas to be more specific:

1. Which lenses to bring with me (for Nikon FX)? Weight is one of the most important issue here because we'll be on the road or will be hiking every day. Northern part of Vietnam have very decent landscape opportunities + the local villages & tribes (and markets) will be visited. I plan to take the following with me (some of them will be ordered soon):
   
   
   
   - D800
   
   - Tokina 17-35mm (or Nikon 16-35mm, or Nikon 17-35mm, or 28mm is enough wide?...)
   
   - Nikon 50mm f/1.8G
   
   - Nikon 85mm f/1.8G (maybe, maybe not!)
   
   - VL 90mm
   
   - Nikon 135mm f/2 DC
   
   
   
   As you can see, the wide angle part (as usual) is the issue. I have no idea if wider than 28mm will be needed. And since these UWA monsters are too heavy and big, I don't want to make a mistake here.
2. Which filters? I've heard (and read) that the landscapes can be misty/hazy. I though polarizers and ND filters can help to capture nice shots. What do you think?
3. Portable storage: I don't plan to take a laptop with me. Rather than a laptop, I'm getting close to the idea to bring such a portable storage: [url="http://www.nextodi.com/product/en_nd2730.html"]http://www.nextodi.com/product/en_nd2730.html[/url]. It is said to be fast and robust. Battery life looks fine also. But I never used such storage devices, and not familiar with what is "user friendly" in this area.
4. Extra camera: I've ordered the Fujifilm X10. I thought that the extra camera I will take can only be used if something happens to the D800... Therefore, the extra should have been small and light. I hope this will be a good decision, but I'm still open to advices from your side.

That's all (for now <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />)... Thanks in advance...







Serkan

[/quote]



I only reply because no other replies so far, I can't comment really on your set-up.

What I can see is that you plan to go with a high-res Nikon D800. But I think to get the optimum out of this, you probably would have to travel with a tripod if you are serious about the landscape. How excellent and big do your prints have to be? You will have noticed that Klaus takes MicroFourThird cameras on his Nepal trips?

I am quite happy with a Canon 550D, a Canon 10-22, 18-55 IS, and 55-250 IS (total about 1.5kg) during travel (could be complemented with e.g. a 50mm f1.8).



Also, do you need ultrawide for your landscapes? Usually around 24mm is fine for landscape. I like my UWA for architecture, i.e. cramped towns, interiors, but maybe less opportunity for your trip? Depends also on your landscape style.



I presume you want these lenses for people photography:

- Nikon 85mm f/1.8G (maybe, maybe not!)

- VL 90mm

- Nikon 135mm f/2 DC\

I would only take one of these, with AF. Shooting hill-tribe people, you may not have much time for some shots, unless you interact with them (posing). Overall I prefer a zoom in the tele end for better flexibility in framing, I guess Nikon has only the 70-300 option which is lightweight. Perhaps a 70-300 and the 85 f1.8?

That is some heavy kit you plan to take along... The D800 in itself is already quite heavy. Adding 600 grams (at least) of wide angle zoom... How about a Voigtlander 20mm f3.5 SL II? Very compact and not heavy, and yet surprisingly good IQ. Even if you add to that an 28mm f2.8D you still have less bulk and less weight.



50mm f1.8, sure.



But then 3 primes in portrait range? Really? That is just adding a lot of bulk for no good (travel) reason. I have stopped taking a macro lens on vacations/trips too, as it just never gets any (real) use.



So, that would then bring me to the set of Voigtlander 20mm, Nikon 135mm f2 and 50mm f1.8. With maybe an 28mm f2.8 thrown in the mix.



Alternatively (and maybe more sensibly):

Voigtlander 20mm f3.5 SL II, Nikon AF-S 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 (only 415 grams), Nikon 135mm f2 (still a heavy beast at 800+ grams... But I guess you have this lens).

[quote name='Brightcolours' timestamp='1340640988' post='19096']

That is some heavy kit you plan to take along... The D800 in itself is already quite heavy. Adding 600 grams (at least) of wide angle zoom... How about a Voigtlander 20mm f3.5 SL II? Very compact and not heavy, and yet surprisingly good IQ. Even if you add to that an 28mm f2.8D you still have less bulk and less weight.



50mm f1.8, sure.



But then 3 primes in portrait range? Really? That is just adding a lot of bulk for no good (travel) reason. I have stopped taking a macro lens on vacations/trips too, as it just never gets any (real) use.



So, that would then bring me to the set of Voigtlander 20mm, Nikon 135mm f2 and 50mm f1.8. With maybe an 28mm f2.8 thrown in the mix.



Alternatively (and maybe more sensibly):

Voigtlander 20mm f3.5 SL II, Nikon AF-S 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 (only 415 grams), Nikon 135mm f2 (still a heavy beast at 800+ grams... But I guess you have this lens).

[/quote]



You're right VL 20mm could be really usefull and convenient, but checking the PZ data of both VL and Nikon 20mm AF-D, Nikon looks optically better (at least on paper). And I have the Nikon already. Nevertheless, I think it's worth to check some image samples on the net for both.



The new Nikon AF-S 24-85mm is also an interesting choice. I guess one could need a versatile zoom for such a trip. I find the 24-85mm range more useful than the 24-70mm. I have the older 24-85mm AF-D already and mostly use the 35-50mm range for close ups, and occasionally the 70-85mm for portraits. IMHO the bokeh of this lens is remarkable for such a zoom.



And about the 135mm DC: no I don't have this lens, but I will buy it. Not only for this trip but because I rather like to use longer lenses than 85mm for portraits. I've checked also the 180mm AF-D, more contrasty and even slightly lighter than the 135mm but who needs more contrast for portraits. And moreover the bokeh of the 135mm makes it an easy choice.



So based on your suggestions, the following sets look promising to me:



1) Nikon 20mm AF-D (or VL 20mm), Nikon 24-85mm AF-D, VL 90mm, Nikon 135mm DC. (--> 2.850gr)



2) Nikon 20mm AF-D (or VL 20mm), Nikon 28mm AiS, Nikon 50mm 1.8G, VL 90mm, Nikon 135mm DC. (--> 2.740gr)



That's as good as it gets for an FX set I guess... If we define "good" as a light weight set with okeyish optical quality <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />...

imho take as little as possible......or take a sherpa as well

[quote name='soLong' timestamp='1340742493' post='19159']

imho take as little as possible......or take a sherpa as well

[/quote]



Thanks but when I think of a sherpa suffering from the heavy loads because of my indecisions, it doesn't sound right <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />...



I will try to take as light as possible...



Serkan

[quote name='PuxaVida' timestamp='1340618029' post='19087']

Hi all,



we (bunch of amateur photographers) have organized a photographic tour to northern Vietnam (two weeks starting from the 3rd. week of October). Any kind of advices are appreciated from the ones who experienced such a tour... "Any" might be a broad range for some, but experience is golden for me because I did not have a visit to south east Asia before (and furthermore, this is my first photographic tour for 2 weeks). Nevertheless, I can name some of the interest areas to be more specific:

1. Which lenses to bring with me (for Nikon FX)? Weight is one of the most important issue here because we'll be on the road or will be hiking every day. Northern part of Vietnam have very decent landscape opportunities + the local villages & tribes (and markets) will be visited. I plan to take the following with me (some of them will be ordered soon):
   
   
   
   - D800
   
   - Tokina 17-35mm (or Nikon 16-35mm, or Nikon 17-35mm, or 28mm is enough wide?...)
   
   - Nikon 50mm f/1.8G
   
   - Nikon 85mm f/1.8G (maybe, maybe not!)
   
   - VL 90mm
   
   - Nikon 135mm f/2 DC
   
   
   
   As you can see, the wide angle part (as usual) is the issue. I have no idea if wider than 28mm will be needed. And since these UWA monsters are too heavy and big, I don't want to make a mistake here.
2. Which filters? I've heard (and read) that the landscapes can be misty/hazy. I though polarizers and ND filters can help to capture nice shots. What do you think?
3. Portable storage: I don't plan to take a laptop with me. Rather than a laptop, I'm getting close to the idea to bring such a portable storage: [url="http://www.nextodi.com/product/en_nd2730.html"]http://www.nextodi.com/product/en_nd2730.html[/url]. It is said to be fast and robust. Battery life looks fine also. But I never used such storage devices, and not familiar with what is "user friendly" in this area.
4. Extra camera: I've ordered the Fujifilm X10. I thought that the extra camera I will take can only be used if something happens to the D800... Therefore, the extra should have been small and light. I hope this will be a good decision, but I'm still open to advices from your side.

That's all (for now <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />)... Thanks in advance...







Serkan

[/quote]

Hi,



I regularly visit my in-laws in the Province of Guangxi, in China, at the border with the northern Vietnam. October is a good period, not too hot. But, most of time, air is hazy. There is a lot of humidity in the air. Difficult to obtain details in deep landscapes. Then, be careful with too wide angle which will push your background far in the back. Better to invest in an UV Haze filter [url="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/622150-REG/B_W_66_013054_66_013054_62mm_Digital_Pro.html"]My link[/url]

For the rest, that depends of your style of photos.

One last thing, very important. Use a comfortable backpack when it is positioned on the chest and not on the back. The thieves are so clever that you will not see anything coming. Another solution is to use a bag like the Kata 3N1 (11 to 33) [url="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/562234-REG/Kata_KT_D_3N1_20_3_in_1_Sling.html"]My link[/url] ,with shoulder strap across which allows you to put your bag on the belly quickly when you're in the crowd, in transports. This bag has the advantage of having access to the main photo gear on the side of the bag, without any opening of the main bag. Understand that people are poor there and that you are a legitimate temptation ... Do not walk around showing your photo equipment with ostentation.

Have a good trip !

Regards.

Jean-Michel

[quote name='jmfitamant' timestamp='1341446133' post='19323']

Hi,



I regularly visit my in-laws in the Province of Guangxi, in China, at the border with the northern Vietnam. October is a good period, not too hot. But, most of time, air is hazy. There is a lot of humidity in the air. Difficult to obtain details in deep landscapes. Then, be careful with too wide angle which will push your background far in the back. Better to invest in an UV Haze filter [url="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/622150-REG/B_W_66_013054_66_013054_62mm_Digital_Pro.html"]My link[/url]

For the rest, that depends of your style of photos.

One last thing, very important. Use a comfortable backpack when it is positioned on the chest and not on the back. The thieves are so clever that you will not see anything coming. Another solution is to use a bag like the Kata 3N1 (11 to 33) [url="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/562234-REG/Kata_KT_D_3N1_20_3_in_1_Sling.html"]My link[/url] ,with shoulder strap across which allows you to put your bag on the belly quickly when you're in the crowd, in transports. This bag has the advantage of having access to the main photo gear on the side of the bag, without any opening of the main bag. Understand that people are poor there and that you are a legitimate temptation ... Do not walk around showing your photo equipment with ostentation.

Have a good trip !

Regards.

Jean-Michel

[/quote]



Thanks Jean-Michel...



I already have such a sling-backpack (from another brand), I find these quite useful and convenient. But it looks like I will need a bigger backpack. Which can carry more lenses + gear + other things...



UV haze will definitely come with me. I've read what you said about the mist and haze. I guess the metering will be tricky also.



Serkan

[quote name='PuxaVida' timestamp='1341468395' post='19325']

Thanks Jean-Michel...



I already have such a sling-backpack (from another brand), I find these quite useful and convenient. But it looks like I will need a bigger backpack. Which can carry more lenses + gear + other things...



UV haze will definitely come with me. I've read what you said about the mist and haze. I guess the metering will be tricky also.



Serkan

[/quote]



Hmm, UV Haze filter, in particular the B+W may not be more than just placebo. It's transmission curve really only starts cutting around 350nm,

http://photonius.wikispaces.com/Filter+tests

a place where most lenses are cutting off anyway (scroll down to lens transmission): http://photonius.wikispaces.com/Filters



Of course it still works as protection filter.

"Any kind of advices are appreciated from the ones who experienced such a tour... "



The first and most important thing to do is to get a video of Indochine. This was the the reason why I went to Vietnam all those years ago. Ha long bay and all that.



As for camera and lenses I don't know. Me, I would just take an iPod touch or an iPhone. Earlier this year our family and I went to Australia and I took my D300 and a handful of lenses. It was a big mistake. My wife ended up doing most of the photography on her iPhone.



Have fun, it's a wonderful country.