What is your camera of choice while traveling?
Jun 15, 2017, 10:31 am
#931
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 94
You have the same kit as me with the E-M5 Mark ll and the 12-40mm f2.8 Pro which is usually my "go to" lens. I also have the 17mm f1.8 which is fabulous for street shooting and indoor lower light situations. I would recommend that you consider buying the Oly 75mm f1.8 lens. The IQ on it is amazing and you will not only use it for portraits but it is great for discreet street shots.
Jun 16, 2017, 5:31 am
#932
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: DL FO, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 12,003
Yea Ive had to hold myself off on that lens. It looks amazing. I also love wide open lenses the 12-40mm sits at 12-15 for me almost exclusively, and my style of street shooting I like to get right up to the subject so would probably take some getting used to shooting with the 75mm...or maybe this is just what i tell myself to save money on glass haha
Jun 16, 2017, 9:10 am
#933
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: BA exec, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 554
Jun 16, 2017, 10:38 pm
#934
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: EWR-SEA-IAD
Programs: UA 1P MM, AS MVP G*, SPG Gold, Hyatt Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 977
I just got an A6000 off ebay, its an international version from HK I think. Funny thing is that when I compare the pics from my galaxy s6, the A6000 (with a prime wide angle lens) does much worse in darker conditions, but almost seems like its less sharp even in light conditions. Sure its a higher resolution and has less noise but still almost seems less sharp. I don't know how to exactly explain it.
I'm not a too familiar with cameras but this one was supposed to be pretty well reviewed. Did I get a dud (or fake) or is it just me?
I'm not a too familiar with cameras but this one was supposed to be pretty well reviewed. Did I get a dud (or fake) or is it just me?
Jun 16, 2017, 11:08 pm
#935
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 578
I just got an A6000 off ebay, its an international version from HK I think. Funny thing is that when I compare the pics from my galaxy s6, the A6000 (with a prime wide angle lens) does much worse in darker conditions, but almost seems like its less sharp even in light conditions. Sure its a higher resolution and has less noise but still almost seems less sharp. I don't know how to exactly explain it.
I'm not a too familiar with cameras but this one was supposed to be pretty well reviewed. Did I get a dud (or fake) or is it just me?
I'm not a too familiar with cameras but this one was supposed to be pretty well reviewed. Did I get a dud (or fake) or is it just me?
I've found that phone-cams are exceptional at making the photos look good on their screens with little effort while standalone cameras usually require some slight photography knowledge. Too bad phone-cam photos loose their luster when enlarged. Can't have it all I guess
Jun 17, 2017, 10:36 am
#936
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: EWR-SEA-IAD
Programs: UA 1P MM, AS MVP G*, SPG Gold, Hyatt Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 977
I think there are a lot of issues it could be. Which lens are you using? What shooting mode?
I've found that phone-cams are exceptional at making the photos look good on their screens with little effort while standalone cameras usually require some slight photography knowledge. Too bad phone-cam photos loose their luster when enlarged. Can't have it all I guess
I've found that phone-cams are exceptional at making the photos look good on their screens with little effort while standalone cameras usually require some slight photography knowledge. Too bad phone-cam photos loose their luster when enlarged. Can't have it all I guess
Jun 18, 2017, 6:06 pm
#937
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 578
The E-M10 Mark ll is more of a traditional DSLR look and the GX85 is a rangefinder design so you need to decide if that is an issue or if you have a preference.
Those flash sales are fabulous, right now the E-M5 Mark ll is $649 at the Outlet Store, when they have their 1-2 day flash sales it could drop as low as $519 which is a steal. The lenses have similar discounts during those sales. The inventory goes really fast when they are announced (within hours) so research lenses beforehand if you have already purchased your camera body.
You really need to go to a local camera store or a Best Buy if they have these cameras and handle them in person.
As long as your questions are about cameras you should post them on this thread as others may have suggestions and answers for you. @:-)
Those flash sales are fabulous, right now the E-M5 Mark ll is $649 at the Outlet Store, when they have their 1-2 day flash sales it could drop as low as $519 which is a steal. The lenses have similar discounts during those sales. The inventory goes really fast when they are announced (within hours) so research lenses beforehand if you have already purchased your camera body.
You really need to go to a local camera store or a Best Buy if they have these cameras and handle them in person.
As long as your questions are about cameras you should post them on this thread as others may have suggestions and answers for you. @:-)
I almost pulled the trigger on the Adorama bundle with the two kit lenses and $100 GC but it went OOS while I was thinking it over 
. Oh well, tis life.
Jun 18, 2017, 6:19 pm
#938
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SoCal (ONT), PVD/BOS, JAX, RSW
Programs: AA/US PlatPro & 1.05MM, DL Plat (challenge), UA dirt
Posts: 3,189
Would the 75mm F1.8 be an appropriate add, compared to the others?
Jun 18, 2017, 9:09 pm
#939
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Central California
Programs: Former UA Premex, now dirt
Posts: 6,531
The absolute best "step up" lens for the Oly OMD line is the 12-40 mm f/2.8 PRO, bar none. I keep that on my EM1-II 80% of the time while traveling.
The 75 mm f/1.8 is a superb portrait lens but you already have the 60 mm f/2.8, which is also quite good for portraits. I don't think the 75 mm is a good choice for general travel.
Of the lenses you mentioned, the 40-150 mm f/2.8 is very good and quite compact. I don't think much of the 75-300 mm unless you will be doing wildlife or something that would require such a long reach.
The 75 mm f/1.8 is a superb portrait lens but you already have the 60 mm f/2.8, which is also quite good for portraits. I don't think the 75 mm is a good choice for general travel.
Of the lenses you mentioned, the 40-150 mm f/2.8 is very good and quite compact. I don't think much of the 75-300 mm unless you will be doing wildlife or something that would require such a long reach.
Jun 19, 2017, 9:09 am
#940
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: DL FO, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 12,003
I'm debating whether I should get that, or the 12-100mm F4, the 40-150mm F2.8, or the 75-300mm F4.8-6.7. I currently have the OM-D E-M5 Mark 1, with the 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 and the 60mm F2.8 macro, and primarily use it for underwater photography, but I want to use it more when I'm traveling, but not diving as I currently use a Nikon D7100 with an 18-300mm lens.
Would the 75mm F1.8 be an appropriate add, compared to the others?
Would the 75mm F1.8 be an appropriate add, compared to the others?
The 75mm is more specialized and is something to consider for later on.
The absolute best "step up" lens for the Oly OMD line is the 12-40 mm f/2.8 PRO, bar none. I keep that on my EM1-II 80% of the time while traveling.
The 75 mm f/1.8 is a superb portrait lens but you already have the 60 mm f/2.8, which is also quite good for portraits. I don't think the 75 mm is a good choice for general travel.
Of the lenses you mentioned, the 40-150 mm f/2.8 is very good and quite compact. I don't think much of the 75-300 mm unless you will be doing wildlife or something that would require such a long reach.
The 75 mm f/1.8 is a superb portrait lens but you already have the 60 mm f/2.8, which is also quite good for portraits. I don't think the 75 mm is a good choice for general travel.
Of the lenses you mentioned, the 40-150 mm f/2.8 is very good and quite compact. I don't think much of the 75-300 mm unless you will be doing wildlife or something that would require such a long reach.
Jun 19, 2017, 6:01 pm
#941
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,512
Another EM5 1 travel shooter. I use the 12-35 f2.8 for probably 90% of my photos, if I was buying new now I'd get the Olympus 12-40 rather than that but I don't think there's enough difference to get me to move. I have the 75-300 and used that for motorsport but once I got the 35-100 I would use that for 80% of my longer stuff and then crop, the 75-300 is slow and quite soft over 200mm.
The advice I keep giving my father is to spend the money on the lens you use the most and to not worry as much/hire/borrow etc the lenses that are less commonly used or specialised. For travel the 12-40 f2.8 is far and away the lens you'll use the most.
And as a completely strange aside, my 90ish% use of the 12-35 as a travel lens has me wondering whether I should be picking up a LX100 and use that as my travel camera on the trips where I'm working or don't have any particularly taxing subjects (eg motorsport, needing weather proofing etc)
The advice I keep giving my father is to spend the money on the lens you use the most and to not worry as much/hire/borrow etc the lenses that are less commonly used or specialised. For travel the 12-40 f2.8 is far and away the lens you'll use the most.
And as a completely strange aside, my 90ish% use of the 12-35 as a travel lens has me wondering whether I should be picking up a LX100 and use that as my travel camera on the trips where I'm working or don't have any particularly taxing subjects (eg motorsport, needing weather proofing etc)
Jun 19, 2017, 7:31 pm
#942
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Central California
Programs: Former UA Premex, now dirt
Posts: 6,531
Image quality, build quality, size, color rendition and every other important comparison are very, very close. I wouldn't worry about changing to the 12-40.
Jun 20, 2017, 2:38 pm
#943
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Location Not Found
Posts: 12
Mostly my trusty 6D paired with the 24-105L for a flexible shooting envelope. I do usually carry my Sigma 35 1.4/A for crispy tripod night shots or for lower light street photography.
Back up/pocket buddy is the G7X from Canon. Pretty capable, and I believe it has some additional reach over the newer Rx100s
Back up/pocket buddy is the G7X from Canon. Pretty capable, and I believe it has some additional reach over the newer Rx100s
Jun 21, 2017, 5:38 am
#944
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: K+K
Programs: *G
Posts: 4,865
I just got an A6000 off ebay, its an international version from HK I think. Funny thing is that when I compare the pics from my galaxy s6, the A6000 (with a prime wide angle lens) does much worse in darker conditions, but almost seems like its less sharp even in light conditions. Sure its a higher resolution and has less noise but still almost seems less sharp. I don't know how to exactly explain it.
I'm not a too familiar with cameras but this one was supposed to be pretty well reviewed. Did I get a dud (or fake) or is it just me?
I'm not a too familiar with cameras but this one was supposed to be pretty well reviewed. Did I get a dud (or fake) or is it just me?
theres tons of things at play
but really its about getting familiar with your camera and operating it correctly
Oct 11, 2017, 9:25 am
#945
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: TPA
Programs: DL Diamond, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,256
I'm looking at changing my setup once again. What I've got right now:
Canon 60D
15-85mm
Mainly shoot travel/landscape/street photography
That's it, one lens that fits most of my needs. Admittedly, the body is getting old and beaten up. I have a few options though. Upgrade to a 6D for the benefits of FF, sell the 15-85 and invest in the 24-105mm f/4 (or 16-35 f/4), or hold on to the 60D for a little longer pick up a 10-18mm or 10-22mm (both seem to be about the same price used right now) along with a DJI Mavic Pro or invest in some quality ND/graduated filters.
My only issue with the 2nd option are the restrictions on the drone. I know I will use the 6D/24-105mm on every trip I go on. I don't have the same feeling for the Mavic as there will be countries that won't allow me to fly it at all and some where I'm constrained to a city where it won't be allowed.
Edit - To add to the 'keep the 60D scenario'. I was thinking about replacing the 15-85mm with the new Sigma 18-35 1.8 which looks incredible (while still adding the 10-18/10-22 for wider landscapes). Only problem there is I forfeit the long end, albeit not much when compared to a 24-105/6D combo.
Canon 60D
15-85mm
Mainly shoot travel/landscape/street photography
That's it, one lens that fits most of my needs. Admittedly, the body is getting old and beaten up. I have a few options though. Upgrade to a 6D for the benefits of FF, sell the 15-85 and invest in the 24-105mm f/4 (or 16-35 f/4), or hold on to the 60D for a little longer pick up a 10-18mm or 10-22mm (both seem to be about the same price used right now) along with a DJI Mavic Pro or invest in some quality ND/graduated filters.
My only issue with the 2nd option are the restrictions on the drone. I know I will use the 6D/24-105mm on every trip I go on. I don't have the same feeling for the Mavic as there will be countries that won't allow me to fly it at all and some where I'm constrained to a city where it won't be allowed.
Edit - To add to the 'keep the 60D scenario'. I was thinking about replacing the 15-85mm with the new Sigma 18-35 1.8 which looks incredible (while still adding the 10-18/10-22 for wider landscapes). Only problem there is I forfeit the long end, albeit not much when compared to a 24-105/6D combo.
