Help picking lens for Japan trip in April (Tokyo/Kyoto)

[mattmillus]

As the topic says, I'm going to Tokyo and Kyoto second week of April, but could use some advice on what gear to bring. Obviously there will be city shots in Tokyo, but also landscapes and some temples and maybe some cherry blossoms. Trying to balance traveling light with being functional. Here is what I will/can have:

5d Mark II (just upgraded from a T2i and have barely used it yet, so I am a FF novice)

16-35L (I dont have this yet, but am strongly considering buying it ASAP)
24-105L
85L F1.2
70-200L F2.8 IS II
two macro lens (100L and MPE65) and macro flash

I also have two YN560 flashes

Obviously I am not bringing all of that, I would like to bring 3 lens at most, or possibly even 2 only. Here are some options I am considering:

a) 16-35 and 70-200
b) 16-35 and 85
c) 16-35 and 24-105
d) 24-105 and 70-200

In all of those cases, I could add one of the two macro lens as a third lens. Despite my initial instincts, I think the MPE65 might make more sense than the 100L (except possibly in scenario c) because the usefulness of the 100L as a 2.8 general purpose 100mm is mostly negated by the 70-200 or 85 that would be along as well. Of note is that option (b) is the only one here I think would have major trouble shooting anything close up (ie cherry blossoms) without an extra macro lens.

Thoughts The 24-105 isnt so great wide open at 24mm.. thats why I am considering buying the 16-35. Too bad the 24-70 II wont be out in time, I bet it will do much better than the 24-105 at 24mm!

I am probably over thinking this

[john-in-japan]

Greetings - I live here in Japan and shoot a lot here. Whenever I go out to Tokyo or to shoot or elsewhere, I take four things at a minimum in a shoulder bag. The 24-70L, the 70-200L, my 1.4X TC and my Speedlight. That gives me 24-200 + more with the TC. So I think your 24-105L + 70-200L will be the best combination. As for macro, I'd leave them home. On your 5D Mark 2, particularly with the 70-200L IS II, you can get good closeups and great detail to crop. Flash for fill and indoors and you will be all set. Don't sell the 24-105L short and shoot it stopped down if you are concerned. Your ISO options on the 5DII will compensate well. In low light and indoors - flash (when allowed).
Have fun in Japan!
cheers,
John

[mattmillus]

Thanks for the input! I agree I probably would only need the macro lens if I left both the 24-105 and the 70-200 home, which after your advice seems pretty unlikely!

Any other opinions?

16-35 and 70-200
or
24-105 and 70-200

And leave macro home seems the most likely options now. I will probably bring one of the two Yn560 flashes (which I use off camera exclusively, its great, they are so cheap I just put them on the dirty ground and dont have to care haha)

Also planning to bring a GorillaPod Focus with the Xball head. Think that will be useful?

[x_tan]

I love Kyoto after dark, and I only carry 28-300L at that time. Tokyo's gardens in Autumn are much much more interesting than big cities' building.

If I go back again, I'll carry 5D2 + 85L II, crop + 24L II, as f/1.2 & f/1.4 will be King after dark.

F/2.8 and f/4 lenses are just too slow at dark.

My Kyoto set here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/x_tan/s...7625965679048/

My Tokyo set here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/x_tan/s...7625991363926/

Happy traveling

[john-in-japan]

Hi X-Tan & MattMillius -
The 85L II is surely King-of-the-Night. If weight and bulk not a problem and you like night shots, it is indeed a good choice particularly if you hand hold. Agree f/4 is not good in low light, even cranking up the ISO, however, tripod use (again weight & bulk) can make the f/4 a winner after dark. f/2.8 performs well in low light and 5D2 ISO can be used effectively, but when dark, it is quite limited. I sometimes take my monopod when I shoot at night and try to cushion the camera against something rigid, but I don't shoot at night much. I love the 85L II, but shooting at f/1.2 limits DOF in many shots.
Have a GREAT time!
John

[x_tan]

Agrees John,

In Tokyo self, any lens will be ok as it's a city never sleep. So the lens choice purely depend on your shooting style.

I saw most elderly Japaneses used 70-200L f/2.8 in Shinjuku Gyoen & Ueno Park during cherry blossom; and most of them used tripod and take really really long time to get their shoots We were only to take a snap shoot and moved on as most tourists

I can't remember much of Tokyo except its beautiful gardens! The same for Kyoto; Kiyomizudera, Ginkakuji, Kinkakuji and Philosopher's Path are beautiful during cherry blossom; and a night at Gion is must - a fast prime will get you lots useful shoots.

A short trip to Arashiyama with Hozu River Boat Tour were big fun.

For 1st time traveler to Tokyo, who should spend 70% in Kyoto, and 30% time Tokyo. See their beautiful gardens and temples; shouldn't wast your time between the big cities' buildings - they all almost look the same to most cities around the word

Anyway, we have booked a trip to Osaka for a week this December.

Happy traveling

[mattmillus]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

Going to try out the different lens on the new body in NYC and then maybe that will help me decide

[Superdaantje]

I will go to Japan in july. We are going to Tokyo and Kyoto we planing from there some day trips.
I planning to take the 5D II with the
16-35 II
24-105 (maybe buy the 24-70)
70-200 II

[schen1119]

Obviously, this depends on your shooting style and what you most like to shoot. I was in Tokyo and Kyoto with my girlfriend for a week in mid January. We were visiting her family, sightseeing, and spending time in the city eating or shopping. I had my 60D (keep in mind: 1.6x crop compared to your ff) and all of the gear listed in my sig. As it turned out, 99% of my photos were using either the 10-20 or 15-85. I only used the 30/1.4 a couple of times to take photos of my girlfriend and her family. So honestly, if I were on FF, I would take a 16-35 or 17-40 and a 24-105.

Don't forget your tripod. The lights in Tokyo are beautiful.