How do you decide what lens to take?

deciding what lens to take on a given day is kinda like deciding what clothes to wear for a specific event...

Each specific lens has a single purpose for me. If I am traveling/going out with my girlfriend, it must be either the 24L + 35L or 50L.

If i am working, it all depends on the given situation. If it's studio work it'll have to be the 24-70, and a friend's 17-40 and 70-200 II. If it's engagements, it'll either be the 35L, 50L and 85L or other primes. i guess i can do as many variations that i like.

suecassidy wrote in post #12339549
I HATE having to decide. I'm heading to maritime canada in a few weeks and know I'll have to make some decisions there, and I'm tortured by it. To make matters worse, my friend will be renting a plane to do some aerial shots of Prince Edward Island, and I've never done that, so must I take the whole line up? Decisions, decisions, ugh. To answer your specific question, HOW do I decide? It depends on the situation of course, but on a paid gig, I take my rolling suitcase and bring it all, giving me a range from 14mm to 400mm. If I'm just going out to see what I can see, my 50mm is what I bring. My camera is heavy enough without the burden of a longer focal length, and while I will typically WISH I had brought something additional, I make it work.

I went there last year and you'll want to carry as much as you possible can. I missed some great eagle shots because I didn't bring something long enough. I shot wide a lot so the 14 is a must. As a minimum bring the 14, 50 and 70-200 or you'll have to go back like me this year.

if i'm traveling somewhere then a UWA is a must. a telephoto is also pretty fun to use. when i'm mainly shooting people though i use my normal zoom. i wish i had a prime for indoors restaurant shots but either of my zooms are fast enough to get away with it.

dmnelson wrote in post #12340214
When it's a tossup and I can't decide what to bring, I try to force myself to pick one that I haven't been using very much lately. I like to think it would keep me from getting stuck in a rut and vary my style a bit. I don't know if it helps but it seems like a nice idea.

i've just stuck the 85/1.8 on since a studio type shoot i done on staurday as i've not used it for a while

Unlike everyone else , I am now sticking with 77mm .
1st bag / main- 7D , 10-22 , 17-55 , 70-200 and the sigma 100-400 with filters , chargers , readers - etc
2n bag has the XTI , 28-135 AND THE 35-350 , with filters , chargers , readers - etc

24-105 is my default

30/1.4 if it's relatively casual.
I borrow my friend's 24-70/2.8 if I need versatility, which isn't too often.

I normally carry all my gear in backpack. I know anything I leave at home will be the first item I need when I get out somewhere

My gear selections are usually influenced by duration of trip, ability to use certain gear or not, and desired luggable weight to take with me.

90% of the time I run at least a 5-lens kit, with 1 of the UWA's (but to be fair the 11-16 gets the most attention), the 17-55, a 70-200 (either f/4L IS or f/2.8L IS II, depending on weight and light concerns), a fisheye, and a fast 50 (lately its been the Rokkor 58/1.2 most of the time).

If I suspect I might have a macro opportunity I'll toss my rings into the bag, and the 1.4x TC is always with me.

Lastly, I'll pack at least 1 flash, but usually 2.

My bag generally weighs about 25-30lbs. on a given day. Add the tripod and you're at 35lbs.

I ask my wife what she has room to carry, and then I double it.

rick_reno wrote in post #12342009
I ask my wife what she has room to carry, and then I double it.

awesome.
I'd try this except the gf is usually carrying her camera too

I generally have one of the heavy lenses on camera around my neck and a lens in my pocket . you put your lenses , laptop , chargers , batteries and hit 22 lbs real quick . Plenty of time after check in to put lenses back in bag and put the 17-55 back on camera .

Before I got my 24-105 my 70-200 and 17-40 stayed on the camera the most.

For a "walk around" if that is the question... it totally depends on what my photography mood is. Am I in a detail mood. A over all mood...etc...etc... But now that I got a lens bag I can put on my belt, I do both the 24-70 and the 70-200 all the time. I like it as the lens bag on one side balances the camera on the other.