which lens' to bring to San Francisco?

fiveohmike wrote in post #12837291
When I am in SF, I usually only have my 24-105, and sometimes my 85 1.8 .... Dont nee much more then that with my 5dmkii

I agree being from the area, I really dont think you would need much more than the 24-105 and the 35 plus a flash

I frequent the city also, with ONLY a 1D2 and a 50mm.


so, your 1D4, and the 24-70mm

there is NO reason to get extraenous when there is SOOOO freaggin much stuff to see and do in the city...you shouldnt have much time to do any photography, other than a few snaps here and a few snaps there...

I think the OP doesnt have the 24-105, but has the 24-70. I would do the 24-70 and the 85. Tripod if you have room since that will give you lots of great nighttime shots of the city and bridges. Go over the GG and you can get city shots (when there is no fog).

skater911 wrote in post #12838419
Thanks for the suggestions

No matter what you take have a great time. SFO is a great city with some killer restaurants. Maybe you could shoot me back a North Beach special from Molnari while you are there!

If you really want to travel light; get a top-line bridge or P&S camera...

However, if you want the best imagery bring the equipment you have dropped the bucks for...

I went to Frisco in February and used my 24-105L most of the time. While there I picked up a Tamron 18-270mm VC and had great luck with that as well. If you need the reach the Tamron is a great general purpose. The 24-105L is definitely a stronger lens.

If you don't have those, your 24-70 and a longer prime (85, 100 or 135) should fit the bill.

I'd bring your zooms - 24-70 and 100-400. That should cover most of anything. I just got back and I used my 17-50 and 70-300. Bring a tripod for the night scapes. For a good shot of the GG ,try going across the bridge (north side), and take the first exit. This road goes up a small mountain and give good views of the city and bridge. If you're lucky, there won't be too much fog.

Honestly? I don't think 24mm (30mm equivalent) will be wide enough for many scenes.

When I visited SF with my college photography friend (who is a working pro), I could have taken either a 16-35mm (FF), or a 10-22mm (Crop) , or a fisheye, a 24mm, and a 35mm lens and have been satisfied. I believe I broke out my 135mm once doing night shots on Twin peaks, and my 85mm a few times doing a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Examples from my visit: http://anscochrome.zen​folio.com/f970009517

Jaynez wrote in post #12835716
I think 24-70L+430EX II + 135L will get the job nicely done, if u don't want to carry much.

Totally agree with this.

I've been around the North Beach area you mentioned and I think this would be perfect for walking around, don't forget about the friggin hills too which you don't want to be schlepping a ton of gear around.

Alcatraz is really just a rock with some buildings on it, meh.

I would definatley recommend California Academy of Sciences while you're here.

So I am on my way home and of course my plane is delayed, but in hurry to leave I ended up bringing everything. Turns out that I only used my 35 and 24-70. So if anyone else asks there is my experience.

From another thread:

gojirasf wrote in post #12859037
... I live in San Francisco, and I watch the tourists in my neighborhood everyday walking around with backwards hoods, snapping away outside. Honestly, it drives me crazy!

24-70 and 135mm is all you need that will cover most things