Will I be OK with 24-105 only in Washington DC?

Dear community,

I will spend one week in Washington DC and will have some time during weekends to go out and photograph. Primer interest are people, obviously and interesting views - I am happy to wake up very early if I need to be in a specific location to catch the best light.

I do not like carrying a lot of gear with me and so my plan is to have 5D MKIII and a 24-105 lens only. I am tempted to take 70-200 II as this is the most used lens in my case and this is what I would love to use on the street, but it is heavy.

Zeiss 35 f/1.4 I do not even consider. Not wide enough, heavy and MF - so I will not be able to get the maximum while doing street photography.

What are your thoughts and suggestions?

I prefer the 70-200 II also, but you'll do fine with a 24-105. Some good places for people and views are the Tidal Basin, Georgetown, National Zoo, Rock Creek Park, National Mall and Adams Morgan.

I think you will be fine with the 5DMkIII and 24-105.....

light_pilgrim wrote in post #15137790
Dear community,


Zeiss 35 f/1.4 I do not even consider. Not wide enough, heavy and MF - so I will not be able to get the maximum while doing street photography.

What are your thoughts and suggestions?

If you plan to spend anytime in the Smithsonian museums, you might want a faster lens such as your Zeiss but, by and large, you'll be fine with the 24-105 - particularly given your concerns. And since you have IS on the lens, it might even suffice anyway - even in the parts of the museums where flash is not permitted.

darktiger wrote in post #15137831
I think you will be fine with the 5DMkIII and 24-105.....

I agree
If you had a 50mm I would say include that for the larger aperture and small and light

I agree if you have a 50 to take with you or borrow that would be a perfect addition. A lot of walking in DC so you don't want to be bogged down.

You'll do very well with the 24-105 on a full frame camera. A flash and a fast prime of your choosing is always a bonus, but I could live with just that lens.

you'll be fine with that setup.

I just got back from Washington DC. It was a great trip and I really agree with Barbara about amount of walking and packing light.

I used my 15-85mm in the city and my 28mm 1.8 in the Smithsonian on a crop sensor. Your 24-105mm on a full frame will be just fine.

I have been there a couple of times with just then24-105 and a 5DII. Worked a charm and I could not be happier.

thanks for all suggestions. So.....24-105 it is. I would love to have a decent prime with me....but I do not have one.

24-105 will be perfect!
make sure you check out Georgetown. really cool place to walk around and snap some pics

That is the optimal combo in my book.

thanks again- I will then travel light - only 24-105. By the way, is it normal to approach people on the street and ask for photo?

light_pilgrim wrote in post #15141617
thanks again- I will then travel light - only 24-105. By the way, is it normal to approach people on the street and ask for photo?

You would think that would be the polite thing to do, but around here, we just shoot without asking.