October 2019
My Perfect Vacation Gear
First of all – apologies for not posting updates over the summer. The title of this article might suggest, that I was on vacation all the time, but in fact I actually had a very busy summer. Hence – vacation was VERY much needed in September. And I faced a slight dilemma which some other photographers might relate to: Yes – I love to take photos, especially on vacation, but after an intense period of taking pictures I didn’t want my vacation to feel like work.
To avoid this my main criterias were:
ad 1.) The right camera ...
I am a Sony alpha 7/7R user and I am very fond of the cameras. But I toyed with the idea of getting an APS-C format camera for holidays, since they are lighter, more compact, and do a good job. But then, after thorroughly researching and testing at local shops, I decided against buying into a new system. It just wasn’t worth the money (although I am very amazed by what Fuji offers with their XT-3). So I stuck to my trusty Sony Alpha 7 III, and invested less money than for a new system into a new fixed focal length lens: the Sony FE 35mm/f1.8 – because I realized how to tackle the second cirteria:
My Perfect Vacation Gear
First of all – apologies for not posting updates over the summer. The title of this article might suggest, that I was on vacation all the time, but in fact I actually had a very busy summer. Hence – vacation was VERY much needed in September. And I faced a slight dilemma which some other photographers might relate to: Yes – I love to take photos, especially on vacation, but after an intense period of taking pictures I didn’t want my vacation to feel like work.
To avoid this my main criterias were:
-
Being able to shoot with the best quality availble to me
- Traveling light and compact: I don’t want to bring a big gear bag with heavy equipment
-
Not bringing a computer, but still be able to edit photos
ad 1.) The right camera ...
I am a Sony alpha 7/7R user and I am very fond of the cameras. But I toyed with the idea of getting an APS-C format camera for holidays, since they are lighter, more compact, and do a good job. But then, after thorroughly researching and testing at local shops, I decided against buying into a new system. It just wasn’t worth the money (although I am very amazed by what Fuji offers with their XT-3). So I stuck to my trusty Sony Alpha 7 III, and invested less money than for a new system into a new fixed focal length lens: the Sony FE 35mm/f1.8 – because I realized how to tackle the second cirteria:
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/52d3fa35332991ad3f7b8b3040c1c9ccb5271d63c4545ebb249187a7790e3e9a/moment_photo_49B8B6F3.jpg)
ad 2.) ... with the right lenses means compact and light gear
I do have the very versatile 24-70mm f2.8 G-Master lens, but it is very bulky and heavy. It also screams “big camera” from far away, and I wanted to avoid that kind of attention while on vacation. So I decided to bring three fixed focal length lenses:
- Zeiss Baits 25mm/f2
- Sony FE 35mm/f1.8
- Sony FE 55mm/f1.8
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9783de335abad8e84fce41e1a00de0769df1a967ab3aaeaad2da361628c98d94/backpack_bw.gif)
On top of that I invested in the fantastic Peak Design “Capture” quick release clip. It eliminates the need to carry your camera with a strap around your neck, which – on a long day of sight seeing – can be quite painful. Also I realized the dangling camera is very annoying on hikes and longer walks, while the fixed camera on the quick realse clip stays quite in place.
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/81cd372171062a2012d9d091c6356913fe475f85500e52c4b012c76326187100/pd_clip_bw.gif)
ad3.) Switching to mobile editing
Last but not least I looked into a suitable workflow for mobile editing. I realized that with my iPad pro thanks to the usb-c port I can connect my card-reader (theoretically even the camera directly) and use Lightroom Mobile for the editing. I was pleasently surprised to see that I could import all my VSCO presets from the Desktop Version to the Mobile App. And I have to say, the editing worked like a charm and was very practical for updating my facebook and instagram with current photos while being on the road.![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f9eb871fbe13e668dea4e9884ceb90ceeaf74553bfe30584509a45f11013bc1d/lightroom_mobile_bw.gif)
The entire set-up work perfectly for me. What I like to shoot during a vacation varies really by the place. But three themes are usually always present for me:
Being able to dive into a foreign culture is simply fascinating, especially when I can observe the locals. What are they doing in their own city? What are they wearing? How do they interact? Thanks to the small camera set-up, the fast lenses and the handy PeakDesign clip I was really quick to capture candid moments.
Everyday People
Being able to dive into a foreign culture is simply fascinating, especially when I can observe the locals. What are they doing in their own city? What are they wearing? How do they interact? Thanks to the small camera set-up, the fast lenses and the handy PeakDesign clip I was really quick to capture candid moments.
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d9851db90d5ed842cfd61066c40e42ca53a1992aa00b41bf27d0dc884090d5c1/_GH22394.jpg)
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![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ef0c9d79139fe99be5c5047a16831fd940e75d056e842afb24e774b5fdfd6e5b/_GH22694.jpg)
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![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/efe664ba4297ee248a3f810724bde5fb031655ac2626118f09f4c48c0d67e524/_GH22466.jpg)
Urban and architectural highlights
Since my widest focal length was 25mm capturing architecture was sometimes a challenge in the tight alleys of spanish old towns, but it surely worked after running around to find better vantage points. But all in all I was happy with the range my lenses offered. And for specific details of buildings I loved to make use of the the shallow depth of field the lenses offer.
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/81dad9622349538e69ec1d1442ad77c8583addd8863d156d241b46d2c9829663/_GH22563.jpg)
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City- and Landscapes
Also for city- and landscapes the three focal lengths worked out. And for my hikes I did enjoy to only carry around the light backpack. Would I have loved to be closer to things with a 70mm or maybe even 200mm lens? Maybe, but since vacation photos usually end up mostly being used online, one can do a lot with creative cropping.
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/272303bf44a1eb81629645e2d1693df6b45968ecb3ac87f8a721c7a52b4f4a82/_GH22916.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1eb5e75b71bc00504ff3cc56efcdb20037af882d45d18a88492015d1e6fe44c9/_GH22919.jpg)
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