Which long lens for Japan?

[TexPhoto]

I am taking a trip to Japan. 10 days with visits to Hiroshima, Tokyo etc. it s tour group, (not a photo group) I am taking my R3, my 24-105 f4, my 16mm f2.8, and my 8-15mm fisheye. So wide is pretty well covered.

For a long lens I have the following and will only take one:
100-400 RF
100-500 RF
70-200 EF & 1.4X or 2.0X EF extenders.

100-500 seems like the obvious choice, but it is so much bigger than the 100-400. it is pretty cumbersome int he camera bag. What would you take.

 

[neuroanatomist]

I’d take the RF 100-400, personally. I have the 100-500, bought the RF 100-400 mainly for travel. Took it to Italy, glad I was carrying that not the 100-500 when hiking up Mt. Etna on Sicily. It punches well above its weight optically.

 

[EricN]

I’d take the RF 100-400, personally. I have the 100-500, bought the RF 100-400 mainly for travel. Took it to Italy, glad I was carrying that not the 100-500 when hiking up Mt. Etna on Sicily. It punches well above its weight optically.

ANA has weighed my carry on, so that is another reason to consider which favors the rf 100-400's low weight.

I would like to mention if you aren't tight on money and want to take some photos at night the stm primes weigh less and the 85 will give one stop more light and the three lenses f/1.8 slightly more. the 50mm is least expensive and I think it's image quality is slightly less than the 24-105 f/4, but still good enough if you aren't pixel peeping.

Edit: I made a silly typing error

 

[TexPhoto]

Thanks! I think I will go with the 100-400.

 

[TexPhoto]

OK so my intended kit (in case anyone is interested)
Main Camera: R3
Backup Camera: R in Gold.
Main Lenses:
8-15mm EF Fisheye
24-105mm RF F4
100-400 RF
Extra Lenses:
16mm RF
50mm F1.4 Minolta MD + Adapter. <---- First lens I ever owned.
300mm Vivitar Mirror Lens + Adapter
Flash: 320 EX
Filter: Circular Polarizer for 24-105

 

[neuroanatomist]

Have a great trip. Looking forward to some images!

 

[YuengLinger]

OK so my intended kit (in case anyone is interested)
Main Camera: R3
Backup Camera: R in Gold.
Main Lenses:
8-15mm EF Fisheye
24-105mm RF F4
100-400 RF
Extra Lenses:
16mm RF
50mm F1.4 Minolta MD + Adapter. <---- First lens I ever owned.
300mm Vivitar Mirror Lens + Adapter
Flash: 320 EX
Filter: Circular Polarizer for 24-105

Not what I'd call going light, but I'm no better with packing.

 

[AlanF]

OK so my intended kit (in case anyone is interested)
Main Camera: R3
Backup Camera: R in Gold.
Main Lenses:
8-15mm EF Fisheye
24-105mm RF F4
100-400 RF
Extra Lenses:
16mm RF
50mm F1.4 Minolta MD + Adapter. <---- First lens I ever owned.
300mm Vivitar Mirror Lens + Adapter
Flash: 320 EX
Filter: Circular Polarizer for 24-105

We have a saying over here "taking coals to Newcastle" (Newcastle is a city in England where coal was mined). Taking Canon to Japan must be similar...

 

[hne]

Why bring a 300mm mirror lens when you have a 100-400 in the bag?
On the other hand, unless I'm specifically travelling for wildlife, I'm not even bothering bringing focal lengths over 200mm.

 

[dalebreton]

Your upcoming trip to Japan sounds like an incredible adventure! With visits to Hiroshima, Tokyo, and more over 10 days, you'll have plenty of opportunities to capture breathtaking scenes. It's fantastic that you're already thinking about which lenses to bring along.
Considering your wide-angle lenses are covered, adding a long lens to your kit is a great idea for capturing distant landscapes, architectural details, and candid moments. Both the 100-400 RF and the 100-500 RF offer fantastic options, each with its own set of advantages.
Whichever lens you choose, I'm sure you'll capture unforgettable moments that will add to your bucket list of photography achievements!

 

[canthomason]

Some places I really like to take photos in Tokyo include Akihabara because it has many stores for electronics, shops for anime and themed cafés. Also, there is Harajuku which is known for the Takeshita shopping street. Asakusa is known for the old Senso-ji Temple and shopping area called Nakamise Street. Roppongi is famous for its active nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment. Also, the place where you can find Roppongi Hills complex that has art galleries and observation decks. Shinjuku is known for its high buildings, many shops, and active nightlife. Have a great trip!

 

[TexPhoto]

Why bring a 300mm mirror lens when you have a 100-400 in the bag?
On the other hand, unless I'm specifically travelling for wildlife, I'm not even bothering bringing focal lengths over 200mm.

The 300mm mirror produces the controversial donut bokeh. I love it, many people do-not.

Plus it's about the size of a tennis ball so it's not taking up much room in a suitcase. I will probably use it on just one day to shoot in park or something.

 

[AJ]

I'd bring the 24-105, and the 16/2.8. I'd leave the fisheye at home. If you want fisheye, just shoot the 16/2.8 and don't apply corrections ;>)
I wouldn't bring the 100-500 unless you have specific wildlife in mind. The 100-400 is ideal for travel and for general purpose telephoto shooting. That said, 105 mm will be plenty for most detail shots.
Do bring the 50/1.4
Don't bring a backup camera, unless you are doing paid work which I take it you're not. In the unlikely scenario of a mishap there is always a Bic or Yodabashi nearby. Keep it simple.
Enjoy. Japan is awesome.

 

[canthomason]

The 300mm mirror produces the controversial donut bokeh. I love it, many people do-not.

Plus it's about the size of a tennis ball so it's not taking up much room in a suitcase. I will probably use it on just one day to shoot in park or something.


View attachment 215267

Donut bokeh is one of my favorites.

 

[TexPhoto]