Barcelona - one lens, which?

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adam*

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Adam
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Hey

I'm off to Barcelona next week for a few days and want to take a camera. Was thinking of just an ungripped 5dmk2 with a 50 1.4. Will I find it's too long for most of what there is to offer? The only other lens I could take is a 17-35 2.8 unless I buy a 24-70 or maybe a 35 f2 for short term. Would rather have a very good compact like an x100 / gf1 but not going to splash out for 3 days! I'm not going to just take photo's but do want to take a camera..

Any thoughts?

Cheers

Adam
 
I did Berlin with a 17-55 and it worked really well. I would take the 17-35 and the 50mm.. i bet they would be great.
 
whatever lens you take can produce great but different images, it has something for all. I have been there twice and you can essentially treat it like any other city break. What would you take to London for example?

It really depends on what you usually do like to take photos of.

If it was me, i would want to be as flexible as possible which is why i would take my 18-105. I know it is my kit lens but it allows me to go a bit wider for buildings and closer for people.

My advise would be to hire one.
 
I always take pics for work so no idea. I need a 24-70 at some point anyway. I think i've realised the only way is to take the 17-35 AND the 50 1.4. Looked at the Gaudi stuff, i'll be cursing myself if I can't fit it in the frame! Just hoping I don't get robbed with work gear ;)
 
just take a 50mm. same field of view as your eye. discipline your photography, challenge it, and anyway, there's not much that a 50 can't handle.
 
I'm in Seville at the moment on hols and had the same quandary. Only wanted to take one lens and didn't want to take 1D because of weight and value. Took the 40d with 24-70. Had thought of buying a 24-105 for more reach and lighter but glad I didn't as 24 is just toooo long for a lot of what I'm shooting. You don't say what body you have but if it's not FF I'd now go for something way under 24.

Oh I also thought of taking off the grip before I went but as I hate shooting without a grip I left it on thinking I could soon take it off when here, stupid me haven't got the battery door ! 24-70 and the grip all to heavy for walking around in this heat (42o). Just before I left I nearly brought a G12 to take instead but feeling the G13 is just about to come out I didn't, now that was the biggest mistake I wish I just had a G12 to carry around.

Ah well off for a cold beer and Tapas, enjoy you trip to Barcelona :-)

Edit - Just re-read your post sorry see you mention a 5d, well still feel a 24 is a bit long for the small streets of a city.
 
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I'll risk it and take the 17-35 and 50 1.4. Problem is going to be how to carry it. Usually i'd stick it in short pockets for that but not with all the pick pockets there. May have to buy a small satchel type day bag.
 
I can't stress enough how bad the pick pocketing is in Barcelona, specifically on the Las Ramblas. Two of my friends had wallets stolen on separate visits on that street as they are very good at it. So be very alert in the crowds!!

Apart from that slight negative, I'm sure you will have a great time whatever you decide to take :)
 
adam* said:
Hey

I'm off to Barcelona next week for a few days and want to take a camera. Was thinking of just an ungripped 5dmk2 with a 50 1.4. Will I find it's too long for most of what there is to offer? The only other lens I could take is a 17-35 2.8 unless I buy a 24-70 or maybe a 35 f2 for short term. Would rather have a very good compact like an x100 / gf1 but not going to splash out for 3 days! I'm not going to just take photo's but do want to take a camera..

Any thoughts?

Cheers

Adam
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The 35/2 seems popular with a lot of Full Frame canon shooters, and I got a 35/2 for my D700 but it feels just a bit too narrow for city shooting - people, buildings, cityscapes etc.

It would be a difficult choice, but it would be between the 35/2 and the 17-35/2.8.

I started off with a 50/1.4 but have not used it for ages as it's just too narrow for me.

PS- If anyone tries to stop you in the street just keep walking - the pickpockets work in teams on "distraction" tactics - one will stop you (eg to ask directions) while someone else will be rifling though your pockets.
 
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When I was over there in April, I just took my 5D and 50mm f1.4, I think any wider would have made it harder to not have crowds intruding into shots.
 
I can vouch for the 35mm f/2. I use it extensively on a crop and it's a superb little lens. Small, light, fast, great iq and well built.
 
Whilst only a 50mm lens would admirable, I don't think it would practical. It's OK say walk nearer or further away, but in a city environment it is not always possible. Some of Gaudi's building or on main road were getting the building in the frame would have you standing in the road, or over the other side of the road and having to crop.

I've found my 16-85mm lens almost perfect for city travelling. That's on a DX camera though, 24mm on a Full Frame for the wide end should be OK, how much of a zoom you want is another thing. A 50mm would be useful for dark interiors and any portraits you may do, but I wouldn't rely on it. ;)


I've been to Barcelona three times over the last few years and have never had problem with crime. You just need to be as careful as you would be in any big city.
 
50mm and as wide as you`ve got.
 
Craikeybaby said:
When I was over there in April, I just took my 5D and 50mm f1.4, I think any wider would have made it harder to not have crowds intruding into shots.
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I tend to like having some people in my shots even if I'm shooting something like a historic building.

I guess if you are just shooting architectural details alone then narrower is better than wide.
 
I prefer to have people if they add to the scene, but don't underestimate the number of tourists around Barcelona!
 
trevr said:
I can't stress enough how bad the pick pocketing is in Barcelona, specifically on the Las Ramblas. Two of my friends had wallets stolen on separate visits on that street as they are very good at it. So be very alert in the crowds!!

Apart from that slight negative, I'm sure you will have a great time whatever you decide to take :)
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Also be wary of the people who asks you for directions and suddenly a person in normal clothing masquerading as a policeman asking to see your passport - walk away.
 
I've been to Barcelona and you'll definitely want a wide angle. I'd take the 17-35mm, I doubt you'd miss the extra stop from the f2
 
Depends where you stay - i'd keep mine in a locker but depends if you trust that.

I will do Dave, cheers! Also might get a 24-105L in near future so may push that forward....

After travelling around the world years ago i've heard most of the scams. Still i'll keep my eyes open you wouldn't expect it as much in a Western City!
 
Oh to answer the OP, definitely go wide..... :D

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Because I want to travel light and it weighs a ton! I'll borrow yours Brad.
 
if you can borrow one I'd go for a Sigma 12-24 and the 50.
 
Nice pics!

Definitely nicer looking than when I went a while ago. Wide is the way to go. The Gaudi stuff is really amazing, shame you cannot take pics in the amazing house (gaudi batllo).



evo456 said:
Oh to answer the OP, definitely go wide..... :D

dsc03509_-_Copy.jpg
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Ricardodaforce said:
Agreed:


La Sagrada Familia by Ricardodaforce, on Flickr


La Sagrada Familia by Ricardodaforce, on Flickr


Woah! That is ONE BIG CHURCH! by Ricardodaforce, on Flickr

Taken with a Sigma 10-20mm and my ultra-cheap and basic Nikon d3000
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mithrandir said:
Nice pics!

Definitely nicer looking than when I went a while ago. Wide is the way to go. The Gaudi stuff is really amazing, shame you cannot take pics in the amazing house (gaudi batllo).
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You can take pictures inside the house, infact the man himself will even pose for you :D

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Nobody stopped me from taking pics at Casa Batllo. :shrug:

If you do go to Casa Batllo make sure to take some pics of the light well, the attention to detail and design is beautiful.
 
Film? :eek: :lol:

I don't remember that window, but the wood carvings of the windows, and indeed the the whole building, is very good indeed.

I took a picture of that stairwell. ;) Lovely clean lines and very architectural. :)
 
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