[Leica] Lens kit for europe

[tedgrant at shaw.ca (TED GRANT)]

Gene said:
>>> > I know this is the wrong question to ask this group, but here 
> goes anyway.
> >  ;-)
We will be in Europe (Germany, Poland, Italy, and possibly 
> others) for 3 months later this year, and I am going all digital with my 
> M8 
> and the recently purchased Leicanon 20D.  My M8 kit will be the 
> 28 Elmarit Asph, 35 Pre-Asph Summilux, and the 50 'Chron.  For the 20D I 
> am 
> planning on the 24 Elmarit R, 60 Macro Elmarit, and the 80~200 Vario 
> Elmar<<<

 Hi Gene,
M8? Go wide as Tina suggested! I see Don Dory suggested the15 CV because on 
the M8 it's about a 21mm.  My 15CV I use lots of times with the 21mm 
viewfinder and it's a super lens & 99.9% of the time it'll be so close you 
wont need to worry.
The 35 and 50 I'd only take one or the other on the basis of if you have the 
15, just take a few steps closer and coverage issue is solved. I'd be moe 
inclined to go with my Noctilux as my 50.
And as far as the 20D? You only need one lens.... the 80-200 throw that on 
your shoulder and the trip will be a smashing visual success. The 60 macro? 
Only if you know you are into macro stuff, then obviously it would be 
foolish not to take it.
 I'd not even consider taking anything else for the 20D. Why? Well the wides 
are easier covered with the M8 and the 21 or  50  will take care of most of 
what you'll more than likely shoot anyway. 
The 80-200 on th 20D beomes your killer lens for the reach and getting rid 
of unwanted backgrounds by being nearly wide open apertures.
Trust me 3 months is a longtime hauling too much gear at anytime! KISS is 
the answer simply because you're a fine photographer to start with and 
bright enough to know to step back or forward if required for a tighter or 
looser frame.

Suggestion. Put this gear around your neck now, get out and give it a walk 
about try and kind of get the feel before you go rather than arriving at 
your destination and saying to yourself...."OH S! Why didn't I etc etc." :-)
ted