Lens recommendations for New Zealand?

[VashHT]

I'm going to New Zealand for a couple weeks and was wondering if anyone had any lens recommendations as I was looking to rent a couple. I've got an Olympus em-1 mk 2, only own 2 lenses for it, the 12-40mm/2.8 and a 40-150mm I think F4.5-6.7 or something like that. the 12-40mm one is pretty nice (it's the pro lens that came with the camera), the other one is not that great but it's a very light and small lens for the size and I got it for super cheap.

I was looking at the 7-14mm/2.8 and the 40-150mm/2.8, I've used both of those before and they're both nice lenses, not sure if it's worth picking up a prime lens or not, I'll be shooting mostly nature/wildlife shots (and Hobbiton). Probably overthinking the whole thing I'm sure if I had those two lenses with my 12-40/2.8 I'd be pretty well set but was curious what other people might recommend.

 

[AntonioHG]

If money is not part of the consideration:

Do you need a wider lens than the 12-40mm? You can look back at images you take and think about how you felt. "Aw, man, if only my lens had a wider FOV!" For my style, I rarely need something wider than 25mm (35mm equivalent) and I can only think of one situation where I did in fact need a wider lens although, a quick two shot panorama would be pretty easy.

As for a faster long lens, for sure a faster lens will mean better fore- and background separation, better low-light performance as long as you're good with the (potential) weight and size increase and be sure to check the specs for minimum focus distance, filter size, flare performance, added/removed buttons, features (focus or aperture ring) etc as well.

 

[nOOky]

I honestly wouldn't carry a camera unless you're really into photography in a big way. I was there for two weeks in 2024 and my 4/3 never got used, my S24 Ultra took every single photo and I am happy with the images. I did have a nice 20mm pancake lens to keep the whole thing small and easy to carry, but didn't end up taking it with each day as it was still bulky. YMMV of course.

Hope you have time for Waiheke island and wineries!

 

[Fenixgoon]

I honestly wouldn't carry a camera unless you're really into photography in a big way. I was there for two weeks in 2024 and my 4/3 never got used, my S24 Ultra took every single photo and I am happy with the images. I did have a nice 20mm pancake lens to keep the whole thing small and easy to carry, but didn't end up taking it with each day as it was still bulky. YMMV of course.

Hope you have time for Waiheke island and wineries!

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Best camera is the one you have on you (and will use) 👍

My recommendation, assuming you are set on using your camera camera OP, is a 24-120mm full frame equivalent for your camera, or whatever is closest (Nikon is 24-120, canon is 24-105). Not sure what the comparable lens is for OM System.

This range is going to cover like 99% of what you'll want to shoot. That's what I used when I hiked to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, and it keeps things light and flexible.

If you are looking to add another lens to complement that, then something like an 80-400 or 100-500 to cover those long shots. A lot of the travel photographers I follow pack those 2 lenses to keep the weight down (and also, less need to change lenses). I am on a photography trip right now, and while I have a lens for every scenario, it is a little annoying to have to change. 1-2 lenses means more time shooting and less time fussing.