One prime lens for a two-week small-town trip - what would you pack?

Posted by Scott Peterson in Gear on the Big Photo Hunt community board, November 5, 2026.

Let's play a game just for fun.

You're visiting a smaller town of about 25,000 people in the countryside for two weeks. It's known for vibrant colors, unique architecture and an exciting nightlife scene. You're only allowed to bring one lens and it must be a prime lens (no zooms). You don't have to already own the lens so you can pick whatever you want.

I know, this isn't an easy question for many of us! LOL

What lens are you packing and why did you choose it?

Replies

Scott Peterson on November 5, 2026

Being I posted this I'll go first. My choice would be my Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 lens. While I might struggle in the town and wish I had a wider lens at times, I find 40mm to be a great compromise. The f1.2 is perfect for nighttime and it's fairly compact and easy to carry around. The drawback for some is that it's a fully manual lens but I'm old school so that doesn't bother me. It also would hold it's own in the countryside for landscape and nature photos.
Uhg! Should I bring my 35mm instead? LOL :)