Prague and Budapest
Feb 23, 2017 07:57:07 #
I am doing a European trip in July. Would love to bring back some great and unusual photos. I will be in Prague for two-three days and have the option for the same in Budapest. My travel camera is a Nikon D810 with a Nikon 28-300 f 3.5. Generally just take that and it seems to work. Use a good monopod with quick connect since I am generally on the move. Also have an Olympus TG3 that I use if the weather is wet. I have a Nikon AF-s Nikkor 17-35 f 2.8 which I rarely use except for some landscapes and interior shots, but good for low light and wide angles.
My question first, is an extension for Budapest worthwhile from a photographic standpoint and what to see in both towns from a photographic standpoint. Any must visit spots for each town, any concerns in either and what gear is a must for this event.
Thanks.
My question first, is an extension for Budapest worthwhile from a photographic standpoint and what to see in both towns from a photographic standpoint. Any must visit spots for each town, any concerns in either and what gear is a must for this event.
Thanks.
Feb 23, 2017 08:22:26 #
From my personal perspective, do not miss Budapest!! You are going a long way on what might be a once in a lifetime trip, so . . . . !
Feb 23, 2017 08:23:12 #
My wife & I took a tour from Budapest to Prague in 2013. I would recommend spending extra time in both Budapest and Prague. If time and money permit and if you have not been there, I would also include Vienna. The architecture of these three cities is absolutely incredible. In Budapest we stayed at a hotel right on the water front. I called the hotel the cruise booked us into and got a room on the top floor overlooking the river. It was worth every extra penny. I brought a tripod and took some wonderful night shoots through the hotel window. You need to darken your hotel room so that there is no reflection from the glass windows. Certainly hope you have a great time. Please share your pictures when you return.
Feb 23, 2017 08:24:34 #
Budapest - yes, especially around the river at night. You have excellent iconic bridges within walkable distances from each other as well as a castle and a parliament building.
Feb 23, 2017 08:28:04 #
Do not miss the indoor market in Budapest. Budapest is great. They accecpt Euros with no problem.
Feb 23, 2017 08:42:28 #
I'm happy to see this question, since I'm heading to Budapest and Vienna this July too. I've been doing some research and yes the bridges and the Parliament seem to be great spots.
I'm taking a Nikon 16-35mm lens, along with a 50mm and a 28-300. I'm considering dumping the 28-300 for a 24-85, but I'm still figuring it out. I'm also considering taking the 300PE
instead of the 28-300 since that lens isn't the sharpest near the 300 range. I figure between the 16-35 and the 50mm, those lenses will be on my camera the most. My last trip to Europe
I found that even tho I used the 28-300 most of the time, most of my images were between about 28-80mm anyway. I had 2 keepers at 300mm and only a handful above 100mm and that was walking around London, Scotland and Ireland with many castles. I was surprised at how many were in the 28 or 50 range. I'm sure had I had the 16-35, many would have been taken with that lens. It's why I recently bought it, for my trip this summer.
Mike
I'm taking a Nikon 16-35mm lens, along with a 50mm and a 28-300. I'm considering dumping the 28-300 for a 24-85, but I'm still figuring it out. I'm also considering taking the 300PE
instead of the 28-300 since that lens isn't the sharpest near the 300 range. I figure between the 16-35 and the 50mm, those lenses will be on my camera the most. My last trip to Europe
I found that even tho I used the 28-300 most of the time, most of my images were between about 28-80mm anyway. I had 2 keepers at 300mm and only a handful above 100mm and that was walking around London, Scotland and Ireland with many castles. I was surprised at how many were in the 28 or 50 range. I'm sure had I had the 16-35, many would have been taken with that lens. It's why I recently bought it, for my trip this summer.
Mike
Feb 23, 2017 14:25:08 #
yotshot wrote:
I am doing a European trip in July. Would love to... (show quote)
Budapest is not to be missed!
The views of the Danube and the city at night from the citadel on Gellert Hill are wonderful...as are views of the city up and down the river from the quays and from the several bridges. B-pest has one of the oldest classical zoos (Allatkert) in Europe. Don't miss shopping on Petofi Utsa (street)for a wide variety of "travel gifts" of traditional Hungarian fabrics, crafts, and artworks.
You'll enjoy!
Dave
Feb 23, 2017 15:47:25 #
I toured Vienna a few years ago and shot exclusively with a 35mm except for two or three pictures with a 100mm. If I go back, I'll leave the 100 at home.
Feb 24, 2017 05:47:20 #
Sounds like we are taking the same trip in Apr-May 2017. We are spending 3 days in Prague and 2 in Budapest at the end. I am doing research on both cities for photo opportunities.
Feb 24, 2017 06:33:11 #
On our recent trip I used the 24-105 most often and saw little need for a longer reach. If I had a faster lens I would have used it often. Since many of the indoor settings are dark (churches), also consider the fastest lens you can get.
This is shot from a moving boat on the Danube, obviously hand held at ISO 3200
This is shot from a moving boat on the Danube, obviously hand held at ISO 3200
Feb 24, 2017 07:49:59 #
I have never been to that part of Europe so I cannot advise you on what to do but it has called my attention that you have mentioned using the 17-55 f2.8 which is a DX lens, I have to assume with another camera and not your D810.
I have a friend, retired ophthalmologist, who uses the 28-300 lens often with his D750 in his travels. I have seen the pictures and they look good. If I had the 17-55 lens I would take it with a crop sensor body instead of the D810 but that is me. The chances are excellent, based on my previous experience that this lens will most probably take at least 80% of the pictures you will make.
If you still decide to take your D810 then you need a more appropriate lens for a full format camera otherwise travel with the 28-300.
I have a friend, retired ophthalmologist, who uses the 28-300 lens often with his D750 in his travels. I have seen the pictures and they look good. If I had the 17-55 lens I would take it with a crop sensor body instead of the D810 but that is me. The chances are excellent, based on my previous experience that this lens will most probably take at least 80% of the pictures you will make.
If you still decide to take your D810 then you need a more appropriate lens for a full format camera otherwise travel with the 28-300.
Feb 24, 2017 08:12:40 #
steve49
Loc: massachusetts
you can get a great look at the Charles bridge in prague by climbing the towers that guard both ends..
I thk I remember it cost a small amt.
lovely city to visit.
I thk I remember it cost a small amt.
lovely city to visit.
Feb 24, 2017 08:14:37 #
steve49
Loc: massachusetts
don't forget to find the "lenin wall..."
the wall that locals painted with images of john lenin and the communists then in power painted over every night for years.
the wall that locals painted with images of john lenin and the communists then in power painted over every night for years.
Feb 24, 2017 08:38:39 #
Budapest is worth extra days! If you're taking a commercial tour or cruise, be sure to take the "overview" tour. It'll hit the standard tourist spots (well worth the time) after which you can decide what to revisit and when to just strike out on your own. As many have said, take a "street camera" (short, fast lens). And, be sure to use the golden hours, when most the hoards of tourists are in bed.
Have fun!
Have fun!
Feb 24, 2017 08:44:01 #
There is a very nice horse farm outside the city a short distance. They put on a nice show. Can not remember the name.
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