Best lens for travel photography
Oct 2, 2017 16:01:09 #
I have a Nikon D7100 and I am planning a tour of Germany. Keeping the photography equipment lighter, what would be the best lens for all around photo opportunities?
Oct 2, 2017 16:03:51 #
Assuming indoors and outdoors, landscape & urban: a DX lens of the 18-105 or 18-140 range.
Oct 2, 2017 16:05:51 #
gjgallager
Loc: North Central CT & Space Coast Florida
Personally I like my Tamron 16-300mm on my D7200 and D5600. It's my second one (D5100 w/16-300 was stolen from my car 8/14) I replaced it without any hesitation.
Oct 2, 2017 16:09:25 #
Oct 2, 2017 16:10:00 #
My Tamron 16-300 stays on my camera. 16mm/24 cropped is plenty wide and the 300 zoom/450 cropped is great plus you have all those in between. It's also a micro, focus down to 19 inches.
Oct 2, 2017 16:11:26 #
rodhasty wrote:
I have a Nikon D7100 and I am planning a tour of Germany. Keeping the photography equipment lighter, what would be the best lens for all around photo opportunities?
I would say something along the lines of 16-85, which represents the focal length of a fairly decent DX lens. Germany is not quite as given toward more extreme wide angle lenses as you might need in Italy. Don't make the mistake of dragging all of you gear along. I am visiting some WWII sites in October with a single lens: an 18-55 on a Fuji. (I also have several Nikons, including the one you have). There's also panos if you encounter the need for a wider views. Long teles are quite frankly a waste of travel space. Go light. You will enjoy your trip more and worry less. Don't miss something by hiding behind a view finder. Also engage with people. They enrich the travel experience. Have a great time.
Oct 2, 2017 16:26:54 #
The 18 - 140 unless you can afford the (overpriced) newer 16 - 80. I have done quite a few European city trips and there is little need for a long telephoto. If you follow the advice of some and use a wider zoom range lens such as 18 - 300 you will be lugging extra weight mostly for nothing. If you think you might need long telephoto you could buy the terrific DX AF-P 70-300 (less than one pound and under $200 gray market) and keep it in your hotel room except when you need it. If you are a fan of ultra wide angle the new ultra light weight (8 ounces) DX AF-P 10 - 20mm is a no brainer but you'll have to buy it Nikon USA for $306. (still a good price for a quality lens). But mostly the 18 - 140 will have you covered. Just don't expect sharp high contrast shots above 120mm.
Oct 2, 2017 16:32:02 #
Thanks very much. I am a novice at this so i will probably stick with the 18-135. Everything will fit nicely in my backpack.
Oct 2, 2017 16:35:34 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
I am visiting some WWII sites in October with a single lens: an 18-55 on a Fuji. (I also have several Nikons, including the one you have). There's also panos if you encounter the need for a wider views. ...Also engage with people. They enrich the travel experience....
Exactly my lens and finding when I went to Europe with my Fuji!
Oct 2, 2017 17:40:45 #
16 - 300, 18 - 300, 28 - 300; any of these are perfect for all around use. Yes, there are situations where a different lens might make the difference, but you sometimes have to compromise.
Oct 2, 2017 17:43:00 #
Oct 2, 2017 17:51:13 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
I am visiting some WWII sites in October with a single lens: an 18-55 on a Fuji. (I also have several Nikons, including the one you have).
I'm taking my Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 lens to Edinburgh this winter. Shooting in the city there is no need for a long lens and examination of previous Edinburgh shots show that the vast majority of them fall into these focal lengths, plus the f/2.8 will be good for night shots.
Oct 2, 2017 17:53:56 #
Great. Many thanks. Enjoy the rip. We have been to Italy twice but never to Ireland or Scotland.
Oct 2, 2017 18:28:03 #
SueScott wrote:
I'm taking my Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 lens to Edinburgh this winter. Shooting in the city there is no need for a long lens and examination of previous Edinburgh shots show that the vast majority of them fall into these focal lengths, plus the f/2.8 will be good for night shots.
Oct 3, 2017 05:32:51 #
There is no best lens. I have traveled Germany and used a 50mm prime for everything. You have to learn to use what you have instead of buying new equipment. The photographer takes the picture, not the camera.
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