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First trip to Europe. Do I have things covered?
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Apr 16, 2018 09:57:45   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
I vote for the 24-70 plus a wide angle lens for tight spaces in town. If I were buying a new WA I would look at the Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM | A @ around $1,300. It is a fast wide angle lens that should do well indoors without a flash.

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Apr 16, 2018 10:08:37   #
Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast
 
Been traveling to Europe over a hundred times and still travel there. Best axiom, "Travel Light, Travel Light, Travel Light." A W/A zoom and a 'moderate' Telephoto should cover all your needs. Getting too bogged down in your photography tends to ruin the pleasure of the trip itself. As for a tripod, if you need on, find a small one that adapts to as many different surfaces as possible. As for night, it doesn't get dark until relatively late (northern latitudes). You'll definitely want to have a W/A for indoor shots of cathedrals, museums, etc. of which there are plenty. A suggestion, in Munich, the Alte Pinakothek (old) museum, there are three of them, if want a wonderful museum displaying truly the best of the Old Masters, its absolutely fabulous.....and photography is NOT prohibited.

Beer is plentiful and good and now that the dollar is weak, expensive. However if in Egypt, you don't drink the water nor use the ice cubes. This is Europe and the water, including the ice, is great. Take plenty of photos but above all, enjoy the trip itself.

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Apr 16, 2018 10:18:28   #
Shoot Happens
 
I vacation in Europe fairly often; was in Venice last year. I took my D750, 24-70 2.8, 16-35 f4 and 50 f1.4. Never used my 50 and only used my 16-35 a couple of times. Almost always my 24-70. As someone else mentioned, the streets are very narrow so using a longer lens would be limited unless you are going there to shoot wildlife. If you need a close up, shoot at 70mm and crop in post processing. The D750 is more than capable of handling that. I am going back to Europe next month and thinking of only taking my 24-70 but what scares me is if something happens to it, I would have no back up so I still might take my 16-35. But then, I always have my smart phone. A flash is frowned upon in most places. The D750 has a build in flash that I rarely use because the camera is very good in high ISO situations when you need to bump it up.

For other gear, definitely take a small tripod or other support. I bought the Really Right Stuff TFA-01 with a ball head and had no problem with it holding the weight of my camera and any of my lenses. It was also very good against a wall with the legs spread out. I love it and it allows me to use lower ISO indoors. Before I owned that tripod, I made a pad by putting rice in a plastic sandwich bag and my wife sewed denim from an old pair of jeans around it. I used that for years and still have it That was very helpful in churches and museums to support my lens from shaking. Most attractions in Europe will not let you use a large tripod so don't even take one. Take an extra battery, lots of memory, a good circular polarizing filter, a couple of elastic bands to remove a stuck on filter and lens cleaners. You are going to some great cities so make sure you also take your eye off the camera and soak in the European life. It is wonderful.
I have health issues that make me very suspicious of tap water but have never had any problem in any city in Europe. Enjoy your trip.

On a side note, depending on what you are going to do with your images, it is suggested that the focal length of your zoom lenses should not be more than 3 times apart. In other words, 70 is less than 3 times 24. 200 is less than 3 times 70 but 120 is greater than 3 times 24 so the quality of the image from your 24-120 will not be as good but better than a 28-300 which is more than 10 times. The image will be more distorted and the edges will be softer etc at the extremes of the lenses capabilities. If you are just looking for your subject to fit the screen or one lens to cover every situation, then these other lenses will do OK but recognize their quality is best in the middle focal lengths. I am sure I will get a ton of negative comments on this one.

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Apr 16, 2018 10:49:21   #
repleo Loc: Boston
 
I go to Europe at least once a year. My guideline would be light, wide and bright - in that order. Unless you have specific shots in mind or photography is the main purpose of the trip, you will enjoy your trip most with a decent P&S or something like a m4/3 for walking around. That is all I bring unless I am touring the countryside on a self-drive trip.

Also, given your list of anti-theft bags etc, it would seem you are preoccupied with the expectation of being robbed. Most European cities are much safer than American cities. Nobody is going to shoot you or stick a gun in your face in Europe. True, one should always be vigilant, and there are areas where one needs to be especially careful and tourists are especially targeted because they won't be around to pursue a theft through the courts. If you are concerned about being robbed, leave the gear at home, so that you can relax and just enjoy the trip.

The water in Europe is good and safe and is subject to EU standards. However, in some countries, the 'mains' or municipal water is fed to a storage tank in the attic and from there down to the faucets, toilets etc. If the storage tank is not properly maintained, the water is open to contamination. Best not to drink water from a bathroom or bedroom faucet or where marked 'non-potable'. Kitchen water comes directly from the mains so it is always safe. Drink a glass of water for every glass of wine and you will avoid hangovers.

BTW - Make sure to visit Burano while in Venice - not to be confused with Murano, the glass place. Its like a cross between Venice and an Irish country village.

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Apr 16, 2018 10:49:55   #
NotAnselAdams Loc: Pueblo, CO
 
For many trips I carried all my camera gear. Then my back went out. I switched to a mirrorless (Olympus) 12mm & a 14-42. My back is better and the pictures are great. I agree with the "keep it simple" folks. Enjoy your trip.

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Apr 16, 2018 10:59:58   #
fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut
 
[quote=bsprague]My advice is usually against the grain. But, since you asked and said it was your first trip....

My travel photography is always better when I keep it simple. Take the 24-70 and train your "mind's eye" to see the way it does as you travel. Try to stay engaged in the travel experience. It is hard to pack a lot a gear and hard to be comfortable leaving it in the hotel. Frequent lens changing just gets dust on the sensor.



I agree completely with this advice. You will quickly adapt to the range, and gear your eye accordingly. Much less distraction for you. You should above all enjoy being there. I have been to all of these places and lived in Munich for a year, in about 1961. I have never had the opportunity to use one of the wide range zooms. There are a number of them. 18mm to something. From all the discussions about them I expect they are pretty decent, and the range would not leave you worrying about missing a shot. I think the great majority of your most meaningful shots will fall in the range of the 24-70.. And you know it and trust it.

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Apr 16, 2018 11:03:27   #
BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA
 
romanmel7 wrote:
We will be traveling to Venice, Salzburg and Munich this summer. I have been following this forum for several years and as a result I have acquired a Nikon d750 with the following lenses: Nikon 24-120mm 1:4G (kit); AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm 1:2.8G (refurbished from Nikon) and a Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8E FL ED (new). Thank you for your insights. Couldn't be happier with the camera and the two f/2.8 lenses. I bought a pacsafe carrysafe wrist strap, a pacsafe carrysafe anti-theft camera neck strap (if I want a change of pace) and camsafe V8 anti-theft camera shoulder bag to help me bring my gear back home with me. I still have a couple of questions: 1) Is there still more I don't know that I don't know about overseas travel photography? 2): I am not crazy about the 24-120mm, (which is why I bought the 24-70mm) but I am concerned the 24-70mm lens will not have all the reach I may need. I don't really want to lug the 70-200mm with me either. Any other lens suggestions that I should consider? I was considering the Nikon 24-300mm but the reviews here and elsewhere suggest image quality inconsistencies from lens to lens and I really don't want to take a chance on that one. Any suggestions from any overseas travelers would truly be welcome. Thanks!
We will be traveling to Venice, Salzburg and Munic... (show quote)


I have always found the 12-120/f4 to be a great lens. But you might want to take a fast wide angle, say an 35mm f/1.4. Or you could just go with the 24-70 and quit worrying. I always have the same problems when getting ready for a trip by air.

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Apr 16, 2018 11:10:01   #
redron57 Loc: Fairfield, Ca SF Bay Area
 
i have been to Europe several times and learned to travel light. You want a camera that shoots Raw so you get all the detail you can get
i have a canon 5d mkll full frame and i take 24/70 2.8 and a point and shoot Leica Delux the Leica would be all you need as long as you shoot raw The long shots you can zoom in and crop to get what you want. Dont want to carry, babysit equipment. Leica is excellent image
can carry in a fanny pack. The Sony rx100 is supposedly the same camera made in the same factory
travel light You will be happier and wont stand out as a tourist Italy is famous for camera bag snatches from motorbikes
also if you go to Pisa short train ride to Port o fino ( maybe twenty minutes) and a ferry ride to Elba Spend the night Charming
ron

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Apr 16, 2018 11:17:11   #
whwiden
 
romanmel7 wrote:
We will be traveling to Venice, Salzburg and Munich this summer. I have been following this forum for several years and as a result I have acquired a Nikon d750 with the following lenses: Nikon 24-120mm 1:4G (kit); AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm 1:2.8G (refurbished from Nikon) and a Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8E FL ED (new). Thank you for your insights. Couldn't be happier with the camera and the two f/2.8 lenses. I bought a pacsafe carrysafe wrist strap, a pacsafe carrysafe anti-theft camera neck strap (if I want a change of pace) and camsafe V8 anti-theft camera shoulder bag to help me bring my gear back home with me. I still have a couple of questions: 1) Is there still more I don't know that I don't know about overseas travel photography? 2): I am not crazy about the 24-120mm, (which is why I bought the 24-70mm) but I am concerned the 24-70mm lens will not have all the reach I may need. I don't really want to lug the 70-200mm with me either. Any other lens suggestions that I should consider? I was considering the Nikon 24-300mm but the reviews here and elsewhere suggest image quality inconsistencies from lens to lens and I really don't want to take a chance on that one. Any suggestions from any overseas travelers would truly be welcome. Thanks!
We will be traveling to Venice, Salzburg and Munic... (show quote)


If you are inclined to make a purchase or two, I would consider a two prime kit. 24mm and 85mm. In cities, 28mm is often not wide enough. Inside, you might find f/1.8 handy. Too bad the 24-120 is not to your liking. Travel is really what that lens is for. But, if you do not like it, you may not like the 28-300mm. I would otherwise take the 24-70. And maybe a small 50mm. You also might consider a small super zoom as back up.

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Apr 16, 2018 11:29:52   #
bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA
 
This topic is up to four pages on my computer. The theme seems mostly be keep it light with one camera and one lens. That surprises me in a forum full of full frame DSLR fans who collect lenses.

While following the topic I've been thinking about the Europe images in my computer. Most of my favorites are from my smallest cameras. Among the very best were shot with a Sony that has a 1" sensor.

Why? Because there are people in them. First, people don't mind much if you point a little "tourist" camera at them. Second, I can carry the camera in a belt pouch or shirt pocket. That means it is not in the way, but still handy, when in a store, shop, restaurant, etc. Third, little cameras don't broadcast "rob" me. Fourth, 1" sensors really do hold up well for pixel peeping quality. Fifth, small cameras lend themselves to tiny tripods like a Gorrillapod.

I know the OP cherishes his DSLR and worked hard at picking lenses. But, if you invest in the increasingly high costs of travel, investing in a small travel worthy camera makes sense to me.

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Apr 16, 2018 11:51:06   #
Lingen Loc: Grenada, Caribbean
 
Don't drink the water? Whyever not????

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Apr 16, 2018 11:52:20   #
mikedent Loc: Florida
 
If you stay with the 750, then 24-70 or 24-120 will really suffice for most all your needs. I also bring a wide angle zoom, 16-35 or 18-35 range for inside churches and buildings. Small table-top tripod can be useful in those spots. Make sure you have wall plug adapters for European use, easy to find on ebay or amazon. Maybe a small power strip ideally also with usb charging capability so you can plug it all in at once. I've never had trouble with tap water in Germany, France, Spain, England, of Czech Republic. Hotel water is fine. If you are on a river cruise the water is perfect also. Have fun, you will love it!

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Apr 16, 2018 11:56:01   #
Diocletian
 
Bobnewnan wrote:
Well, I've been traveling the world since my d90 and I'm up to a d500. My opinion, Tamron 16-300, 10-20, a tele 1.4 and a tripod that will fit in your largest suitcase. A remote cable release and a flash. Lots of places in Europe don't allow flash but some do and it does get dark there at night. Don't drink the water and remember the ice in the glass is local water.


As a traveler who has been to Europe many times over the last few years I suspect your comment about the water is in jest.

I would want to be more careful of the water here in the states ( remember Flint) than in Europe.....Just got back from Italy, Florence and Amalfi Coast...and before that Prague, Viena and Strausburg.... When I lived in Spain for a year in the (19)60's there was never a problem! Never even a Question of there being a problem.....

A jest, or you've never been to Europe? Hmmmm......

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Apr 16, 2018 12:00:38   #
Wrongway Loc: Hewitt Texas
 
One thing for sure the beer in gasthauses and pubs tastes a whole lot better than the water

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Apr 16, 2018 12:43:21   #
SteveR Loc: Michigan
 
Do not believe all the negative reviews about the Nikon 28-300. It is a fantastic lens, especially for travel. Combined with your 24-70, you'd have everything covered, except for wide angle. Sometimes, 24mm is not quite wide enough. You might want to pick up a 20mm wide angle lens. As far as the 24-70 goes, on our trip to Taos and Santa Fe I never took it off my D800, and I had both my 70-200 and 28-300 with me.

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