Europe Walkaround Lens
Jun 26, 2018 11:48:51 #
loosecanon
Loc: Central Texas
I almost hesitate to ask this one because I know it can so easily go off on weird tangents quite quickly. I'll be going to Europe for several weeks. I plan on using only one lens on a Canon 77d body (for light weight). I have a choice of either the Canon 15-85mm lens (which I feel is the better quality of the two) or the Canon 18-135 lens (which has a broader reach but loses the more extreme wide angle. In your experience of walking around European cities and countryside, which choice would give me better access to quality photos.
Jun 26, 2018 11:51:30 #
Having travelled to Europe many times. I shoot Fuji so I take my 18-135 always. It gives me the wide angle that’s great & the zoom that’s good for distance. Ha e a great trip.
Jun 26, 2018 12:00:38 #
You may need further reach more often than extreme wide angle, take the 18-135.
Jun 26, 2018 12:02:50 #
True but it really depends on where your going & what your seeing. It would help if we could know where your travelling too.
Jun 26, 2018 12:03:01 #
When you need the extra “wide” you could just use the 18mm in portrait orientation and stitch panos, best of both worlds! 
Jun 26, 2018 12:08:04 #
loosecanon wrote:
My suggestion is the Canon 15-85mm lensI almost hesitate to ask this one because I know i... (show quote)
Jun 26, 2018 12:31:02 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
loosecanon wrote:
I almost hesitate to ask this one because I know i... (show quote)
Which version of the 18-135 do you have? The latest USM version, or the older STM version, are both better than the original version. My personal opinion, based on what and how I shoot, would be the 15-85. The 3 mm extra at the wide end is significantly wider than 18 mm. And the difference between 85mm and 135 mm, while noticable, doesn't bring distant subjects that much closer. I'd rather have the extra wide angle.
Jun 26, 2018 12:34:37 #
loosecanon wrote:
I almost hesitate to ask this one because I know i... (show quote)
The scale of cities and towns in Europe is a lot more compact than you're used to. Streets are narrower and buildings are tall and skinny. In Paris, I almost had to be diagonally across an intersection (2 lanes both directions) to get the entirety of the facade or some distance away. And for the single lane streets, forget it. Using a Fuji X-T20, I found the 16-55 kit lens to be an ideal compromise for a crop sensor camera. I had a 55-230, but in 2 weeks, only used it twice.
For usability, the 18-135 would be a great compromise. Bring a polarizer and lens hood. Watch out for pickpockets who will come up and disconnect your lens from your camera body without you noticing.
Jun 26, 2018 12:40:10 #
I don't know any technical info about either lens, but my question is: are you more interested in street scenes, people, vendors, close ups, or is your interest more in architecture and distant details? I have the same dilemma about taking lenses on a trip to Morocco in November. My interests are in both: street and spires, vendors and windows!
Jun 26, 2018 12:44:07 #
On the 77D you have a 1.6 crop factor. For Europe in-town or indoor shots you will want the widest you can get. If you can take only one, I would suggest the 15-85.
If you can invest a little, take the 18-135 and get a Canon 10-18. It is light weight and won't take up a lot of space. Right now a refurbished 10-18 is $189.99 at the Canon Outlet https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/ef-s-10-18mm-f45-56-is-stm-refurbished. Given what you are already spending on the trip it might be worth it.
If you can invest a little, take the 18-135 and get a Canon 10-18. It is light weight and won't take up a lot of space. Right now a refurbished 10-18 is $189.99 at the Canon Outlet https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/ef-s-10-18mm-f45-56-is-stm-refurbished. Given what you are already spending on the trip it might be worth it.
Jun 26, 2018 12:50:58 #
loosecanon
Loc: Central Texas
Mama Bear984 wrote:
True but it really depends on where your going & what your seeing. It would help if we could know where your travelling too.
Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland. Long driving trip.
Jun 26, 2018 12:54:11 #
loosecanon
Loc: Central Texas
dsmeltz wrote:
If you can invest a little, take the 18-135 and get a Canon 10-18. It is light weight and won't take up a lot of space.
If you can invest a little, take the 18-135 and get a Canon 10-18. It is light weight and won't take up a lot of space.
I also own the 10-18, but I'm hoping to use just one lens.
Jun 26, 2018 13:01:44 #
loosecanon wrote:
I also own the 10-18, but I'm hoping to use just one lens.
Fair enough.
Jun 26, 2018 13:23:13 #
Lagoonguy
Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL
I like your 15-85 for Europe. I shoot Nikon but I have settled into using a Sigma 24-105 f/4 for on a D750 full frame camera. I have found 24mm much better than 27mm for tight streets and interior shots. I used to use a DX 18-300 on a D7100, which I still have, but the 24mm just seems to fit the bulk of my European photography requirements. I use a 24-35 f/2 for most of the interior shots but the 24-105 f/4 will work with a little more ISO. Good luck, sounds like a great trip.
Jun 26, 2018 13:29:39 #
loosecanon
Loc: Central Texas
Lagoonguy wrote:
I like your 15-85 for Europe.
Thanks for the experience and advice, Lagoonguy.
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