Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
First trip to Europe. Do I have things covered?
Page 1 of 6 next> last>>
Apr 15, 2018 18:23:08   #
romanmel7 Loc: New Hartford, NY
 
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!

Reply
Apr 15, 2018 18:40:42   #
Bobnewnan
 
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.

Reply
Apr 15, 2018 18:44:48   #
bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA
 
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. Where do you put the camera bag when you stop for a meal?

Have fun on your trip and come home with a 100 "wall hangers"!

Reply
 
 
Apr 15, 2018 18:52:43   #
Ghery Loc: Olympia, WA
 
I just got back last night from an almost 2 week trip that included Belgium, Luxembourg and France. All I took was my Canon T5i and an 18-135mm lens. There was one picture that I wished I had a longer lens for and that was it. Travel light and enjoy the trip.

Oh, and my first trip to Europe was in 1971 and all I had was a Kodak 35 with a fixed focal length lens.

Reply
Apr 15, 2018 19:39:28   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
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)


7, never been to those cities, but I’ve been to much of the world.
Here’s what I would do.
I’d take the 24-120 that you hate so much! LoL
I’d leave the 70-200 at home. It’s way to big unless you’re a pro and have a specific use in mind.
I guess many like to stand in one place and shoot the whole city! Get close and personal with the people and the culture and the architecture.
I’d take a fast 50 for indoor work.
Unless this is a specific photo vacation and you’re by yourself, don’t get over glassed.
I always carry a small lightweight tripod that I don’t use much but sometimes gotta have it at night.
I personally have never taken extra safety measures for my gear but maybe I’m vulnerable and dumb but never had a problem. I don’t take what can’t be replaced!!
Good luck, and have a great trip. 📷📷📷
SS

Reply
Apr 15, 2018 20:02:31   #
jcboy3
 
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)


Why are you not crazy about the 24-120? That should answer your question; take the 24-70 if you must. But the 24-120 is a much more flexible travel lens.

I would get a couple of primes to take as well, depending on what you like to shoot. I am always shooting portraits when I travel, so an 85mm is good. For dark interiors and street shooting, I like a fast 35mm. The D lenses are a good deal (although a bit heavy). For wider angle, I just shoot a panorama and stitch. And you want a decent travel tripod for low light; lots of good shots of city lights at night, and the architecture in morning light is not to be missed. When I travel, the tripod has to fit inside my camera bag, so that usually means a folded length of less than 15 inches. My current favorite is a Promaster T525P with Acratech ball head. I use a nodal rail slide to balance the camera/lens.

The 70-200 is not a lens I would take with me unless I know I'll be shooting something that needs it. The f4 version is better for travel.

Reply
Apr 15, 2018 20:12:34   #
LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field
 
bsprague wrote:
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. Where do you put the camera bag when you stop for a meal?

Have fun on your trip and come home with a 100 "wall hangers"!
My advice is usually against the grain. But, sin... (show quote)


Agree. Unless you are planning to do a lot of panos— I would go wider than what you have. If you have or an rent one—take a PC lens. Nikon makes several good ones.

I’ve traveled to Europe maybe 10 times for a total of 4-5 months and I’ve yet to miss having anything longer than 85mm. On my last trip I took one camera and one lens for a ten day trip to WWII (Canadian D-Day sites) & Paris. Keep it simple is my mantra and that includes clothing.

Enjoy yourself, the sights, the people, the food....

Reply
 
 
Apr 15, 2018 21:06:26   #
romanmel7 Loc: New Hartford, NY
 
jcboy3 wrote:
Why are you not crazy about the 24-120? That should answer your question; take the 24-70 if you must. But the 24-120 is a much more flexible travel lens.

I would get a couple of primes to take as well, depending on what you like to shoot. I am always shooting portraits when I travel, so an 85mm is good. For dark interiors and street shooting, I like a fast 35mm. The D lenses are a good deal (although a bit heavy). For wider angle, I just shoot a panorama and stitch. And you want a decent travel tripod for low light; lots of good shots of city lights at night, and the architecture in morning light is not to be missed. When I travel, the tripod has to fit inside my camera bag, so that usually means a folded length of less than 15 inches. My current favorite is a Promaster T525P with Acratech ball head. I use a nodal rail slide to balance the camera/lens.

The 70-200 is not a lens I would take with me unless I know I'll be shooting something that needs it. The f4 version is better for travel.
Why are you not crazy about the 24-120? That shou... (show quote)


Thanks! I upgraded from the 24-120mm because my copy has a noticeable distortion when wide open at 24mm. My guess is that I will be shooting wide fairly often. My 24-70mm is much better at 24mm. I have already decided against taking the 70-200mm because although I can store it in my bag, it is heavier than I care to carry. I also agree that the 70-200mm would have limited use. A fast prime sounds like a good idea that I’ll look into, though. I have a MeFOTO AO350 collapsible tripod, which I could take with me, but based on my history, probably would not pause to use it much. Hopefully, a fast lens/quality camera combination will get me through. I am not a pro or sell my photos, just occasionally print and hang photos for my own use.

Reply
Apr 15, 2018 21:11:16   #
romanmel7 Loc: New Hartford, NY
 
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
Agree. Unless you are planning to do a lot of panos— I would go wider than what you have. If you have or an rent one—take a PC lens. Nikon makes several good ones.

I’ve traveled to Europe maybe 10 times for a total of 4-5 months and I’ve yet to miss having anything longer than 85mm. On my last trip I took one camera and one lens for a ten day trip to WWII (Canadian D-Day sites) & Paris. Keep it simple is my mantra and that includes clothing.

Enjoy yourself, the sights, the people, the food....
Agree. Unless you are planning to do a lot of pan... (show quote)


Thanks! I am trying my best to keep it simple, but want to limit my regrets. BTW, what is a PC lens?

Reply
Apr 15, 2018 22:11:39   #
LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field
 
romanmel7 wrote:
Thanks! I am trying my best to keep it simple, but want to limit my regrets. BTW, what is a PC lens?

https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/24mm-pc.htm

They allow a tilt/shift for 35mm.....

Reply
Apr 15, 2018 22:30:05   #
jcboy3
 
romanmel7 wrote:
Thanks! I am trying my best to keep it simple, but want to limit my regrets. BTW, what is a PC lens?


Very expensive. You don’t need one.

Reply
 
 
Apr 15, 2018 23:23:08   #
romanmel7 Loc: New Hartford, NY
 
Intrigued, I looked into the wide angles. Any downside to the Nikon 20mm f/1.8? Any downside to the “D” lenses? I assume they are older technology, but will they match up to a D750 and give the IQ or the comparable “G” series lenses? I know I was concerned about reach but low light, landscape capability of these lenses and the reviews have shifted my focus, so to speak 😉

Reply
Apr 16, 2018 00:26:51   #
Robeng Loc: California
 
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)


romanmel,

Sounds like you have a great trip planned. I've been very fortunate to be able to travel with a camera. My advice to you is to travel lite as possible. When I carry my full frame Nikons I take my Nikon 28mm-300mm lens and a Nikon 50mm for low light situations that's it. I know there's a bunch of photographers here don't like the 28mm-300mm lens for what ever reason. I use it and have taken numerous images that have won many competitions and awards. I also know for a fact many Nikon professionals have this lens in their kit. Your 24mm-70mm & 70mm-200mm are great lenses but they are heavy. You really don't want to carry all that gear during your vacation. I learned that the hard way climbing Machu Picchu.

Have fun and post some pictures when you get back.

Rob / NPS

Reply
Apr 16, 2018 05:50:03   #
johneccles Loc: Leyland UK
 
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.


What do you mean "don't drink the water" there is nothing wrong with the water is Europe !!

Reply
Apr 16, 2018 05:55:01   #
LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field
 
johneccles wrote:
What do you mean "don't drink the water" there is nothing wrong with the water is Europe !!


Maybe just an excuse to drink alcohol? Some Americans also don’t realize Europe has laundry facilities....

Reply
Page 1 of 6 next> last>>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.