Bob97 Loc: New York

I have lurked about and learned quite a bit from the contributors to this website and finally registered today. I will be traveling to Italy next month, and would like advice about which lenses I should take. I am using a Nikon D5200 camera and have four lenses (10-24mm f 3.5-4.5, 35mm f 1.8, 16-85mm f 3.5-5.6, and 18-300mm f 3.5-5.6) but can only bring three. The first would be useful for architecture and landscapes, and the second would be best for low light situations. My gut feeling is to bring the 18-300mm, but it is quite heavy and we will be doing a great deal of walking. Will I need the extra focal length it provides? Should I go with the lighter lens (16-85mm)? Thanks for your responses.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I would bring #'s 1, 2, and 4 to cover most everything you will find there.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum. I know what you mean about carrying around heavy equipment. If it's too big and heavy, you'll wind up leaving it in the hotel, so what good is it? Try bringing it around with you for a day or two before you leave, and see how it feels. You might get used to it - or you might hate it. I've found wide angles to be more useful when traveling.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Yep, I agree.
This was your initial thoughts.
MT agrees.
And I agree.

BUT - if it really is too heavy and a pain in the butt - what if you take the 16-85mm instead and buy a small compact zoom (a bridge type) with the biggest sensor you can, just to cover the long shots. That way you might even cover up to 800-900mm

Bob97 Loc: New York

Thanks MT.

Bob97 Loc: New York

Thanks. I've brought it to the Bronx Zoo and a few nature preserves on LI. However, I've never used it on consecutive days. I am going to look into a better strap for my camera than the one that came with it. That might help.

Bob97 Loc: New York

This is why I posted. There are always different angles.

Daisy61 Loc: New Hampshire

I love my 18-300 it covers almost everything! I have been there enjoy!!!!

Bob97 Loc: New York

It really is a very flexible lens. Thanks Daisy.

Bob97 Loc: New York

Thanks Patrick. The articles were very helpful.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Just the 18-300mm

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

For going to Italy, you really need to disclose where in Italy you are going. In Rome, the ultra wide angle is needed for getting those tight street photos near the forum. The Coluseam is a very expansive ruin, and regular wide, to tele would be good. I used my 70-200 f4 there. While in Rome, don't overload yourself. If your going on guided tours, be ready to run. The buses only have a short time frame to drop off and pickup, and the pickups are on a tight schedule due to limited parking space. The main meeting area for all the tour groups in Trivi Fountain. This area is in a very small cramped area, be ready with your ultra wide angle before you arrive. Also, all the guides are Unionized, so you will get new guides as change locations. I suggest you keep up with the guide as best you can, and above all don't get lost. You can always get back to the beginning area, there are signs as to where the sites are on almost every corner. Wear good comfortable shoes with good padding, the streets are marble, and stone, and will be hot if during the Summer. Break in the shoes before you go, blisters are not fun. Oh, yes if you have a low light lens bring it for photos in the dark churches, and Vatican. Venice is about the same as Rome for lenses. Take the tele, and mount the UWA. Be careful on the bus boats, boarding and departing, cameras don't float. In Venice, be prepared to pay about twice the price for food as in other parts of Italy. Buy a bus boat pass for as long as your stay to save time. Again wear comfortable shoes, and watch your gear, wallets and purses in large crowds. If you go into the country side, it is like in the U.S. wear comfortable shoes, and be ready to climb steps, ramps, and rocks. Italy is not heavly forested, so wear a good hat with a full brim. I had a ball cap, and nearly burnt my ears off last Summer at the ruins. Buy, and carry at least a liter of water every day you are out. Have a great trip. Chow

wonkytripod Loc: Peterborough UK

I do a lot of walking with my sigma 150-500 (combined weight of approx 4 kilos with D7000) and have adapted a gillet (jacket) that allows me to slot the tripod mount into a small pocket to help support the weight along with changing the neck strap to one that offers more support.
Same as going anywhere these days be aware of your surroundings. Try not to look to much like a tourist. If you are going to Naples be extra careful. Other than that have a great time.

Dave Johnson Loc: Grand Rapids, Michigan

A good shoulder strap like "Black Rapid" or "Optech" will help with carrying your long lens. Get rid of the neck strap that comes with your camera, they are pretty much useless. Another option for carrying that is somewhat new to the market is the "Cotton Carrier." I haven't personally used it but it looks like a great product.

Daisy61 Loc: New Hampshire

I. Have been to Italy, even thou the 18-300 is heavy you will regret not having it in Italy ! Been there done that! I loved. Italy and have some great photos!