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Which Lens
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Sep 14, 2014 15:27:10   #
Gdelvecc Loc: Dallas, TX
 
We are planning a trip to Italy next year! Any comments on which lens to have on my Nikon for the entire trip? Just a camera and a lens is all i wish to carry... Any comments?

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Sep 14, 2014 16:06:14   #
LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY
 
Gdelvecc wrote:
We are planning a trip to Italy next year! Any comments on which lens to have on my Nikon for the entire trip? Just a camera and a lens is all i wish to carry... Any comments?


What do you currently have? What is your budget? If you have a DSLR is it an APS-C or a full frame? All those things can affect what would be your best bet. What do you feel is lacking in your current lens?

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Sep 14, 2014 16:19:32   #
Gdelvecc Loc: Dallas, TX
 
Currently Nikon 5100 with
Nikon 55-210 DX VR G 1:4 - 5.6
Nikon 18-55 DX VR G 3.5 - 5.6
Nikon 40mm 2.8 DX G
All AF

Budget to 900.00

Think I'm lacking speed at the telephoto end..

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Sep 14, 2014 16:20:37   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
Gdelvecc wrote:
We are planning a trip to Italy next year! Any comments on which lens to have on my Nikon for the entire trip? Just a camera and a lens is all i wish to carry... Any comments?

Answers to LFingar's questions would help us help you.

In addition, what sorts of things do you like to photograph when you travel?

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Sep 14, 2014 16:23:32   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
Gdelvecc wrote:
Currently Nikon 5100 with
Nikon 55-210 DX VR G 1:4 - 5.6
Nikon 18-55 DX VR G 3.5 - 5.6
Nikon 40mm 2.8 DX G
All AF

Budget to 900.00

Think I'm lacking speed at the telephoto end..

If you want only one camera and one lens, you will not get speed at the telephoto end. "Fast" lenses typically have a 4x zoom range or lower. You would give up convenience and versatility for speed.

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Sep 14, 2014 16:26:45   #
Gdelvecc Loc: Dallas, TX
 
Of course all the touristy stuff, but I'm kind of a street guy. I enjoy finding things to shoot that most wouldn't even see. People, Reflections, Light vs. dark, etc...

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Sep 14, 2014 16:30:59   #
Gdelvecc Loc: Dallas, TX
 
So, am I hearing take the 55-210 and buy a fast 300mm and take 2 lenses?

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Sep 14, 2014 16:39:20   #
Gdelvecc Loc: Dallas, TX
 
which is out of reach with my budget!

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Sep 14, 2014 16:49:09   #
nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ
 
I wouldn't buy a 300mm lens for this trip. I'd get a zoom that will go out to 300mm. Check out the Tamron 70-300 f/4.0-f/5.6 at B&H. It's $449.00 and is eligible for free expedited shipping. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/728343-REG/Tamron_AFA005NII700_SP_70_300mm_f_4_5_6_Di.html
It isn't a fast lens but, should serve the need for a long lens.

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Sep 14, 2014 16:52:37   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
Gdelvecc wrote:
Of course all the touristy stuff, but I'm kind of a street guy. I enjoy finding things to shoot that most wouldn't even see. People, Reflections, Light vs. dark, etc...

Street photographers swear by small primes like a 50mm f/1.8 or 35mm f/1.8 DX, both of which are around $200.

Why do you want a fast telephoto? That tends to get used for sports, action, and wildlife, but much less for touristy stuff.

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Sep 14, 2014 16:55:43   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
One option which may not really make sense, but might at least be worth considering, is the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC, $800, which would basically be a faster, higher quality version of the 18-55mm lens. It would do very well for the vistas and city stuff, and would also be fine for street photography (though it is much bigger than a prime). It would also be great for night photography, especially coupled with a monopod.

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Sep 14, 2014 17:03:03   #
Nick K Loc: Long Beach CA
 
I have a 18-200 lens for my d60 and a 28-300 for my d7100. I would recommend the 18-200 as it takes the place of 2 lens and almost never left my camera in Italy. They make a 18-300 but I have not used it or looked at reviews. I would also bring a 35mm 1.8 or 1.4 (50mm equivalent)for indoor photography in low light. We traveled Europe and this combo worked great for me. I would leave the 18-200 on the camera and the 35mm is small enough to fit in a pocket.
Gdelvecc wrote:
We are planning a trip to Italy next year! Any comments on which lens to have on my Nikon for the entire trip? Just a camera and a lens is all i wish to carry... Any comments?

Reply
Sep 14, 2014 17:04:35   #
Gdelvecc Loc: Dallas, TX
 
just read about the Tamron! Sounds like the ticket to me. Telephoto will even be longer with my smaller sensor. thanks for the info.

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Sep 14, 2014 17:22:05   #
LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY
 
Gdelvecc wrote:
Telephoto will even be longer with my smaller sensor.


Common misconception. Your sensor size does not determine your focal length. That stays the same, just your view perspective changes.

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Sep 14, 2014 18:48:09   #
dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC
 
Nick K wrote:
I have a 18-200 lens for my d60 and a 28-300 for my d7100. I would recommend the 18-200 as it takes the place of 2 lens and almost never left my camera in Italy. They make a 18-300 but I have not used it or looked at reviews. I would also bring a 35mm 1.8 or 1.4 (50mm equivalent)for indoor photography in low light. We traveled Europe and this combo worked great for me. I would leave the 18-200 on the camera and the 35mm is small enough to fit in a pocket.


I agree with Nick K, the Nikon 18-200mmVR is a very versatile lens. I've been using one for all my travel for 4 years now. I did just order the new Tamron 16-300mm based on these considerations: IQ as good as the 18-200VR, extra focal length for wildlife and distant vistas, and weighs no more than the shorter 18-200VR...and weighs a lot less than the Nikon 18-300mm. If you are more comfortable with the branded lenses, go Nikon 18-200VR; but, if you don't mind third party lenses and want all the versatility possible, consider the Tamron 16-300. As others have said, the best camera is the one you have with you--likewise, the best lens is the one that can cover every opportunity that arises.

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