shutterbob Loc: Tucson

So, I just returned from a trip to Sedona. Did a lot of hiking and carried my D750 with a Nikon 24-70. Images came out great but I will never carry this combo for hiking again.....just too large and heavy. I also have a D7100 and D5300. I will probably carry the 5300 next time but I was looking for lens recommendations. I have a 18-55 on it right now. Was thinking about a 16-85 but I have no experience with it. Will obviously be used mostly for scenics. Thoughts?

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The Sigma 17-70 is a great lens ! - otherwise, lighter/smaller is Sony RX100 or RX10 .....

lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.

Dear shutterbob,

I hope you don't mind my abridgment of what you stated; I did it to help me concentrate on the real question at hand, as I'm a [sacrilege!] Sony/Minolta user. But first I got out a B&H catalog to check on Nikon model cameras. I see that the D750 model is FX (Full-Frame) and that model numbers similar to your other two cameras are DX (have APS-C sized sensors.)

Assuming I'm correct, then the wide angle zoom you've been using will, on these two other Nikon bodies, have a 35 mm equivalent focal length range of 27 mm to 82.5 mm. In my limited experience and review of Outdoor Photography magazine since the 90's, it can be difficult to "handle" the distortions of focal lengths <24 mm; specifically, 24 mm is a reasonable minimal limit for most people to obtain good photographs at.

As you know, 24 mm has an APS-C equivalent focal length of 16 mm. That's why I shopped around for a WA zoom with a 16 mm minimum to replace my 18-70 mm kit lens. Yes, I have found myself to be content with the Sony 16-50 mm f/2.8 lens I subsequently purchased for my A55 camera.

In summary, I believe your purchasing a 16 mm - 50 or 85 or 105 mm lens would be a good choice, though the maximum aperture and weight of the lens are two other valid considerations.

Good luck!
lev29. ;)

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Small and light should be your goal. Panasonic's LX100 w/ fixed zoom lens or Olympus Pen E-PL 7 (or prior iterations E-PL6 or E-PL5) with your choice from a wide range of Olympus or Panasonic lenses.

Photocraig

I LOVE MY SIGMA 17-70. Bit it weighs nearly a pound, so I wouldn't call it light. There is a weight price to pay for its f2.8-4 maximum aperture. Super results, though! Remember it is intended for APS-C formats.

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

I really am a Nikon guy and want to stick with the camera bodies I have along with Nikon lenses. I do have a Tamron 16-300 on the 7100 but even it is more than I want to hike around with.

threedeers Loc: Northern Illinois

Consider Nikon's 18-140. It is not the sharpest lens but certainly does a good job on most photo's. Because of its construction it is not heavy but seem to be durable enough.

lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.

Shutterbob,

The thought of trying to "convert" you to another brand didn't even occur to me. I was merely acknowledging my background. Obviously, as someone else pointed out, the WEIGHT of the lens is another major criterion for your purposes. Thus, it's not surprising that your 16-300 mm lens is too large/heavy for you. I take it you've already explored & dismissed the idea of wearing a shoulder bag or small photo backpack?

Also, some member, avemal, I believe, just posted an ad here to sell a Nikon WA zoom lens.

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

I have a photo backpack as well as a shoulder bag but, call me lazy, when taking 200 or more photos on a 6 or more mile hike it gets tiresome to be constantly pulling the camera out of the pack. I am in pretty good shape for my age but on the hiking/climbing in the Sedona area I sometimes need both hands free. A small dslr with a reasonably small lens on a good shoulder strap is what I need. Just want a good lens that is not too large or heavy that it could bang around on rocks.

Quixdraw Loc: x

I don't hike, but will walk around all day carrying a D 750 with 24 - 120 in my hand on a wrist strap. Of course, I do not burden myself further. Why don't you look for a pro grade chest harness? Many excellent brands including Black Rapid who made my wrist strap.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

The Nikon 16-85 is an excellent lens for APSC cameras. I used one for travel photography for years until I went full frame. The lens is still married to my old D200, now owned by my daughter. It has the equivalent focal length of a 24-120 on FX camera.

GeorgeO Loc: Waukesha, WI

You may want to consider getting a Peak Design camera clip. You can attach it to a belt, or shoulder strap if you're carrying a pack. It frees up your hands, you don't have to worry about the camera swinging around on the strap, and you can release the camera for photo op in one or two seconds.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'd bring a good quality compact.

EddieC Loc: CT

I agree with Jerryc41. Get yourself a quality compact camera. I have a Sony NEX7 that I use when I don't want to carry my heavier Nikon. It has an 18-55 lens and is very light but it takes very sharp pics. A friend of mine swears by his Lumix G3 and carries it all over the place. They have a G7 out now I believe.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Before you buy a dslr, get a brick and hike with it then get a brick made from lava stone and hike with it. see which one you would rather carry for hours.

then go out and buy a sony A6000.