Am I making the right decision...Sony a6000; not Nikon D7100... for Ireland: I really want to take the Nikon with the 18-140 lens but it may feel too heavy at the end of the day...so I...

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I really want to take the Nikon with the 18-140 lens but it may feel too heavy at the end of the day...so I packed my purse/camera bag with the Sony a6000, 3 lenses, a small flash, adaptor, battery chargers, batteries, SD cards & case, cords, cleaners and iPad. It all fit, but together is on the heavy side...so I planned on leaving most of the gear in the car and only carrying the camera with the lens best suited for that day's photo ops.

I'm wondering if 105mm will be a long enough reach and if I'll wish I had brought the Nikon with longer lens and TWO card slots? I even considered buying an 18-200 lens if I take the Nikon. I could take the smaller Nikon D5000 that my husband uses with the 18-300 lens.

Opinions please...and be nice. The next topic I post will be pictures of this trip!

bebo1998 Loc: Baltimore MD area

Are you a professional?

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

I have the identical cameras you have and know your dilemma. As such, whenever we do extended trips I now only take the Sony A6000 with the Sony 10-18 and Sony/Zeiss 16-70 and the small Sony 35mm f1.8 (for low light situations) lenses and have found them adequate for all situations. Occasionally I will also pack the 55-210 if I feel the need for a longer focal length. Also included are bounce cards for the on camera flash along with a couple of extra batteries and charger...all compact and neatly fit into a small Tenba camera bag.

Have fun on your trip it is a beautiful country!

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

bebo1998 wrote:

Are you a professional?

Nope

EDIT: What does that have to do with the question I asked?

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

jederick wrote:

I have the identical cameras you have and know you... (show quote)

I opted for the 18-105/f4 instead of the 16-70. I considered the 55-210 for that extra reach but my bag will only hold the camera & 3 lenses. It sounds like you have a good combo of lenses...2 are the same as mine. Also, I just purchased the small flash unit to get the flash away from the camera and I can use it to trigger my bigger flash off camera. Do you shoot RAW or JPEG (or both) on your Sony?

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

GrandmaG wrote:

I opted for the 18-105/f4 instead of the 16-70. I considered the 55-210 for that extra reach but my bag will only hold the camera & 3 lenses. It sounds like you have a good combo of lenses...2 are the same as mine. Also, I just purchased the small flash unit to get the flash away from the camera and I can use it to trigger my bigger flash off camera. Do you shoot RAW or JPEG (or both) on your Sony?

I thought about getting a small flash but would have to remove something from my bag. Use my bag to also include a Lenovo 13" laptop that I upload my pix to at night. Then download them to a thumb drive for multiple backups. Leave the laptop in our room during the day unless we are traveling. Getting away from shooting raw and really don't miss it except for certain photo situations.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

jederick wrote:

I thought about getting a small flash but would have to remove something from my bag. Use my bag to also include a Lenovo 13" laptop that I upload my pix to at night. Then download them to a thumb drive for multiple backups. Leave the laptop in our room during the day unless we are traveling. Getting away from shooting raw and really don't miss it except for certain photo situations.

I think you'd have room for this flash. I'm carrying an iPad (not mini) for uploading at night...takes less room. I'll also have a thumb drive. The JPEGS that come out of the Sony are awesome, aren't they? ...and I had just gotten comfortable shooting RAW only! The Sony has made life easier ...and decisions harder...if that makes sense. How do you like the 55-210 lens?

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

GrandmaG wrote:

I think you'd have room for this flash. I'm carrying an iPad (not mini) for uploading at night...takes less room. I'll also have a thumb drive. The JPEGS that come out of the Sony are awesome, aren't they? ...and I had just gotten comfortable shooting RAW only! The Sony has made life easier ...and decisions harder...if that makes sense. How do you like the 55-210 lens?

I like the 55-210 but really don't use it much...the 16-70 stays on the camera about 90% of the time. Always tell myself to put it on and go take some photographs. Will make this pledge again and use it while on day hikes this spring/summer. When I want longer focal length I generally reach for the D7100 and either the 18-300 or 80-400.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

You have choices of the Nikon D5000, D7100, and the Sony a6000 with an array of lenses to choose from. All of these cameras in my opinion are satisfactory. It all boils down to what maximum focal length you really desire. 200mm or 300mm. Then you should be able to make your decisions. Enjoy your trip.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

You'll be just fine with the Sony, as long as you're comfortable with where all the settings are at...and as long as you have the lenses you want to use.

Not sure why there is a lot of indecision in people that shoot with multiple systems...pick the right tool for the job in this case your choice is between a black handled hammer and a red handled hammer both of the same weight...who gives a sh*t as long as you hit the head on the nail.

Now go out there and have fun.

picturesofdogs Loc: Dallas, Texas.

Take the Sony and the 18-105 and 35. If you really want longer reach get the 55-210. Extra batteries and a charger. Leave all that other stuff at home.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

bebo1998 wrote:

Are you a professional?

If they were...do you think they'd be asking the same question...probably not.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

GrandmaG wrote:

I really want to take the Nikon with the 18-140 le... (show quote)

If you really want to take the Nikon, take it. Last week I carried my D7200 to Walt Disney World, carried it all day long. I mounted a Sigma 17-70 mm f/2.8-4 lens so that may be similar in weight to your D7100 with the 18-140 mm lens. The secret for me, which I learned a few years ago on this site, is to have a comfortable camera strap, and for that reason, all my bodies have Op-Tek straps. Perhaps that could be a solution for you if you want to take your Nikon. I also have a smaller bag designed to accommodate a body and single lens, and has enough space for the charger, cords, flash cards. My SB400 speed light is compact enough to fit in the bag, as well, with some careful loading and the iPad gets packed in a carry on for downloading pictures at night.
Good luck with what you decide. Have a great trip.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

GrandmaG wrote:

I really want to take the Nikon with the 18-140 le... (show quote)

In u need reach, use HIS camera!
The a6000 is fabulous!

Cykdelic Loc: Now outside of Chiraq & Santa Fe, NM

GrandmaG wrote:

I really want to take the Nikon with the 18-140 le... (show quote)

In Ireland you will be taking pics of scenery, people, and buildings........for the most part you won't need really big glass. No need at all for the 300.