Vacation Lenses- Go Light or Return w/ Regret?
May 14, 2019 21:45:44 #
DaveyDitzer
Loc: Western PA
GWZ wrote:
I have done two trips through Europe and found my D5300 with the 18-140 f/3.5-5.6 zoom to be an excellent walk-around combo. I also brought a 35mm/f1.8 because it was easy to carry. I used it a few times, but 98.63% of my pictures were taken with the zoom.
As you said - you will be "walking a ton". Go light - it makes your walking experience that much more enjoyable.
Gary
As you said - you will be "walking a ton". Go light - it makes your walking experience that much more enjoyable.
Gary
Exactly what I did in Hawaii at the same % usage.
May 15, 2019 06:06:52 #
devil-dog wrote:
Wow! Thank you, sir, for taking the time to give me advice & even including helpful links! You are awesome!
Does the Louvre (and other museums in Paris) have size rules on camera bags? Or are they all not allowed?
The Marines taught me situational awareness, but I'll have to teach my wife...
Does the Louvre (and other museums in Paris) have size rules on camera bags? Or are they all not allowed?
The Marines taught me situational awareness, but I'll have to teach my wife...
I did a search and could find nothing regarding the size of bags, however, I do recall that security was tight, think TSA, armed guards and that we were told that lockers were available for a fee. It has been almost three years since my visit and the details have eroded. I rarely carry anything except my camera on an OP/TECH USA Urban Sling for security reasons. Have a wonderful trip and allow a few hours for the Louvre. Maybe split up your day with lunch at their restaurant close to the glass pyramid? ALWAYS remember to say "bonjour monsieur/madame" when first addressing anyone French. It is considered rude not to do so even if you can't speak French.
You have been given literally pages of advice. Take from this advice what you will, PLAN your trip well, be willing and prepared to adapt, and enjoy the trip, soak it in and don't spend all of your time looking through a viewfinder.
https://optechusa.com/urban-sling.html
https://www.louvre.fr/en/hours-admission-directions
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187147-i14-k5739621-The_Louvre_where_to_eat_inside_the_museum-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
Smile,
JimmyT Sends
May 15, 2019 08:34:06 #
berchman
Loc: South Central PA
devil-dog wrote:
My wife & I are taking a once-in-a-lifetime va... (show quote)
You have been asking people whether or not they take a travel tripod. Forget the damned tripod! I have been to all the places you are visiting and a lot more (Burma, Iran, Tibet, +....) and I have always found a way to steady my camera sufficiently to get the shot. I was in Nice for a week and more than once I didn't bother taking my Fuji X-T2 out with me and just used my iPhone 7+ and I still got some pretty good pictures. The less stuff you're carrying around, the more enjoyable your walking becomes.
May 15, 2019 08:45:27 #
Reconvic
Loc: clermont Fl
Linda From Maine wrote:
Is it more important to soak in the experiences of this once-in-a-lifetime or to carry around a heavy bag and then jostle crowds while you change lenses? Do you really think you'll feel regret at not getting a "perfect" composition?
Take the 24-70 and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!
Take the 24-70 and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!
TUNED in to your advise on this subject...being new at this hobby and looking for a general purpose lens that would include wildlife landscapes would you recommend the same lens? I always use the 600 Sigma for wildlife but many times would like to catch the sunset over the marsh.
May 15, 2019 09:42:19 #
Having traveled to more than 64 countries n my retirement, I have only taken 1 (ONE) lens with me and one high end point-and-shoot camera fir an evening shooter. One exception was Africa. The best all-around for me is a 28 to 300 mm zoom lens. It has not failed yet. Only one desire was in Barcelona while attempting to shoot the Scara Familia cathedral. 28mm just was not quite wide enough. That said, two months ago I shot my way through old cars in Cuba for a week with only my Nikon 24 to 70 f2.8 with great success. In the cities a wide angle is better, but also enjoy a long reach lens occasionally... good luck and shoot your “butt” off ( take a ton of photos)!!!
May 15, 2019 09:52:52 #
berchman
Loc: South Central PA
stuparr935 wrote:
Only one desire was in Barcelona while attempting to shoot the Scara Familia cathedral. 28mm just was not quite wide enough.
In the Sacra Familia was where my 12mm Rokinon came in handy.
May 15, 2019 10:30:01 #
berchman wrote:
In the Sacra Familia was where my 12mm Rokinon came in handy.
Sagrada Família?
In there, a wide angle and a tele would be useful.
The interior is huge (and amazing) but a longer lens would be handy for detail shots.
May 15, 2019 16:02:15 #
devil-dog wrote:
Thank you! Did you take a travel tripod?
What I took was just a 5’ cord with a 1/4-20 eyebolt that I stand on the cord that is attached to the tripod socket to stable my camera, it removes easily and the cord fits in my pocket. Didn’t have to use it much.
May 15, 2019 16:26:24 #
turp77 wrote:
What I took was just a 5’ cord with a 1/4-20 eyebolt that I stand on the cord that is attached to the tripod socket to stable my camera, it removes easily and the cord fits in my pocket. Didn’t have to use it much.
This works very well for me too!!!
May 15, 2019 17:13:46 #
I have traveled all over the world, and always take a lot of photos. After much experience I have found it is best to have a walk-a-round lens that you don't change. I used a 18-200 on my DX camera until the 18-300 came out. Then when I moved up to the Nikon D-810 I immediately ordered the 28-300 FX lens. You want be sorry! Leave you 2.8 lens at home to take on auto trips. The only additional items I take is a CPL, manual, charger, cleaning brush, and my shoulder holster.
May 15, 2019 18:35:27 #
the 24-70 will probably be your go to lens but I would take them all but you will be using the 24-70 most of the time but have the rest on hand just in case you can always come back & get any you need but as I say 24-70 is a cool walk around lens you can go to 70 or wide angle, but enjoy yourself above all 
May 15, 2019 20:10:56 #
devil-dog wrote:
My wife & I are taking a once-in-a-lifetime va... (show quote)
Last summer my wife and I took a cruise of coastal Maine. At 77 I decided to go light a regretted only taking my 24-70, leaving my 70-300 at home. I needed the extra reach. I'll not do that again. Missed too many lighthouse shots. Take your 70-200 along with the 24-70.
May 16, 2019 14:31:17 #
Regarding tripods: Perhaps for those who are worried about steadiness (maybe planning to do a lot of low-light/nightime shooting), a compromise would be a light but sturdy monopod. I agree a tripod is just toio builky for mnost travel, but one wants to be prepared if it's a big adventure. I actually picked up a great little monopod for 00 CENTS at Goodwill a couple of years ago, and it's perfect - small and light, but sturdy enough for a Canon 7D with a 24-105mm.
Another piece of "equipment" I'd recommend: a photog vest. On a day trip it might eliminate the need to carry a bag if you only take one extra lens, and allows you to safely stow wallet, passport, keys, etc. in the inside pockets to avoid thievery. Just don't put your wallet in the back outside pocket!
Another piece of "equipment" I'd recommend: a photog vest. On a day trip it might eliminate the need to carry a bag if you only take one extra lens, and allows you to safely stow wallet, passport, keys, etc. in the inside pockets to avoid thievery. Just don't put your wallet in the back outside pocket!
May 17, 2019 10:35:55 #
Since your taking the D750, FX, I would take along a 28-300. That should cover almost all of your needs.
May 17, 2019 11:23:22 #
Christm wrote:
Since your taking the D750, FX, I would take along a 28-300. That should cover almost all of your needs.
I have shot South Africa 3 times and 300mm will not get you every shot you want. 450mm or a bit better is a must. The 28-300mm is my go to lens for traveling overseas, but Africa calls for a bit more reach. You will get 85 to 90 % of the shots you want but will miss out on the leopard up in the trees... Just saying! I've been there and want to go back during the migration season with a 150-600 on my D810...
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.