317tman Loc: Indianapolis, In

I would like some advice from those that have used the SONY A 6000 series for travel. I just purchased an A6400 with the 16-50 kit lens to reduce weight and size on travel. I will be going to Paris on a tour that includes side trips to Normady & Versailles and was wondering if the 16-50 is sufficient both from quality of the photos and range. Being a 24-75 35mm equivalent it seems pretty good. Wide angle was more important in the small towns in Italy, but not sure about Paris.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Your choice should be fine.
I get very confused why anyone buys an ILC then insists on only taking 1 lens. Yes weight and size is a factor and if so get a fixed mount zoom camera.
Oh well.

LESTAHL Loc: Colorado

Pretty much the same. You might miss getting one or two pictures that would have have been better had you used a telephoto of longer length. You could get a Sony 55-200 just in case-they are not overly large and light weight.

Sunnely Loc: Wisconsin

I think you'll be fine with what you have. When we took the same trip 4 years ago, I had my Panasonic Lumix zs50 and I think it did nice job. But, that was my first foray into digital camera. If I have to do it all over again, I'd bring a more versatile lens such as a Tamron 18-400 mm or the equivalent in Sony and a bit faster lens for low-light/indoor shooting.

In Paris, you would want to go to (not in any particular order and my own personal bias): Eiffel Tower (best in evening), The Louvre, Sacre Coeur, Musee d'Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Champ Elysse (the last 2 you can walk to or take the Hop-in/Hop off bus and fire away with your camera with longer reach), and Notre Dame (not sure since the fire).

Versailles - The Garden is YUUGE! Will take forever to walk it. This is where you may need a longer reach lens (e.g., 18-400 mm. You'll be fine with your regular lens for the indoor show.

If you stop by Giverny (Monet): You'll do fine with what you have.

Normandy - you'll do fine with what you have but an extra reach lens ready in case, won't hurt.

Happy Trip.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Taking photographs in Europe is exactly the same as taking a photograph anywhere else, you will not need any special equipment, just use what you already own.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

So true. Stuff reminds me of Martha and Dorothy. Martha; tells Dorothy they are going to Kansas tomorrow. Dorothy; responds"oh dear, do we need different clothes".

cdayton

I own that camera (not my primary) and would definitely take a longer lens to Paris - the 55-210 kit lens is not bad. We last visited Paris about 2 years ago and I made copious use of my longer lens (55-200 on a D5200 and 18-200 on a D300 on previous visits).

peterg Loc: Santa Rosa, CA

I've taken two river European river cruises with a Sony A6300. Aboard the ship, I often used a 55-210mm. Around town, a 16-70 only. Never wished for a different lens. In town, I carry an extra SD card, a battery or two and an ultra-pod II pocket tripod.

repleo Loc: Boston

The IQ of the 16-50 will be the same in France as it is at home and the range should be fine. If it is good enough for you at home, it will be good enough away.
I usually use the 18-105mm F4 G on my A6000 for travelling, but rarely need the full zoom. I always pack the 16-50 as well. It is a great little lens for its size and it can be a relief to be able to carry your camera in a jacket pocket when you go out for dinner in the evening.
If you feel like treating yourself to a new lens for the trip, look at the Sony 18-135 instead of the 55-210. The 18-135 is about the same size and weight as the 55-210, but is much more versatile. However, I would still pack the 16-50mm for when you just want a 'camera that you have with you'.
Be sure to visit the 'Hameau de la Reine' - The Queen's Village at Versailles.
Enjoy and post pics when you get back.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

You should be OK - use the sweep pano to go wider and Clear Image Zoom to go longer ......two good reasons for having a Sony.
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Pittsburgher

Based on my recent trip to Paris, I would second Repleo's suggestion of the Sony 18-135 lens (27-200 FF equiv). As you are, I was concerned about weight and size of photo gear. I ended up taking my Sony A6500 and that lens on a small group (18 people) one week tour of Paris in May, and found the combination quite useful. I did take the 16-55 lens as well, but never used it.

Given that this was not a group of photographers, I had little opportunity to carefully compose and study exposure settings. Most of my shooting was in auto mode. The lens had more than adequate reach, and only in a handful of locations would I have preferred a little wider range, or a larger aperture. I find a manual zoom control more to my liking, so that worked out well on the 18-135.

Sunnely noted most of the key sights to see in Paris. (I would particularly encourage a visit to the Musee D'Orsay, which is close to the Louvre.) Also, take time to just wander some streets to take in Parisian life, AND enjoy the view from some of the many sidewalk cafes.

Have a wonderful trip! You will enjoy all your destinations, I'm sure.

dick ranez

Take your phone. Having wandered the streets of Paris, London and Rome with nothing more than a 50mm, it's hard to imagine needing more than your kit lens you already have. Since it's not a photo specific tour, taking a extra lens is extra weight, time consuming and not necessary. Zoom with your feet if you must, but don't forget to spend the money you don't spend on photo equipment to sample the bakeries, bars and wonderful sidewalk restaurants in Paris.

peterg Loc: Santa Rosa, CA

Take a Paris walking tour in the morning then relax at the cafes, restaurants, etc. Never do more than one "serious" tour/visit per day.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

So true. Buildings are buildings, bridges are bridges, parks are parks, museums are museums, etc. everywhere. Spent a month in Europe last summer with just my Fuji X100F 23mm (35mm FF equiv.) fixed lens. ZERO regrets.

Sunnely Loc: Wisconsin

Agree. You can take the Paris "Hop-on, Hop-off" bus and tour (1-day pass or up to 3-day pass) the city and stop at the place of your choosing. For example, relax at a cafe and enjoy the scenery or just people watching. (Photo below, after we toured Notre Dame, we stopped by a cafe and used restroom for free with an order of cup of coffee or drinks.)
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Just relaxing at a cafe near Notre Dame (Point & Shoot Lumix zs50) - Aug 2015

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