russjc001 Loc: South Carolina

I just got back from a trip to northern Italy. I brought a 16-35, 55 prime, and a 70-200. Used the 16-35 most of the time and the 70-200 the least by far...used it twice in the mountains but not really needed. Soooooo, I would definitely go with the 18-400 lens. In fact, I wish Tamron had one that would fit my Sony A7rii! 😊

Joe51 Loc: Connecticut

I've spent a lot of time in Europe the past few years, including Italy. I'd definitely vote for going wider instead of longer. The wider lens will be invaluable whether you're taking beautiful landscapes or the architecture of a small Italian village. I have an 18 - 200 (DX) lens and over 75% of my shots are at 50mm or wider. I do sometimes wish I had a wider lens but not a longer one.

AGO

I see that you've already received a number of responses and many suggestions. Let me add my two cents worth. I travel to Europe twice a year. I have been to all parts of Italy, including Sicily. I have a Nikon D7100 and I carry two lenses, both Sigma's. My walk around lens is the 18-250 mm that I use approximately 95% of the time. The other is a 10-20 mm that is good for tight shots. I used to also go with a 30mm 1.4 to use inside cathedrals, etc. where the light was low but flash was not allowed. I have found that the D7100 is good in low light so I didn't need the faster prime.

Some people have responded that you don't need a lens with a reach as long as 400mm. I find that I use the long end of my zoom quite often (e.g. I got some great shots of Mt. Etna with it). You may not necessarily need to zoom out to 400mm a lot, but there may be some instances where it will come in handy.

repleo Loc: Boston

Your D7200 and 18-400 lens weighs over 3 lbs. If you are in Rome in August with that load you will be begging for a pocketable P&S or a cell phone camera by 3:00 pm on the first day.

Turk6482 Loc: Massachusetts

Everyone thank you so much for all the great advise. The overwhelming thing I hear is it's going to be hot (lol), go light and wide.

Again thanks everyone for the advise and tips, greatly appreciated.

tkmp8

After numerous trips the last few years to Europe I was looking and researching a good solid all around lens. I too had a couple kit lenses that were OK but I was looking for something that would serve as a lens to shoot people, architecture, and scenery. We hang with a bunch of oenophiles so having a lens for the wine tours was also paramount. After much research and quite frankly seeing people’s responses on this
website I settled on a Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens. I took it to Japan to ski, London in April, the Outer Banks of North Carolina as I write this. What a great piece of equipment. Two years ago I purchased a Tamron 150-600 G2 and took it to Tanzania and I was smitten with Tamron. I know there are people who have all their own likes in the way of lenses on this blog but this is my take away. We are headed to Spain in September and I am looking forward to shooting with my 24-70. Your call, just my two cents...MMO

CWGordon

The Nikon 24-120 is not quite the lens the 24-70 is. However, it is still quite good, much lighter and has a bit better range. It also costs less. Of course, if you’re not shooting a Nikon...
btw, I have the same Tamron telephoto as do you. I find it quite acceptable even at 600. I only wish it were one stop faster. For the price, an astoundingly good piece of serious lens.