SailAway Loc: Whitehall, Michigan

Taking a European Christmas Market Cruise on the Rhine with Viking, and then spending a few days in Amsterdam. My question is which lenses to take?

Own the following lenses: Rokinon RF 85mm F1.4, Rokinon RF 14mm F2.8, Canon RF 24-105mm f4.0 (all are weather sealed);
Canon RF 50mm f1.8, Canon RF 100-400mm variable aperature (these are non weather sealed).

I definitely plan on taking the Canon RF 24-105 F4.0 because it gives a great deal of flexibility and it is weather sealed. I am thinking I should take the Canon RF 100-400 for shots of castles while cruising along the Rhine. I am also thinking I should take the RF 85mm F1.4 for night photography and possible some daytime photography or indoor in lower light situations.

I also will take a flat stabilizer and ball head mount in place of a tripod on which I can mount my camera for stabilization if I desire to take a longer exposure or some night shots.

I am wondering what other photographers think of these choices, and am I missing anything? Keeping in mind weight, wet weather, walking in Europe, and carry on bag limits for air travel are all considerations. Thanks for all suggestions.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

Your judgement is sound. Do it!

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I was faced with a similar problem in 2018 for a Danube River cruise via Tauck. I decided to purchase a Sony RX10 IV. I have never regretted that decision. Actually I sold my two Canon DSLR's and L lenses. I'm so happy not "lugging" 30 - 40 pounds of equipment in a backpack and I doubt I have missed photo opportunities. You might consider renting one.

Mark

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

The 24-105 sounds the best I use my R 24-240. If you can take 100-400 as a 2nd lens. This gives you wid2 (24) to long (400).

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You're talking about packing along a lot of equipment for maybe (just maybe) using the more specialized equipment just once. Take just the 24-105 and camera and better enjoy the overall trip.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

There will be lots of shots in the evenings with Christmas lights. I’d also take your 50mm f1.8 lens. I’d bet that when you’re on land you would use it a lot! Have fun!

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Beat me to it!

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

I'm pretty sure there will be conflicting views, however . . . .
I would take the Canon EOS R6 with the RF 24-105 F4.0, a comfortable shoulder strap, one spare battery, charger, lens cleaning materials, and lots of spare memory cards, all in a small insulated/padded camera bag.
When possible, shoot at a reasonable shutter speed, middling aperture, and set the ISO at "Auto". If you REALLY want to get the shot, bracket!
As far as the "castles while cruising along the Rhine", shoot at 105 mm, crop as required, and use Topaz Gigapixel Ai or LR to "Upscale" as required.
You will be amazed at how much more you will enjoy travel, the cruise, and your company, just like Mark said above.
Yeah, I have done the "Rambo" thing with 40 lbs. of equipment, and I was miserable, and my wife was miserable, and our friends were miserable, but this is just my opinion.
Have a great cruise and . . .
Best Wishes,
JimmyT Sends

willaim Loc: Sunny Southern California

I think of what you intend to take is perfect. BTW, shooting pictures while the boat is moving is no problem. The river cruises are smooth and the ship really doesn't move fast. Enjoy.

williejoha

We took the river cruise 5 years ago. The 24-105 is all you will need. I used the 5 III with that lens and all worked out well. Have a great trip.
WJH

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Choices seem good, if that is what you want. I might be inclined to leave the 85 behind and use the 50 f1.8 which is small and add the 14 mm for wider scenics and since the R6 handles high ISO well the 14 mm f/2.8 should work in dim light.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If you take a Sony RX10m4, ALL these decisions go away .......except for ultrawide or ultra fast....and the trip enjoyment will go UP !

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I would make one suggestion, that you buy a shoulder strap with a cable in it. Camera thieves (and the markets have them) "will cut and run". They use a sharp knife to cut your strap and grab the camera. I got mine at B&H for about $25.00. They have straps for the camera and straps for a camera bag.

JacksonHD Loc: NorCal