Ruthlessrider

Heading to Amsterdam in a few weeks to train around the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany to visit a few cities known for their Christmas markets and decorations. I want to travel as light as possible. I have a new IPhone 14 pro and a Canon R5. I usually take more photo equipment than I use so I am asking you well traveled travelers this question; do I just take the IPhone 14 or the R5 with one lens? If I take the R5, what lens, of all that are available, do the take?

I tend to take the R5, because of the flexibility to post process a RAW file, but………obviously bulkier than the IPhone.

Gampa

Do it right … take the R5 (it’ll produce better low light photos) with an all around zoom in the 24-105 range.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

With 45MP, I could probably do the entire trip with just the 35L, for the locations / situations you'd expect. Or, a 15/16-35mm zoom. The 24-105 lens is a fine option. I've been to all those places and markets, I'd prefer wider being in the midst of the crowd.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I like to travel light now. Had six lenses for my film cameras. No more.
I now use an 18-200 for 99+% of my shots on my digital, and also take a 50 ƒ1.4, just in case.

gwilliams6

If you want the small size, weight and quick snapshot convenience of the smartphone, take that and be happy with its images.

Probably you will have your smartphone with you anyway as most plans have good international calling and free texting, so take it AND the R5 for those shots that will come out better with that larger sensor and a better quality lens .

And on a once-in-a-lifetime trip like that it is good to have a backup, if you have an accident and either your one camera or your one smartphone goes down. I never travel with just one camera option. You could get bumped in those crowded Xmas markets and your smartphone goes down on those hard cobblestones and then you could be out of luck if that is all you brought. Or something as simple as a drained smartphone battery, with no place to charge it. (might be good to carry a backup battery pack if you are using your smartphone as your main camera for everything as well as using it for other smartphone tasks)

If you take just one lens, then the R5 with 24-105mm would be my recommendation for sure. I have traveled to many countries and you will be able to cover most travel shots with that 24-105mm lens IMHO.

Cheers and best to you.

worldcycle Loc: Stateline, Nevada

One camera, one lens. My walk about is a 5DM4 with a 24-105 has served me well on my travels. So I lean towards the R5 with a 24-105. The mirrorless and dedicated lens is not as bulky as an DSLR. I did a trip where I left my camera at home and just did the iPhone thing. Completely regretted it especially when I got home and discovered just how limited I was with post processing. Your phone is good in a pinch when places don’t allow “pro cameras” and to use the internet whenever you have wifi access.

gwilliams6

Good advice here, take both

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

When I went on a cruise back just before Covid broke, I took my DSLR and a pocketable, the Lumix DMC-ZS100. The Lumix was used when I left the ship and didn't want the size and weight of the DSLR. It worked out quite well, but I would have been happier with the DC-ZS200. Being in full daylight, the DCZS80 or a Sony DSC-HX99 would have been fine, too. The point being having a small camera for when it would be more convenient or when a "professional" camera isn't allowed.

I have even gotten by with my bridge camera (SX50 HS) when a "professional" camera wasn't allowed.

My DSLR lens was an EF-S model, so it isn't appropriate for your situation.

Ruthlessrider

Thanks to one an all for all the comment. I think I will go with the recommendation to take the R5, because as one of you mentioned, I will be taking the IPhone anyway. Now I just have to decide, the 16-35 or the 24-105.

Thanks again everyone.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

I've been to markets in all those locations, and would take the 14 pro and the R5 with a wider angle zoom. The 24-105 already suggested by other members would serve you well.

On an aside - if you can get to Gouda and/or Delft on market days, do it. You won't be disappointed. Flower market day in Amsterdam is another "so it if you can work it into your schedule" is another of my suggestions.

mvetrano2 Loc: Commack, NY

Iwould tke an RG 24-240 to cover all needs from wide to tele.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

If you are going to be traveling around Europe by train I hope you take plenty of money with you. While living In Germany in 2015/16 I was appalled at how expensive train travel had become. Luckily we had a car and found that much cheaper. I would love to go back and visit the Christmas markets. The one in Dresden where we were was great. While in Germany I had one camera, an Olympus with two kit lenses. I kept it in the console between the seats so it was available when I needed it. My wife and I both had tablets, which we could use for video shots. Oh, an after thought. On the train do not place any items in the overhead racks. Keep it next to you. A friend lost everything including his passport when some young hoodlums were able to crawl along the overhead rack unnoticed and steal his bag. You will notice that all of the local people will have their luggage next to them where they can keep their hand on it.

jrcarpe Loc: Jacksonville,AR

I have been to Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Budapest, Belgium, France, Normandy,Italy, British Isles. My camera was the Canon 40D then Canon 70D along with a Canon G 11.P&S camera. 28/135mm Lens with both cameras. Pictures were very good.I replaced the 28/135 later with a Tamron 16/300mm. Wish I had kept the 28/135.

Canisdirus

Going by your post...
If you want to travel as light as possible...take the phone only.
It's not a close comparison.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

A photographer brings their camera.