Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

On a trip like the one you describe and so far away, I'd purchase a small pocket/bridge type camera that has enormous zoom capabilities and that takes RAW and feel a lot safer about it along with extra batteries and memory cards. That will lighten your load immensely and give you peace of mind and the space & weight issues will no longer exist. Good Luck !

berchman Loc: South Central PA

I've been to Vietnam twice. The first time I carried two FF Nikons (D700, D800) with Nikon 17-35 and 700-200. The second time I also visited Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. Then I carried a Fuji X-T2 with its 18-135 lens. Both times I got all the shots I wanted. It's ridiculous to lug that 200-600.

philo Loc: philo, ca

I'm going to CR in Oct and will leave my 150-600 at home. Will take my 28-300 instead.
Maybe you can talk your wife to carry it for you. Think tank has a new bag that will carry your camera body and big lens only for $100 plus.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

My guess is that it would just end up being dead weight for you.

n4jee Loc: New Bern, NC

A number of years ago I took a once in a lifetime trip to Europe. I took 2 Nikon F5's and a bunch of lenses in a large camera bag. What I used was one body with a 35-70 f2.8. My wife and I are planning a Mediterranean cruise for our 50th and I'm leaving my Nikon D810 and heavy f2.8 lenses at home. I bought a Sony a6000 and an 18-135 mm lens and that's all I'm taking. Enjoy the trip, record the memories but leave the heavy stuff at home.

SDigger

You now know what you asked for, that is, what other people think. Now, I advise you to do what you want to do. If you take it and don't use it, you might regret that. I if you don't take it, and wish you had, will you ever be in that place again? There is a potential cost to both decisions. Regardless, I wish all the best for a great trip.

Hip Coyote

On a cruise/ land based trip? Unless you anticipate doing some dedicated animal shots leave the beast home. Been to Asia and can say that the bulk of my photos are wide angle with people. You will be in fast-paced cities. Interact with the people. You are perfectly set up that without that lens.

dukepresley

We went to China seven years ago; all I took was my trusty D90 and a 16-85 F3.5 lens. It didn't have all the reach I would have liked, but in reviewing the pictures I took, many of were people / street scenes, and so I don't think I missed much of anything. I now have moved through that camera to a D300S / 17-55 F2.8 to a D700 with a 24-70 f2.8 and now a D750 with the 24-70...while I occasionally lust for a 70-200 or 200-500, I still travel with the D750/24-70 and get all the pics I seem to need.

dick ranez

It might be more trouble than it's worth. As for the "you have it take it" crowd, I also own a piano but I never travel with it.

khalidikram

I don't know which are all the countries that you plan to visit. You mentioned Vietnam. I have been to Vietnam at least 25 times, and never needed anything beyond 200 mm. Obviously your taste in photography may be different, but my strong advice to you is to avoid taking the monster lens. You will hate the trip instead of enjoying it. The other two lenses that you mentioned are perfect. I don't think you need anything more.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

LXK0930 Loc: Souh Jersey

Definitely bring it!
In case you are accosted in some dark alley, you can use it as a club.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

[quote=denverdave]Hi everyone. I have a very subjective question so I am just looking for a trend in the answers. I have a three week cruise/trek in Asia planned for later in the year. My dilemma is bringing my 200-600 mm monster lens. If I bring the lens it means bringing my big camera bag. Which then influences all of the other luggage we bring. Carry on's, difficulty of travel days. etc. I have two bodies. A 15-30 will be on one. Wide shots from the ship. Ancient temples, etc. And a 24-210 will be on the other. In a perfect world I would have a 300 but I don't and that expense won't be happening before the trip. Would you bring the big lens? Obviously it's good for animals. Will be going to one great zoo. I'm not a huge people photog and besides walking around crowded Vietnamese streets with the big lens isn't very low key. Thoughts?[/quote

Based upon your equipment list, you should have plenty of experience with which lens kit you prefer. Travel generally means "light" options, however, you surely already know what will work for you. Asia is no different from "home."

Have a blast... Asia is fascinating!!!

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

For the amount of times you may use it I think I would leave it at home. You should be fine with the two lenses you intend to bring. I have the 200-500 and unless you plan to be in the wild encountering wildlife, I'd not bring it along. Also a flag for potential thieves.

Other option is can you get a 2x converter for the 210 lens?
My two cents.

Billynikon2

I have never on any trip needed anything larger than a 500. And that was a very rare occasion.