Lenses for Trip to Italy
Sep 12, 2023 11:23:44 #
Just spent two weeks in Italy with only a 28-70. Never needed longer but occasionally wanted faster.
Sep 12, 2023 11:31:33 #
jbk224 wrote:
I am modifying my suggestion after reading Zugg's post. As a DX body, I still suggest taking your 10-20 as the effective 15-30 will work out fine indoors and for many wide angle outdoor opportunities. I would take the 18-70 instead of the 18-300. The effective 27-105 should be more than adequate for most of your trip.
We travel a lot. I’m in Italy as I type this. I concur with this recommendation. I have found that in Italy and similar European place a wide lens is necessary. I almost never use a long telephoto.
I generally take my Oly camera, Oly 12-100 and recently added the 8-25 which is near perfect for my purposes.
But a confession. I’m tired of carrying a larger camera. On this trip I’m using a Sony RX100. But the jury lis out there n this gear.
What I can say is I really do not take shots inside churches etc anymore. It’s boring. If there is a venue I want I now just get a postcard or something. Those are shot when there is no public around, professionally lit, etc.
It all depends on what you’re going to do with the shots. A book for memories? Display? Photo contests? If it’s just a memory book I’d throttle back on photo gear.
Now the comment that will make some people lose their minds…an iPhone is a mighty fine travel camera. And a great back up. My trusty Oly crashed in Cairo and I used my iPhone to good effect.
Anyhoo, you need a wide angle lens for sure.
Sep 12, 2023 11:35:01 #
I reviewed the shots I took using the d500 in 2017 while in France we visited cities and out in the countryside. I found that while in Bordeaux my shot focal lengths ranged from 18 to 300mm when I took photos of buildings, people, city views and details of buildings. There were times when the 300mm was handy; but as i have said in my experience the lens is not as sharp on the d500 at 300mm as it is at shorter lengths; others disagree with my assessment. But overall for the trip I was using focal lengths less than 150mm most of the time and I have shots less than 50mm. In town 18mm was used a lot.
I suggest you review shots you have taken on other trips and determine if the extra reach of the 18 to 300 is needed and how satisfied are you with the shots
I suggest you review shots you have taken on other trips and determine if the extra reach of the 18 to 300 is needed and how satisfied are you with the shots
Sep 12, 2023 11:56:23 #
Sep 12, 2023 12:17:34 #
runakid
Loc: Shelbyville, TN
18-300
Then bring the 10-20. I think you will find that you will carry one lens and one body.
Then bring the 10-20. I think you will find that you will carry one lens and one body.
Sep 12, 2023 13:53:25 #
I just went on a photo expedition to Malta and Sicily. The lenses I used the most were 14-24 f/2.8, 85 f1.4. I did portrait and landscape mostly. I did not need long lenses so I had room to take two bodies so I did not have to worry about changing lenses and missing any opportunities. I used the BlackRapid double camera harness. Brilliant device. I suggest taking the fastest lenses you can.
Have a wonderful trip and stop to enjoy the experience as well. Hope this is helpful.
RL
Have a wonderful trip and stop to enjoy the experience as well. Hope this is helpful.
RL
Sep 12, 2023 15:22:31 #
For me it would be the 18-300mm and the 35mm. No question in my mind. If you need someone to help carry bags on your trip, let me know. 
Sep 12, 2023 15:59:28 #
35mm for "walking around lens". 18-300 for making photos for great pictures.
Sep 12, 2023 16:29:48 #
Longshadow wrote:
It depends on what and how you shoot...
I went to Iceland with an 18-200 and a 50.
If I were going, using your equipment, I would take the 18-300 and the 35.
But that's me.
What do you want to take?
I went to Iceland with an 18-200 and a 50.
If I were going, using your equipment, I would take the 18-300 and the 35.
But that's me.
What do you want to take?
Same for me.
Sep 12, 2023 16:32:58 #
stan0301 wrote:
The 10-20, and the 18-300
10-20 not that much wider than 18.
Sep 12, 2023 16:49:52 #
rlovaglio wrote:
Trying to travel light, I went to Italy with only ... (show quote)
Great shots - and it looks like a great place to live as well
Sep 12, 2023 17:47:17 #
joecichjr wrote:
Great shots - and it looks like a great place to live as well
You bring up a great point. Cell phones are phenomenal now. Don’t expect decent telephoto capabilities, but wide angle to 100mm, are great. Just shoot in the highest resolution possible.
Sep 12, 2023 17:57:13 #
Burkley
Loc: Park City
berkspencer wrote:
I will be visiting Italy (Rome, Siena, Florence, and Cinque Terre) October 3 - 18, 2023. I have a Nikon D7500 and the following Nikkor lenses: 18-300 1:3.5-6.3; 18-70 1:3.5-4.5; 70-300 1:4-5.6; 10-20 1:4.5-5.6; and 35mm 1:1.8.
I have room for only two lenses; one on the body and one extra. What combination would you recommend?
I have room for only two lenses; one on the body and one extra. What combination would you recommend?
I would take the 18-300 as a walk around lens. Then you need to decide if it is more important to have a fast lens (35 1.8) or a wide angle lens (10-20). I end up finding fairly good shots in shadowed streets and inside buildings, often of people. Although the 7500 is a great camera, it has some limitations at high ISO’s, so I would take the 35. You may want to take expansive landscapes with little interest in shots needing a fast lens, then the 10-20 is better.
Sep 12, 2023 18:19:23 #
Sep 12, 2023 18:51:17 #
Rent a faster 24mm? I just re-found my 24mm 1.4. My new favorite lens.
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