Traveling light question (Page 2): Your background is similar to mine except I got the same D3100 2-lens kit a year and a half ago. My experience has been the opposite of Tpharm's (who...

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Your background is similar to mine except I got the same D3100 2-lens kit a year and a half ago. My experience has been the opposite of Tpharm's (who uses the 55-200 the most). I use the 18-55mm 90% of the time. If you need more magnification, your 14 megapixels give you plenty of cropping room.

Even though you said you just got your D3100, go back and look at what you've been shooting, select your favorites and look at what focal length you've been using.

Bottom line, even travelling light, the 55-200mm is only 3X4 inches and weighs 12 ounces, so go with both!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Biznaga wrote:

I am traveling light to Europe this fall.

I just bought the Nikon D3100 2 lens kit a couple weeks ago and relearning lost skills.

Now for my question: Which lens would be best for all around day-to-day shooting of stills?

If this has been covered, please forgive a newbie's ignorance.

EDIT:
Zoom is the AF-S 55-200 mm 1:4-5.6 G ED that I assume comes with all dual lens kits.

The other one is the standard AF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED

I think you will find the 18-55 to be more useful. With a minimum of 55mm available, you will find yourself missing the wide view of many scenes.

Of course, if you are out in the country, or want to get closeups of distant views, then the longer lens would be better. I generally don't switch lenses when I am out traveling. I'll decide what I want at the beginning of the day and bring just the one.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

Biznaga wrote:

I am traveling light to Europe this fall.

I just bought the Nikon D3100 2 lens kit a couple weeks ago and relearning lost skills.

Now for my question: Which lens would be best for all around day-to-day shooting of stills?

If this has been covered, please forgive a newbie's ignorance.

EDIT:
Zoom is the AF-S 55-200 mm 1:4-5.6 G ED that I assume comes with all dual lens kits.

The other one is the standard AF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED

Since you have stated that you already have the two lenses above and do not want to spend any more, I would opt for taking both. I have an 18-55 and 55-300 and have found occasions/desire for both of them.

However...if you were to spend money... an 18-200 or the 18-270 mentioned earlier would definitely cover all your bases. Happy shooting and bring back some good pics!!

lesip

When I first started out and had these two lens my walk around lens was the AFS 18-55.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Pretty sure the 18-55 will be the most practical and often used lens.
You may consider circular polarizer filter for sunny day landscapes. If this interests you please do yourself a favor and buy a good one. Hoya Pro, or B+W, both good choices.

alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

Biznaga wrote:

I am traveling light to Europe this fall.

I just bought the Nikon D3100 2 lens kit a couple weeks ago and relearning lost skills.

Now for my question: Which lens would be best for all around day-to-day shooting of stills?

If this has been covered, please forgive a newbie's ignorance.

EDIT:
Zoom is the AF-S 55-200 mm 1:4-5.6 G ED that I assume comes with all dual lens kits.

The other one is the standard AF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED

I have the Nikon D3100 with the two kit lenses and use the 55-200 lens for most of what I shoot. It's my "walking around lens."

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

If you can't take both, take the 18-55 if you are going to be in town mostly. In town you will want the wide angle for buildings and interior shooting.

If you are spending most of your time in the countryside, it is a tougher call. If you are traveling with someone and want pictures of each other, but will be shooting mostly landscapes, go with the 55-200. If on your own in the countryside, definitely take the 55-200.

But, if you can, take both. Most airlines allow a camera bag as a second carry-on.

DiVall Loc: Thessaloniki/Greece

Hi there,
Well it depends on the 'company' factor.
-If you travel alone I would suggest the AF-S 55-200 mm 1:4-5.6 G ED, because most probably you will 'view' the world as an observer in your travel, so a medium to telephoto lens will allow you to take photos from a distance.
-On the other hand, If you travel with company I would suggest the AF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED, because you will be able to take snapshots of your company, and a wide angle to medium telephoto lens will allow you to do that, while you stay close with each other.

ddonlewis

Obviously they did not understand the point of your question, which was which of the 2 lenses you own should you choose for your European trip? I lived in Belgium at Nato Headquarters for 5 years, and the 18-55MM would be the best of the two. European cities are quite cramped, so the 18-55MM would be much better. You'll also be indoors in all kinds of famous buildings, so you'll need the wide angle capability. BUT, I also have the 55-200mm and know that it only weighs about 13oz, so if you can take a second lens it will occasionally be of value.

wilikioti Loc: Deep South, USA

Biznaga wrote:

I am traveling light to Europe this fall.

I just bought the Nikon D3100 2 lens kit a couple weeks ago and relearning lost skills.

Now for my question: Which lens would be best for all around day-to-day shooting of stills?

If this has been covered, please forgive a newbie's ignorance.

EDIT:
Zoom is the AF-S 55-200 mm 1:4-5.6 G ED that I assume comes with all dual lens kits.

The other one is the standard AF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED

Get your self a baggy pockets pair of britches and take both. I mean, how much weight are we talking about here?!

alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

wilikioti wrote:

Get your self a baggy pockets pair of britches and take both. I mean, how much weight are we talking about here?!

And add suspenders or a sturdy belt!

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

I am traveling across the country - San Francisco to Washington DC next month and my camera will be Canon Rebel 400d and 2 kit lens- 18-55 & 100-300 - and this close-up adapter - Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Snap-On Lens.
After buying and reading a great book -Photographing Washington D.C. Digital Field Guide Paperback
by John Healey (Author)
I am sure that I'll be doing 99% of my shots with the 18-55 but I know I would miss a few shots without the 100-300.

OddJobber wrote:

Your background is similar to mine except I got th... (show quote)

Biznaga Loc: Witness protection program

OddJobber wrote:

Your background is similar to mine except I got the same D3100 2-lens kit a year and a half ago. .......Bottom line, even travelling light, the 55-200mm is only 3X4 inches and weighs 12 ounces, so go with both!

Good advice.

After reading ll the posts and deciding I need to use both I am going to do just that.

Test packed my new camera bag complete with all goodies I plan to take and it is not too heavy.

Until then I will practice with both lenses.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

My small camera bag that came with my 350d kit will hold all I will be needing on this trip and will not leave my hand or back while on my upcoming trip.
I bought this personal/bag protection device a few months ago just for these big city trips.

SE-0304OR Bag Protector Alert. Orange/White

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CRMPZY/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

srfotog Loc: Northeast Pennsylvania

I am with phunphoto, the Tamron 18-270mm. It is a beauty. That pretty much covers most things. You could also pick up the Sigma 10-20mm for landscapes, but really, the 18-270mm would do well for you for an all around lens..

Biznaga wrote:

I am traveling light to Europe this fall.

I just bought the Nikon D3100 2 lens kit a couple weeks ago and relearning lost skills.

Now for my question: Which lens would be best for all around day-to-day shooting of stills?

If this has been covered, please forgive a newbie's ignorance.

EDIT:
Zoom is the AF-S 55-200 mm 1:4-5.6 G ED that I assume comes with all dual lens kits.

The other one is the standard AF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED