martyr2013 Loc: Massachusetts

My wife & I travelled to Italy last year for a 2 week trip. I carried my Nikon D5100 with a Tamron 18-270mm lens and I got her a small Canon Powershot A1400 which can fit in a pocket. On the few occasions when I didn't want to lug around the Nikon I took the small Canon. I was surprised at how good the photos were with it. It doesn't shoot raw but it did well in a home hospitality setting and in restaurants.

imntrt1 Loc: St. Louis

I would think, considering your expertise in photography, you would want the equipment that would do the best job the most ways. I recently purchased, at CostCo, a back pack for cameras and carry my canon with a 55-250 lens mounted on it. When I get tired of carrying it by the attached hand grip I simply put in on as a back pack and it doesn't wear me out. I also carry it on my motorcycle via the back pack method.

sinderone

I traveled through Italy 3 years ago and took my 5100 with an 18-55 plus a 55-300. Barely used the 55-300. More trouble than it was worth. Last summer I spent 3 weeks in China and took my new 7100 with an 18-200. I also took a 35mm 1.8 which I never ended up using. The 18-200 was the perfect travel lens. It's light and fast enough. Just in case I also took my SB700 flash but only used it a few times. Go with the 18-200 and you won't be disappointed. By the way, I also took a monopod and used it quite a bit. Have a great trip.

studavis

Test a Tamron 17 X300 or the Tamron 28 X 300mm.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I agree that at times the better camera is not easily carried. The 24-120 and a 70-200 with your camers would cover a lot of your needs and produce the photos you would be glad you took with them rather than settling on a lesser camera and lenses. You say you have primes as well so a small 20mm for tight interiors and other appropriate places like narrow streets would be very handy. Obtain a very comfortable small back pack bag to carry the unused equipment around. I just know when I have settled on something less for comfort I always regret it and have quit doing so. "I will just be out for an hour" and that one opportunity happens in that hour that only your Nikon you have already can handle.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

When we went to Italy in fall of '13, I took my DSLR with just one lens - Tamron 18-270. It worked out perfectly, and I didn't feel weighted down with gear.

Dan

alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

I spent some time in Sicily last year and never begrudged the weight of my Nikon D3100. For me, the most useful lens was the wide angle. And being paranoid, I also carried a P&S, but really preferred the DSLR.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

When I took a cruise to Italy and visited many of the best ports, I had with me my 7D, with a Tamron 18-270mm lens with VC. For the most part it was a great lens for the entire trip. The exception was in Venice, and Rome. The 18-270 was not wide enough down at the 18mm range. At the Trivi Fountain, there is not enough room for you to back up far enough to fill the entire fountain in the view finder or live view screen. Even with your back to the wall of the store across from the fountain you've not enough room. In the churches and other indoor monuments flash is not allowed. In Venice, the 18-270mm was great, except when shooting buildings along the canals. You can't back up enough, or go for a swim. So, I'd suggest you take a ultra wide angle with you. Something like a 10-22mm or wider. I know you shoot Nikon, I'm not familiar with their UWA lenses to make a Nikon selection.

B

twowindsbear

Take ALL your 'toys,' then hire a porter to haul everything for you. Problem solved!

Johanna Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Last summer I was in a group of 7 women touring in Morocco. I took my D7000 with an 18-300mm lens. I was happy to have the versatility of being able to take pix & video in dark night clubs and bright scenic views. The 18mm was decent enough for use in NARROW passages and to capture camels in the desert. The camera & lens were sealed enough to withstand the extremely fine blowing sand. Another person had her P&S bite the dust, so to speak! I have no regrets carrying my better camera over my P&S even at the age of 84! We were on the go all day and some nights. These pix were taken at late dusk.

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Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Great shots. Thank you for your insight.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

If you don't have an 18-200 get one and take it and a fast prime. Probably a 35mm 1.8 equates to about a 55mm for your 7100. That combo shoulkd cover about everything and not be much of a problem to carry. Also get an unobtrusive backpack to carry the gear. It will be a common item and won't scream CAMERA

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

What's the opinion of the person who's going to be carrying it?

Johanna Loc: Albuquerque, NM

My opinion is for my abilities. Any one elses opinion is for themselves. We all must consider what we are capable of, act on that information and go forward in life. I consider myself very lucky to still have good health and physical ability at my age. I will do whatever I canand have fun doing it. Like being pulled down a sand dune!

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btbg

If you take your 7100 with the biggest lens you have an intermediate range zoom and the widest lens you have you will be prepared for most situations.

In my case I would carry a 12-14 zoom, a 24-70, and a 150-500. That would let me isolate subjects from the crowd as well as show the entire scene.

In my mind the three best arguments for taking your big camera is the ability to shoot in raw, a shutter that is immediate and doesn't have a delay like most point and shoots, and the ability to shoot for hdr.

Also make sure that you take a tripod for night shots.

It's worth the extra weight to be able to use all of your creative ability.

We are going to San Francisco in March and I will be taking three camera bodies, two dlsrs and a point and shoot with an underwater housing. I plan on taking five lenses, two tripods, a monopod and two flash and a set of extension tubes.

If necessary I will lug all of it around with me the entire time we are there. It's a lot better to carry a little extra weight and be able to shoot whatever you see than to wish that you had brought equipment and not have it there when you most want it.