appealnow Loc: Dallas, Texas

I am heading to Hong Kong for a couple of days, then Siem Reap Cambodia (Angkor Wat temples), about a week on the Mekong River, and then six days DaNang, Saigon (Ho Chi Menh City), Hoi An and Hanoi. I have a Nikon D5300 and in China only had the kit 18-55mm lens, which was great and all I needed for the most part since I was only in the cities. I am expecting this trip to be more landscapes, outdoor shots. I now have a Nikkor 35 mm. f/1.8, the Tokina 11-16 mm. f/2.8 and a Nikon 18-300 f/3.5-6.3 VRII. All lenses protected by UV filter and a polarizer for each. I am planning on traveling light taking only the 18-300 and maybe the 35 mm for night photography. I really don't want to carry my entire camera bag. You guys have any suggestions. Plus, is there something light to carry and hold one extra lens and filters. I have a bad shoulder so keeping it light is important. Thanks in advance.

Retired fat guy with a camera Loc: Colorado

Use a cell phone camera, it is light and not bulky. Otherwise, why did you buy gear if you are not use it?

BebuLamar

I am from Vietnam but that's more than 40 years ago. However, I did visit Vietnam a few times and the last time was in 2015. If you are not going to travel far from the hotel then you should bring everything and then take out only the lenses that you think you're going to need for the day. I don't recommend to carry a big bag travelling in the city.

Jbat Loc: Charleston, SC

Your plan for the 18-300 and 35 for night is exactly what I would want for a trip like that.

Joel

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

dyximan

I purchased a lens holster that has a velcro strap that attaches to my belt, and that would accept both my 55-300 and 18-55 one at a time of coarse, just look for one that will accept your biggest lens, hope this will help.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I agree totally - it will give you the range needed for landscapes and even the telephoto for people pictures. If you are staying in an air-conditioned hotel, be sure to keep your gear in an air-tight large zip-lock type bag when you take it out into the hot humid climate - for about 5 minutes until it has a chance to warm up. This prevents condensation - not just on your lens but inside the lens and camera. A zoom lens is at risk for internal condensation which can lead to fungus growth which destroys the lens.

cthahn

You are the photographer. You have to decide what to take.

Szalajj Loc: Salem, NH

My cousin is in Vietnam right now. The lenses that she's using are a 12mm Venus Leona, a 25-105 Sigma, and 70-200 Canon.

She's shooting a wide variety of subjects from temples, to net throwing, to fishing boats in the villages, to streetscapes, etc.

Granted she's shooting with 2 different Canon bodies, a 5D MIII and a 7D MII but you're interested more in the focal lengths of the lenses than in what brand camera or lens is being used.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

I would bet the 18-300 will handle everything you encounter. Have a GREAT trip!!

lamontcranston

I used a Nikon F and a Nikkormat in Vietnam and SE Asia over a 5 year period and if I were going back today, I would want a camera body that was weather-sealed. Tropical rains, high humidity, and fungus, etc. will be the enemy of your camera equipment. Enjoy your visit. It's a beautiful country.

John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

Don’t know if your camera is full frame. If DX, then your 18 mm may not be wide enough. Inside structures and in outdoor markets you will want something wide. Your 35mm is a good lens but in my view not wide enough. (Presuming your camera is not full frame. )

Orson Burleigh Loc: Annapolis, Maryland, USA

You will probably find use for all three of your lenses at Angkor Wat and elsewhere in Greater Angkor (Yasudarapura), and you should certainly use the polarizers. Your fast Nikkor 35mm f1.8 could be very useful for interiors at Angkor (intricate bas-relief carvings on many interior surfaces). For something light and quick in the management of two lenses you might consider the Gowing lens holder - it is a simple well made device that works well.

During a recent 4 day visit (late April-early May of 2016) to Siem Reap we managed to get to Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom and the Bayon. The fast 17-55mm (f2.8) zoom was used for 65% to 70% of the pictures taken, a small 55-250mm zoom was used for most of the rest. This was my first trip using a dslr after a long absence from photography, and the pictures I produced were no better than okay . I have, in retrospect, plotted out numerous shots using a wide angle zoom and/or a fisheye as well as the two lenses that I did use - missed opportunities. I also regret not using polarizers for nearly all the outdoor shots at Angkor Wat and at the Bayon - we were there during the middle of the day and the hot-season skies were basically the color of lead.

stuparr935 Loc: Dallas, Texas area

When I went to SouthEast Asia, I only took one lens, a 28-300 Nikon zoom on a Nikon D800 and got by just fine. Your 18-300 will do you good. I personally don’t think ya need the 35mm. Traveling overseas (I’ve done over 63 trip so far) many times you’ll be “shooting on the run”. When I was in Angkor Wat, I didn’t feel I needed a wide angle, but that is only my opinion. Only in Africa did I use more than one lens.... Have a great trip....

DJD Loc: Seal Beach, CA

We did basically this same trip two years ago. I took a Nikon D7200 and an 18-200 lens. I think your 18-300 will work well for the entire trip. At night, as we strolled the cities, I just took a point and shoot. While in Siem Reap, we had an opportunity to get up early in the morning and see the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Do that if you can.