Any electronic equipment you buy in China will have no warranty when return home. Buy what you want here.

i just returned from a trip down the Danube. I took my 18-200, 35 1.8 and my new 10-20. I use a Nikon D7100 which is dx. I never used the 35, and used the 18-200 very little. To my surprise, I found that the 10-20 did almost everything that I wanted. I bought it specifically for this trip and was very happy I did. The results were great. Take your 18-135 and your 10-18 and you’ll be fully covered. Enjoy the trip.

$309 is the standard going price. While shopping for it my local camera store was asking $325 plus tax. When I finally ordered it from B&H Nikon had a $25 off promo so I payed $284 for mine. Keep in mind that you should always buy from a reputable dealer rather than save a few bucks. I was just lucky on my timing. Btw, the lens is fantastic. Took it to Europe a couple months ago and got fantastic results. If anything happened to it I would definitely buy it again. Good luck.

I bought the Nikon 10-20 for a trip to Europe a couple of months ago. In the crowded cities I found it did almost everything. I almost never used my 18-200. It’s light, super sharp and a pleasure to use. Add in the fact that it’s inexpensive and I could not be happier. I would say it actually exceeded my expectations. Btw, I also use the 7100. Great combination.

The 18-200 is my walk around/all purpose lens. I bought the 10-20 for a trip to Europe and love it. I was able to get shots in crowded, narrow street cities that the the 18 was just not wide enough for. However, as you know, even with just the walk around lens the 7100 is no featherweight. In the end everything is a trade off and I know I’ll have to compromise for size and weight.

Thank for you very informative reply. After reading it I think I’ll focus, no pun intended, on the mirrorless systems. I agree that the p&s wont satisfy me. The bridge cameras, while versatile, are too large. I would just take my D7100. It’s been all over the world with me and never let me down. This whole exercise is all about weight and bulk.

Thank you again for your reply.

Thanks to all for your reply’s. I feel like the blind men and the elephant. I’ll investigate all of your suggestions in detail. In the end it’s always a bit of a crap shoot. BTW, as I’m heading for Morocco, China and Tibet in the next year, weather sealing might not be the worst idea. Thanks again.

On my recent trip to Europe, I came to the conclusion that while I love the results, my D7100 plus lenses is just getting to heavy to shlep around. So now it’s time to decide what’s next. Point and shoot? 4/3’s? Mirrorless? My requirements are these; light, quality results close to my slr, a reasonably long zoom (minimally 200+mm), good low light results, a viewfinder and good reliability. I shoot mostly in aperture and shutter priority.

Suggestions plus pros and cons of each type?

Thanks in advance.

I’ve traveled a great deal with my D7100 and 18-200 using an Optech strap, which I find very comfortable. In crowded areas I always have my hand on my camera and I’ve never had a problem. This summer, however, I’m heading to Europe and early next year to Morocco, both of which are very crowded. I’m wondering if a theft proof strap would be a better option. I prefer the traditional two point attachment. The problem is that at least in the photos all the anti theft straps look uncomfortable. I’m very open to suggestions and advise. As I’m leaving in two weeks I need to make a decision very soon. Thanks in advance

I change cards every other day. That way if one fails I’ve only lost that part of my trip. I have both 16 and 32 cards. Btw, I download my photos into my iPad mini every night as a backup. You can’t be too careful.

I don’t use a camera bag at all. They say “steal me”. I use a Northface backpack and put my lenses in padded lense bags. I also take a bag that will hold my camera with zoom attached for day trips where I won’t need the other stuff.

I’m taking that trip in August. Taking my D7100 with 18-200 plus my 35mm 1.8 for night and my new 10-20 4.5 for crowded cities and landscapes. Also a table top tripod. Except for batteries, cleaning stuff and a CPL that’s it.

I have generally kept auto ISO on and just over ridden it when called for. I am now wondering, however, if I should simply leave it off. To that end, I’m curious what others do.

Correction to my post. I have the Diamondbacks not the Crossfire’s.

My wife and I planned a trip to Alaska last year and as I looked at my old binoculars I knew it was time for a new pair. After a great deal of research I decided on the Vortex 10x42 Crossfire’s. What a great choice. They are very well made and come with the best warranty in the business. Most importantly, they are sharp as a tack. At around $225 you would have to spend a great deal more money for any sort of an upgrade and it would be incremental at best. I would suggest that you go to Cabela if there is one near you and try some different ones. One important matter is that they feel comfortable in your hand. BTW, some folks prefer less magnification like an 8 power. Have a great trip.