Kmgw9v wrote:
I own the lens and like having it around. IT IS REALLY A NICE LENS. But, I will confess that I rarely use it.
One might say it was not a cost-efficient purchase.
I have rarely seen one of my photographic purchases better described: "rarely used." I bought it on a whim and probably used it twice and traded it in (years later) on a new D750. It's not that I didn't like it, but just never got around to figuring out why I bought it...
I will not offer advice, but instead tell you what I did. I am 76, travel extensively (multiple trips to Europe) and so travel photos are what I mostly do (+ some landscape). First foray into photography was a D50, then D90, then D300s. I had an assortment of DX lens, but mostly used a faithful 17-55 F.2.8. Also had a 50mm 1.8, 12-24mm & an old 80-200 f2.8. A couple of years ago, ventured into FF world with a used D700 (interestingly enough, it was from Abe's of Maine and a good transaction. I know they are generally blasted on this site.) Bought a 24-120 but didn't really like its focus, so bought a 24-70 f/2.8. Liked what I saw and so went ahead and bought a new D750 (special holiday pricing at a local shop) after selling a lot of my old DX stuff.
I have been pleased with FF in general, and haven't had the time until this afternoon to unpack my new D750. It will be a pleasure, I suppose, as it has gotten good reviews from most sites. I recognize that it has been on the market for 4-5 yrs., so obsolescence likely will be a factor, but I have dealt with it before.
I admit that the weight of FF with lens is a factor in traveling, but am looking at a 16-35mm f/4, but haven't taken the bite yet.
Again, this is my situation and I would not presume to try to guide anyone to do anything. I do think that my shots have improved with my new array, but who knows...I took some pictures of my grandchildren recently with D300s (& 24-70) as I had a glitch with the D700 and I was satisfied.
Great photos; you earned all the accolades!
Bfree2 wrote:
Apple has them $28.00. Also Lighting to USB $20.00. I’ve had others from Wallmart to Best Buy, and Amazon, even one that took the CF and micro cards, but keep going back to the Apple wire. I keep an iPad with me at most times, for a quick edit n post to clients, the card adapter really helps. I also keep the lighting to USB in my bag as well.
Bfree, I have a similar issue, except i shoot with a D700 using CF cards. I have not been able to find, on the Apple website, a device that accommodates CF cards. Fortunately, there is an Apple store near me, so I will check there. And there is a Best Buy in our city and Amazon is always handy. (Altho I did check Amazon, but was not successful -- there were some offerings, but none of them enjoyed stellar reviews.)
Appreciate your help!
Duke
Would really need to know you length of stay in Italy to properly advise you. We have been to Italy many, many times (annually or semi-annually) since 2000 with few missed years. I have progressed from a Nikon D50 to a D90 to a D300s to my now out-of date D700. In the DX days,had several of the lenses mentioned. I especially liked the 16-85 when shooting DX, but then added a Sigma 18-270 for telephoto (and it limited lenses changes in the street)! When I got my D700, first bought a 24-120 then moved to the 24-70, which is good for a lot of applications. Now I throw in a 50mm "just in case" as I wouldn't like to spend precious vacation time shopping for a lens. With the emergency lens, I might be able to get though the whole trip.
Now with respect to the cities, I would avoid Venice as it well may be the rainy season in Nov and there is no more miserable place on earth (IMHO) than walking across raised platforms while the rain dances around you. Our 1st trip to Venice was "in the rain" & I swore I would never go back. Several years later, we went when wasn't in the wet season and found it to be a magical place and loved it. When I mention rainy season, those of you who have experienced it probably doubt that the residents are surprised as the raised platforms appear to be rather long-term solutions
I would limit my time to Florence (with a day trip to Sienna) before going on to Rome. As mentioned, the Ufizzi is a "must see" that your hotel will help you book. I know that on-line is a possibility, but any hotel in Florence will oblige you.
Rome is a photographers dream....the Vatican, Forum, Colosseum, are all "must sees." There is also a Palazzo near the "Wedding Cake" (Via del Corso, 305, 00186 Roma) called the Doria Pamphili Gallery. This family was/is fabulously wealthy and have a lot of art on display. If art is of interest, the Borghese Gallery is also fabulous. And the Trevi Fountain (early AM) is great (but crowded) & the Pantheon is also not to be missed.
Personally, I would leave the Cinque Terra for another visit. Few folk visit Italy / Rome /Florence / Amalfi Coast but once! Good luck with your choices. We leave the middle of next month for two weeks and are nearly ready to go.
My wife & I go to Europe at least annually & usually 2X/yr. When I shot crop frame (Nikon D90, D300S,) took only a Nikon 17-55 f2.8. Some # of yrs ago, went to FF (D700) & carry a Nikon 24-70 f2.8. One lens works well enough for me when I can crop enough.
Long ago, carried multiple lens, but no more. Last year was on a trip with a guy w/D810 & Nikon 28-300 f3.5. He didn’t really like the lens, but said it was the lesser of evils.
I will stick w/current outfit till I see something I like better.
Also, I am a 76 yr old cancer survivor & really don’t understand all the complaints re: weight issues. Just my opinion, tho!
Maybe it is because I am not the maven that many of the HHs are, but when I shot w/a D300s, used my favorite lens for this type of shooting - a Nikkor 17-55 F/2.8. To repeat earlier warnings...limit your lens changing to the condo!
Like it! Spent about 2 weeks in Croatia a couple of years ago; it is a beautiful country with wonderfully warm people. Lots of photo ops!
AlMac wrote:
Don't worry about not bringing enough - we sell them over here as well.
Alan.
Point well stated; however, on our trips to Europe we have rarely seen a camera store. Perhaps we simply missed them, but I needed a SD card once ( not an emergency) & we never saw a place to buy one (or stores were closed). Again, my situation was “nice to have found one” & not an emergency.
We have been there several times over the years & the last time, I was shooting a Nikon D300s (cropped) & a Nikkor 17-55/f2.8. Worked fine — wide enough & sufficient reach. Going again this fall; now using FF & haven’t decided about lens...
If using “M” 99.9% of the time, Aye; unsure how Auto ISO figures into your survey...
mrpentaxk5ii wrote:
Why would you buy a lens with out having a use for it?
Possibly because he wanted to? Just guessing...
We have been to Norway a couple of times; both times I took my Nikon D700;first time, used a Nikkor 24-120 /f4; second time, Nikkor 24-70 /f2.8. Both times I wished I had brought / bought / rented a longer lens (200-500?) but now that I look back on it, I got some great shots with what i had. All that stuff gets heavy!