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Jun 4, 2019 12:20:40   #
Are there any databases out there that grade out lenses by sharpness & overall quality? DxOMark is exactly what I'm looking for, but they're really behind in reviews. Huge gaps in entire lines of certain brands. Is there anything or anyone else that has attempted a neutral 3rd party rating database that might be more up to date?
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May 14, 2019 14:25:12   #
Amazing photos!
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May 14, 2019 14:05:10   #
maxiu9 wrote:
I have the same camera and lenses and travel a lot for work and pleasure. Always bring my trusty D750. Here's what I would do:

-Re: lenses... take the 24-70 for daytime and the 50 for walking around at night. You won't have any regrets. To be honest, for daytime shooting, the 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 VR would be a good option if you want to buy another lens before leaving. They're cheaper, lighter, and sharp enough. That and a 50mm and you'd be set.

-Re: precautions... pick pocketing and theft can be a problem, esp. in Paris. Here's what I'd do: I'd get a Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L. It easily fits my own D750 with a 24-70 attached and a 50, plus sunglasses and other things. You can sling it to the front of you for security, put it on your back when you're in a more secure area, and it's easy to keep track of when you're sitting at a cafe or restaurant. I tell all my students when I bring them abroad: put a little cash in the left front jeans pocket. Right front pocket keep a credit card and ID. Don't bring your debit card out with you, just use it to get cash in a cash machine and return it to your hotel with your passport. Your local driver's license will work fine as ID in Europe. Your wife should have a purse or fanny pack that can be worn across the body and in front of her, just like the sling.

Have fun! Don't load up with gear!
I have the same camera and lenses and travel a lot... (show quote)


Excellent advice- thank you!
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May 14, 2019 13:51:43   #
John Howard wrote:
This gets my vote and I've been to more than 75 countries. Of course all this advice doesn't really take in to consideration what you want to shoot. On a recent trip to Greece and Italy I took similar lenses as recommended here plus a 70-200 F4 which I took over the 2.8 due to smaller size and less weight. The only time I used it was when the Acropolis closed and the only place I could capture it was from distant hills. I was then glad I carried it along.

That memory might suggest that just because you take 3 or more lenses on the plane with you doesn't mean you need to carry them all, all the time. Depending on your daily itinerary, you can choose what lens to put on the camera and a single lens for the bag just in case, and lock the others in your suitcase. Have a good trip.
This gets my vote and I've been to more than 75 co... (show quote)


Thank you, sir! Do you normally take a travel tripod, as well?
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May 14, 2019 13:49:11   #
SuperflyTNT wrote:
I love how anytime somebody is going on a trip and lists their equipment and asks what to take there are so many suggestions to invest a lot of money in new equipment, a high end bridge camera, expensive new glass, etc. I'm guessing when paying for a trip like this nobody is looking to spend an extra $1500 on equipment. If luggage isn't an issue I would take it all and then when planning each day I would decide on what to carry based on what I think would work best for what I'm going to see that day. Yes, you're going for the memories, but you're also going to have chances for those once in a lifetime shots that you'll never get again. somebody mentioned only needing the good equipment for "wall hanging" shots, well I find that many of those wall worthy shots I take or an vacations.
I love how anytime somebody is going on a trip and... (show quote)


Thank you! I think that's the way I'm leaning...
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May 14, 2019 13:46:09   #
turp77 wrote:
24-70 you won’t be sorry. I traveled all of Europe without any regrets


Thank you! Did you take a travel tripod?
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May 14, 2019 13:13:04   #
Jagnut07 wrote:
I just returned from 3-1/2 weeks in Holland, Belgium, Normandy and Paris.
I took my Sony a6500 (APS-C sensor). 10-18 f4, 16-70 f4 and 18-200 lens. I started out with the 16-70 and never changed it once. Even in churches then push up the ISO. You don’t need a really fast lens. We had a great time and also enjoyed taking some 3,000 photos. Go and have fun and your 24 to 70 will be fine.


Thank you for the advice! Did you take a tripod on your travels?
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May 14, 2019 13:10:03   #
jbk224 wrote:
DD,
Many of us, especially me, have asked exactly the same question as you. Once in a lifetime adds additional pressure. Linda is right on the money. It is the easiest and best answer for you to create a balance between maximizing your enjoyment and ease and weight. I can give you reasons to take the wider lens, longer lens, and faster lens. And, I can give you reasons to take a different set up. Bill's makes the most sense. But all of these other reasons suffer from one thing or another. You do not wish to purchase another set up. Taking additional lenses will make your load; traveling from place to place and daily carry more cumbersome and impractical (for you!). And, of course, if you take one or another lens; you will come up against the same issue..at least once....'oh I wish I had taken the other lens'!
So, true to life...every decision is a compromise. This doesn't mean that you will be giving up anything. It means that you make rational decisions based on your priorities and just go with the flow.
Take your 24-70. And you and your wife make this one unbelievable experience...and take some pictures that will remind you of the places you've been. Enjoy your holiday..Bon Vacance!
Oh, while in Paris..if you love rice pudding...go to Chez L'Ami Jean. It is the best in the world!
DD, br Many of us, especially me, have asked exact... (show quote)


Thank you!
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May 14, 2019 13:03:19   #
John N wrote:
Why not rent or hire a quality bridge or smaller format and 2x zooms. If it's a holiday you'll be shooting for yourself and not for a competition so you want memories more than anything - and a fuzzy memory is better than no memory at all.

The alternative is to rent when you get here. I can recommend Lenses for hire at Maidenhead (nr. Heathrow) if you choose to explore this alternative.

http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/


Thank you for the link, John!
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May 14, 2019 12:48:13   #
Moondoggie wrote:
I also have been on several trips to Europe, Africa, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, China, Korea, Laos, Okinawa, Alaska... I take my D5300 and a Tamron 18-400. Based on the lenses you have, take the 24-70, a polarizing filter and enjoy the culture. You don’t want too much gear that it weights you down and you have a sore shoulder and back. Post some pictures when you return and enjoy the adventure.


Thank you, Moondoggie! Do you take a tripod on your travels?
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May 14, 2019 12:46:07   #
sb wrote:
I agree with Linda but will go further: get a camera that will fit in your pocket and don't "focus" on getting the best picture ever of Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower. I am headed to London in a few weeks and will leave the DSLR at home in favor of a camera with a 20MB 1-inch sensor that will fit in my pocket. Which will be zippered. I am traveling with my wife, a non-photographer, and we are just going to relax and have fun.

As Europe Guide Rick Steves says: when you go to Europe, never take anything with you that you can't afford to have stolen. Take an under-the-clothes pouch for your passport and credit card. If you are going to take your DSLR, consider getting a strap from PACSAFE that has an internal steel cable so that it cannot be quickly cut with a razor. And always pay attention. Anyone who is distracting you - bumping into you, asking you the time, etc., is very likely getting ready to rob you - or their accomplice right behind you will.
I agree with Linda but will go further: get a came... (show quote)


Thank you, sir!
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May 14, 2019 12:44:50   #
Jimmy T wrote:
Re what which lens to take on travel:
When I travel overseas I take one body and a 24-105mm F4 lens, two batteries, two large SD card, one charger, some pre-moistened lens cleaners and I do quite well. I have even quit lugging the flash along. I shoot raw and instead of using a long lens I crop the pic or use my "foot zoom" to get what I want. By all means document the highlights, but make sure that you ENJOY the trip.

Re pickpockets in Paris:
The threat is there and it is VERY real. They work in pairs, or more, in ANY crowded place. The Louvre is a MAJOR target destination. In the Louvre they start on the escalators by holding you at the top while pretending to read a floor plan of the facility. While everyone is trapped they go through your backpacks, fanny packs, pockets, etc. It is then that you begin to notice all of the zippers on the backpacks are open and ladies are trying to figure out who was groping them. Some are highly skilled and some work undistracted while on crowded elevators. Beware of people very apologetically crowding into elevators at the last minute. It is merely a distraction, the pickpockets are already on the elevator with you. Lesson: AVOID Crowds of people bunched up together.

Maintain your situational awareness:
Wear your passport (better a copy, leaving the original in the hotel safe) in a passport holder, around your neck, and UNDER your clothes, along with the bulk of your money, credit cards, and other valuables. Keep only a small amount of money and perhaps one credit card in your FRONT pocket with a rubber band around the credit card and folding money. Lastly, place a handkerchief loosely placed on top of your stash. This makes it doubly hard for a pickpocket to get to your valuables. Remember, every time you spend money the pickpockets make note of where you keep your money. I know that this seems so negative, but except for the pickpockets, Paris is a WONDERFUL place to visit and I can't wait to return! Bravo Zulu, Paris.
https://smile.amazon.com/My-JAXO-Premium-Family-Passport-Blocking/dp/B01MS0NV8H/ref=sr_1_14?crid=1KG3MKQR56CCS&keywords=passport+holder+for+men&qid=1557827304&s=gateway&sprefix=passport%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-14

There are many wonderful museums in Paris. However, if you go to the Louvre, buy your tickets online to avoid the 2-3 hour lines for walk-ups. During the tourist season they often sell out and you have been waiting in line for hours for nothing.
https://www.louvre.fr/en

We loved London and had no concerns there for our safety. The pubs and taxis are great!
Smile,
Jimmy T Sends
Re what which lens to take on travel: br When I tr... (show quote)


Wow! Thank you, sir, for taking the time to give me advice & even including helpful links! You are awesome!
Does the Louvre (and other museums in Paris) have size rules on camera bags? Or are they all not allowed?
The Marines taught me situational awareness, but I'll have to teach my wife...
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May 14, 2019 12:36:45   #
traderjohn wrote:
We have been where you are going to be on vacation. There are a lot of places that do not allow flash. If you want to take interior pictures. Take the 50 MM. I have the same lens and it works pretty well in low light. Then the 70-200. Sept. is a good time to go. Most of the summer tourists will be home. There is a lot wrong with the picture but you get the idea.
"Devil-Dog"? Were you in The Marines?


Yes, sir, I was. Thank you for your advice!
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May 14, 2019 12:34:50   #
Stardust wrote:
I would just take the 24-70mm 2.8 (although would be tempted to pack the 50mm 1.4 if going to spend a lots of time in museums, dark churches, buildings, etc). I travel often but just go out with my camera and single lens, camera strap wrapped around my wrist. Pants always have front zippered pockets to hold my wallet and extra battery(s) and that way I can get lost in the moment and shooting photos versus worrying about being pickpocket, or setting my bag down, etc.

As far as shooting photos, I have a simple rule to myself "Enjoy what I am seeing and experiencing, then take photographs to remind me of the experience later." If I spend all my time taking photos, I may have nice photos but not any memories of being in the moment.
I would just take the 24-70mm 2.8 (although would ... (show quote)


Well said- thank you!
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May 14, 2019 12:29:39   #
joehel2 wrote:
I have a full frame Nikon and the lenses that you have. I have been to the places you are going to visit. I would take the 24 - 70 f2.8 as my only lens. In my opinion, 24mm will be wide enough for those locales, and you can crop a 70mm shot a bit closer if needed. I would bring a CPL filter for the shots along the Thames, Siene, and Mediterranean.


Perfect- thank you, sir!
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