Which lenses to bring?

[El Nebuloso]

Hi All,

I will be travelling to Venice and Vienna in May :woohoo:

I plan to bring my over-the-shoulder travel bag for my gear, with an additional attached lens bag. My 50mm 1.8 is a no-brainer due to size, and will go in a small side pocket. Here's the dilemna (all of lifes problems should be this hard;)). With this setup I will be limited to two lenses, and here are my possibilities:

Tokina 12-24 f4.0
Nikon 24-70 f2.8
Nikon 18-200 f3.5-6.3
Nikon 70-200 f2.8 (love it but probably not, as it is really big)

The body is a D300.

I plan on visiting lots of museums/historic sites (shooting only where allowed), and of course taking in everything I can outside as well. So, which two lenses would you choose?

Thanks for the help!

[GrumpyOne]

IMO, the 24-70 will be invaluable. I like a wide-angle low-light lens in places like churches and the 24-70 is a quality lens. Since I tend to focus more on architecture and other WA features, I personally would probably go with the 12-24 but I can see where someone may prefer the 18-200 even though it's a step down optically.

[VVFF]

IMO, the 24-70 will be invaluable. I like a wide-angle low-light lens in places like churches and the 24-70 is a quality lens. Since I tend to focus more on architecture and other WA features, I personally would probably go with the 12-24 but I can see where someone may prefer the 18-200 even though it's a step down optically.

I wouldn't say the 27-70 really has wide angle on his D300. I'd definitely at least bring the 12-24.

[annnewjerz]

I'd bring the Tokina 12-24 for any shots you may want to take in tighter spaces or indoors, along with the 18-200 for just keeping attached while you are outdoors and walking around town. As much of a love/hate relationship I have with this lens, it really is extremely convenient.

I think bringing your nifty fifty is a good idea---if for some reason you find yourself needing something a little faster indoors where space isn't limited, it'll be great to have.

Have a great trip---can't wait to see some shots!

[handicap18]

The 18-200 would serve well as it has VR. You'll probably get the most use out of this one. If you find yourself doing a lot of tours that go indoors and you can't use the flash, then the VR will help at the wide end. f/3.5 at 18mm with VR is going to do serve you pretty well and its wider than 24mm obviously. The 24-70mm will be sharper (and bigger and heavier), but doesn't have the range of the 18-200mm. The 18-200 is a lot lighter than the 24-70 so that may be a factor on all day tours.

If you find yourself wanting to do a lot of landscapes/cityscapes, then the 12-24mm might be better for that.

Knowing that the 24-70mm is a monster of a lens and you've limited yourself to taking only 2 lenses, I would go with the 18-200mm because of its VR and wide focal range and the 12-24mm for its extra wide angle for a different perspective.

[Steve's Girl]

I have the 18-200 and the 24-70. I would definitely bring the 24-70. The IQ from that lens is unmatched by the 18-200. The 18-200 is awfully convenient, but I think I would rather have the better IQ and low light performance of the 24-70. Is there a way you could bring an extra lens in a lens pouch in your carry-on? You could switch lenses day to day based on what you will be doing that day. I guess the question you will have to ask yourself is whether convenience or IQ will be more important to you.

[Golf4food]

I'd be a bit leery of taking a trip like that and having my maximum reach only be 50 or 70mm... Be afraid of coming home with a lot of pictures and explaining how, "The detail right there was great but it's too small to see in the photo... sorry."

[El Nebuloso]

Thanks for all of the answers Everyone!

Great information. I think I may have a plan now. I can't wait:banana:

[Chikabowa]

I'd take the 24-70 and the 70-200. From there, you have continuos focal length from 24-200. Additionally, it's the fastest glass (other than your 50) and the most high-quality glass too. These are two of my most-used work horse lenses. I use them all the time.

Have a fun trip - it sounds amazing.

[My2Girls66]

I was in Venice in 2007- I don't have a big collection of lenses so I just used my 18-125mm. It was perfect range wise. I noticed most of my photos were taken between 18 and 70mm. The streets of Venice are very narrow- I definitely think you'll need something with at least 18mm at the wide end.

[My2Girls66]

If you have time try and get over to Burano. Great place for photography- very colorful. Its just a short boat ride from Venice. Enjoy! Bring back lots of photos to share:)