Which lens for family vacation?

[WillowBelle]

We have a family vacation coming up next week. I'm thinking of renting a lens to take along and can't decide which one would serve me better.

I have a Canon 50D and have rented the Tokina 10-17 f3.5 (Fisheye) a few times and really liked the results. I'm wondering if the Tokina 11-16 f2.8 (UWA) would serve a better purpose.

We are driving to Port Arthur, TX for a few days - then going to Avery Island (where they make Tobasco) to do an afternoon tour (supposedly there are fantastic gardens that you can tour). After that we're going to spend a few nights in New Orleans, staying in the French Quarter (this is my first trip to NOLA) after that driving to Atlanta for a weekend, before heading home to TN.

Which lens would you rent and why? I need to get my order in ASAP so it can be delivered by Thursday. Thank goodness for internet and instant results. I figure I can take care of the order this evening and have everything arrive in time.

I already have a 100-300 f3.5, 50mm f1.8, and a 23-135 f3.5 (kit lens) with the camera.

TIA for your opinions !

 

[WVDisGeek]

My grandparents used to live in Lake Charles and we spent many summer days on Avery Island. The tour of the Tabasco plant is really interesting and the gardens were very pretty. I have no idea if they were affected by the hurricanes down there.

Another neat stop if you could pull it off is the Sabine Wildlife Preserve. Great bird and alligator shots available! You should have a great time in NO.

As for the lenses, a friend has the Tokina 11-16 in a Nikon mount and he swears by it. Very sharp, good in low light and easy to handle. Not a lot of reach, but you have the upper end handled. If you have used the other Tokina and liked it, this would be a good one to try, but be warned, the way he talks about his, you might just wind up buying it!

 

[Suburbanmom]

I have the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 and it is a FUN FUN FUN lens. It is not great for portraits, but if you are planning to shoot wide, I think you should rent it. I have some hysterical photos of my kids with giant noses and ears. LOL You will like how close you can be to something and still get it all in the pictures. I think that would be great for the Tobasco tour.

 

[WillowBelle]

Based on both of your replies I think I'm going to give the 11-16 f2.8 a try. I'm not terribly worried about taking portrait type pictures, so am not to worried about people being distorted. I think it will come in very handy!

Thanks for the input !

 

[Coach]

I also have the Tokina 11-16 which I love but you might also check out their 12-24. It's also a nice lens and a lot les expensive.

 

[WillowBelle]

I also have the Tokina 11-16 which I love but you might also check out their 12-24. It's also a nice lens and a lot les expensive.

I didn't even think to check that one out, d'oh. I have rented the 11-16. It wasn't too bad of a price, it was only $100 for 14 days (including shipping & insurance). Trying to test the wider angle lenses so I can narrow down for DH which one I just HAVE to have for Christmas .