What lens to take traveling?

[MS26]

Hello everyone!

My wife and I are going to Barcelona, Rome, Florence, Venice and Paris.

Im looking for any suggestions for lenses to take with me for my D90.

I have two kit lenses 18-105mm, 55-200mm

I have 50mm 1.8G and going to purchase the Tokina 11-20mm 2.8 .

I'd like to leave the kit lenses home. I originally was gonna take the Tokina and my 50, but I'd like to hear any other suggestions for lens to look into before we take off.

Thanks

 

[jaomul]

Well it's a personal choice down to style of shooting, but I find the 18-105mm very flexible. My problem is I'd probably bring them all

First choice 18-105
If I was bringing 2 I'd add the wide

 

[MS26]

Well it's a personal choice down to style of shooting, but I find the 18-105mm very flexible. My problem is I'd probably bring them all

First choice 18-105
If I was bringing 2 I'd add the wide

So you like the 11-20 and the 18-105? Even if the 18-105 is a kit lens?

 

[jaomul]

The 18-105mm is one of my favourite lenses. It has great range, is sharp and light and has great contrast and colour. It's not a good lens in low light, but as a travel lens I think it's ideal.

A wide angle is handy when you are tight

"Crap" kit lens photos below

Grant it the 50mm would be handy when its darker

Feed me now by jaomul, on Flickr

House @ Blarney castle by jaomul, on Flickr

 

[jaomul]

Well it's a personal choice down to style of shooting, but I find the 18-105mm very flexible. My problem is I'd probably bring them all

First choice 18-105
If I was bringing 2 I'd add the wide

So you like the 11-20 and the 18-105? Even if the 18-105 is a kit lens?

Take a look at the link below, a lot of photos look like travel shots

Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR : Specifications and Opinions [JuzaPhoto]

 

[BananaRepublic]

Watch for pickpockets,

 

[MS26]

Watch for pickpockets,

I know, I was worried about that after watching a bunch of videos of Barcelona pick pocketers. The wife said I was a little on edge after the videos!!

We purchased new bags that I think provide some extra safety and I hope we will have our wits about it.

Thanks!

 

[MS26]

Well it's a personal choice down to style of shooting, but I find the 18-105mm very flexible. My problem is I'd probably bring them all

First choice 18-105
If I was bringing 2 I'd add the wide

So you like the 11-20 and the 18-105? Even if the 18-105 is a kit lens?

Take a look at the link below, a lot of photos look like travel shots

Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR : Specifications and Opinions [JuzaPhoto]

THANK YOU! Some decent reviews and some great photo's! I like yours with the castle. Its nice to know I had a decent lens with me the whole time.

 

[SquarePeg]

I have the 18-105 and it is a very flexible choice for travel. I'd bring that and the wide and the 50. You may need the 50 for low light situations and it really doesn't weigh much.

 

[soufiej]

Personally, I wouldn't take your camera and a group of lenses. You'll stand out too much as a tourist and be too easy as a target. People get caught up in taking the shot and ignore everything going on around them. That makes it easy for the thieves. Even leaving your extra lenses in your hotel room is a risky proposition in some cases.

Rather than spend for another lens, I would suggest you investigate a bridge camera with one fixed lens. They are typically smaller bodies so the camera will occupy less space in your luggage and they can be kept close to you in most situations. The smallest of the "enthusiast" style of compacts look not that different than the ubiquitous smart phone when in use yet take far better photographs. The look of the camera won't attract as much attention as a DSLR and yet a bridge/compact can offer image quality as good as many DSLR's.

2015 Roundup: Advanced Zoom Compacts

There are several categories of bridge cameras to select from. Decide if any suit your needs. I wouldn't be concerned about zoom power. Though there are several superzooms that take excellent shots, you might only need a more moderate amount of optical zoom which you can then expand in your post production processing.

If you want to include the DSLR with this bridge design as a duo, fit the D90 with a single fast prime lens for more personal photos and use as light levels fall. Just try not to look too much like a tourist when you are using it.

 

[MS26]

I have the 18-105 and it is a very flexible choice for travel. I'd bring that and the wide and the 50. You may need the 50 for low light situations and it really doesn't weigh much.

I think that's what I'm gonna do. I'm excited to use the Tokina 11-20, but very happy that so many recommended the kit lens. I think I got wrapped up in discarding it because of the "kit" label. People have shown some amazing photo's using the 18-105.

Thanks for the info, Ill post my pix later on!