Lens for travel

March 3rd, 2018
Kia ora lovely people
So I'm going on a little trip later in the year and thinking ahead what lens I should bring with me.. I've a pretty simple repertoire really. D90 Nikon, 50mm prime, Tamron 17-50 2.8 (which i do like - but wish it was to around 70!) and i have my old kit lens ? 18-105 3.5.. but i've not used that for years i think.
The prime lens is a no brainer for me - but if i was to invest in another lens with a bit more of a zoom , what might you suggest.

I'm not really into lugging around heavy equipment nor looking like a target for thievery ... I'm heading to London / UK and Andalucia, Spain. I'll be using public transport
thanks Brigette
March 3rd, 2018
Hi Brigitte
I spent 4 months traveling through USA, Europe, Sweden and UK 2 years ago. I took my Canon 700D, a 50mm prime, and the Tamron 16-300mm in a handy dandy little backpack which didn't look like a camera case. This also fitted a spare battery and spare SD cards, plus cleaning gear (and my wallet and lipstick!). It worked out very well for me.The Tamron is quite versatile especially for travelling on trains boats and planes. Check out this review https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/tamron-16-300mm-f-3-5-6-3-di-ii-vc-pzd-macro
How exciting - happy planning. We are off traveling again in July too so will probably take the same combination again as it worked very well.
March 3rd, 2018
I have the Nikon lens that is 28-300, f4.6. I use that as my walkabout and it's a useful lens if I'm only carrying one. It's not great in low light without a tripod, so you definitely need the 50mm for low light situations. I have a full frame though (D650). I think the crop frame DX lenses have one that is quite versatile, maybe 18-200 or so. Like Liana, I carry my equipment in a backpack that does not look like a camera bag, and one where the opening is against my back so safe from potential pick pockets. What a fun trip!
March 3rd, 2018
@kiwinanna I’ve used that Tamron 18-300 on my Nikon for a couple of years and it almost never got off my camera!!!! It’s big, but very versatile. I loved not switching lenses for traveling and it went with me to so many countries!!!! Most of my project here is done with it.
March 3rd, 2018
I have a canon 70 - 300 and find it really useful for lots of things. Especially if you have another below 70 for close ups. It's not too heave either.
March 3rd, 2018
have you thought about getting a smaller compact or bridge camera for travel? i know they are not as good at the shallow dof thing and it can be a different look, but these days there are cameras with awesome zoom that can also do macro... and they fit in your pocket!
March 3rd, 2018
My main setup is a 17-70 sigma and a 70-300 nikon. The 70-300 doesn't get much use but it's handy when I need the reach. The 17-70 is 2.8 aperture at the wide end so reasonable in low light.
March 4th, 2018
@kiwinanna Hi Liana - thanks for your ideas - Its been great to take time in advance to think about my options. Like you I have been thinking about non-camera bag options for daytime use. :)
March 4th, 2018
@taffy Hi Taffy, thanks for your ideas - including the backpack - i've been thinking along those lines - although not researched yet!! Yes I'm really looking forward to it. I still have English friends in the UK from my OE back in the day. Its such a treat to catch up and stay with them. I was last over in 2011.
March 4th, 2018
@mandygravil Hi Many, thanks for replying. Its a funny thing this idea of weight! I actually have a 70-200 or 300 and I never use it!! Its really making me think about my style of photography!!
March 4th, 2018
@kali66 Hi Kali. You know I have have a pocket digital canon that i bought about 12 years ago! for mountain biking. Back then I was still using my film camera and didn't think I'd get a DSLR!!
I'm leaning towards travelling minimally and might get a 35mm prime to go with what i've got.. no decisions yet, but interesting doing the research
March 4th, 2018
@rjb71 Thanks Richard, I've really enjoyed hearing what other people use and its really making me think about what i need
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