Dilemma

[jgonzalez1980]

I'm have a dilemma. I be heading to Puerto Rico next week, and I'm sure of what to take. For sure I'm taking my 18-55mm and my 50mm 1.8. What's driving me crazy is should I take my SB900, 70-300mm or my 11-16 2.8 Tokina. Now, I know it all depends on what I shot, but in all fairness i just recently purchased the 70-300 and 11-16 lens, so I cant say which one I use most and really enjoy both of them. Also, do I really need to be carrying a big ole flash with me? What would you guys take?

[MrJones]

I'm assuming you're going on vacation and not for a photography job.
I think at night you'll try and enjoy the night life and probably won't be taking photos that will require the use of a flash.
I feel that sometimes we let our love for photography take over our vacations and I think that's what happening in your case.
take your camera and one or two lenses that aren't too heavy and try to enjoy the time there.
last time I was in NY I brought a pocket camera with me and left the PRO stuff at home.
I got some great photos without carrying a big bag on my back.
could I've gotten better shots? probably.
was it worth the extra weight on vacation? not for me.
my take is - vacation is a vacation and work is work.
have a great time!

[SwissJon]

Take the 11-16... AND the 70-300, and leave the flash and 50mm at home.. Your kit lens covers the 50 mm range. For sure you could probably do better with the 50, but if you're looking to save weight and space, between the speedlight and the 50, you've got about the same weight and size as those two.. What's certain is that if you wanted to take anything at 11mm or 300mm you couldn't without it, but if you need a flash or a picture at 50mm you still have options, even if they aren't as good.

I used my 70-300 and my 11-16 in about equal proportions, and loved them both, however I recently sold the 11-16 for the 12-24 because the sharpness at 24mm is MUCH better than my 16-85 and I can live withiut the extra mm if it means I can occasionally go out with one lens..

Take both.