What lenses would you take to Spain?

[Jamzano]

I am going to Andalusia region of Spain for 10 days and my lovely and supportive wife has given me the OK to purchase a new camera outfit. I have decided to change brands and switch to Nikon. I have been with Pentax since junior high school, so it is a big change for me. I have decided to go with the D700, now I need to decide what lens to buy or rent to take with me to Spain. There is a kit available with the 24-120 mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR IF-ED Nikkor Lens but this doesn't seem to be a very well liked lens as I have seen several bad reviews. If I pass on the 24-120 mm what glass should I take with me to Spain? This is a school trip that my wife is chaperoning with about 30 high school kids. We are going to be on and off lots of busses and in a different hotel almost every night so I cant bring the entire line of Nikon glass with me. I am thinking 2 lenses, 3 at the most.

[OsmosisStudios]

Is there any particular reason you chose the D700? Going full-frame does have it's advantages, but going DX can also be useful, especially if you dont necessarily need the advantages of FX.

The current 24-120 isnt great: you *can* get good images out of it, but in terms of image quality it's not ideal.

This is where I suggest you go DX, get a D300s instead and then outfit yourself that way.

[Jamzano]

I chose the D700 because of the full frame processor and the advantages that gives me with landscapes. I also shoot a lot of sports, especially auto racing, and the D700 also gives me 8 FPS when I add the battery grip. It just seemed to be the best compromise for what I like to shoot.

[OsmosisStudios]

The full-frame refers to the sensor, not the processor. And the only advantage that gives you is with ultra-wide angle lenses. Even then, it's not that HUGE of a difference. For sports, the D300s is (with the same battery grip setup) gives you the same FPS, along with the added bonus of getting you closer to the action for less.

The D700 is great for low-light work. The problem is that you also end up spending a small fortune on lenses. The same budget could go a LONG way on DX.

[Jamzano]

Sorry, I mistyped. I meant sensor and not processor. I will take another look at the D300 but I am still wondering what lenses the experts on the site would take with them to Spain.

[Shokinen]

I really like the 16-85mm VR and 70-300mm VR combo. you cover 16mm to 300mm with only 2 lens, optics and design of the lens are in the serious amateur category. They are also not as heavy as the pro lens.

If you decide to go for a FF body, the 70-300 would work but the 16-85mm is designed for APS-C sensor (crop sensor such as the D300s and below). I agree with OS, I would rather spend my money on a good tripod, a nice gear bag, backup solution, fast laptop, etc. than going for a FF if you are not specifically looking for fast high ISO solution. There is so much you can buy and open your mind to other types of photography.

My 2 cents

[SoxAddict]

Originally Posted by Shokinen

I really like the 16-85mm VR and 70-300mm VR combo. you cover 16mm to 300mm with only 2 lens, optics and design of the lens are in the serious amateur category. They are also not as heavy as the pro lens.

If you decide to go for a FF body, the 70-300 would work but the 16-85mm is designed for APS-C sensor (crop sensor such as the D300s and below). I agree with OS, I would rather spend my money on a good tripod, a nice gear bag, backup solution, fast laptop, etc. than going for a FF if you are not specifically looking for fast high ISO solution. There is so much you can buy and open your mind to other types of photography.

My 2 cents

I'm a Canon user, so can't comment on the specific Nikon lenses per se, but I agree with this combination of lenses: it sounds like you especially enjoy landscape type stuff, as do I, but would also likely want to be able to capture some street scenes etc. The spectrum covered by these 2 lenses would be awesome.

Although I have a decent sized camera backpack that allows me to contain most of my stuff day to day, I also have a small Lowepro camera bag in which I can fit my camera, 2-3 lenses and accessories like batteries, filters, remote switch etc. That's typically what comes with me on trips - I find I mostly use 2 or 3 lenses 99% of the time anyway, so I make do with the lenses I choose to take with me. The small bag is also great for carry-on on the aeroplane.

I definitely agree on just taking a couple of lenses. Hope you enjoy the trip and the new camera!

[MD135]

Not sure what your budget is on lenses. I have the D700 w/ kit lens. (24-120mm takes okay pictures, it just is not as sharp when compared to other lenses.) If you spend the money on a D700, you will want to spend the money on the better lenses. I love the 70-200mm! It is an excellent lens, however, it is not a light lens nor cheap. But it is my lens of choice.

[equilution]

Congrats on making the move to Nikon. Welcome to the Dark Side!! If I had one lens to take to Spain, it would be Nikkor's 17-35. It's a spectacular piece of glass. The next choice would be the 24-85. It's another good one. I have the 24-120, but it's my "going to the zoo with the kids" lens, and I don't do anything serious with it, or anything I want to become a prize!! It's way too soft on the edges, and basically feels like a toy. The 17-35 is pricey...so if money's a huge factor, I would go with the 24-85. You can pick one up for about the same price as the 24-120. They even make the 24-85 in a macro version which I also had (but sold). It's a great lens!!

So, here are two approaches:

Money No Object:
50 1.8 (or my 85 f/1.4)
17-35
70-200 2.8

Money IS an object:
50 1.8
24-85
70-200 3.5/4.5

Good luck, and have a great trip.