Which holiday walkabout lens?

Messages
1,205
Name
Jim
Edit My Images
Yes
I will be off to Vegas later this year for a few days and then down to Orlando for my hols. Will be taking pics of all the usual sites, Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Vegas at night, etc. As well as the usual sites/parks in Orlando.

I normally take my Canon G9 point and shoot on holiday, but think this time I may require my Canon 60d. I already have a good selection of lenses, but downside is my camera bag is quite heavy, so better left alone. Also prefer not to have the hassle of changing lenses on this type of holiday.

I was looking to buy one of those lenses that cover a long focal length for not much weight, such as the Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC PZD. This lens seems to have some good reviews. Are there any other lenses out there that fits the bill and would be better than the Tamron in terms of image quality that I should consider for the type of pics I will be taking?

Or should I consider upgrading my G9, if so what is worth considering?
 
I really don't know as never been to Vegas, Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam before.
 
Thanks guys for the tips, unfortunately I don't have the 24-105mm. What I've got is 24-70mm f2.8L, a 70-200mm f4L, and a 10-22mm wide angle.
Suppose I could keep my eye out for a 24-105mm on SH market and sell it on on my return. Or better still, hire the lens and an extender. What do you guys think?
 
Last edited:
I've been thinking of buying the same thing for a while now.

Does anyone have a Tamron 18-200? Was thinking of buying one since it's quite cheap and I've got loads of other expenses at the moment. Is it a decent lens despite the price? I'm not looking for professional results, just good quality for taking pics on holiday.
 
24-70 & 10-22 is the way to go. 24-70 you can use for almost everything and the 10-22 for the Buildings and Landscape. If you consider to take a DSLR you normally know that it comes with a certain weight ;)
Since you got yourself couple of L lenses already, do not go back for those Ultra Zooms. IQ is compared to your current lenses pretty crappy. Take those expensive lenses with you and you won't regret it afterwoods.
 
Last edited:
+1 for what Chee said, and a tripod too. 24 will probably not feel wide enough on a crop body, so the 10-22 might spend a lot of time on the camera till you get to Orlando, then the 24-70 will be great for pics of the kids on rides!

or, if you're not going to have time or family patience for photography, get a S100 or similar and keep it in your shorts pocket for the whole trip - the best camera is the one you've got with you...
 
for a crop sensor, i'd have thought the 15-85 is a no-brainer. Quite wide, to quite tele.
Buy one s/h and if you don't love it, sell it on return.
 
15-85 has to be the ideal all rounder for width and length. Great IQ to. :thumbs:
 
Dilemma?
24-105 or
24-70 & 10-22 or
15-85
I am beginning to favour my two lenses because I dont have to fork out any more money and I think the 10-22 will come in to its own at the Grand Canyon and night shots of the strip.
 
I'd agree with that (cost element). I think you can strike the 24-105 from the list, as you already have a 24-70.
 
i took my canon 18-200 when i went to vegas and it did pretty well for a one lens solution
obviously not fantastic indoors and low light but i got some good results
i have also had the canon 15-85 which i loved as a holiday walkabout lens but just found it a little short at times, constantly at the full 85mm but great quality
i think canon need to make a 15-105mm
 
For city breaks I find my 16-85mm (Nikon) lens perfect. :D

Only very occasionally do I need something wider, and even less something longer. That is in European streets, and US streets seems to be a lot wider. :shrug: I hardly ever take pictures indoors on holiday, so a wide aperture is not that important. :shrug:

I always take my 70-300mm, and have borrowed a 10-20mm in the past. I'm lucky if I use the 70-300mm, though I'm determined to use it next time. ;)

For cost, what you have, the 24-70 & 10-22 would be best, but I think for the range you will probably be using most, 15-70, (imho) may leave you frustrated in changing too much. Or even worse, you can't be bothered to change and miss the situation. I'd definitely take the 10-20mm for the Grand Canyon, and any other with open desert vistas. ;)

It depends what your finances are like though. :shrug:
 
10-20 for Grand Canyon and Vegas, the 24-70 the rest of the time. Leave the one you're not using in the hotel room safe. A tripod could be useful for Vegas at night, but may not be travel friendly... I always like a fast prime (35/1.8 in my case) in my bag, but it depends on how you like to shoot.
 
Thanks guys, some great suggestions for lenses I had never even considered! Now I just need 25 posts to get access to the classifieds section :)
 
Back
Top