which lens to take on vacation?

[zhenya]

Mike,

I'm leaving for Jamaica on Tuesday and plan on taking my camera with me.
Given that my camera bag may be too heavy if I take all lenses with me, which one or two lenses would you take with you.
1) Kit lens and 50mm f1.8
2) 135mm and 50mm

Another question would be is that would you take the camera bag as a carry on or put it in the suitcase? I hate to open the suitcase and find pieces all over the place or not finding it at all... :eek3:

[Reefland]

I can't help with the lens selection but I would definitely take it as a carry-on!

[zhenya]

I can't help with the lens selection but I would definitely take it as a carry-on!

Scott,

I've decided to take my old Nikon point and shoot. Saves brain cells from thinking about which lenses to take and I don't think I want to putz around choosing what lens to use for a particular shot. It;s a tiny cam and I can stick it in my wife;s purse and take it on the plane with no problems.

[Poseidon]

Sorry I didn't see this sooner Gene! I can understand you wanting to take the Nikon, but you have such a great tool in that Rebel. Did you already get the 135 f2L? If so, I am jealous! Anyway I don't think the 135 would be a good choice, it is AWESOME for portraits, but pretty heavy right?

What about your new Sigma? Seems that would be the IDEAL lens. That and the 50 would make a great pair!

I second Scott, make it a carry on!!!

[zhenya]

Hi Mike,

No, I didn't get that prime lens yet and I don't think I will, I meant the Sigma 24-135. It is quite heavy as well and I am afraid that camera bag will be way too heavy for my liking,so I decided to take that little Nikon with me for some snap shots ( that is all I plan on doing, no serious photography.. )

On a side note, the reason I don't think I want that 135mm f2L is becouse I want the 24-70 now... and 70-200 will probably round it off just perfect.
Oh, I fully intend on returning that Sigma and getting 28-135 IS lens from Canon. I mean it takes pretty darn good pictures outside in the good light and all but I want something sharper for my 400 bucks.

[Poseidon]

You will really really like that 24-70!!! Holy cow is it sharp and SUPER fast to focus! I love my combination of 24-70 and 70-200 2.8's, they do work very well together. I think you will also like that 28-135 Canon for a walk around lens, it is not that heavy, and it is pretty sharp. I took a LOT of my tank pictures with that lens, until I got the 70-200 with 500D that is. Next lens on my list is either the 17-40 f4L, or if I get really really busy the 16-35 f2.8L. I definately want something wider then my 24-70 for those occasions where we have a HUGE wedding party, or even if I am courtside at a Basketball game for some cool wide angle shots....

[zhenya]

Mike,

Both of those lenses are nice but man, are they pricey...

24-70 is not too bad but that 16-35 is too much for my taste... I know it;s probably superb lens and will work great for you( being a pro and all) but for an amature like me it;s way too much to spend on a single lens. I fugured 700-800 bucks for a lens will probably be my limit to spend on a lens. And another thing, I think it may be better if I upgrade the body to 20d before investing much more on the lenses. I'm thinking of maybe selling my 300D for whatever I can get for an 8 month old body and get the 20D, I'm pretty sure the learning curve will be big even going from a similar body to the newer model.

[Poseidon]

You will have a little to get used to, but it is not that different between the 2. As far as lenses go, remember the "L" glass holds it value very very well. I am of the opinion that a Great lens, with a good camera will make a much better picture, then a good lens and a great camera. Like putting a Phoenix lens on a 1D markII... ;)

You have set a very good limit for yourself though, I am sure you will find some nice glass in that range, if you are still willing to try Sigma, I think you can get their 24-70, and a 70-200 for around 1100 bux or so. Here (not sure if that link will work or not.) www.sigmaforless.com is where I found that. I also found a combo from Sam's Club website for around the same price if you prefer them.

I think photography is just as addicting, if not more then our little glass boxes!

[Samper]

Who needs a photography class when we have these two!!!!!

[zhenya]

You will have a little to get used to, but it is not that different between the 2. As far as lenses go, remember the "L" glass holds it value very very well. I am of the opinion that a Great lens, with a good camera will make a much better picture, then a good lens and a great camera. Like putting a Phoenix lens on a 1D markII... ;)

You have set a very good limit for yourself though, I am sure you will find some nice glass in that range, if you are still willing to try Sigma, I think you can get their 24-70, and a 70-200 for around 1100 bux or so. Here (not sure if that link will work or not.) www.sigmaforless.com is where I found that. I also found a combo from Sam's Club website for around the same price if you prefer them.

I think photography is just as addicting, if not more then our little glass boxes!

Mike,

I agree, the "L" glass holds its value and performs better than any other lens in its class. I think I am done with the Sigma. 70-200 f4L will do just fine for me with that aperture and I can buy that lens for under a grand easy. Sigmas 24-70 is probably pretty nice but if it is like their 24-135...I'll pass. I rather get the 28-135 IS from Canon and save my pennies for the 24-70L from Canon... ;)

Chuck, don't mind us talking all that giberish...

[Poseidon]

I think that is a good plan Gene, the best about Canon is the quality of their glass! Seems silly to me to buy a Canon body, then put on 3rd party glass. I sure hope that 28-135 IS works out for you, I really liked mine!

Chuck, anytime you have a question or 2... You know where to come! Did you ever get a digicam of your own? I know you have posted some nice pictures that either you or your Mom took! I'll bet you could e very good at photography if you put your mind to it, just look at your REEF!