Help from UK members

[James P]

I'll be visiting England and Scotland next September and need your advice on which lenses to bring. I don't want to carry too much weight, but don't want to miss photo-ops of a life time either. I was thinking of bringing my 40D with a 17-55 and my Rebel XT with a 70-300. I'm sure I'll need the low light capabilities of the 17-55 for inside cathedrals and such, but will I get much use out of the 70-300? We'll be visiting all of the usual tourist places like London, Stonehenge, Lochness, some churches and castles. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Mike]

I recommend the 17-55 for sure as it is your widest and I'd always take a long lens too so the 70-300 is a good choice. Perhaps throw in the 100 macro too for some close-up stuff.
If you're visiting the south east be sure to drop in to our thread and say hi! (The link is in my sig)

[andydajo]

Do you need to bring two bodies as each of them offer the same 1.6x sensor. Would cut the weight and allow for bringing something else...

[donboyfisher]

defo a wide angle for scotland stuff.

as nice as loch ness is .... its kinda boring compared to other places. push further out to the west and the coast ( personally )

[souporman]

Do you need to bring two bodies as each of them offer the same 1.6x sensor. Would cut the weight and allow for bringing something else...

Yea, I agree. Your 40D and the 2 lenses you mentioned should be more than enough (and you will want to longer reach of the 70-300 in some places, so don't leave it behind :))

Probably wouldn't hurt to throw in your 50mm as well, 2.8 may not be fast enough for some of the churches.

Feel free to stop by our thread too as Micheal suggested, we're always having people come by and more than happy to do local tours :)

[bubbawillums]

Bring a set of ND grads too!
I think u only need the 40D and the 17-55,50mm and the zoom... If you are down in Kent then give me a shout if you need a guide :)

[dave_bass5]

Dont forget an umbrella ;-)

[JoYork]

17-55 definitely. If you can only bring one lens make sure you bring this one.

I'm not sure how much use any of your other lenses would get, personally.

[James P]

I can take both cameras and extra lenses around if I must, I was just hoping to go as light as possible. I'm a bit worried about slugging around a lot of weight for two weeks and if you guys don't think I'll get enough use out of a long lens, then I'll just mount the 17-55 on the 40D and enjoy the trip.

[GregSteer]

Most of my shots are with the 24-105 with good use of the 10-20 thrown in up here in the Lake District, really depends on your type of photography but I rarely use the 70-200 except for rally shooting (maybe I should use it more :) ) as the 24-105 reaches most things.

I'd bring your 17-55 and the 24-105 - that should cover most things, don't think you'll miss the tele at all.

[neilwood32]

I would suggest the 40D, 17-55 and the 70-300 as your kit. You have almost every focal length covered (you might spot wildlife if you are up in the highlands so a tele would be worth having.

You will prob have the 17-55 on 99% of the time though.

[dave_bass5]

I totally agree with Neil.
Ive been to the Highlands a few times as my girlfriend has family up there.
I would say the take both lenses. I expect you will use the 17-55IS the most but the longer lens will be handy for the wildlife up there. While not a "real" wildlife lens the 70-300 will do the job.
I just hope you have good weather.

[BOUNCINGNRG]

You'll want that long lens for all the Candid shots, but be carefull, they have jst passed a stupid law over here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7892273.stm

[James P]

I'll be on a bus tour, so there won't be any time for wildlife shots. My main hesitation was about bringing my 17-55 or my 24-105 for a bit of extra reach.

[dave_bass5]

The take the 17-55IS.
Its sharp enough that you can crop in quite a bit, fast enough for indoor static shots and evening outside shots and wide enough so you will get some nice landscapes in.
The biggest negative i can find with my 24-105L is the max f/4. Believe me, it can make a difference. And if the weather isn't great over here having a slightly faster lens can help a lot.
IME of course.