Headed to Europe for the first time, deciding on gear to bring...

[agphotography]

So I'm going to be headed to Europe for the first time right after Christmas. We will be visiting a number of places, but the route will likely be something like this: London -> Paris -> Switzerland -> Prague (Plus other places in between)

I'm debating between 2 different setups right now.

The reason for my debate is I'm not sure if it's worth bringing 2 bodies or not. I did when I traveled to new zealand the first time, but not the second time. I also brought WAY TOO MUCH stuff both trips and it was completely un-necessary.

My ideas were:

5DmkII
40D
16-35
24-70
70-200
580exII

Or

5DmkII
50mm f/1.4 (if i ever get it back from sigma)
16-35
24-70
70-200
580exII

or another alternative:

5DmkII
28mm f/1.8
50mm f/1.4
85mm f/1.8
Maybe 16-35 for ultra wide? Or 15mm fisheye
580exII

I think my zooms will be necessary to bring along, because of the versatility, However, I could bring all primes (but I wouldn't have anything longer than 100mm in that scenario.

What do you guys think is the best stuff to bring?

[KCMO Al]

I would take option 2. For me the 16-35 would be what I'd use the majority of the time as the streets in some of your planned cities, particularly Prague, are very narrow. You'll also benefit from having something at f/1.4 for the interiors. I spent quite a bit of time in Prague on business and mostly had my Pro-1 which is the equivalent of 28-200. I often wanted wider, but rarely wanted longer. When I carried my 5D I had my 17-40 and 24-105. 24-105 rarely came off the camera. If you want any particular advice about a destination in Europe, feel free to contact me.

[5Dmaniac]

I assume the purpose of the trip is mostly to enjoy new sights and to be with your companion. This for me would mean pack light, no 2nd body and have a lens that is an all-arounder during the day. My vote is the 5DMKII with the 16-35 glued on it for most of the time, the 24-70 and a fast prime. Bring a flash and a gorilla pod (or some small tripod contraption for night scenes) and you are all set. You will not get a lot of use out of your 70-200!

[agphotography]

Well Ironically since I posted this I made a few gear changes. I no longer own the 28 or the 85 or the 50 f/1.4 (sigma). I just sold them all and bought a 50L again.

I agree with what you guys are saying and I'm planning on bringing the following:

5DmkII
16-35
24-70
50L
580exII
Travel CF tripod

and thats it. I heard from a load of people that emailed me that I won't need the 70-200 so it's staying behind.

I most definitely appreciate everyone's insight. It's all very helpful!

[neilwood32]

You will probably end up taking lots of vista shots and very few long shots (unless street photography is our thing) so i would definately go with the 16-35.

One body only though - a second is just added weight - you can afford time to change lenses.

[agphotography]

Agreed. Plus 50mm is my favorite street shooting FL.

[Tom H. Photography]

Well Ironically since I posted this I made a few gear changes. I no longer own the 28 or the 85 or the 50 f/1.4 (sigma). I just sold them all and bought a 50L again.

I agree with what you guys are saying and I'm planning on bringing the following:

5DmkII
16-35
24-70
50L
580exII
Travel CF tripod

and thats it. I heard from a load of people that emailed me that I won't need the 70-200 so it's staying behind.

I most definitely appreciate everyone's insight. It's all very helpful!

This will do nicely I believe. Have fun over here in Europe! I agree that the 70-200mm won't be needed that much. It draws a lot of attention around here and streets in most old cities are too narrow to fit anything over 100mm anyway.

[agphotography]

Bah! I'm sad to say this but my trip just got delayed until next christmas :( I'm bummed out, but the current circumstances required the delay.

I'll be prepared for next year though! Thanks for your input everyone!

[shomat]

Sorry to hear about the delayed trip.

I did nearly 2 weeks in Ireland with a 5D, 24-105 and 12-24. I thought it was a great balance of versatility and light weight. The 12-24 was perfect for a lot of the tight spaces encountered in centuries-old structures.