Which lens to use for travel?

[luvsadog2]

I'm going to San Francisco for five days in a couple of weeks -- I have an XSi and am trying to determine which of my lens to bring on the trip --any suggestions on which two lens would be best? (a) Canon 17-85mm IS; (b) Tamron 18-250mm 1:3.5-6.3; (c) Canon EF 50mm 1.8; (d) Canon 100mm f/2.8. Also, I have a 430ex, but haven't used it much -- is it worth bringing?

I appreciate any recommendations -- thanks! Carla

[Pit]

17-85 is nice to bring along but that tammy seems to cover a lot of ground too. SO maybe 18-250 tammy and the 50 for some low light shots. I wouldn't bring the flash if space is an issue perhaps leave it in your bag at the hotel and take it out if you want shots of you and your friends at night in some bars or other dim places.

[John_B]

luvsadog2,
Are you happier with photos from the 17-85mm IS or the 18-250mm?

The one your happier with results from is my recommendation for your trip

[canonistul]

17-50mm f2.8 and a 70-200mm f2.8 its the best combination and of course for many Raw files an external hard disk drive!!!!and of course a Canon camera gear!!!!HAPPY TRIP!!!!!

[luvsadog2]

Originally Posted by Pit

17-85 is nice to bring along but that tammy seems to cover a lot of ground too. SO maybe 18-250 tammy and the 50 for some low light shots. I wouldn't bring the flash if space is an issue perhaps leave it in your bag at the hotel and take it out if you want shots of you and your friends at night in some bars or other dim places.

Thanks, Pit ... I'm just going by myself and not much of a bar person, but the 50mm is small enough to put in my bag .. the 17-85mm has IS, so that may win out over the 18-250 unless I can make room for both.

Originally Posted by John_B

luvsadog2,
Are you happier with photos from the 17-85mm IS or the 18-250mm?

The one your happier with results from is my recommendation for your trip

Thanks, John... since I'll be shooting handheld, I'm probably better off with the IS lens. Just ordered a grip for the XSi, so that might help too.

Originally Posted by canonistul

17-50mm f2.8 and a 70-200mm f2.8 its the best combination and of course for many Raw files an external hard disk drive!!!!and of course a Canon camera gear!!!!HAPPY TRIP!!!!!

Thanks for your input, canonistul .. however, I don't have either of those lens, so what I have will just have to do, lol.

[shomat]

How is the 17-85 IS? I hear good things about that lens.

I've never used the Tamron 18-250, but I just don't trust super zooms. Too slow, too average.

Take a zoom and a prime. My go-to travel kit is the 24-105L and 50/1.4. Given your gear list, I'd probably choose the 17-85 and 50/1.8.

That 100/2.8 is a very nice lens - do you work well at that focal length? Maybe substitute that for the 50.

[luvsadog2]

Originally Posted by shomat

How is the 17-85 IS? I hear good things about that lens.

I've never used the Tamron 18-250, but I just don't trust super zooms. Too slow, too average.

Take a zoom and a prime. My go-to travel kit is the 24-105L and 50/1.4. Given your gear list, I'd probably choose the 17-85 and 50/1.8.

That 100/2.8 is a very nice lens - do you work well at that focal length? Maybe substitute that for the 50.

Hey, shomat .. actually, I recently posted some shots I took this weekend with the 17-85mm, which I was pretty happy with. Figured I should practice with the lens before going to SF this weekend. You can check out the shots on the Critique forum -- my post was titled "Venice Beach Area." I probably will bring the 17-85mm and the 50/1.8 -- that combo makes the most sense for the type of shots I hope to take. I've only dabbled in macro so far -- still getting a feel for the 100/2.8, but yes, it is a great lens! Thanks for your comments .. Carla

[philmar]

personally I bring as much possible and only carry around what I anticipate I'd need for that shoot. What i don't use I keep at the hotel. Sometimes an unanticipated need arises and it is good knowing the lens I need is there waiting foi me should I need it the next day.
I'll bring a tripod even if I intend to use it only once - it sits in the hotel when I don't need it

[Hangbot]

While the 17-85 and 50 sounds good, I'd bring the two zooms. SF has a diverse amount of things to shoot from wide to telephoto. Where do you plan on going in the Bay Area?

Also, I'd recommend a tripod(if you're driving, you can stow it in the trunk) as there are some great night shots there: Golden Gate Bridge from the hills in Marin, Coit Tower, fisherman's Wharf, etc.

[luvsadog2]

Originally Posted by Hangbot

While the 17-85 and 50 sounds good, I'd bring the two zooms. SF has a diverse amount of things to shoot from wide to telephoto. Where do you plan on going in the Bay Area?

Also, I'd recommend a tripod(if you're driving, you can stow it in the trunk) as there are some great night shots there: Golden Gate Bridge from the hills in Marin, Coit Tower, fisherman's Wharf, etc.

Thanks for the reply, Hangbot... I returned from my trip a few weeks ago. I used the 17-85IS since I didn't bring a tripod since I was trying to pack as light as possible. I also didn't rent a car so I was limited to what I could get to by walking, bus, etc. I didn't get as many great shots as I'd hoped, but I did have a great time anyway! Carla

[Hangbot]

Yikes! My bad for not noticing the date on the thread!

Glad you had fun though

[kandyredcoi]

i would have used the tamron 18-250...it covers a whole lota range

my .02

[luvsadog2]

Originally Posted by kandyredcoi

i would have used the tamron 18-250...it covers a whole lota range

my .02

Thanks, kandyredcoi ... coulda, woulda, shoulda -- next trip, lol.