Lens advice for a trip to Venice

I'm leaving today for a long weekend in Venice and am wondering which of my 70-200 f/4 IS or 24-70 should be my walkaround. I'll be carrying both, but I'd like to keep the lens-switching to a minimum.

Based on my previous visit to Venice (long time ago, before I got a DSLR) the streets are narrow, which would suggest a wider lens. On the other hand there's open areas too and I'll need the reach. My concern isn't so much architecture; I can take all the time I want to change lenses if I need to, the buildings aren't going anywhere. However, I'll miss the people shots if I don't have the right lens at the right time (and there'll be those aplenty since it's the Carnival this weekend). I'm thinking that due to the amount of people likely to be around, my opportunities for long shots may be few and far between. Then again, is the wide end on the 70-200 really too long?

Anyone shot the Venice Carnival (and more generally, Venice) before? Which would you pick? I know I'll miss shots regardless but would really like to plan as best as possible .

I have not shot the carnival but I have been to Venice a few times and have shots other types of parades or events. For these occasions, I generally like to have a 70-200 or a relatively long lens. Also, which camera are you using?
I'd take 24-70 for the time you will be just walking around and 70-200 for the carnival when you might want more close up shots.

Huh, glad I asked, I pretty much assumed I was going to have to keep the 24-70 on for the Carnival. I'm shooting with a 5D2 as well. Oh, and I don't have a flash yet (ETA end of March) so I'll be missing out a bunch of night shots. Got my 50 1.8 for backup but I can never seem to get solid focus when it gets dark enough.

I went to Venice years ago and broke my camera after 10 minutes of being there. I'd love to go back at sometime and if I ever do I'll be taking my 24-105 f4 L and 70-200 2.8 IS L and 1.4x TC and I'd take just my 5D2 to shoot with.

I just came across this in the 135L thread... Thought you might want to have a look.
https://photography-on-the.net …p?p=13860798&po​stcount=98

24-70, you'll need something that gather light.

You will likely find that you will use the 24-70 more than anything.

On a side note, if you stand in the St. Marks area, near and facing the water, then turn to your left and walk along the water for about 200-300 yards, you will find a very small white church on your left. It is the actual church where Vivaldi (called the "red priest" becuase of his red hair) wrote the Four Seasons. If you are fortunate to hear an actual concert of the Four Seasons in this church do so, the acoustics are fantastic. Good photo ops as well!

Also, visit and print the info at the link http://www.guardian.co​.uk …weekend-break?INTCMP=SRCH.

In particular pay attention to the topic (scroll down) titled "Avoid the tourist traps and eat like a local at a bacaro." My wife and I have been to Venice 5-6 times and food will be one of your most expensive items!

One FF i would choose as walk around 24-70 and for tele I would also take the 70-200

70-200 is way to long for the tight and narrow passages of Venice. When I went two years ago, I only had a crop body, and only carried my 17-55 and it was more than enough.

I haven't been for the Carnival before, but have heard that it is difficult to get near to the performers / models due to the number of photographers around them so the 70-200 would be ideal for that.

I was last there a couple of years ago and used a 10-22 on crop for the normal touristy shots, so the 24-70 should be fine otherwise and handy if you can get closer to the models!

We spent a few days in Venice in October, and my 100-300 lens was way too long for most of the pics I wanted too take. In St. Marks, however, you have the time and the crowds to take longer distance pics. Otherwise I used my 24-105 lots and it fit the bill. We also visited Murano and Burano. And again, except for approach shots on the water taxis, the big white L lens was just too much..unless you want close ups of people's ear hair...

Have fun and follow the advice for where to eat, as there are some real, non- tourist gem restaurants.

George