Renting a lens for the West coast...Suggestions?

I'm going to be taking a trip to San Francisco soon and I figured it would be a good time to rent a lens. I've been leaning towards a 24-105, but I'm not sure if I'd want that one lens, or maybe rent out a 17-55 and a 70-200 for the lower apertures. Any suggestions?

Forgot to add that I'll be at Yosemite as well for a day

I like your second plan better, but that's me. Both zooms should cover all your needs. Nothing against the 24-105, but the 17-55 is an EF-S lens which is designed specifically for your camera and the 70-200 is a great addition regardless the size of your sensor. My last trip West was most enjoyable, but at the time I had a crumby P&S. I managed though and S.F. is truly breath taking! Take a ferry to Sausalito, freggin awesome! Oh, make sure your camera is handy and snap away! Hope this helps!

You will probably end up wanting something wider than 24mm at the wide end in Yosemite. (I'm assuming you will be using the T2i listed in your signature)

photohistorian wrote in post #14181145
Take a ferry to Sausalito, freggin awesome!

Better yet, bike there over the GGB, then have a burger at the famous place (I forget what its called).

I'd pick 17-55 + 70-200 over 24-105.

I envy you, its an unforgettable city, absolutely beautiful place to be.

I went to San Francisco with 17-50 and 55-250, never used the tele. YMMV.

We were in SF over New Year's. I shot these using my 7D and 24-70 f/2.8 L, except the inside of Grace Cathedral, where I used my S95. I used my 17-40 a bit too, but not in these shots. I had the 70-200 f/2.8 but didn't use it. YMMV... it just depends on what you want to shoot. If you want only one lens, go with the 24-105 or the 17-55.

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if you want one lens...i'd go with the 15-85mm...pairing a 24-105L with a 10-22mm could be an option if you've ever been curious about getting something wider...

When I was San Fran last September, I went 5D, 24-70 and 70-200. Think I had either a 7d or 50d too. Most of my shots came from the crop and 70-200, especially of the GGB.

For crop, I think I would enjoy the 17-55 and 70-200.

BTW (shameless plug), I have a 17-55 I'll sale you.

DreDaze wrote in post #14183952
if you want one lens...i'd go with the 15-85mm...pairing a 24-105L with a 10-22mm could be an option if you've ever been curious about getting something wider...

I was just about to put this combo up for the runnings. I feel like most of my pictures I look for wide angle stuff anyway, so no need to go longer. I am going to have a rough time trying to decide with this, because I feel like either way I go, I'll have an opportunity to say "Dam, I wish I had the other lens" lol...Guess that's just how it goes though

tgara, those pictures just made me so much more excited to go than I already was

I appreciate all the input so far guys

Don't forget to visit Fort Mason, Fort Point, Marin Headlands, Lands End. I think you are good with the lens you have now. Welcome to SF, you'll love it here!

First for rental, go see / contact my friends at borrowlenses.com they will hook you up with whatever you need.

BTW locals just call it the "City" so don't get caught calling it "frisco" JK LOL.
The lens selection can get allover the map, there is a ton to see and do. You have so much to shoot, you will need a month of Sundays just to scratch the surface.

Start with W/A and go from there. Get the touristy stuff out of the way first, then go and explore. Google walking tours to get local neighborhood feel for the different areas. One of my favs is Chinatown.

Yosemite.. for a day? Are you kidding me? It is nearly a days drive depending on the day and traffic just to get there. The zooms are really best, but weather, and tripods are always an issue. Plan your shoes to be comfortable, and keep a jacket handy, it can get cool in Baghdad by the Bay really quick.

Just remember to look up, the buildings have lots of really cool facades to shoot.

15-85 with a good CPL would be a good choice.