In the hope that many of you still lurk here, I've come for advice.

I'm heading to Asia in a two weeks. Will be working, but I'd still like to bring my camera (Canon). Problem is that due to a lack of space and since I'm not there to be a tourist, I don't think I want to bring more than a single lens. I need a balance between small size and being able to take both wide-angle landscapes and close-up portraits. Any suggestions on a lens?

Now to make it even more difficult: I'm strongly considering jumping ship to Nikon when I upgrade to a more professional camera. From my window shopping on the internet, I greatly prefer the interface of the high-end Nikons to the high-end Canons.

I'm looking at getting this once I can justify that kind of investment in this hobby:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/635648-REG/Nikon_9740_D300s_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

The point is, while I still need to get my hands on some high-end Nikons and Canons to see if I really like the interface better (and then decide if interface is reason enough to jump ship as it can change with future models), I'm a bit weary about spending too much on a new lens when they may all have to be replaced soon.

Summary: Need a good all-purpose lens for travel photography with a Canon camera. Small size would be nice. Don't want to go too high end because I may end up switching brands in the near future.

Any ideas?

 

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I have been a canon user for about 5 years now and i have thought about trying out Nikon but personally i never loved their interface, although granted i haven't really used a current high end nikon, however i wasn't fond of my photo teachers full frame pro body about 3 years ago.

The things about Nikon that i find attractive are the fact that you can get their high end full frame sensor with the high end AF system in a 12mp body that scores very high in image quality and high iso performance in the d700 at a mid level price.

The things i like about Canon are the interface and the ergonomics as well as the optical qualities. To me they are a little too obsessed with the mega pixel race and i would rather see some of their L glass updated, i hear great things about the 70-200 2.8 L version 2 but it sure is pricey, seems a lot of their staple lenses are 10 years old or more. I actually dislike how much emphasis has been placed on the mega pixel war for canon. I'd would have rather seen a body with the full frame of the 5d with some of the bells and whistles of the 7d in the 14-16mp range. I rarely print anything, and never print anything huge so 20mp just seems over the top.

Anyways as for lenses it's hard to say. I'm going to assume you are on a 1.6 crop factor sensor so something like the 24-105 f4 wouldn't give you enough on the wide end. Something like the 17-85 f4-5.6 seen here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/351548-USA/Canon_9517A002BA_EF_S_17_85mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html

It's got a decent range even after the 1.6x crop of the compact sensors, it appears to be small and light as well which is perfect for traveling. If you are on a 5d or something then you would need something completely different though.

 

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There is only one thing, and one thing only I envy the Canon users. The 70-200 f/4 IS. I want that for nikon. NOW!


I'm currently using a Nikon D300, and I've very happy with it. I chose Nikon because I like their ergonomics better, but thats very individual, you'll just have to handle them and see for yourself.


As for a lens for a trip, you have two choices.


1. Buy an all-purpose lens, like the 18-200. It isn't very good at anything, but decent for most things. Buy Canon, not off-brand, as you'll get more money back for a Canon if you re-sell it.

2. Bring two lenses, one for the wide angles and one telezoom. You'll get better image qual, especially at the wide angles.


If you don't want to lose money on this project, buy a used canon lens, and as long as you don't use it as a hammer, you'll get your money back if you decide to sell it later.

 

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I just recommended the 70-200L F/4 to a friend going to Australia. (along with the kit lens on a T2i). For $600, that is a hell of a price for an L series.

 

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I get a semi-chubby just thinking about it.


Nikon has a good alternative for the 70-200 f2.8 (esp now that the new version is here) but none for the f/4. I want a small well performing 70-200 as well. QQ


My 55-200 f/4-5.6 is good, don't get me wrong, but it is noticably worse then canons 70-200 f/4, especially at wide open apertures.

 

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Thanks for the input guys. Going to hit up a camera shop and play with the 70-200 and 18-200 lenses and see which works better for what I want. Also to get a feel for the weight and size to see if it's travel friendly. An L lens for $600 is hard as hell to pass up, but I'm not sure how well a 70 would work for landscapes. Maybe I'll give up and just bring the super wide angle Sigma lens I have as well...

 

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Well a small lens should not be that much more cumbersome. I say bring 2 lenses

 

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I agree.

 

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Problem is the second lens would be my Sigma 10-20, which is pretty bulky. The 70-200 f/4L is a pretty massive bastard though...

Edit:

Any suggestions on a soft case that could hold a DSLR and attached lens? I don't want to bring my full camera back-pack, but I would like to keep it in some sort of protection for when I put it into a normal backpack.

 

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Aww, crap.

Just stumbled on this:
http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/INKD300SKA.html

Trying to keep a tight grip on my wallet, but this is rather perfect. Hmmm.

 

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