Lens for European Trip

[mw]

I am planning for a trip to visit cities in France and Italy in a couple of months. Would love to bring all the lens I have, but most likely will be one. I am narrowing it down to EF 24-70 v1 or EF 24-105. Will accompany 5D3 and getting XA20 when release in June. Weigh will be a factor, that's why I only want to carry one lens.

Thought or suggestion is greatly appreciated.

[kaihp]

I think that you will be fine with either for both cities and landscapes. I would probably choose the 24-105, just from the point of having a bit more focal length to play with.

[serendipidy]

I think that you will be fine with either for both cities and landscapes. I would probably choose the 24-105, just from the point of having a bit more focal length to play with.

+1
How about a good pocket P&S also? Not much weight and could extend your focal range. The 50X Canon PS SX50 HS gives good IQ and tremendous super telephoto range.

Post some photos when you get back.

[bholliman]

I think that you will be fine with either for both cities and landscapes. I would probably choose the 24-105, just from the point of having a bit more focal length to play with.

+1
How about a good pocket P&S also? Not much weight and could extend your focal range. The 50X Canon PS SX50 HS gives good IQ and tremendous super telephoto range.

Post some photos when you get back.

+1

35mm of added reach and IS.  If you plan to do lots of low light photography I would take the 24-70 2.8.

[mw]

I think that you will be fine with either for both cities and landscapes. I would probably choose the 24-105, just from the point of having a bit more focal length to play with.

+1
How about a good pocket P&S also? Not much weight and could extend your focal range. The 50X Canon PS SX50 HS gives good IQ and tremendous super telephoto range.

Post some photos when you get back.

I have a Sony RX100 which I'll let one of my daughter use. Will definitely take lots of photo and post some here. Can't wait for the trip to begin.

[MCL]

I have the same question for trip to Italy and Switzerland. Was thinking I might take two lenses. I own a 24-105 but am afraid I might want more reach at times so thought of renting a 70-300 or renting that lens and borrowing a friend's 16-35. I have no personal experience with the 70-300 to help me make the decision as far as image quality, size, and weight.

[expatinasia]

I have the same question for trip to Italy and Switzerland. Was thinking I might take two lenses. I own a 24-105 but am afraid I might want more reach at times so thought of renting a 70-300 or renting that lens and borrowing a friend's 16-35. I have no personal experience with the 70-300 to help me make the decision as far as image quality, size, and weight.

The 70-300L f/4-5.6 USM IS is an excellent lens to travel with as it is light, excellent IQ and gives you excellent reach. That combined with your friend's 16-35 OR your 24-105 are probably the only two lenses you would need.

[michi]

If I had the choice, I would take the 24-105. More reach and a little lighter.  However, for Rome, I would take a 16-35 for all those places you can't get far enough away.  That might actually be the best choice for Switzerland too with its amazing scenery. 

I took my 7D with me to Rome with the 15-85 and was wishing for wider nearly everywhere.  Don't think I took much at 85.  If I had to do it again, I would take the 5DII with the 16-35.

[candyman]

I have the same question for trip to Italy and Switzerland. Was thinking I might take two lenses. I own a 24-105 but am afraid I might want more reach at times so thought of renting a 70-300 or renting that lens and borrowing a friend's 16-35. I have no personal experience with the 70-300 to help me make the decision as far as image quality, size, and weight.

The 70-300L f/4-5.6 USM IS is an excellent lens to travel with as it is light, excellent IQ and gives you excellent reach. That combined with your friend's 16-35 OR your 24-105 are probably the only two lenses you would need.

+2
That is what I would take.
16-35 (narrow streets, indoor, open landscape)
70-300 (anything else, portrait and situations to zoom in)

[aznable]

I am narrowing it down to EF 24-70 v1 or EF 24-105. Will accompany 5D3 and getting XA20 when release in June.
Thought or suggestion is greatly appreciated.

the 24-105  is a better option in my opinion, mainly for the IS, secondary for the extra reach. Also a wider angle lens would not a bad idea, like the samyang 14mm manual lens or a thing like that (buy for the trip, resale after if you dont linke) or something like that

[Sella174]

Be daring and take just a single prime ... 35mm, preferably.

[rizenphoenix]

I would go with the 24-105 for the extra bit of reach and the IS.

[Dick]

If you care about DOF, take the 2.8 zoom or maybe even a prime. Otherwise the 24-105L is not a bad choice either I guess. Personally I dislike that lens with a passion. Every time it gets used, I end up unhappy with the results.

If I was to travel and only 1 or two lenses would fit into my kit, I'd take a 35mm 1.4 and maybe the 100L. Tomorrow I'm going for a fishing trip and in addition to these 2 lenses I packed a wide angle 2.8 L zoom, which I most likely won't be using.

[OD]

It all depends on what you want to get out of the pictures. For holidays memories, spending not too much time shooting, then the 24-105L is definitively the way to go. I however am rarely pleased with the results. For shooting in towns I enjoy using the TSE 24L II. This gives stunning results and shifting is almost always a must when shooting buildings. To give me more options, I also carry the 40mm Pancake in my pocket. Very sharp lens, 2.8 and weighs nothing.

Almost all these used the TSE 24L in Paris: http://www.flickr.com/photos/olivier_dirat/sets/72157632750930493/

[mw]

To be honest, I bought the 24-105L a few months ago when it was on sale, but have not use it much. I will definitely give it a good test before the trip. Would like to do some video as well, so the IS might come in handy.

I've been contemplating whether to take the 17-40L along or not. From some of the suggestions here, maybe I should. Especially for Rome and Venice. For those places, would a 17-40L do the job, or should I look into upgrading it to a 16-35L II. I've been especially impressed with the 17-40L, that I don't know if upgrading would make much of a difference. Tilt shift has been suggested, but price might be out of reach.

Thanks again for all of the suggestions.