Looking for travel zoom

[SteenerMe]

I say bring your ungripped camera and one lens. Spend time with your family making memories and not wasting time switching lenses all day and getting irritated carrying all that gear around. Its a long enough day at those parks the way it is. I carried a 7D and 24-105 for two days in orlando and had enough to capture everything i wanted. After all if you want a photo vacation theme parks and zoos arent where its at....

[KKCFamilyman]

Was in the same boat. Ended up getting a Canon SX 260 HS. Was at Disney last week and it worked great. The IS really helped with roller coaster vid's. Its got a terrific zoom. Fits in pocket pocket for wet rides. Battery is weak but bought (4) knock offs for $13.00 total that worked fine, enough power for the day/night.
I didnt have my 5D3 and L's with me so I wasnt tempted to stray away from the wife and kids to take more detailed shots and wasnt holding them up while I searched for the perfect angle.
Very satisfied with my decision, wife and kids even happier!!!

Is there anyway you could post a pic or two from that trip so I could see the quality. I know it's not dslr but just curious how close. I have been playing with the S100 and it's ok but I have my 5d iii at lovely Canon getting the nice black tape put in it for the light leak issue. I know it's really not a problem but I wanted to get it fixed while under warranty. I have been considering the sx 260hs for the zoom. I have also been considering the 70-200 f4 is because I would use it at home to but just not sure I want to lug around all that gear. I was hoping to hear about a Canon mirrorless offering in time. I would definetly jump on that. I am even considering the G1x. Prices around here are about $639 for it so not too bad considering what your getting. Just not sure how it would work for a vacation like that.

[neuroanatomist]

Recently finished processing my pics from our trip a couple of weeks ago.  The S100 pics are decent, but the 5DII images (with 28-300L) are a clear step above, even at screen viewing 2 MP resolution. 

FWIW, even though my wife and kids are quite tolerant of 'the big camera' I don't let it slow us down.  With a 2.5 year old, we still have a stroller along (if she's tired, but also for convenient storage).  When we all went on a ride, the 5DII+28-300L stayed in the Lowepro Toploader Pro 75AW tucked under the stroller (risky? maybe...but that's what insurance is for!).

Looking over the pics, I'm glad I had both cameras.  The meetup with 'Cinderella' in her castle needed ISO 6400 (slow lens).  The S100 flash would have worked, yes, but I'm not a fan of deer-in-headlights.  Instead, I have princess-hugs with my daughters in the (electric) candle-chandelier illumination, preserving the ambience.

[serendipidy]

Took my first vacation to England and France in 20 years last October. I seriously thought about taking my new 7D and several lens, but then decided I wanted to travel very light (it was a 2 month trip) and was also worried about theft, damage, etc. So, after some research, I bought the Canon SX230 just for this trip. It's definitely not the IQ of a DSLR, but it took some really good photos and easily fit in my shirt pocket. Allowed me to savor each moment instead of trying to get the perfect shot. I will attach several examples at various focal lengths. All were hand held and used the "super vivid" scene setting since I like bright colors. These 2 were taken on the England Cotswolds tour:   #1-  28mm equivalent focal length       #2-  37mm focal length.   Hope this helps in your decision.

[serendipidy]

Here are 2 more examples using the Canon SX230 hand held with "super vivid" setting. These are from the south of France just east of Nice.   #1-  220mm equivalent focal length    #2-  maximum 392mm equivalent focal length.   Thanks for looking.

[Bobb]

Just back from a trip to Sydney, I took canon 5III with 24-105 which stayed on most of the time, plus a 50/1.4, 200/2.8 and 1.4 extender. The 200 was only used at the zoo and I never used the extender or 50, with the high ISO performance the 24-105 was good even indoor and at night and I am begining to think that cropping is a adaquate substitute for the extender.

[hoghavemercy]

i bought a 35L and a 135L to China and the Philippines last year with a grip 5DII and it was never a burden and never thought of using a zoom, try 35L and a 70-200f4is maybe that would work for you.

[RLPhoto]

I am going on vacation with my new canon 5d3 with kit lens. I was considering the 70-300 is non l for a lightweight zoom. Anyone have any success with it or should I consider only the 70-200 f4 is l which is larger and heavier. I want to travel light. Any help is appreciated.

I'd Take the 24-105 and a Fast 50mm. Done. Enjoy your vacation.

[KKCFamilyman]

Thanks I am bringing the 5d mark iii with 24-105, 50mm 1.4 and 270 exii. Just considering the 28mm is or 40mm pancake. Otherwise going with just that. I find the reach would be nice but my Sony nex and 55-210 will cover that. Just considering the 28mm as a cheaper alternative to the 35l not sure I will need it here.

[bdunbar79]

Thanks I am bringing the 5d mark iii with 24-105, 50mm 1.4 and 270 exii. Just considering the 28mm is or 40mm pancake. Otherwise going with just that. I find the reach would be nice but my Sony nex and 55-210 will cover that. Just considering the 28mm as a cheaper alternative to the 35l not sure I will need it here.

For a vacation I'm not sure you need a prime if you have the 24-105mm L.  Sure, take the 50 f/1.4 along with it, as it's nice to have, but I really think if you need below 35mm I'd just use my 24-105L zoom.  It has good IQ at the shorter focal lengths, so I think with your current gear you're all set.  Go have fun.