As an avid photographer and partial world traveler, I always carry lots of euipment with me on my busniess trips. My bag typically weighs 30-40 lbs! Often I ask myself what are the perfect lenses for traveling? I usually take landscape and architecture photos….occasionally some macro shots if I know of a Botanical Garden or their is a possibility of local flowers being beautiful.
As most of us are not wealthy photographers (for me its a fun extra hobby), we cannot afford the best lenses (top quality glass) available. Most of my lenses are very good…but not the best. I currently use the following lenses are my travels:
1) Nikon 18-200 VR F/3.5-5.6 ED (DX) 2) Nikon 12-24 f/4 ED (DX) 3) Nikon 105 VR F/2.8 ED-IF
The lenses run from $600-$900 each. Not cheap and but decent! As a Nikon shooter, I regularly watch the DTown TV podcast with Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski – DTownTV They just aired episode 16 regarding lenses. It was their best show yet. Filled with good info. For those who use Nikon equipment – please watch it if you can!
Both Scott and Matt noted their favorite lenses. After watching, I wanted to post what would be my dream lenses to have if I was traveling (my bag would weigh alot more!) The higher end lenses definately have more weight! Here is my list:
1) Nikon 70-200 VR F/2.8 ($1900) 2) Nikon 12-24 f/2,8 ($1750) 3) Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 ($2000)
Ah to dream. I have used the 70-200 and was amazed!! I have not tried the 12-24 or the 24-70. If any of you have them…let me know how they are! Watching the show it made me realize that the future for my camera usage will be a full frame sensor. Maybe the D4 when it comes out? My D300 will soon be obsolete….even now I heard the D300s is coming soon with video. But my current lenses work on the D300 DX body. I better start saving now!
You can definately spends lots of money on your equipment! I know there are tons of lens options out there. If you have a good lens for traveling…tell me what it is and how you like it?
As you all know by my posts….I use Nikon equipment. Of course there are many other brands out there, but I enjoy using only Nikon. So for those of you that are using Nikon – there is a great show I’d enjoy telling you about. I catch it every week. It is called D-Town TV. The wonderful hosts are Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski. Every week Scott & Matt post an episode online (it is also available as a podcast). They give you great tips/tricks/news/accessories for Nikon DSLR cameras. The show is fantastic and you can click on this link to visit 
Places 2 Explore 