Travel Photography Lens

[Schweppy]

I will soon be departing for my job on a cruise ship and want to take some good photos of my travels.

Currently have a Canon 500d and Canon 17-85mm IS lens. Also have the 500d kit lens 18-55is which hasnt come out of the box.

I need some help as i dont really know what to take with me. Was thinking about getting a 70-200 F4L but have now also considered swapping out the 17-85 for a 17-40 F4L.

I want to be taking landscapes mainly but i also do a lot of wide angle car photography so need to keep that in mind.

Any help would be great!

 

[The Boosh!]

35mm prime!

 

[Andy.]

I'd be tempted to keep the 17-85 for the extra reach, and get the 70-200. It depends on how much stuff you can take with you.

I'd leave the 17-40 unless you are taking a tripod with you. The IS might be more useful for some sunsets/ landscapes with slower shutter speeds.

edit: ^^ A prime of some sort might be useful too. The Sigma 30mm f1.4 is awesome on a cropper and the 50mm f1.8 is good if you have a tight budget.

 

[Schweppy]

Thanks guys. I do like the 17-85 but I wish it was F4 (or lower) all the way through.

Still keep thinking about a 50mm 1.8 but I dont know if i'd ever use it if the 17-85 is always attached?

 

[Maggiore]

50mm 1.8 as said is very good if your on a budget.

I think I paid £65 for mine new with free delivery.

 

[McBunny]

17-55 F2.8 IS is a fantastic lens but as you already have that range covered then i dunno

 

[Andy.]

You'd be surprised how useful f1.8 is, and what a difference a narrow DOF can make to a shot.

It basically means that you'd be able to take a photo in pretty much any amount of light without a flash.

i.e. This one, taken last night at f1.4, 1/50th, ISO800. f4 would have needed ISO6400 at least and the shot would not look half as nice.

You can use it outdoors too, and it gives you more "pop" on your subjects:

This was with the Sigma 30: