Travel Photography and lenses

[bernie]

I'm new to the world of 'the best lens for...' but I love travel and photography and was wondering if I was to spend some money on a new lens, which would be best. I have a Nikon D60 and no plans in upgrading at this stage. Thoughts?

[ricktas]

There is no 'best' lens. If there was everyone would use the same lens.

How much are you willing to spend? You could get a good wide angle lens for a few hundred, or a few thousand.

[kiwi]

You have any lenses now ?

Use those and spend the savings on beer

Otherwise a 18-200 VR

[bernie]

I didn't want to spend thousands in case I upgraded earlier than i figure and couldn't use the lens i bought. I want to have fun with it, I love photos with Motion blur and excitement but also dont want to carry too much around.

Kiwi, I have two zoon lenses at the moment, saving the cash for beer sounds like a great idea but maybe not as memorable

[pmack]

Depends how light you want to travel.
As light as possible, you don't take an SLR at all, but obviously you are, so then I would go for one versatile mid range zoom.
Then perhaps throw in a fast prime.

Personally, I'm going on a trip at the end of the year which will be based on photography, i'm taking a 5D II, 7D, 17-40 and 70-200 f/4 is, and a 50mm f/1.4. My aim was to have great quality glass with minimum weight and large focal range. Fortuntately i avoid the need for a heavy mid range zoom.

[James Axford]

Agree with pmack, depends how light...
I mostly only travel with fast primes these days, which is nice and light. These for trips I'm able to exchange lenses freely e.g not on top of a very cold mountain.
which is most trips, but it always depends where I'm going.
I recently embarked on a trip to Mexico, Canada, and parts of Europe.
I took a full frame camera, 24mm f1.4, 50mm f1.2, 135 f2. I came back with many photos. posted a lot up here already.
If I was to do it again I might leave the 135 and take a 14mm but it's a very personal choice. I've sold most of my long lenses and bought wide ones so I can't talk for everyone.
good luck

[jjnic]

I find the 18-105 VR a nice all round lens and if you want to upgrade the D60 stay with a nikon DX body and you can still use it.
jj

[larrywen]

You have any lenses now ?

Use those and spend the savings on beer

Otherwise a 18-200 VR

18-200 VR is a good choice. I used an 18-200 IS for Canon and found it is great for travelling.

[reaction]

For a D60 get the 16-85 VR no question.
see Thom's review on that vs the 18-200.

[larrywen]

For a D60 get the 16-85 VR no question.
see Thom's review on that vs the 18-200.

Where is Thom's review ?