Travel Photography - Travelling to Europe April/May

This will be my first trip over to Europe and as a newbie photographer ..I have my D90 with a prime , 18-105, 70-300mm . I will most likely pack a Goriila Pod as packsack has limited room. Starting in London then to Rome back to Paris, then to Barcellona, then backup to Edinburgh Isle of Mann, Belfast , Dublin back to Manchester to London and home to Vancouver. I have a million questions to ask! I am worried about my ability to capture the money shots and wondering about a 12-24 wide angle or am I good to go with what I have for lenses?? Also any issues with taking photos anywhere along the way ? Permits required ? Any comments will be greatfully received !
Thank you in advance !!

Novaman, welcome to FlyerTalk. Your thread would seem ideal for the Travel Photography forum and I'll move it there. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

If it was me, I'd take the 18-105 and call it a day....

I've done well with just an 18-70 (non VR) in Alaska, Vancouver, Seattle, and Mexico and didn't really felt the need for more reach. I'll admit I had access to a D200, D300, D70, D90 and a D3000 and the occasional 18-105 or 70-300mm, but for what I shoot, I rarely need anything more than a 105...

Heck, I had a (big) point & shoot in Paris and am content with what I got (though, I'd like a do-over with a dSLR).

As far as the wide angle goes, while I love my Sigma 10-20, I don't think it's necessary...And while this is the most fun lens I've ever shot with, I say save your money for fun stuff.

If you're really concerned about getting the money shots, I'd suggest you practice the type of shots you want in your hometown. If you want night shots, I'd recommend a mini-tripod. I'm actually not the biggest fan of Gorilla Pods, even though I own one. I prefer the regular mini-tripods, but YMMV.

I've never needed any permits anywhere. Some museums and churches won't allow tripods, that's about it.

Oh, and practice practice practice! That way you have an idea of what settings you want for certain situations...

I'd suggest a wider option. The 18mm on an APS-C sensor is about 27mm (35mm equiv) and that's not too bad, but in Europe you'll be in a lot of places where a wide angle like 20mm (35mm equiv) or even wider will get you some great shots. Places like churches and castles. The 70-300 zoom OTOH might be too long. Better for a safari.

^ You're right, but assuming he's asking about the Nikon 12-24, that's a really pricey lens for a self proclaimed "newbie photographer."

A Tokina 11-16mm or a Sigma 10-20 are cheaper propositions, but even then I can think of a lot of things to do with that $400-600.

You know what would a great idea for the OP? Rent a wide angle lens in Vancouver and see if it's for them. Beau's Photo in W 6th or Leo's in Granville are good bets.

Great feedback once again ... practice, practice ,practice ...is the truth !
^ I will take all the advise I can get ..thanks to all !

Novaman, you mentioned you had a million questions to ask...I hope I answered some of them for you.

Let us know if you have any more q's or want any tips, because it's best to figure it out before you leave. Which reminds me, how long are you going for?

Going over for a month .. I just finished a 10 week photo workshop on understanding DSLR basics ... I enjoyed it. Need to practice more leaving April27 . We are only taking carry on ...of course camera and lens is most important . I understand Ryan air only allows 10kg max luggage weight for carry on. So it will be a challange!

Going over for a month .. I just finished a 10 week photo workshop on understanding DSLR basics ... I enjoyed it. Need to practice more leaving April27 . We are only taking carry on ...of course camera and lens is most important . I understand Ryan air only allows 10kg max luggage weight for carry on. So it will be a challange!

While I agree with the other who recommend the 18-105 lens, I'd also urge you to take along a fast prime (i gathered you have one). I have a 50 mm f/1.4 prime and find it a fantastic walk around lens because of its low-light performance and good bokeh.

Cheers,
T.

I saw your Van City night photo in the other thread. From what I can tell, it looks like that could have used a longer exposure as I thought the city looked a bit dark.

PS - Also, if you don't have a remote trigger, use the 2 sec or 10 sec delay so you'll eliminate the shake your finger makes when you press the shutter.

PPS - I'm also curious to know if you tried shooting with a wide angle since you asked about it...

Yes I will take your advise on that I do have a remote shutter button, however I was rushed taking that photo . will have to reshoot it when I get a chance. I do not have a wide angle... yet.
I used photobucket to post that picture ...it was a lot clearer before I enlarged it..