So Im heading on a two-week trip to Japan next month and I need to finally settle on one lens to take with me everywhere. Right now Im shooting on a D7200 and carrying around a bunch of primes is just getting annoying when I'm walking 10 miles a day in Tokyo. I really want that one magic glass that does it all without breaking my back or my bank account since I'm trying to keep total spending under 700 bucks if possible.
Here is what I'm looking at right now:
- Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 (heard amazing things about the sharpness and low light, but worried it's too short on the long end)
- Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 (super convenient range and cheap, but is the image quality just too meh compared to what I'm used to?)
- Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 VC (heavier and pricier, plus missing wide angle on crop sensor, but great build)
Im kinda leaning toward the Sigma just because of that crazy aperture but changing lenses is literally the main thing I want to avoid on this trip. Anyone used these exact setups for travel and actually been happy with the results?
In my experience walking all over Tokyo, you really dont want a heavy lens or a limited zoom range. Skip the Tamron for crop, and honestly the Sigma Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art is too short for a one-lens travel trip despite the amazing bokeh.
- Grab the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR instead, its light, cheap, and surprisingly sharp for a kit zoom.
- You will miss the wide end on anything starting at 24mm.
- Save your back and your cash.
Stumbled upon this discussion and honestly you should check out the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 SP AF XR Di II LD IF instead. It hits that sweet spot for travel without killing your wallet.
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for night walks
- Super light weight for all-day walking
- Way under your budget limit Have an amazing trip to Japan!
You might want to consider the Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HZD for incredible reach. Another solid alternative is the Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM which hits that budget nicely.