chris_duim

<p>Olga, I work in Asia and travel quite a lot in the area. The Philippines is one of the countries I have stayed in for a reasonably long amount of time. I would think lot of silica dessicant gel in a reasonably watertight bag along with regular use of your camera and lenses should do just fine.<br>

Oh, while you are in the area check out the local delicacies which I am sure will be a delight to you. Try the halo halo, sticky rice and other stuff. If you are lucky you can even get a chance to use your camera to photograph an interesting subject while enjoying these local delicacies.</p>

<p>Wow, this must be a stunning lens for it to cost that much. I was already impressed with the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR1. I can just imagine how much better this one will be.<br>

Is it a reasonable expectation that the VR1 version price will drop soon? Given the prohibitive cost of the new lens, the first version just became top candidate for next purchase (only for so long as the price drops).</p>

 

<p>Thank you guys for putting in your recommendations. I've seen some lens suggestions that I have not read of before, which is really nice because some stuff do come from people who have been shooting photos for decades now.<br>

Yes the 80-300 mm is VR and it works very well. From what I see of the plans for the vacation, this will probably stay in the suitcase (or even left behind given the weight of the camera and the other lens).<br>

I will probably give the Tamron 28-300 a try and see how it performs. I have a friend who has that. If it doesn't work out I might end up with the Nikon 17-35 mm f/2.8 and the 50 mm f/1.8 prime. I think this is more reasonable and gives me all the time I need to enjoy the sights with the wife and kids and snap some good (hopefully) photos of the vacation.</p>

<p>Nic, your 28-70 mm f/2.8 certainly looks interesting. Could you advise me how it stacks up to the 24-70 mm in terms of sharpness? I must admit that this is the first time I have seen a recommendation for this lens.<br>

Thanks.</p>

<p>Thanks guys. You have all been very helpful.<br>

I've resigned myself to the fact that weight is something I have to live with when I travel this winter, although I will certainly avoid bringing a wide zoom, mid-zoom and the tele together. I am now considering either a 17-35 mm plus 50 mm f/1.4G OR 24-70 mm f/2.8 (I've seen reviews where the 24-70 was even sharper than the prime 50 f/1.4G) as additional lens to the 70-300 mm I already have. That will hopefully keep the weight down to more manageable levels (although it still is top heavy I guess). With that said I plan on leaving one of the lenses in a safe in the hotel when we go out to visit places, with the lens I take along depending on what I foresee shooting photos of during the day, so that I manage the weight while going around and avoid attracting too much attention with the DSLR.<br>

I also read in some forum threads about the 28-85mm Nikkor although I have never seen one in the shops, nor do I have info about its performance characteristics. WOuld anyone have prior experience with this lens on an FX?</p>

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<p>Hi, I'm new to this forum and would like help from pros. I just migrated to FX (D700) from DX but admit I am not a pro. I bought the 70-300 Nikkor with the body. I am not quite sure what other lens I need to add in as much as I will be traveling with my family to a holiday trip this coming winter (Niagara Falls, Orlando, NY New Years Eve countdown, etc.). I remember using mostly wide end of the D60 + Nikkor 18-200 mm Nikkor during our holiday trip last year to get the family and as much of the view as I can. Got the full frame to handle anticipated low light photos. Having trouble deciding on all Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8 (people look weird inside the frame), 17-35 mm f/2.8 (does it distort as much as the ultrawide 14-24) versus the 24-70 mm f/2.8 as I need some wide shots but hopefully not distorted too much. Read that some do not advise a middle zoom (24-70) and instead get a 14-24/17-35 with a nifty fifty (50 mm f/1.4G). Or could I settle for the 24-70 mm (is the wide end respectable for the trip together with some reach into midrange). COuld you guys help me out? Many thanks.</p>