What lens should I rent for Playa Del Carmen?

jqp · « **on:** 23 Jun 2009, 04:39 pm »

I am going in a couple of weeks and I have a Nikon D90. I used to have the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom , which I call "the beautiful lens"

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But alas that was stolen and I have only the 18-105 version. THis lens is not bad but it is not as good as the 18-200 at the short end and of course it won't go out to a true telephoto distance.

So I am looking at renting the 80-400, which is a decent VR lens. But it is a monster, 3lbs. and is not unobtrusive.

I am actually about to talk myself into getting another 18-200mm because it is so perfect as a single lens solution.

Any ideas? Keep in mind I have a DX, and I will be in mostly very sunny situations - pool, beach, ferry, island, jeep, etc.

maxwalrath · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 Jun 2009, 09:12 pm »

Very of topic, but if you are heading to the island (Cozumel) and have some room to adjust your itinerary, consider the island a little farther north. Isla Mujeres is a laid back slice of paradise.

Steven Stone · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 Jun 2009, 10:13 pm »

I would suggest bagging the big lens.

It's too hot and life is too short to have to spend the day lugging it around.

Most things at Playa will let you get pretty close, unless you're the shy type...

Levi · « **Reply #3 on:** 23 Jun 2009, 11:32 pm »

You want to take a wide-angle lense. If you visit Cuzumel, visit Hard Rock Cafe and take the same picture.

I used a Nikon 17-35mm lens. Have a safe trip!

JohnR · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Jun 2009, 01:03 am »

Do you use the 100mm+ range a lot? I think there's a tool (Opanda?) you can use to analyze a bunch of images and tell you the range of focal lengths you use.

Levi · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 Jun 2009, 01:29 am »

John has a good point, it is best to figure out what lens you normally shoot at. The purpose is not to bring too many lens in a long trip. Narrow it down to just one lens. Travel light, you enjoy the trip better.

jqp · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 Jun 2009, 02:31 am »

Thanks for the advice guys. I thought about where I will be taking pictures, and I will probably want to do more telephoto - parasailing, birds, iguanas, capybaras, some long range telephoto effects. And I can't imagine getting too close to people at the resort especially the pool!

Also I have an 18-105mmm so I will be able to do some wide angle.

I rented the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ED AF VR. It is a pretty good lens and VR so it will be convenient. I am bringing my tripod. I will have it for 14 days so I have lots of shots I want to get back home also!

jqp · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 Jun 2009, 03:15 am »

Quote from: maxwalrath on 23 Jun 2009, 09:12 pm

Very of topic, but if you are heading to the island (Cozumel) and have some room to adjust your itinerary, consider the island a little farther north. Isla Mujeres is a laid back slice of paradise.

You mean this little island?

We were in Cancun last fall - Playa Del Carmen is much more relaxed, so that is the destination next month.

Taken with the D40, 18-200mm VR lens - this was November.