What Lenses to Pack for a Month in Europe?

The Photographer’s Dilemma

Chania at Sunset, Photographed with Canon R6, ISO 200, F/22 and 30 secs by Nilmini De Silva

We have just returned from a month spent in Europe. Perhaps the one thing I agonise most over as a photographer is that perennial question when going away on a backpacking trip. What camera gear should I take with and specifically, what lenses should I pack?

Photographers always say the best camera is the one you have with you, but I often find myself agonising over the fact that I left behind a lens I wished I had packed. Generally speaking though, if you are mostly wondering around the streets of Europe and visiting a few cathedrals and other impressive buildings, I think a couple of wide angle lenses might just be what you need.

The Bell Maker, photographed with Canon R6, EF 16–35mm @16mm, ISO 3200, f/2.8 and 1/800 sec.

I shoot with a Canon R6, and have a selection of both EF and RF lenses that work well. After much deliberation I packed both the RF24–105mm f/4 and the EF 16–35 f/2.8 and threw in my nifty fifty for good measure. This took up 6kg of space in my backpack! I find the 24–105mm a great versatile travel lens and the one I turn to most often. Sometimes though in tight spaces like the narrow alleyways in Europe or in an artisan’s studio, I have been glad I packed the wider 16–35mm. I’ve…