[GeneV]

In actual practice, I am with Marc. I travel with four DA ltd primes (15/21/40/70) most of the time, with a 50-200 in reserve for longer shots. However, given only the choices posed by the OP, I'd go with the 18-250.

[RioRico]

The minimal-est kit for my K20D are the DA18-250 and FA50/1.4, with the Tamron 10-24 crowding in there, and a Raynox DCR-250 for getting close. The Tamron displaced my Zenitar 16/2.8 for ultrawide flexibility, but the Zen is a good one for tight spaces, and it's small.

I *could* recommend a landscape lens, but I won't. For landscapes, just stop down the 18-250 to f/8-11. I *could* recommend a fairly fast 'indoor' lens, but the FA50/1.4 can't be beat there. I *could* recommend a macro lens, or a small bellows with a set of enlarger lenses, but the Raynox will suffice there. I *could* recommend all sortsa stuff, but I'll just keep it simple: DA18-250, FA50/1.4, Tamron 10-24 (or Sigma 10-20), and a Raynox.

The DA18-250 is my basic lens. All others are specialty tools.

[Chex]

I'd use the 18-250 and your 50 f1.7 and pickup a raynox 150 and you should be pretty well covered.

[newarts]

I'd use the 18-250 and your 50 f1.7 and pickup a raynox 150 and you should be pretty well covered.

Same here almost; I travel with DA 18-55, Pentax F 50:1.7, DA 50-300, Raynox 150 and a Fuji F70EXR.

[Marc Sabatella]

I should note that I can't actually bring myself to follow my own advice in my previous post. But then, I don't use a superzoom, either - just a collection of primes, or very occasionally the 18-55 or 50-200.

[dadipentak]

Same here almost; I travel with DA 18-55, Pentax F 50:1.7, DA 50-300, Raynox 150 and a Fuji F70EXR.

My fast prime if I'm traveling light is one of the FA limiteds, depending on which FL strikes my fancy. I should say I rarely go light anymore though: since photography is my main reason to travel, I tend to take my best gear and plenty of it.

[Chex]

I tend to always pack as much as I can if not everything, since my collection is still fairly small. But if I HAD to take a small kit, it would be my 18-135(in case of rain), Tamron Adaptol2 60-300 Macro, FA 43Ltd and my 2X TC that is now a 25mm macro spacer, oh and probably my Metz flash too. The big 60-300 pretty much lives on my K-5 when I go shooting. I just need a DA 15 or an UWA of some sort to finish off a decent travel kit.

[twitch]

I'm heading to Europe this summer and will leave most of my lenses behind, what comes with me must fit in a Crumpler 5MDH. That means the K-5, K-x, DA12-24, FA31 or DA40, FA77 or DA70. Even the DA15, which is my favourite lens, at this stage is staying behind.

For me a 18-250 would be useless as many of my photos are < 18mm.

[k1000]

I'm heading to Europe this summer and will leave most of my lenses behind, what comes with me must fit in a Crumpler 5MDH. That means the K-5, K-x, DA12-24, FA31 or DA40, FA77 or DA70. Even the DA15, which is my favourite lens, at this stage is staying behind.

For me a 18-250 would be useless as many of my photos are < 18mm.

I don't have any lenses that goes beyong the 18mm range, so its safe to say many or almost all of my photos are about the 35mm range. (the DA 35 f2.4 is always on my K-R) But sometimes when i want to zoom into a certain area, the kit lens reach isn't enough. sigh :ugh:

My fast prime if I'm traveling light is one of the FA limiteds, depending on which FL strikes my fancy. I should say I rarely go light anymore though: since photography is my main reason to travel, I tend to take my best gear and plenty of it.

I know the FA limiteds are great lenses to bring for travel. But they are too expensive and buying one isnt enough because of the deadly LBA. haha

[dadipentak]

Even the DA15, which is my favourite lens, at this stage is staying behind.

Really?! You must have a butt of steel 'cause you'll be kicking yourself a whole bunch if you leave it home. I'm not really a WA kind of guy but that lens was invaluable on our recent trip to China.

[elpolodiablo]

Just my 2 cents, I am heading to Europe for 2 weeks tomorrow, and I have in my bag my trusted DA 18-250/DA 15/FA 43, and a Tammy 17-50 f2.8 for a few night shoots I have in mind, all in a newly acquired Lowepro Versapack 200 AW for the flight, and a Passport Sling for when I get there.

[dadipentak]

Now that sounds like a recipe for a good trip, elpolodiablo--have fun!

[RioRico]

Of course, one could take a classic approach: one camera and one normal prime, like Kx+35/2.4. Nothing else. Zoom with feet. I'll cite a long-ago trip to Mexico City; I had only my German 1934 Kodak Retina I folder, the first 135 camera (with a fixed 50/3.5 lens), and a bagful of Agfachrome and a handheld light meter. No wide nor long shots, just the 47 degree AOV and much careful looking. (BTW the 35/2.4 and the Kodak's 50/3.5 are about equivalent for their formats.) Forcing myself to 'see' with just one focal length really made me look closely at everything, and move around a lot. Just a suggestion...

[GeneV]

It is far from perfect, but the DA50-200 is a superb travel lens. You won't find that reach at that size and weight anywhere else. Keep it at F8 or F11 and it does the job even if some detail is required. Yes, the 55-300 is superior in all ways except one--it is closing in on twice the size and weight, so it is too often not with me.

[dmort]

If I'm only going to Take 1 lens and I know isn't rain in the forecast, I take the da 21, perfect for hiking. If I'm going to take 2, I add the 43mm. If there is rain coming then the 18-135 is my best choice. I'd be OK traveling with just the 18-135 as I love the weather seal I g and I don't think I'll get too many great shots at the longer focal lengths on a large range tele/zoom (that's based on my experience with the Olympus 18-180 which is a similar purpose lens)

Has anyone mentioned the 17-70?