Originally posted by formercanuck I'm considering the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 due to cost and optics/focal length.
As a guy in Europe, I would recommend this. Or, better yet, Samyang 16mm f2. A little faster aperture, not as awkwardly wide, can use filters, easier to focus, and it seems to have fewer QC problems. I have the Samyang 14mm, and I had to return the first one due to decentering. Second one is not perfect, but its acceptable. The distance scales are miscalibrated. So I would recommend you get Samyang 14mm or 16mm with warranty and TEST it before you go on your trip. If I was buying today, I would go with 16mm. 14mm is really really wide, too wide for many shots, especially due to distortion.
Originally posted by formercanuck DA 18-135mm WR
And take this with you as well.
When I go around Europe (France, Germany, Italy) I usually take Samyang 14mm, DA 21mm, DA 35mm, DFA 100mm. And then maybe another prime like 50mm, or I leave the 35mm and take 40mm XS.. I take most photos with 35mm, but since i got the 21mm, this one is replacing it. The 100mm macro is great, because it gives you some telephoto, and it also lets you take stunning closeups
If I were you, I would buy Samyang 16mm, maybe DA 35mm f2.8 macro ( I like having a macro with me), and take the 18-135mm along, as well as one of the f1.4 lenses just for low light, indoor, and night photos. 50mm or 85mm, depending how much space is left in the bags. I would use the 35mm macro for 60% of the shots, the Samyang for the wide angle, the zoom lens for bad weather and telephoto. And I would use the f1.4 for low light stuff.
It kind of depends on where you will be going. Small, cluttered towns, or nature parks? Museums? Somewhere with bad weather, or sunny places? You can kind of predict which lenses you will use at each location. This can help you decide.
Good luck, and have a fun trip!