Switzerland - bring the DA*300 or leave it at home?

UserAccessDenied · 02-15-2018, 08:45 AM

A week ago our plan was to travel Ireland, Italy and Barcelona.
However, that trip has been changed to Switzerland, Italy.

I was going to leave the DA*300 behind, but should Switzerland change that decision?

So far my bag will have:
DA15
16-85
DFA 100mm macro
1.4xTC
K-3ii
misc (batteries, rocket blower, lens cloths, batteries, chargers, mini tripod, etc, etc...)

Leaving home:
DA35macro
DA70
DA*300

We are not checking any luggage so I need to plan a bit.

Has anyone here been to Switzerland and if so, would you feel regret by leaving the DA*300 at home?
Or the DA35 macro/DA70 for that matter?

I figured the 16-85 I just picked up will be my workhorse...

Trip is first 2 weeks of June FYI.

Cheers!

**UncleVanya** · 02-15-2018, 09:04 AM

Planning a lot of macro work with the DFA 100? Is that what the 1.4x is intended for as well or mainly just to get the 140mm teller range covered?

UserAccessDenied · 02-15-2018, 09:13 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Planning a lot of macro work with the DFA 100? Is that what the 1.4x is intended for as well or mainly just to get the 140mm teller range covered?

haha right, I'm leaving the flash/macro/extensions rig at home... Not expecting much macro at all, it was really just to get 140mm telephoto in a relatively compact package.

But, that might be one more thing to leave behind.

I honestly think the 16-85 will be on the camera almost the entire time, and the DA15 for starbursts/astro.

This is a once in a lifetime trip, so I just don't want to leave something behind and regret it once I'm there!

But, photography is secondary - my wife and I are taking this trip together so it's more about the experiences for us than trying to capture every moment.

elvbel · 02-15-2018, 09:36 AM

I would swap the 100+converter for the 300.
I don't own any of these lenses unfortunally, but with my 55-300 PLM, most of the times i'm shooting at the long end.
But you have to consider weight factor as well.

Which part of Italy are you going to visit?

UserAccessDenied · 02-15-2018, 10:08 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by elvbel

I would swap the 100+converter for the 300.
I don't own any of these lenses unfortunally, but with my 55-300 PLM, most of the times i'm shooting at the long end.
But you have to consider weight factor as well.

Which part of Italy are you going to visit?

So the plan is to land in Zurich, train to Interlaken for a few nights, Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Grindelwald, train to Florence for a few nights, train to Rome for last few nights, fly out from Rome.

15 nights all together.

Still need to plan it out, but this is the goal!

Jome · 02-15-2018, 10:09 AM - **1 Like**

Hi UAD,
Leave your 300 at home? Where in Switzerland are You planning to go? You should take something in the 200-300 range (or 420 with the TC)

especially in some places.
I know its heavy but definitely worth it here (Yes, I am living in Switzerland).

UserAccessDenied · 02-15-2018, 10:12 AM

Originally posted by Jome

Hi UAD,
Leave your 300 at home? Where in Switzerland are You planning to go? You should take something in the 200-300 range (or 420 with the TC)

especially in some places.
I know its heavy but definitely worth it here (Yes, I am living in Switzerland).

The initial plan is to fly to Zurich and take a train to Interlaken for a few days, then travel around that area like Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Gindelwald.

Do you suggest any areas to visit?

We've never been so looking for any advice we can get, especially from someone who lives there!

Jome · 02-15-2018, 10:21 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

The initial plan is to fly to Zurich and take a train to Interlaken for a few days, then travel around that area like Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Gindelwald.

Do you suggest any areas to visit?

We've never been so looking for any advice we can get, especially from someone who lives there!

I Was just thinking about Grindelwald (Jungfraujoch | Switzerland Tourism) and Interlaken for the 300

Adam · 02-15-2018, 10:22 AM - **1 Like**

I would bring a telephoto. If the 300mm is too much, you could pick up a 55-300mm as a compromise. With all the mountains around, I think you'd be missing out otherwise.

**Alex645** · 02-15-2018, 11:01 AM

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

I was going to leave the DA*300 behind, but should Switzerland change that decision?

So far my bag will have:
DA15
16-85
DFA 100mm macro
1.4xTC
K-3ii
misc (batteries, rocket blower, lens cloths, batteries, chargers, mini tripod, etc, etc...)

Leaving home:
DA35macro
DA70
DA*300

Has anyone here been to Switzerland and if so, would you feel regret by leaving the DA*300 at home?
Or the DA35 macro/DA70 for that matter?

I lived in Switzerland for 4 years. With the 16-85mm, I would not take any telephoto like the 100mm or 300mm. I would travel light. If you think you've got space for one more lens (in addition to the 15mm prime), I'd take the DA35macro if it's one of your favorite lenses.

UserAccessDenied · 02-15-2018, 11:08 AM

ok, so now my thoughts are:

Bring:
DA15
16-85
DA*300
1.4xTC

Leave at home:
DA35macro
DA70
DFA100

That would give me wide angle, telephoto, and normal zoom range.

**UncleVanya** · 02-15-2018, 11:50 AM

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

ok, so now my thoughts are:

Bring:
DA15
16-85
DA*300
1.4xTC

Leave at home:
DA35macro
DA70
DFA100

That would give me wide angle, telephoto, and normal zoom range.

So the 15 is probably there for sunset shots and so forth? The extra flare resistance?
The Telephoto is there for who knows what but it is there.

Personally as you have stated this is about spending time with your wife - I would not take anything other than the DA 16-85 and maybe a small superzoom camera. The small camera can cover the telephoto extremes and also back up the main camera JUST IN CASE. But this is your trip, and I'm not from that area and haven't photographed it.

UserAccessDenied · 02-15-2018, 12:03 PM

yeah, a Nikon P900 would really be ideal but I can't drop another $400+ right now...

My wife is actually very accepting of my photography.
Our honeymoon to St.John was not at all supposed to be a "photo-centric" trip, but she planned an entire day for us that revolved around photography and we came home with some great shots and now prints hanging in our house.

She already said she can't wait to see what I can do in Switzerland (the pressure is really on now... )

But yeah, the 15 is primarily for starburst shots and night photography, plus it's small enough to not be much of an impact.

It does seem a bit redundant though since the 16-85 is only 1mm longer...

Wasp · 02-15-2018, 12:07 PM

I can see two approaches here.

First one - travel light with only the 16-85. Perhaps the tele-converter can go along as well, if it works well with the 16-85.

Second one - lose the zoom, go for broke and pack primes only. Take the 15, 35, 100 and 300. Leave the 300 if the bag is too heavy.

If it was me, I would take the primes.

**UncleVanya** · 02-15-2018, 12:11 PM

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

yeah, a Nikon P900 would really be ideal but I can't drop another $400+ right now...

My wife is actually very accepting of my photography.
Our honeymoon to St.John was not at all supposed to be a "photo-centric" trip, but she planned an entire day for us that revolved around photography and we came home with some great shots and now prints hanging in our house.

She already said she can't wait to see what I can do in Switzerland (the pressure is really on now... )

But yeah, the 15 is primarily for starburst shots and night photography, plus it's small enough to not be much of an impact.

It does seem a bit redundant though since the 16-85 is only 1mm longer...

That's good info. So if you can get away with a bit more time for photography then test the DA 15 against the DA 16-85. Maybe the results are enough? As for the 300, there is a big difference between 420mm vs. 85 - that's a tough call.

02-15-2018, 08:45 AM	#1
UserAccessDenied Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,677	*Switzerland - bring the DA300 or leave it at home?** A week ago our plan was to travel Ireland, Italy and Barcelona. However, that trip has been changed to Switzerland, Italy. I was going to leave the DA300 behind, but should Switzerland change that decision? So far my bag will have: DA15 16-85 DFA 100mm macro 1.4xTC K-3ii misc (batteries, rocket blower, lens cloths, batteries, chargers, mini tripod, etc, etc...) Leaving home: DA35macro DA70 DA300 We are not checking any luggage so I need to plan a bit. Has anyone here been to Switzerland and if so, would you feel regret by leaving the DA*300 at home? Or the DA35 macro/DA70 for that matter? I figured the 16-85 I just picked up will be my workhorse... Trip is first 2 weeks of June FYI. Cheers!

02-15-2018, 10:22 AM - 1 Like	#9
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	I would bring a telephoto. If the 300mm is too much, you could pick up a 55-300mm as a compromise. With all the mountains around, I think you'd be missing out otherwise. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

02-15-2018, 11:01 AM	#10
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,527	Originally posted by UserAccessDenied I was going to leave the DA300 behind, but should Switzerland change that decision? So far my bag will have: DA15 16-85 DFA 100mm macro 1.4xTC K-3ii misc (batteries, rocket blower, lens cloths, batteries, chargers, mini tripod, etc, etc...) Leaving home: DA35macro DA70 DA300 Has anyone here been to Switzerland and if so, would you feel regret by leaving the DA300 at home? Or the DA35 macro/DA70 for that matter? I lived in Switzerland for 4 years. With the 16-85mm, I would not take any telephoto like the 100mm or 300mm. I would travel light. If you think you've got space for one more lens (in addition to the 15mm prime), I'd take the DA35macro if it's one of your favorite lenses. Last edited by Alex645; 02-15-2018 at 11:19 AM.*

02-15-2018, 11:08 AM	#11
UserAccessDenied Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,677 Original Poster	ok, so now my thoughts are: Bring: DA15 16-85 DA300 1.4xTC Leave at home: DA35macro DA70 DFA100 That would give me wide angle, telephoto, and normal zoom range. Last edited by UserAccessDenied; 02-15-2018 at 11:27 AM.*

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02-15-2018, 09:04 AM	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,452	Planning a lot of macro work with the DFA 100? Is that what the 1.4x is intended for as well or mainly just to get the 140mm teller range covered?

02-15-2018, 09:13 AM	#3
UserAccessDenied Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,677 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya Planning a lot of macro work with the DFA 100? Is that what the 1.4x is intended for as well or mainly just to get the 140mm teller range covered? haha right, I'm leaving the flash/macro/extensions rig at home... Not expecting much macro at all, it was really just to get 140mm telephoto in a relatively compact package. But, that might be one more thing to leave behind. I honestly think the 16-85 will be on the camera almost the entire time, and the DA15 for starbursts/astro. This is a once in a lifetime trip, so I just don't want to leave something behind and regret it once I'm there! But, photography is secondary - my wife and I are taking this trip together so it's more about the experiences for us than trying to capture every moment.

02-15-2018, 09:36 AM	#4
elvbel Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: (UD) Posts: 85	I would swap the 100+converter for the 300. I don't own any of these lenses unfortunally, but with my 55-300 PLM, most of the times i'm shooting at the long end. But you have to consider weight factor as well. Which part of Italy are you going to visit?

02-15-2018, 10:08 AM - 1 Like	#5
UserAccessDenied Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,677 Original Poster	Originally posted by elvbel I would swap the 100+converter for the 300. I don't own any of these lenses unfortunally, but with my 55-300 PLM, most of the times i'm shooting at the long end. But you have to consider weight factor as well. Which part of Italy are you going to visit? So the plan is to land in Zurich, train to Interlaken for a few nights, Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Grindelwald, train to Florence for a few nights, train to Rome for last few nights, fly out from Rome. 15 nights all together. Still need to plan it out, but this is the goal!

02-15-2018, 10:09 AM - 1 Like	#6
Jome Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 784	Hi UAD, Leave your 300 at home? Where in Switzerland are You planning to go? You should take something in the 200-300 range (or 420 with the TC) especially in some places. I know its heavy but definitely worth it here (Yes, I am living in Switzerland).

02-15-2018, 10:12 AM	#7
UserAccessDenied Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,677 Original Poster	Originally posted by Jome Hi UAD, Leave your 300 at home? Where in Switzerland are You planning to go? You should take something in the 200-300 range (or 420 with the TC) especially in some places. I know its heavy but definitely worth it here (Yes, I am living in Switzerland). The initial plan is to fly to Zurich and take a train to Interlaken for a few days, then travel around that area like Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Gindelwald. Do you suggest any areas to visit? We've never been so looking for any advice we can get, especially from someone who lives there!

02-15-2018, 10:21 AM - 1 Like	#8
Jome Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 784	Originally posted by UserAccessDenied The initial plan is to fly to Zurich and take a train to Interlaken for a few days, then travel around that area like Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Gindelwald. Do you suggest any areas to visit? We've never been so looking for any advice we can get, especially from someone who lives there! I Was just thinking about Grindelwald (Jungfraujoch \| Switzerland Tourism) and Interlaken for the 300

02-15-2018, 11:50 AM	#12
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,452	Originally posted by UserAccessDenied ok, so now my thoughts are: Bring: DA15 16-85 DA*300 1.4xTC Leave at home: DA35macro DA70 DFA100 That would give me wide angle, telephoto, and normal zoom range. So the 15 is probably there for sunset shots and so forth? The extra flare resistance? The Telephoto is there for who knows what but it is there. Personally as you have stated this is about spending time with your wife - I would not take anything other than the DA 16-85 and maybe a small superzoom camera. The small camera can cover the telephoto extremes and also back up the main camera JUST IN CASE. But this is your trip, and I'm not from that area and haven't photographed it.

02-15-2018, 12:03 PM	#13
UserAccessDenied Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,677 Original Poster	yeah, a Nikon P900 would really be ideal but I can't drop another $400+ right now... My wife is actually very accepting of my photography. Our honeymoon to St.John was not at all supposed to be a "photo-centric" trip, but she planned an entire day for us that revolved around photography and we came home with some great shots and now prints hanging in our house. She already said she can't wait to see what I can do in Switzerland (the pressure is really on now... ) But yeah, the 15 is primarily for starburst shots and night photography, plus it's small enough to not be much of an impact. It does seem a bit redundant though since the 16-85 is only 1mm longer...

02-15-2018, 12:07 PM	#14
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,661	I can see two approaches here. First one - travel light with only the 16-85. Perhaps the tele-converter can go along as well, if it works well with the 16-85. Second one - lose the zoom, go for broke and pack primes only. Take the 15, 35, 100 and 300. Leave the 300 if the bag is too heavy. If it was me, I would take the primes.

02-15-2018, 12:11 PM	#15
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,452	Originally posted by UserAccessDenied yeah, a Nikon P900 would really be ideal but I can't drop another $400+ right now... My wife is actually very accepting of my photography. Our honeymoon to St.John was not at all supposed to be a "photo-centric" trip, but she planned an entire day for us that revolved around photography and we came home with some great shots and now prints hanging in our house. She already said she can't wait to see what I can do in Switzerland (the pressure is really on now... ) But yeah, the 15 is primarily for starburst shots and night photography, plus it's small enough to not be much of an impact. It does seem a bit redundant though since the 16-85 is only 1mm longer... That's good info. So if you can get away with a bit more time for photography then test the DA 15 against the DA 16-85. Maybe the results are enough? As for the 300, there is a big difference between 420mm vs. 85 - that's a tough call.