Hi Micah,

You can rent a Nikon 24-70 for 7 days from a UK company called Lenses for Hire for £59 (about $98 US) including taxes and insurance.

http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/nikon-af-s-24-70mm-f28-g-ed-56-p.asp

I looked at how they would deal with you as you're only visiting the UK:-

http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/questions-and-answers-3-w.asp#Hotel

"I'm visiting the UK. Can you deliver to my hotel?

Well, we can, but we’re not convinced it’s a good idea. When our lens is delivered it has to be signed for, and once it’s been signed for it becomes your responsibility. The trouble is, at a hotel you don’t necessarily know who’s going to be signing for the parcel when it arrives, and if it goes astray then you’ve got a problem. This feels pretty risky to us, so if you really want us to deliver to your hotel then we’re going to have to take a deposit equal to the value of the lens. Sorry about that."

Not sure how they compare to US rental costs though. Lens for Hire do mention two US companies, so check if it's easier and cheaper to rent a lens before you go and bringit with you:-

http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/questions-and-answers-3-w.asp#Overseas

"If you’re visiting the USA we’d whole-heartedly recommend getting in touch with Mark and Max at BorrowLenses.com, or Roger at LensRentals.com, for your lens hire needs."

Hope this helps.

Andrew

I took a 28 and 50 on a 1D to London once and used the 28 more often. On full frame, I would want a 28 or wider. A fast lens would be great for indoor. Don't see a need for a long lens.

Hmm. What's London have to do with it?

Hey Andrew, Thanks a bunch, I'll check it out.

Here is the plan. Taking 28-200 poo and 50. Going to stop by Calumet photo in London and rent 14-24. Thanks for all helpful suggestions. I'll try and post when I return.

a can't think of anything more "un-fun" than toting around a 14-24 on vacation. how much is that going to cost you to rent?

i like the 50. it's the way to go. forget the other junk.

Micah25 wrote:
Here is the plan. Taking 28-200 poo and 50. Going to stop by Calumet photo in London and rent 14-24. Thanks for all helpful suggestions. I'll try and post when I return.

I certainly don't like your options. If this is a once in a lifetime deal, then I would rent a lens in London Maybe a 24-70, which would allow you some of the wides and some people shots.

You might also try a 70-300 (good copy), which is a good travel lens.

But, short of this, I'd go with the 50 and see if you can out shoot some great photogs who shot almost exclusively with a 50mm. Have fun!

Enjoy,

jr

I'm bringing all three. F–it.
--Micah

I went to London with:
Nikon D2X
50 m f1.4 for museums
24-70 mm f2.8 for general use
85 mm f1.4 for candid street photos
70-200 for tele landscapes
Close-Up Filter for flowers - ie Kew Gardens

London is such a great city - lots of photo ops.
have fun,
maljo

Make sure they all focus on the left side....

On my bi-weekly excursions to Lonon, 50 on DX is about right for my style. You might want something around the 15-20mm range for the usual sights, but anything else can be done with a 50. Anything longer is too long, anything much shorter and there's far too much in it (i.e. people, garbage bins and so on).

Adjust focal length accordingly for FX.

Any place with interesting architecture begs for a wide or ultra wide angle lens. If I could only bring one lens, thats what I would pick.