I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
p.1 #1I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
Going to Turkey for 7 days. Will be staying in Istanbul but likely making some trips all over, potentially even hoping on a plane and visiting Ephesus. This is my plan...
A7Cii
A7RV
14mm f1.8
20-70 f4
35mm 1.4
135mm 2.8
Originally I was going to take the 70-200 f4 ii but I didn't love how big and 'serious' it looks. Good thinking to swap for the 135? Only other lens that I was thinking about was the 24mm 1.4. Not sure if there is a strong use case there
Thoughts?
A7Cii
A7RV
14mm f1.8
20-70 f4
35mm 1.4
135mm 2.8
Originally I was going to take the 70-200 f4 ii but I didn't love how big and 'serious' it looks. Good thinking to swap for the 135? Only other lens that I was thinking about was the 24mm 1.4. Not sure if there is a strong use case there
Thoughts?
Aug 19, 2026 at 05:49 PM
p.1 #2I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
jakelindsay wrote:
This is my plan...
A7Cii
A7RV
14mm f1.8
20-70 f4
35mm 1.4
135mm 2.8
Originally I was going to take the 70-200 f4 ii but I didn't love how big and 'serious' it looks. Good thinking to swap for the 135? Only other lens that I was thinking about was the 24mm 1.4. Not sure if there is a strong use case there
Sounds like a good plan. I assume you mean the Batis 135mm. Great choice to replace the 70-200.
Personally, I'd skip the 24mm.
PS
You might consider buying the Viltrox 14mm and taking it instead of the GM (unless you have specific use-cases for the faster lens). That's what I did.
This is my plan...
A7Cii
A7RV
14mm f1.8
20-70 f4
35mm 1.4
135mm 2.8
Originally I was going to take the 70-200 f4 ii but I didn't love how big and 'serious' it looks. Good thinking to swap for the 135? Only other lens that I was thinking about was the 24mm 1.4. Not sure if there is a strong use case there
Sounds like a good plan. I assume you mean the Batis 135mm. Great choice to replace the 70-200.
Personally, I'd skip the 24mm.
PS
You might consider buying the Viltrox 14mm and taking it instead of the GM (unless you have specific use-cases for the faster lens). That's what I did.
Aug 19, 2026 at 06:11 PM
p.1 #3I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
MikeEvangelist wrote:
A7Cii
A7RV
14mm f1.8
20-70 f4
35mm 1.4
135mm 2.8
Originally I was going to take the 70-200 f4 ii but I didn't love how big and 'serious' it looks. Good thinking to swap for the 135? Only other lens that I was thinking about was the 24mm 1.4. Not sure if there is a strong use case thereSounds like a good plan. I assume you mean the Batis 135mm. Great choice to replace the 70-200.
Personally, I'd skip the 24mm.
PS
You might consider buying the Viltrox 14mm and taking it instead of the GM (unless you have specific use-cases for the faster lens). That's what I did.
Good thoughts, thanks. Yes the Batis 135. I just purchased the 14mm 1.8. Figured the light gathering would be nice for indoor architecture and like that it's weather sealed. That Viltrox seems nice though.
jakelindsay wrote
This is my plan...A7Cii
A7RV
14mm f1.8
20-70 f4
35mm 1.4
135mm 2.8
Originally I was going to take the 70-200 f4 ii but I didn't love how big and 'serious' it looks. Good thinking to swap for the 135? Only other lens that I was thinking about was the 24mm 1.4. Not sure if there is a strong use case there
Personally, I'd skip the 24mm.
PS
You might consider buying the Viltrox 14mm and taking it instead of the GM (unless you have specific use-cases for the faster lens). That's what I did.
Good thoughts, thanks. Yes the Batis 135. I just purchased the 14mm 1.8. Figured the light gathering would be nice for indoor architecture and like that it's weather sealed. That Viltrox seems nice though.
Aug 19, 2026 at 06:39 PM
p.1 #4I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
jakelindsay wrote:
I just purchased the 14mm 1.8. Figured the light gathering would be nice for indoor architecture and like that it's weather sealed.
Good reasons!
I just purchased the 14mm 1.8. Figured the light gathering would be nice for indoor architecture and like that it's weather sealed.
Good reasons!
Aug 19, 2026 at 06:40 PM
p.1 #5I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
Looks like a near perfect kit. Me personally. I would take a small 50, 75 or 85 instead of the 135, but that’s how I see.
Aug 19, 2026 at 07:02 PM
p.1 #6I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
That's a nice kit. I'd actually go a little bigger and take the 70-200GM II with a teleconverter instead of the F4 70-200 for some real reach.
The 20-70 would get about 80+% of my shots in Turkey though. We are looking forward to going back some time soon.
Have a great time!
The 20-70 would get about 80+% of my shots in Turkey though. We are looking forward to going back some time soon.
Have a great time!
Aug 19, 2026 at 07:29 PM
p.1 #7I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
I did a couple of weeks in Turkey last year. I'd take the CII, 20-70, 14 and call it a day. I like to travel light and don’t mind not having the perfect lens for some specific shot. 24 was my widest FL and, in retrospect, wider would have better.
Aug 19, 2026 at 07:59 PM
p.1 #8I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
If you’re taking a boat from Istanbul to the Black Sea, a long lens (like 200mm) may actually come in handy.
Aug 20, 2026 at 02:11 AM
p.1 #9I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
Turkey is a large country with a lot of different places to see.14/4 and 20-70/4 will do,but I would recommend to buy a long versatile zoom - something like 70-200/4 G II or better 70-300G or new 100-400/5.6-8 or classic 100-400GM, as there are many landscapes/cityscapes/architectural details that need something longer than 135/2.8.
One more fast prime is ok (35/1.4 or any 50/2-1.8-1.4).
Your cams are OK for this trip.
One more fast prime is ok (35/1.4 or any 50/2-1.8-1.4).
Your cams are OK for this trip.
Aug 20, 2026 at 02:29 AM
p.1 #10I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
jakelindsay wrote:
Going to Turkey for 7 days. Will be staying in Istanbul but likely making some trips all over, potentially even hoping on a plane and visiting Ephesus. This is my plan...
A7Cii
A7RV
14mm f1.8
20-70 f4
35mm 1.4
135mm 2.8
Originally I was going to take the 70-200 f4 ii but I didn't love how big and 'serious' it looks. Good thinking to swap for the 135? Only other lens that I was thinking about was the 24mm 1.4. Not sure if there is a strong use case there
Thoughts?
Good choice. The Batis 135 f2.8 looks very discreet without its lens hood. It's also an amazing lens for traveling.
In my opinion, with the gear you are planning to take, you will keep a low-key profile while taking photos throughout your trip
Going to Turkey for 7 days. Will be staying in Istanbul but likely making some trips all over, potentially even hoping on a plane and visiting Ephesus. This is my plan...
A7Cii
A7RV
14mm f1.8
20-70 f4
35mm 1.4
135mm 2.8
Originally I was going to take the 70-200 f4 ii but I didn't love how big and 'serious' it looks. Good thinking to swap for the 135? Only other lens that I was thinking about was the 24mm 1.4. Not sure if there is a strong use case there
Thoughts?
Good choice. The Batis 135 f2.8 looks very discreet without its lens hood. It's also an amazing lens for traveling.
In my opinion, with the gear you are planning to take, you will keep a low-key profile while taking photos throughout your trip
Aug 20, 2026 at 02:36 AM
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p.1 #11I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
Some words from a local:
I think this is too much equipment (in general).
I'd add a telephoto zoom if you have it and remove one or all of the primes. I'd prefer a compact small aperture 70-300 or 100-400 over a shorter prime, if you have one.
I find a telephoto zoom indispensable for Istanbul's architectural vistas. The big mosques, palaces and Yalıs are often built to have a prominent view over the Bosporus. You need a telephoto zoom to do them justice. We even have photographers who dedicate their hobby to planned photography of moonrises and moonsets at large telephoto focal lengths.
just an example, there are many more https://www.instagram.com/tarikaydinofficial/
Finally, in all parks and palace/museum gardens of Istanbul, private security will harass you if you try to set up a tripod. Commercial photography is not allowed without a (likely expensive) permit and the most typical evidence of a shoot being commercial is the use of a tripod. We hobbyists hate it. We are even harassed without tripods, just the mood at the time of the security on duty is enough to give you a headache. I heard of people kicked out of parks for this reason. I imagine Ephesus would be similarly or even more strict about this. You can set up a tripod on the Istanbul waterfront but you will get looks, comments and questions. I certainly did not like the attention the last time I set up my tripod and 200-600 lens to photograph a moonset and as a tourist you'll likely have an even harder time.
I hope you will enjoy your trip. Feel free to ask me if you want to know anything specific.
I think this is too much equipment (in general).
I'd add a telephoto zoom if you have it and remove one or all of the primes. I'd prefer a compact small aperture 70-300 or 100-400 over a shorter prime, if you have one.
I find a telephoto zoom indispensable for Istanbul's architectural vistas. The big mosques, palaces and Yalıs are often built to have a prominent view over the Bosporus. You need a telephoto zoom to do them justice. We even have photographers who dedicate their hobby to planned photography of moonrises and moonsets at large telephoto focal lengths.
just an example, there are many more https://www.instagram.com/tarikaydinofficial/
Finally, in all parks and palace/museum gardens of Istanbul, private security will harass you if you try to set up a tripod. Commercial photography is not allowed without a (likely expensive) permit and the most typical evidence of a shoot being commercial is the use of a tripod. We hobbyists hate it. We are even harassed without tripods, just the mood at the time of the security on duty is enough to give you a headache. I heard of people kicked out of parks for this reason. I imagine Ephesus would be similarly or even more strict about this. You can set up a tripod on the Istanbul waterfront but you will get looks, comments and questions. I certainly did not like the attention the last time I set up my tripod and 200-600 lens to photograph a moonset and as a tourist you'll likely have an even harder time.
I hope you will enjoy your trip. Feel free to ask me if you want to know anything specific.
Aug 20, 2026 at 03:43 AM
p.1 #12I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
It all depends on what kind of photos you like most and on the circumstances under which you take them.
I myself like details and I take my photos on trips with my wife. She doesn't believe me anymore that taking pictures just takes 1/250th of a second, and while she is patient I try to spend not too much time on photography. Shallow depth of field is not so important and a zoom lens that can cover a lot is helpful. The 20-70 is probably a nice lens and you can crop in for a little more reach. I would actually prefer something like a Tamron 28-200 or replace the 135mm with a Tamron 50-300.
For traveling I like the combination of A6700 with the 18-135 ( 27-203 FF equivalent). It covers a lot and at f/8 the image quality is quite good. I use it quite a bit at the long end when in cities.
I myself like details and I take my photos on trips with my wife. She doesn't believe me anymore that taking pictures just takes 1/250th of a second, and while she is patient I try to spend not too much time on photography. Shallow depth of field is not so important and a zoom lens that can cover a lot is helpful. The 20-70 is probably a nice lens and you can crop in for a little more reach. I would actually prefer something like a Tamron 28-200 or replace the 135mm with a Tamron 50-300.
For traveling I like the combination of A6700 with the 18-135 ( 27-203 FF equivalent). It covers a lot and at f/8 the image quality is quite good. I use it quite a bit at the long end when in cities.
Aug 20, 2026 at 04:35 AM
p.1 #13I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
I have a cabinet crammed full of FE mount glass and have tried every imaginable combination of lenses for travel, in the past.
For my last trip to Europe, I took my GM 16-35mm f2.8 II, GM 24mm f1.4 and Sigma 20-200mm (replaced the 20-70mm that I often take). I shot on the A7CR.
I used the 20-200mm for 99% of my shooting and the results were spectacular. Don’t let others mislead you - this lens is very sharp. See the LensTip review where they test MTF resolution. iBIS allowed me to successfully shoot at night and indoors, so I never used my f1.4 lens. Zooming in to 200% on a 27” 5K monitor reveals outstanding level of detail.
The best part is that I didn’t annoy my wife stopping for lens changes.
On my next trip, I am just taking the 20-200mm and Viltrox 14mm.
If you go to my website, there are a few images from this lens near the top of the page from Venice and other spots in Italy.
For my last trip to Europe, I took my GM 16-35mm f2.8 II, GM 24mm f1.4 and Sigma 20-200mm (replaced the 20-70mm that I often take). I shot on the A7CR.
I used the 20-200mm for 99% of my shooting and the results were spectacular. Don’t let others mislead you - this lens is very sharp. See the LensTip review where they test MTF resolution. iBIS allowed me to successfully shoot at night and indoors, so I never used my f1.4 lens. Zooming in to 200% on a 27” 5K monitor reveals outstanding level of detail.
The best part is that I didn’t annoy my wife stopping for lens changes.
On my next trip, I am just taking the 20-200mm and Viltrox 14mm.
If you go to my website, there are a few images from this lens near the top of the page from Venice and other spots in Italy.
Aug 20, 2026 at 05:53 AM
p.1 #14I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
Altglas wrote:
replace the 135mm with a Tamron 50-300.
You have a good point. This lens is almost the same size and weight as the Batis. Good IQ and reliable.
I usually take the Sony 28-60 f4-5.6 and the Tamron 50-300 on trips when I want to keep the weight down while still having a good focal range.
replace the 135mm with a Tamron 50-300.
You have a good point. This lens is almost the same size and weight as the Batis. Good IQ and reliable.
I usually take the Sony 28-60 f4-5.6 and the Tamron 50-300 on trips when I want to keep the weight down while still having a good focal range.
Aug 20, 2026 at 08:05 AM
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p.1 #15I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
One fast prime on the smaller camera, one wide-to-mid-tele zoom on the other, don't overcomplicate things.
Aug 20, 2026 at 08:08 AM
p.1 #16I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
As a guy who’s gone full circle with traveling with cameras, I have ultimately settled on a more minimalist philosophy. My travel body is currently an A7CII, and my goto lenses are the 20-70 and the 50/2 AIR. With that small kit I can capture over 90% of what I want. Most of the remaining 10% requires wider than 20, so when traveling to older cities, a superwide can be useful. Here it used to be the 14/4 Viltrox, but I sold mine when I got the Tamron 12-20/2.8, which is about the same size and weight as the 20-70 Sony. I haven’t actually travelled with that yet so will cautiously claim it’s my intended wide travel lens for now, and the above is what I would take if I were doing Turkey. It all fits easily into my journalist shoulder bag.
A caveat is, for my style of travel photography I rarely need longer than 70, but that’s me. If I did, I would take a hard look at the relatively svelte Tamron 70-180; OR the Sony 70-200/4 as it adds decent macro capability -- but given how I shoot, I expect I'd settle for faster aperture over macro. I have the 50-400 and theoretically could try it, but it’s optically slow and larger, about the same size as a 70-200/2.8, and I know from experience it would spend most of its time in the hotel room while I was out walking around — unless I knew in advance there was something I’d need it for. In any event, adding a tele-zoom larger than the Tamron 70-180 also changes my gear bag for the day, requiring more forethought to packing and probably a backpack. And as long as I’m adding that, an extra body will probably join in, and voilla, I’m no longer minimalist.
Obviously if I know I’m going to want longer glass, like if I were doing a safari or National Park trip where I’m more vehicle based, then a large gear backpack, multiple bodies and lenses is the order of the day. But for a walking, city based trip, less becomes more, at least for me.
A caveat is, for my style of travel photography I rarely need longer than 70, but that’s me. If I did, I would take a hard look at the relatively svelte Tamron 70-180; OR the Sony 70-200/4 as it adds decent macro capability -- but given how I shoot, I expect I'd settle for faster aperture over macro. I have the 50-400 and theoretically could try it, but it’s optically slow and larger, about the same size as a 70-200/2.8, and I know from experience it would spend most of its time in the hotel room while I was out walking around — unless I knew in advance there was something I’d need it for. In any event, adding a tele-zoom larger than the Tamron 70-180 also changes my gear bag for the day, requiring more forethought to packing and probably a backpack. And as long as I’m adding that, an extra body will probably join in, and voilla, I’m no longer minimalist.
Obviously if I know I’m going to want longer glass, like if I were doing a safari or National Park trip where I’m more vehicle based, then a large gear backpack, multiple bodies and lenses is the order of the day. But for a walking, city based trip, less becomes more, at least for me.
Aug 20, 2026 at 08:46 AM
p.1 #17I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
For a small kit, I'd look at:
For wide: Viltrox 14/4 - in crop mode to 21mm
For walk-around: Sony 28-60 OR Viltrox 26/2.8 + crop mode to ~ 40mm
For length: the Tamron 50-300;
For wide: Viltrox 14/4 - in crop mode to 21mm
For walk-around: Sony 28-60 OR Viltrox 26/2.8 + crop mode to ~ 40mm
For length: the Tamron 50-300;
Aug 20, 2026 at 10:47 AM
p.1 #18I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
I think what some people are overlooking and what the local photographer rightly pointed out is that Istanbul is not like most other large cities. In most cities a long lens is more a personal preference for detail shots than a lens for general use. But Istanbul, with the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, offers plenty of opportunities for longer lenses.
Aug 20, 2026 at 11:54 AM
p.1 #19I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
johnvanr wrote:
I think what some people are overlooking and what the local photographer rightly pointed out is that Istanbul is not like most other large cities. In most cities a long lens is more a personal preference for detail shots than a lens for general use. But Istanbul, with the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, offers plenty of opportunities for longer lenses.
Thank you :-)
I personally have my tamron 17-28 and sony 200-600, they address most of my needs.
If I were visiting I'd want to have an UWA (~12-24, or something that can take filters if needed, but remember no tripod so no massive ND use) and something that reaches 400. With these two, I'd feel satisfied.
The UWA would be used both in mosques and museums and for wide angle shots outside.
As for the tele, some of the best shots will be taken from the other side of the Bosporus or Golden Horn or from the ship as you said. In my experience 400 is sort of ideal if one has a camera that offers some cropping power.
With that said people-oriented "street photography" is really not my thing and I'd certainly not do it in Istanbul as a tourist, but if one has to do it I suppose one could need a prime. I can offer no advice on that.
I think what some people are overlooking and what the local photographer rightly pointed out is that Istanbul is not like most other large cities. In most cities a long lens is more a personal preference for detail shots than a lens for general use. But Istanbul, with the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, offers plenty of opportunities for longer lenses.
Thank you :-)
I personally have my tamron 17-28 and sony 200-600, they address most of my needs.
If I were visiting I'd want to have an UWA (~12-24, or something that can take filters if needed, but remember no tripod so no massive ND use) and something that reaches 400. With these two, I'd feel satisfied.
The UWA would be used both in mosques and museums and for wide angle shots outside.
As for the tele, some of the best shots will be taken from the other side of the Bosporus or Golden Horn or from the ship as you said. In my experience 400 is sort of ideal if one has a camera that offers some cropping power.
With that said people-oriented "street photography" is really not my thing and I'd certainly not do it in Istanbul as a tourist, but if one has to do it I suppose one could need a prime. I can offer no advice on that.
Aug 20, 2026 at 12:08 PM
p.1 #20I'm going to Turkey. Here's the kit that I'm taking...I think
jakelindsay wrote:
Thoughts?
One lens is all you need. Turkey, and Istambul in particular, is incredibly photogenic. No matter where you'll go, you'll be surrounded by 5+ compositions on every step, for any single focal length within the normal 24-85mm range. Which means even a prime will do just fine. Focus on finding those 5+ compositions, don't distract yourself with unnecessary lens changes.
I've photographed Instambul twice. Both times I had just one lens. A fixed-lens 35mm camera, and a 24-70mm zoom. Both times I felt like I was feasting on opportunities, and didn't feel any need for additional lenses. If anything, the 35mm experience was better because the Fuji X100 was inconspicuous and light, while a 24-70 on a DSLR made me feel like I'm working and drew attention near/in churches.
Having switched to mirrorless, my travel kit is the Nikon Zf with a single 28mm. Occasionally I'd bring a 40mm as well, but I don't walk with both, one lens usually stays in a hotel.
Thoughts?
One lens is all you need. Turkey, and Istambul in particular, is incredibly photogenic. No matter where you'll go, you'll be surrounded by 5+ compositions on every step, for any single focal length within the normal 24-85mm range. Which means even a prime will do just fine. Focus on finding those 5+ compositions, don't distract yourself with unnecessary lens changes.
I've photographed Instambul twice. Both times I had just one lens. A fixed-lens 35mm camera, and a 24-70mm zoom. Both times I felt like I was feasting on opportunities, and didn't feel any need for additional lenses. If anything, the 35mm experience was better because the Fuji X100 was inconspicuous and light, while a 24-70 on a DSLR made me feel like I'm working and drew attention near/in churches.
Having switched to mirrorless, my travel kit is the Nikon Zf with a single 28mm. Occasionally I'd bring a 40mm as well, but I don't walk with both, one lens usually stays in a hotel.
Aug 20, 2026 at 12:43 PM