Lenses for Belgium and the Netherlands
p.2 #1Lenses for Belgium and the Netherlands
Altglas wrote:
Around old buildings a lens with a lot of character wide open might be a nice addition, especially for B/W.
Is your accomodation a safe place to leave expensive equipment?
I think my B&W infrared Canon R5 should work well with these types of subjects. I haven't booked any hotel yet. Will take the safety into consideration. Thank you.
Around old buildings a lens with a lot of character wide open might be a nice addition, especially for B/W.
Is your accomodation a safe place to leave expensive equipment?
I think my B&W infrared Canon R5 should work well with these types of subjects. I haven't booked any hotel yet. Will take the safety into consideration. Thank you.
Aug 29, 2026 at 01:36 PM
p.2 #2Lenses for Belgium and the Netherlands
Yes, it's an arrival/departure recording system for the EU/Schengen countries (I think generally, some exceptions?). The data collection is done on first arrival and can't be done in advance. Non EU arrivers get one entry set up, EU arrivers have different requirements/queues. The system scans your passport and records your facial image and fingerprints (on your first entry) to log your arrival date and place - actually we scan our passport , get a picture and fingerprints digitally at kiosks and this may then require a stop at a manned booth, too? Ideally it goes quickly and folks zip right along. But kiosks may not work, the scanning isn't always fast/effective, maybe not enough kiosks. Multiple arrivals, especially jumbo jets, etc., overwhelm the system and delays can be long. Once in we could wander around without border controls for the most part, separating "immigration" from customs?
Aug 29, 2026 at 01:55 PM
p.2 #3Lenses for Belgium and the Netherlands
Craig Gillette wrote:
We had looked at a couple of "close" multiple country spots on our next trip. "People" wise, that doesn't seem too much trouble. We got our UK ETA application in and approved in a matter of minutes but the EES system may monkeywrench our arrival layover/second flight timing in Frankfurt.
The rental car will have more border problems than we will. Insurance, contract permissions, pricing, etc., looks to make it a "France only" proposition. So son-in-law and daughter will deal with the France/Switzerland border when they pick it up and a quick dash from Reims through Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany...Show more →
Why rental car border problems? Granted, you can’t return a car in Europe to a location in another country, but why can’t you take a car over the borders? I’ve often done it.
We had looked at a couple of "close" multiple country spots on our next trip. "People" wise, that doesn't seem too much trouble. We got our UK ETA application in and approved in a matter of minutes but the EES system may monkeywrench our arrival layover/second flight timing in Frankfurt.
The rental car will have more border problems than we will. Insurance, contract permissions, pricing, etc., looks to make it a "France only" proposition. So son-in-law and daughter will deal with the France/Switzerland border when they pick it up and a quick dash from Reims through Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany...Show more →
Why rental car border problems? Granted, you can’t return a car in Europe to a location in another country, but why can’t you take a car over the borders? I’ve often done it.
Aug 29, 2026 at 02:46 PM
p.2 #4Lenses for Belgium and the Netherlands
I didn't say one couldn't, I said there were issues making it a France only proposition for us. I'm pretty sure if it were a simple and economical option, they'd have dealt with it. But, drop off fees, insurance permissions and costs, vehicle availability, tagging and equipment, etc.
Aug 29, 2026 at 07:30 PM
p.2 #5Lenses for Belgium and the Netherlands
Yes. Amersfoort is not a tourist destination but a lovely regional city so you will get some genuine local culture. The town square is lovely and should give you some nice shots in the evening. Nearby Hilversum is also special.
PS just be a little more careful with your possessions. I witnessed a theft on the train from Amersfoort to Schipol except it didn't even look like a theft until we reached the airport -- someone stood up to reach their bag and discovered it had been taken by another passenger.
PS just be a little more careful with your possessions. I witnessed a theft on the train from Amersfoort to Schipol except it didn't even look like a theft until we reached the airport -- someone stood up to reach their bag and discovered it had been taken by another passenger.
Aug 30, 2026 at 09:24 AM
p.2 #6Lenses for Belgium and the Netherlands
Craig Gillette wrote:
Yes, it's an arrival/departure recording system for the EU/Schengen countries (I think generally, some exceptions?). The data collection is done on first arrival and can't be done in advance. Non EU arrivers get one entry set up, EU arrivers have different requirements/queues. The system scans your passport and records your facial image and fingerprints (on your first entry) to log your arrival date and place - actually we scan our passport , get a picture and fingerprints digitally at kiosks and this may then require a stop at a manned booth, too? Ideally it goes quickly and folks zip...Show more →
Just wait until next year when they introduce ETIAS for all the EU/Shengen countries which will be like the ETA for the UK or ESTA for the US so you will have to pay for the privilege. You will not only have to deal with EES but ETIAS when arriving in the EU!!! I have dual Britsh EU nationality which sort of makes things easier but expect queues at busy times
Yes, it's an arrival/departure recording system for the EU/Schengen countries (I think generally, some exceptions?). The data collection is done on first arrival and can't be done in advance. Non EU arrivers get one entry set up, EU arrivers have different requirements/queues. The system scans your passport and records your facial image and fingerprints (on your first entry) to log your arrival date and place - actually we scan our passport , get a picture and fingerprints digitally at kiosks and this may then require a stop at a manned booth, too? Ideally it goes quickly and folks zip...Show more →
Just wait until next year when they introduce ETIAS for all the EU/Shengen countries which will be like the ETA for the UK or ESTA for the US so you will have to pay for the privilege. You will not only have to deal with EES but ETIAS when arriving in the EU!!! I have dual Britsh EU nationality which sort of makes things easier but expect queues at busy times
Sep 01, 2026 at 07:28 AM
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p.2 #7Lenses for Belgium and the Netherlands
Our ETA applications went quickly. We did it on-line as opposed to the "app" version. The process is a bit wonky. The kind of thing you get from team efforts and reviewed for usability by the team, not a "stranger" new to the process or a process flow expert, etc..
Perhaps what one might expect when combining bureaucratic paper review and shuffling with a desire to speed up the process, "this what we always dreamed "computers" could do for us" with "who are all these people, where did they come from and they didn't leave when we said they should" and "tourists have money, if they can afford to travel, they can pay for the pleasure."
Perhaps what one might expect when combining bureaucratic paper review and shuffling with a desire to speed up the process, "this what we always dreamed "computers" could do for us" with "who are all these people, where did they come from and they didn't leave when we said they should" and "tourists have money, if they can afford to travel, they can pay for the pleasure."
Sep 01, 2026 at 11:50 AM
p.2 #8Lenses for Belgium and the Netherlands
Jack Flesher wrote:
Yes, generally speaking if you’re not sure, take your all around kit wherever you’re going. The advantage of stating the destination is that other photographers that have been there can share their advice and insights and explain recommendations for specific gear based on experience — which could be invaluable.
I'm still trying to understand your logic, "If you are not sure...". Does it mean you forgot what you are going to take an image of? You specified that you are trying to take images of the architecture..."The advantage of stating the destination is that other photographers that have been there.. ", do you think the there are different lenses for fir different architectures? If I understand you believe English architecture needs " lenses for English architecture" and if you are in Ispania you need glass that designated for Ispania architecture? Does it mean if Im taking pictures of ducks then I cannot use them for eagles? I'm just trying to understand what is that you are talking about. Thank you
tester_V wrote
Just wondering, if one would visit Spain or England, should one use different lenses then if one goes to Netherland? Why is you specified the country you are going to? Would it be better to say, "I'm going to a city and want to take pictures of a city life. Which lens/lenses I should take? What do you think?I'm still trying to understand your logic, "If you are not sure...". Does it mean you forgot what you are going to take an image of? You specified that you are trying to take images of the architecture..."The advantage of stating the destination is that other photographers that have been there.. ", do you think the there are different lenses for fir different architectures? If I understand you believe English architecture needs " lenses for English architecture" and if you are in Ispania you need glass that designated for Ispania architecture? Does it mean if Im taking pictures of ducks then I cannot use them for eagles? I'm just trying to understand what is that you are talking about. Thank you
Sep 09, 2026 at 03:52 PM
p.2 #9Lenses for Belgium and the Netherlands
tester_V wrote:
Yes, generally speaking if you’re not sure, take your all around kit wherever you’re going. The advantage of stating the destination is that other photographers that have been there can share their advice and insights and explain recommendations for specific gear based on experience — which could be invaluable.I'm still trying to understand your logic, "If you are not sure...". Does it mean you forgot what you are going to take an image of? You specified that you are trying to take images of the architecture..."The advantage of stating the destination is that other photographers that have been there.. ", do you think the there are different lenses for fir different architectures? If I understand you believe English architecture needs " lenses for English architecture" and if you are in Ispania you need glass that designated for Ispania architecture? Does it mean if Im taking pictures of ducks...Show more →
Oh boy. It’s not complicated. Firstly I was generally agreeing with you. Second, I thought what I said was pretty darn clear…
I will attempt to rephrase. If you’re going to a destination you’ve never been to before and thus aren’t sure what lenses you’re going to want to bring for your style of images, take whatever your regular all-around travel kit is. However if you’re smart, you could ask in advance here and get some ideas and gain some insights from other photographers whose opinions you might respect that have visited there before, and possibly then adjust your gear list based on their information and input. That’s it.
Jack Flesher wrote
tester_V wrote
Just wondering, if one would visit Spain or England, should one use different lenses then if one goes to Netherland? Why is you specified the country you are going to? Would it be better to say, "I'm going to a city and want to take pictures of a city life. Which lens/lenses I should take? What do you think?Oh boy. It’s not complicated. Firstly I was generally agreeing with you. Second, I thought what I said was pretty darn clear…
I will attempt to rephrase. If you’re going to a destination you’ve never been to before and thus aren’t sure what lenses you’re going to want to bring for your style of images, take whatever your regular all-around travel kit is. However if you’re smart, you could ask in advance here and get some ideas and gain some insights from other photographers whose opinions you might respect that have visited there before, and possibly then adjust your gear list based on their information and input. That’s it.
Sep 09, 2026 at 04:16 PM
p.2 #10Lenses for Belgium and the Netherlands
I have been to Europe many times but not to the cities I am visiting in the Netherlands. I just like to have some ideas what lenses folks use for those places. I know not everybody sees the same way and compose the same way. But it won't hurt to have some general ideas. If you don't understand why I asked, you don't need to reply and no need to be an a hole.
Sep 09, 2026 at 05:03 PM
p.2 #11Lenses for Belgium and the Netherlands
I think I have tried every lens combination, available, for such trips. On my next trip, I plan to take my GM 28-70mm f2 and either the GM 16-35mm f2.8 II or 16-25mm f2.8. My Viltrox 14mm will also likely go along.
Most folks will likely think I am out in left field for taking the relatively heavy 28-70mm, but the IQ is stunning and the lens speed makes it highly versatile.
Most folks will likely think I am out in left field for taking the relatively heavy 28-70mm, but the IQ is stunning and the lens speed makes it highly versatile.
Sep 09, 2026 at 05:34 PM
p.2 #12Lenses for Belgium and the Netherlands
Craig Gillette wrote:
We had looked at a couple of "close" multiple country spots on our next trip. "People" wise, that doesn't seem too much trouble. We got our UK ETA application in and approved in a matter of minutes but the EES system may monkeywrench our arrival layover/second flight timing in Frankfurt.
The rental car will have more border problems than we will. Insurance, contract permissions, pricing, etc., looks to make it a "France only" proposition. So son-in-law and daughter will deal with the France/Switzerland border when they pick it up and a quick dash from Reims through Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany...Show more →
Thanks for posting an excellent example of why any of the third party super zooms (I noticed that you have the 28-200, which I also own and love) should be the number one lens you reach for when packing for a trip. I may be a hopeless 28-200 fanboi, but I do fully recognize and acknowledge this weakness!
We had looked at a couple of "close" multiple country spots on our next trip. "People" wise, that doesn't seem too much trouble. We got our UK ETA application in and approved in a matter of minutes but the EES system may monkeywrench our arrival layover/second flight timing in Frankfurt.
The rental car will have more border problems than we will. Insurance, contract permissions, pricing, etc., looks to make it a "France only" proposition. So son-in-law and daughter will deal with the France/Switzerland border when they pick it up and a quick dash from Reims through Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany...Show more →
Thanks for posting an excellent example of why any of the third party super zooms (I noticed that you have the 28-200, which I also own and love) should be the number one lens you reach for when packing for a trip. I may be a hopeless 28-200 fanboi, but I do fully recognize and acknowledge this weakness!
Sep 10, 2026 at 09:46 AM