Matt Drown's suggestion for "renting" a 10-22 is a good one. You could also pick up a 28-135 which would combine for a really nice focal range in only two lenses. If you want to throw in one of the 50's, it would add almost no weight.
Really, you can't go wrong with any of the options folks have suggested though. Basically it really comes down to what type of photography do YOU like and how much weight are YOU willing to hall around Europe. Since you will be there for three months, I don't think you will regret taking a pretty diverse kit.
30d with
10-22 or 10-20 sigma(much better value or the new faster f3.5 version)
28 1.8 for low light
18-200 or 18-270 tamron (these superzooms work great in travel situations and image quality is not terrible like most will make you believe, try it)
or
5d with
your 17-40
28 or 50 for low light
and tamron 28-300 vc
i personally would not lug around the 70-200, unless you have something specific in your mind that you know you will be shooting with it. whatever you do make sure you bring an ultrawide with you as europe has some really narrow places that you will want to go wide.
if you are shooting really low light stuff i think 28mm on a 5d or 20mm on a crop is good as walkaround, that is my preferred focal length might be different for others.
the superzooms make it really convenient not having to change the lens unless you need really wide or something for really low light.
You guys are all way more committed travel photographers than I will ever be. I'd never lug all of that stuff around Europe! (Unless I was getting paid to do it.)
The most I'd consider bringing is something like the Panasonic G1 with the kit lens and the 45-200mm telephoto lens.
I might even settle for just a high quality compact camera such as a later model Canon G series.
Uncle Mike wrote:
You guys are all way more committed travel photographers than I will ever be. I'd never lug all of that stuff around Europe! (Unless I was getting paid to do it.)
The most I'd consider bringing is something like the Panasonic G1 with the kit lens and the 45-200mm telephoto lens.
I might even settle for just a high quality compact camera such as a later model Canon G series.
I guess you're right. When you're backpacking around for a little over a month, roughing it in hostels, and scrounging your way with everything on your back, you'd think every ounce would be a big deal.
I suppose I just figured I may never come back, and I don't want to regret not having something I may need (photographically speaking). Not to mention, I was 21 at the time, and figured I'll have plenty of years ahead of me where I could take the easy/smart path!
