23/03/2026 6:11 pm
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I just got the Sony a6700 because the guy at the shop said it was the best for travel but honestly I have no idea what I am doing now that I actually have the thing in my hands. I am going on a big trip to Italy in about three months and I want to take photos of everything like the old buildings in Rome and then maybe some landscapes in Tuscany but I really dont want to be swapping lenses all day long because I know for a fact I will drop one or get dust inside the camera. I keep seeing people talk about all in one zooms but the numbers are so confusing... like what does 18-135 even mean compared to something like 17-70? Is more zoom always better for a trip? My budget is probably around $800 or maybe $900 if it is really worth it since the camera itself was already so expensive.
Here is what I need:
- one lens that can stay on the camera the whole time
- something that works for big architecture and also people
- not too heavy because we are going to be walking miles every day
- maybe something that works okay in a church where it is darker?
Sorry if this is a dumb question i just feel totally overwhelmed looking at all the options online and dont want to waste money on the wrong thing...
4 Answers
10
23/03/2026 6:32 pm
Regarding what #1 said about 'Congrats on the a6700, its such a killer camera', I totally agree! I used mine in Lisbon and it was amazing. You definitely want that f/2.8 for churches!
- The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is fantastic for low light.
- 17mm is wider for big architecture.
- The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is lighter but way darker. Ngl, the Tamron is totally worth it!
10
23/03/2026 6:37 pm
I've been shooting Sony for ages and honestly, weight is everything when you're walking miles in Italy. I love the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary for this trip. I used it in Florence and it was amazing!
- It is crazy small and light.
- f/2.8 aperture is huge for those dark churches.
- Saves you tons of cash (it is like $550). You seriously wont regret going light!
3
23/03/2026 6:11 pm
Congrats on the a6700, its such a killer camera! I went through this exact same stress before my big Europe trip last year. I learned that more zoom isnt always better if you lose too much light!
- 17mm was way better for big buildings than 18mm
- f/2.8 was a lifesaver in dark churches
- avoiding swaps meant zero dust issues The setup I used was perfect because it basically never left my camera!
3
31/03/2026 2:14 am
Like someone mentioned, weight is such a massive factor for a trip like this! I love the emphasis on staying light. From a reliability perspective, I would add:
- Weather-sealed construction is a total must-have to prevent those dust issues you are worried about.
- An all-in-one superzoom with a broader range, like an 18-200mm or 18-300mm, is a fantastic alternative for pure versatility without ever needing to swap lenses.
