SW Trip Observations; primes, bags and spouses

I had the Nikon 20mm f2.8 AFD, but switched to a Nikon 17-55mm f2.8. That lens outperforms the 20mm in every way. Another solution you might consider for outings with the wife is a Nikon 18-105mm VR or 16-85mm VR. I'm betting if you are a daylight shooter you don't really need the f2.8. The VR really works and should eliminate the need for a tripod most of the time. As for the D80 meter, I used one for about two years and found it varies. Generally I think I used -0.3 exp. comp., but I also used -1.0 in winter quite a bit. The meter seems to be sensitive to what's in the very center. As for group tours, I've never liked them. I can take care of myself--I'm a lifelong outdoorsman. I prefer to go by myself or just with my wife & family. We don't do tours/group things.
Kent in SD

"My wife is very patient but she got tired very quickly...."

Tony, I think I married her sister. But seriously, my wife has adjusted to -- well, put up with -- my photography. Never have a problem with sunrise shots but when those sunsets hit right around dinner time......

Yes, sometimes you are rushed and that's where a zoom is invaluable. Primes are terrific but when traveling, zooms are so much easier to work with. Even though I pack 6-7 lenses when I take a trip, the one that gets the most use is the 18-200VR. Easy to use across an incredible range, no downtime for changing lenses, and no worry about dust. Oh, and no nagging from the wife because you are falling behind.

As for the camera strap, I also use Black Rapid but haven't tried it on a trip yet. One thing I have found helpful is wearing it a little higher on the hip. Seems to stay a bit more comfortable that way but I wouldn't recommend it for any kind of climbing. There are other straps to make gear more secure for that.

Tony, I just returned from a trip to Las Vegas. This is not my first travel experience with my camera but I have some observations.
I use a D300. I think there is a huge difference between a dedicated photo outing(which I usually do alone) and a tourist trip with the family. When there are others involved you are just unable to concentrate on photography and have everyone else end up happy...it won't happen, ever. In these circumstances you are better off carrying your camera and one versatile zoom which stays on the camera. I use the 18-200 VR and find that it's great...no lens changes. Others will have other strong opinions...that's fine. Lens changes in the middle of sight seeing with others take time and are irritating to them.
We took a guided hike with 15 people in Red Rock Canyon through rough terrain. I took my camera with the 18-200 VR and I stuck my Sigma 10-20 in my jacket pocket. Since we had occasional rest stops where our guide took time to explain things, I had time to sit quietly and change lenses safely. I was glad I had the Sigma along, but I used the 18-200 for most of the hike.
I can't comment on the D80 metering, but I found that I needed to use +0.7 to +1.0 ev for most of my shots which turned out to be fine once I got them home and downloaded. I based this on my histogram and tried to keep it pushed a bit to the right without blowing the highlights.
The photo opportunities were endless and I'll certainly return to that area one day. I'd love to go to Death Valley with enough time to not be rushed.
Dick

Here's what I did. I gave my wife my D70 with a 60mm macro lens. This forced me (ha ha) to go out and get a new D90 w/18-200 VR lens! Now when we go on vacation she's busy taking her own photos and leaves me alone. I own several primes, but I've found that they're just dead weight when you're on the move. Haven't missed any shots with the 18-200 zoom.

Real marital stress is when you are shooting LF and it takes 15-20 minutes just to set up your first shot, all the while the wife is complaining, "how much longer is this going to take"?

Tony, I mostly have the same lenses as you have. However, when hiking or on a travel trip with my wife or group, I use the Nikon 18-70mm DX lens on my D 200 or D 300, about $300. It speeds things up considerably and takes very good images. I save the 20mm f 2.8 for indoor shots with low light. I use the 55mm f 2.8 manual focus for hiking in forests when I know I will have low light and semi macro situations and I do NOT change lenses on the move. What is on the camera stays on the camera until the group stops. That is why you need a general purpose zoom.
My D 200 is usually set at a minus .3. EV for outdoor shots. My D 300 is usually set at zero EV. I always use lens hoods, do you? I have a very old Kuban Hitch strap system to hold my camera to my chest. Op Tech makes something like it. My wife also is willing to put my camera into my backpack and take it out for me when I need it as I carry the water bottles when hiking.
I usually do my tripod work with different lenses and cameras in the morning before the group breakfast and in late afternoon after the group has finished its afternoon event. That is the time to do your custom work slowly w/o your wife around or anyone else for that matter.
You never want to delay a group for any reason especially taking pictures. Always find out exactly when and where you need to be from the group leader. If you keep him happy he might be willing to make special accommodations for you, like telling the driver to take you to a special place in the morning or evening w/o the rest of the group. I have done this on tours and it works.
Joe Smith

Tony, thanks for sharing!
I wish I was going on a trip... *sigh*

To all - Thanks for the great response!!!

I think the overwhelming notion from your posts is that a versitile zoom is worth carrying (and sticking with) for the majority of a vacation style trip. I think your right. When I get all my photo's uploaded and sorted I'm going to check out things like which focal length I used the most (and which one got the most 3+star images in my own opinion), also I think I will find that I didn't use the low end of the aperture range as much as I would have expected... I('m not sure I can invest in an 18-200 at this point but the 18-70 is tempting.

For a little bit more I'm also considering an old 35-70mm 2.8 paired w/ the 20mm 2.8 I've already got...

A couple specific responses; Kent - I think the majority of my shots, especially this trip were in decent light and did not require the 2.8 speed, I did find it very usefull in a dark Mission Church and a couple museums though... also the strip in Vegas at night.

Bruce - Thanks for the tip on the blackrapid strap, I will definitly try it. I really find it to be perfect for walking the dog when I want both hands available for him but also to have my camera at the ready.

Richard - completely agree on the lens changes, it really irked me on this trip...
Stuart - I love your solution! As a matter of fact I floated something like that to my wife but at least at this point I don't think she's interested enough in taking any pictures... oh well!

Joseph - I like your call on the 18-70 and your notes on managing the trip with photo ops in mind.
Ofer - I think I do my best shots close to home anyway! :)
Again, thanks to all for the replies. I'll post a link to some of my shots from the trip and continue to come back to the well of knowlege here at photo.net for my future photo-travels!
-Tony

I have a rule that I should have a maximum of three lenses for trips like these. It depends a bit on the trip what I take, but I usually travel in cities. I used a 18-70, but when switching to a D300 I wanted higher quality, especially at the long end, and more discipline to my shooting. So last time I took a 11-16/2.8, a 35 PC (I can't go to cities without a PC lens) and a 75-150/3.5 (I usually use the short end and this lens is reasonably good). In NYC I mostly used a 28 PC and a 35/1.4. I don't have many regrets, of course if money was no objection then I would have the latest and greatest.
I don't think lens changing as such is much of a problem, bigger issues are how long does it to get out and pack the lenses, how often do you need to change lenses and how much time do you spend getting the shot. If you know what you're doing, change lenses (including getting out and packing lenses) in 10 secs, know how the composition is going to look like and nail the exposure then it's fairly quick.
A zoom can indeed help depending on what you shoot, however do your research before buying. I'm quite critical of "cover it all" zooms such as the 18-200, that is hardly going to satisfy you if you're used to the quality of the 180/2.8.

I think the 17-55 DX is a good solution for these situations. If that is out of budget, the 16-85 DX VR is less expensive and has greater range, but the maximm aperture limits its use for people subjects. Still cheaper is the 18-105. I would forget about replacing the 180 with a zoom; any zoom that competes with the quality of the 180 is big and heavy. I would choose between the 17-55 and 16-85. For tele you may consider the 70-300 VR though it is not as good as the 180, it is versatile and together with a short zoom will let you work faster.