Re: Advice for trip to Europe

Hi:

Though a bit early for planning, I am travelling to Europe this summer (from the US) with my teenager. We will be staying in London, Paris, Rome, and Florence.

I likely will bring my K3 and a K5ii. I am used to lugging lots of camera equipment and sundry things around when travelling so I am fine with bringing two camera bodies, but I really am trying to pack smartly for this trip as I know packing as lightly as possible will be best.

I wanted to get some feedback and would really appreciate your thoughts on a couple of issues.

I am prime lens person. I have the 60-250 DA* and the Sigma 70-200 2.8, but clearly will leave these home, and tend not to use them much as it is.

My plan was to bring my Sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6, Sigma 24 f/1.8 and/or my 31 Limited (perhaps my 55 DA*, too). I also likely will bring my Pentax 100 macro. I figure it will be nice to have a moderate telephoto and the macro is small and a super sweet lens.

1. Do you think the 24 or 31 would be good for most walk-around shots? This will be a "see the sights" vacation. My son and I are more "bucket list" types of people--so, we likely will not be spending hours at each particular location and my habit is to take pictures quite a bit (probably more than necessary--I will do my best to stop and take in the sights as much as possible and put the camera away). Having said this, I was thinking of getting the Sigma 17-50 2.8 (I used to have it and sold it, and am also considering the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.0; I am not considering the Pentax 16-85, 17-70, or the 16-50 for various reasons).

Does anyone have experience visiting these cities and have an opinion as to whether the Sigma zoom will be as convenient as it would seem to be? If I have time I hope to use the 10-20, but my experience with this lens is that it will be for special occasions or when I have a bit of time to plan the shot.

2. I have an Induro tripod, but it is a bit too big. I was thinking of getting a Manfrotto Be Free or the MePhoto tripod--they are both about $200. Do you think I will need a tripod? Will it get in the way? Assuming I choose carefully, will it just be easier to ask people to take a picture of my son and I? I am cognizant of the fact that we will look touristy as it is and a tripod would seal the deal.

I have travelled before, but not overseas and this will be for 2 weeks.

Thank you in advance!!!