Which wide angle lens for Egypt tour?

onedawnnelson wrote:

I took a 10 days trip to London late last year and wanted to travel light. Lighter the better IMO...However, knowing the weather (rain or snow), I also wanted WR.  I imaging in Egypt, it would be the same but maybe more for the dust resistance!  While I didn't take my Fuji's (but I should have just taken my X100V and called it good), I wanted wide angle so I went with my Lumix S5 and a 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 WR lens. That 20mm was very handy. I never really felt I lost anything on the long end. YMMV.  So, what do I recommend?

#1: I’m planning on RENTING a lens for an upcoming tour of Egypt. I’m wondering if it‘s worth the extra cost to rent the Fuji XF 8-16mm f/2.8f R WR vs. the more affordable Fuji XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR. The 8-16mm is almost double the cost also double the weight.

Size/Weight here....if you are set on renting one, I'd take the 10-24 f/4 OIS WR.  Why? I think getting that 15-36mm FOV is great for travel. The OIS can help with lower light and the f/4,.  It's WR and is (I think) the lightest of the bunch. I seriously hate weight on a trip. Yes, that 8mm is nice, but's it going from 15mm FOV down to 12mm FOV....is that extra 3mm of FOV worth the extra cost and weight? You are also losing the longer "normal" end of the lens, if that matters to you.

#2: I’m trying to pack light and I want to take as few lenses as possible without suffering regrets!

Bingo!

Here’s what I own: a Fujifilm X-T2 camera, a Fujifilm 18-55mm f/2.8 zoom, a 55-200mm f/3.5 zoom, and a 35mm f/1.4 prime lens. What do I take & what can I do without? We will be doing a multi-day cruise on the Nile – will my 55-200mm zoom come in handy? Will I regret leaving that at home?

The cruise on the Nile may make that 55-200 worth it. I had that lens, nice little gem for what it does. I'd take it and pair with only ONE other lens.  See below.

Finally, I was planning on leaving my heavy tripod at home.

No tripod for travel.  Hassle to pack, carry, etc.

I have a small tripod that I’ll bring for my iPhone 14 for some night shots. Again, do you think I’ll regret not bringing my heavy tripod along?

I took my 14 Pro Max to London and used it about 50% of the time. Again, no heavy tripod.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

WHAT I WOULD DO: For the Nile cruise, take that 55-200 and just plan on leaving it at the hotel on the other days, unless you are doing any wildlife on additional days. Next, personally, I'd just take that 18-55 f/2.8-4 zoom (27 - 85mm FOV) and call it a day.  It's a great range, reasonably bright and you aren't paying any extra for it.  I'd use the cash for something else.  However, if you REALLY want/need to go wider than that (which I do understand), then I'd rent that 10-24 f/4 OIS WR.  Then take your iPhone 14 (non-pro version, right?) and call it a day. Walk about with 1 camera (on a strap), 1 lens (attached), extra batteries (in your pocket), extra SD card in your pocket and your phone.  Ditch the big tripod. I even ditch the photo bag when I travel. I go out with 1 weather sealed body and lens and let it fly!