Which lens to rent...

[ZetaEpyon]

I'm going on vacation in mid-March, and am considering renting a lens to use with my Nikon D70s. The problem is that the two reasons for the trip (MLB spring training and the Grand Canyon) sort of call for different kinds of lenses.

Ideally, I would rent both the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 and the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR, but I just don't think I can justify laying out that much for rentals right now. The ultrawide Tokina would be great for the canyon, and I'm sure the Nikon would be fantastic for the baseball games.

Given this situation, what would you do?

Current lenses:
Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G (D70s kit lens)
Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

 

[jpeyton]

70-200VR

 

[996GT2]

I'd get the 11-16 myself. You can always buy a cheap 70-300 telephoto zoom for the spring training, but you can't buy a cheap ultrawide.

On the other hand, you could rent the 70-200mm VR and use your 18-70mm and a tripod to make panoramas which can be stitched together in Photoshop or another program.

It's your call really.

 

[twistedlogic]

I second the 70-200 VR. It will get you shots not possible with your current lens lineup.

On the other hand, as 996GT mentions, your 18-70 + tripod would do great at the canyon, unless of course you need to handhold and are shooting in low light.

 

[jpeyton]

The 70-200VR is a legend; you'll have a blast using it, and chances are you'll be figuring out ways to buy one of your own after the rental period is over.

 

[randomlinh]

11-16, it's cheaper on your wallet when you want to buy it after your trip =)

 

[OulOat]

I travel around fairly often, and I have found my wide angle lens to be more useful overall on trips. Easier to frame subjects in cities and confined spaces, the wide is great general lens. However, since you already have an 18mm lens, I recommend renting the 70-200mm since nothing matches it on flexibility and image quality. One caveat, be very careful with the lens. Damage or lose the lens, and the rental company will charge you the full invoice price of the lens (Calumet charges 2k).

Although you didn't mention it, I suggest actually renting the 18-200mm VR Nikkor for your trip. You covered all your focal lengths with one lens and save your back from the weight of the other lens. You don't have to worry about losing shots while you switch out lens. Since you have less lens to pack, you have less lens to lose or damage. And in case you actually do damage the lens, it'll be a lot cheaper to replace than the 70-200mm.