If you could bring only one Canon lens...

[CastleRocker]

We are riding the motorcycles all the way North (to Prudhoe), and then back to the South, (Mexico), and back home this spring.   I would like you folk's opinion on which "ONE" lens to bring.  Camera body is a 50D.

Normally I would bring my 70-200 2.8 (of course), but the size and weight are a concern.  We will be tent camping for over a month, so camping gear, supplies, and clothing will take a front seat to camera gear.  I'm thinking of getting a lens for more wide angle and panorama/landscape type shots, and bring both the teleconverters for a little more zoom.   I do have a Tamron (yeah, yeah, I know...I heard the collective cringe),  18-270mm 3.5-6.3 that I'm considering bringing. 

I've never traveled this far with a camera on a motorcycle before, so ANY and ALL advice/tips/tricks are greatly appreciated! 

[mossy8352]

If your Tamron has VR or any of your lens do take the one you like best and enjoy the trip!

[Holg3107]

I would go with a 17-55mm f2.8 for a trip like that. It seems that most of the photos you will be taking are either landscape shots or will be up close so a larger zoom lens would not be all that effective.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_s_17_55_f_2_8_is_usm

[Don Fischer]

I would not hesitate to get something like the 18-270 Tamron. Guy on 24 hr campfire is a Tamron rep and his stuff has me convinced that Tamron will do just as well as any lens costing 4x as much! About $2000.00 cheaper than the 28-300 Canon! The 70-300 Tamron is supposed to be a super lens.

[Bean Counter]

Can't help ya with the motorcycle stuff. Sounds like a fun trip and I hope you guys enjoy the moment.

Tamron knows how to put decent optics into a lens, but their image stabilization and auto focus leave much to be desired. I wouldn't go on a trip of a lifetime, spending thousands on gas and food, and gave crappy memories to show for it because I saved $300-500 on a lens. Trust me: I'm a cheap bass turd, but you get what you pay for with optics.

Regardless of what camera you take, be sure you bring a quality circular polarizer.  This will cut through haze, darken those blue skies, and make colors more vibrant instead of washed out. Heliopan is far and away the best but expensive. B+W is a solid #2 and Hoya is just behind B+W.

You don't mention much of an interest in wildlife--but you might see them. Not sure how much you guys will be into stopping for a herd to chase after with photos. (I do it all the time and it drives my wife and kids crazy.)  You'll only be riding with adults, who for the most part will be better than children about holding still for a photo. Given those two constants plus the fact that space is at an uber premium, I would consider a compact, mirrorless camera. Maybe a Fuiji XE-2 or the x100S. If you want to go with the Canon EOS M2, you will need a lens adapter to attach EF lenses.

If you insist on taking your 50D, I would probably take either then Canon 10-22mm or the 17-55 f/2.8 IS. If you go with the 10-22mm, I would recommend a clear filter to keep and moisture out of the lens. http://www.amazon.com/77mm-Clear-Multi-Resistant-Coating-007M/dp/B000OL1JOQ.  Be also advised that on the 10-22mm you're likely to get some banding in the skies at the wider angles with a circular polarizer.

[jackelope]

Can't provide any camera info but my buddy made that trek from here to Prudhoe and back on his bike. You're in for a treat. Please share your adventure when you get back.

[jackelope]

Can't provide any camera info but my buddy made that trek from here to Prudhoe and back on his bike. You're in for a treat. Please share your adventure when you get back.

[Alchase]

I go with the    
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
and a 2x extender

The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM with and 2x or 1.4 extender is a great combination that covers most ranges as well.

If money was not a factor, then the EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM

[TeacherMan]

The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM with and 2x or 1.4 extender would also be my choice! But with that said there is no way I would leave my 70-200 IS at home. One small waterproof backpack devoted to my camera gear would be a must.

[Bean Counter]

Remember that the OP has a 50D, which is a crop sensor camera. The most wide angle these 24-105 zoom will have is an apparent field of view of 38mm.  Not very wide for any nice landscape shots he is likely to encounter.

[huntnphool]

I would go with a 17-55mm f2.8 for a trip like that. It seems that most of the photos you will be taking are either landscape shots or will be up close so a larger zoom lens would not be all that effective.

A trip like that I would likely just be shooting scenery, the 17-55mm for me.

[CastleRocker]

Thanks guys for each and every reply. 

I would go with a 17-55mm f2.8 for a trip like that. It seems that most of the photos you will be taking are either landscape shots or will be up close so a larger zoom lens would not be all that effective.

A trip like that I would likely just be shooting scenery, the 17-55mm for me.

That's the way I was thinking about going.  Then look at the 16-35mm 2.8, and I just wonder if it would be worth giving up some zoom for the extra degrees of angle.

And YES it WILL break my heart to leave my favorite (70-200 2. lens at home!  I'll probably regret it daily.  However, I'm going to be riding/camping with my wife, Dad, and a cousin for over 3 weeks.  So weight will be a huge issue. 

[Bean Counter]

The 16-35mm is really a lens meant for full frame cameras. Given its cost, be it the Mark I  or the even more expensive Mark II, Its kind of silly to put it on a crop since there are so much more cost effective options. Its also a weighty beast.

Either the kit lens if stopping it down is a possibility or the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 if you want a little more durability as well as a non rotating front element  and finally image stabilization.

[boneaddict]

70-200 came to mind when I saw your title, but before I read your post.   You'll want something that opens up because there are more scenic mountain views than anything.   Hard choice with the amount of wildlife available to be seen though.