Europe trip; bring DSLR or buy small camera?

[ScottyP]

We will be going to Europe and I am probably going to take the DSLR and 2 or 3 lenses.  I am also considering buying a small but good non-interchangeable lens camera.  Something with a big-ish sensor and with a big aperture lens, though, not just a cheapo.

Since lens compatibility is not an issue, I am not limiting myself to Canons as I go to look into this possibility.

I am not particularly worried about the weight and bulk of the DSLR, more worried about theft, I think.  Perhaps I should worry about the bulk, but I do want to get really high quality photos because I probably won't be going back any time soon so this is kind of a big deal.

Thoughts on lenses, backpacks and small cameras?

[ScottyP]

Now looking at f/2.8 WA lenses.  Contenders are Canon 16-35 2.8 III, which is reviewed glowingly, and the Tamron 15-35 2.8 IS.  I don't think I want to go with the f/4 IS Canon, though it is a good one.

Tamron has IS and is $700 or $800 less and gets nearly but not quite the same praise.  

On the other hand I shoot most of my shots with my kids in the frame, so getting the 4 stops below 1/16th the IS gives would be of limited use.  While it would be nice to get a handheld 1 second exsposure, that would obviously be a throw-away shot since the kids would be just a blur.

Comparing test charts the Canon does have the slight but significant IQ edge, except for vignetting.  Also, I'd hate to spend $1,200 on a lens and then maybe always kind of regret not pitching in $700 more and having "the best" IQ.  Of lesser concern, the Tammy has a weird lens cover and can't take filters, both due to the bulbous front element.

[Waddizzle]

There is nothing wrong with the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, or the f/4 version for that matter.  I don't shoot wide open with it outdoors much, anyway, just indoors.  Picked up mine when I noticed that it was on sale at the refurbished store.  It is a great lens wide open.  Between that lens on one body, and the 70-200 f/2.8 II on another, that is mostly what I shoot.

[Waddizzle]

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@ScottyP wrote:

I have been looking at holsters (Cotton Carrier, etc.) for around my normal stomping grounds.  The readings and my one prior personal experience in Barcelona pickpockets dictates that would not work on this trip though.

The messenger bag added to the holster sounds like a good combo.

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Canon only offers one holster, which is just large enough to hold a Rebel and the kit 18-55mm lens.  It's fairly small.

I use a Lowepro Toploader Series holster.  The different models vary on their lens depth, and camera body width.  They make two models at each lens depth, one for full size bodies like a 6D, and one for pro size bodies.  

I use their biggest one.  It can hold a 1D Series with a 70-200mm f/2.8 attached, with tripod foot and a reversed hood.  Since the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is nearly identical in size, it can hold that lens, too.  In addition to the shoulder strap, it has an auxiliary strap that you can attach to it that goes around your waist.  All of them have rain covers and at least two pockets.  I'm pretty sure you've seen an image I have posted of a holster.