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08/20/2010 10:59:45 AM · #1 |
hi folks...
im planning my first trip to italy in sept. im torn not being able to decide what gear (or all my gear) for the trip..
heres the dilemma:
Im travelling without a tour group, therefore hubby and i will be handling our own luggage for two wks through 5 major cities. I should mention i have a sometimes bothersome herniated disk in my neck..
Im toying with the idea of travelling super light.
Heres what i got...what would you opt to bring or would you just suck it up and bring it all
Canon EOS
The standard 18 - 55mm lens (which is versatile but doesnt take the best pics)
Canon 50mm 1:8 lens (which i love cus its lightweight)
Sigma Wide Angle 12 - 24mm (another one i love! esp for those narrow street shots)
Canon 70 - 300 mm Zoom
Vivitar 285HV Flash
Im tempted to travel with simply my 50 mm and my Sigma Wide angle. With those two I can fit it all in my smallest gear bag. But do you think I'll regret not taking my flash; and my 300 mm? lol.. the flash automatically puts me in the large bag.
Feedback please. thanks
Lisa
Message edited by author 2010-08-20 11:00:08. |
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08/20/2010 11:26:49 AM · #2 |
Heya,
I suppose it is really a personal choice, mainly depending on the goal of your trip, and your willingness to "lose" a shot. If your main goal is to come back with the best possible photos of the places you visited, just take it all! That's what I will be doing in a couple of weeks. I just don't want to come home thinking about what I COULD have shot IF...
Now if you're visiting Italy mainly to enjoy yourself, see nice places and take some shots for personal use, a light combo is probably the way to go.
Edited for typos.
Message edited by author 2010-08-20 11:27:37. |
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08/20/2010 02:06:18 PM · #3 |
I absolutely loved Italy. It is such a beautiful country. I think you should definately take the flash. There are so many cathedrals/churches, indoor frescas etc to take pictures of. I would also think about taking a light tripod if you have it so that you and hubby could take self portraits. I don't trust handing my camera to a stranger to take a pic
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08/20/2010 02:10:00 PM · #4 |
With the lens selection you have I think your gut feeling to bring the Sigma 12-24 and the 50 1.8 are good choices. It would be nice to have a little longer mid range zoom but since you do not have one the above is a great choice to stay light. You will love the wide angle in Italy!
Have fun! |
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08/20/2010 02:13:44 PM · #5 |
 Melethia and I spent a wonderful few days in Rome nearly two years ago. I would say drop the flash - most chuches etc aren't keen on you using them as repeated use damages frescos etc. The wide angle is a must - I would probably also include the 70-300, although to be honest I took little at over 100mm. |
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08/20/2010 03:08:38 PM · #6 |
My biggest fear is wanting something I left behind....
That said, Lightening the load makes sense. I probably would lose the Flash, and if you're dropping a lens, drop the 18-55. You have most of it's important range (18-24) with the sigma. The 50mm shoots better at 50mm than that lens does as well. I would not leave behind the 70-300. Every time I leave it behind, I miss it.
I know you're carrying your camera bag walking around, but what is your husband carrying? I often have a small bag that holds a small tripod, and some of the periferal stuff I want to have on me, but don't necessarily need on hand, and make my wife carry it. She typically doesn't mind unless it's super hot. :)
You could drop a lens, or your flash in that, and still run with the light bag. But I don't know if that's going to work for you or not.
Whatever you decide, I'm jealous of your trip. :) |
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01/06/2011 07:28:00 AM · #7 |
Revisiting the trip theme, here...
I use my 100-400 a lot. Even though you seem to use wide angle more on vacations, I'd probably use a longer lens frequently.
Would you take the 100-400L for the length and quality or would you go with the 70-300 to save significant space and poundage and give up some quality and reach?
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01/06/2011 08:36:23 AM · #8 |
| I would carry all of it. The Canon backpack I have could easily accommodate the entire list. Do you not have a camera backpack? If not that would be a good purchase before you go. Mine was about $60 at B&H and I have saw them at other retailers like Best Buy since then for about the same price. I take all my Canon gear in it everywhere. Have a great trip, I loved Europe when I was stationed there. |
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01/06/2011 08:45:56 AM · #9 |
What I'm seeing from your gear list is that you can't cover a lot of focal range without bringing at least 3 lenses. What about buying a medium range zoom for this trip? I have a Canon 18-135 that is the ideal walkabout lens. When I want to travel light, it my best choice. Since it is the kit lens with some models, they can be obtained inexpensively on the used market from people that have upgraded. I paid only $250 for mine. If I were going on such a trip I would probably bring this lens and the wideangle.
Message edited by author 2011-01-06 08:46:15.
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01/06/2011 10:17:32 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
What I'm seeing from your gear list is that you can't cover a lot of focal range without bringing at least 3 lenses. What about buying a medium range zoom for this trip? I have a Canon 18-135 that is the ideal walkabout lens. When I want to travel light, it my best choice. Since it is the kit lens with some models, they can be obtained inexpensively on the used market from people that have upgraded. I paid only $250 for mine. If I were going on such a trip I would probably bring this lens and the wideangle. |
Definitely no lens buying for this trip. But even if I had the 18-135, I'd still need 3 lenses to get the reach and the wide... I have a 28-135 which isn't as versatile, but I've never been impressed with the lens. I think I'll give up the reach for the better quality and faster tamron. However, the 70-300 really isn't that bad of a lens -- that's why I'm kicking around leaving the 100-400 home. That's a tough decision, though.
Message edited by author 2011-01-06 10:19:41.
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01/06/2011 11:05:00 AM · #11 |
| I'd say it depends on the trip you are taking. |
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01/06/2011 11:24:04 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by jminso:
I'd say it depends on the trip you are taking. |
What lenses should she bring for this trip? :)
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01/06/2011 11:26:18 AM · #13 |
I second SaraR's sentiment about flashes in churches. In fact, a lot of places indoors don't appreciate you using it. Also, what  gyaban said - it depends what you like/want to shoot. And I suppose, what your ultimate use for them will be.
My sweetie and I travel quite a bit and I always do it with just one lens, my Tamron 18-270. Yes, I know it makes a lot of folks here roll their eyes because of the enormous zoom, but I find the quality plenty good for my needs. I cannot image not having a long focal range - most of my best shots are because I could reach that far. Also, the wide angle for landscapes. Of course, you could also stitch together a couple of images if you want a panorama image and don't want to lug the lens for the off chance you may need it.
Nothing takes the joy out of photography more than The Schlep while on vacation. Incidentally, I'd also bring my little point and shoot for those times when having a pro-looking camera might get someone to tell you they don't allow professional photography somewhere. |
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01/06/2011 11:32:14 AM · #14 |
It takes photos, videos, and fits in your pocket out of sight from the gypsies! ;-) |
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01/06/2011 11:33:37 AM · #15 |
Originally posted by coryboehne:
Originally posted by jminso:
I'd say it depends on the trip you are taking. |
What lenses should she bring for this trip? :)
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lmao... I think that trip will have it's own special lenses complete with filters. |
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01/06/2011 11:34:41 AM · #16 |
Originally posted by littleny:
...
Im tempted to travel with simply my 50 mm and my Sigma Wide angle. With those two I can fit it all in my smallest gear bag.... |
That's what I'd do! |
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01/06/2011 11:58:35 AM · #17 |
Originally posted by cowboy221977:
I absolutely loved Italy. It is such a beautiful country. I think you should definately take the flash. There are so many cathedrals/churches, indoor frescas etc to take pictures of. I would also think about taking a light tripod if you have it so that you and hubby could take self portraits. I don't trust handing my camera to a stranger to take a pic |
I'm the opposite. I'd take a gorilla pod and take long exposures in cathedrals, where natural light will probably look much better than flash (not enough reach anyway). I wouldn't step too far from my camera for any self portraits, those gypsies can be quick, and they work in teams so you don't know who actually has your gear.
I spent some time running through the streets of Milano with half a dozen gypsies attached to my bulky bush-pants pockets. I was laughing my arse off, but that's because my pockets were empty anyway.
Less is more, especially when you know how to use it. :-) Lugging too much is a bummer.
Message edited by author 2011-01-06 12:02:02. |
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01/06/2011 12:09:31 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by Strikeslip:
Originally posted by cowboy221977:
I absolutely loved Italy. It is such a beautiful country. I think you should definately take the flash. There are so many cathedrals/churches, indoor frescas etc to take pictures of. I would also think about taking a light tripod if you have it so that you and hubby could take self portraits. I don't trust handing my camera to a stranger to take a pic |
I'm the opposite. I'd take a gorilla pod and take long exposures in cathedrals, where natural light will probably look much better than flash (not enough reach anyway). I wouldn't step too far from my camera for any self portraits, those gypsies can be quick, and they work in teams so you don't know who actually has your gear.
I spent some time running through the streets of Milano with half a dozen gypsies attached to my bulky bush-pants pockets. I was laughing my arse off, but that's because my pockets were empty anyway.
Less is more, especially when you know how to use it. :-) Lugging too much is a bummer. |
Really Slippy? Empty? Seems like an excellent opportunity missed. I mean, one rabid squirrel (razor blades, hypodermic needles, blister beetles, etc) in a pocket could have provided great amusement. |
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01/06/2011 02:33:46 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by coryboehne:
Originally posted by Strikeslip:
Originally posted by cowboy221977:
I absolutely loved Italy. It is such a beautiful country. I think you should definately take the flash. There are so many cathedrals/churches, indoor frescas etc to take pictures of. I would also think about taking a light tripod if you have it so that you and hubby could take self portraits. I don't trust handing my camera to a stranger to take a pic |
I'm the opposite. I'd take a gorilla pod and take long exposures in cathedrals, where natural light will probably look much better than flash (not enough reach anyway). I wouldn't step too far from my camera for any self portraits, those gypsies can be quick, and they work in teams so you don't know who actually has your gear.
I spent some time running through the streets of Milano with half a dozen gypsies attached to my bulky bush-pants pockets. I was laughing my arse off, but that's because my pockets were empty anyway.
Less is more, especially when you know how to use it. :-) Lugging too much is a bummer. |
Really Slippy? Empty? Seems like an excellent opportunity missed. I mean, one rabid squirrel (razor blades, hypodermic needles, blister beetles, etc) in a pocket could have provided great amusement. |
Ha, if only I'd known ahead of time. They came after me like a pack of rabid dogs, pressing their squares of cardboard against my waist as if that would somehow not only block my view, but the feeling of their claws tugging at my pockets. :-D
ETA... it was a bunch of women, so it was like some crazed half-dream, half-reality. I wasn't sure whether to run, or ask them on a date.
Message edited by author 2011-01-06 14:35:56. |
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01/06/2011 02:45:06 PM · #20 |
Reminds me of a local bus trip in Florence when a well dressed 20 year old man reached into his pant pocket and found the fingers of a pre teen boy in there looking for a wallet. The fellow calmly took hold of said fingers, lifted them up over his head and broke both of the child's fingers. No one on the bus raised an eyebrow, except the would be pick pocket who went screaming off the bus holding his broken hand under his armpit.
Moral of the story; keep your camera close, your passport and credit cards closer.
If I had a bad neck I'd pack the 50mm and the 12-24. If there was room I'd put the 70-300 in the luggage, but leave the flash and the 18-55 at home. |
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01/06/2011 03:03:43 PM · #21 |
I went to italy for two weeks just last july. I took 4 lenses. 50 mm 1.8, sigma 30 1.4, sigma 10-20, and tamron 17-50. I also took a gorilla pod which I used once. Gear gets heavy. I would not have used a flash at all. I used the 30 mm for its large aperture most of the time. Italy is made to be shot in natural light. I used the sigma 10-20 the second most since a I was taking some daytime long exposures as well architecture shots. I could have left the other lenses at home although the 17-50 was useful at times. I debated long and hard about taking my 70-200 and left it home. Honestly most of where I went, rome venice and genoa was so compact I would have only used it 2 or 3 times. It was not missed. Also I took a lens pouch and put that on my hip and camera around my neck. I would put an extra lens and battery in the pouch and leave the bag in the room.
ETA:fixed spelling, typing on your phone while you hurry back to work from break is not conducive to grammar/spelling proficiency.
Message edited by author 2011-01-06 19:40:24. |
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01/06/2011 06:55:18 PM · #22 |
Why are you going? To take pictures? To enjoy the company of your travel companion? To experience the local culture? How understanding are your travel companions? Do they share your passion for photography or do they barely tolerate it?
I've been to Italy several times. The first time I took my DSLR and a few lenses. It's heavy and, to be honest, a real pain. I got some great pictures, but I had to lug it everywhere and keep my eyes on it at all times.
On subsequent trips, I restricted myself to taking my Canon G7. While I had to work within the "limitations" of the camera, I took more pictures and generally better pictures. It didn't get in the way of enjoying the trip nearly as much as the DSLR and the G7 has a great many SLR-type features.
I'd take the G7 again without question and I might even get a Canon S95 which has much of the same flexibility as the G7 in an even smaller package.
I was mostly in smaller towns in Northern Italy and didn't really see any of the beggars/gypsies/pickpockets outside of the cities. |
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01/06/2011 07:34:25 PM · #23 |
| I have a troublesome neck at times too and would go with your original idea to take only take fast 50 and wide angle. You can take some great shots with those lenses. |
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