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AbramG Offline Upload & Sell: On p.1 #1 · Going to Europe. What to bring? So I'm going to be headed to Europe for the first time right after Christmas. We will be visiting a number of places, but the route will likely be something like this: London -> Paris -> Switzerland -> Prague (Plus other places in between) I'm debating between 2 different setups right now. The reason for my debate is I'm not sure if it's worth bringing 2 bodies or not. I did when I traveled to new zealand the first time, but not the second time. I also brought WAY TOO MUCH stuff both trips and it was completely un-necessary. My ideas were: 5DmkII 40D 16-35 24-70 70-200 580exII Or 5DmkII 50mm f/1.4 (if i ever get it back from sigma) 16-35 24-70 70-200 580exII or another alternative: 5DmkII 28mm f/1.8 50mm f/1.4 85mm f/1.8 Maybe 16-35 for ultra wide? Or 15mm fisheye 580exII I think my zooms will be necessary to bring along, because of the versatility, However, I could bring all primes (but I wouldn't have anything longer than 100mm in that scenario. What do you guys think is the best stuff to bring? Nov 12, 2009 at 01:14 AM

john_edwards Offline Upload & Sell: On p.1 #2 · Going to Europe. What to bring? Number two because its the only choice with a low light lens ( 50 1.4) which you will need if you shoot inside churches and other dark places where flash and tripods are not allowed. But I'd trade the 50 for a canon 35 1.4 as you may need the wider view. Nov 12, 2009 at 02:24 PM

saaketham Online Dedicated FM Upload & Sell: On p.1 #3 · Going to Europe. What to bring? But won't 50mm be too long for interior shots? I'm a zoom person, so it is #1 for me for sure. Nov 12, 2009 at 04:00 PM

AbramG Offline Upload & Sell: On p.1 #4 · Going to Europe. What to bring? Well I'm not going to be buying any new lenses for the trip, I'll get a 35L again someday, but not right now. I'm starting to lean towards option 2 or 3, I don't think it's necessary for me to bring both bodies this time. I have to remember that I'll be carrying all of this in my backpack every day. I guess the real big question for me is, Will I use the 70-200? I'm somewhat nervous of bringing out a Canon white lens, I'd like to be inconspicuous, and not to mention less of a target for theft. I kinda like the prime option because it would be very light and the 16-35 would still allow for really wide shots. Nov 12, 2009 at 04:14 PM

Jim Burk Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #5 · Going to Europe. What to bring? When I spent 2 weeks in Scotland this September, the 24-105 was the only lens I used when outdoors, with the 35L going on when indoors. Never used the 17-40, and never missed not having the 70-200. I think you should opt for #2, minus the 70-200. And wonder about the flash. Nov 12, 2009 at 05:14 PM

AbramG Offline Upload & Sell: On p.1 #6 · Going to Europe. What to bring? That's an interesting thought Jim! Not bringing the 70-200 would definitely lighten the backpack, I would possibly bring along the 85 f/1.8 in its stead. Maybe. I'm HOPING that I get my Sigma 50mm f/1.4 back from service, I've had nothing but trouble with that lens since I bought it. It's on its third trip for calibration and they still won't replace the lens. Ugh. Nov 13, 2009 at 12:46 AM

Jacob Vink Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #7 · Going to Europe. What to bring? AbramG wrote: I guess the real big question for me is, Will I use the 70-200? I'm somewhat nervous of bringing out a Canon white lens, I'd like to be inconspicuous, and not to mention less of a target for theft. When I spent four months studying in Europe, I only put the 70-200 on my camera once. Then I noticed it was too long and took it back off. Thousands of photos taken, non with the telephoto. If I were looking at your kits, I'd do this: 5DmkII 16-35 50mm f/1.4 (If you get it back in time) That's it. I'm somewhat of a gear minimalist on trips though. That set up will cover the vast majority of the shots you're going to be taking (unless, of course, you have some location in mind where you will NEED the 70-200 or something else). AbramG wrote: The reason for my debate is I'm not sure if it's worth bringing 2 bodies or not. I did when I traveled to new zealand the first time, but not the second time. I also brought WAY TOO MUCH stuff both trips and it was completely un-necessary. You brought way too much stuff last time? This brings the backpacker in me out. Reassemble--if possible--your kit from your last trip. Analyze every piece of gear and whether or not you used it. If you didn't use it, lose it. You're the only one that can really decide what kit will work for YOU. You've done two (or more) trips to Europe and you know what the shooting demands are. Nov 13, 2009 at 02:05 PM

Catchlight Offline Upload & Sell: On p.1 #8 · Going to Europe. What to bring? Based on the experience of several trips I second Jacob Vink's recommendation. The less gear, the better, and concentrate on the short focal lengths becuase those are the ones you will actually use. Have a great trip! Nov 13, 2009 at 07:20 PM

AbramG Offline Upload & Sell: On p.1 #9 · Going to Europe. What to bring? Jacob Vink wrote: You brought way too much stuff last time? This brings the backpacker in me out. Reassemble--if possible--your kit from your last trip. Analyze every piece of gear and whether or not you used it. If you didn't use it, lose it. You're the only one that can really decide what kit will work for YOU. You've done two (or more) trips to Europe and you know what the shooting demands are. Thank you for your insight. But I'd like to clarify that I've never been to Europe yet, this is a first time for me, I've been to New Zealand twice now, but never Europe. This is why I'm asking what kind of things I can expect. I've ALWAYS been one to over-pack, I figure "what if I need it for this one shot?" lol, terrible motive to go by, which is why I'm trying to change. Only having certain lenses would also force me to be more creative, I wasn't sure to begin with if I'd need the 70-200, and everyone's responses seem to coincide with this notion. I'm definitely bringing the 16-35, I KNOW I will be using that a lot. I'm also gonna bring the 24-70 for sure ( I never leave home without it.) If I get my 50 back and it's working I'll bring that, and I suppose I'll just leave it at those three, (Unless I bring the 28 f/1.8 for low light interiors...) Nov 13, 2009 at 07:33 PM

TezM Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #10 · Going to Europe. What to bring? i went around the world with a 17-40 and an 85 1.8. Don't sweat it. What kind of things to expect? Well, where are you going? I'm from England but have been all over europe, and I went traveling through India, Asia, New Zealand with the above lenses. I think the three lenses are fine. Weight is something to consider as is how conspicuous you want to be. If you have a 24-105 L, you'd be sorted. Nov 13, 2009 at 11:36 PM

AbramG Offline Upload & Sell: On p.1 #11 · Going to Europe. What to bring? So the sigma 50mm (and actually all of my fast primes) are gone. I'm hoping to buy a 50L before the trip. I imagine I'll be ok without the 70-200, so I'll bring the 16-35 / 24-70 / 50L Nov 19, 2009 at 12:57 AM

Patty Streufer Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #12 · Going to Europe. What to bring? TezM wrote: I think the three lenses are fine. Weight is something to consider as is how conspicuous you want to be. If you have a 24-105 L, you'd be sorted. I don't know what that means "you'd be sorted" - can you explain? Nov 19, 2009 at 05:10 PM

redcrown Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #13 · Going to Europe. What to bring? Just got back from a trip to Italy. Left the 70-200 and 24-70 at home. Travled light, using only a Canon 28-135 on a 5D2. That range worked well for most subjects. But, and it's a big "but", I really wish I'd had a tilt-shift lens and will definitely consider buying one for the next trip. Main reason is because I could never get far enough away from the subject to avoid significant perspective distortion. Lot's of interesting doors, windows, building facades, church interiors, but most are located in very narrow streets. Your back is always against the wall. I've spent hours in Photoshop using Transform to make corrections, and can salvage many shots without too much image degradation. But getting perspective correction with the lens would be much better. Nov 19, 2009 at 05:23 PM

AbramG Offline Upload & Sell: On p.1 #14 · Going to Europe. What to bring? Hmm a very interesting "perspective" on things. I don't have one myself, but I have used them in the past (not to mention shooting on 4x5 for a number of years) I certainly understand the value of that ability. I thank you guys for all of your suggestions. it really sounds unanimous that the 70-200 wont be necessary. I may miss 1 or 2 shots, but I'd rather not take a long telephoto if I'm really not going to use it. Now if I had a 200 f/2.8 maybe, however I do not. I think I'm pretty well decided now and content with what I'll be bringing. Nov 19, 2009 at 07:21 PM

philber Offline Dedicated FM Upload & Sell: On p.1 #15 · Going to Europe. What to bring? Of your 3 options, there is not one I really like. Option 1 because you have no low-light lens. Option 3 because you will want to go wider than 28. Option 3 because of the weight. If I were you, I would do: 16-35, 50 f:1.4, 85 f:1.8. This assumes that your body of choice will be 5 MkII. That gives you super wide angle, and enough reach for a decent (though not tight) portrait, enough low light ability, and yet portable enough. In any case, have fun, and, when you are back, post some pics from your trip... Nov 24, 2009 at 06:19 AM

Donald Gray Offline Upload & Sell: On p.1 #16 · Going to Europe. What to bring? I travel extensively in Europe, Australia & New Zealand as well as around UK. I strongly suggest buying one of those mini tripods. There will be times when you will be out & about without your full kit (Going out for dinner at posh places ) or when you need to 'travel light' The mini tripod may not be the world's best tripod but: It is small & light Fits into a pocket (Even a tux!) Can be used discretely in many of the major churches/cathedrals et al. Invaluable for sudden inspired night photography Only costs about £/E/$ 10 I always have one in my pocket. I have used one even with a heavy lump of glass (6.5 Lb). That said, not all mini tripods will lock that weight - take your camera & heavy lens and try one. Bare in mind it is an emergency support, not heavy duty! When using it think of something to stand it on... Trash bin, chair, wall, car roof etc...I have shots that I could not have taken if it didn't live in my pocket ready for use. I also have a lightweight monopod that I use as a walking cane. The one I use is a 'Exped Viewfinder' like this one. Google 'Exped monopod' or 'Exped Viewfinder' Because I use it as a walking cane, Air Carriers and airport security allow it as a 'carry on' without treating it as additional luggage. I collapse it down & goes into the overhead locker with no problem. The following pic shows 6.5lb being supported by a mini tripod that is sitting on a trash bin which is sitting on a garden table. Nov 24, 2009 at 07:02 AM

AbramG Offline Upload & Sell: On p.1 #17 · Going to Europe. What to bring? Well in the last couple days I made a couple significant changes in my lineup. I simultaneously sold the 28 / 50 / 85, and picked up a 50mm f/1.2L I plan on now bringing the 16-35 / 24-70 / 50L. I do have a small mini tripod that I use for off camera flash but it will support the camera. I'm going to stop worrying so much about what gear I'm going to bring and just enjoy the trip. (Pending that it happens....) Nov 24, 2009 at 07:35 AM

AbramG Offline Upload & Sell: On p.1 #18 · Going to Europe. What to bring? Awesome. Well it looks like I'm not going to Europe this year after-all. Looks like it's been rescheduled to next year. I think we will be taking a trip to Yellowstone instead, which means I should probably bring the roller bag with my gear and take what I need from the car each day. Lol. Things change too much. Nov 24, 2009 at 09:23 PM

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