Hi guys,

I'm heading overseas in early 2010 to parts of Europe (France, Span, Italy and Dalmation Coast) for about 3 months and am trying to decide on my photography needs. My current kit consists of a 30d, 17-40, 70-200f4 (non IS) with access to other lenses (but maybe not for travelling with). I started photography with film and have missed a true wide-angle so far on digital and feel that i would definitely miss it while overseas. I'm also hoping to travel as light as possible and get the best results possible.

My thoughts so far were to sell my 70-200 and 17-40 in order to take a 10-22 and 50 f1.4 (for low light situations), possibly a 1.4x converter to. i don't use the 70-200 as often anymore and don't think i'll need the long end most of the time while away, as i mostly shoot landscapes and occasional portraiture and streetscapes/candids. I haven't travelled like this before, but am thinking i'd hover around the 35mm mark as a walkabout (experienced opinions are welcome on this thought).

I feel that the above kit would suit my needs while using a crop, but am wondering if i would achieve better results by taking advantage of the cheaper 5D MKI's now that the MKII's are out? I would be happy to sell my 70-200 and 30D, then pay the extra for the 5D and 50 f1.4, resulting in a kit comprised of 5D mkI, 17-40 and 50 f1.4. Does this seem a better option to you guys, particularly at the wider end? Or would the crop kit achieve better results? I'm just not sure what difference the combination of glass, megapixel and sensor size would make.

Any other travel advice is welcome to, but my major concern is the above

Thanks in advance,

Jarrah FitzGerald.

If possible, I vote for the 5D route with the 17-40 and 70-200 F4 + teleconverter for maximum coverage and flexibility. Although if you don't feel like you need the longer range, I'd switch it for a 85mm 1.8 or the 50mm f1.4 you mentioned.

I upgraded to the 5D from a 40D and I felt the image quality improved dramatically. The bonus was also that I didn't have to buy a new wide angle lens. I've heard great things about the 10-22 although I've never personally used one. I'm sure they're both great options. I just personally prefer the files from a 5D better hence my choice for the 5D.

Also on a side note, I recall that the 1.4 teleconverter could only be used if your lens is a L prime lens 135mm and longer, zoom L lens at least 70mm on their wide end or a Canon TS-E Tilt-Shift lens.

It seems then that the 1.4x would not help the 17-40, 10-22 or the 50mm.

5D doesn't have a pop-up flash in case you need one. However, 5D might be a good option since you can just keep your 17-40.

Getting a good used 5D is the best option, in my opinion, unless you remain
committed to the 1.6x crop bodies for the long term. Don't bother getting a 10-22
unless you are.

The 5D, along with a decent 50mm prime like the 50/1.8 II
would give you a very nice kit.

Pick up a used 580EX mkI or 430EX mkI and your flash needs are covered.
This is a very good travel kit.

If you can afford to keep the 30D as a backup, that would be very useful to have
as "insurance" on such a long trip, and also would be handy as a second body
to mount your tele or your prime.

my suggestion

30d, 10-22, sigma 30 & 70-200

or

5d 17-40, 50/85 & 70-200

dont forget to bring tripod for your trip, as its very useful for night shot

Sticking with the 30D - the 10-22 is a must, you will need wide for sure especially for interior shots. Add the 50 for low light / night shots. The 17 - 40 has been my main walk around on a crop body for several years - a great combo.

Going 5D may be a good choice but your long end will be the 50 which may not do it in a few situations. The 17 - 40 is still a go but you may want something longer, consider a kit built around a 24 - 105 or if you can find a good copy the 28 - 135 IS, although that lens has a well deserved dodgy reputation.

I suspect you will not miss the 70-200, I have brought it along on several European trips and it only came out of the bag a few time ( < 5 ) per trip. The 10-22 on my 20D was 50/50 with the 17-40 for shot count.

It may come down to how big you are planning to print / crop-display. The 5D based kit will do better above 12x18 but the 30D kit may be a better travel setup unless you can get a longer lens for the 5D.

Oh yea -- have fun !

I would go with the 5D and the existing 17-40. Add a 85mm f1.8 for more reach. This would make a pretty nice travel kit IMO.

Hi Jarrah,

It really depends on the type of traveling you are doing and how much weight you can afford to carry. If you lose the 70 - 200 then you lose the opportunity to take those candid shots in the street. Of course you can use the 17 - 40 but you need to get a little too close and sometimes this is not possible (and sometimes you can intrude on someones space). Have you thought about getting a 24 -105. I have found it to be a great travel lens - not perfect for every occasion but it captures most of what i am after. Maybe get the 50 1.4 for low light situations, and keep the 70 - 200. If you keep the 30D then the 10 - 22mm is the perfect kit. If you go with the 5D option then just keep the 17 40 (or even better look around for the 12 - 24 sigma) and you have a great travel kit. Leave the 1.4x at home - I carry it but have never used it whilst traveling.

Jarrah,

Ditch the 30D and 70-200 for a 5D.

Keep the 17-40. If you have the $$, upgrade the 50 1.4 to a 24L (mk1) or 35L. Consider an ultra-light tripod.

It'd be great to have an 85 1.8 (low weight and low cost) or 135L, but if you're anything like me, the wide range will get almost all of your attention for everything from open spaces to the cramped ones at human scale.

Cheers,

Russ

If you follow the solid advice of moving to a 5D the 70-200 becomes a much more useful "travel kit" focal length than it is on a crop body. It is a lens with simply stunning IQ and is more useful to me in landscape work than my 17-40.

My idea of a solid kit for a trip like this is:

-5D (dump the 30D and take advantage of the FF sensor and High ISO qualities)
-17-40 - just an all around smashing lens
-70-200 - as mentioned, a fabulous lightweight travel lens with outstanding IQ
-50/1.4 - fill the gap between the two with something faster for times its needed.
-A used of NOS 420EX or a new 430EX is likely all the flash you'll need and is well above and beyond the function of the 30D pop-up.
-A 1.4 TC would give you a boost for the 70-200 when needed and doesn't take up much room in the bag.
-Put it all in a compact LowePro Flipside or SlingShot and you can carry it all day no problem. I also switched straps to an OpTech with some "bounce" to it and the body/lens weight seemed like it was cut by half.

I do a great deal of work related travel and this is the kind of kit I take with me frequently. Best of luck with whatever you choose.

I traveled Europe for about 2 months back in 2007.

At the time, I had a 20D, 10-22, 28-70, and 50 1.4. I don't think I used the 50 once, but looking back, I wish I would have.

I've since upgraded to 5D, 17-40 ... and I don't have a single regret. If you are leaning towards making the jump to FF, or you know you will at some point, and are able to do so before your trip w/o tapping into your travel funds, why wouldn't you?

If it were me, I'd pick up a used 5D (sell your 30D), keep your 17-40, sell your 70-200, and get either a 50 1.4 or an 85 1.8.

I have the 85 1.8, and I can't recommend it enough. It is cheap, very sharp, light, and has relatively fast AF. It would be perfect for any portraits you plan on taking.

Good luck with your decision.

jrscls wrote:
I would go with the 5D and the existing 17-40. Add a 85mm f1.8 for more reach. This would make a pretty nice travel kit IMO.

To the original poster, if you're wanting to go full frame this would be a good set up. If you want something a little longer the 100 f/2 is another good choice.

I recently added a Canon 280EX to my lightweight travel kit and use it pretty much like one would use the pop-up flash on a crop camera. It's incredibly small and light.

Thanks a lot for all your responses!

In regards to a tripod, I doubt I'll be taking one (unfortunately) due to weight and the fact that it's not a purely photographic trip. There was always going to be some compromises...

I'm heavily leaning towards the 5D upgrade as it seems to get the majority of the votes. Plus I always intended to get there one day. I'd have to sell off the 30D (so no backup) and the 70-200 in order to avoid cutting in to my travel budget (too much :P). If going the 5D route, then the 85 1.8 makes more sense to me than the 50, especially with the higher ISO performance of the 5D (might still me able to get some wider stuff at f4 on the zoom).

The 24-104 is in interesting suggestion, I'd forgotten about that lens. However, I'd probably have to also sell the 17-40 in order to pick that up on top of the difference I'll already have to pay on the body. But, 17-40 & 85 covers the majority of that range with the benefit of the faster prime.

Are there any tips or things I should be aware of/look out for when purchasing a used 5D ? I will hopefully use someone like KEH etc, but ebay isn't off the cards.

Thanks again,

Jarrah FitzGerald.

Well, I got my 5D (with 1 BP-511A) right here at FM for a really good price. There isn't really too much you can look for in my opinion. The seller can tell you the approx. shutter count, but there isn't any way for you to know for sure (I've heard if you take it to Canon, they can get the shutter count on a 5D, but I haven't confirmed this).

Honestly, just try to buy from an FM seller that has good seller reviews and who says the shutter count is low. Outside of that, try to get some photos of the camera to at least be sure it appears to have low mileage. I payed $1,100 in January, and I'd say a good deal on a used, low-count 5D here on FM is about $1,100-1,300. I wouldn't pay too much more than that.

Good luck.

EDIT: Sorry, forgot. If you do decide to purchase elsewhere, I would expect the prices to increase by a little bit. Most deals on my local craigslist seem to be priced higher than here on FM, but there is the occasional deal that is on par or below FM prices (I consider FM to be true market value since people here tend to know exactly what things are worth).

I'm currently in my 5th month backpacking South America.

I've got:
5D, 17-40, 24-105, 100-400

Do I think I could add anything? Yes.. a flash.

Luckily I've made my gf carry my 40D on this trip too. But remember you'll need fill light

5D + 24-105. That is all you need.

Took this combo on a 3 week trip to Italy and Greece back in June and could not be happier.

lopexo wrote:
5D + 24-105. That is all lopexo needs.

Fixed your quote for you The OP already stated missing a true wide angle, and while the 24-105 is a great lens on a 5D and 24mm is relatively wide, I'd think for the OP keeping the 17-40 would be a wise choice.

Farrah, 5D + 17-40 would cover your wide angle needs nicely. If you think 50mm on a 1.6x crop would be good, shouldn't you be looking at 85mm or so instead of a 50mm if you go with a 5D?

I agree that the 85 1.8 option is better for the 5D as I can cover all the major lengths between 17-105 with the added advantage of the prime at the long end.

Glad to hear there aren't any majoy problems with picking up used models. The price ranges are a handy tip to, so thanks for that! I'll probably attempt to get a local one first, before trying to purchase from The States. KEH has a bunch ranging from USD$1,200 - $1,700 depending on wear. They seem to go for about AUS$1,700 on the local ebay at the moment so that is preferable.

Hopefully it all comes together nicely If anyone else has any travel or camera tips (or just your favourite travel pic using some of the above combo's) i'd love to see 'em on here.

Cheers,
Jarrah FitzGerald.

10-22, 17-40, 70-200, +30d.

"rent" a used 10-22. Buy it on here or craigslist or ebay, or keh. use it for a time period. Sell it on craigslist or ebay when you get back. Total cost to you will be less than $50.

Realistically. Figure out if you want 2 or 3 lenses. Then figure out if you want to spend the time/effort/money on a new setup. This will then dictate if you are using the 5d+17-40 or the 30d+10-22 as your base. After that fill in with appropriate others.

My trips to europe the 70-200 range on a 20d was useful. It allows you to "crop" in what you want, this could be sections of architecture, or it could be candid shots of people on the street. At the same time the 10-22 was a great thing for plaza's in italy, and other cityscape shots.

20D, 10-22, 17-55 2.8, and an older 80-200 2.8 are my three lens kit. This pretty much goes everywhere, with heavy use of the 17-55.

I recently just returned from Italy and took a 5D, 17-40, 28-135, 50 1.8 and 430EX. In the city I used the 17-40 the most. Once I was in the Tuscan countryside I used my 28-135 but was mostly using it at the long end. I didn't bring my 70-200 due to weight, but it would have been nice in the countryside. Never used the 50 1.8, but I probably should have. I had a two and four year old with me, so I didn't have a lot of time to change lenses.

I also brought a Gorillapod SLRZoom with a $10 ballhead which was a tripod compromise.

If I were in your shoes, I would keep the lenses and sell the 30D for a 5D or keep what you have and rent a 10-22.

As far as other advice for Europe, pack half as much clothes and take twice as much money.