p.5 #1 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
Laslo Varadi wrote:
The new Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 lens.
Hi Laslo,
Thank you for the suggestion. But, I can't afford a $1900 lens on top of the back up system for the the digital files, and all of the protection for accessing the internet, and cell service and everything else for the trip especially just after purchasing an A1 camera body.
p.5 #2 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
Rich,
I just finished reading this thread and for me, all the choices you are considering make my head spin. You asked for opinions, so I'm going to give you mine.
If thinking about gear and lenses all the time makes you happy, then by all means take everything, since constantly thinking about what lens/camera/tripod to take makes you happy. But...on a vacation with other people where photography isn't always the first priority, keep it SIMPLE so you can focus on the people in your life while your with them in fantastic places.
Simple for me that would cover almost every possibility would be a 12-24 and a 24-70, either f4 or f2.8 versions (I'd take the f2.8 versions). I know you don't have those lenses, but you have until March to get them.
I know we are all different (which is why you are soliciting opinions), but don't complicate things if you don't have to. I hope you have a great trip.
p.5 #3 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
If my goal was to be as fast, light, and capable as possible to document a trip like this I have my easy button kit.
My Sony a1 and Tamron 17-28 f/2.8 and Tamron 28-200. These give very good IQ coverage from 17 to 35 at a reasonable 2.8, up to 100mm at about f/4, and up to 300mm croped. Not much that I couldn't get an acceptable image of. Throw in my CV 40 f/1.2 for character and special images.
I tested this setup on a recent trip to Colorado Rockies and it did surprisingly well.
No bad choices in my kit. Just compromises for different goals.
p.5 #4 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
naturephoto1 wrote:
Hi Laslo,
Thank you for the suggestion. But, I can't afford a $1900 lens on top of the back up system for the the digital files, and all of the protection for accessing the internet, and cell service and everything else for the trip especially just after purchasing an A1 camera body.
Rich
Hi Rich,
Congratulations on the A1. As 1bwana1 suggested the 28-200 is an excellent lens. I was in Italy in October 2019. We were with a Perillo tour and it involved a lot of crowds and walking. You might also consider a fast wide angle lens for the indoor shots such as the 24 or 35 f1.4.
p.5 #5 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
There seem to be two ideas running here:
- the classic photographers “I want the right equipment for the situation.”
- the travel photographer’s “ go light and minimal”
They are of course not in agreement.
My own experience in Italy is that nothing ever goes quite according to plan, and that serendipity is always a major factor. So I vote for small and light, maybe a 4 lens kit - a very wide, 35/50, and smallest telephoto you can work happily with. My guess is you won’t work with more than that.
The exception to this is if there is a particular place you know, a time to go there, and you need a specific setup just for that situation. But if you are moving around and seeing new things all the time, too much gear is a burden, not a pleasure.
p.5 #6 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
Thank you for all of your suggestions. It is a lot to think over.
But at this point, I am leaning toward my normal carry kit of the Kolari Vision UT Sensor modified A7rII and A1 cameras (unless I am persuaded to substitute the A7rIII for the A1 camera). I anticipate normally loading the Voigtlander 28mm f2 Ultron II Asph VM on the Kolari Vision UT sensor modified A7rII. I will also pack the Leica M WATE in the same bag to be used as the second lens on the modified A7rII. Additionally, I expect to normally have my Voigtlander 50mm f2 Apo-Lanthar Asph, FE mount mounted on A1 and to then additionally pack the soon to be released and in my hands Voigtlander 90mm f2.8 Apo-Skopar VM lens in the same bag. I plan to normally carry all of this in my Think Tank URBAN ACCESS™ 10 SLING BAG:
No the Urban Access is not as comfortable as a Mindshift or Think Tank Backpack. I can quickly swing the pack around to my front when there is real concern for theft. But, I may need to get a small Daypack to carry with the Urban sling to carry extra items like a jacket, possibly something like:
When I need to I may well add the Voigtlander 12mm f5.6 Heliar III VM in a small lens pouch and carry it in possibly my photo vest.
Additionally, since the Minolta CLE MC 40mm f2 M-Rokkor lens is so small and light (only about 5 oz) I would expect to pack that as well. As to the question of the Sony 100-400mm GM I think for the sake of my packaging and weight that I will leave that home. But, I think that I may well substitute the Leica R 80-200mm f4 Vario-Elmar lens. The Vario Elmar is not going to provide AF nor as much focal length, but it will be a little smaller and with the Novoflex Adapter and Novoflex ring with QR plate a bit over 1 pound less weight than the Sony 100-400mm GM.
At Ron's suggestion, I will probably now try not to use my Think Tank AIRPORT ADVANTAGE™ due to rolling the bag over cobblestones, etc. I will then pack my Leofoto tripod at its minimum length of 18" with the QR clamp in my Think Tank Bazooka telescoping tripod case and pack it in my 27" hard sided checked bag.
I will then substitute my Mindshift Backlight 26L as my Carry on containing most of my camera gear.
I hope that the luggage handle of our hard sided 27" hard sided rolling luggage will reach the rolling pass through handle on the back of the BackStory backpack.
I would anticipate swapping the 2 backpacks for the Think Tank sling bag when situations would exist when out and about taking photos.
The Think Tank sling bag will be packed in our checked bag along with the tripod.
I also intend to bring the Kinesis Gear M330 Multi Pouch and the Think Tank belt. The Multi Pouch will pack in the checked bag and the Think Tank belt along with other incidentals in the BackStory 13 with me on the plane.
I am hopefully not going to be a center of attention when I am taking photos, but to lessen the reaction and advertising of my equipment, I will use Gaffers tape to cover Sony on the cameras and if people think it appropriate the A1 and the A7rII on the camera bodies as well. I will certainly cover the bold Leica logos on the Leica 80-200mm Vario Elmar lens with Gaffers tape as well.
p.5 #7 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
The more I think about it, the more I get Rich's approach. He's going to be there for a relatively long time, so there is a chance to visit certain locations multiple times. The first visit can be with minimal gear (as some suggest), and if it turns out that special gear is required, he can pick it up at the hotel and come back and reshoot.
p.5 #8 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
I didn’t read all of the replies, but your description of your traveling group made me think that I would take little gear if I were in the same spot, because it sounds like traveling already is pretty stressful by itself.
My next thought would be where you’re actually planning to go and how you will travel in Italy. Maybe you discussed that later in the thread, but that does seem critical to me.
The next question is how and when you plan to use what you take to Italy. Personally, I tend to take a mix of gear to my destination, but while there I carry very little on a day-to-day basis. So, I might take three cameras and six lenses, but when actually going out I’d carry on body and one lens depending on what I think I’ll encounter and what I feel like carrying. Do I miss things? Sure. Do I care? Not at all, because I’m not there for a job, I’m there to enjoy myself and observe. Whatever I carry that day, makes me see in a certain way.
Finally, I feel overwhelmed just seeing the list of lenses you own. How do you decide at home what to take when going out locally?
p.5 #9 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
1bwana1 wrote:
Rich,
Honestly the trains in Rome are a problem. It is a hunting ground and you are the prey. A bag will be fine for convenience items. But for valuables it is simply not safe these days. I won't even wear a camera on a strap that is outside my coat on the trains. If you carry any kind of bag, never on your back or side. Only across your front. None of the bags you show are secure enough in my opinion. They will cut the strap, take the camera and bag throw it to another person while others constrain your movements. I see it happen all of the time. They use women, kids, old people, to position and distract you. It happens many times, every day. It is just when it is your turn.
I used to look forward to my turn. Back in my Africa adventuring and race car driving days I used to work out with trainers six days a week. I am 6'4" and was strong. I loved getting my hands in them. These days not so much. I would prefer not to present a target and just go about my day as pleasantly as possible.
The good thing is that they are not the violent mugger types we get here in the U.S.. they are more snatch and run. They don't like physical confrontations. The people who do the stealing are not prone to fighting even when grabbed. But they often have the protectors in the background for when this happens. This is where I had my biggest issues.
Look up how to protect yourself from these guys on the web. lots of good info. Best to just not make yourself a target.
When I went to Barcelona a few years back, I bought PacSafe bags and straps against pickpockets. I already had the PacSafe net to leave my gear in the hotel. I didn’t encounter problems, but felt better with that gear. Only works if the pickpockets aren’t violent, though. Also, good insurance helps. Nowadays, if my gear were stolen, my loss would be minimal.
The new one would have their new logo. But they are non descript. Or the old one that is above and an older Kinesis Gear (an a bit larger) pouch that all can bit put on the Think Tank belt.
Rich
The first thing I do with bags I plan to carry in the streets is cut off the logo. Doesn’t serve me any purpose anyway.
p.5 #11 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
naturephoto1 wrote:
Hi Ron,
Thanks for your thoughts and input. I do have other Think Tank and Mindshift bags that I can pack in the suitcase including the Think Tank URBAN ACCESS™ 10 SLING BAG and the Mindshift Gear Backlight 18L and 26L. The Mindshift Gear Backpacks are too large as a personal item, which is the reason to travel with the BackStory 13. I have 2 Manfrotto Super Clamps, but if I went with a clamp, I might consider something smaller. Though the Zeiss 35mm f1.4 Distagon ZM performs so well on the A7rII Kolari Vision UT sensor modified camera it is on the order of size and weight of the Leica M WATE which provides many more focal lengths. For size and weight, no question about the Minolta CLE MC 40mm f2 M-Rokker it might be OK though it is not the Zeiss; it does perform better with Kolari Vision modified A7rII as does the WATE. Also, since SK Grimes performed the work on the Voigtlander 12mm lens, the lens is even smaller than in the original form and can be used with an assortment of filters.
I also checked since I received a PM regarding the Kinesis Gear Multi- Pouch (M330), depending upon how I loaded 2 of them and stacking some of the small M-mount lenses, I could load 2 cameras with mounted lenses and up to an additional 3 lenses in the 2 pouches. 2 Kinesis Gear M330 pouches would be easy to pack in my suitcase especially if I do not pack a Mindshift Backlight Series Backpack and/or the Think Tank URBAN ACCESS™ 10 SLING BAG.
I am intending to take and wear a light weight Photography Vest which I can stuff some stuff in including batteries, battery chargers (if need be) and even some filters and adapters.
I know someone has suggested using a less expensive camera than the A1 and if I did, I would take my A7rIII in its place, though I would still prefer to bring the A1.
I will look into finding a "Murse" as an option.
As to cobblestone and such, I would not intend to use my Think Tank Roller except for the purposes of Air Travel and traveling normally from city to city as an example. I would normally expect that we were out for the day and for shooting there would be something on my Back and/or around my waist.
As to your A1, it only has one advantage if you’re using it with manual focus lenses: the dust protection. It apparently is an amazing camera, but with MF lenses you’re not taking advantage of the amazing part.
p.5 #12 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
John: we don't know exactly where Rich will go in Italy other than flying into Rome and maybe Siciliy? Or what his preferred subject matter will be. I'm guessing urban landscapes and some noteworthy interiors (cathedrals, etc.).
Rich: I prepared a fairly lengthy reply to your previous reply to me, but didn't get around to posting it. I read your most recent reply above and you pretty much anticipated what I was going to suggest: use one of the Backlight bags as your main carry-on and use whatever smaller bag you think will be suitable for your personal item.
Thoughts that come to mind:
Using a sling bag with a daypack backpack will be problematic because at some point, both will compete for the same spot on your back. You can use both, but the sling would be on your front at your chest. When I work with the Turnstile 10 sling, I use a messenger bag for my non-photo items, like raincoat, water, snacks, etc.
I'm afraid you'll still be conspicuous for the simple fact you'll be using a 'traditional' camera whereas most others will be using their phones, and especially because of the tripod (which I fully understand you need to use due to the past injury to both your wrists). Tape up all the logos, but I doubt it will do much. It's not like a thief is going to pass over an opportunity because someone was, for example, shooting Canon instead of Sony. (Though perhaps some here on FM would snub the Canon)
The only concern the sling raises, for me, is it's a single strap across your body. With the bag at the front while you're busy looking for subjects and in the process of photography, the part of the strap with the release buckle will be behind you, which someone could theoretically release while you're distracted. Here something like the Pacsafe sling might be more secure due to the reinforced strap and slash-guard mesh (but not sure if their buckles are somehow anti-tamper).
If you think you'll work with a sling a fair amount, maybe consider swapping out the 13L Backstory for some kind of shoulder bag/messenger that would be easier to carry along with the Backlight backpack when in transit. You'd put on the messenger first, with it at your front, then the backpack. Travel documents and other things you need at hand would be in the messenger. You can of course also put inserts in a messenger to carry some equipment. I.e. some of the Domke inserts, or Tenba's BYOB inserts/boxes. For example I have a previous version BYOB 10 I bought on clearance that I'll sometimes throw in the messenger.
And how do you plan to carry the tripod all day? In the 'bazooka' bag? IMO that would be impractical because that bag will get in the way of everything else. And it doesn't look like the Urban Access sling has a tripod carry option. But I noticed the Tenba Solstice Slings do.
p.5 #13 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
Street criminals respond to opportunity. The more gear one has, the more difficult it is to care for it all the time. It's like the gear you choose to take. it's both it's own reward and punishment.
With multiple travelers, it does allow for spreading the "must go carry-on" stuff over more allowances for the two and from flights. A less demanding schedule allows for more deliberate choosing of the "right" gear for the circumstances.
p.5 #14 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
rscheffler wrote:
John: we don't know exactly where Rich will go in Italy other than flying into Rome and maybe Siciliy? Or what his preferred subject matter will be. I'm guessing urban landscapes and some noteworthy interiors (cathedrals, etc.).
Rich: I prepared a fairly lengthy reply to your previous reply to me, but didn't get around to posting it. I read your most recent reply above and you pretty much anticipated what I was going to suggest: use one of the Backlight bags as your main carry-on and use whatever smaller bag you think will be suitable for your personal item.
Thoughts that come to mind:
Using a sling bag with a daypack backpack will be problematic because at some point, both will compete for the same spot on your back. You can use both, but the sling would be on your front at your chest. When I work with the Turnstile 10 sling, I use a messenger bag for my non-photo items, like raincoat, water, snacks, etc.
I'm afraid you'll still be conspicuous for the simple fact you'll be using a 'traditional' camera whereas most others will be using their phones, and especially because of the tripod (which I fully understand you need to use due to the past injury to both your wrists). Tape up all the logos, but I doubt it will do much. It's not like a thief is going to pass over an opportunity because someone was, for example, shooting Canon instead of Sony. (Though perhaps some here on FM would snub the Canon)
The only concern the sling raises, for me, is it's a single strap across your body. With the bag at the front while you're busy looking for subjects and in the process of photography, the part of the strap with the release buckle will be behind you, which someone could theoretically release while you're distracted. Here something like the Pacsafe sling might be more secure due to the reinforced strap and slash-guard mesh (but not sure if their buckles are somehow anti-tamper).
If you think you'll work with a sling a fair amount, maybe consider swapping out the 13L Backstory for some kind of shoulder bag/messenger that would be easier to carry along with the Backlight backpack when in transit. You'd put on the messenger first, with it at your front, then the backpack. Travel documents and other things you need at hand would be in the messenger. You can of course also put inserts in a messenger to carry some equipment. I.e. some of the Domke inserts, or Tenba's BYOB inserts/boxes. For example I have a previous version BYOB 10 I bought on clearance that I'll sometimes throw in the messenger.
And how do you plan to carry the tripod all day? In the 'bazooka' bag? IMO that would be impractical because that bag will get in the way of everything else. And it doesn't look like the Urban Access sling has a tripod carry option. But I noticed the Tenba Solstice Slings do....Show more →
Hi Ron,
The Urban Access 10 sling does allow for a small tripod, though not as large as my Leofoto:
Unfortunately, the Urban Access 10 appears to be the only sling of those mentioned that would afford carrying 2 Sony bodies with attached lenses as well as 2 additional M-mount lenses.
The Pacsafe sling is only 8L in size so it is too small and does not appear to offer the opportunity to carry a tripod.
The Tenba Solstice 10L sling is apparently designed to only have the capacity for one camera body and 2 to 3 lenses though it does offer the opportunity to carry a tripod:
Neither of the Think Tank Turnstile 10 nor 20 offer the ability to carry a tripod and I am not sure if either would allow carrying 2 camera bodies each with an attached lens and 2 additional M-mount lenses.
I could substitute a messenger bag such as my Tenba DNA 13 or a larger Tenba and more recent messenger bag could substitute for the BackStory 13. I just checked and I do not believe that I am able to carry both filter kits (one round and one Grad and solid ND) and still have sufficient space for the additional items including my batteries and chargers, the adapters for Italy, tripod head, extension and leveling base for tripod, backup system and external SSD (these may fit in the Mindshift Gear 26L), all medication for 4 weeks, etc. The Backstory 13 has more internal space than the DNA 13 with Internal Dimensions of: 8.6” W x 14.2” H x 4.8” D (22 x 36 x 12.3 cm). However, I could pack the Tenba DNA 13 in my 27" hard sided rolling checked bag.
p.5 #15 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
Hi Rich,
I was born and live in Rome and travelled extensively all over Italy. Before giving my humble contribution, I have been reading the whole thread, in order to understand your approach and the one from others that visit my beautiful Country. I am always curious at the way people from abroad see my Country, but that is entirely another story…
I think you already received very valuable feedbacks, being they towards minimalistic or “bring-everything-for-every-opportunity” strategy.
I myself tend to fit in the second case, especially if I don’t know very well the environment I will be in.
In this case though, as a native, I would advise you to stay as light as possible, both for enjoying the trip and because of the many constraints you may encounter walking extensively with a lot of gear pending from your shoulders (i.e. busses/metro, paved/narrow roads, crowded spaces).
Of course it all depends on where you plan to go and what you want to see/experience.
I definitely would carefully evaluate the tripod topic. Tripod may not be allowed in some places (city centers, monumental areas, churches), especially big/professional ones. Maybe a small one would be more tolerated and surely more inconspicuous. A monopod could be the right trade-off between support/relief for your wrists and weight for your back (it can also double as a deterrent for thieves). I would only carry a tripod for night/long exposures.
As far as lenses go, I would not take the 100-400, if not for wildlife or (very) distant landscape shots (for which haze could be detrimental in any case). In urban areas 100-135mm should be more than adequate. Out of town 180-200 should suffice.
Ultrawides are really a matter of personal tastes. In my experience 21mm is already enough for cathedral/church interiors. IMHO 12mm would be too wide, since the details and decorations would become less visible.
With your equipment list in mind I would take:
Leica WATE
35/1,4 or 40/2
65+135 or 90+180 or 80-200
Hoping this will be useful, please feel free to PM me privately should you need any kind of further information for your unforgettable trip.
p.5 #16 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
I'm not lucky enough like orso to be born in Italy but I've been there many times and even worked in Milano.
I could not agree more with what been said and that he summarised perfectly.
I've tried it both, "full system to do everything" and "small system 2 or 3 primes". I often go there with both, i.e. a mirrorless with zooms and a Leica M with primes.
I've noticed that I get better pictures when I have less gear but that is just me.
p.5 #17 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
orso wrote:
Hi Rich,
I was born and live in Rome and travelled extensively all over Italy. Before giving my humble contribution, I have been reading the whole thread, in order to understand your approach and the one from others that visit my beautiful Country. I am always curious at the way people from abroad see my Country, but that is entirely another story…
I think you already received very valuable feedbacks, being they towards minimalistic or “bring-everything-for-every-opportunity” strategy.
I myself tend to fit in the second case, especially if I don’t know very well the environment I will be in.
In this case though, as a native, I would advise you to stay as light as possible, both for enjoying the trip and because of the many constraints you may encounter walking extensively with a lot of gear pending from your shoulders (i.e. busses/metro, paved/narrow roads, crowded spaces).
Of course it all depends on where you plan to go and what you want to see/experience.
I definitely would carefully evaluate the tripod topic. Tripod may not be allowed in some places (city centers, monumental areas, churches), especially big/professional ones. Maybe a small one would be more tolerated and surely more inconspicuous. A monopod could be the right trade-off between support/relief for your wrists and weight for your back (it can also double as a deterrent for thieves). I would only carry a tripod for night/long exposures.
As far as lenses go, I would not take the 100-400, if not for wildlife or (very) distant landscape shots (for which haze could be detrimental in any case). In urban areas 100-135mm should be more than adequate. Out of town 180-200 should suffice.
Ultrawides are really a matter of personal tastes. In my experience 21mm is already enough for cathedral/church interiors. IMHO 12mm would be too wide, since the details and decorations would become less visible.
With your equipment list in mind I would take:
Leica WATE
35/1,4 or 40/2
65+135 or 90+180 or 80-200
Hoping this will be useful, please feel free to PM me privately should you need any kind of further information for your unforgettable trip.
I will review your suggestions, particularly the lenses more carefully. I am not sure how well I can get along without a tripod for most of my photographs as I can no longer hold the cameras as stable or as long without some issues having shattered both wrists is a car/bicycle accident in 1993.
The larger tripod that I would bring is my Leofoto LS-284C; you can see the image and the specs are included:
The tripod collapses to 17 1/2" and extends alone to only 47.2". I have added a series of Arca Swiss Type QR clamps and plates to some additional parts so that I can quickly add and remove parts. This adds a bit to the tripod but it allows me to adjust what I am using easily and quickly.
The tripod head that I would use with the tripod is the LH-30R ball head:
I am not using the Leofoto plate in the photo. Using the Leofoto Ls-284C tripod with the LH-30R head and the QR plate and clamp only reach a height of about 51". I am only 5' 5" tall and even I find the height a little low, but I could live with that. The head includes panoramic adjustment above the ball.
Additionally for the tripod kit I also have added an Acratech 2" extension along with a Leofoto Leveling bass only to added and used if I believe that I need additional height. I could leave these home though they would not be large to pack.
The tripod with the head, leg covers, QR plates and clamps and better hook weighs 3 lb 12.5 oz.
I also intend to bring my Leofoto table top tripod and a clamp.
I could add my Really Right Stuff monopod or purchase a smaller one and could use a QR clamp to switch the head between the monopod and tripod quickly. But I would also anticipate that I could use the Leofoto tripod as a monopod by just extending the lens.
p.5 #18 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
I will say this again one doesn't need all the F/Ls or gear. Only the ones that match the way they see. Many will not understand what I mean by this and it took me a few decades o figure it out. But once you do it is like a whole new world opens up and your work will reflect that.
p.5 #19 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
orso wrote:
Hi Rich,
I was born and live in Rome and travelled extensively all over Italy. Before giving my humble contribution, I have been reading the whole thread, in order to understand your approach and the one from others that visit my beautiful Country. I am always curious at the way people from abroad see my Country, but that is entirely another story…
I think you already received very valuable feedbacks, being they towards minimalistic or “bring-everything-for-every-opportunity” strategy.
I myself tend to fit in the second case, especially if I don’t know very well the environment I will be in.
In this case though, as a native, I would advise you to stay as light as possible, both for enjoying the trip and because of the many constraints you may encounter walking extensively with a lot of gear pending from your shoulders (i.e. busses/metro, paved/narrow roads, crowded spaces).
Of course it all depends on where you plan to go and what you want to see/experience.
I definitely would carefully evaluate the tripod topic. Tripod may not be allowed in some places (city centers, monumental areas, churches), especially big/professional ones. Maybe a small one would be more tolerated and surely more inconspicuous. A monopod could be the right trade-off between support/relief for your wrists and weight for your back (it can also double as a deterrent for thieves). I would only carry a tripod for night/long exposures.
As far as lenses go, I would not take the 100-400, if not for wildlife or (very) distant landscape shots (for which haze could be detrimental in any case). In urban areas 100-135mm should be more than adequate. Out of town 180-200 should suffice.
Ultrawides are really a matter of personal tastes. In my experience 21mm is already enough for cathedral/church interiors. IMHO 12mm would be too wide, since the details and decorations would become less visible.
With your equipment list in mind I would take:
Leica WATE
35/1,4 or 40/2
65+135 or 90+180 or 80-200
Hoping this will be useful, please feel free to PM me privately should you need any kind of further information for your unforgettable trip.
p.5 #20 · Photo Equipment for a month long? trip to Italy
Not only is there a dedicated "tripod police" presence in almost all churches, it is a real tripping hazard in many. With high iso cameras and PP software tripods have lost a lot of their utility.
Carrying a camera helps me to actively see my surroundings up to a point where the hardware becomes a distraction.
Between the crowds and security involved in entering attractions, Rome has become a lot less fun for me.
