What’s Your Preference?

BovrilArg · #1 (**permalink**) 07-25-2009, 03:53 PM

Ok so I have tried to go over the 200 or so threads on travel to get the information I need but really did not find any that matched. So here I go making yet another travel thread….
On a recent cruise down through the Strait of Magellan (Jan 09) I decided that I wanted to get into photography. I had a little money sitting aside and dumped it into a D300 and a couple of lenses.

Right after I bought it all I was transferred from Argentina to Saudi Arabia. When I arrived I realized that the locals are not fans of cameras. It is very difficult for a foreigner to walk around with any kind of camera. So all the gear sat in a case for several months and I developed absolutely no ability to use it.

Now I will be going on vacations to France. Since I have literally taken a few hundred pictures I am completely new at this. I got great advice from the other travel threads but what I would like advice on has not been covered. So here goes.

How (not what) should I carry all this stuff?? Ok it sounds naïve but while packing I have come to the conclusion that while I like photography I do not like lugging all the stuff around. I have two camera bags. One back pack style and one side carry. Both can handle all the stuff EXCEPT for the tripod. The backpack has a neat loop to carry it. But the side carry seems more accessible. What is the best way to carry equipment when in a city like Paris?

Second set of questions…tripod. So I just bought a Gitzo tripod (seriously I went in planning on spending allot less than I did but even without a salesman in sight I still deviated from my plan) because I would like to play with slower shutter speeds. When traveling with a tripod do you usually take it with you all the time? Part of the trip is a four hour photography tour…would you take the tripod on that? Finally is there any issue walking into a museum with it? I would probably not use it in a museum but I would hate to go back to the hotel to leave it.

Appreciate any help. I will be leaving on the 29th of July.

OsmosisStudios · #2 (**permalink**) 07-26-2009, 02:55 AM

I almost always use a shoulder bag (cross mounted) to carry my gear around when im walking around with it. A backpack is in my future for carrying EVERYTHING, but for now it's a combination of bags with a shoulder bag for banging around.

Depending on what youre carrying (be specific!), you may be able to get away with a smaller bag than you might think.

As for tripods: Ive never carried a tripod with me on vacation. Push comes to shove I can stack stuff to make a platform. It's never impossible.

mad editor · #3 (**permalink**) 07-26-2009, 05:03 AM

I was in Paris in May. The sidewalks are narrow and the pavement uneven. The Metro is fabulous, but you'll be going up and down hundreds of steps every time you enter. Best thing is to take a shoulder bag, Carry your camera, a spare lens and your flash. There is always something to lean against or to prop your camera on. You'll have a better time if you are not saddled with too much equipment. Have a great trip!

BovrilArg · #4 (**permalink**) 07-27-2009, 01:16 PM

Hey folks thanks for the advice. Done. Tripod stays behind and I will take both bags to see which works best. I may as well experiment now...

dcclark · #5 (**permalink**) 07-27-2009, 01:30 PM

It may also help to carry the camera in a different way -- as you've noticed, people who look like tourists with cameras aren't going to be well-liked (it's the same everywhere!). I always carry my camera on its own (no bag) but sling it around my shoulder so that it's riding on my right hip. This looks quite different, and people may see you in a different light. It also helps if the rest of your appearance doesn't scream "tourist!!" as well.

BovrilArg · #6 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 04:07 PM

Well we have completed four days in Paris and are moving south. I thought I would add a few notes on what I learned traveling with my camera for the first time. Lighter is better. I have heard this advice before but experience is worth allot more. I ended up leaving the big bags behind and just taking the D300, a 18-200mm on the camera and a 50mm in a pocket. When I went to the Eiffel Tower I took a wide angle instead of the 18-200mm.

My experience was...when I am a pack mule I take pictures like a mule. When I shed the weight then I was happy and ended up looking at things from a new perspective.

For anyone traveling for the first time I recommend going as light as possible. The best pics I got was with the 50mm.

Final thought...the more wine the better I thought I was getting...the next morning I proved this to be very false.

JosieShoots · #7 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 04:22 PM

Ah, thanks for sharing this insight. I'm gonna be travelling soon too, and was just about to post a question about what to do when travelling. Thanks for advice!

LoveDSLR · #8 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BovrilArg

I ended up leaving the big bags behind and just taking the D300, a 18-200mm on the camera and a 50mm in a pocket.

My vacation kit consists of D300 + 18-200 + 10.5.

RexK_Cozumel · #9 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 05:40 PM

LOL..... different strokes for different folks I suppose. My travel kit consists of...

D700 with grip
D200 with grip
Nikon 14-24 f2.8
Nikon 24-70 f2.8
Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR
Nikon 60 f2.8 Micro
3 SB-800 Speedlights

And yes I usually end up using all of the gear. Well sometimes not the 60 but I figure since it is such a small, light weight lens, compared to my other lenses, why the heck not.

Edit***
Generally when I am just walking around I will carry the D700 with the 24-70 f2.8 on a black rapid strap. If I see something that requires the gear that I don't have with me I will come back with the proper gear.