Topics

1

Canon General / SE Asia - Travel/Photo Tips?

« on: October 18, 2012, 02:03:40 PM »

Hello - I'm planning to spend 2 weeks in South East Asia in December.  I haven't set my itinerary yet but was thinking of splitting my time between HCMC, Angkor Wat, and Bangkok.  I know that's not enough time to soak in all the culture and sights but I can't extend my trip and I really wanted to visit all three countries.  That said, I am hoping to get some travel advice for that part of the world.  I'm from NYC and I've previously been to Asia (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia) but stuck to "safe" touristy areas.  I'm hoping for a more local and "real" experience for this trip.  Besides taking normal precautions and safeguards should I be worried at all about my photo gear?

This is what I have and what I'm thinking of bringing.  I'm trying to travel light but would welcome any different suggestions:
7D
Tamron 18-270
5DmIII (taking)
24-105L (taking)
50L
430EXII
Gitzo GK1580TQR4 Tripod (taking)
Lee 2xND, Big Stopper, 2x GND
Canon S95 (taking)
Panasonic TS4
Gorillapod SLR-Zoom
Tamrac Zipshot

Everything above is insured.  Would anyone take the 7D+Tamron instead for the weight+reach?  I'm tempted to bring the Lee Filters and flash but I'm not sure how much I would really use them.

For those that have photographed the three countries above, are there any MUST SEE places?  I've researched and looked at guidebooks but I'm looking for a photographer's perspective.   Would you split your time equally between the three countries?  Spend more time in one than the others?  That kind of stuff.

Any tips and general recommendations would be really appreciated!

2

EOS Bodies - For Stills / 7D+5DII or 5DIII?

« on: March 18, 2012, 11:42:33 PM »

Hello - hoping to get some of your advice on the purchase of a new body.  I am just a hobbyist and currently have a 7D, Sigma 30mm 1.4 (use 60%), Tokina 11-16 2.8 (30%), and a Tamron 18-270 (10%).  Since I purchased the 7D I've shot a few concerts, the aurora borealis in AK, and several churches (Westminster, Notre Dame, etc).  I now find myself wishing I had a FF body for better low light performance and IQ.  Outside of a few travel/vacation clips I don't really use video. 

I'm trying to decide whether I should just pick up a 5DII or to sell the 7D and go with only the 5DIII.  I will be picking up an L prime or two as well.   I don't do a lot of sports, birding or wildlife anymore so I don't need any telephotos or extra reach.  I have a 430EXII that I use on occasion.  I've ruled out getting the 5DII and selling/trading the 7D for lenses.  I feel like I'd miss the AF and FPS (that said, I've never shot a 5DII so what do I know?)

Option A:
7D
5DII
Tokina 11-16 (for 7D and at 16mm for 5D)
24L
50L or 85L

Option B:
5DIII
Tokina 11-16 (use at 16mm)
50L or 85L
Non-L or 3rd party wide angle prime

A few questions:
1.  Is the focusing on the 5DII really that mediocre?  Outside of sports or action, are there any practical limitations?  Would one experience any issues going back and forth between a 7D and 5DII?
2.  Ignoring paid work or jobs, does anyone actually take a 2nd backup body on vacations?  Is it worth the backache or do you wish you just had one camera to handle everything?
3.  For those who currently have a 7D+5DII are you planning to go with just the 5DIII?  If so, why or why not? 

I'd appreciate your thoughts or recommendations.

Thanks!