Gear Talk > Canon General

Nepal Expedition

(1/2) > >>

Yehyaalhafidh:
Hey everyone! Another first time poster here but I really value everyone's thoughts and opinions so I thought i'd ask you helpful people for some advice!

At the end of March I will be going to Nepal for 8 days as part of a college trip. For the first couple of days we will be doing volunteer work at local schools and organizing our own accommodation and such in the local markets and towns. We will then endure a 4 days trek in the Himalayan mountains and finally the last day or two will be visiting tourist attractions and doing a bit of R&R after our trek.

My main problem is deciding what camera body to take with me. I currently shoot with my 5D mark II + 35L however i'm super paranoid about it getting damaged somehow on the trek or under light rain in Nepal. Alternatively, I used to shoot with a 450D and i'm considering taking that instead as i'd be less phased if anything were to happen to it, but for me it definitely doesn't provide the quality of photo that I really want, but I don't want my 5D getting wrecked.

As well as these cameras, I am also working in collaboration with a local camera company here in Dubai who are sponsoring me and are willing to provide a Fuji XE-1 along with a 18-55 f/2.8-4 to shoot with during the duration of my trip. Whilst this is a super set up cause it's light and compact, I still haven't been able to try it out and have no knowledge as to whether it is at the same standard as my 5D. Also, another issue i have with it is i usually shoot between f/1.4 and f/2 on FF for small DOF and i've gotten so used to that that when I receive the Fuji i'm not sure i'll be able to manage! Along with this, i've heard the battery life on the X-E1 is rather poor, squeezing out 350 shots at most per charge which is unfortunate considering i don't want to be spending MORE money on spare batteries whereas i have some spare for my 5D already.

Now by all accounts, I am not going on this trip to solely take photos and I am definitely not a professional, I just think it would be nice to get some unusual photos while i'm out there. I've never really shot many landscapes so that will be completely alien to me but I do want to get some snaps of the mountains and scenery whilst I want something to document my charity work and to use as a general walk around camera, capable of taking some shots in low light when needed.

So baaasically, my question is, do I take my 5D, the Fuji XE-1, or both to Nepal?

wickidwombat:
you would be mad not to take the 5Dmk2 take the best glass you have too
i've travelled extensively with them and never had a problem
if you are worried about light rain throw some ziplock plastic bags in your kit
there are amazing shots to be had up there enjoy the trip

biggest problem is gonna be when you reralise 8 days is too short :D

Drizzt321:
I'd also look into travelers insurance, either way, and make sure it includes a rider for your photo equipment. You might also be able to get it insured through your home/renters insurance, although usually it's an additional rider. Just make sure the latter will also cover international travel.

scrappydog:
I would probably take both.  There may be times that you will not want the DSLR, so the smaller camera will be helpful.  However, this sounds like a trip of a lifetime and as such, I would bring the DSLR to get the best shots possible.  The plastic bag suggestion is a good one.  If you can get insurance for your camera and lens, that will put your mind to ease so that you can enjoy the trip.  Have a great time! 

michi:
If you don't take your 5DII, you will kick yourself when you get home.  You may get the shots of a lifetime, and you may not have the best possible camera with you!  Take it!

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page