Equipment required for hoilday?

odonovanb

Hi,

I am new to photography, I have used compacts before but this is my 1st venture in SLR.

I have a Canon EOS 400D with the kit 18-55mm and 28-135 IS USM lenses. I am planning on going to Hawaii, Las Vegas and San Francisco later in the year, sept/oct and I was wondering what other kit I should pick up, either before I go, or when I get there.

I'm sure filters would be a good investment but I just don't really know much about them. Any advice would be appreciated.

I am also thinking of getting a wide angle lens for the trip, maybe a Tokina 12-24mm for landscape shots? or a Canon 10-22mm?

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Paulw

A circular polarising filter is a must, especially for bright blue skies, and even near water.

Other than that, some grad filters work wonders too.

Memory, batteries ... make sure you've enough.

odonovanb

Thanks Paul, I thought filters would be a good idea alright, just didn't know enough about them to know what to get.

Thanks.

Paulw

Polariser is vital.

Other than that, go to Gunns on Wexford St, and talk to them. They'll explain the different ones and prices.

I bought a selection of ND grad filters for my trip to Utah last March. They saved many a great scene.

FX Meister

What ND filters you go for Paul?

gandalf

First on your list should be a good backpack. I have the Lowe Pro Computertrakker AW and it has been brilliant.

Just back from Barca and it took 2 x DSLR's and 4 Lens.

Paulw

FX Meister wrote: »

What ND filters you go for Paul?

Ended up getting the Cokin P filters - ND2 and ND8 graduated. With some shots, I even had to combine the two since it was so bright.

Carrigman

My advice is to travel as lightly as possible when going on your American holiday. One camera body, one lens - a wide one.

A wide lens will take in the impressive landscapes and sights (e.g. the Golden Gate Bridge) and will also do a fine job with people.

When I was in the States last year (SFO and Las Vegas) I brought my 400D (light and compact) and a Canon 10-22mm. A perfect combination for holiday photography, in my view.

I wouldn't worry about filters (other, perhaps, than a skylight or UV to protect the lens).

Too much gear is a drag to carry around on holiday. Keep it for your more serious photography at home.

grainne.obrien

I'm just back from America, always bring my camera gear with me. I have the canon 400d as well, with the kit lens and a Sigma 70-300.

I find the kit lens sufficient for landscape shots, mainly because I'm not a fan of the slight fish eye effect you get when using 10mm.

Spare batteries, spare memory cards (mind you they are so cheap over there you can buy them there if you run out of space), a polarizer filter is a must and a good bag to carry them. If in a back pack just remember you may be walking around airports for a bit. I use a wheely case for my camera gear and laptop for the traveling part and then bring another bag for when I get there.

Wouldn't worry too much about other filters as you may end up spending too much time messing with them. I'd get the polarizer before you go and get familiar with it.

I had brought a traveling tripod with me, but didn't use it at all and just added weight to my check in luggage.

Also remember to enjoy the holiday and not spend every min beyond the camera.



Grainne

odonovanb

Thanks for all the advice, really appreciate it.:)

DaireQuinlan

Carrigman wrote: »

Too much gear is a drag to carry around on holiday. Keep it for your more serious photography at home.

Yeah, big time. Its -tempting- to bring as much stuff as you can carry, but don't forget you then have to carry it ! I bring one body, a wide (f2.8 / 20->35 ) zoom, a (f4.5->f5.6 / 75->300) tele-zoom, and my (1.8) 50mm. Plus an assortment of odds and ends, a couple of filters, a macro extension tube, stuff like that that'll fit into a pocket. Plus of course a cooler bag full of slide film :-)