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Asia for 10 weeks, if these were your choices what would you take?

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J

justshooting

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Baltimore, MD, US
Option 1
Nikon D700
Nikon 28-300
Nikon 20 2.8
Nikon 35 2
Nikon 50 1.4
Nikon 85 1.8

Option 2
Nikon D7000
Nikon 18-200
Nikon 10-24
Nikon 50 1.4
Nikon 85 1.8

A month in Hong Kong, week in China, week in Thailand and a month in Singapore.

I go light with option 2. Wondering if I'll miss the low light ability of option 1.
 
Option 3

D7k
18-200
50mm 1.4
 
Option 4:
35/2
85/1.8

Lighter combo that covers almost all that's really interesting... :-)

--
“There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly.”
Buckminster Fuller
http://www.flickr.com/photos/archivue/
 
Since we're all tossing stuff out, I thought it might be helpful to give my mindset for my choices. Maybe others will as well, though I kinda see where they are going.

For me, the 28-200 is a great walk around lens. See something interesting, pick up the camera and shoot. No fuss.

The 50/1.4 goes on when the sun goes down. Done deal.

The D7k was my choice simply because it's smaller, quieter, and looks more touristy. I'd also be a LOT less mad if it got stolen.

To me, the 20mm/2.8 carries little appeal because I would NOT carry around another lens for 10 weeks for the half-stop over the zoom. the 85mm is a heavy lens and it's focal length is already replicated in the zoom. It's big benefit is for doing really nice portraits, but if I am on vacation, I am not going to be setting up portrait shoots. And if I was truly pressed, the 50mm/1.4 can do the job nicely on that D7k.

The other stuff I just see no real use for. Nothing but added weight.
 
justshooting said:
A month in Hong Kong, week in China, week in Thailand and a month in Singapore.
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I've done several long-haul trips through Asia, my last one was a slow 14 months from Bangkok (overland down thru Malaysia) to Singapore.

Why would you want to carry so much gear?

It's hot, humid and very sweaty...(travel as light as possible)...don't take any clothes either...just a couple pairs of shorts and a sleeveless T-shirt.

IF you need anything more, you can always buy it local.

I'd keep the gear to a minimum. The D700 and 2 lenses at most.

I took a small day-pack (12 lbs) with me on that entire trip.

IF you are spending a month in Singapore you will need more dough than you think...plus, the Thai chix and booze ain't so cheap any more...so your'll need more cash that you might plan for ;)

The Indian food in Singapore is some of the best I've had (outside of India/Sri Lanka or London)...so check out Komala Vilas and other great rests in the "Little India" district.

Watch your gear...petty theft (ie: of the stealth kind)...is really your only concern in this region.

Have a good trip...

KEV
http://kvincentphotography.ca/stackedimages
http://kvincentphotography.ca/designerflorals
http://kvincentphotography.ca/macro
 
I would to take the Nikon D7000 and 2 lenses

Nikon 18-200 and Nikon 10-24
 
Singapore is very very small, 1 month is way too long there. One month in HK is also too long. 1 week in China or Thailand is way too short.
 
exe said:
Singapore is very very small, 1 month is way too long there. One month in HK is also too long. 1 week in China or Thailand is way too short.
Click to expand...
It depends, I've stayed more than a month in both Singapore and Honk Kong and would never get bored, etc...simply because they are such vibrant, interesting cities...that just exploring the local eating places alone and hanging out to experience the scene can be so enjoyable...and days pass pretty quickly.

Altho, I do agree...that considering the OP's overall trip is so short...I'd recommend spending more time in both China and Thailand. Especially the southern islands of Thailand (ie: Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phangan, etc.) it's so easy to get way-laid there coz the living is so chill...

KEV
http://kvincentphotography.ca/stackedimages
http://kvincentphotography.ca/designerflorals
http://kvincentphotography.ca/macro
 
Like others said, travel light. Trust me. I do these types of trips alot. I recently came back from one. I'd recommend

D7000 or D5100
35/1.8 DX
a good, light zoom (I had 28-105VR)

That's it. D5100 has the same sensor as the D7000 and is much lighter. The D7000 was pretty light for me, but when you're traveling that long, each once matters. I've done the heavy travels with combos of D3, D700, or Canons. When your back is in pain, you don't have fun. If your back is aching, you're not going to be out and about to shoot the photo. Better to have a good setup that allows you to be out and about than to have the very best equipment in your bag while you're in bed trying to rest.
 
My Option:
Nikon D700
Nikon 28-300
Nikon 20 2.8
justshooting said:
A month in Hong Kong, week in China, week in Thailand and a month in Singapore.
Click to expand...
I once heard Singapore described as "Disneyland with the death penalty", which is close in spirit to the truth. Through circumstances I HAD to spend a month there, spread out over a six-month Asia trip. It's hot, humid, and pretty much just a big, though clean, city. If you live in 'western' society, it's nothing new. A week is plenty.

Matter of fact, I'd reverse the timing on all your stops: A month each in China and Thailand and a week in Singapore and HK. Move around in China and Thailand and don't neglect northern Thailand.

Don't worry unnecessarily about theft. Be conscious, constructively paranoid and think about what you're doing and where you are. People aren't typically violent or confrontive - just don't offer any opportunities.

John
 
Did anyone mention:
Weather-sealing might be very important??

Is it going to be extremely humid where you are?
Does it rain in the summer (monsoon) season?

Please take appropriately sealed lenses.

--

Sincerely,

GlobalGuyUSA
 
Spooner said:
If you live in 'western' society, it's nothing new. A week is plenty.

Matter of fact, I'd reverse the timing on all your stops: A month each in China and Thailand and a week in Singapore and HK. Move around in China and Thailand and don't neglect northern Thailand.
Click to expand...
Spooner said:
John
Click to expand...
That's what I would strongly suggest as well. I've lived in Singapore for over 10 years, 1 year in HK, 1 year in Thailand, a visit in China pre them opening the barn doors (early 80s).

As for weather sealing against humidity, forget about it, it's not going to make any difference. You should however bring a zip lock bag or two because you will be going in and out of airconditioned rooms/buildings and cars/bus/subways a lot. Personally, I skip the zip bags cause you're ALWAYS going in and out of airconditioning. Everything is airconditioned there, just as in the winters here, every place you go will be heated.
 
I live in Singapore and have shot in many of the countries you mention.

My advice is:

D700 with 28-300 (for general) and 50 f/1.4 (for really low-light). And SB600/700/800/900.
20 f/2.8 only if you need wider for landscape.

You don't want to carry a lot of equipment around because it might not be safe in some countries.

If you need video recording then D7000, 18-200 and 50 f/1.4. 10-20 if you need wider.
 
20, 35, 85.

You'll focus on your composition, and get better shots.

Also, lighter than carrying everything.

Lastly, pack a flash. A great read for the plane is Joe McNally's book The Hotshoe Diaries (all on flash).

Enjoy!
 
Lot's of good advice here. My suggestion is refocus on exactly what kind(s) of images you want to work on. Let that dictate your body/lens choices.

Street portraits, landscapes and architecture are what I'm into when I travel.
I carry the following inside of an Osprey Sojourn 28

Think Tank Shape Shifter pack (carry on / day pack)
d700
raincover for camera
14-24/2.8 -landscape / architecture / festivals
24 1.4 -portraits / street
35/2 - portraits / street
45/2 tilt/shift - architecture / street
70-300 lightweight crappy zoom just to cover my bases

When I go out, I leave most of my gear back in my room because it's just no fun to carry everything, everywhere. FOCUS!

--
http://www.patricklovephotography.com
 
D700
20 and 85

Too much weight otherwise, and too much choice - there might be a tendency towards option paralysis.
Just my 2p's worth.
Have a great trip whatever you decide!
Patrick
--
Patrick Dodds
 
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