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Vacation to Argentina - Lenses to bring?

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fotoph

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I'm headed to Argentina soon, for a couple weeks of skiing and drinking.

Here's what I plan on bringing.

D40
8-16 4.5/5.6
35 1.8
17-50 2.8
70-300 4/5.6

I don't plan on bringing my flash or a tripod. I'm not too sure about bringing the 8-16 or the 70-300. However, last time I was skiing in Chile there were a bunch of Condors (I think) flying around and having the reach came in handy. I'm thinking of bringing it for the just in case factor. For the 8-16, same deal. I'd like to have the option of some really wide shots while out and about. Does this set up make sense? Anything I'm missing or overlooking?

I'll be in Buenos Aires and Bariloche almost the whole time. For anyone who has been there, anything I must go see while there? I heard about a zoo outside Buenos Aires where you can ride and pet all the animals. I definitely want to go there and ride a cheetah!

Thanks.
 
Yes, the same Sigma lens.

I probably wouldn't have any use for the 150-500 either.
 
Although your camera body is much smaller and lighter than mine (D40 vs. D300), I think you are taking too much from my experience on international trips--including Argentina. I have found that trips where I carried this much equipment did not help my photos and got in the way of having a good time while I was there.

Also, in some parts of Buenos Aires (and most capital cities) you put yourself at risk changing lenses exactly where you most want to, e.g., La Boca.

For the little it's worth, I take a mid-range zoom (16-85mm) and either something longer or shorter plus a fast prime (35mm f/1.8 DX). I am going to Italy later this year and taking my 12-24mm and 16-85mm. (Narrow streets and tall churches.) I went to Cambodia and Vietnam last year and took my 16-85mm and a 55-200mm VR, bought refurbished for the trip, leaving the optically superior and heavier 70-300mm VR at home. (Lots of small boat trips.)

Regardless, enjoy your vacation!

--
Adrian
 
Good point about security. That is something I'm concerned about. I'll be staying in hostels the whole time, so obviously the less I stand out the better.

My thoughts behind bringing 4 lenses is this. I figure while I'm in Buenos Aires I'll primarily be using the 17-50 for street stuff and the 35 at night time.

Then during the bulk of my trip, which will be skiing, I'm thinking about just using 1 lens each day to get a lot of shots from various perspectives. So in theory (and hopefully in practice) I'll just pick a lens for that day and leave it on all day.

I'm traveling with so much ski gear that adding my camera bag is not a big deal at all.
 
Hi, I'm from Buenos Aires; regarding the Temaiken zoo is a nice place to visit for one day, it's not far away from downtown, about 60Km (1 hour), someone has previously posted the url link and there you'll find more info. Regarding Bariloche, you'll probably love it, all the southern part of Argentina (know as La Patagonia) is an amazing place with incredible landscapes.

There were some problems during the last couple of weeks due to the volcanic eruption of the Puyehue (Chile) and is afecting from time to time the domestic flights to the southern part of the country. There is a local newspaper in english language and you may probably find some more information about this: http://www.buenosairesherald.com/ and check youtube, ie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ-sP0ihzbw

Last but not least, watch for you belongings, specially in Buenos Aires downtown.

I hope you have a nice stay in this beautiful country.
 
I would take it all but the 35mm f1.8, you already have coverage of this lens in a fast 17-50mm.

I would most definitely take the 8-16mm, specially if you are going to photograph vistas . I would recommend you going to a very famous cemetery there in la Recoleta (i believe its called) that has the tomb of Eva Peron, this is one awesome cemetery. For B/w photos, and all those cats roming, its one spooky place, very very nice.

La boca district is great and you will need the ultra wide lens as sell as the 70-300mm for details of people without them knowing.

Good luck and enjoy.
fotoph said:
I'm headed to Argentina soon, for a couple weeks of skiing and drinking.

Here's what I plan on bringing.

D40
8-16 4.5/5.6
35 1.8
17-50 2.8
70-300 4/5.6

I don't plan on bringing my flash or a tripod. I'm not too sure about bringing the 8-16 or the 70-300. However, last time I was skiing in Chile there were a bunch of Condors (I think) flying around and having the reach came in handy. I'm thinking of bringing it for the just in case factor. For the 8-16, same deal. I'd like to have the option of some really wide shots while out and about. Does this set up make sense? Anything I'm missing or overlooking?

I'll be in Buenos Aires and Bariloche almost the whole time. For anyone who has been there, anything I must go see while there? I heard about a zoo outside Buenos Aires where you can ride and pet all the animals. I definitely want to go there and ride a cheetah!

Thanks.
Click to expand...
--
http://www.photoexpedition.net

 
Hello

On my trip to Argentina (Buenos Aires and Patagonia), I only carry the 24-120 and it was enough, so don't carry what you will not need...

Cheers

luispinheiro
 
Thanks for the tip on the newspaper. Regarding the trip from Buenos Aires to Bariloche. Do you have any thoughts on traveling there by bus? Any safety concerns there? I'm not too worried about it, but if it turns out that 80% of all travelers on that road get mugged, then maybe I'll reconsider the drive.
Limaunion said:
Hi, I'm from Buenos Aires; regarding the Temaiken zoo is a nice place to visit for one day, it's not far away from downtown, about 60Km (1 hour), someone has previously posted the url link and there you'll find more info. Regarding Bariloche, you'll probably love it, all the southern part of Argentina (know as La Patagonia) is an amazing place with incredible landscapes.

There were some problems during the last couple of weeks due to the volcanic eruption of the Puyehue (Chile) and is afecting from time to time the domestic flights to the southern part of the country. There is a local newspaper in english language and you may probably find some more information about this: http://www.buenosairesherald.com/ and check youtube, ie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ-sP0ihzbw

Last but not least, watch for you belongings, specially in Buenos Aires downtown.

I hope you have a nice stay in this beautiful country.
Click to expand...
 
I'll definitely check out that cemetery. La Boca district seems like an interesting spot as well.

I'll probably leave the 35 at home. I can always just bump the ISO if needed.
Bobby Handal said:
I would take it all but the 35mm f1.8, you already have coverage of this lens in a fast 17-50mm.

I would most definitely take the 8-16mm, specially if you are going to photograph vistas . I would recommend you going to a very famous cemetery there in la Recoleta (i believe its called) that has the tomb of Eva Peron, this is one awesome cemetery. For B/w photos, and all those cats roming, its one spooky place, very very nice.

La boca district is great and you will need the ultra wide lens as sell as the 70-300mm for details of people without them knowing.

Good luck and enjoy.
fotoph said:
I'm headed to Argentina soon, for a couple weeks of skiing and drinking.

Here's what I plan on bringing.

D40
8-16 4.5/5.6
35 1.8
17-50 2.8
70-300 4/5.6

I don't plan on bringing my flash or a tripod. I'm not too sure about bringing the 8-16 or the 70-300. However, last time I was skiing in Chile there were a bunch of Condors (I think) flying around and having the reach came in handy. I'm thinking of bringing it for the just in case factor. For the 8-16, same deal. I'd like to have the option of some really wide shots while out and about. Does this set up make sense? Anything I'm missing or overlooking?

I'll be in Buenos Aires and Bariloche almost the whole time. For anyone who has been there, anything I must go see while there? I heard about a zoo outside Buenos Aires where you can ride and pet all the animals. I definitely want to go there and ride a cheetah!

Thanks.
Click to expand...
--
http://www.photoexpedition.net

Click to expand...
 
Is that on FF or DX? I think 24 would be too narrow for my liking.
Luis Pinheiro said:
Hello

On my trip to Argentina (Buenos Aires and Patagonia), I only carry the 24-120 and it was enough, so don't carry what you will not need...

Cheers

luispinheiro
Click to expand...
 
I have to say, I've traveled extensively in the last 8 or 9 years and I rate Buenos Aries the worst for photography. With only a point-and-shoot, no fewer than four people (including a cop) told me to put my camera away, that it would attract thugs.

I felt v uncomfortable there and was glad I didn't have my SLR. A bag of lenses will only be worse. (Also witnessed brutal street violence one night near my B&B.)

Second worst: Marrakesh where everyone shouts, "no photo, no photo" throughout the souk, no fun. (Didn't have that problem in Fes.)

No similar problems in many cities around the world. Good luck.
 
fotoph said:
Thanks for the tip on the newspaper. Regarding the trip from Buenos Aires to Bariloche. Do you have any thoughts on traveling there by bus? Any safety concerns there? I'm not too worried about it, but if it turns out that 80% of all travelers on that road get mugged, then maybe I'll reconsider the drive.
Click to expand...
It's very common to travel by bus to the provinces and in general it's very safe, I believe you won't have any problems in that sense. There're hundred of buses leaving every day from the bus stations and just a few times I've heard problems like that. Bariloche is about 1700KM from Buenos Aires, so estimate 20-22 hours of travel. Regarding Buenos Aires city there are places very safe, like Puerto Madero neighbourhood ( http://www.puertomadero.com/ ), but in general in this city try to hide as much as possible your nikon camera within your clothes.
HTH.
 
Well this doesn't sound promising at all.
robjons said:
I have to say, I've traveled extensively in the last 8 or 9 years and I rate Buenos Aries the worst for photography. With only a point-and-shoot, no fewer than four people (including a cop) told me to put my camera away, that it would attract thugs.

I felt v uncomfortable there and was glad I didn't have my SLR. A bag of lenses will only be worse. (Also witnessed brutal street violence one night near my B&B.)

Second worst: Marrakesh where everyone shouts, "no photo, no photo" throughout the souk, no fun. (Didn't have that problem in Fes.)

No similar problems in many cities around the world. Good luck.
Click to expand...
 
I use a waist pack with my D5100, 8-16mm, 28-300mm vr. This waist pack also has a should strap, I use both. It is not a huge bag.

I never felt unsafe in Argentina, the only time I saved the camera in the pack was in a market that was jammed pack- I could feel the bad karma.

Just don't put yourself in harms way, dress correctly, Don't walk alone, always travel with someone, a group even better. Don't go to non tourist areas at night.

I am taking this to a trip in Italy (by bus)
http://newswear.com/

It may be a little safer from pick pockets not from armed thieves.

I backup in my hotel my photos every night, just in case something happens to the camera.

The most important thing is to enjoy your hobby and your vacation.
fotoph said:
robjons said:
I have to say, I've traveled extensively in the last 8 or 9 years and I rate Buenos Aries the worst for photography. With only a point-and-shoot, no fewer than four people (including a cop) told me to put my camera away, that it would attract thugs.

I felt v uncomfortable there and was glad I didn't have my SLR. A bag of lenses will only be worse. (Also witnessed brutal street violence one night near my B&B.)

Second worst: Marrakesh where everyone shouts, "no photo, no photo" throughout the souk, no fun. (Didn't have that problem in Fes.)

No similar problems in many cities around the world. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
http://www.photoexpedition.net

 
Well, I didn't mean to totally discourage you. I do have several good shots from Buenos Aires.

A bag is a good idea. But I think I'd try to find some small non-camera bag with shoulder strap. Not heavy nylon, something formless and thin, just big enough for an SLR. Maybe a velcro sealed opening, something you could whip a camera in and out of quickly.

In most cities I just walk around with my DSLR in my right hand, with the strap wrapped around my wrist with no problem. But actually after BA, I insured my camera. If you are not a home owner, camera insurance is cheap (in the US). As suggested, download photos each night and don't even worry about loosing the camera. (Loosing your passport would be much worse.)

Just don't walk around empty streets at night and you'll be fine.
 
I had the same experience of being cautioned to put my camera away walking around Montevideo, Uruguay (very close to BA) in the middle of the day during the week. The only places in Brazil I felt OK taking photos on that trip were the Botanical Gardens in Rio and the larger zoo in Sao Paulo. (Locals in Sao Paulo told me they get robbed about once a year walking on the street or riding on the bus despite taking the usual precautions.) Very recent stories from numerous places in Mexico keep me out of that beautiful country with or without a camera.

I will return to Argentina in early- to mid-2012, spending two weeks in BA and two or three weeks heading south on the coast, mainly for animal photos.

--
Adrian
 
I would never head out the door without a flash. It is great for indoor photography to allow half the ISO setting or to add interest and outdoors to add subject separation or for wildlife. I would leave a lens behind before I would even think of not taking a flash.
 
I live here, i have travelled all my country, and that is pure sensacionalism.

Yes, i know i live in a 3rd world country, but mexico is worse than argentina for example. The DF is a hell not to get mugged.

In Buenos Aires Downtown, you have to be very careful, it's true. A lot of people moving, and the thieves are VERY FAST. The use motorcicles, one moment, and another you'll be spinning on the ground without your camera if you show it without measure.

But i've taken pictures everywhere, and never had a problem. You have to take your camera out only when needed, and don't leave it hanging by the neck.

Try not to take too much lenses, they can ruin your country. I usually use a tamron 17-50F2.8 as travel lens.
fotoph said:
robjons said:
I have to say, I've traveled extensively in the last 8 or 9 years and I rate Buenos Aries the worst for photography. With only a point-and-shoot, no fewer than four people (including a cop) told me to put my camera away, that it would attract thugs.

I felt v uncomfortable there and was glad I didn't have my SLR. A bag of lenses will only be worse. (Also witnessed brutal street violence one night near my B&B.)

Second worst: Marrakesh where everyone shouts, "no photo, no photo" throughout the souk, no fun. (Didn't have that problem in Fes.)

No similar problems in many cities around the world. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
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