What Should I Take?

[dbateman]

I'm so confused and torn. I need help.... I don't know what to do.... LOL. I know exactly what I want to do to the 85% level, but I wanted to share some thoughts and ask what you would do and use.

A week from today Teresa and I get on a plane in San Antonio and fly to Dallas and then direct to Rome. I rented an apartment for 11 days a block off of Campo di Fiori. I love Rome and know most every inch of it. The sites, food, wine, museums, walks, architecture, Vatican, forums, medieval streets.... I love it all and most Americans just go there for 2 nights on their Italy tours and usually go when it is burning hot. Teresa and I walk around Rome all day every day in the nice cool Spring weather, and I shoot. We do it for fun.

Then we plan to hop in a taxi, go to Termini Station and take the fast train to Napoli. I rented an apartment right in the middle of the old town for 6 nights. We get off the train and take a taxi to the apartment. Then we walk around Naples and shoot and eat and experience that awesome scene.

Then we take a taxi to the ferry terminal and hop on the ferry to Ischia where we pick up a rental car and hang around that beautiful island for 4 days. We stay in the main town and explore the island. Or maybe we don't rent a car and I just take taxis around the island. Not sure yet.

Then we Ferry back to Naples and I rent a car and we drive around Italy for a few weeks. North to Tuscany or South to the boot and maybe Sicily again. If we get bored, I'll turn in the car and fly somewhere like Zagreb or Vienna, or maybe to Rodos or Sevilla. Somewhere in the Med. We plan to be gone just under 3 months.

I told you all of this so you could get a feel for how we flow so I can get some thoughts on gear. We have a pretty big load but can walk at least a half a mile with it if we have to. Teresa and I each have a mid-size suitcase on wheels that check on flights and pull while walking. We each have a Peak Design Everyday Backpack on our backs. Mine is the big Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L and Teresa's is the smaller 20L. Those are beautiful backpacks that are great for carrying camera gear and other stuff on planes and trains, and we use them for day hiking on these trips too. I also carry on the plane a Peak Design Everyday Messenger 15-inch on my shoulder. So here is how we do it:

Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L (on my back): 4 GF lenses: 100-200, 20-35, 45-100 and 45. Dell XPS 15.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 20L (on Teresa's back): GF 35-70 with the IR Converted GFX 100s body.

Peak Design Everyday Messenger V2 15 inch (on my shoulder). GFX 100 II Body, Q3, batteries, Tablet)

In the checked suitcase I put the RRS 24 TFC Mk II Tripod w BH-40 Ball Head.

Here is the thing: Once we get there, it is great to have all of that equipment, meaning you have to get on the flight with it. I can do that and have many times. Once we are there, it's taxis to apartments or hotels and we can base out of that. I don't have to move around much carrying everything. It's from base to base, and of course, once I'm in the rental car it doesn't matter how much we have.

That is two GFX camera bodies, the Q3, 5 GF lenses, laptop and the RRS Tripod.

The questions is.... I want that 250 badly. But it's just too much. I could do it.... But I think not on this trip.

I could throw in the 30 or the 120. I don't want the 110 really. The 120 would allow me some flower tripod shots and some nice landscapes at 120, but I have the 100-200.

I am not going to get the 30TS in time or I would add it to the load.

To sum it up, I'm for sure bringing those 5 GF lenses: 20-35, 35-70, 45-100, 100-200 & 45.

I could put a 6th lens in my suitcase - just stuff it in with the clothes and take a chance. It could be the 30, 50, 120, or 110, but not the 23 (the 20-35 kills it) or the 250 (I want it though).

Thanks....

Well all but the Q3 have IBIS. Why not buy a ifootage cobra 2 or 3 monopod instead of the tripod. Then you can claim its a walking stick to bring it into churches and museums. That should allow you to bring the 250mm if you really want it.

Also you know since you really want the 250mm, if you bring it you will never use it.

I don't own that monopod, but Jordan did a review here:

Did I read that right? The Q3 has no IBIS?

Seriously? Well there goes any lust I may have had for it. That’s absurd in this day and age.

It does have OIS.

 

[Greg7579]

I forgot to list the monopod that I'm bringing.

 

[Greg7579]

The Q3 has excellent stabilization. But it is OIS in the lens - not IBIS.

 

[Greg7579]

Yes, it completely tranforms the entire travel experience. I just bake it into the cost now, along with a comfortable hotel.

Thanks guys. I will call them. I know Naples pretty well, but that sounds great.

 

[Greg7579]

If you want flower shots, maybe an extension tube? (Since you mention the 120).

The 120 is a macro lens that shines at 1:2. The 45 extension tube gets you to 1:1 but I don't need full mag for this trip.

 

[Rodenmg]

The 23, 55, 110, and 100-200. And the little Q3 if I had one. My medium small Gitzo Traveler tripod and that’s pretty much it.

Oh , and my IR Nikon Z with 20mm f1.8

 

[Greg7579]

The 23,

No! I have the 20-35. You are starting out 0 for 1.

55

No one has that lens - not even me. You are faltering at 0-2

110

No way Jose. 0 out of 3 tries.

and 100-200.

Yes, your only sensible recommendation so far. LOL....1 out of 4.

And the little Q3 if I had one.

Buy my Q2. It is just as good.

My medium small Gitzo Traveler tripod

How can Gitzo exist when RRS exists? 1 out of 5.

and that’s pretty much it.

1 out of 5 ain't too bad. Usually no one says anything useful for me on this subject. But at least you didn't tell me just to take 1 lens.

Oh , and my IR Nikon Z with 20mm f1.8

No Nikon for me Baby! You finished 1 of 6.

I didn't know you had a converted Nikon!

 

[left eye]

As a thought experiment if you had to carry all your own gear, what would you take, I.e. what’s the minimum? - that wouldn’t send you into a grump.

The maximum is easy, it’s everything you own, plus some mules. the minimum is harder.

Seems to me, as a minimum, the Q3, 20-35, 35-70, 100-200. Would you really feel hard done by with that choice?

The converted GFX some would leave behind, though you’ve been getting great photos out of it lately, but still, IR is an acquired taste. As a holiday from regular shots it’s a must.

I’d half the weight of the tripod and not bother with a monopod - you have IBIS.

If I score 50% and make you travels more enjoyable and less lens swapping and an even happier wife, can I have your Q2?

 

[i8z]

Sir,

I read your post two times before I decided to respond. Because you have been to Italy many times I assume you already have awesome photos.

Is the q3 the Leica q3? If so, take that and a small tripod and leave everything else at home. If it breaks you will have your smart phone or another small camera you sneak into your back. I bet you will return with the best photos you've ever taken on vacation.

 

[petreluk]

I was recently in India for a few weeks. I took one FF camera and two lenses plus a smartphone and I did not feel deprived in any way. The GFX stayed at home. Most pix would likely have been just as good on smaller, lighter gear like Fuji X or M43 - available light was rarely an issue - and next time I might try those. There were plenty of occasions too when a smartphone was the right thing to use.

It’s all about experiences and for me that means travelling light and not having to worry about weighty, sweaty backpacks.

I hope you have a super time. You’re going to some of my favourite places. But in my experience, much more than one camera and a couple of lenses just gets in the way and spoils the adventure. Bon voyage!

PS: Back in the day, in the 80s and 90s, I did quite a bit of travelling with a Nikon FE/FE2 and three lenses - 28mm, 50mm and 135mm. The classic combo. Still feel that’s the best travel kit I’ve ever had.

--
==================
https://www.flickr.com/photos/petreluk/
https://www.instagram.com/snowpetrel_photography

 

[Greg7579]

Sir,

I read your post two times before I decided to respond. Because you have been to Italy many times I assume you already have awesome photos.

Is the q3 the Leica q3? If so, take that and a small tripod and leave everything else at home. If it breaks you will have your smart phone or another small camera you sneak into your back. I bet you will return with the best photos you've ever taken on vacation.

Leica Q3.

People are always telling me to leave my gear at home (which is not why I bought it).

On an above post in this thread, I talked about how I shot in Rome and Sicily for 7 weeks with nothing but the Leica Q2. I posted a thousand Q2 sots on 15 albums in May of 2022 while I was travelling. You can go to my Album page and go back about 30 albums, and you will see the Q2 Sicily May 2022 albums - nothing but Q2 shots.

It was nice to get on the plane with nothing but the little Q2, but once I got there and was in the rental car I wanted my gear.

And remember, my gear stays in the apartment, hotel or resort at wherever I am basing out of for that part of the trip. When I go out to shoot locally walking around, I just take the camera around my neck and a small canvas Domke 803 shoulder bag with an extra lens. When driving around, I throw my gear in the car and take it all.

When I hike, I take just the Q3. I don't hump around with three camera bodies and 6 GF lenses.

 

[Greg7579]

I was recently in India for a few weeks. I took one FF camera and two lenses plus a smartphone and I did not feel deprived in any way. The GFX stayed at home. Most pix would likely have been just as good on smaller, lighter gear like Fuji X or M43 - available light was rarely an issue - and next time I might try those. There were plenty of occasions too when a smartphone was the right thing to use.

It’s all about experiences and for me that means travelling light and not having to worry about weighty, sweaty backpacks.

I hope you have a super time. You’re going to some of my favourite places. But in my experience, much more than one camera and a couple of lenses just gets in the way and spoils the adventure. Bon voyage!

PS: Back in the day, in the 80s and 90s, I did quite a bit of travelling with a Nikon FE/FE2 and three lenses - 28mm, 50mm and 135mm. The classic combo. Still feel that’s the best travel kit I’ve ever had.

Thanks,

People are always telling me to leave my gear at home (which is not why I bought it).

Remember, my gear stays in the apartment, hotel or resort at wherever I am basing out of for that part of the trip. When I go out to shoot locally walking around, I just take the GFX camera around my neck and a small canvas Domke 803 shoulder bag with one extra lens. Or, I just go out with the Q3. When driving around in the rental car, I throw all of my gear in the car and take it all out that day.

When I hike, I take only the Q3.

I don't hump around with three camera bodies and 6 GF lenses when out shooting. I only do that on the airplanes to get to Europe (or wherever).

 

[Rodenmg]

The 23,

No! I have the 20-35. You are starting out 0 for 1.

55

No one has that lens - not even me. You are faltering at 0-2

110

No way Jose. 0 out of 3 tries.

and 100-200.

Yes, your only sensible recommendation so far. LOL....1 out of 4.

And the little Q3 if I had one.

Buy my Q2. It is just as good.

My medium small Gitzo Traveler tripod

How can Gitzo exist when RRS exists? 1 out of 5.

and that’s pretty much it.

1 out of 5 ain't too bad. Usually no one says anything useful for me on this subject. But at least you didn't tell me just to take 1 lens.

Oh , and my IR Nikon Z with 20mm f1.8

No Nikon for me Baby! You finished 1 of 6.

I didn't know you had a converted Nikon!

I changed the topic and said “what I would take” and oops, I ment 45mm. But the 55 1,7 would be great indoors or on late evening walks around town.

Now that’s if this was a Fuji trip. I would be temped to take the Nikon gear instead and that would be the IR Z6 and the Z7. The Z9 would stay home because its huge and its strengths wouldn’t be needed. Lenses would be the 20 f1.8, the 50 f1.2, and the 135 Plena f1,8. Plus the small gitzo with RRS BH30. And that’s it. This setup wouldn’t need a little camera like the Q3 because the Z7 is almost as small and much more useful.

 

[i8z]

Sir,

your gallery is impressive and you seem to know what you're doing and how to get the most from your tools. Take everything and the kitchen sink - I look forward to seeing your travels through your lens.

 

[dbateman]

I was recently in India for a few weeks. I took one FF camera and two lenses plus a smartphone and I did not feel deprived in any way. The GFX stayed at home. Most pix would likely have been just as good on smaller, lighter gear like Fuji X or M43 - available light was rarely an issue - and next time I might try those. There were plenty of occasions too when a smartphone was the right thing to use.

It’s all about experiences and for me that means travelling light and not having to worry about weighty, sweaty backpacks.

I hope you have a super time. You’re going to some of my favourite places. But in my experience, much more than one camera and a couple of lenses just gets in the way and spoils the adventure. Bon voyage!

PS: Back in the day, in the 80s and 90s, I did quite a bit of travelling with a Nikon FE/FE2 and three lenses - 28mm, 50mm and 135mm. The classic combo. Still feel that’s the best travel kit I’ve ever had.

Thanks,

People are always telling me to leave my gear at home (which is not why I bought it).

Remember, my gear stays in the apartment, hotel or resort at wherever I am basing out of for that part of the trip. When I go out to shoot locally walking around, I just take the GFX camera around my neck and a small canvas Domke 803 shoulder bag with one extra lens. Or, I just go out with the Q3. When driving around in the rental car, I throw all of my gear in the car and take it all out that day.

When I hike, I take only the Q3.

I don't hump around with three camera bodies and 6 GF lenses when out shooting. I only do that on the airplanes to get to Europe (or wherever).

Greg,

Bring all your gear. Everything that will fit into 2 carry-ons. Cloths can be checked or bought at the location, same as toiletries. Then you will only have to decide that morning, what to carry.

Maybe you should buy extra gear. Get a Fringer pro EF-GF adapter and a Canon 100-400mm ii lens for extra reach. Or buy a 400mm Canon lens for adapting. Then you can leave it in the room and get some street shots. If you already have the address, just buy the gear and get B&H to ship it to the address. That will save you from carry it there. Then just get DHL or FedEx ship it home from Europe at the end of your holiday. You will probably make it home before the shipping and can even sign for it when you return.

Or pack up everything and FedEx it to the address. Drop it off insured when you leave so that you get there a head of time, so you can sign for it when it arrivesa day later.

 

[wolftar]

Since you had mentioned not taking the 120, I was suggesting an extension tube as a much lighter way to get closer in with your other lenses. It’s not a smooth work flow, but it does save both room and weight.

 

[Greg7579]

Shipping electronics back and forth from Europ commercially is maybe not the best of plans in my experience.... But might be right for some instances. I won't do that though.

 

[petreluk]

I was recently in India for a few weeks. I took one FF camera and two lenses plus a smartphone and I did not feel deprived in any way. The GFX stayed at home. Most pix would likely have been just as good on smaller, lighter gear like Fuji X or M43 - available light was rarely an issue - and next time I might try those. There were plenty of occasions too when a smartphone was the right thing to use.

It’s all about experiences and for me that means travelling light and not having to worry about weighty, sweaty backpacks.

I hope you have a super time. You’re going to some of my favourite places. But in my experience, much more than one camera and a couple of lenses just gets in the way and spoils the adventure. Bon voyage!

PS: Back in the day, in the 80s and 90s, I did quite a bit of travelling with a Nikon FE/FE2 and three lenses - 28mm, 50mm and 135mm. The classic combo. Still feel that’s the best travel kit I’ve ever had.

Thanks,

People are always telling me to leave my gear at home (which is not why I bought it).

Remember, my gear stays in the apartment, hotel or resort at wherever I am basing out of for that part of the trip. When I go out to shoot locally walking around, I just take the GFX camera around my neck and a small canvas Domke 803 shoulder bag with one extra lens. Or, I just go out with the Q3. When driving around in the rental car, I throw all of my gear in the car and take it all out that day.

When I hike, I take only the Q3.

I don't hump around with three camera bodies and 6 GF lenses when out shooting. I only do that on the airplanes to get to Europe (or wherever).

Well have a great trip, obviously. I wouldn’t mind being in Rome right now myself. My point, which applies to me anyway, concerns clarity. I just don’t want lots of choices because, in my case, they’ll get in the way of being there. So I keep things simple if I can and don’t take much with me, just a few quality items. Everyone’s mileage varies.

--
==================
https://www.flickr.com/photos/petreluk/
https://www.instagram.com/snowpetrel_photography

 

[Greg7579]

I was recently in India for a few weeks. I took one FF camera and two lenses plus a smartphone and I did not feel deprived in any way. The GFX stayed at home. Most pix would likely have been just as good on smaller, lighter gear like Fuji X or M43 - available light was rarely an issue - and next time I might try those. There were plenty of occasions too when a smartphone was the right thing to use.

It’s all about experiences and for me that means travelling light and not having to worry about weighty, sweaty backpacks.

I hope you have a super time. You’re going to some of my favourite places. But in my experience, much more than one camera and a couple of lenses just gets in the way and spoils the adventure. Bon voyage!

PS: Back in the day, in the 80s and 90s, I did quite a bit of travelling with a Nikon FE/FE2 and three lenses - 28mm, 50mm and 135mm. The classic combo. Still feel that’s the best travel kit I’ve ever had.

Thanks,

People are always telling me to leave my gear at home (which is not why I bought it).

Remember, my gear stays in the apartment, hotel or resort at wherever I am basing out of for that part of the trip. When I go out to shoot locally walking around, I just take the GFX camera around my neck and a small canvas Domke 803 shoulder bag with one extra lens. Or, I just go out with the Q3. When driving around in the rental car, I throw all of my gear in the car and take it all out that day.

When I hike, I take only the Q3.

I don't hump around with three camera bodies and 6 GF lenses when out shooting. I only do that on the airplanes to get to Europe (or wherever).

Well have a great trip, obviously. I wouldn’t mind being in Rome right now myself. My point, which applies to me anyway, concerns clarity. I just don’t want lots of choices because, in my case, they’ll get in the way of being there. So I keep things simple if I can and don’t take much with me, just a few quality items. Everyone’s mileage varies.

I can assure you that you are more within the norm and I'm a bit outside the norm in terms of traveling with camera gear.

 

[zorgtool]

I was recently in India for a few weeks. I took one FF camera and two lenses plus a smartphone and I did not feel deprived in any way. The GFX stayed at home. Most pix would likely have been just as good on smaller, lighter gear like Fuji X or M43 - available light was rarely an issue - and next time I might try those. There were plenty of occasions too when a smartphone was the right thing to use.

It’s all about experiences and for me that means travelling light and not having to worry about weighty, sweaty backpacks.

I hope you have a super time. You’re going to some of my favourite places. But in my experience, much more than one camera and a couple of lenses just gets in the way and spoils the adventure. Bon voyage!

PS: Back in the day, in the 80s and 90s, I did quite a bit of travelling with a Nikon FE/FE2 and three lenses - 28mm, 50mm and 135mm. The classic combo. Still feel that’s the best travel kit I’ve ever had.

Thanks,

People are always telling me to leave my gear at home (which is not why I bought it).

Remember, my gear stays in the apartment, hotel or resort at wherever I am basing out of for that part of the trip. When I go out to shoot locally walking around, I just take the GFX camera around my neck and a small canvas Domke 803 shoulder bag with one extra lens. Or, I just go out with the Q3. When driving around in the rental car, I throw all of my gear in the car and take it all out that day.

When I hike, I take only the Q3.

I don't hump around with three camera bodies and 6 GF lenses when out shooting. I only do that on the airplanes to get to Europe (or wherever).

In that case, if you are OK to put your gear in checked luggage, why don't you buy a something like https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/air/1595, take a insurance and put every gear you got inside this case ?

It's almost indestructible, you can put padlock (even some big one) on each side, and if you look the construction you will immediatly understand it's not something you can open quickly with some small knife.

I never use it for camera but I have college who use them for shipment scientific equipment (very very expensive). And never got any issue.

Who need to use the foam inside and cut it to put the camera and all the lenses inside.

Some model got a trolley so you not going to suffer the weight.

Z