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Canon DSLR camera - what level of zoom?
I'll be traveling to Australia/NZ in March. I love taking pictures on my Canon DSLR and making Shutterfly photo books afterwards. I do not like bringing 2 lenses along - one for 18mm to 135 mm and one for 70 mm to 300 mm. When we did Tauck's safari to Kenya I was constantly switching lenses and it was worth all the effort. When we did Tauck's Blue Danube and Tauck's Israel/Jordan, I mostly only needed the standard 18-135mm lens. For those that have been on this trip and like taking lots of pictures, do you have any recommendations on whether a zoom lens really is needed? I am debating buying Tamron's new all-in-one 18 to 400 mm lens, but it is big $$$, and I'm not sure if it is needed for this trip. Any advice?
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The Tamron 16 - 300mm is a hundred less than the 18-400 mm at B&H ($549 vs $649). I thought it was a bit too much also, but am so glad I saved up to buy the 16-300 mm.
Now, any suggestions on your carry-on? Did you take just a camera bag or put your camera (and bag) into something else? I don't like to have a lot of weight on my shoulder, so I am always debating buying a small roller bag (that would fit under an airplane seat). Any thoughts?
I try to travel light- during flights I carry my DSLR w/16-300mm lens, sometimes a GoPro, headphones, magazine or two, an iPad, and small personal items (glasses, Kleenex, lens cloth, etc.) in a "man purse" with shoulder strap usually worn cross chest. Picture a courier satchel/messenger bag like this one, but slightly smaller, from Fossil. The outside is made from a dark tan (so doesn't show dirt. : ) ) soft but durable canvas-like material. The fabric-lined interior has a soft, non-rigid divider that creates two main areas, all covered by a big flap. Also inside is a zippered pocket. There is a large zippered pocket and two small pockets with flaps on the outside. It has no rigid structure so is essentially flat when empty. (My wife carries a purse plus small soft bag for magazines and a few articles of emergency clothing for both of us, and misc. personal items.) While on the bus, in a safari vehicle, or walking tour, I just carry my camera and headphones (to use with with the Vox). If a long bus journey is scheduled I will take the iPad and cord to transfer photos from my camera to view when there isn't much to see along the route. If rain is forecast, I will throw in a packable rain jacket. I have used it for the last 7 Tauck tours. Choosing a bag can be a very personal decision and you may end up going through a number of different styles before you find the right one for you.
At Machu Picchu with the ruins and Huayna Picchu in the background (we are discussing whether my 16-300 mm lens has an "adds 10 lbs" or "adds 5 lbs" setting : ) ):
As Alan says, the type of bag is a very personal thing. I use my husband's old camera, so I just carry it in a small cotton drawstring bag, that's it's only protection! When I am on a tour, I just put it into my daytime backpack that is a thin nylon bag with shoulder straps and an alternate carry on handle. It's been thrown on the floor of safari vehicles and been really dirty, but is washable. My camera has no dings or dents despite this. When I am flying to our tour, I put my camera in my fabric lightweight backpack, I have several, bright colored ones. I carry everything in there I feel I might need if my big bag is delayed or lost, so often have two changes of clothing, a swimsuit if one is essential for the trip and even an extra pair of shoes, along with camera, iPad, drugs, book. I carry a small lightweight handbag with the usual things found in a woman's handbag--- I guess Americans call this a purse, but for me, a purse means the thing I carry my money in.
For us, it is essential that we do not have a wheeled carry on. We like to have both our hands free while negotiating airports. So I have my backpack on my back and my handbag crossways over my shoulder. This way, if we have to dash from one plane to another, we can easily run. We have to do this so often these days. On our last trip, our first of three flights was cancelled, so had to run for the second flight, that one was delayed, so had to run for the third. Get the picture!