Gear suggestions for a trip to India

yakim_peled1 · January 13, 2011

Sometime next month I'm going an a 1-1.5m trip to India. It all began with a terrible blow: After 10.5 years I got fired. After the first shock faded away (to say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement, I was truly devastated) I decided that this is the right time to make a longtime dream come true. I can't take such a long vacation while working and I'm not getting any younger.

So, despite the fear of getting robbed I decided that after 20 years of shooting with SLR/DSLR I'd be a complete fool to take just a P&S for a once in a lifetime trip. However, as I know that less is often more when you travel I'm thinking very hard of what to take with me and what to leave behind. I want maximum versatility with minimum weight and bulk.

First, the things I'm sure about:

I'm definitely taking the 7D, 10-22 and CPL. Bag is also a simple choice: The Lowepro CompuDayPack is my daily bag for the past 3 (4?) years. I have upgraded it to match my specific needs and it is very durable. Last, I'll be taking a small P&S as a backup.

I'm definitely not taking the 5D (recent purchase, don't like it, planning on selling it). I will also leave at home the 135/2, the 85/2.8 PC, the 300/4 IS (not versatile enough) and the Gitzo 1541T (hardly use it).

Now for the things I'm less sure about.

17-55/2.8 IS: I'll probably take it. For the past 3 years this has been my most used lens so it looks like a safe bet.

18-55 IS: I'll probably leave it at home. While small and light I found out I'm taking it with me only when I'm not sure I'll shoot at all. Whenever I think there's a good probability that I'll shoot I take the 17-55/2.8 IS.

55-250 IS: I consider taking it as my tele lens. Small, light, inconspicuous (black) and with very good IQ. My only fear is the poor BQ. One blow and I am left without a tele.

100/2.8 IS: I consider taking it (+ 1.4X TC) as my tele lens. As it's faster it'll better for portraits and BQ inspires confidence in a long trip but it'll be less versatile as it is shorter than the 55-250 IS and can't zoom. Zooming with your feet takes time and one might loose the decisive moment. Yes, I know that the faster aperture offers versatility of its own but I still think that in a trip the zoom capability will be more important than the faster aperture. It's just that the BQ issue of the 55-250 IS really bugs me.

60/2.8: Here lies my second biggest uncertainty. On the one hand this is my second used lens and I love it dearly. It is relatively small and light and I can't count the number of great images I took with it. As a reference, I use it much more than the 100/2.8 IS. OTOH this is an additive lens. It is another lens to carry and as I said above, less is often more when you travel.

580EX: I'll probably leave it at home. Both because I mostly shoot with only available light and because I have a backup in the form of the built-in flash of the 7D. Leaving it at home will also save me the bulk of AA batteries + charger.

Gear I don't own but can borrow:

24-105/4 IS: The funny thing is that I often recommended people of a 10-22 + 24-105 set as a great travel set. Only two lenses, great IQ and great range. However, it is a slow set, it is not stabilized below 24mm (I often used IS in the 17-24 range) and as it is a once in a lifetime trip I'm just not sure it is long enough.

70-200/4 IS: This one has many advantages over either the 100/2.8 IS and the 55-250 IS which I'm sure I don't need to list. Problem is, it is bigger and heavier than the 55-250 IS and my gear is already not that light. Worst of all, it is very conspicuous (white).

Considering everything the set I'm leaning to is 17-55 + 55-250 IS + 12mm extension tube but I must confess that leaving the 60/2.8 will cause me serious heartaches.

I also consider buying a NetBook or an electronic wallet to load my pictures into. I'm leaning towards the first as I consider buying one anyway.

Precautions: I'll be keeping all the gear with me at all times to avoid theft (hence my desire to reduce weight and bulk). My only concern is what would happen if I'd want to go into a sea/river/lake. I'll have to leave it behind. You see, I'm going there alone but hope not to be traveling alone. I heard that travelers always form groups in India.

Of course I'll insure my gear but that will be of no comfort if it is stolen mid-trip. I'll only have a P&S to shoot with and I simply hate them. More importantly, it will not allow me for the versatility I have in my DSLR gear.

I apologize for the lengthy post but this is very important to me. Thank you all in advance.

Happy shooting,

Yakim.

zml · January 13, 2011

Only you can answer these questions... I would never go to India, or anywhere else for that matter, without a T/S lens but that's me - I have no idea what do you intend to shoot thus any advice I'd give you would be trite. Except perhaps that unless I have help and/or a permananet safe/secure base, my choice is "light and uncomplicated", which in my case means 2 bodies, 4 lenses plus a flash or two and some assorted junk.

But I'm a bit puzzled by posts like yours: what difference does it make whether you are in India or some other neck of the woods..? The important thing is what you shoot and how you do it - that part is unlikely to change, be it New York or New Delhi, so take the equipment you use most often for the type of shooting you intend to do in India and you'll be fine.

As for that "theft" thing, again - Brussels or Bejing - use common sense and you'll be fine. (Hint...a photographer's bag gives you away from a country mile so roll your own...) I routinelly shoot with very expensive equipment in places way more dangerous and unstable than anything you are likely to encounter in India and to tell you the truth I'm more afraid in many "first world countries" than, say, in the barrios of Managua...

mark_pierlot · January 13, 2011

Yakim, I used to say that my "ideal" travel kit consisted of my 5DII or 1V (or both), coupled with my EF 17-40/4 L, 24-105/4 L IS, and 70-200/4 L IS. Using these admittedly slower zooms rather than primes, I was (so I thought) maximizing IQ, versatility and portability at the same time.

Lately, however, I have found that I am using my zooms less than my primes. I still do use my beloved 70-200 regularly, but my former workhorse, the 24-105, sits on the shelf most of the time, and I actually recently sold my 17-40 because of lack of use. So now, if I were traveling, I'd likely take my 50/1.4 and a fast wide angle prime or two (my 24/1.4 L II or 35/1.4 L) in addition to my 70-200, which I would not leave home without. (I also have (and love) the 85/1.2 L II and the 135/2 L, but the IQ of the zoom is so near to the level of these primes as to render them redundant for travel).

But if I were you, and decided to take only my 7D, I'd also take my 10-22, 17-55, and 70-200. The advantages in portability and versatility of zooms for travel simply cannot be overstated, IMHO. And the IQ of these lenses leaves little to be desired. (Truthfully, I'd also take one fast normal or wide angle prime, but that's just me).

jeff_delisio · January 14, 2011

You don't say where in India you will be headed or how many places you may try and visit or whether you think you'll travel by train or hire a car or fly... I have traveled to India on eight separate occasions over the last 30 years and visited a large sampling (not been in the far NE yet). I think the options are almost infinite for gear but I'll just give you my prejudices -

My leanings these days are to take two bodies, one with a longish tele and one with a somewhat wider range - the 17 - 55 you mention for example. (My kit is the 5D II with the 24 -105 and the 7D with the 70 -200). I have a pretty simple pattern - long tele for people shots and wider for architecture, city streets, temples etc. If I take both out for the day one is in an over the shoulder bag and the other in a small backpack with other gear.

First of all you will want telephoto - you will have very little control over your shooting other than architecture. You will not believe the number of shots in markets, villages, etc. that appear for just a few seconds and then vanish - you often will not be able to walk around choosing the right location. Were you to bring additional lenses you may wish to anticipate the days shooting and select for that, you will rarely feel like switching lens - either because of dust, crowds, and maybe sheer exhaustion.

I think your 17-55 and 55-250 is a fine choice, but I myself at this point lean towards the 70-200. Do NOT worry about the white lens - first of all you will stick out no matter what if you go anywhere outside main cities. No one will think a white lens any more strange than you already will be with a big old DSLR and any lens.

I have never had anything gone missing in India. That said I am very careful on trains and mindful when I am out in a crowd (90% of the time in India except out in the desert or trekking in the mtns). And these days I usually stay in pretty decent hotels but even in very simple lodging (dirt floor) it has not been an issue.

I'm sure it is a bad idea, but ever since leaving film I have only traveled with my CF cards and no other backup. I keep close tabs on them and have not lost a single shot anywhere in India, Nepal, Tibet, Burma.... YMMV but don't saddle yourself with too much electronics. There will be plenty of places where you can burn a card to DVD.

You already have the good intuition to go with an outfit you are fairly comfortable with, it is hard to adapt to new things when so much is happening in a place like India. And while you will no doubt miss a favorite lens, I believe you will find hauling too much around gets to be a pain the longer you are there - especially if you are going to do a lot of traveling while there - it does wear on you.

Again you did not say where you were going. Some of the well known spots are still very good bets - Rajasthan is very dramatic, Kerala will be accessible at this time. And the Taj really is spectacular even if filled with visitors and often clad in murky skies. I have no attachment to any of the large cities and they have only become harder to travel around in as private car ownership has gone crazy. There are some amazing tribal regions in Orissa but that may be too out of the way for a first visit. Ladakh is a treasure but it will be cold and snowy for some time as will Sikkim but some of the hill stations may still be OK. Still this is the time of year to be further south.Travel can be hard but sitting on the train yields countless stories. Flying is easy and less hassle at times than the States. Hiring a car and driver will be both a comfort and the closest you come to russian roulette...

If you take a mobile phone and want to get a local SIM card you need to all kinds of ID now - copy of passport, visa etc. You can certainly do Skype if you take a Netbook and there are a few million kiosks where you can call home for very low rates. you also now need a copy of your birth certificate to get an Indian visa - probably a mixture of terrorist fear and tit-for-tat for our restrictions on Indians getting visas for here.

I hope you have a great time and don't worry too much - you will not get it right no matter what you do, the scope of what you will want to photograph will overwhelm you. Next time bring an assistant to haul your gear for you... Remember to breathe deep, India has been changing and modernizing like crazy since the '90s but it will still knock you off your feet.

arie_vandervelden1 · January 14, 2011

I think you're on the right track.

I spend several months each year on the road. My setup is: drebel, ultrawide (in my case a Sigma), f/2.8 standard zoom (my trusty Tamron 17-50/2.8), plus a telephoto lens. It's carry-able and stays with me at all times.

For telephoto I've used Tamron 90/2.8 macro, Canon 85/1.8, or Canon 55-250 IS, depending on my mood and destination.

In you case I'd bring the 10-22, 17-55/2.8 IS, and the 55-250 IS or the 100 IS. Leave the big flash, ditch the tripod. Put the gear in a scruffy non-photo backpack. Don't worry too much about backup - there is gear for sale in India. Enjoy!

dillan k · January 14, 2011

I've gone on a couple of trips to Indonesia (western and central Java, Bali and Lombok) with an SLR/DSLR and a 24mm f/2.8, a 50mm f/1.8 and a 100mm Macro (non-L). I think a small kit is a good idea. The more you take, the more you have to lug around and keep tabs on. I selected one lens to cover the wide end, one for normal and one for telephoto. I agree with the 10-22mm and the 17-55mm, which would cover wide to normal and beyond. I too think the 55-250 IS would be a good choice because of its weight and inconspicuous appearance.

I really think the 60mm f/2.8 would come in handy for you. It's a great lens, and it would give you the opportunity to indulge in the close-up shots without messing around with extension tubes as well as being a great portrait lens. If you are taking the 55-250mm, taking the 60mm f/2.8 would weigh a whole 10g more than replacing the 55-250mm with the 70-200 f/4L. It's something to think about.

I hope that helps. You've helped me enough over the years. Have a great trip Yakim, you deserve it!

zigzag · January 14, 2011

I got fired and have been happily spending my redundancy for the last 7 months on the road. A RTW starting in South

America. Today I arrived in Cambodia. I am traveling with my 5DII, 24-70, 16-35, 70-200, 50mm f/1.4, 24mm f/1.4,

580ex and Benro travel tripod. So far I have needed all of it on many of the days. It does get to be a pain carrying it

around but then I do try to use it - of course you don't have to carry all of it every day if you have a reasonable

hotel/lockup. Be aware and cautious but don't let paranoia get to you.

In India there is a lot of hustle and bustle, eating and drinking healthily is important. I have only seen the Taj, Jaipur

and Delhi (Chandi Chuk?) but there is plenty of interest there (as above)

robin_sibson1 · January 14, 2011

Yakim, I'm sorry to learn that you were fired. I hope things work out for you for the future, and it's good that you can make a positive opportunity out of the situation. Hve a great trip.

I have never been to India, but I do travel regularly to Africa with similar sort of kit . My main camera is my 5DII, but I also carry a 7D, and have been sufficiently impressed with it that if the need arose I could well contemplate making it my main camera for a trip if I could not take both. The 10~22 is an excellent lens - I like it at least as well on the 7D as the 17~40 on the 5DII, except for high-ISO situations where the 5DII wins out. Because the 5DII is my main camera, with the 24+105 as its standard lens, I use the 10~22 + 24~105 combination when I am using the 7D on its own. It works fine, and the gap is of course of no significance, but it does occur at a point that seems to entail quite a lot of lens-changing, and since you have a 17~55/2.8 (which I do not) and that is by all accounts an outstanding lens, you would probably regret not taking it. I would guess that it would spend a lot of time on your camera.

I think what else you carry does very much depend on what kind of shots you plan to take. I know the 60/2.8 is a great lens - I have one - but unless you are going to do quite a lot of close-up work, it's not really going to earn its keep assuming you take the 17~55. The 100/2.8L IS is also a great lens, and is the macro lens I normally use on my 5DII. But for its specification it is too big and clumsy in my view to use primarily as a general-purpose lens, and again, it comes down to how much, if any, close-up work you plan to do, and what your subject matter will be. My choice would be to take a 70~200/4IS, a lens that I really like, and if I anticipated wildlife opportunities, I would take an Extender 1.4×. Colour of the lens really does not bother me, and I know from carrying my usual walk-around kit (5DII, 17~40, 24~105, 70~200/4IS) that I can manage that total weight, although it is starting to approach my comfort limit. I can see the attractions of the 55~250 – I have never used one – but I can understand why you might not be entirely confident about it.

mars c · January 14, 2011

Yakim, Sorry that you got fired, This is life , It has ups and downs.

If it was me, I'd just take the 7d, 10-22, 17-55 and the 55-250. I suspect that 10-22 would be the most used lens on that trip.

Have a good trip, And take care.

thangavelu_nachimithu · January 14, 2011

Dear Mr.Yakim

I should post some suggestions as I am living in New Delhi for the past 18 years and I am hailing from Tamil Nadu , southern state. Do not fear . I never heard any theft of camera in my photographic experience of 15 years. May be it is not like other place where the robbers will eye for the camera equipment specifically to steal. Little alert on the common sense will do. You have to have 17-55 for the Architecture and 70-200 for portraits. As suggested have the 24-105 7D and 70-200 on 5D MK II for colorful faces and cloths all over India. You have what ever you want in India. Desert, Hills, Snow mountains, forest ,wild life, historical monuments,sea scape, different people with different cultures, cold deserts like ladakh, rivers, temples , holy places,towns, cities, villages, agriculture, heavy industry, cottage industry, different food, bullock cart, Merc, BMW, Jaguar, Limos, NANO, Highways, country roads, Trains network all over India, etc..etc... I can go on and on.

Feel comfortable and you will love to travel in INDIA. Don't heed to the thugs at airport and Railway stations. Welcome to India. All the best and enjoy your journey. :-)

matthijs · January 14, 2011

7D + 10-22 + 17-55/IS + 55-250/IS + extension tubes seems to me the most versatile set up carrying the least weight.

Changing to macro would be slow but most macro subjects don't need speedy lens changes anyway.

And if the 55-250 gets smashed you'll probably be able to get a new one.

It's not what I'd take but what seems to fit your profile.

Having your equipment I'd probably just take the 7D + 17-55 + 135/2.

(Using my own equipment and wanting to go lightweight/high quality I might just take a 5Dii + 28/2.8 + 100/2.8L IS and not sweat the lost shots.)

sushyam_pal · January 14, 2011

Hello Yakim,

Sorry to read about the firing. I stay in India near Kolkata and have used the 10d before switching to 5d mkII. I feel the 17-55 should take care of the narrow alleys and short spaces and landscapes. Most other shots can be covered by the 70-200mm. I have been using the 17-40 & 70-200 on the 10D and both have served my purpose. You can add another lens. As the night falls very quickly a large aperture like the 17-55 will be helpful for the dusk shots.

Theft happens to everyone, if you are careless enough, you don't have to be a tourist for that.

dan_south · January 14, 2011

I like Mark P's recommendations plus one macro lens.

w_t1 · January 14, 2011

Sorry about your job loss, I'm part of the 15 million :) in America jobless, as I lost my engineering job 10 months ago, but it will be better when I go back, have learned a lot about myself (and other people). I went throught the disbelief phase, then the anger, now at the dont trust anyone phase...

I will be in the minority but I have similar outfits as you, as well as large format etc. but I would go with a Canon G series (i use g9), lx5, or more recently i would recommend a Panny Gf-1 and a couple of lenses. I've posted this before, but the benefits of carrying a full slr outfit are outweighed for me by the compactness and lightweight factor of a rangefinder type setup. There are full time travel photographers who agree, but I just want to throw my opinion out there. Try putting a 7d with lens in your travel vest. Good luck and I look forward to reading about your trip in the future. Maybe put together some different "packages" for your trip and carry each around for an entire week. Or will your trip be such that you can leave stuff at the hotels and walk around with a lighter outfit? Tom

jake_tauber · January 14, 2011

I've been to India many times. I have never feared being robbed. The less you take, the better off you will be. I used to go with just a Leica M7 with a 35mm and a small digital cam. People love to see their picture right away. Lately, I've added a 5D and a 24-70mm. In the cities, it's very crowded...so wide angles are better. If you are certain you're going to be near wildlife, then you will need a longer lens. Because, I've mostly been a Leica shooter, I'm a firm believer in using your feet instead of a zoom lens.

A wise man once told me... when you travel, take half as much stuff, twice as much money and you will triple your good times. That advice has never failed me.

matthias_meixner2 · January 14, 2011

My travel kit is 350D / 10-22 / 24-105 / 70-200 / 1.4TC / EX380, so guess what I would suggest :-)

However, prepare for many lens changes due to no overlap between the 10-22 and 24-105.

Mark Keefer · January 14, 2011

Don't forget a good Indiana Jones hat and whip by your side. lol. Enjoy your trip.

philip_wilson · January 14, 2011

I would not worry too much about theft - the dust however can be a big issue. I suggest you take 10-22, 17-55 F2.8 and 70-200 f4 L IS. If necessary add the macro (100 F2.8) but mainly for Macro and portrait / candid use. In terms of flash you may want to consider adding the 270 EX as it is cheap compact and so much better than the built in 7D flash (I bought it for my 5DII but also use it on my 7D). If you can afford the size and weight a compact tripod or Gorillapod may be worth adding.

antonio_carvalho2 · January 14, 2011

Yakim,

I am sorry to hear you were fired. I hope you will find a better job when you return from your trip.

I would take the 7D (weather sealed, smaller than the 5D), the EF-S 10-22mm (extreme wide, good for architecture shots), the 17-55 f/2.8 IS (walk around lens, IS) and the 70-200 f/4L IS. If you have to take one prime, the 60mm f/2.8 would be a nice option. I would hate to embark on the trip of my life and not to be able to make the shots I could do because of lack of equipment.

Happy shooting (as you say).

Antonio

Ian Taylor · January 15, 2011

Lens selection is obviously personal and based on how and what you want to shoot. I have spent a lot of time in India, Bangladesh and Nepal over the past couple of years, mostly shooting for clients. Personally I go minimal - 2 bodies, 4 lenses, 1 flash and a compact CF tripod.

I highly recomnend a good, compact bag (I use Domke's) and the best shoes you can afford.

http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=906524

jorgen_dalen · January 15, 2011

My shooting style while travelling is to do long walks and always try to be ready whatever might show up. I am carrying two cameras, one 450d with a 300mm 4.0L on it in the case wildlife will show up (carried on my hip) and a 5d mark II with a wide angle zoom attached for landscape/street photography, carried around my neck. For backup I use the canon portable storage-device (dont remember the name), as I am more concerned about somebody stealing my full memory cards than my camera.

rashed_s · January 15, 2011

I do a a lot of traveling for the sake of photography and I agree with you that the less you have in your camera bag the smoother things going to be for you.

My last trip on nov. for a month time to Sri Lanka, I mostly used the Nikon D3X along with the Nikon 70-200MM F2.8VR for my street aged people portrait, the 24-70MM Sigma for the Landscape, plus the Hasselblad Xpan with the 45MM Lens and he centre filter.

I had a lot of gear but all others not been of any use to me there.

indraneel · January 15, 2011

Firstly, congratulations Yakim on making a great decision. Although I'm an Indian, I've been down your path and am now in India, yes it hurts. India is the perfect place to be alone without really being alone. Extend your visit if you can.

Of the bunch of gear I have, the one that is most frequently seeing use is an E-P1. I'd whole heartedly recommend a micro 4/3 camera like the E-P2 or GF2 with viewfinder and lens adapter. As Jake already said, a Leica would probably be the best thing if it were not so expensive. You will want to have the camera at your side 24x7, not only because it can get lost but photographic opportunities will pop up and disappear all the time. A smaller body will simply be easier to manage. Wrap the strap around your wrist.

Lenses; cover these focal lengths (for any <=35mm format): 22mm, 50mm, 135mm. Remember that you will be hand holding/shoulder bracing (using pocket tripod) the camera most of the time.

Accessories, a tripod is a must even in limited spaces. The manfrotto pocket tripod and extension with a slik 120 ballhead is a remarkable thing; you can take it (sometimes in your pocket) even where tripods are not allowed (like archaeological sites). Also an external hard disk (or two) to store images (apart from any netbook you may be carrying which will be more likely to get lost/stolen than a hard drive). If you can make friends, you can simply carry the drives and card reader and leave the laptop at home. A flash is a good question, but it will slow you down and you will also need radio triggers etc. Get plenty of batteries and tape the contacts so airport security doesn't harass you over the lithium in your baggage.

Make plenty of friends, write their numbers/emails in your pocketbook. Everyone wants to see their pictures/video. Emotions run high here and most want to talk a lot. If you have a web portfolio somewhere it can be a great conversation starter. India is not an inexpensive place anymore, but if you don't look rich and can blend in, a little cash will take you a long way and also open many more photo ops. Some places have "foreigners associations" which might be helpful. Time to visit; avoid winter, nothing much happens in winter in this tropical country. If you're not used to heat, you might want to be near the coast during the peak of summer just before the monsoon. Which places are you visiting?

palangat · January 15, 2011

Hi Yakim,

I sympathize with your job loss, but I feel you are making the best of the situation. Good luck!

Now to your battery of questions: it is hard to suggest a line up of lenses not knowing what you plan on shooting. That said, I would take a wide angle (10-22 or 17-55) for city, street, etc and a zoom tele (55-250 or 70-200) to shoot portraits, wildlife etc. I would include a flash. Changing lenses can be a pain due to dust and if your travels take you to Southern India, where the humidity can be pretty high even during the months of Feb/March. If you are comfortable, carry both your bodies with a lens attached and you are ready for any opportunity. I would suggest a backpack rather than a shoulder bag, especially if you decide to carry both bodies. Carry as many CF cards as possible and you will find internet cafes or computer services a dime a dozen (even in small sleepy towns) where you can burn CDs/DVDs.

Now to safety issues: India is as safe or unsafe as any other place on the planet! For the most part it is ones own callousness that results in theft. Having a backpack will help you keep your gear safe on your self without hurting your shoulders or back. When I travel to India (native of Kerala, India) I take my backpack rather than my Lowepro camera bag. Like someone mentioned in an earlier post, you will stick out no matter what and regardless of the gear you carry. You will be surprised at the number of people (Indians and foreigners alike) carrying expensive camera gear in India these days. So do not fret too much about safety issues, but use common sense and be careful. Most hotels will provide taxi service through drivers known to them, although it might cost you a tad more. The upshot: if you like your driver, you might be able to get him the next time around and he will end up being quite a good guide for your local travels! Since you are going to be In India over a month, I would strongly suggest that you get a new SIM card in India for your cell phone.

Most importantly, be flexible and go with the attitude that you are going to enjoy this trip! India is a fantastic country and there are only two extremes in terms of travel there: you will either LOVE IT or you will just hate it! There is no middle ground. The people, culture, food, colors, architecture, nature, and yes, the McDonalds, KCF;s and others will knock your socks off! Enjoy your trip to India and come back rejuvenated with memories and pictures that will keep you wanting to go back for more!

yakim_peled1 · January 15, 2011

Michael,

I have a 24/3.5 II on order but unfortunately it will not arrive in time for the trip. If it would, I'd take the 5D and permanently attach it to it. 85mm on APS (and even on FF) offers too limited usage IMHO.

I respectfully disagree with your statement “what difference does it make whether you are in India or some other neck of the woods..? The important thing is what you shoot and how you do it - that part is unlikely to change, be it New York or New Delhi, so take the equipment you use most often for the type of shooting you intend to do in India and you'll be fine.”. I think that sometimes it does and sometimes it does not. For example, if I was going on a safari in Kenya I'd surely take a long tele with me and leave the 10-22 at home. However, in a trip to India I know that many of the shots I'll take will be landscapes and architecture so I consider the 10-22 essential.

I thank you for the theft tip. It is very encouraging to hear this. Nevertheless I must say that some of my friend who have been to India say that theft risk is very real in hotels, buses and trains.

Mark,

Save from the 17-55/2.8 IS I mostly use primes and not zooms but like you I think that the versatility of zooms will be more important in a trip.

Jeff,

I did not say because I have no idea where I'll go. The only sure place is the Taj Mahal but I've already been given strong recommendations on Kipling Camp, Varanasi and Dharamsala. Nepal is also a strong consideration. Thank you for Rajasthan and Kerala suggestions. I'll sure check them out.

Thank you very much about the colour tip. It is a very important one. If I'll be able to get the 70-200/4 IS I'll take it instead of the 55-250, mainly because of the BQ.

I'm also certainly going to get a local cell phone with a local SIM. I work in Orange Israel (not for long...) and I'm well aware of the insane prices we charge our subscribers for roaming. I certainly wouldn't want to be on the other side of the bill.

Arie,

Thank you for confirming my initial hunches. I must admit I never thought about buying photo gear in India and it's good to know I'll have such option if my gear gets stolen. Now, about the 400/2.8 IS II I was thinking about bringing home.... :-)

Dillan,

My only reservation WRT the 60/2.8 is that it will be my fourth lens. I fear it will be too much.

Glen,

That's a very nice set you're carrying and if you are using it all it makes a lot of sense to carry it. Your phrase “Be aware and cautious but don't let paranoia get to you” is very true but the problem is to know where and when to draw the line in each case.

Robin,

The comfort limit you refer to is indeed one of my fears. If I'll use a lot of tele (which I'm not sure) and if things will often get really crowded then the extra bulk and weight of the 70-200/4 IS will be worth it just to have its inspiring confidence BQ.

Mars and Antonio,

You seem to think like me. Well, you probably know which minds think alike..... :-)

<h1 >Thangavelu,</h1>

You are the first Indian* to reply to my posts so your views are very much appreciated. Indeed there is so much to see in India that my mind is in a mess. You see, in my country (Israel) there's also a lot to see but as it is less than 1% of India it is a lot easier to travel.

* P.S. Is it the proper word? Are India inhabitants and native Americans both called Indians?

Matthijs,

Do you really think that 17mm (27mm in FF terms) is wide enough for landscapes and that 135/2 not overly limited in low light situations?

<h1 >Sushyam,</h1>

You are right. It's just that there are places which are more prone to theft than others. I'll re-think about the 10-22 WRT your remark.

Dan,

I like it too. :-)

WT,

I feel for you. It's a very stressful situation. While I've been in this situation before it was when I was a lot younger and without mortgage and kids to worry about.

I tried the Sony A33 a few months back but it was way too small for me. Every time I wanted to shoot I kept reaching for my larger and heavier (but ergonomically better) Canon rig. I thus eventually sold it.

Jake,

As a prime lover (in my 20 years of shooting my set normally contained more primes than zooms) I'm using my feet all too often and generally have no problem with this. However, that technique also have it's limitations. First, you can not always do that (e.g. when you want a wider angle and your back is against the wall) and second, perspective change as you change the distance between you and your subject.

<h1 >Matthias,</h1>

This is indeed one of the sets I consider.

Mark,

I'd rather have Lara Croft by my side. She can do anything Indy can but has other advantages.... :-)

Philip,

One of the reasons I prefer the 7D to the 5D is its anti dust system. I always change lenses when the camera is off and it is pointing downwards but I vividly remember doing the same in my first DSLR, the 1D, and cleaning the sensor once a week.

I also never thought about the 270EX. I'll give it a thought.

Ian,

Going minimal with 2 bodies and a tripod?

A compact bag might not hold all the gear + at least one watter bottle. I was told that India is a very hot country (just like mine) and that I should NEVER drink from local taps. My bag is of moderate size and is very comfortable. It also does not look new so I guess it'll be an advantage as well.

Some of the portraits in your folder are really beautiful. I hope I'll be able to make similar ones. BTW, are the people friendly WRT their picture being taken?

Jorgen,

As I said above, the only lens I'd really want to use on FF is the 24/3.5 II but alas, it'll arrive to Israel only after I leave. :-(

Rashed,

This is a very heavy rig. Didn't you find it too heavy when traveling?

<h1 >Indraneel,</h1>

As an Indian I'm grateful that you chimed in though I see that you are also one of the few here which got fired. It's a real pity. :-(

The Manfrotto pocket tripod is similar to the Gorillapod. I guess it wouldn't hurt to bring one on but I wonder how useful it'll be. You see, I'm already carrying a few Kilograms of photo gear.

Re batteries, the only one I have is the one in my camera.

Thank you for all your suggestions. I'll consider them.

Murali,

I thank you for your tips and suggestions. I don't think I'll hate it (I wanted to go there for many years) so I guess I'm bound to love it. :-)

I see that I have some editing problems which I can't eradicate. I apologize for that. I also want to wish my thanks to you all. Your comments are very valuable and most appreciated.

Happy shooting,

Yakim.

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