Gear suggestions for a trip to India

<p>If you are that concerned about robbery I would not borrow any lenses. Your only real option is the 17-55 and 55-250. Add one of your macros only if you think you will "focus" in on tiny subjects while bombarded with the bigger experiences of India.</p>

<p>On another note, the only reason I can perceive that you don't like the 5D (is it I or II?) is that you don't have many lenses that work on it. Canon must appreciate your ISitis. You may want to evaluate if you really require it so often that it must be in all your lenses. I mention this since ones budget can often get lenses with much better image quality without it.</p>

<p>In general, I can never figure out why people do not want to take their best equipment on their best, once in a lifetime, photo excursions. Obviously some of the bigger lenses would have to be left behind. If I were going on a once in a lifetime trip I'd be taking my crop body, my full frame body, four primes and one telephoto zoom. All dispersed between two bags. The hardest decision would be whether to take my non-photography wife with me! Ha, ha, ha. She is definitely not laughing!</p>

<p>If I were worried about robbery, I'd likely leave what ever equipment I did not need on a particular daily outing with hotel security. In North America I have gotten by with leaving extra stuff in the hotel room or in the trunk of the car.</p>

<p>Travel light. Keep your gear to the absolute minimum. The two weeks I was in India I never needed anything wider than a 28mm (18mm APSc) and nothing longer than a 70mm (50mm APSc). I was traveling with a D700 and a 24-70 f2.8. It was too heavy. My life saver was a 50mm f1.4 and a small inexpensive flash. Bring spare batteries and extra plug adapters. DON'T eat anything which isn't hot. (Except yogurt) In retrospect I wish I had taken a D90 and my 17-50mm f2.8 lens. It would have been much easier. A good point and shoot is a must have. I would recommend a G12 or the Samsung TL500. Things you should not travel without. Good insect repellent, sun screen, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper. You will need a good, secure, over the shoulder bag. The Temba Messenger or the Crumpler 6 million dollar home would be good choices. Good hiking sandals and lots of cargo shorts and t-shirts. I would bring a prescription for cipro in case you get Bombay belly. If you are going to be in Mumbia (Bombay) I can give you a list of decent restaurants. I have friends who live there. If you are going to Goa be sure to eat at "The Ritz Classic" they have amazing food.</p>

Dear Yakim,

 

27mm equivalent is squarely in the wide angle region. Only for special effects and in very tight spaces one needs

more. (though I must confess my 17-40 loves my 5D very much)

 

The 135/2 would be a great tele / long portrait lens. For really low light there's the 2.8 and the 4 (?) stop IS of your

17-55.

 

The question was "most versatile while staying light weight" and having your equipment that would be my choice.

 

Another option would be your 7D, an EF 18-200 and a fast prime (between 24 and 50 depending on your personal

taste) that's versatile and would hardly ever force you to change lenses at a bad moment.

 

M.

<p>Yakim - what sort of travel are you doing? I was staying in hostels, backpacking/hitchhiking and moving around a lot, and going where I wanted on the day so wanted a light kit. But if I decided I was more likely to stay in an area and working from a 'base' to explore it more, I may take a bit more and leave bits in the hotel room if I felt I had too much for the day.</p>

<p>In my experience in Asia (Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Burma) mugging in streets is rare, pickpockets are more of a problem. So if you are careful on buses and in the streets you should not have a problem - I got into the habit in crowded streets of slinging my daypack across my chest if I felt uncomfortable, often hanging off one shoulder which looks casual. And I rarely left my gear in my hostel room (I did not stay in decent hotel rooms when I was travelling), but then again I only had a film body and two lenses; if I were doing it now I would feel OK leaving a surplus lens by itself in my room as I presume that is far less appealing to anyone who has evil intentions.</p>

<p>For gear I would consider the minimum to be my 17-55 and 70-300 (non-L) IS USM and t/c. The 17mm gives me the same FOV as 28mm did on my 35mm film camera and I rarely (I would not say never) felt I needed wider. In reality I may take tmy 70-200F4LIS instead of the 70-300. Priorites for additional kit would be a second body to avoid lens changing - first because of the chance dust and secondly to be ready for anything. Next priority would be a 24-105: in busy streets or interiors I am coming to the conclusion that anything wider is hard to use and on a crop sensor 70mm is a shade too long as a minimum focal length.<br>

But for general set-up in UK with good light my walkaround kit is often my 30D+70-200 in a holster bag with my S90 for wider shots. But I am increasingly tempted by a Panasonic GH-2 with 20mm pancake, 14-140 and 100-300, but that would be dependent on the chance to test them first.</p>

<p>As for tripods, I think that is a tricky one. I don't use them much and although I would love them for interiors etc I would probably take a good monopod and shoot a lot at ISO 1600. And add a Gorillapod.</p>

<p>As for your question about people wanting their photo taken - they LOVE it (adults and children). And taking the time to show them the pictures on the LCD makes a friend for life. I don't know what it is like in India but in Nepal there is an increasing issue of kids wanting money in return for their picture and people have different views as to whether you go along with this so make your own decisions. </p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hi Yakim! Although I am a Nikonian, I couldn't resist posting on this Canon gear thread since I too am originally from India, and photography there is close to my heart! As far as your job, good things do come out of unfortunate situations, and you'll undoubtedly end up stronger and in a better place!</p>

<p>I have photographed in India, and China as well. The biggest thing you will notice are the crowds, and the apparent visual chaos. To get to the beauty, you must use lenses and techniques that isolate your subject. If you are using wide-angle lenses, you must carefully choose your angle to frame your subject with the proper background. Large apertures, and medium teles help a lot. I think 10-22 is too wide for most people pics, even on the 7D, you should get something in the 35mm equivalent FOV of a 36mm or higher (IMHO). Of your existing gear, I'd take the 17-55 and the 100mm, both sharp and with wide aperture. If you really want, take the 55-250mm as a backup, if you need longer tele. Midday sun is very harsh in India, at least carry a polarizer to cut the glare. Early morning and late afternoon golden light is truly golden in India, and you can get priceless portraits in the right light. Otherwise, stick to the shade. Also, during winter, you get a lot of fog in the mornings, and foggy atmospheric pictures, or portraits in diffused light because of the fog, can also give you wonderful images.</p>

<p>About the 55-250 and its build quality. I wouldn't sweat it too much, for two reasons. First, it's a light lens and it'll do just fine. Second, if your shooting habits are anything like mine then 90% of shots will be with the UWA and standard zoom. In the unlikely case of failure you'll only miss a few shots, and you may have to do some cropping. No big deal.</p>

<p>I'd leave the 60/2.8. You already have 55/2.8 on your zoom. Now, as for 55-250 vs 100/2.8. The zoom is versatile and light, but it's slow, has dubious bokeh, and limited close-focus capability. The 100/2.8 is a nice shallow-dof lens but requires "zooming with the feet". As I mentioned I bring a prime or zoom depending on mood and destination. I usually choose about 1/2 hr before the cab arrives to take me to the airport. Since it's used for 10% of shots it's no huge decision.</p>

<p>As for the 400/2.8. You better start honing you bargaining skills!</p>

<p>Do you work in Computers/IT/media/entertainment<br>

I suggest take up a job in India. Should be easy with your experience.<br>

You will get to know the locals and hence figure out the least expensive and safest ways to travel.<br>

Equipment: No more than two lenses, changing them in India is a pain or for that matter anywhere in the world.</p>

<p>Yes, I go minimal with 2 bodies. As I mentioned, I am working. Going on a job with one body is career suicide.<br>

Don't worry about water, there is bottled water everywhere. Don't worry about getting ripped off, it's not going to happen. Trust people, you will have a better time.<br>

Stay away from tourist areas in India IMO. Get off the beaten path.</p>

<p>John, your recommendations are spot on, down to the Ritz Classic. You might as well share your list of decent restaurants in Mumbai... (and anywhere else, for that matter)</p>

<p>Just take the Canon 7D and the Canon 15-85 mm IS lens and nothing else for ultimate light weight travel. Not the widest (you can photostitch if you need wider) and not the longest (but with 7D you have quite a bit of digital zoomability) but will cover you for 90% of your photography needs in one relatively compact and light package.</p>

<p>Hi</p>

<p>Sorry for the late response as I could not access to my mail yesterday. I do have 17-40 and 135 mm f/2 with my 5D MKII. I have used it very limited times. 135mm will be wonderful for portraits and 17-55 will cover the rest. You need only two lens either 24-70 mm or 17-55 mm ( 17-55 will be good with 7D) and 70-200 either f/4 IS L or 70-200 IS L F/2.8 (but too much weight).<br>

We are proud to be called as an INDIANS always. Don't mind , we are nice and good and helpful INDIANS . We look forward for your successful trip to our country. All the very best.</p>

<p> Yakim, i have only one suggestion , don't take borrowed lenses/stuff with you on trips that you've never done before . I never do .. Have Fun ! PC</p>

<p>I never felt threatened at any time while I was in India. Everyone I met (except one guy in Agra) was friendly and hospitable. Indians seem to love getting their pictures taken. A perfect reason to bring a 50mm f1.8 and a small flash. The people in Dehradun were great. The folks at Sanjay Gupta's Sony shop were kind enough to charge my cell phone for me. I guess the road from Delhi to Dehradun can be a bit hazardous, my friends wouldn't let me out of the SUV.</p><div></div>

<p>Yakim:<br>

Most people here are "omnivores" in terms of photography, i.e. shoot everything and everyone in sight regardless of their whereabouts, so unless your shooting preferences will change in India, I don't see any reason to schlepp around stuff that you normally don't use. Now, if you have in mind a specific topic that requires specialized gear, such as the proverbial 500 mm lens on a safari, by all means take it with you but otherwise it is a good thing to limit oneself to a simple and versatile setup with some backup (for that "once in the lifetime" part...) And if you want to be "fully covered" for pretty much every situation, optics covering14-200 mm range (on a FF frame body) would be perfect, but by no means required. I, for one, know that 90% of my "omnivorous" photography is covered by a 24-105 or even 24-70 lens so this would be my choice. So I'd lose some pictures due to the too short/too long focal length range (or get very creative to get the shot with whatever is available...) but IMO that's a good trade-off between simplicty and too much stuff, especially if you are going at it alone.<br>

YMMV of course.</p>

<p>Whenever I<em> </em>travel outside of Israel, weight / bulk is a major factor so I always take my G9 from a size/ IQ point of view. Shutter lag is not an issue for me with travel pics and, as quite a few subjects will be camera shy, it's easier to take a candid shot with a compact.</p>

<p>Also, travelling today means having to unpack frequently for security checks, etc, hence the desire for a point n shoot. All I have to take is a small flash, an extra fully charged battery or two and a number of smaller cards - you never know you will get a chance to recharge or when a card may pack up or get lost.</p>

<p>1) 17-55mm/f2.8<br /> 2) 70-200mm/f4 IS<br /> and if possible, better would be 15-85mm (instead of 17-55mm which will have an overlap with 70-200mm). I am currently living in south of India (of course, I am an Indian) and having many short trips to many places during the weekends like temples, palaces, parks etc. I always feel that 17-55mm is wide enough. I generally carry 17-55mm and 70-200mm and, mostly use 17-55mm. Sometimes I feel like having a lens which is little wider and little longer than 17-55mm.<br /> Cheers!<br /> Avijit<br /> Update: Carrying a laptop might be a pain during the summer. Get lots of memories.</p>

<p>I have been to India 11 times (totallng about 3 years) and my wife 17 times and we have never had any problems (in regards to theft or violence). I feel safer in India than in a western city. <br>

With that said, some common sense prevails.<br>

I have talked to many tourists who have had problems, particularly with things left in cheaper accomdations.<br>

Definitely take a nice telephoto with a decent zoom range that is IS stabailzed (like the 70-200 IS) , in addition to a walk about wide to moderate tele zoom. I would also take a fast prime for night shots. In the evening as it cools, everything takes on a different quality.<br>

Forget about a tripod for most shots, everything is spontaneous. Some people do not like their pictures taken, which you have to honor. It is very colorful, especially south india: trucks have names and faces painted on them, people spill out into the street, and everything is in relationship with everything else in a kind of poetry at times.<br>

However one reason to have a tripod is for some of the spetacular sunsets. Perhaps a less expensive and light tripod would be fine for this occassional useage scenario.<br>

When going through crowds, put on your backback backwards, that is with it in your front. Be careful leaving things even for a moment. In terms of using a camera, a high end camera is less of a theft draw than a point and shoot, at least in the more rural areas. Do not get sleepy at night at train stations (sleeping) with bags lying arounds you - better to travel lightly.<br>

Be relaxed and friendly (really important), a smile and respectful mannor goes a long way in India.<br>

Very careful what and wear you eat. If you get a bit sick (and you will), then at first sign stop eating and simply have lemon juice/water/honey and perhaps some neem tea for a day or two, and you will be fine.<br>

India is no longer in-expensive in regards to accomodations, unless you want to stay in very basic settings. For trains always travel first class (which is like 3rd class for western standards).<br>

Technical things like computers, etc, have a way of breaking in India. With high heat, humidity, a lot of bumps, grime, dust, ants, etc, it is just a factor of life. For any computer, it is important that you have some kind of voltage protection: 240 volts can be anyware from 30 to 300+ volt, with masive spikes as well. For a camera, you could have a second body that could be sent DHL to you on a moments notice if need be.<br>

Think of it as Mother India and it will be a different experience, there is no place like it. I is simultaneously a place you do not want to go back to (pollution, dirty, ...) , and yet a place that is also very special in to many ways to describe (feelings, soul, softness, connectivity, people, ...).</p>

<p>John Crowe,<br>

My 5D is Mk I but I don't think I'd like it any better if it was Mk II. This would only make life with it a bit more tolerable. :-)<br>

My best equipment would be a bit on the heavy side. 135/2 + 300/4 IS weigh much more than the 55-250 IS and I'm not sure they'll be used enough to justify taking them. Indeed, my 17-55/2.8 IS also weigh much more than the 18-55 IS but I think I'll be using it a lot more.<br>

<br /> John Schroeder,<br>

Thank you for the tips. Indeed many people told me the same. BTW, I really like hot and spicy food.<br>

<br /> Matthijs Claessen,<br>

I do indeed expect to be in very tight spaces and/or too near so I consider UWA essential. Hyperzoom is out of the question. Don't like them.<br>

<br /> Mike Hitchen,<br>

I have no idea what kind of a trip it will be. I basically want to absorb the country. People (very important), food, landscape, architecture etc. I want to see new colours and new shapes, smell the street (yes, even if it is foul), travel by train, eat the food, see the cows in the streets, see the tigers (hopefully) etc. As I said, absorb the country.<br>

My camera bag, passport, visa and credit cards will be near me at all times. Other things like shirt, towel etc. will be carried in a small trolley (i.e. bag with wheels).<br>

<br /> Sasvata (Shash) Chatterjee,<br>

I am very grateful that you posted here. Indeed, the crowds and the apparent visual chaos are one of my main interests in this trip. I expect the 17-55 to be used most of the trip, as it is at home.<br>

<br /> Arie Vandervelden,<br>

Thank you for your views. They are indeed logical. I'm reassured.<br>

<br /> Vineet Joshi,<br>

Though no smiley is attached I guess it is a humoristic post. I am married for 20 years and it's likely that Snow White and three dwarfs will be waiting for me to get back sometimes.... Either that or they'll be glad to get a bit of peace and quiet and want me to stay there..... :-)<br>

<br /> Ian,<br>

Got it. It's much more logical now that you explained it. I wish I was going there on a job (so someone else would pay the bill). I'm a bit puzzled by your "Stay away from tourist areas in India" suggestion. I thought about Delhi, Varanasi, Agra and Rajasthan. If time and weather permits at the end of the trip I'll head north towards Dharamsala etc. All are main tourist areas in India and in a once-in-a-lifetime trip I don't think I'd want to miss them.<br>

<br /> Johannes Praibin,<br>

Thank you very much for your warnings. If possible I do want to explore "The real India" but without getting hurt. I hope it will be possible. If the above places are not considered as "The real India" I guess they'll have to do.<br>

<br /> Sitthivet Santikarn,<br>

No doubt that it is perfect as the best ultra light set but it's a bit too minimalistic for me. My total gear is about 2Kg. I can handle that. 17-55 as the main lens. 10-22 for UWA and 55-250 as a tele.<br>

<br /> Thangavelu Nachimithu,<br>

Thank you for the clarification. I've heard so much about India and I am very excited I'm finally going there. I'm just sorry that it couldn't be a longer trip. The more I gather info the more I realize how 4-6 weeks is a very short time for such a vast country.<br>

<br /> Paul Candelaria,<br>

Got it. I won't.<br>

<br /> John Schroeder,<br>

Good to know. Many people said the same so I'm much more relaxed now.<br>

<br /> Michael Liczbanski,<br>

I do plan to go to nature reserves in the hope of seeing Tigers so a tele will be in place there. I leave my 300/4 IS at home as I won't be using it much (2-3 days?). What really aches me is the necessity to leave the 135/2 or 100/2.8 IS at home. Wide aperture is great for portraits and I've seen many great portraits from India (no idea about FL though).<br>

<br /> Russel Harris,<br>

I hate P&S form factor. Even the A33 was too small for me, ergonomically wise. Also, next time you're in Israel you're welcome to contact me. I'll be happy to meet a fellow Photo Nutter. :-)<br>

<br /> Avijit Sett,<br>

Not sure about the 70-200/4 IS any more. I offered someone my 5D in exchange for his lens but he backed up. :-)<br>

The Netbook idea is under consideration under the "less is more" rule.<br>

<br /> Michael Khalsa,<br>

Thank you so much for chiming in. Your tips are very valuable to me. Basically I intend to be cautious without being paranoid (and hope I'll be able to tell the difference....). I normally smile and am (presumably...) a courteous person so I think I'll get along. Keep your fingers crossed for me.<br>

<br /> Happy shooting,<br /> Yakim.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>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.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I intend to go with two bags. One is the aforementioned above. Any suggestions for another bag or, more precisely, another type of bag? I intend to carry in it all my daily things like shirts, towel, trousers etc. <br /> <br /> Happy shooting,<br /> Yakim. </p>

<p>I want to emphasize that I do not plan any long (i.e. more than one day) treks. That means that this bag will basically be used only to transport these things from train/bus station to the guest house and vice versa. <br /><br />TIA. <br /><br />Happy shooting,<br />Yakim.</p>

<p>Forgot to mention that I have a <a href="http://products.lowepro.com/product/Rover-AW-II,2024,14.htm">Lowerpro Rover</a>. It'll be great but if it gets stolen I'll be rather upset.</p>

<p>Happy shooting,<br>

Yakim.</p>

<p>Hey Yakim,<br>

Exploring India is undoubtedly a great idea. Although your apprehensions, which are not totally baseless, trouble me.<br>

Yakim, I too am a professional photographer but work with instruments which may have been your childhood toys. That's the hard way we the middle class Indians learn to live and accomplish. <br>

Back to your dilemma, Yakim I have a few practical suggestions.<br>

You can bring along your big lot of gears, park them at a secured place, and then roam around with the precise set which would be best required and used in any particular trip. As in you wouldn't need all your stuff all the time and when going to places where you'll have landscapes take the gear accordingly and similarly the other set when visiting a different type of place in the country.<br>

Not that expert of the trade, hence can't suggest much. <br>

<strong>At the best I can offer my company</strong> while visiting the places where you would probably need a friend. Would love to spend some time with you and learn about those big machines and add-ons that you use. <br>

Am a photojournalist and writer in this part of the world. You can read more about me and my work on jeetalex.blogspot.com<br>

Wishing you all the best for the journey.<br>

Regards,<br>

Alex </p>

<p>Hi Alex,<br>

<br /><br>

I apologize but I was misunderstood. I am not a pro. Just an avid amateur. <br>

<br /><br>

I'll be landing in Delhi at February 11th and taking off at March 29th. From the info I gathered by now I guess I won't be staying much in Delhi and will most likely travel most of the time (current interest points are Varanasi, Agra and Rajasthan but things are not final in any way). While in Delhi I'll probably be in Hari-Rama in the Main Bazaar. If possible on your end, I'll be very happy to meet you. <br>

<br /><br>

I'm not sure I like the idea of locking the gear in some place. Reason is that I'm positive that whatever I'll lock will be needed for certain shot. You know, in accordance to Murphy's laws.....<br>

<br /><br>

BTW, "A chronic case of itchy feet, Lovejeet is on the mission to taste water of all the corners of India"? Well, I was warned by many people not to do that but as you are native I guess things are different. <br>

<br /><br>

Happy shooting,<br>

Yakim. </p>

<p>Hi,<br>

I have been all I all over the world with only my 40D and 17-85 EFS, so I do not have a whole lot of opinions about your hardcore gear, but I think can help you prepare in some other ways.<br>

For me, the most important things in my kit (in order) are:<br>

1) My PacSafe stap. This strap has steel belting running through it and really lowers my anxiety about someone slashing my strap and running off with my camera.<br>

2) Multiple batteries and multiple chargers: I have been caught twice with either 1 broken battery or 1 broken charger. It doesn't matter how amazing your lens arsenal is if your camera won't turn on.<br>

3) A memory card large enough to hold all the photos you take on your trip. I find that memory cards have a way of walking away from me, so I think it is best to stick with one and leave it in the camera<br>

4) A robust backup system (external hard drive, ftp server, whatever). If you lose your camera and don't have a backup system, you will be much more upset about your lost data than hardware.<br>

5) A neoprene "sleeve" to carry your camera around in. I carry my camera naked because I would much rather get a few scratches and dents than miss a great shot, but if you must have it in a case, don't be one of those fools who carries all your stuff around in a giant case. Even if it takes 30 seconds to get your gear out, you will take fewer pictures and generally take pictures of lower interest/quality.<br>

6) Silica packs. Especially in humid climates, I always have a ziplock full of these. I also carry a 1 gallon ziplock that I put my camera in with a couple fresh silica packs in once every week or so (overnight seems to do the trick). This helps soak up all the condensation that will constantly be attacking your lenses/camera guts.<br>

7) A healthy respect for your subjects. Try your best to be respectful. One of the best tricks I have learned for taking really amazing portraits is to carry my camera on my hip/back. If you approach someone with your camera on your chest like a big aggressive phallus, you will probably turn people off. Make the relationship the first step, then the picture.<br>

Good luck!<br>

Danny</p>

<p>1+5: Not an issue as the camera is firmly attached to my bag.</p>

<p>2+3: Already taken care of.</p>

<p>4: I am thinking about burning DVD's frequently. I understand that the facilities are abundant there.</p>

<p>6: Never thought about that. 10X.</p>

<p>7: That is obvious. This goes without saying.</p>

<p>Happy shooting,<br>

Yakim.</p>