Photo ops and gear in Kerala India?

<p>My wife and I have been invited to a wedding in November in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. We will be there from 10 -14 days and will be staying as guests of a local family who will also be driving us around.<br /><br />Does anyone have photographic experiences in this part of India in terms of wedding ceremonies (this will be a Christian wedding) wildlife and must-see places to go?<br /><br />My wife always makes fun of me for the amount of photo gear that I take when we travel. I'm going to do my best to control myself. I will bring my D3 and D300. The lenses I am thinking of bringing are a 28-70 f/2.8, 80-200 f/2.8 + 1.4 TC. I do have an ultrawide 18mm and a Nikon 400mm f/5.6 Ai-S. I'm not sure if I should take the 400mm or not. Apparently our host will be taking is to see some wild elephants.<br /><br />Any thoughts or suggestions will be most welcome.</p>

<p>BTW, I am in my mid-sixties with a bum knee that will preclude me from any strenuous activity.</p>

<p>November should be dry and in the midst of Indian winter. Days would be shorter. India is colourful and a wedding is always full of photo opportunities. Although, I do have to admit that a Hindu or Sikh wedding seem to carry more colour! Do you really need the 400mm? I think you should travel very light.</p>

<p>Sounds like I should leave the 400mm at home. I don't own a 75-300 but maybe I should think of getting one and leaving the bigger 80-200 at home?</p>

<p>Wish I were going with you!</p>

<p>If it were me, I'd take along at least one fast prime like a 35, 50, or 85mm for low light photography. </p>

<p>Right now my fastest prime is a 60mm 2.8.</p>

<p>Then it's time to buy one of the 50mm f/1.8 lenses that works on your cameras. :)<br>

Everybody should have one of these in the kit, and it weighs next to nothing.</p>

<p>There's a lot to be said for said for the 85mm, too.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>And the 50mm 1.8 can be had for less than $100.00!</p>

I have attended a number of weddings in India. You can cover the wedding with 28-70 f2.8 alone. For

wild life 80-200 will suffice. I would suggest that you put a lens on each of your cameras and don't even

take it off. I do not think it is necessary to take a 50mm f1.8. I used to carry a lot of lenses but have

now learned to do with less and travel light. Kerala has some good scenery so take a polarizing filter for

28-70 lens for landscapes. Have a good visit. Sandy

<p > <br>

Kerala offers a rich tapestry of culture, religion, culture, wildlife and landscapes. For wildlife 2 places are a MUST: Periyar Wildlife sanctuary and at least one of the many bird sanctuaries, preferably Kumarakom. At former you will see elephant and Gaur, and lots more! A long lens will be a must! Depending where you are in the state, other sanctuaries may be more convenient. Just traveling around the countryside will offer you 100's of opportunities for bird shooting.</p>

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<p>Thanks Sandy and Nick for the advice. I had Googled Kerala and was wondering about Periyar Wildlife sanctuary. It sounds like a place I would like to visit. I have a 1.4TC that I could use with my 80-200 which hopefully would be long enough. I do also have a 400mm f/5.6 but that just adds to the amount of gear, and I need to be careful not to take too much.</p>

<p>I did Costa Rica with an 80-200 AFS and a 2xTC and flash with a better beamer. The 400 without a tripod would be a handful. If Periyar still takes you out on elephant back you will not need a longer lens than the 80-200.</p>