Thailand/Cambodia

<p>Hi,<br>

I will be traveling for 3 weeks to Thailand (Bangkok,Chiang Mai) Cambodia (Siem Reap)<br>

My gear is 5DmkIII and old 5d. I have canon24-70 f2.8, canon 70-20 is 2.8, canon 135 f2.0 and canon 35 f1.4 plus canon speedlite 580exii and canon teleconverter 2x II<br>

Any suggestions for the lenses??<br>

I was thinking to take one of my camera bodies most likely old 5d, 24-70 as all around lens 135 for candid portraits one of my flashes, teleconverter and monopod.<br />Thinking to travel light...<br>

What would be your opinion.<br>

Thank you so much!!<br>

Peter</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Is your "canon 70-20 is 2.8," actually a 70-200 f2.8? If so, I would recommend that you bring it along with the 24-70 f2.8 and not bring the 35mm or 135mm. Your concerns about weight are justified in regards to Siem Reap. An aspect of the architecture of Angkor Wat is that the temples are meant to be residences of deities as such the stairways are steep with many narrow steps because the earthly journey to get to "Heaven" or holy ground is also difficult. When I went I was able to leave some of my gear with my wife on the plazas while I climbed with our guide to the upper areas. Touring the temples of Angkor Wat is very physically demanding and you should plan on a minimum of three days to tour the ruins.</p>

<p>Siem Reap is my fav hangout spot as I go there every year. Depending on when you are going, it rains heavily this time of the year. If you are going soon, I would take your best sealed body, a fast prime for low light/interior work and your 2 fast zooms. You will need your long fast zoom and high iso for dance stage work as flash is not always appropriate. Temple visit during the day and high end dinner+dance show is my usual routine. Can't advise you on Thailand, but if you need further info. on Siem Reap, you can PM me.<br>

Have fun on your trip :)</p>

<p>I have 70-200 IS f2.8 version.<br>

I will go there by November 1st planning to stay there for 5days maybe more.<br>

Thanks for your advice!</p>

 

<p>Not that it really matters, but I lived in Cambodia for 6 years and now live in Bangkok. The 35/135 combo is great, I usually add a wide zoom as well. (17-40)<br>

I would go light. </p>

<p>I've never found a telephoto to be of much use in any of those places. They're either mostly wide-angle or street shooting sort of locations. You certainly won't need anything that long at the Angkor sites. Last trip there I brought a 30D and a 17-70, and can hardly remember more than a couple of occasions wanting more reach.<br>

I'm heading to India in December, and there's no way I'm going to lug the 70-200 2.8 around for two months. I personally wouldn't bother with the 2X either.<br>

The 24-70 is a great lens, and on the 5D I suspect it will stay on 90% of the time.</p>

Last time I was in Cambodia I took the 24-70 and a 1Ds MkIII and didn't want for anything else. So I would take your 5D

MkIII and 24-70. I'd also take a tripod as their use in Cambodia is virtually unrestricted.

 

I am currently in India with that same 1Ds MkIiI and 24-70 and want for nothing.

 

But all these choices are personal to the kinds of images you make.

<p><img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/5238763-md.jpg" alt="" width="679" height="460" />--Phrea Khan --Contax 139 Carl Zeiss Distagon 28mm/2.8 lens</p>

<p>IMO, 24mm is adequate for Siem Reap/Angkor Wat.<br /> For Bangkok, Chiang Mai, you may need wider lens<br /> <img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/12748655-md.jpg" alt="" width="680" height="403" /><br /> Grand Palace, Bangkok 5D2, Leica Elmarit R-19mm lens<br /> <img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/12748653-md.jpg" alt="" width="680" height="382" /><br /> Chiang Mai temple, 5DMarkII, Leica Elmarit R-19mm lens</p>

<p>If you are doing architectural photography Cityscapes in Bangkok and the Temples of Angkor; take a wider lens if you have one. I have lived out here in Cambodia for 9 years and use a 5D2 with Sigma 12-24 for most of my temple photography. I find 18 -20mm is the most used focal lengths which squares with Martin Tai's conclusions.<br>

A35 mm 1.4 will be ideal for some dark temple interiors where there are people giving offerings etc. I find a 50mm F1.4 a bit too narrow sometimes <br>

Unless you are going out on the Tonle Sap Lake for birdwatching or the superb oportunities for people photography I'd leave the 70-200 F2.8 behind. If you want to go out on the lake, your 70-200 is essential kit.<br>

Another point worth mentioning is that a local guide who has experience with photographers; will pay dividends in getting great people shots.</p>

I agree, you really shouldn't need the telephoto lens. I would recommend a wide angle zoom like the 17-35.

 

Here are some of my pics from many years ago.

 

(Might give you some ideas)

<p>I agree with some of the others here -- bring your best body, wide angle lenses, and fast lenses for low light. The telephoto lens might be good for detailed shots, if only because some of the major temples (Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, etc) have extensive renovation work going on (i.e. lots of scaffoding and other unsightly distractions). I was there in March of this year (my third trip) hoping to get some iconic shots and it was very disappointing due to the scaffolding and what not. Once you're inside most temple grounds (anywhere) I would think the 24-70 (or wider) would be your best bet.</p>

<p>I am going to Cambodia and Veitnam next January. I have 24-105 and 70 -300. There is no way I am leaving my 70-300 lens home. What I am straggling with is if I need to take a tripod. All my lenses are stabilized. Tripod is large and carrying it all day doesn't make sense. I love low-light photography but it's seams to be a high price to pay to fly and carry it for 3 weeks. What do you think?</p>

<p>I have traveled extensively in Cambodia and Thailand, I would, and do, take a tripod to both as there are few, if any, restrictions on using one. This is not true in places like India where it is not worth carrying a tripod because of extensive restrictions in their use.</p>